Michael Murphy asked Jennifer Lynn Alvarez:

I loved Watership Down and I see it's one of your influences. How did it influence your series?

Jennifer Lynn Alvarez Hi Michael, I read Watership Down when I was a child and it had a profound effect on me. First, I didn't believe a long book about rabbits could be interesting or action-packed. I was relying on my view of rabbits, but I gave the book a chance because it was clear the author found a lot to say about them. As I read the book, I was drawn into a rich world of mythology, songs, legends, spirituality, war, and longing for a home. I was blown-away! This book is the one that made me want to become a writer. I saw great power in it, to create a new exciting world.

I've always heard that writers often grow up to write the same books they like to read. When I began the Guardian Herd series, I had Watership Down in mind. I wanted to stick closely to the natural world of horses and horse behaviors, but I enhanced them of course (like adding wings and speech). I didn't want my animals wearing clothes and building elaborate things like homes, boats, weapons etc. My pegasi build simple things like nests and baskets using natural materials. I think this desire to remain natural comes from my enjoyment of Watership Down.

Lastly, Watership Down was action-packed and somewhat brutal for a rabbit story, but these high stakes made the book feel real to me. As a kid, I loved that! I wanted to explore tough themes without them being too adult, and animal fantasy books gave me that. I felt encouraged to write a high stakes series like the Guardian Herd in part because of Watership Down.

I hope that answers your question, Michael. Thanks for asking!

flag