Saint Xis captivating right from the jump.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What is the first thing ever that you remember writing?
ALEXIS SCHAITKIN: A cookbook I wrote with a friend.
Credit: Nancy Borowick / Macmillan
We were probably seven.
I remember there was a recipe for raspberry soup.
Our slogan on the front cover was, Other chefs havent tested their recipes.
Which book is at the top of your current to-read list?
Bangkok Wakes to Rainby Pitchaya Sudbanthad.
Where do you write?
I live in a small town with one cafe, and I write there almost every day.
I have tried so hard to become someone who can work at home.
I have a desk I stained myself, driftwood gray, so I would love it and use it.
Above the desk, I have a corkboard covered in inspirational index cards for my next book.
None of it helps I always end up at the cafe.
I find a lot of comfort in doing the solitary work of writing surrounded by other people.
Which book made you a forever reader?
My way into reading was through poetry.
I lovedJoyful Noise: Poems for Two Voicesby Paul Fleischman and all the small poems by Valerie Worth.
What is a snack you couldnt write without?
Sugar in all forms.
My dream writing spot would be a cafe with pick and mix candy on premises.
If you could change one thing about any of your books, what would it be?
I cant name just one thing I would change within the book itself.
If I could make changes, it would be endless.
I like to thinkSaint Xis one-part love letter to miserable city winters.
What is your favorite part of this book?
A sense of place drives everything I write.
InSaint X, there are two primary prefs.
Both places undergo parallel, intense transformations over the decades the novel encompasses.
What was the hardest plot point or character to write in this book?
Isnt the middle always the hardest?
But shes a cautious person she threads herself into his life slowly and furtively.
She observes him, follows him on long walks, and shares quiet meals with him.
Write a movie poster tagline for your book:
One mysterious night on Saint X.
A chorus of lives changed forever.Thats terrible, but I think its the best I can do!
