David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion
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Jennifer A. Nielsen
Author Q&A
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Jennifer Nielsen (author of The False Prince) Q&A Nov. 4-10th
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Jenny wrote: "I love the many different responses I get to that question! What's easy for some is hard for others!How about a fun one:
Vanilla or Chocolate?"
Now THERE's a worthwhile question! Always chocolate. Always. And if it's dark chocolate, then that's worth bonus points!
Brenda wrote: "One thing I've always enjoyed about reading The Ascendance Trilogy is the plot twists, well and the sarcasm/wit. Do you see any of yourself in the characters that you write?"Brenda, I definitely see pieces of myself in all my characters, which I may understand differently than some authors because of my theater background. A lot of times, beginning actors resist a particular character who might be very different from themselves, saying they can't identify. But I was taught that while we don't necessarily share a character's morals, backgrounds, or opinions, emotions are universal. So even if I find Conner reprehensible, and would never do anything he does, I do understand his ambition, because I am ambitious too. And as I would write his personality, I would draw on my own sense of ambition to understand how he felt.
Jeann (Happy Indulgence) wrote: "Thanks Jennifer for all of your awesome answers!I've got some more questions: Have you always known that you wanted to write, and how long did it take to write your first book?
How does it feel..."
Jeann, I'm going to answer the first half of your question for Ashly, next, so please reference that answer there.
But for the second question. I try not to pay the idea of "bestseller" status much attention. I can tell that things are different for me than they were a couple of years ago, and that's really cool. But at the end of the day, no matter what happened for me as an author, even if it's amazing, mostly all my kids care about is just what's for dinner. And that keeps me really grounded.
There have been some great fan moments. Mostly it's just over-enthusiasm where you get nearly assaulted, but only out of love and kindness. I will always remember watching one young reader waiting in line to have me sign her book. The closer she got, the more emotional she became, and by the time she was up to me, she burst out in tears. We hugged. It was awesome.
One thing I definitely have respect for is the idea that as an author, I know there are things I can say, particularly to young people, that will have a big impact on them. So my favorite fan moments are those times when I'm talking with a person and I know I can make a difference for them. For example, just last week I was at a high school with a boy who had given up on his writing. I gave him some input from my writing past. The next day, he wrote me to say that he was writing again. Things like that I will always remember.
Ashly wrote: " Have you always wanted to become a writer? What or Who Inspired you to become a writer? "Ashly (and Jeann);
In 6th grade, it was S.E. Hinton who inspired me to think about becoming a writer. I loved "The Outsiders," and realizing she was so young when she wrote it convinced me that I could do the same thing.
But between then and when I actually got serious about writing, I also had in mind criminal forensics, law, opening a theater locally, and becoming a teacher. I did the latter. Until my oldest child was born, I was a high school debate coach and theater teacher.
Brenda wrote: "I saw that you mentioned you'll be writing the sixth book of the Infinity Ring. What has it been like stepping into a series where the characters are all ready established? What have been the ch..."That's a cool question, Brenda! The IR authors had a really cool opportunity early in the process. James Dashner did book one and created the world of the story, but at that point, we all got together in NYC and brainstormed our ideas for the overall story arc. It was one of my favorite experiences ever, because the creativity in the room was just explosive. We just played "What if" the entire time, and it's been awesome to read the other authors' books and see those ideas in them. So in that way, I've always felt a small ownership in the other books, just as the other IR authors have a small ownership in mine.
There are challenges of course. Not every decision is one I would've made, but I'm bound by it for my writing. That's offset though by the great rewards of being able to work with those talented people, to learn more about writing through comparing their choices and styles with my own, and I love the story that I chose to write about (a wonderful WW2 spy story), so it was an absolute thrill to bring it into that series.
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Have there been any other particularly emotional fan experiences you've had?
Thank you so much for your time Jennifer. This has been a fantastic insight into your world. Here are some questions I have: A) What inspired you to start writing The False Prince? I know Sage came later after you struggled to have a MC that could handle the story but what brought about the story in the first place?
