Q&A with Cassandra Clare discussion
Q&A: Clockwork Angel/TMI: questions here!
Kali wrote: "This question is regarding Tessa--Obviously we see Tessa at the end of COG and know that she is immortal.
What I've never understood, and I apologize for my ignorance, is how she stopped at age ..."
Literally the last page, and only page I didn't read this was asked-- Super sorry!
Is Magnus going to be the new bad guy?
Oh, here's one that I don't think anyone's gotten to yet... >Spoiler Alert from CWA<This is a question about Clockwork Angel. Is it possible that Tessa is really an automaton that's a demon-energy transfer success? The Magister mentioned that Tessa's mom did not know that she was cheating on Tessa's father. So, does that mean it was a shapeshifting demon and then he used some kind of warlock's binding spell to transfer demon energy to the child? Or maybe Tessa was kidnapped, experimented on, and then returned, like all in one night?
Are you ever coming to Denmark on tour?
Hello, Cassandra!I've read all the TMI books and CA and absolutely love them! I was wondering what led you to deciding to become an author? Did you take any writing classes that helped improve your writing?
Okay, now book fan questions.
*spoiler for all books* I don't mean to be blunt/crude, but it sort of surprised me that Magnus was with Camille in CA but is with Alec in Mortal Instruments. Is that just how he is?
Which century do you think Magnus enjoys the most--Victorian England or present day? (Present day I think he gets more glitter..)
*spoiler for Clockwork Angel and a very deep question* When Will thinks Tessa is dying (pages 448-451), the walls he has built to keep others far away from him fall. Then when Tessa says, "You are real," Will is about to say something, but he stops himself. He talks about how he feels terror and realizes she must have seen "it" in his eyes. And then at the very end he thinks, "I have lost everything. Everything." This part sort of confused me, which I guess it's meant to. Is he scared that she will get too close to him, and the "it" she saw in his eyes was the desperate care he feels for her? And why does he bring up losing everything when he just got Tessa back?
And at the end on the rooftop after they kiss, does Will purposely push Tessa away by making himself seem like "that" type of guy? Why do you make characters (Will, Jace) that torture themselves so much?? (That last question is sort of rhetorical. I see the pros clearly--it's just frustrating as a reader who doesn't know the characters inside and out like the author.)
Emma (Pulvis et umbra sumus) wrote: "Are you ever coming to Denmark on tour?"She has a link on her website that shows her tour dates.
http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/app...
You can look there. :)
What made you decide to integrate technology in the way you did in Clockwork Angel? Did you start with the idea of placing your story in London and after doing research found inspiration in the industrial revolution?
Hi Cassandra,I was just wondering how fun it must be coming up with some of Jessamine's lines and whether you ever have to stop yourself from writing down something she's thinking because it's just too awful to print. I know a lot of people can't stand her, but she's honestly one of my favourite characters in the book. She's just so terrible to everyone, and my jaw has literally dropped numerous times upon coming across some of the hilariously b*tchy things that have come out of her mouth.
Hi!I don't have any questions that you can answer so I just wanted to leave a comment to get updates via email :p
But since I'm already writing, I can say that I realy love the books (like so manny others) along with the characters that feels so real.
Oh, and to let you know that you have readers i Sweden to! (Maby you already knew this (I can't find any publisher here) but if you didn't know - now you do)
Julie wrote: "Emma (Pulvis et umbra sumus) wrote: "Are you ever coming to Denmark on tour?"She has a link on her website that shows her tour dates.
http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/app...
You ca..."
I know. But Denmark's not on there. I just wanted to know if she was maybe thinking about planning on coming to Denmark?
Hey Cassandra, I absolutely love your books, the mortal instruments is my favourite series of all time! I’ve noticed that when I read your books I honestly feel like I have been transported into the world of the shadow hunters, like the mortal instruments world is just as real as our own and I was just wondering what are some tricks or techniques you use when you’re writing to obtain this sense of realism?And i also wanted to thank you so much for doing this, i have read lots of other posts saying this and i agree whole heartedly, i love how dedicated you are to fans like us!
