Carry On (Simon Snow, #1)

by Rainbow Rowell

Magic. I miss magic when I’m away. When I’m by myself, magic is something personal. My burden, my secret. But at Watford, magic is just the air that we breathe. It’s what makes me a part of something bigger, not the thing that sets me apart.

This was my first book written in first-person, and it was such a challenge to write – because first-person demands that you constantly stay in character and in voice. You can’t use words or make references that the character wouldn’t make. You can’t ever sound like yourself. I vividly remember writing this list and trying Simon’s voice on for size. He has a very specific rhythm in my head -- and a specific tone. Simon is matter-of-fact and accepting. He doesn’t really question or deconstruct the world around him. He’s like --- “This is the situation, this is my mission, time for me to act.” He’s hard on himself, rueful. He constantly feels out of his depth. But he’s never paralyzed. When I’m writing Simon, I imagine him doggedly pushing forward, even in his thoughts. It’s a very familiar voice for me now! But reading this list is like watching a baby chick break out of its egg. I can so clearly remember when that voice was brand new to me.