5 Questions: author Michelle Harrison (The 13 Treasures / The 13 Curses)
As a special birthday treat to myself I'm dedicating today, January 23, 2010 to one of my newest favourite authors of all time - Michelle Harrison! I have reviewed her new book, The 13 Curses (and I loved it!) and now I am excited to present this tiny little interview for all of you to enjoy!1. I'm curious about the writing process for The 13 Curses as it flips between two points of view - the story of Red in the Faerie Realm and of Tanya and Fabian in the mortal world. How do you write a story like this? Do you write out each story on its own then combine it with the other? Or do you write it all in one shot?I wrote it all in the order it appears in the book. It was the best way for me to keep track of how the story fitted together, and maintain a connection with Tanya and Fabian which, even though this is very much Red’s story, was important. It was also good for me to flip between what was happening on both sides, the Faerie Realm, and the human world, as generally what occurs with Red is quite dark so it made for a nice break. I did switch some of the chapters around in the earlier part of the book as the timings didn’t quite work at first. Initially I had intended for it to be that way to indicate the difference of time between the two worlds, but when I read it back it came across as too confusing.2. I was surprised by some of the harsh decisions that were made throughout the story (of which I won't get into specifics lest I spoil anything). Were you at all nervous about including less than happy-ending type events and decisions in the book? It is rare that a YA or MG book has many, if any at all, dark decisions. Normally the books are all happy and sweet, and everyone lives happily ever after. In The 13 Curses it's not always that way, especially when it comes to Red. When I made the choice to give Red her own story I knew it would be a much darker tale than Tanya’s. She’s had a much tougher life and had to grow up fast. However even I was surprised at some of the decisions she makes, which must sound odd, but I couldn’t imagine her reacting in any other way than she does. I was slightly nervous about it in parts, yet at the same time I wanted to show that horrible things can and do happen to people of all ages, but they can still get through them - even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time.3. Are you nervous at all about "breaking into" the North American market? I know that your first book, The 13 Treasures was well received in the UK, evening winning the 2009 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, how do you think it will go over in the US and Canada? Aside from the cover, were there any other changes to the book before it crossed the pond?I’m nervous and excited in equal measure – I’ve no idea what’s going to happen. The book has done well internationally with rights sales, which gives me hope that it’ll be received positively. I’m actually coming out to do a pre-publication tour of five cities in the States at the beginning of February: LA, Minneapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. I’ll be meeting with booksellers and librarians, so hopefully I’ll be able to gauge how the book will go down then to some extent. It’ll be my first time to the States too, so doubly exciting!Aside from the cover there aren’t too many differences. The most notable was that in the US edition the prologue was cut. The other two biggest things were that the treatment of Brunswick, the goblin, at the hands of his companions was toned down a little to be less violent. There’s also the mention of a suicide in the UK edition that was cut for the US. Other than that it was the general small things, like changing ‘pavement’ to ‘side walk’ for a US audience.Do you hear that, American book bloggers? You make sure you visit Michelle when she comes to your State! (If only there were a Canadian leg, too!)4. How do you write your stories - paper & pen or computer? Do you have a favourite pen, colour or font that you find you MUST always write in to help your creativity? (Or am I the only one who is like that? ha!)It’s a mixture of both. When I begin I tend to use pen and paper much more, for starting the chapters and for making notes to myself. This is because I hate staring at a blank computer screen. I’m not too bothered about which type of pen, though I prefer fine liners rather than biro type pens if possible. I find that even if I do a couple of pages of writing and half of it is scribbled out, then I can see that I’ve done quite a lot. I don’t usually write more than a few pages before typing it up. I don’t like to read my own handwriting back – it’s harder to be impartial! If it’s typed it could have been written by anyone. As I get further into the story I tend to get straight on the computer and use paper less, to save time.5. If you were a tree, what sort of tree would you be?I’d be a rowan tree! They’re believed to be protected against dark magic and evil. Second choice, a magnolia tree as they’re really pretty. I’m hoping I’ll end up with a garden that has both in, someday.BONUS QUESTION : I know you're a fan of The Merrybegot by Julie Hearn (which I did buy but still have not read, bad me!) and have recommended this book to others. Are there any other books out there that you think fans of your books will enjoy?I’ve been told that The 13 Treasures has reminded people of Eva Ibbotson’s and Cornelia Funke’s books, both of whom I’m a fan of. Their stories are often based in the ‘real’ world with magical aspects coming into the characters’ lives in some way. I think the ‘Septimus Heap’ books by Angie Sage could also be something to recommend if you enjoyed The 13 Treasures/Curses.Thanks again, Michelle! And I hope your debut in North American goes splendidly! All you book bloggers in Canada and the US, go out and buy The 13 Treasures and read it and I hope you love it as much as I did. And if you love it, feel free to buy the sequel from the UK. ;)