B) When did you decide to step away from teaching or are you still doing so?
C) When you started The Ascendence Trilogy did you plot an outline for it before starting, either for the whole trilogy or for each book? Did you always plan on there being three books?
David wrote: "Aww I love the bit about your kids keeping you grounded! I also loved the part about the eager fan getting so excited and hugging you!Have there been any other particularly emotional fan experie..."
Um, here's another I can share. I was speaking at a bookstore and right on the front row was a pre-teen girl and her mom. From the girl's appearance and behavior, I gathered she wasn't the most popular or self-confident. There's a part in my presentation where I discuss how many times I failed in trying to get published, and how grateful I was for those experiences because although failing is okay, giving up isn't. When I got there, I noticed the mom pat her daughter's leg, like "Did you hear that?" Afterward, the girl was one of the last who came up to have her book signed. I starting asking about her, what she was good at, what she liked - just basic questions. When I found the thing that was clearly her core love, we discussed that. I told her that it's okay for a girl to say they're good at something, even great at it. That it's okay for her to admit that there is something brilliant about herself. It was a cool conversation, but I didn't really think much more about it that evening.
Until the next morning, when I found a private message on Facebook from that mom, full of gratitude for what that conversation did for her daughter. It made me tear up because I know that what I said is probably something her mom had told her a thousand times. This girl just needed to hear it from somebody else.
There is sometimes a mystique that surrounds authors (which is sort of funny to me, but…), so I am always aware that to a young fan, my words may have an impact. So when it's appropriate, if I can use a moment to make them walk away feeling better about themselves, or more dedicated to their schooling, or to pursuing their dreams, then that's one of the most humbling honors of my profession.
Do you have a scene or line from the books you've written that is one of your favorites you wrote? Mine is "I had arrived early for my assassination." Love that line.
Awww Jennifer that is a wonderful and touching story about the impact you can have on your fans.
Brenda wrote: " Do you have a scene or line from the books you've written that is one of your favorites you wrote? Mine is "I had arrived early for my assassination." Love that line."
There's a few I quite like (including the one you mentioned!). One of my favorites from the beginning of The False Prince, after Sage is accused of being a beggar. He says, "As a point of fact, I hadn't begged for anything. It was beneath me."
In The Runaway King, I also love Mott's scolding to Jaron, when he says, "Forgive me, but the king's order is the most reckless thing he's ever said, which we both know is quite an accomplishment."
Fun question!
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, a possible movie (eep!!), and your upcoming series starting with The Praetor War, (really looking forward to that one!). You've shared so many very cool tidbits about yourself, your writing process, etc. You are so gracious and just overall amazing. I have enjoyed logging in each day to read your fun and interesting answers to all of our crazy questions.
I've discovered another favorite author and added a few more amazing books to my read pile and to my TBR list!!
I will definately be recommending
series and Jennifer A. Nielsen to everyone who will listen!Thank you for EVERYTHING! :-)
I'm always fascinated about what inspires an author to write their book. I was wondering what was the inspiration for The Underworld Chronicles?
Karen wrote: "Jennifer, you have been so much fun and I've learned so much. There are so many good things to look forward to with the next book in The Ascendance Trilogy, , ..."Thank you, Karen. That's very kind.
Brenda wrote: "I'm always fascinated about what inspires an author to write their book. I was wondering what was the inspiration for The Underworld Chronicles?"Hee-hee-. This is a funny one actually. I was doing dishes one night when the words for an opening prologue popped into my head. Something like, "As of today, there are only seven children who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it…" I left the dishes, then sat down and wrote it (and in fact, in the book it's almost identical to what I originally wrote). When I finished, I looked it over and liked it, but had no idea what sort of story could fit the book I had just written. So I had to actively create it, which became the story of an 11-year-old boy who accidentally becomes King of the Brownies.
