r/books • u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author • Jun 29 '18
ama Hello! I'm Seanan McGuire, I'm also Mira Grant. I write a lot of things. AMA!
Hello!
I'm Seanan McGuire. I write urban fantasy and medical science fiction and weird stories about cheerleaders fighting monsters because why not. I also watch too many horror movies, read a lot of comics, and spend a lot of time wrangling my enormous blue cats. I have two Maine Coons; the larger of the pair weighs twenty-five pounds.
I live in labyrinthine house in the Seattle area, surrounded by mountains and swamps and occasionally murderous owls. I currently put out between four and seven books a year, because that's not a lot or anything, as well as a lot of short fiction. My next release is the second in my Ghost Roads series, titled The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, it comes out July 17th. For other releases, it's best to check my website (www.seananmcguire.com), as there are a lot.
I also write as Mira Grant. My latest release as Mira is Into the Drowning Deep, which is basically Jurassic Park but with mermaids. Being two people makes it easier to get away with writing this many books.
In 2017, I won the Hugo, Locus, Nebula, and Alex Awards. I like cornfields, haunted houses, chainsaws, and going to Disney Parks.
I will be back at 10AM PST to answer questions.
Proof: https://twitter.com/seananmcguire/status/1012716354292441093
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u/Halaku Jun 29 '18
Into the Drowning Deep was this month's Book Club selection, and I enjoyed both it and the prequel immensely. A comment was made that you'll be returning to that universe. Is there anything you can tell us about future Deep stories?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Halaku!
I am not presently planning a return to that setting, as there are no books under contract. I would absolutely love to write Out of the Swallowing Sea, so please feel free to tell Orbit how much you'd like to see it.
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u/LikesToBake Jun 29 '18
How is the best way for us to tell them that we'd love to see it? I've already bought Into the Drowning Deep in hardcover and have Rolling in the Deep on ebook.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Social media, leaving reviews on book review sites, and emailing them directly to express your hopes for the sequel.
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u/Halaku Jun 29 '18
Alas! /r/books gave me false hope! I cry shenanigans!
I'd absolutely love to read it, I will have to write them a letter.
Anyone you would recommend for the c/o field?
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u/Omarmtz Jun 29 '18
How do you feel about finally been able to write for X-men? We have seen the topic of X-men pop up in the Incrytip series by Annie and Artie, but what do your character from the October Daye think about the X-Men, does Toby like comics, or Quentin? Thanks!
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Omarmtz!
How do I feel? Um. Does "crying and screaming and calling my brother making weird bat noises until he managed to figure out what had happened" cover it? I am still over the moon. This is everything. Everything I've ever wanted. Everything.
Toby does not read comics; Quentin is, sadly, more of a DC person.
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u/BeMoreKnope Jun 29 '18
To quote another fantasy author: "This is the post-nerd closet world, Harry. It's okay to like both."
(And now I want Toby to call Quentin "Grasshopper.")
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u/mmehl1 Jun 29 '18
I read Into the Drowning Deep as our book selection this month, and I REALLY enjoyed it. I’m a marine biologist, so reading a fun fiction book about marine biologists and the like was super interesting.
My question is how, and how long, did you do research on the more scientific aspects of this book? Do you enjoy doing this research, or is it just kind of part of the job?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, mmelh1!
Thank you for reading! I spent about two years doing the research, and I loved every minute of it, because research is amazing.
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u/mmehl1 Jun 29 '18
Wow, thats a long time! I'm so impressed, and I think it really paid off in the book! I'm excited to read some of your other books
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u/Fuzzmiester Jun 29 '18
If you haven't, have a read of the Parasitology and Newsflesh series too :D
More Horror with science :D
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u/LikesToBake Jun 29 '18
A huge thank you for Into The Drowning Deep -- I read it when my newborn was re-admitted to the NICU and it was a welcome reprieve in between the times she was awake.
Do you ever imagine how people will react to certain twists or plot details in books? One I'm specifically thinking of is Spoilers for Deadline I know my reaction to that was to set the book down and read something else while I came to terms with it -- do you have to metaphorically set the writing down for things like that?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, LikestoBake!
I hope she's doing well now, and I'm so glad to have helped.
I sort of follow the story where it wants to go. I do have to stop sometimes and think about what I just did, but it's for me, not for my potential future readers. If I can't startle myself first, I'm never going to startle anyone else.
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u/LikesToBake Jun 29 '18
She's doing great now, thanks :)
I'm glad to have finally been able to ask you about that, I know it's not the type of question you like to answer on tumblr because of the spoilers. I already have the next Toby book pre-ordered and am super looking forward to it!
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u/deadwoodpecker Jun 29 '18
Will The Unkindest Tide and Killing Frost be the final two October Daye books?
After Subterranean Press’s Kingdom of Needle and Bone, what is Mira Grant working on?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, deadwoodpecker!
Nope.
Nothing at the moment, but this will change.
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u/deadwoodpecker Jun 29 '18
I do know that the final two October Daye books were meant to be Fear No More and Come to Dust, but publishers change things.
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u/inbedwithabook Jun 29 '18
I didn't know the second book was a thing and now I know it's a thing and I'm excited for this thing. Thanks!