Question for Cassandra Clare: Will there be further releases from the Mortal Instruments series after City of Heavenly Fire? And you're already shifting focus from Jace and Clary to Simon, so will there be spinoffs/focus on the other characters? For instance, we know very little about Magnus, even less of his relationship with Alec. It's a tentative couple and a beautiful relationship, and I for one would like to know more about them, individually and together. Alec became my favorite in the first book, before Magnus entered and shifted Alec to second place, and now that they're together, I am truly overjoyed. I was ecstatic after reading a conversation between them from City of Fallen Angels. Let's hope they have a happy ending.Thank you for telling us more about Simon. His is turning out to be quite a mournful tale, and everyone loves a tragic hero.
Thank you for taking the time out for your fans, and thanks to Lisarenee for letting me know where to post this!
I do have to say that your writing is wonderful. I read enough books and only emerse myself in a handful that are excellent and have to say that I have been addicted to reading more and more books (after reading yours). Do you get annoyed with so many questions being repeated? kudos on your success and have a happy marriage :) (only found out from the first page of questions) :P sincerely: Lesley.m
hi cassandra. i am a 12 year old boy and i really loved the mortal instruments series. is there a set date that city of fallen angels will come out
O.K. I just want to say that when I finished the prologue of CA, I knew I would be sad for it to end. When you love an author's writing style, it is like meeting up with an old friend. So yes, I loved it. Yes, I was sad when it was over. And no, I can't wait until April.Here's my question: Thomas says to Will "please take care of Sophie. Sophie is..."? Can you finish this phrase for me or will it be giving away a future plot line?
Hello. CoG Little spoiler.
So I don't know if anyone has asked this yet, but anyway. In CoG on page 525 Theres the girl that Magnus is talking to. Is that girl Tessa? Thanks by the way your books are awsome!
Mod
Sure, it's possible. :)
I have two questions ! 1) I dont quite understand Faerie politics, How much Terroitory does the seelie queen introduced in TMI have, For example is she the queen of Newyork City, State Ect, Is there Multiple Farie monarchs ? ALSO is it possible for there to be a Seelie King.
2) I've never been to one of your book signings ! Are we aloud to take pictures with you whilst you sign are books ?
Mod
are you optimistic about the reception of the next few books in TMI series as you, of course, know what you'll be making your readers think/feel?
And secondly (this next question is on behalf of my sister), when you are writing the dialogue for Magnus Bane, does it come to you naturally, or do you base his personality on someone you know??
I must admit I was content with how TMI ended. I am glad that you were. A lot of people really weren't. I will say it was never intended to be the end of every character's story — I already had a deal in place to write Simon's continuing story when I was writing Glass.
Look, there are two types of responses I get about the idea of more TMI books. One is yours — fear that some unnamable thing you won't like will happen and everything will be ruined. The other was terror at the idea that City of Glass was the last book in the series and the reader would never "find out" what happened to the characters or get to see them again. There is no "winning" for me in this scenario — some group of readers is going to be upset whatever I do, so I might as well do what I feel is the right thing and write the story I want to tell.
I will say that I think every time you start a new book you are nervous about how the book is going to make you feel. I think your nervousness is greater the more you have invested in the characters. If you have a lot invested in the TMI characters, three more books is three more opportunities for something bad to happen to them or for something to happen that you won't like. I have absolutely no idea how readers are going to respond. They always surprise me. They fixate on things I think are unimportant and hate things I love. So I'm not going to try to magic-8-ball what they're going to think about the next trilogy. All I can say is that I think you can't go wrong if you stay true to the characters and that I intend to stay true to the characters. I understand that both you *and* the people who demand more books feel protective of the characters. So do I, and I intend to do my best by them. I think there is still plenty of growing for most of them to do and I think that City of Glass deliberately left openings for new story to happen. I know that when I explained the story to my critique group, they were thrilled. I trust them, and I trust they wouldn't let me do anything insane.
Magnus' dialogue comes pretty naturally; I don't think I know anyone like that in my life, though I suppose I've met some people who were a bit Magnusy.
Mod
No. What would turn Magnus evil? Getting a bad haircut?
I didn't have time to read all of the previous questions so if mine have already been asked, sorry.1. Why did Will push Tessa away after the kiss in the attic? Was it because he was worried about his self control? Or did it have something to do with his secret?
2. This is a prediction I have about Will's secret...When Will was little and living with his family, he opened the box full of demon energies and that has something to do with why he left. He talks about opening a box as a kid and losing everything. So maybe Cecily was the name of his sister that died when he opened it or something. So he left his parents out of shame and anger towards himself and when they came to see him, probably to tell him they forgive him, he couldn't bring himself to see them. So now he's full of a horrible self hatred. Or maybe one of the demon's possessed him and he's in a constant battle with it, to keep it from fully taking him over?
