the thread: Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D. — Group Read & Author Q&A with Barbara Barnett > Likes and Comments
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Welcome, Barbara! I've admired your work on House, M.D. for years, your interviews with the cast and creators were always such a treat. What was it like sitting down with the people who actually made the show?
Welcome to Challenge Corner, Barbara! I've always admired how seriously you take television as a subject worth writing about. What drew you to pop culture criticism in the first place?
Thrilled to have you with us, Barbara! Your writing has such a warm, thoughtful voice. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or did the show pull you into it?
So glad you're here, Barbara, Chasing Zebras has been on my shelf for years and I still flip through it! Your writing has such a thoughtful, warm voice that makes the show feel even richer. After spending so long inside House's world, did you find it hard to step away from the show?
Welcome to Challenge Corner, Barbara, what a pleasure to have you with us! I've always admired how seriously you treat television as a subject worth writing about, and it shows in every page. I'd love to ask you something, what first drew you to pop culture criticism as a writer?
The discussion is already hot and Barbara is nowhere to be found! What was it like sitting down with the people who actually brought the show to life?
Myrle, I think we just accused a recovering author of dodging us! Barbara, please forgive us, we didn't know you were healing up. The discussion will still be hot when you're ready, no rush at all. 💛
This is what happens when nobody tells us anything! ❤️Barbara, we're so sorry, wishing you a smooth recovery, and please don't feel any pressure to jump in. The discussion will still be hot whenever you're feeling up to it!
I also have a question for you, when you were writing about how House's colleagues and patients mirror him, was there a particular character you found most revealing to write about? I'd love to hear your take on that.
Also, quick note, I tried to find your book and its information on the vote platform, but I couldn't seem to locate it. You might want to mention that to Elizabeth so she can help sort it out!
When you were writing about the music, settings, and humor in the show, did you find one of those elements shaped the series more than the others? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.
I also tried looking for your book and its information, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. You might want to let Elizabeth know so she can help with that!
Hi everyone. So sorry to be late. I mistimed my clock. I am here to answer you Q's. I'll start at the top!!
Laura wrote: "Welcome, Barbara! I've admired your work on House, M.D. for years, your interviews with the cast and creators were always such a treat. What was it like sitting down with the people who actually ma..."
Thanks so much Laura!! Such an enjoyable time and it reallyl launched my writing career!
Ben1 wrote: "Welcome to Challenge Corner, Barbara! I've always admired how seriously you take television as a subject worth writing about. What drew you to pop culture criticism in the first place?"
I've been a pop culture nerd since I saw the first Start Trek O.S.! I love the entire universe of it from TV to movies to games (I"m actually working on a giant LEGO project now to bide my time 'tween projects. I grew up on TV and mom was a tv addict too
Susie wrote: "Thrilled to have you with us, Barbara! Your writing has such a warm, thoughtful voice. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or did the show pull you into it?"
I've been a writer since I was about 8 years old. When the opportunity came to start writing a column for blog critics magazine about House. It was a match made in heaven. I never knew how popular the column would be and where it would lead
I also have a question when you were writing about how the series handled religion and ethics, did you find those themes changed across the seasons, or did the show stay fairly consistent in how it approached them? I'm asking because I'd love to use it for my book club. I also can't seem to find the book I even checked the Turner Collective page too, but no luck. Might be worth someone looking into that!
Bianca wrote: "So glad you're here, Barbara, Chasing Zebras has been on my shelf for years and I still flip through it! Your writing has such a thoughtful, warm voice that makes the show feel even richer. After s..."
IMHO, the show began to decline a bit in its last season. It was hard to talk to the writers (who I so greatly respected) as the show veered away from what (at least I thought) it was. It redeemed itself in the end, but (again IMHO) it lost its way for awhile in season 7, so it wasn't hard to say goodbye. I made a lot of friends writing about House, but it was time to move to other projects. You'll see quite a bit of House in both of my novels (although they are fantasy and take place mainly in the 19th Century!!) Lots of Holmes in them and medicine/science
Myrle wrote: "The discussion is already hot and Barbara is nowhere to be found! What was it like sitting down with the people who actually brought the show to life?"
