Laini Taylor Official Fan Group discussion
Laini Taylor Q&A #3
I've only just read NOCAP but I love it!My question has to be, where did you get the idea for Zuzana's treasure hunt??
will there be an audiobook for NOCAP?
As an aspiring author, the first and all-comprehensive question to pop into my head was simply 'how?' since these books have raised both my reading and writing standards, but as I doubt that question would or could be answered, I'll try another. I'll limit myself to two.1)did you have the whole series planned, up to the end of DoGaM, before you started writing DoSaB?
2) not particularly related to NoCaP and DoGaM: your writing style is quite different from usual YA books and personally I find it very refreshing. Is there something that contributed to you developing this style?
Thirdly, and not a question, I want to say I love Mik and Zuzana and I think NoCaP is one of the most magical stories I have ever read.
I think you're an amazing writer and an inspiration and I would go as far as say a writing goddess but that might sound a little creepy and I have already fangirled quite a lot.
I'm so excited for Dreams of Gods and Monsters!How does it feel to finish this trilogy? Are you working on another book?
NoCaP is one of my favorite novellas! I absolutely adore Zuzana and Mik! Do you think you'll write any other novellas taking place in the DoSaB world?
Has it came across your thoughts to write a spin-off series of DoSAB? I am absolutely in love with the trilogy and I think I'll go insane if the story ends. I can't seem to get enough of the fascinating world of Eretz. The fairytale-ish and beautifully eerie vibe of the books and the way you write are what kept me on reading them. The tale is really engaging and I wish you'd think about writing a another book from the world of chimaeras and seraphims. :)
Lionel Richard wrote: "will there be an audiobook for NOCAP?"I bought it at audible.com. It's only $3.29 and has the same great narrator.
hello iam so excited for dreams of gods and monsters I ordered. last week ( it gonna take some time for it to get here cause I live in the Jamaica but I cant wait to read it) I just. wanted to know can u say what ur working on next book wise. is ot going to be more fantasy ( iam hoping for more fantasy lol) will. it be another book in the daughter of smoke and bone universe. or will. be something completely new?
My question is in relation to the series as a whole: Do seraphim have hollow bones? Yes, it's me of the 9 questions! I so want a spin-off series, so it would be great if one is made!
Hey Laini Taylor! So i saw that there's a barnes and noble exclusive edition of DoGaM and I was wondering if any stores in canada will be selling that edition too??? You're probably not in charge of those things but it can't hurt to ask! And I heard you were coming to one of the chapters in canada? Too bad i wont be there to meet you :(
Lionel Richard wrote: "will there be an audiobook for NOCAP?"There already is. It's awesome.
Laini First, I freakin' love Zuz. I want to be best friends with her. Thank you for her and for this extra bit.
On the question front: could you please share some of your favorite books?
And if you would not like to could you shed some light on why this is not a fun question for some authors to answer?
No real questions (I'm sure I'll plenty after next week), just wanted to say that I am insanely excited for next Tuesday! I'm even taking off work on Wednesday so I can stay home and read!Anyway, I've been a huge fan since Patrick Rothfuss recommended the first Dreamdark in his blog years ago. I know you mentioned that nothing's planned earlier, but I'd love to see another Magpie book!
I'm madly in love with DoSaB and DoBaS and I can't wait for DoGaM. These books are unlike anything I've ever read before. No pressure, but do you have any plans for another work after this?
Will there be special artwork editions at your Powell's author event on the 16th?
I love Mik and Zuzana's relationship, they're one of the cutest pairing YA could offer and since they already have their own enovella. Are you considering making one for other characters as well Akiva, Karou, Liraz, Ziri etc?
I just wanted to say that I love the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. I am truly inspired by your work. Do you plan to visit other countries for book signings? (countries in Asia)
Beth wrote: "I've only just read NOCAP but I love it!My question has to be, where did you get the idea for Zuzana's treasure hunt??"
Hi Beth! Thanks for the first question :-) In fact, the treasure hunt idea was a vestige of the early days of writing DAYS OF BLOOD & STARLIGHT. In my first efforts, that book had a lighter tone, more like the beginning of DAUGHTER, and it was Karou who created a treasure hunt to invite Zuzana to the kasbah. It became clear to me, however, that that tone really didn't suit the situation I had created, and that the kasbah, for Karou, wouldn't be a happy place to which she would invite her friend. So I had to shift to the idea of Zuzana tracking it down herself, which was so much better anyway, and left the treasure hunt for her and Mik!
