Brendan

Brendan asked Tana French:

I love how the protagonists in your books are characters we've already seen in smaller roles in previous novels. How far in advance do you plan that? When you're writing a supporting character into a book, do you know that you intend on making them a main character in a different story?

Tana French I don't plan it in advance. What generally happens is that there's a stage, about halfway through a book, when my mind starts wanting to do something else, anything else - all of a sudden, cleaning the oven or trying to braid the cat starts to sound totally enthralling. And one of the things it does in order to keep me from writing is come up with ideas for the next book - which is at least more useful than, say, painting my fingernails in stripes. And so far, at least, the new idea is usually a good fit for some minor character from the book I'm actually supposed to be writing.

More Answered Questions

Corey

Corey asked Tana French:

Perhaps what I find most compelling about your novels is the detailed backstories and vibrant descriptions of the characters and settings that make both linger. Can you point to other writers that you think share this particular talent, either contemporaries or perhaps those that influenced you? And, what was the last great book you've read that you would recommend? Thanks!

Carrie Lallo

Carrie Lallo asked Tana French:

A comment, rather than a question; One of the most powerful devices in your books is auditory description. I have never read an author whose descriptions of the sounds of places are so powerful and haunting. I work hard on visual descriptions when I write, but rarely consider how things sound. I adore your writing. Keep going!

Keith Ellis

Keith Ellis asked Tana French:

Were edits made for the US editions? I've noticed many US-specific cultural references which I thought would be obscure to others. For example, one character jokes someone having a house in the Hamptons. I don't read many Irish books, but do read many UK books and I've never noticed so many US references in the latter. If not edits, is it the case that Dubliners are more aware of American culture than other Europeans?

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