It was really terrifying at first, but then by the time I'd gotten to know the writer (and realized they were reading my column-- long before the book) I knew I could speak honestly and critically and really have great coversations with people like Doris Egan, Garrett Lerner, russel Friend and even Katie Jacobs (showrunner) among others. And the actors were always so terrific to talk to. We all sort of knew each other by the end.
Barbara, did any of the cast or creators ever contradict what you had written about the show, and how did you handle that?
David wrote: "Myrle, I think we just accused a recovering author of dodging us! Barbara, please forgive us, we didn't know you were healing up. The discussion will still be hot when you're ready, no rush at all. 💛"
Not dodging. Sorry!!!!! I was napping (still recovering from surgery at bit) and missed my alarm. Here now as long as you want me!!
Barbara, thank you so much for being here and for taking the time to answer everyone, especially while you're still recovering! It really means a lot.
I'd genuinely love to have you join my book club as well, but I can't seem to see the book information anywhere. I think Elizabeth is the one who can help with that!
Jose wrote: "This is what happens when nobody tells us anything! ❤️Barbara, we're so sorry, wishing you a smooth recovery, and please don't feel any pressure to jump in. The discussion will still be hot wheneve..."
I think House found something to internalize about so many of his patients, especially those that he thought were treated "correctly" but unfairly (that the "correctness" could cost them their lives or quality of life). I think what House was so perpetually angry and cynical about was the medical establishment, and he was fighting it the only way he knew how. Also--how decisions are made by others (Like Stacy did for him)
I also have a question, Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.after spending so much time with the book, the thing that stayed with me was how you wrote about House's patients mirroring him. Do you think the show was making a point that House only truly understands himself through the people he treats, or was that something you saw emerge as you wrote?
Jodi wrote: "When you were writing about the music, settings, and humor in the show, did you find one of those elements shaped the series more than the others? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.
I also tri..."
I think all of those framed the character. I always thought the series was a character study of a deeply flawed character more than a patient-of-the-week sort of series. House often did not reflect what he thought or his view on life. So the classical music, the settings of his office and his apartment, which reflected a thoughtful, intelligent, serious, almost academic type of person, said more about the character than anything that House said in the script.
Here's where you can find my books on Goodreads:
Chasing Zebras: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
Apothecary's Curse: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Alchemy of Glass: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
I have a new book coming out next September from Rizzoli called (provisionally) Huzzah: The Magic and Merriment of Renaissance Faires. It will be a highly illustrated hard-cover gift book
Now that I've caught up on all the questions so far. I do want to thank everyone for having me on this book challenge discussion forum today. Again apologies for being late. I'm gratified that even 16 years after the book came out, it is still fairly popular and in several languages. And more importantly, that people still enjoy the TV series House and all it brings to them. I am basically a fan of any TV series that combines good writing, great storylines, deeply interesting personal and intelligent characters. And I admit I'm a sucker for medical shows, science shows, legal shows, and geeky shows.
Barbara, I hope you're recovering well and taking care of yourself wishing you good health and a smooth recovery. 💛
I also couldn't find your book information, and I checked the Page Turner page as well, but no luck there either. Barbara, you might want to check in with the moderator about that.
I have a question that's been on my mind since I finished the book if House were real and had read Chasing Zebras, do you think he would recognize himself in your portrayal, or would he dismiss the whole thing as sentimental nonsense because that's easier than admitting it's true?
Fusayo wrote: "Barbara, I hope you're recovering well and taking care of yourself wishing you good health and a smooth recovery. 💛
I also couldn't find your book information, and I checked the Page Turner page as..."
What a great question. I think House would brush it off as a bit sentimental at first, but would appreciate the deeply analytical tone of the book.
