Alexandra Alexyna
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
I discoverd you with the book Virgin Blue and i became addictive on your work . I think i read 4 of your books in a week . What inspired you to write Virgin Blue and the Girl with the Pearl Earring ?
Tracy Chevalier
Hi Alexandra -
I've just answered a question about what inspired me to write The Virgin Blue - see below. As for Girl with a Pearl Earring, I've loved Vermeer since I was a teenager (in fact many of my novels extend from my teenage obsessions - Vermeer, cemeteries, unicorns, William Blake, cathedrals...), and kept a poster of the painting on my wall for many years. One morning I was lying in bed looking at the painting when I suddenly thought, I wonder what the painter did to her to make her look like that. It was the first time I thought that the expression on her face might have something to do with how she felt about him. So how DID she feel about him? I wanted an answer, and when I found out we don't know who the girl in the painting is, I realized I would have to write an answer. So came the book.
I've just answered a question about what inspired me to write The Virgin Blue - see below. As for Girl with a Pearl Earring, I've loved Vermeer since I was a teenager (in fact many of my novels extend from my teenage obsessions - Vermeer, cemeteries, unicorns, William Blake, cathedrals...), and kept a poster of the painting on my wall for many years. One morning I was lying in bed looking at the painting when I suddenly thought, I wonder what the painter did to her to make her look like that. It was the first time I thought that the expression on her face might have something to do with how she felt about him. So how DID she feel about him? I wanted an answer, and when I found out we don't know who the girl in the painting is, I realized I would have to write an answer. So came the book.
More Answered Questions
Ankhowk
asked
Tracy Chevalier:
Hello, At the library, many years ago, I fell upon "Girl with a Pearl Earring" which made me fall in love with your writing. Since then I read many of your books & I'm looking forward to reading "At the Edge of the Orchard". I would like to know if you have already chosen the subject of your next novel?
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