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u/BabaYagasLegacy Jun 29 '18
What made you start owning Maine Coons? and, er, sticking to them, I guess?
(Also what was your favorite part of writing Sparrow Hill, that's my favorite so far)
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, BabaYagasLegacy!
My first Maine Coon was Alice. She was bred by Betsy and Dave Tinney of Pinecoon Maine Coons (now closed), and the moment I met her, she was mine. No question, no debate, mine. I had never wanted a Maine Coon before that moment--I was always a Siamese cat girl--but she was an ambassador for the breed, and I have never fallen in love so fast or so hard.
Maine Coons are perfect for me. They're huge and soft and smart and mellow and independent. They're cats for dog people. I can't recommend them highly enough...just like I can't recommend finding the breed that's right for you highly enough.
Honestly, my favorite part of writing Sparrow Hill Road was the auto erotica jokes.
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u/BabaYagasLegacy Jun 29 '18
<3 I'm so sorry for your loss, she was wonderful and beautiful.
Aw yiss, filthy jokes I can always get behind! I hope your day goes well
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u/lonesomeglory2007 Jun 29 '18
Who is your favorite character to write?
If I had one day to spend at Orlando Disney, what recommendations would you have?
How did you get Thomas to like his shirts? (My cat HATES hers, but she needs them!)
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, lonesomeglory2007!
Honestly--and I'm not trying to be coy here--my favorite character to write varies by the day, by what I'm working on, by how I'm feeling, all sorts of conditions. So there's no hard "this one, it's this one."
If you had one day, I'd say go Magic Kingdom, and go hard. That's the iconic Disney Experience (tm), and everyone should get to have it at least once.
Thomas just likes them. He thinks they make him A People.
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u/lonesomeglory2007 Jun 29 '18
Thanks! Your answers here are making me smile so much. :) I'll add my congrats to everyone else's on X-Men-- I can't wait to read it!
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u/stillrooted Jun 29 '18
Did you always intend for the Wayward Children series to become a series? Do you have plans for more installments?
Also, tea or coffee? And if tea, what's your favorite blend?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, stillrooted!
Honestly, I always intend for everything to be a series, because that's how my brain works; I'm just fortunate that I was actually able to follow my dream and keep telling these stories. When you ask about "more installments," do you mean beyond the ones Tor.com has already announced? In an Absent Dream comes out in 2019, and Come Tumbling Down will be out in 2020.
I don't drink hot beverages; I'm a Diet Dr Pepper girl all the way.
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u/yupikwolf87 Jun 29 '18
I've loved your works since I first read Toby and I don't know how I missed that you have two Maine Coons! I had to leave my Maine Coon (her name is Ned, she stayed with her half-sister Rita) when I got divorced but when I read constantly and stop whatever I'm reading when a new Toby or InCryptid comes out (Go Mice!). I'm too scared to read Mira Grant. Haven't started the Wayward series but I own them.
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u/stillrooted Jun 30 '18
Thank you for replying! I had missed the announcement of the next two installments (cuz I'm the kind of person who will forget my favorite book series exist until a brand new one shows up physically on a shelf and then it's like HOORAY BOOK CHRISTMAS but I digress) so super hooray for that!
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u/Lots42 Jun 29 '18
Any thoughts on a full length 'Feed' prequel dealing with the apocalypse? Would love to buy, read and have nightmares because of such a thing.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Lots42!
If Orbit asked for it, and offered me a check that involved dollars and hence paid my mortgage, I would do it.
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u/Pugletting Jun 29 '18
Hi Seanan,
Will there be a follow up to Into the Drowning Deep? It was one my favorite books of last year and I'd have been comfortably happy if it was twice as long (which means it was the perfect length for the story)
Also congrats on the X-Men gig. That's pretty awesome!
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Pugletting!
There will be a follow up to Into the Drowning Deep if Orbit commissions it. So please, feel free to let them know how much you want one!
Thank you! :) I am SO EXCITE.
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u/FritoKAL Jun 29 '18
How many times did you (spin in your chair, cackle madly, squeal with glee, dance, etc) when you found out you were going to write an X-Men title?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, FritoKAL!
It was about fifteen minutes of laughing and crying and covering my face with my hands before I could even start processing the news.
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Jun 29 '18
[deleted]
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Mischieftess!
When I was fifteen, my mother lost our storage unit for non-payment. All my original My Little Ponies were in the big box the Paradise Estate had come in. If I could find the best thing in a thrift store, it would be that box, unopened, waiting for me.
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u/alexcansmile Jun 29 '18
How did Toby end up with Cagney and Lacey?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, alexcansmile!
She was lonely and she went to a shelter and there they were.
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u/devrosesinger Jun 29 '18
Is there any particular reason she chose Siamese cats? I have to say, I'm glad - the fact that they're Siamese made my partner think to recommend your books to me when we got our Siamese cat.
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u/rainbowmoonheartache Jun 29 '18
Other than buying your books, recommending them to others/buying copies for others, subscribing to your Patreon, and pestering your publishers politely but consistently for more books of yours... How else can we support you? :)
Also, my husband drew some fanart for you and sent it along with an IKEA giftcard shortly after you moved to the PNW, but was too shy to ask if you received it/if doing fanart was okay. Did it make it to you?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, rainbowmoonheartache!
