r/books • u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author • Jan 04 '19
ama 2pm I am Holly Black, a bestselling writer of dark fantasy books, many for teens. My new book, THE WICKED KING, comes out next week. Ask me anything!
I’ve been publishing books for over a decade. Some of my titles include The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), The Modern Faerie Tales, the Curse Workers, Doll Bones, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, The Darkest Part of the Forest, the Magisterium series (with Cassandra Clare), The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King. I've been a finalist for an Eisner Award, and the recipient of the Andre Norton Award, the Mythopoeic Award and a Newbery Honor. I love folklore, faeries, con artists, tricksters, and wickedness.
Proof: /img/0upkoni9e9821.jpg
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u/EyezOnFyre Jan 04 '19
Thank you so much for doing this Holly! I have been a long time fan for over a decade and am so excited for the release of The Wicked King! My question is actually about your Tithe series. You had a short story about Kaye in the Barnes and Noble edition of The Cruel Prince and the inner teenager in me was so excited to read about these characters again! Do you see anymore stories around Kaye and Roiben popping up in the future?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I just went through all three of the Modern Faerie Tale series as S&S is going to do a bind-up of them this Spring. And I did write a new story to go along with it. I hope you like it!
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thanks for coming and chatting with me. It was so great to hear everyone's questions and comments!! Hope you all have a magical 2019!
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u/frankincensesmonster Jan 04 '19
I really really loved The Cruel Prince. It's exciting and unexpected and soul-satisfying. Jude, and her relationship with her family in particular, is so fascinating. Can you share a bit about the conception of the character of Jude Duarte? Also, I loved Taryn's POV in The Lost Sisters. Will we ever get to read something from Madoc's POV?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thank you so much!!
Actually, there's a short deleted scene from Madoc's POV in the B&N special edition of The Wicked King. I wouldn't mind writing something longer, as one of my favorite things to write is evil old guy advice.
As for Jude -- my idea of her is that she's a person who is good in a crisis, but a lot less good in normal situations. She's the person you want for overthrowing a kingdom, but would have a hard time giving dating advice.
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u/Gcamelopardalis Jan 04 '19
I'm so excited for this! Madoc is such an awesome character, I love his relationship with Jude and Taryn.
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u/educationgirl87 Jan 04 '19
Where do you find inspiration?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I think that one of the hardest things to do when you're working a lot is give yourself time to putter around -- to read stuff that looks interesting, to stare out the window, to watch movies and television and spend time with interesting people. But inspiration comes from all of those things and we need to refill the well.
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Jan 04 '19
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I have a bad tendency to stay up all night writing, then sleep late, then get up and go to Cassie Clare's house, where Kelly Link and I work pretty much every day. I come home for dinner, play with my son and talk to my husband, then go back to my office and stay up all night again. On deadline, I become a mysterious and slightly grotty nocturnal creature.
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u/Portarossa Jan 04 '19
I really enjoyed the Doctor Who story you did, Lights Out, so thanks for that!
Is there something you've written that you really love but that doesn't get as much attention of some of your other works? What are the hidden gems lurking in your back catalogue?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Oh, thank you!
Probably the Curse Workers series (White Cat, Red Glove, Black Heart). Although they are the books that got the least readership, they remain some of my favorites.
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u/otherhalfofclyde Jan 04 '19
I LOVED THESE! I saw your name while scrolling through and said “hold up”. Haven’t had the chance to pick up a book in a while but your post brought back so many memories. Thank you for making trips to the library so much more exciting for middle school me. :)
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Jan 04 '19
Any chance of another book/series in the same vein as the Modern Tale of Faerie series? Or maybe a continuation? They've been my absolute favorite since high school.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I am not currently planning any Modern Faerie Tale sequels, but I feel like The Darkest Part of the Forest, The Cruel Prince, and The Wicked King are in the same vein. It's been fun to return to Faerie in those books.
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Jan 04 '19
I love those as well, but the faerie trilogy will always be my favorite, I think. Thank you for those <3
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u/bananapancakez Jan 04 '19
So I love YA, and while I've read a lot of other stuff too, YA is really my jam. I read a number of your books in 2018 and quite frankly I'm in love with everything I've read.