3. I was thinking that maybe Jessamine would fall in love with a Shadowhunter guy, possible Gabriel Lightwood since he seems rude enough, and deal with being a Shadowhunter. Am I even close?
Hello, I’ve got a question about reproducing. We already know that warlocks and vampires can’t reproduce. You also stated that faeries only rarely have children. But I wanted to ask if faery/human or faery/shadowhunter can have child or werewolf/human, werewolf/shadowhunter can. And if perhaps werewolf and shadowhunter have some, will it be werewolf or shadowhunter or neither or both? I hope you will get me right, because English isn’t (obviously) my native language.
Mod
April 5, 2011.
Mod
Anywho, I've been wondering:
-Are there going to be any new supernatural races showing up in The Infernal Devices/The Mortal Instruments?
-Is Tessa's real father a demon that has been mentioned in Mortal Instruments?
-Are all of the upcoming books going to be about the same length as the ones that have already been published, or are they going to be longer/shorter? Or do you not know for sure yet?
-How do you plan/outline everything? Is it based on events, or chapters, or the characters in the scenes, or main points, etc.?
-What is your favorite supernatural group to write about other that Shadowhunters? Such as the Fae, Vampires, Werewolves, Warlocks...
I apologize if this is a lot of questions, or if the questions seem stupid. "
WEll, I like to think there's a middle ground between "sappy" and "sadist."
"Are there going to be any new supernatural races showing up in The Infernal Devices/The Mortal Instruments?"
Not really. The Downworlders are what they are. If there were more Downworlders, they'd probably have noticed by now. I mean there are banshees, goblins, mermaids, etc. but those are all fairies.
"-Are all of the upcoming books going to be about the same length as the ones that have already been published, or are they going to be longer/shorter? Or do you not know for sure yet?"
My books vary between 100,000-130,000 words and will likely continue to do so.
"-Is Tessa's real father a demon that has been mentioned in Mortal Instruments?"
No.
"-How do you plan/outline everything? Is it based on events, or chapters, or the characters in the scenes, or main points, etc.?"
First a synopsis of the series with all main events bullet pointed, then a detailed outline of each book, then a breakdown of each chapter with each section of the chapter bullet pointed. I use Scrivener.
Hello. I have a couple of questions. But first let's have a hand on you're books. *claps very very loud and screams: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS ROCKS!!* (: It's just a good story and really when I bought the first book I didn't think it'll be all that grand until I finished it two nights after. But anyway let's get back to the questions.
Quetion number One:
So did you have any trouble (like writers block or something like that) while you were writing tMI?
Quetion Number Two:
How did you come up with the names of their weapons, runes, and well, their names?
Question Number Three:
How did you come up with the characters?(Like Jace or Simon)
Question Number Four:
Did you worry if anyone was going to read you're book at all?
Well, I'm all done. So thanks for having this and here's on more cheer for the book. *Raises hands and screams: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENT IS ONE OF THE BEST SERIES EVER!!!!*
(:
-Regina
Spoiler (:I just finished Clockwork Angel, and I LOVED it, but
I couldn't help but think that maybe Will and Jace are both related somehow? Correct me if i'm wrong but they're both Herondale aren't they? Sorry if i'm wrong I haven't read TMI in a really long time. Thank you so much:D
Hi Cassandra! I absolutely LOVE your new book Clockwork Angel! BRILLIANT! I have a question or possibly a theory for the infernal devices series!-Does Jem feel anything for Tessa in the upcoming books?!?!
Thanks, and if its too much of a spoiler to answer the question, its fine! Thanks again for such an amazing book! I cannot wait until the rest of the Mortal Instruments books AND infernal devices!!!! :)
-Natalie
Hello Cassandra,I dunno if this has been asked already, but I just want to know: if we read the next books of TMI (books 4-6) before reading the Infernal Devices, will it spoil the plot or any mystery found in the Clockwork books?
When Clary was in the Hall of Accords with Luke and her mother and about to show the downworlders the binding rune, why was Magnus so withdrawn?
Mod
Thank you for telling us more about Simon. His is turning out to be quite a mournful tale, and everyone loves a tragic hero.
""Will there be further releases from the Mortal Instruments series after City of Heavenly Fire?"
I am pleased that you are confident enough that you will like the next three books that you would want more, but no, probably not, is the answer.