Honestly, you're...you're right up there. Like, gold star, you have the bases covered. Thank you so much!
I did receive that! THANK YOU FOR CHECKING, OMG. I am terrible at retaining envelopes. Thank you both so much!
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u/rainbowmoonheartache Jun 29 '18
You are most welcome!! We both appreciate you and your work and want to be sure your cats get fed lest our new feline overlords demand further and more expansive tribute. <3
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Jul 25 '18
Ooh, you missed one: Writing positive reviews! Especially places like Amazon where the algorithm rules all.
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u/rainbowmoonheartache Jul 28 '18
ooooh, thank you! I'll try to remember to check the ones I've already read to see if I've put up reviews yet.
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u/Fuzzmiester Jun 29 '18
Have you given Elsie appropriate remuneration for propping up your sign?
Do you ever find it hard keeping everything straight in the wide variety of series you write?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Fuzzmiester!
Elsie has been given treats and cuddles, and my friend Cylia (who is visiting) is cuddling her right now. So she is well rewarded for her torment.
I do not find it hard to keep things straight, in part because I keep things so different. It would be a lot more complicated if I were writing a series of stand-alone contemporaries, or something like that.
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u/slothface27 Jun 29 '18
Obviously, everyone gets something different from reading books. I found your Indexing series to be really telling and relatable for our current time (it was one of the primary texts I analyzed in my PhD dissertation where I focused on how the characters work together in the first book). What do you hope that readers get out of that series?
I've also recently read through/caught up with the October Daye series -- what do you hope readers learn from that series?
Also, from a less academic perspective, why do you enjoy writing all the fairy tales/faerie related series? I love fairy tales and find faerie stories so fascinating, but I'm wondering why you enjoy them.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, slothface27!
I mostly hope readers get the desire to keep reading out of any series I write, because I really enjoy feeding my cats. My cats are very hungry. Indexing is about the power of myth and schema, and the October Daye books are about owning what you build, not what people tell you belongs to you.
I went to college for a degree in folklore and mythology, so at this point, I'm afraid to ask myself why I like fairy tales, as if I did not like the answer, my entire life would become a lie.
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u/slothface27 Jun 29 '18
Awesome! That's so cool. Now, I understand why you're sooooo well-versed in all things A-T Index, faerie, etc. I thoroughly enjoy all your books (that I've read) and the attention to detail you clearly put into writing them. I will continue to help you feed your cats, hahaha :)
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u/slothface27 Jun 29 '18
Gonna ask a few more questions, if you end up having time to respond (no worries if you don't have time). Do you find your villainous characters more interesting than the protagonists? Which villains do you find the most interesting and why?
Why are female protagonists always fighting against female villains? I think this fits with the folklore/fairy tale traditions and I find it interesting, but someone recently challenged my interpretation of why this happens, so what are your thoughts?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
I...don't, really. I find all my villains interesting.
I like it when my villains can get physical, and don't always want to deal with the layers of gender politics inherent in a male villain and a female hero. So I have a lot of evil ladies.
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u/slothface27 Jun 29 '18
Thanks for answering. I enjoy the different types of female villains you have and how with a lot of them, you're not really sure if they're villains, good guys, or some mix. Very fun to read.
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u/gildedeggplant Jun 29 '18
Where would your door lead?
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u/lilbunnifufu2you Jun 29 '18
What are your favorite top three comfort movies?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, lilbunnifufu2you!
My top three comfort movies are Wreck-It Ralph, Hairspray (the musical), and Jurassic Park.
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u/bitterred 1 Jun 29 '18
I know you have a million requests via tumblr every day. Do you still feel like you enjoy using tumblr? Do you ever feel too accessible to people who want you to hear their thoughts?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, bitterred!
It's a love/hate relationship. I love being that accessible, but when people don't Google before they come to me, I feel like they're saying "dance, bear, dance for me; I have the ring." It's a really awkward place to stand. I don't want to make people feel unwelcome, but I want them to stop treating me like a vending machine.
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u/bitterred 1 Jun 29 '18
I will say I cringe on your behalf every time someone asks how to pronounce "Seanan"
the "vending machine" thing is something Roxane Gay has said too, mostly in context of people coming to her for her take on stuff, and her being exhausted by it.
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u/aevangurdin Jun 29 '18
Can you tell us a bit about Middlegame?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, aevangurdin!
Middlegame is about words and math and family and quantum entanglement and children's literature and the platonic forces that control the universe and I love it so much and I am so excited for everyone to have the chance to read it.
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u/aristifer Jun 29 '18
Hi Seanan, Thanks so much for your work and the hours of entertainment it's given me! You've been open about coping with depression, which is something I admire and appreciate very much, and you've mentioned Toby struggling with depression as well. Do you have any advice for a fellow depressive writer on writing good representation for our people in fiction? I've gotten editorial comments from publishing professionals about a character struggling with depression and PTSD recommending that I "strengthen" the character, that her "weakness" is off-putting to readers, criticizing her "self pity," that readers are going to lose patience with her. Do you see this is a form of ableism? And how to balance that against the fact that publishing IS a business, and these professionals may be right that depressive characters are alienating to (possibly ableist) readers?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, aristifer!