But we have to remember that House on the page or on the script is not exactly the same House that we see in the series. I've read every single script of the show and what Hugh Laurie brought to the series as an actor. The depth of emotion and pathos was far beyond anything that the writers, especially early on, could have possibly envisioned.
I was always really surprised after reading especially one of the earlier scripts how much House was definitely the asshole that he is said to be but the way that Hugh brought such depth to that character just changed everything that was on the page. Eventually I think the writers caught on to that, especially some of them. I would say Doris Egan, Garrett Lerner and Russell Friend, especially really got Him and started writing to those strengths. But even later scripts leave very little in the way of stage direction for House and really left it to the acting powers of Hugh Laurie..
I do know my books are all on Goodreads and I'm not sure what you're referring to as checking Page Turner.
Thank you for sharing the links, Barbara, and congratulations on the new book coming from Rizzoli next September! Huzzah: The Magic and Merriment of Renaissance Faires sounds like a beautiful project, and a highly illustrated hardcover gift book feels like exactly the right format for it.
Once it's out, you should contact Elizabeth, we would love to have a discussion about it here in the group!
I do have a question, and it's one I've been turning over since I finished Chasing Zebras, you've now written about House, about an apothecary in the 19th century, and soon about Renaissance faires. What is it that keeps pulling you back to worlds where medicine, science, and a kind of arcane knowledge sit at the center of the story?
Leslie wrote: "Thank you for sharing the links, Barbara, and congratulations on the new book coming from Rizzoli next September! Huzzah: The Magic and Merriment of Renaissance Faires sounds like a beautiful proje..."
Thank you so much, Leslie. I would be happy to do that when it comes out. I can't wait to see what it looks like all designed and illustrated. The book is finished and in the hands of my publisher right now.
What keeps pulling me back to that intersection? I think it's a combination of my background as a scientist. I have a degree in biology and chemistry, but also I'm an English literature nerd and an anglo-phile. I think that the age of the Enlightenment, which by the way, House seems to be a student of as well, always keeps pulling me back, whether that's the 16th century, 17th century, 18th or 19th century.
I think putting those worlds together makes for incredible mystery, amazement, and lots of conflict, which in the end makes great literature.
Although my fiction work is mainly known for fantasy and dark fantasy, The Apothecary's Curse was shortlisted for the Bram Stoker Award, which is horror or dark fantasy. I more care about the story than the plot, the characters, rather than the sci-fi or fantasy elements. So my novels tend to be cross-genre, which used to be a no-no, but isn't so much anymore.
Barbara wrote: "Fusayo wrote: "Barbara, I hope you're recovering well and taking care of yourself wishing you good health and a smooth recovery. 💛
I also couldn't find your book information, and I checked the Page..."
Thank you for clarifying, Barbara! The Page Turner page is one of the Challenge Corner pages, it's where author materials are collected and made available so our members can use them for their own book clubs. That's why some of us were checking there for your book information.
Just to give you a fuller picture, Challenge Corner is made up of members who run and take part in book clubs, and we rely on those materials to share books like yours with our groups. And honestly, none of it would happen without Elizabeth. She's the one who keeps everything running, organizes the discussions, and makes sure authors and readers actually connect. She's the heart of this group, so checking in with her is exactly the right move.
Thank you for clarifying as well. Thank you, Elizabeth, for approaching me about this challenge corner discussion.
I actually have been toying with the idea of writing a novel that is very House-like, that places a House-like doc in the 19th century or even the 18th century or even the 16th century. But at this point I'm just playing with the idea. In a way, the hero in my novels is very Hous-ian In his own way.
Barbara, it's wonderful to hear the book is already finished and in your publisher's hands, I can only imagine how exciting it will be to see it fully designed and illustrated. And just to echo what's been said, although we may have specialists who handle the work behind the scenes, Elizabeth is the heart of it all, and none of this would come together without her. Your answer really stayed with me, especially what you said about the Enlightenment and about caring more for story and character than plot. I have a question, since you're drawn to the 16th through 19th centuries and to that intersection of science and arcane knowledge, is there a particular era you haven't written about yet that you're still itching to explore? And when you say you care more about story than plot, how do you know when a story is ready, is it a feeling, or something you test on the page?
