Ask the Author: Jessica Spotswood
Answered Questions (11)
Jessica Spotswood
New England! But an alternately-history version of New England.
Jessica Spotswood
Thank you so much! That's a huge compliment. I'm actually one of three sisters myself - like Cate, I'm the eldest. I was inspired to write Born Wicked by a dream I had about my sisters and me fighting over a magical locket from our mom! Obviously there is no magical locket in real life, but I was intrigued by the idea of writing about the complicated mix of love and competition between siblings with magical powers.
Jessica Spotswood
Thanks so much, Tiarra! I don't think I will ever write a spinoff for the Cahill witches. I miss those characters but I am happy with where I left them. My new books include two contemporary YA novels: Wild Swans, which is already out, and The Last Summer of the Garrett Girls, which comes out this June 5. They don't have magic, but they are more stories about sisters, strong girls, and swoony boys...
Jessica Spotswood
Thank you so much, Saam! One of my best writing tips to create high stakes is to figure out what your main character is most afraid of, and then make that happen!
Jessica Spotswood
I hope one of my books will be picked up by a Brazilian publisher! I love hearing from Brazilian readers who loved the Cahill Witch Chronicles!
Jessica Spotswood
Yes, it will be released through Brilliance Audio, just like A Tyranny of Petticoats!
Jessica Spotswood
First I have to determine what kind of writer's block it is. There's the nagging sense that something isn't working, which is usually bc I've made a wrong turn in the story, and I have to go back to the last place where it felt right and make a different choice. Then there's the fear of suck, when my inner editor is overwhelming me. When that happens, I turn on the program Write or Die, which starts to eat my words if I don't keep writing. It's very motivational!
Jessica Spotswood
Hearing from readers! It absolutely makes my day when I get an email from a reader who says my stories have made her cry or swoon or throw the book across the room.
Jessica Spotswood
By reading! So many of my ideas come from reading and thinking, "I want to write something like this, but--" (with some kind of twist). Also by teaching. I teach workshops for 10-12 year olds and teens, and their passion for writing is so inspiring!
Jessica Spotswood
My newest book - which hasn't been announced yet! - was inspired in part by April Tucholke's BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA. I love her setting of the ramshackle old mansion by the sea, and I wanted to write something with a strong setting, where the setting functions almost as another character.
Jessica Spotswood
Hi, Amanda! I'm so glad you're excited for PETTICOATS & PISTOLS. Me too! I've been editing the first drafts of all the stories, and they are AMAZING and only going to get more so! It's such an incredible group of authors! I'm not sure if we'll be able to share entire stories early, but I bet we'll get to reveal some snippets or at least share some of the premises next year!
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