Edward
asked
Mary Doria Russell:
I am at the end of Epitath and at the beginning of, "What the hell am I going to do now". Absolutely Fantastic. How do you do this?
Mary Doria Russell
I can only quote Ringo Starr: "Well, you know, it don't come easy." Six years of research, three years of writing DOC, another three for EPITAPH, endless editing of endless drafts, constant reworking, months of cutting, tightening, rethinking.
I also work with test readers at each stage, and they are good about telling me things like, "Mary, nobody is as interested in 19th century dentistry as you are." Or "Not every single character has to be given an aria to sing." And all that is before it goes to the publisher, so there are additional rounds of reaction and guidance.
This isn't an easy game to play and it's lovely to hear that you were so completely immersed in the story!
I also work with test readers at each stage, and they are good about telling me things like, "Mary, nobody is as interested in 19th century dentistry as you are." Or "Not every single character has to be given an aria to sing." And all that is before it goes to the publisher, so there are additional rounds of reaction and guidance.
This isn't an easy game to play and it's lovely to hear that you were so completely immersed in the story!
More Answered Questions
Eliezer Weinbach
asked
Mary Doria Russell:
Hi Mary! My book club is reading The Sparrow right now. We are a group of modern-Orthodox Jews, and I can't help but feel like there's a bit more resonance for us through the character of Sofia. I understand you converted to Judaism - can you talk about how that journey influenced The Sparrow?
A Goodreads user
asked
Mary Doria Russell:
Have you ever visited Egypt and the Middle East? If so, in what year?
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