Barbara, a House like doctor in the 18th or 16th century sounds like a story waiting to happen, and it's interesting that you say your hero is already Hous-ian in his own way. My question, what part of House do you think is timeless enough to survive any era, and what would have to be true for you to actually commit to writing it?
Bianca wrote: "Barbara, it's wonderful to hear the book is already finished and in your publisher's hands, I can only imagine how exciting it will be to see it fully designed and illustrated. And just to echo wha..."
I definitely want to explore the 16th or 17th century from a fictional perspective. My hero, Gaelan Erceldoune, in both my novels was born in 1587, but nearly none of his story takes place then; it takes place in the 19th Century and modern-day Chicago. So I'm grappling with new fictional ideas that take me into the earliest days of the Enlightenment. I know a story is ready when I reach "the end." The story resolves itself (or ends ambiguously enough for a sequel. It's almost instinctive. I tend to write like a television or film writer--in scenes, rather than in an outline. But I know where the story is headed very quickly. And getting to the resolution is the goal. The rest is a puzzle to be worked out for my brain and heart (and pen)
Sam wrote: "Barbara, a House like doctor in the 18th or 16th century sounds like a story waiting to happen, and it's interesting that you say your hero is already Hous-ian in his own way. My question, what par..."
House's innate inellectual curioisty and drive to solve the puzzle are both timeless. His intelligence and deep flaws. I think of him as a Byronic-type hero (and have actually written about that). Byronic heroes are my jam :). I see them everywhere in litertature (like Rochester in Jane Eyre of course), but in pop culture as well. And I'm very drawn to them
BTW--to get updates on the newest book, appearances, and other things, you can sign up for my Substack (it's free) at my Substack Bodice and Doublet.
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Welcome, Barbara! I've admired your work on House, M.D. for years, your interviews with the cast and creators were always such a treat. What was it like sitting down with the people who actually made the show?
Welcome to Challenge Corner, Barbara! I've always admired how seriously you take television as a subject worth writing about. What drew you to pop culture criticism in the first place?
Thrilled to have you with us, Barbara! Your writing has such a warm, thoughtful voice. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or did the show pull you into it?
So glad you're here, Barbara, Chasing Zebras has been on my shelf for years and I still flip through it! Your writing has such a thoughtful, warm voice that makes the show feel even richer. After spending so long inside House's world, did you find it hard to step away from the show?
Welcome to Challenge Corner, Barbara, what a pleasure to have you with us! I've always admired how seriously you treat television as a subject worth writing about, and it shows in every page. I'd love to ask you something, what first drew you to pop culture criticism as a writer?
The discussion is already hot and Barbara is nowhere to be found! What was it like sitting down with the people who actually brought the show to life?
Myrle, I think we just accused a recovering author of dodging us! Barbara, please forgive us, we didn't know you were healing up. The discussion will still be hot when you're ready, no rush at all. 💛
This is what happens when nobody tells us anything! ❤️Barbara, we're so sorry, wishing you a smooth recovery, and please don't feel any pressure to jump in. The discussion will still be hot whenever you're feeling up to it!I also have a question for you, when you were writing about how House's colleagues and patients mirror him, was there a particular character you found most revealing to write about? I'd love to hear your take on that.
Also, quick note, I tried to find your book and its information on the vote platform, but I couldn't seem to locate it. You might want to mention that to Elizabeth so she can help sort it out!
When you were writing about the music, settings, and humor in the show, did you find one of those elements shaped the series more than the others? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.I also tried looking for your book and its information, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. You might want to let Elizabeth know so she can help with that!
Hi everyone. So sorry to be late. I mistimed my clock. I am here to answer you Q's. I'll start at the top!!