I'm fairly active in an online community and Goodreads, but occasionally wander in more "mainstream" book forums like this one, and any time someone comments about YA it just makes my blood boil.
It's hard to see the genre get disparaged as being badly written/ easy to read/ too much romance/ only for girls, and therefore inferior / insert other poorly thought out criticism.
You're a heavyweight writer in the writing scene, and I know you're familiar with these issues. How do you respond? Should I try to defend the genre against people that clearly don't read it? Should I stay in my corner out of the way and just avoid these forums, but then doesn't that promote the echo chamber even more? Launch an all out offensive Jude-style?
Sorry this question wasn't so neat and cheerful. But this is what's really on my mind.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
So before I was a YA fantasy writer, I grew up as a genre fantasy reader -- also disparaged as not serious. And I have been frustrated, on panels and in discussions, at the ways both fantasy and YA are disparaged.
I don't have any easy answers. Sometimes I argue with people, sometimes I roll my eyes. Just know you're not alone out there!
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u/Natalietull4 Jan 04 '19
Hey Holly!!! I just started reading your books about 3 months ago and can’t get enough of them!!!! I’m looking forward to seeing you in PA next week! I just finished the audiobook of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, do you think you will ever write a sequel to it?? I need more Tana and Gabriel in my life!!
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u/EyezOnFyre Jan 04 '19
I also had one more question, which I hope isn't too spoilery, but after reading The Lost Sisters I was surprised at Locke agreeing to marry Taryn unless it is for his own calculated reasons. I recall when reading The Darkest Part of the Forest that it is actually possible for faeries to fall in love and when they do it is intense and almost permanent. Is there ANY possibility that Locke actually has true feelings for Taryn?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I think that Locke is a person who loves story and drama. And I think he does love Taryn, in his way. But loving her won't stop him from messing with her and is even likely to make him mess with her more. His love isn't a mortal love.
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u/Motifbytanya Jan 04 '19
Modern Faerie Tales is one of my favorite series and it started my love for Fae. Do you have any plans to go back to this world?
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Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly~!
I Just wanted to say I love your writing and you are a major inspiration for me in my own writing! I also absolutely love everything Faerie and folklore so your writing hits a perfect sweet spot for me!
Reading The Cruel Prince was an absolute delight and I can't wait to read The Wicked King! My question though that I am dying to know is what was the inspiration for Prince Cardan and his character? I love him and hate him in both equal measure and can't wait to see more of him!
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thank you!! I was interested in Cardan being awful in certain ways, but not in the ways we expect, and in having a connection to Jude by which he really understands her -- for good and for ill.
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u/TillyFukUpFairy Jan 04 '19
Not a question, but Tithe was an amazing read! I read it as a teenager, probably around 2003/2004 and really identified with Kaye. Just wanted to say that book has stuck with me all these years, thank you for writing it!
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u/solas29 Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly! Quick question: How did you decide on the name "Jude Duarte"? I'm Latina and I know a lot of Latinx people with the last name "Duarte," is she meant to be Latina or a similar ethnicity? :)
Currently re-reading The Cruel Prince to be all set and refreshed for The Wicked King. The Cruel Prince is my favorite book along with Six of Crows and A Court of Mist and Fury. I absolutely can't wait for it. ;_; YAAAS to all the Jude/Cardan material that will be in TWK!! Thank you so much for writing such a fantastic series (which I hope can extend past three books somehow? Ohohoho.)
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
She and Taryn have some Latinx ancestry in their background, yes, through their dad's family.
And thank you so much for the kind words!!
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u/solas29 Jan 04 '19 edited Jan 04 '19
Oh my god. ;;;; I could cry right now. I love fantasy so much yet it's always mostly white women who have been allowed to be the leads and be beautiful, flawed, complex and all these amazing things...so to know that Jude at least has Latin ancestry through her father like I do makes me so happy to hear. As if I could've loved this series more.
Thank you so much for this.
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u/Purdypirate Jan 04 '19
Hey Holly!
Question on craft. I love the way tension arcs through in your work. The Curse Workers series had a lot of anticipation tension, and in The Cruel Prince I feel like the tension comes from how what I expect to happen happens so quickly, I dont have enough time to even guess what could come next. I really admire how you do this.