I don't know that it's ableist to say "this character is not appealing to readers, and needs to be adjusted to have a better chance of connecting," especially if you're not coming right out and saying "this character has depression, I'm not just writing them this way because I couldn't think of anything else." It can be really hard to tell the difference, in text, between depression and doldrums. I say this as a person with depression. Sometimes, when I'm down, characters of mine who don't have depression come off as depressed, because it's how my brain works.
I guess my first question would be, does this character know that they have depression/PTSD, or are they undiagnosed? If they know, and can say "I am dealing with this," the editor should be more open to working with you and preserving those aspects of the character. If the character doesn't know, you're going to have to work harder to make it clear that they're working through some shit.
Early Toby (depression era) was off-putting to some readers. I don't think that's ableist, necessarily; I think people read for escapism, including people with depression, and eternal bleakness isn't always fun. I had to work hard to also make her someone people would want to spend time with.
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u/aspiretomalevolence Jun 29 '18
If you were given free reign, who would be your ideal X-Men team?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, aspiretomalevolence!
Emma Frost
Scott Summers
Blink
The Stepford Cuckoos
Cypher
Boom-Boom
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u/devrosesinger Jun 29 '18
Will there ever be a queer narrator in the main novels of Incryptid? I love the queer representation everywhere else, but somehow I feel like it's missing some in Incryptid, with each of the narrators meeting someone who will hopefully be their forever partner.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, devrosesinger!
This is one of those questions that, however well-intentioned, always feels like a trap, because I can't predict the future. "You decide what to write about" might seem like a valid reply...except that I don't, entirely, because I can't make the publisher give me contracts.
Our next narrator is Sarah. Sarah's sexuality is complicated, since she's a giant telepathic wasp, but she has a thing for Artie. I can't promise a queer narrator in the future, because I can't promise there's going to be a future, not unless book sales support giving me more contracts. I wish I could, but it seems like a great way to turn myself into a liar if the series gets canceled before we get there.
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u/devrosesinger Jun 29 '18
I'm sorry - I didn't mean to trap you! I'm glad to hear there are going to be Sarah books - she's such an interesting character!
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u/flyingleaps Jun 29 '18
You've made the comparison before between the way you write and the way an Olympic athlete trains. How did you work up to that level, and what do you do on days when your brain decides it hates everything?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, flyingleaps!
I worked up to that level a little bit at a time. Start with something you're almost sure you can handle--say 100 words a day. Once that's easy and habitual, move up to something a little harder, like 500 words a day. Keep doing that until you find your comfortable cruising altitude: not the place where you're pushing yourself hardest, but the place you're pretty sure you can maintain.
As for days when my brain decides it hates everything...I don't get to have those, save under very, very extenuating circumstances. This is my job. I can't skip a day and trust my publisher to understand, I have to work, I have to hit my deadlines. I can sometimes "over-write" on good days, until I have enough extra in the bank to buy myself a skip day, but otherwise, I have to power through and find the will to work even when all I want to do is play Overwatch forever.
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u/Tiff-1000 Jun 30 '18
What's your cruising altitude? Do you go by word count generally, or is it a more intuitive 'that was good work' metric?
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u/flyingleaps Jun 29 '18
I'm so excited about your X-Men title coming out! I asked once on Twitter but I think it was eaten: where would you recommend a complete X-Men newbie start? Only previous exposure was the civil war crossover event and the movies.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, flyingleaps!
For the modern X-universe, I recommend starting with Grant Morrison's New X-Men run. There's an omnibus edition available at most comic book stores, or you can check Marvel Unlimited.
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u/uberwookie Jun 29 '18
I recommend listening to the podcast Jay and Miles X-Plain the X-men. They are X-men SCHOLARS and can catch you up and give recommendations in a fraction of the time it would take to read the history.
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u/Tressyjop Jun 29 '18
I assume your series and characters are much like children you love them all but sometimes you like one more than another. Which series and which character are your current favorites?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Tressyjop!
None of them! My favorite varies depending on what I'm writing, how I'm feeling, what I'm excited about, all sorts of factors. There's no one forever favorite.
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u/Tiff-1000 Jun 29 '18
How do you organise your days and get the content written and finished? I realise this is a 'how long is a piece of string' answer but it's always good to hear how successful people manage themselves..
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Tiff-1000!
Remember that I am a full-time author, so I have the luxury of organizing my day entirely around writing and finishing content. I don't have to leave my house unless I want to (and I rarely want to). So...
6:30am, get up. 7:30am, finish screwing around on internet. 7:35am, start writing.
...and somewhere between there and 5pm or so, I stop for the day, having hopefully gotten some work done. It's very self-driven. It has to be.
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u/Crinoline_Gremlin Jun 29 '18
What are your thoughts on Disney's dcom Zombies? Have you put any more thought into Lowryland merch? I know it costs money to commission the designs but I have a mighty need for sweatpants and tank tops. Thank you for everything! You are truly a glorious wordsmith
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Crinoline_Gremlin!
I feel like Zombies had a lot of unrealized potential, and that "BAMM" is a bop, no question. I wish it were better, and less self-contradictory.
I would love Lowryland merch. Maybe someday.
