Rebekah Witherkay
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Hi Juliet, I have thoroughly enjoyed all your books for the past 15 years, and I wanted to thank you for creating such strong and brave characters who overcome such obstacles. I really enjoy the strong roots in folklore and fairy tales, and I wanted to ask you what books you have found most helpful in your research for writing'?
Juliet Marillier
Hi Rebekah,
I've used a lot of reference books along the way! One of the classic collections of Irish mythology is Lady Gregory's Irish Myths and Legends. I also have The Vanishing People: a study of traditional fairy beliefs by Katharine M Briggs. There are several great fairy tale collections edited by American scholar Jack Zipes. Troublesome Things: a history of fairies and fairy stories by Diane Purkiss. And not forgetting the wonderful Seven Miles of Steel Thistles: Reflections on Fairy Tales by Katherine Langrish (check out her blog of the same name.)
Of course that's just one aspect - I also read books on landscape, flora and fauna, relevant history (even when the novels get fairly non-historical!), clothing, weaponry etc. I have fairly crammed bookshelves in most rooms of my house.
When I was a child I loved the Andrew Lang fairy tale books (The Red Fairy Book, the Green Fairy Book etc) and I know the wonder of those stories from all over the world had a huge impact on what I chose to write!
All the best, and thank you for the nice comment!
Juliet
I've used a lot of reference books along the way! One of the classic collections of Irish mythology is Lady Gregory's Irish Myths and Legends. I also have The Vanishing People: a study of traditional fairy beliefs by Katharine M Briggs. There are several great fairy tale collections edited by American scholar Jack Zipes. Troublesome Things: a history of fairies and fairy stories by Diane Purkiss. And not forgetting the wonderful Seven Miles of Steel Thistles: Reflections on Fairy Tales by Katherine Langrish (check out her blog of the same name.)
Of course that's just one aspect - I also read books on landscape, flora and fauna, relevant history (even when the novels get fairly non-historical!), clothing, weaponry etc. I have fairly crammed bookshelves in most rooms of my house.
When I was a child I loved the Andrew Lang fairy tale books (The Red Fairy Book, the Green Fairy Book etc) and I know the wonder of those stories from all over the world had a huge impact on what I chose to write!
All the best, and thank you for the nice comment!
Juliet
More Answered Questions
Irini
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Hi Juliet! I've just finished reading Tower of Thorns and am absolutely loving the Blackthorn and Grim series! They're starting to become one of my favourite characters from your books, and I never thought I'd like anyone better than Sorcha and Red! I had a question regarding Den of Wolves: has it been released in paperback yet? Had a look to buy it online in the UK but can only seem to find the hardback version.
Kate
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Hello, I just wanted to say thank you for writing such beautiful stories. The characters feel so real to me, and your books have meant a great deal to me over the years. I recently completed Blackthorn and Grim and I noticed a few nods to Sevenwaters. Out of curiosity: How many years have passed since the events of Sevenwaters? Thank you for your time.
Tinted Edges
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Hi Juliet, I just wanted to say I absolutely adore your books, I've been reading them for years and I review them regularly on my book blog at http://tintededges.wordpress.com. I cried when I read Flame of Sevenwaters; I had recently had to put down my dog who was 19 years and 8 months old and the story really touched me. Are there plans for more books about real historical figures like Bridei?
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