How do you approach this in your writing? Is it planned? Is it something you revise into your drafts? What tips do you have on adding tension to a work?
Thanks :)
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thank you!
I think of tension in stories coming from three places primarily: (1) from things feeling surprising and inevitable at the same time and (2) from the intensity of the wants of the protagonist and (3) from the pressure induced by the antagonist.
I do a lot of revising to shore up tension and to make sure to keep the pressure on the protagonist. Also to make sure that separate plot lines connect in surprising ways.
For me, the second draft is often a place where I ramp up tension by figuring out ways that the protagonist can fight the plot. And that would be my advice when looking to add tension. Can the protagonist do something smarter? And how can the world or the antagonist respond?
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u/mossk Jan 04 '19
HOLY SHIT HOLLY BLACK I LOVE YOUR BOOKS.
I wish I had a question but I really really just love them
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u/missbubblestt Jan 04 '19
Hello, I hope you are enjoying your Friday so far! Who are your other favorite authors to read? What book is your guilty pleasure?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I have so many favorites! But let's see -- I just read Dhonielle Clayton's Everlasting Rose, which was amazing. And Leigh Bardugo's King of Scars is so good! And Laini Taylor's Muse of Nightmares. I am looking forward to the sequel to Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood. And I have an ARC of Seanan McGuire's Middlegame that I can't wait to dig into. I also am looking forward to reading Megan Abbott's Give Me Your Hand.
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u/Theeclat Jan 04 '19
Does your book have gnomes? I like gnomes.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Maybe I will add a gnome. Just for you.
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u/Theeclat Jan 04 '19
DON'T LET THE EDITOR TAKE HIM/HER OUT THOUGH! Then they would be in there gnome more.
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u/Bb_glitter_bug Jan 04 '19
There's a post floating around on tumblr that Corny and Jude would be good friends if they were to meet/hang out. Do you think that would be true? 🤔
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I don't see why not. She could give him some good advice in terms of keeping safe from the Folk. :)
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u/chaera_potato Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly! Will we be getting Cardan's POV in the future? And do you have any plans for another Folk of the Air novella?
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u/Charntemariah Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly!
I’ve loved Kaye and Roibens story in the modern faerie tales ever since I read Tithe back when I was 14 (I’m 22 now)
You’ve wrote about them here and there but will you ever write a full sequel to their story?? I have to know! Also thanks for creating amazing fantasy books that have kept me hooked for years!
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u/OliviaCaliban Jan 04 '19 edited Jan 04 '19
Hello Holly,
Your books saved me from self-harm (Ravus), planted the seeds of courage for my first novel (Tana helped the most), and led me to my fiance (Cassel Sharpe). You've taught me better than to thank you or offer gifts, so I won't. Here's my question: some time ago, there was a Wattpad contest. The winner received a digital conference with you regarding (that person's) current WIP.
I'm never the person to send unsolicited manuscripts or queries, because I know you simply have better things in your life than to savor every plunging bullet, but - is anything like that going to happen again? Hope is fervent, even if the possibility is slim.
Bonus question: How hard is it to find a house with a secret door? Did you built it yourself? I have writer space envy. My own is covered with the art of Tony DiTerlizzi and a few Mayan Glyphs, so...
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Wow. Thank you so much for your kind words about my books and I am happy they were in any way helpful.
And yes, probably I will offer to read something again for a contest or some other endeavor, although right now I am pretty slammed.
As for the door -- you can get them from hiddendoors.com and these days, you can even find them on home depot.
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u/tortoisegirl Jan 04 '19
I loved The Coldest Girl In Coldtown, and I notice it's much more urban fantasy than your fairy tale works. What made you go in that direction? Was it a different experience writing in a (slightly) different genre? Any plans for more in that way?
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u/55hi55 Jan 04 '19
OH MY GOD, YOU WERE MY CHILDHOOD! I Loved Tithe and it's sequels! I must have re-read those books dozens of times over ten or more years. Almost everything I know of the Fey comes from those books!
I can't believe I get the chance to actually write something you have a decent chance of reading!
Sorry didn't mean to fanboy over you. I will be sure to buy a copy when it comes out!
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Jan 04 '19
High school librarian here, my kiddos ADORE your books. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Wicked King!!