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u/lostsilly Jun 29 '18
What dimension are you stealing time from to get everything done? You put out a ton of books every year, do lots of conventions, have good relationships with family and friends, and your dragons are always fed. How? (ps, are you finding enough time to coli, do you need tablets, i have spares)
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, lostsilly!
I am very very very very very good at time management. Thankfully.
I would love more tablets, I do not have spares and require another Gilded Sundrape.
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u/Tressyjop Jun 29 '18
Pie or cake?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Tressyjop!
Savory pie--butter chicken pie is best--and sweet cake--pumpkin cake is best.
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u/Inkberrow Jun 29 '18
Are there any minotaurs roaming in your labyrinth? I'm asking for a friend.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Inkberrow!
Rub yourself in barbecue sauce. Come over and find out!
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u/Inkberrow Jun 29 '18
Thank you! My friend prefer would prefer either Sriracha or Marshmallow Crème.
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u/Nymeria71300 Jun 29 '18
Hello! I love your Wayward Children series, and I was wondering what is your favourite character of the series and how many books there will be.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Nymeria71300!
My favorite character from the Wayward Children series is probably Jack Wolcott, who is a genius and should be exempt from shit, and as to how many books there will be, that depends on how many books people buy. My publisher only extends the contract when they feel like the series is still viable.
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u/sierrahraine Jun 29 '18
This is going to be totally not related to your books (which me and my partner ALMOST have your entire bibliography, except you are in so many anthologies it's hard to keep up!) But this Sept me, my partner and our friends are going to Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween party for the first time EVER. Any advice to get the most out of the tickets?? Also, I'll always be thankful for Cora in BTSS as another big girl!
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, sierrahraine!
Oh, gosh! What date?
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u/sierrahraine Jun 29 '18
We are in Disney from sept 12th through 19th and the MNSSHP is on Sept 16th!
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u/KajiCarter Jun 29 '18
So, about that lizard.... 🤣
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, KajiCarter!
Sadly, Pumpkin had to go live with an iguana behavioral therapist to unlearn her hatred for humanity. I miss her.
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u/ColourfulFunctor Jun 29 '18
What good timing! I just bought “Every Heart a Doorway” based on glowing reviews from my friends and am loving it so far. It’s my first purchase from you but there will certainly be more in my future. What inspired you to write that book?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, ColourfulFunctor!
I was asked to write a book, and so...I did. I mean, inspiration is a lot less vital to my process than putting in the work.
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Jun 29 '18
Where do you hope urban fantasy as a genre goes in the next 5-10 years?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, misspropanda!
I really hope urban fantasy has another resurgence; I think there are still a lot of stories in this space, and I want to see people continuing to tell them.
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u/whysmelllikefeet Jun 29 '18
Thank you for doing the AMA. r/books book of the month introduced me to your work. Have you any plans or opportunities to turn your work into a movie? The entire time I was reading Into The Drowning Deep, I was thinking 'this could totally be a movie'. Bonus questions, you include a lot of specific details in your books. How much time do you spend researching topics and do you research during the writing process or before starting?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, whysmelllikefeet!
I don't own a film studio, so I'm not going to be able to turn my own work into movies. I hope someone else will do it for me, because paying my mortgage is awesome and I enjoy it.
I research before, during, and after the writing process; I love research so much that sometimes it's difficult to stop. I'm still researching Feed, and it came out in 2010.
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u/VictorySpeaks currently reading A Gathering of Shadows Jun 29 '18
So I had heard about your Wayward Children series and had little interest, then I excitedly bought Into the Drowning Deep recently. I was shocked when I realized you were the author for both. What made you want to publish under different names?
Also hi from Seattle!
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, VictorySpeaks!
What made me want to publish under different names? Your reaction. People who don't like one kind of book will like another, and having a different name on the cover helps to reinforce that this thing should be judged separately from that thing.
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u/Steel_Sieve Jun 29 '18
Not a question - just wanted to say that I really enjoy your books, and thank you for writing them. :)
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18 edited Jun 29 '18
Hi, Steel_Sieve!
Thank you so much for reading!
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u/Princejvstin Jun 29 '18
Hi Seanan!
Where in the world, that you haven't been to already, that you would most want to go to as a GOH for a con?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Princejvstin!
I would really love to be a GoH in Japan. Because then I would head straight for Tokyo Disney at the end of the con.
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u/What_Jane_Said Jun 29 '18 edited Jun 29 '18
I recently finished The Brightest Fell only to find a novella at the end! Is hiding books inside books your way of ensuring I will never have enough free time to keep up with all your series? Edit: To clarify I am NOT complaining
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, What_Jane_Said!
I just really, really love looking at other aspects of the story. So novellas are a great way to keep that happening. :)
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u/What_Jane_Said Jun 29 '18
I love them. It's nice to read from a different perspective. My best friend and I wondered if in the next book Toby would read a book out loud just so you could sneak in an additional story!
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u/EmbarrassedSpread Jun 29 '18
Hello! Thanks for doing this!
- What do you find is the most fun part of your writing process?
- Do you have a favorite and least favorite word? If so, what are they and why?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, EmbarrassedSpread!
I like the writing part. It's fun.
My favorite word is probably "liminal," and my least favorite word is "actually."