Lionel Richard wrote: "will there be an audiobook for NOCAP?"Hi Lionel! There is an audiobook! It's wonderful. Find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Night-of-Cake-P...
papilio stomachus wrote: "As an aspiring author, the first and all-comprehensive question to pop into my head was simply 'how?' since these books have raised both my reading and writing standards, but as I doubt that questi..."Thank you Papilio Stomachus! (Love the name :-)
To you first question, was the series planned from the start? I think I need to write a blog post about this because I've found myself talking about it a lot in interviews lately, but I'll give a short answer:
No.
Next question.
Ha, just kidding. No, it wasn't planned. The writing of this series began as a day of free-writing ("joy writing" you could call it) when I needed to improve morale after a bleak couple of months hacking away at a book that wasn't coming alive. It worked! But I had no plan at all, just these characters that came alive, and there were things about them, details, that made me ask questions. What were those teeth for? And what about the Brimstone's wishbone? I set out to answer those questions for myself and the premise was born. Not to make that sound easy. That took a while. I brainstormed the heck out of it.
From there, setting about making it a book, I had a very loose sense of where it was going. As I went along I would need to know enough to keep moving forward. I had to have that general sense of story plus a concrete story beat or two to write towards. It really brings to mind that E.L. Doctorow quote:
"Writing is like driving at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."
As far as why I worked this way, and why I didn't plan more, that really has to be a subject for a blog post! Maybe it will be my next.
Hi! I have just one question. I haven't had the chance to look at the other readers' questions so I hope this hasn't been asked already. When you finished the book completely, what were your feelings? Did you get emotional? PS. I'm dying to read book three! I also convinced my husband to listen to the audio version of all three books. :D
Ana wrote: "I'm so excited for Dreams of Gods and Monsters!How does it feel to finish this trilogy? Are you working on another book?"
Thank you so much! It mostly feels like an amazing relief. At first, there was this void where the characters had been, but that has quickly filled up with new characters and new ideas. But I'm so glad to have the upcoming book tour and events in which to say goodbye properly to Karou, Akiva, and everyone. Though the book is finished for me, its journey is really just beginning, and that's nice.
Right now I'm working on a short story for an anthology. It's late, ahem, and I'm desperate to finish it. After that, I've got two book ideas I still need to choose between!
Katie wrote: "NoCaP is one of my favorite novellas! I absolutely adore Zuzana and Mik! Do you think you'll write any other novellas taking place in the DoSaB world?"Hi Katie! It's possible. I've thought about a Brimstone prequel, but I think it would be really tricky, and prequels so often fall flat on account of the reader already knowing the outcome. There are a lot of corners of the world to explore, and a lot of characters, but right now I'm off into new worlds altogether :)
Alyssa wrote: "Has it came across your thoughts to write a spin-off series of DoSAB? I am absolutely in love with the trilogy and I think I'll go insane if the story ends. I can't seem to get enough of the fascin..."Hi Alyssa! There IS one spin-off idea *spinning* around in my mind. After you've read DREAMS I would say what it is. However it is unlikely to happen in the near future. Who knows?
Jodeen wrote: "hello iam so excited for dreams of gods and monsters I ordered. last week ( it gonna take some time for it to get here cause I live in the Jamaica but I cant wait to read it) I just. wanted to kno..."Hi Jodeen! Jamaica! Lucky you :-) I'm currently deciding between two novels, and they've very different. Neither are in the DoSaB world, but one is more similar to it than the other, which is more sci fi. Both are definitely speculative fiction though. I'm not sure when I'll get the time to really settle in and pick one and start it! Soon, I hope :-)
Cmb wrote: "My question is in relation to the series as a whole: Do seraphim have hollow bones? Yes, it's me of the 9 questions! I so want a spin-off series, so it would be great if one is made!"Hi Cmb. Probably not? Just really powerful wings, I'm guessing.
Lena wrote: "Hey Laini Taylor! So i saw that there's a barnes and noble exclusive edition of DoGaM and I was wondering if any stores in canada will be selling that edition too??? You're probably not in charge o..."Hi Lena! Gosh, I *think* so. Let me double check!
Epiphany wrote: "Laini First, I freakin' love Zuz. I want to be best friends with her. Thank you for her and for this extra bit.
On the question front: could you please share some of your favorite books?
And if y..."
Hi Epiphany! (Cool name :-) Do authors not like to answer this question? For me it's just always a head scratcher as I try to corral my favorites in my thoughts. It's hard! I should just have a standard list by now to refer to.
