Where PJ answers questions!
What inspired you to write this book?
I watched The Wizard Of Oz as a five-year-old. Most people think of that movie as one filled with happiness and lots of singing and dancing, but let me tell you – as a five-year-old, that movie was as scary as they come. I wanted to share my childhood impression of that story, so I created one similar in nature but with the dark undertones I felt watching it as a child. It’s still my favorite movie.
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
The reward of watching my characters grow outside of my influence. It sounds strange but I’m so proud of my characters and how they’ve grown over three books. And sharing them with readers is a natural high. I love it.
What do you read?
I’ve always been pulled toward character-focused books much more than epic fantasies or thrillers. Books like Circe and also Song of Achilles. Madeline Miller is a master the way she weaves eloquent prose with strong narrative. I really like Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab for how it explores what happens to someone when they’re deprived of relationships.
Also Strange the Dreamer. Laini Taylor’s prose is so exquisite that it almost made me give up writing because I’ll never write at that level. Calligraphy written in honey if I can borrow a phrase from the book. I’m sure Ms. Taylor wouldn’t want to have the effect of making someone quit writing, so I’m forging ahead.
I think Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is beautiful, the way it plays with the unexplored connection between humans and nature, which is a theme throughout the Dark Innocence series.
Kassandra Flamouri has some outstanding reads in the fantasy realm that shine with lovely, poetic prose. The Chalice and the Crown is fantastic, as is her new one Magissa. I love her short story collection The Fruit of Our Thorns.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is still a standard as far as YA fantasy trilogy done brilliantly. Katniss is an iconic character and I love her evolution and the expanding scope of the story. I think there’s bits of that sprinkled throughout the Dark Innocence books.
Anything outside the fantasy genre?
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is an all-time favorite. Talk about authorial voice. It just oozes off the page. Why, why, why can’t I write like that? The Plus One by Sarah Archer is a rare romcom on my bookshelf. It’s great – I love the premise and of course I love the snark.
My favorite book ever is Pride and Prejudice. I’m in awe of Jane Austen’s writing. It was so ahead of its time and her style is still unmatched. The range of characters, the relationships, the snark… and of course Elizabeth Bennet is an all-time great character.
What ‘s your favorite right now?
My favorite story right now isn’t a book – it’s the animated series Arcane. I think it’s one of the best pieces of art to come around in a long time. A+ for story, characters, voice acting, artistry, animation, and music. All of it works in harmony. There isn’t a wasted scene in the entire show. Everyone involved in that production put their passion for story and art into it, and it shows.
What ‘s your advice for aspiring writers?
Read a lot, write a lot. That’s the key. And share your writing with others, including friends and other writers. Over time, you will see your writing improve dramatically.
In which formats is Dark Innocence available?
e-book for pre-order, and paperback on launch day, November 15. I’d like to publish a hard-cover edition, and would *love* to publish an audiobook. I hope people shoutout if they want those editions!