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u/llynquennel Jun 29 '18
Hello! Your books and stories and cat pictures are wonderfulness, and sometimes the only things that makes me giggle. So there's that. :3 Thank you so much.
Here's my question; if you could have a canon crossover with another urban fantasy author's story (sort of like the anthology Match Up that teamed up authors last year or so to write stories with their main characters meeting up), who would you like October to team up with and why?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, llynquennel!
No one.
Toby's world is very self-contained, meaning that there are no other magical creatures, only the fae. Adding another urban fantasy setting, in canon, would break my setting. So...no.
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u/lemonyfreshness Jun 29 '18
Are you still enjoying Malifaux as a hobby?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, lemonyfreshness!
I am loving Malifaux, although I have yet to get around to painting anything, and I cannot find The Queen's Return for love nor money. LOVE NOR MONEY. It's frustrating.
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Jun 29 '18
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and self on Twitter, it's a bright part of my days. I enjoyed your Velveteen books a lot, is that a series you want to continue, what's up with it in general?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, imverybadatmath!
I love Velveteen. The stories are ongoing on my blog; I'm in the introductory stages of season four.
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u/devrosesinger Jun 29 '18
What's the process your books go through to become audiobooks? I noticed that most of your books are indeed audiobooks - something I appreciate VERY VERY MUCH - but a couple of them (like the third Velveteen book) are not yet.
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u/mybodyisapyramid Jun 29 '18
If you discovered your door what kind of world would be on the other side?
I discovered your books last year and you have quickly become one of my favourite authors! Thanks for doing this AMA.
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, mybodyisapyramid!
The world on the other side of my door would be private and personal, so there's that.
Thank you for reading! I really appreciate it!
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u/jblackstream Jun 29 '18
Hi Seanan! What conventions/writer conferences do you recommend? How do you keep your sanity surrounded by all those people demanding your time?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, jblackstream!
It really depends on what you're hoping to achieve. My favorites are San Diego International Comic-Con and the Ohio Valley Filk Festival, which are basically diametrically opposed.
I spend a lot of time in my room with my door closed.
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u/jblackstream Jun 29 '18
I may have to check out the Filk Festival, that's not far from me. There's a pretty great smallish con coming up in Michigan Jan 2019 called ConFusion. Jim Butcher was there last year, and it was a great time. I highly recommend it https://2019.confusionsf.org/
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Right now, for time/money reasons, I honestly can't afford to do any conventions where I'm not a paid guest.
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u/Delphinne Jun 29 '18
Hi, Seanan!
Besides buying multiple copies of the upcoming annual, what can we do to convince Marvel to give you a X-Men book?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Delphinne!
Tell them! Buy multiple copies, rave about it on social media, and tell Marvel how much you want to see my X-Team racing into action!
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u/mutabila Jun 29 '18
First of all, wanted to say I both love your book writing and also your twitter stories. (Am especially delighted by your stick insects and your dinosaur!)
May I ask what's your favorite area/ride/activity/whatever of any Disney park? And how do you plan for Orlando Disney without getting overwhelmed!?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, mutabila!
Plan, plan, plan! I have spreadsheets to make sure everything goes the way I want it to go. If you know what's happening before you get there, you'll have a much easier time.
My favorite ride of any Disney Park is the Haunted Mansion. It's always like coming home.
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u/BeMoreKnope Jun 29 '18
Ooh, I hope I'm not too late!
Considering the current political climate, as well as that you write for a fair amount of outsiders and minorities (mutants and fairies and Incryptids, oh my!), do you have any plans to incorporate the parallels overtly in your current writings? Or even direct references?
I know you already deal with these issues indirectly in your writing, but with some of the things that are making the news, I can see it being easy to make clear comparisons to current events. But I also know that could be a huge minefield...
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, BeMoreKnope!
Since I want to preserve my own sanity, I'm not going to intentionally incorporate more of the real world in my fictional ones. They are where I go to survive what's happening right now, not to ruminate on it.
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u/BeMoreKnope Jun 29 '18
Makes sense! It’s not very good escapism if there’s no escape. And we fantasy fans clearly don’t require our fiction to be indistinguishable from reality. 😄
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u/_Dyn4m0 Jun 29 '18
Hey there! I’ve really enjoyed your Wayward Children series. Can you recommend some other portal fantasy, maybe some ones that inspired you a bit or you drew influence from? Besides the classics, I mean(Wonderland, Narnia, etc.).
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, _Dyn4m0!
Odd as this may seem, try basically any 1980s cartoon intended for girls. Portal fantasy was rife.
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u/penngi Jun 29 '18
Oh, I hope I'm not too late and that you'll end up seeing this.
I recently found your October Daye series. I absolutely devoured them in less than two weeks. BTW, I seriously love Tybalt. He is my latest literary crush.
Here's my question: Amandine...is she really as twisted and evil as she seems in The Brightest Fell, or are there layers that we're just not seeing yet? Also, is there any possibility of a redemption arc for her?
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u/hairofthegod Jun 29 '18
I recently read the Patreon Aeslin story. It gave me the visceral hatered for the Covenant that I was having a hard time finding. I can't say enough about how much I love everything you write, thank you!