I love Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders books, Pat Rothfuss's Wise Man's Fear series, The Song of Ice and Fire series, the Golden Compass, Harry Potter, Garth Nix's Sabriel books, Megan Whalen Turner's Attolia books, Melina Marchetta's Finnikin of the Rock, Elizabeth Knox's Dreamhunter Duet, Libba Bray's Diviners, anything by Holly Black, and a whole lot of stuff that isn't fantasy. A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson is a favorite. I'm neglecting a million books. Ah well :-)
Charlotte wrote: "Hi Laini :) I'd like to know what inspired you to create Akiva and Karou, as individual characters and as a romantic couple?"Hi Charlotte! Well, Karou came first. She just came out of nowhere, honestly, Brimstone along with her. As I figured out who she was, and what her story would be, Akiva didn't come to be right away, or even seraphim. I did have a tingling sense that I wanted to write a star-crossed love story, and since I had monsters/demons on the one hand, the natural compliment to that was angels. That's where the idea for seraphim came in, and gradually Akiva took shape.
Hi Laini,First of all, thanks for taking the time to answer your readers questions.
Well, obviously I love the Daughter of smoke and bone books! It's really refreshing, sensual and deep. And Karou is one of my favorite heroines ever. I am waiting for the last book! The 17th of April in UK. Almost there!
And I want to write an article about them for a friend's blog. I live in UK so here, nobody needs my recommendations. But my friend is Spanish and he gives me the opportunity to write about things I like. And I try to make the readers of the blog discover new authors. I plan since a while writing about your books. And I actually have two questions.
1) Where did the european setting came from? Why Prague?
2) How is the movie project going? Do you plan to be part of it as an adviser or screenwriter maybe? Any actors you would like to see in the movie?
Have a nice day!
Hello Mrs.Taylor! So happy to see you answering our questions again.:)) I was wondering about the special edition books on the tour also. On another note I recently got a tattoo inspired by Karou (I'm crazy excited to see you on the book tour, I'm going to cosplay as a blue haired demon girl. ;b) so I was wondering where the idea of all Karou's ink and her whole artsy allure came from someone or somewhere in particular or just a lot of amazing brainstorming?One more thing if there's any small details or tips you could give for the cosplay costume that would be awesome. I've got a necklace being custom made after the one your husband drew on her in that amazing painting/drawing?
I love you Laini! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this beautiful story with the rest of the world. It definitely will not be soon forgotten.
Oh and one more thing the Mendelssohn is my new all time favorite concerto.:)) I can only hope that one day I'll be able to find my own violin boy.
Hi again! :) I have another question though I think I already know the answer. Would there be a possibility that NoCaP would be made into a physical book?
Hi Laini!
I am so excited for DoGaM! I have it on pre-order here in England and can't wait for the release date! My question is when you wrote the trilogy who was your favourite character to write as? :)
I am so excited for DoGaM! I have it on pre-order here in England and can't wait for the release date! My question is when you wrote the trilogy who was your favourite character to write as? :)
Hi Laini,I love this series! I think it is one of the most creative and original series I've read. I've heard rumors of a film adaptation, how would you feel about that and do you think Hollywood could do the series justice? (Keep writing, your books are awesome!)
Laini Taylor, ruiner of grades. You know, I got Dreams and Monsters a week ago and rather than study for my psych exam I stayed up all night to fully immerse myself in your story. And I wept, laughed, and eventually thought that my life couldn't get any better (psych exam be damned). I passed the exam, don't fret. I don't have a question per se, I just wanted to express unending gratitude for one of the best series I have ever read. Your characters, narrative, style...all of it was not just entertaining but deeply meaningful. Not that once precludes the other. I just wanted to say thank you. If you see this I hope you know how invaluable you are to what was once considered a childish endeavor, the ever-expanding YA genre. Because it's not just for young adults, hooligans that we are. These books are for anyone with spirit, those who question the status quo, who question themselves. You do marvelous work. I sadly won't be able to meet you at the LA Times Book Festival but I'll be in a tent nearby, making my coworkers discuss the minutiae of this trilogy and probably doing our best Brimstone impression. Thank you.
Hi, Laini!I have a question for you, too. Not only do I love your sense of worldbuilding (I even had my writing group examine the opening chapter to DoSaB to see how you did what you did), but I am super excited to see in DoGaM how you resolve the incredibly high stakes you've set up in the previous two books. So my question is this: how did you come up with such high stakes (on top of interspecies warring, the added conflicts of the Stelians, bringing in the human world, etc.)?
A writing question (I asked a version of this at a previous discussion and you said you'd think on it).NOCAP starts somewhat in the darker tone of the novels. But after Zuzana's description of Kishmish's death, the tone starts to change to change to one of charm and wonder. It even seemed to me that your word length, sentence length and word choice changed.
I even suggested to some of my non-fantasy-reading friends that they start with Chapter 2 and go back to the beginning for background later.