Laura wrote: "Welcome, Barbara! I've admired your work on House, M.D. for years, your interviews with the cast and creators were always such a treat. What was it like sitting down with the people who actually ma..."Thanks so much Laura!! Such an enjoyable time and it reallyl launched my writing career!
Ben1 wrote: "Welcome to Challenge Corner, Barbara! I've always admired how seriously you take television as a subject worth writing about. What drew you to pop culture criticism in the first place?"I've been a pop culture nerd since I saw the first Start Trek O.S.! I love the entire universe of it from TV to movies to games (I"m actually working on a giant LEGO project now to bide my time 'tween projects. I grew up on TV and mom was a tv addict too
Susie wrote: "Thrilled to have you with us, Barbara! Your writing has such a warm, thoughtful voice. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer, or did the show pull you into it?"I've been a writer since I was about 8 years old. When the opportunity came to start writing a column for blog critics magazine about House. It was a match made in heaven. I never knew how popular the column would be and where it would lead
I also have a question when you were writing about how the series handled religion and ethics, did you find those themes changed across the seasons, or did the show stay fairly consistent in how it approached them? I'm asking because I'd love to use it for my book club. I also can't seem to find the book I even checked the Turner Collective page too, but no luck. Might be worth someone looking into that!
Bianca wrote: "So glad you're here, Barbara, Chasing Zebras has been on my shelf for years and I still flip through it! Your writing has such a thoughtful, warm voice that makes the show feel even richer. After s..."IMHO, the show began to decline a bit in its last season. It was hard to talk to the writers (who I so greatly respected) as the show veered away from what (at least I thought) it was. It redeemed itself in the end, but (again IMHO) it lost its way for awhile in season 7, so it wasn't hard to say goodbye. I made a lot of friends writing about House, but it was time to move to other projects. You'll see quite a bit of House in both of my novels (although they are fantasy and take place mainly in the 19th Century!!) Lots of Holmes in them and medicine/science
Myrle wrote: "The discussion is already hot and Barbara is nowhere to be found! What was it like sitting down with the people who actually brought the show to life?"It was really terrifying at first, but then by the time I'd gotten to know the writer (and realized they were reading my column-- long before the book) I knew I could speak honestly and critically and really have great coversations with people like Doris Egan, Garrett Lerner, russel Friend and even Katie Jacobs (showrunner) among others. And the actors were always so terrific to talk to. We all sort of knew each other by the end.
Barbara, did any of the cast or creators ever contradict what you had written about the show, and how did you handle that?
David wrote: "Myrle, I think we just accused a recovering author of dodging us! Barbara, please forgive us, we didn't know you were healing up. The discussion will still be hot when you're ready, no rush at all. 💛"Not dodging. Sorry!!!!! I was napping (still recovering from surgery at bit) and missed my alarm. Here now as long as you want me!!
Barbara, thank you so much for being here and for taking the time to answer everyone, especially while you're still recovering! It really means a lot.I'd genuinely love to have you join my book club as well, but I can't seem to see the book information anywhere. I think Elizabeth is the one who can help with that!
Jose wrote: "This is what happens when nobody tells us anything! ❤️Barbara, we're so sorry, wishing you a smooth recovery, and please don't feel any pressure to jump in. The discussion will still be hot wheneve..."I think House found something to internalize about so many of his patients, especially those that he thought were treated "correctly" but unfairly (that the "correctness" could cost them their lives or quality of life). I think what House was so perpetually angry and cynical about was the medical establishment, and he was fighting it the only way he knew how. Also--how decisions are made by others (Like Stacy did for him)
I also have a question, Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.after spending so much time with the book, the thing that stayed with me was how you wrote about House's patients mirroring him. Do you think the show was making a point that House only truly understands himself through the people he treats, or was that something you saw emerge as you wrote?
Jodi wrote: "When you were writing about the music, settings, and humor in the show, did you find one of those elements shaped the series more than the others? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.I also tri..."