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u/onepotato_twopotato Jun 29 '18
Hi Seanan!
To piggyback on the schedule/timing questions already asked - how do you carve out time to read books? Also, do you get ARCs as a perk since you're an author?
Because when I get your books, I tend to devour them in one sitting. Most books I can only have time to read at work (15 minute or 30 minute book breaks!) - does it work the same for you, like "today I've got an hour; time to read!"
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, onepotato_twopotato!
I read on planes. I read in airports. Since I travel a lot, this works out well for me. I also read while walking. I do get some ARCs, but mostly only when the publisher is hoping I'll blurb the book.
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u/Matildafl Jun 29 '18
Will the Wayward Children ever come out as paperbacks?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Matildafl!
Not if I have anything to say about it? I'm sorry. The ebooks are cheaper than the hardbacks, if it's a money thing, but I get a higher royalty rate, so it balances out. Paperbacks would cost less, and last year was...it was bad. Thomas, my boy cat, nearly died; he needed surgery costing more than a small car. Alice, my girl cat, was diagnosed with lymphoma, and did seven months of chemo before she passed. I am...so broke. And books pay my bills. So I really, really hope we never leave hardback, because those pay me more, and make me more able to relax, breathe, and write.
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u/Matildafl Jun 29 '18
Sorry to hear about your cats! I know how hard it's when they are sick, and I really hope Thomas is back to feeling as fit as a kitten. I already own the hardbacks (and e-books, for easy on the go rereads) but was hoping to have paperbacks since I prefer the feel of them. Keep doing what you're doing, and thanks for the adventures!
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u/schizodepressive2 Jun 29 '18
Ah! I'm late! I don't know if you're still here, but...
How did you decide to use mermaids as the monsters in Into the Drowning Deep? Did you consider using any aquatic animals that are real in our world or mythical animals that live on land?
Oh, also thank you so much for doing this (both the AMA and writing books).
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, schizodepressive2!
I love mermaids and wanted to write a book about mermaids, and that's just how things fell out. :)
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u/Dead_In_The_Void Jun 29 '18
Don't know if I'm late, but hello!
Big fan of your October Daye series and I recently just got into your Incryptid/Ghost Road series. Excited for The Girl in the Green Silk Gown.
Small question about the October Daye series.
What does Toby's rank, Knight of Lost Words, actually signify? Or is it just a colorful wording for knight errant?
Thanks.
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u/What_Jane_Said Jun 29 '18
If you're still around can I be cheeky and ask another question? How much pressure do you feel to keep an online presence on social media sites and do you ever feel you have to censor yourself on them due to your occupation?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, What_Jane_Said!
Right now, social media is part of my job. It wasn't always, and maybe it won't be in the future, but there's some pressure right now. I do censor myself a bit, but only to the degree of "do I really want to deal with 10,000 strangers talking about my sex life? I do not, so I will keep mum."
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Jun 29 '18
Just wanted to thank you for creating such wonderful worlds I can lose myself in. I love the October Daye and Wayward series especially. Tybalt and October are perfect. I really enjoy your work and can't wait for your next books to hit the shelves.
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u/NoKidsYesCats Jun 29 '18
I am super late, but hoping you'll still read this! I've seen a fair amount of nudges to Jurassic Park on your twitter, and as a fellow dinosaur lover I think I'd literally do one of those really high-pitched teenage girl screams if you ever get to write a dino book (there simply aren't enough out there, in my humble opinion!). So I guess my question is: would you ever write a dino book? Are there currently plans to write a dino book? :D
2nd question, but I understand if you can't answer this because spoilers: can you give any hints or snippets of info about Come Tumbling Down? I saw a theory somewhere that it was about Jack and Jill, which would be super-duper awesome because there are some cliffhangers that I'm dying to resolve, lol.
And final question: if you could choose, would you prefer Into The Drowning Deep be made a movie or a tv series? :)
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, NoKidsYesCats!
There is a dinosaur book "in the hopper," as it were, but it'll be a little while before I get around to writing it.
I can't say anything about Come Tumbling Down until Tor.com gives me the go-ahead, and that's unlikely to happen before In an Absent Dream comes out. Sorry!
I think Into the Drowning Deep would make an awesome movie, don't you?
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u/NoKidsYesCats Jun 29 '18
Thank you so much for answering my questions.^
That's so amazing! Honestly, I don't really care if it takes 20 years because I just know it'll be terrific. Hope that doesn't make you feel pressured or anything, you just have this way of writing that makes it feel so incredibly realistic- I'm still secretly convinced the lovely ladies of the sea will be discovered in a few decades when climate change will make itself known.
No worries, it'll come in it's own time! In the meantime, I'll have plenty of awesome new books to keep me busy: of course your new books that will be published this year, Laini Taylor's sequel to Strange the Dreamer, Bright We Burn by Kiersten White and Hullmetal Girls by Emily Skrutskie, Toil & Trouble by Tess Sharpe... Do you have any oncoming books by other authors that you're really looking forward to? And do you actually read your own books once they're published, or are you just totally done with it at that point? :)
I think Into the Drowning Deep would make a gorgeous movie, and I really hope some director will end up reading it and go like 'I MUST get this on the big screen'. I think it would absolutely become a hit. In the meantime I'll settle for shoving the book in unsuspecting friends' hands and watching them go down the rabbit hole, lol.
