FAQs

Why did you choose to write fantasy?

I didn't consciously choose it; it just happened. I like the freedom to create
a world without established boundaries. I love historical fiction, but I'm not good at research; while I'm drawn to Restoration England, for instance, I'll probably never
write about it for fear of getting something wrong. Not that there are no rules
for writing fantasy-they're just easier to bend.

What's your method?

I subscribe to Stephen King's theory of literary archaeology: the story is buried
in its entirety and the writer's job is to unearth it, layer by layer, until it's revealed.
Sometimes it's a treasure. Other times, it's an old Coke bottle.
That decision is up to the reader.

Where is your ideal writing environment?

Again, King recommends sitting in the corner with your back to the window.
I write in my bedroom, with my back to the window! Sometimes I have music
playing, but I've found that the inspiration from music
actually comes when I'm not writing.

How does music inspire you?

Being a novelist, I like to expand on impressions from an artist's lyrics.
A song is a story, and the really inspiring ones incite my imagination.
I can't predict it, either. I'll have a disc on as background noise and
suddenly I'll be hit with a vision. It sounds hokey, but that's how it happens.

Do you write for a particular audience?

I write for myself. I'm a reader before I'm a writer, so if I'm interested in
what I'm doing, I trust that other people (not everyone!) will be interested, too.

Who does the cover art for your books?

My best friend, Terri Kerr. She's one of the most creative people I know,
and actually gave me the character of Lucius Aurelius. Initially, I wrote
the story for her. We used to joke about her doing the cover art for my
novels-and now it's happening!

Who is Joe Elliott?

You don't know? Shame on you! He'd be so disappointed …