I think all of those framed the character. I always thought the series was a character study of a deeply flawed character more than a patient-of-the-week sort of series. House often did not reflect what he thought or his view on life. So the classical music, the settings of his office and his apartment, which reflected a thoughtful, intelligent, serious, almost academic type of person, said more about the character than anything that House said in the script.
Here's where you can find my books on Goodreads: Chasing Zebras: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
Apothecary's Curse: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Alchemy of Glass: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
I have a new book coming out next September from Rizzoli called (provisionally) Huzzah: The Magic and Merriment of Renaissance Faires. It will be a highly illustrated hard-cover gift book
Now that I've caught up on all the questions so far. I do want to thank everyone for having me on this book challenge discussion forum today. Again apologies for being late. I'm gratified that even 16 years after the book came out, it is still fairly popular and in several languages. And more importantly, that people still enjoy the TV series House and all it brings to them. I am basically a fan of any TV series that combines good writing, great storylines, deeply interesting personal and intelligent characters. And I admit I'm a sucker for medical shows, science shows, legal shows, and geeky shows.
Barbara, I hope you're recovering well and taking care of yourself wishing you good health and a smooth recovery. 💛I also couldn't find your book information, and I checked the Page Turner page as well, but no luck there either. Barbara, you might want to check in with the moderator about that.
I have a question that's been on my mind since I finished the book if House were real and had read Chasing Zebras, do you think he would recognize himself in your portrayal, or would he dismiss the whole thing as sentimental nonsense because that's easier than admitting it's true?
Fusayo wrote: "Barbara, I hope you're recovering well and taking care of yourself wishing you good health and a smooth recovery. 💛I also couldn't find your book information, and I checked the Page Turner page as..."
What a great question. I think House would brush it off as a bit sentimental at first, but would appreciate the deeply analytical tone of the book.
But we have to remember that House on the page or on the script is not exactly the same House that we see in the series. I've read every single script of the show and what Hugh Laurie brought to the series as an actor. The depth of emotion and pathos was far beyond anything that the writers, especially early on, could have possibly envisioned.
I was always really surprised after reading especially one of the earlier scripts how much House was definitely the asshole that he is said to be but the way that Hugh brought such depth to that character just changed everything that was on the page. Eventually I think the writers caught on to that, especially some of them. I would say Doris Egan, Garrett Lerner and Russell Friend, especially really got Him and started writing to those strengths. But even later scripts leave very little in the way of stage direction for House and really left it to the acting powers of Hugh Laurie..
I do know my books are all on Goodreads and I'm not sure what you're referring to as checking Page Turner.
Thank you for sharing the links, Barbara, and congratulations on the new book coming from Rizzoli next September! Huzzah: The Magic and Merriment of Renaissance Faires sounds like a beautiful project, and a highly illustrated hardcover gift book feels like exactly the right format for it.Once it's out, you should contact Elizabeth, we would love to have a discussion about it here in the group!
I do have a question, and it's one I've been turning over since I finished Chasing Zebras, you've now written about House, about an apothecary in the 19th century, and soon about Renaissance faires. What is it that keeps pulling you back to worlds where medicine, science, and a kind of arcane knowledge sit at the center of the story?
Leslie wrote: "Thank you for sharing the links, Barbara, and congratulations on the new book coming from Rizzoli next September! Huzzah: The Magic and Merriment of Renaissance Faires sounds like a beautiful proje..."Thank you so much, Leslie. I would be happy to do that when it comes out. I can't wait to see what it looks like all designed and illustrated. The book is finished and in the hands of my publisher right now.
What keeps pulling me back to that intersection? I think it's a combination of my background as a scientist. I have a degree in biology and chemistry, but also I'm an English literature nerd and an anglo-phile. I think that the age of the Enlightenment, which by the way, House seems to be a student of as well, always keeps pulling me back, whether that's the 16th century, 17th century, 18th or 19th century.
I think putting those worlds together makes for incredible mystery, amazement, and lots of conflict, which in the end makes great literature.
