Care
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Hello Juliet! I've been in love with your books since I first found them in my school library years ago. I was just wondering what (if anything) have you found to be the most surprising and/or rewarding thing about writing? And also, were you scared when you first decided to pursue writing for a career?
Juliet Marillier
Interesting questions!
Most surprising and rewarding thing about writing: letters and emails from readers telling them my books had made a real difference in their lives, helping them to be braver and stronger in adversity because my female characters demonstrate that it's possible. Some people simply find the books are good companions in tough times. I never expected that and it makes me feel as if I am doing something worthwhile.
Was I scared when I first decided to pursue writing as a career? No, because I eased myself slowly into that - I still had a day job as a public servant up until about my fifth novel was published, but I gradually went from full time down to two days a week. I didn't quit the day job until I was reasonably sure I could earn a living as a writer. I was cautious because I knew I had to support my family. It might have been different if I had started earlier, perhaps straight after university. But then the books probably would have been really different.
Most surprising and rewarding thing about writing: letters and emails from readers telling them my books had made a real difference in their lives, helping them to be braver and stronger in adversity because my female characters demonstrate that it's possible. Some people simply find the books are good companions in tough times. I never expected that and it makes me feel as if I am doing something worthwhile.
Was I scared when I first decided to pursue writing as a career? No, because I eased myself slowly into that - I still had a day job as a public servant up until about my fifth novel was published, but I gradually went from full time down to two days a week. I didn't quit the day job until I was reasonably sure I could earn a living as a writer. I was cautious because I knew I had to support my family. It might have been different if I had started earlier, perhaps straight after university. But then the books probably would have been really different.
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Flibbet
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Juliet Marillier:
Hello! I'm a huge fan of the Sevenwaters world and love its depth and richness. Would you consider writing a novella about Ciaran and Niamh? They're two of my favorite characters and are fascinating to me. Ciaran goes through such a great arc throughout the series that I'll really take any excuse to see more of him. Thanks for writing!
Joanna
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Hi there :) I just issued Blade of Fortriu from the library and if the edition I'm borrowing there is no map of Fortriu. Just wondering if there are any available maps that go with this book (it was super helpful looking at the map while I read The Dark Mirror) and whether there is a way for me to access them. Also wondered if there's a character pronunciation guide as well?
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