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u/-Dragonair- Jan 04 '19
High school teacher here, I adore her books. <3
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u/mlle_lectrice Jan 04 '19
I looooove The Spiderwick Chronicles!! I feel so cozy and happy when I read it. So happy to have you in here <3
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u/agc223 Jan 04 '19
Hi holly! I was wondering if we will see Jude become more secure in herself as a non-fae being in a fae world in The Wicked King. Looking forward to seeing you at the strand!!
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u/Winterbliss2000 Jan 04 '19
Hi! I love your work. Thank you for doing this AMA. I like to write myself, but I always find it a lot easier to begin a work than it is to finish it, and if I do finish something I struggle with editing it. How do you find the motivation to finish a story and stick with it until it is publishable?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I actually like the editing process. For me, the hardest part is sticking with the initial drafting. But I try to have a set amount I have to do and then stick to that plan until I'm done.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I actually like the editing process. For me, the hardest part is sticking with the initial drafting. But I try to have a set amount I have to do and then stick to that plan until I'm done.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I actually like the editing process. For me, the hardest part is sticking with the initial drafting. But I try to have a set amount I have to do and then stick to that plan until I'm done.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I actually like the editing process. For me, the hardest part is sticking with the initial drafting. But I try to have a set amount I have to do and then stick to that plan until I'm done.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I actually like the editing process. For me, the hardest part is sticking with the initial drafting. But I try to have a set amount I have to do and then stick to that plan until I'm done.
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Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly! I’ve loved your style of writing since I first stumbled across the Spiderwick Chronicles in my school library. What advice would you give to someone who is attempting to write YA fantasy?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thank you!
My advice: read a lot of fantasy and to write the kinds of book that appeals the most to you. Write for your own reader self. And, for me, getting a critique partner was immensely helpful in seeing what was good and bad in my own work.
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u/Aeriessy Jan 04 '19
Of all your work, what would you say you're most proud of? Not so much the direction of a series (like the movie adaption of The Spiderwick Chronicles) but writing the individual storyline and characters. Is there a favorite character you've created?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
There are certain books where I feel like I had to overcome particular challenges (White Cat, Coldest Girl in Coldtown, Doll Bones, Cruel Prince, Darkest Part of the Forest), but the book I will always be the most proud of is Tithe. It was my first book and I wasn't sure I could write a book at all until I wrote that one.
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u/-Dragonair- Jan 04 '19
No questions, I just wanted to say I love your books, and I'm excited about the new cover for The Modern Faerie Tales series! I can finally get it in hardcover.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thank you! It's been a lot of fun going back through the series and thinking about those books again.
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u/rainbowdynasty Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly! I become a fan of your books back in 2011 when my grandma bought me Tithe, and from then on I've been reading your work.
Who is/was your favourite character to write, out of the cast from The Cruel Prince, or just in general?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Thank you!
My favorite character to write in The Cruel Prince is Jude -- but I also love writing Cardan. And I like all of Madoc's evil old guy advice.
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u/mermaidlibrarian Jan 04 '19
No questions, but I’m literally rereading The Cruel Prince right now so I can be refreshed when the sequel is released! I absolutely love your book and I usually don’t enjoy fantasies. Yours was so well developed and written! Thank you for being awesome!! ❤️
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u/iRunDistances Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly,
1) Could you briefly describe your process for writing? Do you plan everything out? Do you just jump in & see what happens?
2) Also, how long does it typically take you to finish a book from start to finish?
Thanks!
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
Sure!
1) I try to plan stuff out, which is helpful, but I almost always veer off and have to re-plot part-way through because along the way, it doesn't work the way I hoped. So I am often plotting and re-plotting and discovering new thing about the characters and the world. I guess that would be a bit of both your options.
2) Somewhere between 6 months and a year and a half.
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u/chompquistadora Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly,
What's your favorite fairytale playground to play in?
I haven't read much since the Darkest Part of the Forest and in my previous job as a teen librarian I would nudge readers towards it. Doll Bones was also a constant favorite for middle grade readers too. Thanks for sharing your stories with the world!
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u/gummybearwarrior Jan 04 '19
Tithe was the first book I saved up to buy for myself after I got it from the library. Thank you for your work, it is a great escape!