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Thank you so much for your time Jennifer. This has been a fantastic insight into your world. Here are some questions I have:
A) What inspired you to start writing The False Prince? I know Sage came later after you struggled to have a MC that could handle the story but what brought about the story in the first place?
B) When did you decide to step away from teaching or are you still doing so?
C) When you started The Ascendence Trilogy did you plot an outline for it before starting, either for the whole trilogy or for each book? Did you always plan on there being three books?
Thanks so much, this has been AMAZING!! Today's the last day of a long week of questions for Jennifer, so if anyone has any final questions, pop them in now and then we'll let Jennifer get back to creating AWESOME stories for us!
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Generally, how do you feel about book to movie releases?
David wrote: "Hi Jennifer, this is my fault because I was a little behind at adding the questions to the master list, but Caitlin had a few questions in message 108 that got lost in the shuffle, here's her messa..."My apologies. I did answer this one, but I guess it's lost in cyberspace now. Okay..
1) I can't say exactly where the story first germinated. I don't even think there was a big "moment;" rather, just little sparks of ideas that gradually evolved. I know for a long time I had it as a female thief who is drawn into impersonating a missing princess, but until Sage, it wasn't coming together.
2) I left teaching when my oldest child was born. I loved teaching, but I hated leaving him every day. It was a huge leap of faith for me and my husband, but I knew it was the right choice for me.
3) I had a very rough outline for The False Prince, but it evolved a lot as I got to know Sage. I had only intended it to be a single book, but about halfway through it, I knew the world was much bigger than just one book. When Scholastic liked the idea of a trilogy, I was thrilled!
Jenny wrote: "Thank you for coming to our group, Jennifer, this was so much fun! I love getting to know my favorite authors a little more!Generally, how do you feel about book to movie releases? "
Jenny, I think my enjoyment of an adaptation is directly proportional to how faithful the adaptation is done. It doesn't always mean it has to follow the exact plot, but I think it needs a director who understands the spirit of the originating work. For example, there are several variations of plot in the LORD OF THE RINGS movies, but they are done consistent with the intentions of the series, and so they work. Same with the Harry Potter movies.
I accept that a movie is a different artistic format than a book, so by nature there will be things one can do that the other cannot. As I consider the possibilities of The False Prince's adaptation, what I most hope for is that they keep with the spirit of what I had intended.
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Thank you so so so much for swinging by and answering our questions! This was really fun!
To all who have participated, listened in, or browsed through, I wish to thank you for your time and curiosity. Your questions have been some of my favorites, and I hope my answers were helpful to you.To those who voted for Book 2, THE RUNAWAY KING, in Goodreads' Opening Round, thank you. I won't know until tomorrow if it earned enough votes to move on, but if is does, I would certainly appreciate your ongoing votes.
Book 3 of this series, THE SHADOW THRONE, releases on 2/25/14. If you've enjoyed the series so far, then I hope you'll check it out.
Most importantly, I hope you will feel invited to continue in association with me if you wish. I'm here on Goodreads, or have a blog on my website (jennielsen.com). My Twitter handle is @nielsenwriter, or if we happen to be at an event somewhere together, please come say hello! For any traveling English teachers in the group, I will be at NCTE in Boston in a couple of weeks.
My best wishes to each of you in your various endeavors, whether as readers, writers, teachers, or some combination therein. Happy reading!
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David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!
Books mentioned in this topic
The Shadow Throne (other topics)The Shadow Throne (other topics)
The False Prince (other topics)
The Shadow Throne (other topics)
Mark of the Thief (other topics)
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What are some nov..."
Thanks, Karen. Recent books I've loved include "The Darkest Path" by Jeff Hirsch, "Dark Triumph" by Robin LaFevers, and "One For the Murphys" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Coming up on my to-read list is an upcoming YA of "Defy" by Sarah Larson and a non-fiction I'm really excited about, "Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures From the Nazi's" by Robert Edsel." Obviously, I'm a bit all over the map in my reading choices.