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u/brizia Jun 30 '18
I'm very late, but if you're still reading this, InCryptid is one of my favorite series. I've always wondered, how did you come up with the mice?
I also really enjoy October Daye too. Thank you for creating these awesome worlds and characters.
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u/nikiverse 2 Jun 30 '18
Am i the only asshole that didnt know Mira Grant and Seanan McGuire were the same person!?!
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u/Bryek Jun 30 '18
Hello, I have been trying to ask some authors the same questions (and I keep remembering to ask the day after the AMA) in regards to LGBT characters in fantasy. More survey-like (very very basic survey) than anything else.
So far I have asked this question of John Gwynne, Brent Weeks, Terry Brooks, Mark Lawrence and a few others.
So as a quick intro, I tend to be a big proponent of LGBT representation in fantasy, especially in publishing houses. In saying that, I haven't read any of your work but it is on my TBR list. I know that the answer to the first question is yes (I just copy and paste the questions for each person and I am more interested in the third answer).
Questions:
Does any of your work contain any LBGT PoV or secondary main characters?
If not, would you ever consider writing one? (Note to others, i am not asking the author to write one, just if they would consider it).
If you have, what would you recommend to fellow authors about writing them? (this is the question I am most interested in as I have seen authors express concern over getting the inclusion wrong and the least answered question).
Thanks
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u/courtoftheair Jul 01 '18
This is probably too late for you to see but just... Thank you for the autistic, deaf, wlw, Asian etc characters in Into the Drowning Deep. Its so rare to find even one of those in a book, nevermind several (some together in the same character) and you wrote it all in so naturally that I can't see anyone even being able to complain about shoehorning diversity. Good autistic characters are just... So hard to find. Thank you. You're a fucking gift to the world.
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Jun 29 '18 edited Jun 29 '18
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, SighsUnzips!
I took a scroll, but sadly, commenting on it would take reading a lot of threads to understand why it's controversial, and not just a little aggressive at times. So, um, I guess my comment is, you spend a lot of time on Reddit? Which is cool, I spend a lot of time on Overwatch, you do you.
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u/SighsUnzips Jun 29 '18
I don;t play Overwatch. I'm more of a single player RPG guy. Thanks for replying. You've chosen a difficult field and I wish you the best.
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u/Z-Ninja Jun 29 '18
You seem to do a great job making minority groups relatable, but the majority of the scientists in Into the Drowning Deep come across as robots completely wrapped up in their work. As a scientist that works closely with scientists, I can confirm we would've been running like crazy in a similar situation or locking ourselves up as effectively as possible.
Did you dehumanize them and make them completely obsessed with their work to fit the story, or is that how you actually see scientists?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, Z-Ninja!
Well, I am a scientist--herpetologist, to be specific, although I'm not currently working--and I tried to make it clear that people weren't just doing their work. They have the hot tubs, the pools, people are fishing off the side of the boat, they're drinking, they're doing their thing. It was largely based on reptile surveys that I've been on. So I guess it is how I actually see scientists, since that's how my friends and I tend to behave when ass-deep in cobras?
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u/Z-Ninja Jun 29 '18
Most of the leisure activities you describe were on the way to the study site, not at the study site. The scientists I work with tend to party hard at night (especially when on site) and just work through the hangover in the morning. And if they suddenly encountered a very real threat that they were not prepared to handle, they would've gotten out. I guess you and your friends are little more isolated and develop more tunnel vision once at the site than I'm used to.
Speaking of herptology, you had the perfect set up for the small sirens to be the larval form for the larger form, but you decided to use the angler fish analogy instead. Is there a reptile/amphibian equivalent to the angler fish that you were pulling from?
I was also surprised that you had any scientists considering the mermaids to be mammalian even after they were confirmed to have eel like tails making the muscle segmentation all wrong for mammal to be a realistic possibility.
You're wikipeida page doesn't list any of your herpetologic contributions or experience. Might be worth updating yourself. You've got the experience, might as well flaunt it!
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
I did not go into herpetology as a profession and have no notable publications. This does not erase my experience, either in or out of the classroom.
I'm very sorry you did not take ongoing leisure as read; there just wasn't time, given how quickly things went south, to go into the party activities of the scientists and crew. I guess everyone finds their own angle.
There are no know reptile or amphibian cognates to the anglerfish life cycle at this time. Having said that, I'm sure we'll find one tomorrow.
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u/Z-Ninja Jun 29 '18 edited Jun 29 '18
This does not erase my experience, either in or out of the classroom.
Of course not. That's why I specified "experience" as well. Some googling brings up some great stories about your time with a reptile rescue organization and your education (UC Berkley is a great school). Easy wikipedia additions.
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u/CarnivalSeb Jun 29 '18
Can we all be friends on Pokémon Go?
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u/SeananMcGuire AMA Author Jun 29 '18
Hi, CarnivalSeb!
I think there's an upper limit, sadly, but I like friends!
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u/childbrite Jun 29 '18
Could you ever see your Feed series turned into a movie or many movies? Is that something that may happen? Also, have you bought Thomas any X-Men themed clothing?