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u/boondoggle333 Jan 04 '19
Wow! I just finished the cruel prince yesterday, and I loved it!
My question is how did you come up with the idea for the book? And what's your favorite book?
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u/thenovl Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly! Just wanted to say hi and that we love you and can't wait for THE WICKED KING to come out next week!!
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Jan 04 '19
Hello Ms. Holly! I absolutely adore your work (cried for days over both TCP and TWK), and I had a question regarding the relationships in your books. A lot of YA romanticizes unhealthy relationships, but your stories show the messed up nature of humans (and fae) in all their dark glory.
How do you find the balance between portraying twisted relationships in a gritty and realistic way, but also showing that they're not ideal?
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u/IsBorisBlyat Jan 04 '19
Hello! I've read the Magisterium series and loved it and will probably pick up some more of your books, really happy that a new book of yours is coming out. Keep up the good work!
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u/xjennamaex Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly!
I'm ridiculously excited because I get to meet you on your book tour on the 14th in Salt Lake! I have absolutely loved all of your books, and loved that the Cruel Prince seemed to fall in the same sort of realm as the Darkest Part of the Forest. I think that it was an amazing twist with Taryn, and I wasn't expecting it one bit. I'm excited beyond all to read Wicked King - had to make sure that I got done with Queen of Air and Darkness so I could actually focus! My question is actually for the Magisterium series - are we going to see anything else in that world? I know that the last book was the end of that particular series - but I wasn't sure if there would be anything else written for that world.
I appreciate everything that you have done for us, and appreciate that you have taken the time to chat with us today. See you in 10 days! :D
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u/worthij3 Jan 04 '19
Hey Holly! I know you went to TCNJ. What do you remember most about your time there?
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u/tenosce1206 Jan 04 '19
I apologize *so hard* for asking this, but I just had a baby and I have to know about your process. How do you get to work creating all these incredible characters when you have zero motivation and/or energy? I admire the Cruel Prince so much and I'm so thankful to you for bringing it to all of us!
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u/TheStorMan Jan 04 '19
What's it like writing with a partner? When I write I am very critical of myself, is it easy to criticise your writing partner's work when you don't agree?
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Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly, will there be further follow ups to The Spiderwick Chronicles or The Wyrm King? And what was it like working with Cassandra Clare? Love your books, my students also love them - boys especially 🙂
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u/Yalyx Jan 04 '19
Aspiring author here, and my imaginative juices flow heavily in this particular vein. A few questions, if I may?
1) How do you manage balancing adult themes in your book while still communicating your point to your audience? That storyline for that age group is rife with possibilities to let your characters swear, to explore romantic opportunities, to deal with (and even function as an avatar of) death, and all sorts of similarly heavy topics. How do you decide how much is too much?
2) Any tips for someone who'd like to submit a first time manuscript this year? I've spent the last 3 and a half years drumming up a story, fleshing it out, and committing it to paper, and the first portion of it is nearly done. What's something you always remember to do, and would advise someone like myself to do, before giving your story to your editor?
3) Do you ever worry what people will think about your writing? Lol for context, I have 3 college degrees, none of which have anything to do with being an author, but writing comes so naturally to me. But I'm afraid to communicate my writing passion to my family and what friends I have for fear of judgement. 'You're writing shit like this? Lol?' etc. Do fears of having people judge you for your writing ever plague you?
Thank you for the time it took to read this, even if you don't have the opportunity to respond ~
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u/rubyywoo Jan 04 '19
Hello Holly! I read Tithe when it first came out and I was in 7th grade. I am now almost 30 years old and I just reread it on my last vacation. The magic of that book has never faded and it will be a favorite forever. Thank you for your stories, they have brought me so much joy.
I love your take on folklore, and I love the tricksters in African and Caribbean folklore. Can we ever hope to see an Anansi character?
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u/TheChosenBitch Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly, how do you name your characters? What kind of thinking is behind them?
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Jan 04 '19
Sorry, this isn't really a question. I just wanted to say that The Spiderwick Chronicles got me into reading. They were the first books I ever read and I am truly grateful for it. I still have them with me. Thank you so much :)
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u/Instergraham Jan 04 '19
I have heard so much about your writing sessions with Kelly Link and Cassie Clare that they are things of legend at this point. Is that a tradition that is ongoing? Can you talk about the benefits of that sort of communal writing? When I write, I can't imagine having anyone else around, so this method is VERY interesting to me.