"And you're already shifting focus from Jace and Clary to Simon, so will there be spinoffs/focus on the other characters?"
I'm not shifting focus from Clary and Jace to Simon. As I explained elsewhere here, that was the original idea for City of Fallen Angels, but when COFA became a trilogy, that idea was scrapped. CoFA, CoLS and CoHF all focus on the whole group: Clary, Jace, Simon, Izzy, Alec, Magnus, etc.
"For instance, we know very little about Magnus, even less of his relationship with Alec. It's a tentative couple and a beautiful relationship, and I for one would like to know more about them, individually and together."
Well, since the next 3 books are about the whole cast, Magnus and Alec do have their own plotline.
"Thank you for telling us more about Simon. His is turning out to be quite a mournful tale, and everyone loves a tragic hero."
Well, while the next three books no longer focus on him, he does have a strong plotline and I hope you will be pleased with it.
I was wondering as to whether there would be a character from another city come to visit the Shadowhunters. I myself am from Louisiana and would love to see how you would portray a character from here. Not that you will, but do you think there might be a character from another city that's not ginormous?
Mod
She has a link on her website that shows her tour dates.
http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/app......"
I know. But Denmark's not on there. I just wanted to know if she was maybe thinking about planning on coming to Denmark? "
Julie's right. If I was thinking about or planning to come to Denmark, it would be on there.
**MI spoiler**Hi! I just want to make sure, (no matter how much it hurts me to get the truth), that Max is really dead and won't be coming back to the series at all. *sniff*
*MI spoiler!*What do the Clave & other shodowhunters think about Alec's relationship with Magnus?
Cassandra, I am not being rude, but the worst part of the TMI is magnus and alec having feelings together, but thats just My opinion. I don't plan to read the following books if they focus ALOT on them, but if they are just another part and are only mentioned in magnus' point of view and arent As important as Jace and Clary, then I will STILL read the rest of the series.And I am so overjoyed to know that Jace and Clary's relationship will be a main factor in the upcoming books!!!!! AHHHHHH!!!! I cannot wait!!! These books are so brilliant, I wish every author wrote like you!
And in the Infernal Devices series, does Jem have any future feelings for Tessa?
heyy! I have some questions,1) Is magnus full on gay or is he bi?(sorry if its already been asked)
2) Are there really such things as demon pox in the book?
3)Do Magnus and Alec get married?
4) Are there going to be any other love interests or crushes for clary and Jace?
5) will there be alot of new VERY important characters(ones that are relevant to the plot)
thanks for answering all our questions!
hello cassandra..:))in harry potter, there is an elder wand.
will there be a powerful stele same as the elder wand in harry potter?
i'm just wondering why clary is short for a shadowhunter? because like you said, shadowhunters are supposed to be tall.
thanks:))
Hi Cassandra,This isn't a comment for a question (I don't want to ruin anything for myself :) ) but I thought I might take the chance to tell you how I appreciate you writing these books and then taking the time to come and answer questions for fans.
I know I sound like every other MI or ID fan when I say I love your books but I don't care because I do. :)
So, thank you!
Cassandra wrote: "Kelsey wrote: "Is Magnus going to be the new bad guy?"No. What would turn Magnus evil? Getting a bad haircut?"
Oh good! I was worried that his virtue would be compromised by an unknown factor......could a bad haircut set him off?
Mod
2) I've never been to one of your book signings ! Are we aloud to take pictures with you whilst you sign are books ?
1) There are multiple faerie monarchs, kings and queens, and their territory does not correspond to mundane state lines or city borders.
2) Sure.
Mod
Will's from a small town in England; Maia's from a small town in Jersey. I'm not saying I'll never do anything with a character from another small town or from somewhere farther away, but I'd have to think of an organic reason for it.
Mod
1. Why did Will push Tessa away after the kiss in the attic? Was it because he was worried about his self control? Or did it have something to do with his secret?
It had something to do with his secret. And he was shocked at his own lack of self control as well.
2. This is a prediction I have about Will's secret...When Will was little and living with his family, he opened the box full of demon energies and that has something to do with why he left. He talks about opening a box as a kid and losing everything. So maybe Cecily was the name of his sister that died when he opened it or something. So he left his parents out of shame and anger towards himself and when they came to see him, probably to tell him they forgive him, he couldn't bring himself to see them. So now he's full of a horrible self hatred. Or maybe one of the demon's possessed him and he's in a constant battle with it, to keep it from fully taking him over?