How much of that use of writing style was conscious from the beginning? And how hard was it to get it the way you wanted it?
First of all, I love all your books...I think I've got them all read. I know that I definitely had to have them in both hardcover and also on my kindle, so you just keep earning from me. :) My question is actually about your Faeries of Dreamdark series...because those are as beautiful and wonderous as Karou and Akiva...please tell me you're not done with them!
ahhhh im in love love love with your books! i was wondering if you would ever release more novellas, possibly from other povs?
this might sound a little insane, but i've been putting off reading night of cake and puppets because i'm scared to dilute the main story of the trilogy (i want karou and akiva fresh in my mind when it's time to being the last book). also maybe saving it so that i'lll have something to read after i finish DREAMS!i know you've just accomplished something as huge and unbelievable as finishing this trilogy, but like Clarrissa, i'm curious about your other series: dreamdark. do you think you'll ever come back to it? i love it very much (how could i not? it's yours!). if not, i'm glad for what there is, and i'll be happy to read it to any kids i might have.
i wish i had a question about dosab, but your writing doesn't leave a lot of holes to find and trip into… i'm very grateful for your writing and your courage to delve into issues and scenes that are very intense and poignant, but still leave the reader with the most important thing- a sense of hope. can't wait to read dogam!
I'm thrilled and scared to read Dreams of Gods and Monsters. It has been a brilliant series and I will be sad to read the final book and scared for our beloved characters, but I need to know how this will end!
Tagr wrote: "Hi Laini Taylor!! You have some of the most beautiful writings, thank you!!Question: Are you really really sure this is the last?:P Is there a room for possibilities?? ^.^ Love ya."
Hi Tagr! There is definitely room. I definitely wouldn't rule it out!
Charlotte wrote: "Hi Laini :) I'd like to know what inspired you to create Akiva and Karou, as individual characters and as a romantic couple?"Hi Charlotte! Well, Karou was the starting point, along with Brimstone. Her relationship with her family, and her questions about her past, were her foundation. But I knew I wanted it to be a romance, and as I wrote, I got this strong feeling that I wanted it to be a star-crossed love story a la Romeo & Juliet, and it was in thinking *who* might be her star-crossed enemy that I came up with the idea of seraphim. The world began to expand, and I had the first little piece of Akiva. It took a lot of searching to find him though!
Bobby wrote: "No real questions (I'm sure I'll plenty after next week), just wanted to say that I am insanely excited for next Tuesday! I'm even taking off work on Wednesday so I can stay home and read!Anyway..."
Thanks Bobby! I'm such a Pat Rothfuss fan, and that rec was huge for me, as was his blurbing the UK edition of Daughter!! To answer your question, I do have a strong desire to finish the Dreamdark series as I always planned (5 books) but it's really hard to say when that might happen. I'm such a blasted slowpoke!
I love knowing that there are still Magpie fans out there though!
Lacrima wrote: "I'm madly in love with DoSaB and DoBaS and I can't wait for DoGaM. These books are unlike anything I've ever read before. No pressure, but do you have any plans for another work after this?"Hi Lacrima! I'm developing two new novel ideas now. One is a new fantasy world unrelated to Eretz. There's also the possibility of writing more in the DoSaB world some day. I don't know yet!
Epiphany wrote: "Will there be special artwork editions at your Powell's author event on the 16th?"Hi Epiphany! Those editions are B&N exclusive, actually! I wish I could say I had a separate limited edition piece for event-comers, but I fear it's probably too late for me to make that happen. (Why didn't I think of it before???) Sorry!
Sue wrote: "I love Mik and Zuzana's relationship, they're one of the cutest pairing YA could offer and since they already have their own enovella. Are you considering making one for other characters as well Ak..."Hi Sue! Writing Night of Cake & Puppets was such fun, and I think it would always be fun to write about Mik and Zuze! As for further e-novellas, I don't have any plans at this time, but maybe some day!
Ellie wrote: "I just wanted to say that I love the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. I am truly inspired by your work. Do you plan to visit other countries for book signings? (countries in Asia)"
Hi Ellie! I would love to! It's up to the publisher in question to invite me. I hope that happens!
Hello everyone and welcome to the third Laini Taylor Q&A! This Q&A will be around her gorgeous novella Night of Cake and Puppets and the book we're all waiting for with bated breath... Dreams of Gods and Monsters!
Laini will be popping in and out of this thread on Thursday (April 3rd) to answer your questions, and you can start asking away now!
There may be a few people here who haven't quite finished NOCAP yet, so please put a little alert if you think your question contains a plot spoiler!