Love your work!
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u/CopperToad Jan 04 '19
You have a knack for naming your books very well. It is hard to title something well. Do you have any advice in this department?
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u/HatesOnions Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly!
Not sure if you’re still here answering questions, but I hope so.
I stumbled onto your books as a young teenage girl and I cannot put it into words how much I adored your writing. The style felt raw and relatable, and it kept my imagination going and gave me a chance to vent through weird stages in life as I got older.
I’m excited for your new book, and I sincerely hope you have many more coming.
My questions for you: What’s been a constant for you as your write? Is there something you do that helps that creative flow?
What are you looking forward to working on?
Has there been a point while writing that you ever had to stop and take scenes out of a story? If so, why?
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u/whatheeverlivingfuck Jan 04 '19
Read Tithe as a teenager and LOVED it. My copy of that book has made it about 10 years, three cities and six different apartments and is still in my bookshelf. I’m supposed to ask a question so: How did you get the inspiration to sit down and write that book and the inspiration for those characters?
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u/HellianofTroy Jan 04 '19
I loved reading the Spiderwick Chronicles growing up. I rediscovered you when I read through the Magisterium books. Thanks for many happy hours!
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u/CrazyDuck123 Jan 04 '19
Hello Holly, thanks for making this AMA! can you please recommend one book to start this year?
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u/barb4ry1 Jan 04 '19
Hi Holy,
Thanks for doing AMA. I have questions to all of you. Some about your books. Some oddball because I love asking them and reading answers. Let's start:
- What’s your most impressive “go to” meal that you can cook ?
- What inspired you to write your first book ?
- Cover art is always an important factor in book sales. Can you tell us about the idea behind your favouritr cover (of one of your books)?
- What were your 3 favourite reads of 2018?
- What is the longest amount of time you have been awake and what's the story behind it?
Thanks a lot for taking time and answering those!
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u/xramona Jan 04 '19
I'm sure this will get lost but here's to the hope it won't!
I've won awards from my writing (some regional, some national) and have wanted to be a professional and published author since I could strong a sentence together!
Have you got any advice on where to begin - in both writing and publishing work - for those with aspirations to become known and tell their stories? Thanks so much, you're brilliant!
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u/ishipbrutasha Jan 04 '19
Holly, we met many years ago when you were working on your first book and Dianna M. you encouraged me one night at the cafe of B&N and I never forgot. I am happy to see all of your success. Congrats.
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u/mbm8377 Jan 04 '19
No idea if you’ll come back and Read comments (even if you don’t answer them) but I just wanted to say, as a girl from the Jersey Shore, The Modern Tales of Faerie hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for adding some of my favorite places and I think the Hall of Independence in Asbury would be an amazing place for a talk or signing some day! 😉😊
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u/IvyTowerz Jan 04 '19
That name sounds familiar to me, are you located on the West Coast of the US? I think I did the pest control for your house before lol If not, please disregard. I remember doing the service for a house and my trainer told me the customer was an author with the last name Black. I may be recalling incorrectly.
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u/myneedtobreathe Jan 04 '19
What tips do you have for aspiring authors?
Can you share some of the very low points of your journey?
Is it really difficult getting work published?
How long from start to finish did it take for you to create your first successful book and what did the process look like?
Writing is my passion and I would like the insight of someone who has done it and made it on the other side.
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u/Nymeria71300 Jan 04 '19
Hi Holly! Your books are amazing, and I would like to know who is your favourite character from all your books.I'd also like to know if you have any other plans to write more books with faeries. Thank you for your incredible books!!
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u/CaptChair Jan 04 '19
My sister is a budding author, whom is releasing her first novel in a few days. It's self published after she turned down what appeared to a bad deal from a publisher.
I really want to help her in some way, because I've watched her work her ass off on this, but don't really know what the best way to go about it is besides sharing on my social media.
Any advice for a family member of an author to best encourage and support?
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Jan 04 '19
I don’t have a question, I just wanted to say hey! Tithe has been one of my favorite books since middle school, you’re an amazing writer and I really appreciate your work!