Both are definitely theories I've heard people toss around.
3. I was thinking that maybe Jessamine would fall in love with a Shadowhunter guy, possible Gabriel Lightwood since he seems rude enough, and deal with being a Shadowhunter. Am I even close?
I can't tell you! Except that Jessie will fall in love before the end of the series.
hi cassandra i was wondering what happens to Jace and Clary's relation ship with city of fallen angels and where did you get the idea for the characters Jace and Clary
Mod
CoG Little spoiler.
So I don't know if anyone has asked this yet, but anyway. In CoG on page 525 Theres the girl that Magnus is talking to. Is that girl Tessa? Thanks by the way your books are awsome!
http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/faq...
Love your books, of course, and I think it is great that you are taking the time to do this for everyone!I'm wondering if Emma Bayliss turns out to be of more significance than we were led to believe in Clockwork Angel.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this!
Dear Ms. Clare,1. I was wondering how often Alec spent time with Magnus alone in TMI. It didn't feel like they had enough time together to develop a romance, though they are so sweet together!
2. How did their relationship develop and what drew them to each other? What made Alec decide to pursue a relationship with Magnus even though he still cared about Jace?
3. Does Alec's physical similarities to Will have any significance in Magnus and Alec's relationship?
Mod
But first let's have a hand on you're books. *claps very very loud and screams: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS ROCKS!!* (: It's just a good story and really when I bought the first book I didn't think it'll be all that grand until I finished it two nights after. But anyway let's get back to the questions.
Quetion number One:
So did you have any trouble (like writers block or something like that) while you were writing tMI?
Everyone gets writer's block or gets stuck sometimes.
Quetion Number Two:
How did you come up with the names of their weapons, runes, and well, their names?
The names in my books come from all over the place. Sometimes they can take a long time to develop. Clary Fray is named after two friends of mine. Her name was originally Valerie Frayre (after the artist who does some of the character art on the artwork page), then Valerie Frayne, then (when a friend of mine was also writing a book with a heroine named Valerie) Clary Frayne, then Clary Fray (my editor’s choice) — then when I realized Clary was a nickname, she became Clarice, and finally, Clarissa. (She’s not named after me. She is named after my friend Valerie Frayre, and my friend Clary.) Jace was originally named Will, but Jace is a name I always liked, and it needed to be something that could be short for Jonathan (and now the name Will shows up in Clockwork Angel instead). Max and Isabelle are named for my grandparents. Alec’s name was originally Alex, but Alec is a more interesting version of Alexander, I think. Simon and Maia are named after friends of mine, while Maryse, Robert, Jocelyn and others are simply names I picked out of baby name books and the like. (Luke Garroway I picked because it sounded a bit like loup-garou, which is French for werewolf.)
The names of the angels and seraph blades: Ithuriel, Raziel, Israfiel, etc. come from sources of angel mythology. Paradise Lost, the Bible, the Talmud, the Koran, the Enochian magic system, and so forth. They are all, as far as I know, sourceable to specific mythologies. I did not make any of them up, nor did I make up any of the names of the demons, which come from sources of demon mythology like the Lesser Key of Solomon and, of course, the Bible.
Question Number Three:
How did you come up with the characters?(Like Jace or Simon)
I . . . made them up. Writers, at least the ones I've talked to, always have characters floating around in their heads, bits and pieces of things we know and remember, people we've met, details about historical and literary figures — they all come together during the process of creating a character.
Question Number Four:
Did you worry if anyone was going to read you're book at all?
Of course.
I justed wanted to say that Mortal Instruments is my all time favorite series. I am starting CA as soon as I am done with my two other challenges. Here is my questions: Is Sebastin alive and does he want more from Clary than revenge? I know he is a dark and twisted character but I feel that he may have some feelings for Clary that arent family related or driven by Valentine. I have pondered this for along time.
Mod
II dunno if this has been asked already, but I just want to know: if we read the next books of TMI (books 4-6) before reading the Infernal Devices, will it spoil the plot or any mystery found in the Clockwork books?"
No. It will not.
Q&A with Cassandra Clare
Books mentioned in this topic
Clockwork Angel (other topics)City of Heavenly Fire (other topics)
City of Lost Souls (other topics)
I just finished your book, the fantastic The Clockwork Angel, in about 15 hours... I just couldn’t put it down, and my favorite character has to be Jem…
And my question is, what i..."
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