Although my fiction work is mainly known for fantasy and dark fantasy, The Apothecary's Curse was shortlisted for the Bram Stoker Award, which is horror or dark fantasy. I more care about the story than the plot, the characters, rather than the sci-fi or fantasy elements. So my novels tend to be cross-genre, which used to be a no-no, but isn't so much anymore.
Barbara wrote: "Fusayo wrote: "Barbara, I hope you're recovering well and taking care of yourself wishing you good health and a smooth recovery. 💛I also couldn't find your book information, and I checked the Page..."
Thank you for clarifying, Barbara! The Page Turner page is one of the Challenge Corner pages, it's where author materials are collected and made available so our members can use them for their own book clubs. That's why some of us were checking there for your book information.
Just to give you a fuller picture, Challenge Corner is made up of members who run and take part in book clubs, and we rely on those materials to share books like yours with our groups. And honestly, none of it would happen without Elizabeth. She's the one who keeps everything running, organizes the discussions, and makes sure authors and readers actually connect. She's the heart of this group, so checking in with her is exactly the right move.
Thank you for clarifying as well. Thank you, Elizabeth, for approaching me about this challenge corner discussion.
I actually have been toying with the idea of writing a novel that is very House-like, that places a House-like doc in the 19th century or even the 18th century or even the 16th century. But at this point I'm just playing with the idea. In a way, the hero in my novels is very Hous-ian In his own way.
Barbara, it's wonderful to hear the book is already finished and in your publisher's hands, I can only imagine how exciting it will be to see it fully designed and illustrated. And just to echo what's been said, although we may have specialists who handle the work behind the scenes, Elizabeth is the heart of it all, and none of this would come together without her. Your answer really stayed with me, especially what you said about the Enlightenment and about caring more for story and character than plot. I have a question, since you're drawn to the 16th through 19th centuries and to that intersection of science and arcane knowledge, is there a particular era you haven't written about yet that you're still itching to explore? And when you say you care more about story than plot, how do you know when a story is ready, is it a feeling, or something you test on the page?
Barbara, a House like doctor in the 18th or 16th century sounds like a story waiting to happen, and it's interesting that you say your hero is already Hous-ian in his own way. My question, what part of House do you think is timeless enough to survive any era, and what would have to be true for you to actually commit to writing it?
Bianca wrote: "Barbara, it's wonderful to hear the book is already finished and in your publisher's hands, I can only imagine how exciting it will be to see it fully designed and illustrated. And just to echo wha..."I definitely want to explore the 16th or 17th century from a fictional perspective. My hero, Gaelan Erceldoune, in both my novels was born in 1587, but nearly none of his story takes place then; it takes place in the 19th Century and modern-day Chicago. So I'm grappling with new fictional ideas that take me into the earliest days of the Enlightenment. I know a story is ready when I reach "the end." The story resolves itself (or ends ambiguously enough for a sequel. It's almost instinctive. I tend to write like a television or film writer--in scenes, rather than in an outline. But I know where the story is headed very quickly. And getting to the resolution is the goal. The rest is a puzzle to be worked out for my brain and heart (and pen)
Sam wrote: "Barbara, a House like doctor in the 18th or 16th century sounds like a story waiting to happen, and it's interesting that you say your hero is already Hous-ian in his own way. My question, what par..."House's innate inellectual curioisty and drive to solve the puzzle are both timeless. His intelligence and deep flaws. I think of him as a Byronic-type hero (and have actually written about that). Byronic heroes are my jam :). I see them everywhere in litertature (like Rochester in Jane Eyre of course), but in pop culture as well. And I'm very drawn to them
BTW--to get updates on the newest book, appearances, and other things, you can sign up for my Substack (it's free) at my Substack Bodice and Doublet.
Barbara will be joining us here to answer your questions directly — about her research, her conversations with the cast and creators, and the themes she explored in the book. This is a chance to hear her perspective firsthand and dig deeper into the world of House, M.D. alongside fellow readers.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or discovering the book for the first time, we'd love for you to take part. Post your questions and thoughts below, and let's get the conversation going.