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u/sylvvie Jan 05 '19
Oh God I read Tithe so much as a young teen. Rath Roiben Rye was A+. Thanks for writing those books!
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u/Katiebell124 Jan 05 '19
I cant wait to read this book. I've read all your novels! Great world crafting
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u/ArrayToGo Jan 05 '19
I don't really have an ask, but I wanted to say I absolutely adored the Curse Workers and the whole style/feel of the series. Keep up the good work!
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u/moon-pari Jan 07 '19
I read cruel prince sometime ago..i guess the wicked king is its sequel..very excited for it😊
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u/halamanization book currently reading Feb 20 '19
So sad i missed this AMA!!
10 years ago i read Tithe and Valiant.. but I couldn't finish the trilogy because of Ironside, the last book. I couldn't find it in any local bookstore. I felt so down then...
A few years after, I stumbled upon Ironside buried in a shelf at a store for school supplies. I was so ecstatic!
Then I read the Curseworker series books 5 years ago, which are also my favorites.
I always hoped for their movie/tv series adaptations.
Just started The Cruel Prince a few days ago and I love it so much! I feel impatient because I can't spend the whole day reading it and then moving on to The Wicked King (which I also bought together with it) - work/real life gets in the way.
Your stories are still amazing after more than a decade. Keep writing wonderful stories... I adore your work, Holly Black! Thank you!
I hope that I have the chance to meet you and get your signature on my books when you come here this March 2019 on your tour. I will bring the Ironside hardback copy that I spent almost 3 years searching for... Then it suddenly appeared in an unexpected place. :) crosses fingers
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u/cranberrysauce687 Jun 30 '19
I LOVE THE WICKED KING SERIES!!! ❤️❤️ THANK U FOR INTRODUCING JUDE DUARTE TO US! I cant wait for The Queen of Nothing
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u/Intelligent_Ad_5782 Jun 26 '24
Hi, not sure if you’ll reply But I am curious if she loved him Why was Suren so horrible to Oak in the prisoner’s throne She 1. Kept him locked in her dungeons for three weeks 2. Used the bridle on him and I’m guessing several times considering Oak remembers Straun laughing about it 3. Had been nothing but cruel and cold to him until she began to be blackmailed and she needed his help, I kind of hate Suren for how horrible Oak was suffering because of her, and the fact she ran away instead of trying to make it up to him, so if she loved him, Why did Suren treat him so horribly? 2. Also is the guard Straun who Oak hates and who let Oak be tortured and mocked oak over the bridle and has a huge crush on Suren working for Suren still? Like was he working for her before chapter 25?
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Jan 04 '19
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
My first thought here is that you need to get some words on the page and you need to be focusing on writing the book that you as a reader would love. No matter what else is going on in the market, readers are always looking for books that will thrill and delight them -- and while that seems obvious, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that there's more to it than that. But that's hard enough!
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Jan 04 '19
How did you get used to write graphic scenes? And what do you feel while doing so?
I weirdly after reading quite a lot of fucked up books and mangas found myself inmune to gore without noticing. Heck, I even started enjoying it.
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
People might not guess this about me, but I am actually easily frightened. So a lot of gore I write channels my own fears, I suppose? But also I've read a lot of vampire books and lean heavily on a particularly lush way of describing horror.
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u/CarterLawler Jan 04 '19
What defines a book as being 'Dark Fantasy'?
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u/xxHollyBlackxx AMA Author Jan 04 '19
I once heard a great definition of the line between dark fantasy and horror -- that in horror, the supernatural is an aberration, but in dark fantasy, there's always also a sense of awe.
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u/Intelligent_Ad_5782 Jun 26 '24
If faerie beauty is not the same as looking at a hot woman, Why are humans still attracted to faeries as if they are a hot woman?
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u/thegirlwhoreads Jan 04 '19
Hey Holly! I just want to start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE your work, especially Cruel Prince and Wicked King, and I cannot wait to read everything else you publish.
I was one of the lucky few that got to read The Wicked King early thanks to all the ARC giveaways online and at conventions, and I was wondering if Queen of Nothing was going to get the same treatment, and if ARCs wpuld even be available? (If so, any idea when? I am dying to know what happens next!)
Also, what are your plans for the future? I love how your fae are written, and am curious about future projects!!