Author Q & A

Q: This book took you years to finish. How did that lengthy writing process affect the story? And what kept you sticking with the story for such a long time? (Jeanne Kisacky)

The story became richer and revealed more of itself with every draft, even during the final edit once the deal came through with Random House. Over time, I understood more about writing and became more confident in my abilities.

Little things kept me going over the years. Deidre’s entire email was taped beside my desk for the longest time. Other snippets from other positive rejections were there, too:

            You’re a luscious writer, with loads of vivid details and language.
            We loved your style of writing and unique voice.
            There is something about your prose that it unique and captivating.
            The writing is exceptionally good.
            You have great potential.
            I admired these pages very much.
            I think the pitch is great, very high concept and ambitious.

When you’re an unpublished writer, not sure if you’re “wasting” your time or not on your work, it’s important to hang on to all the positives, even to surround yourself with them as I did. But I think the most important thing that kept me committed to this story was the story itself; it just wouldn’t let go. It haunted me, in a way. I had to write it.

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