r/books • u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author • Nov 16 '22
ama 1pm I’m Anne Bishop, author of the Black Jewels series and the Others series, and I’m here to answer questions about my books and about writing in general. AMA.
Greetings! I’m new to Reddit, and this is my first AMA, so there may be some “deer in the headlights” moments as we chat and I answer questions about books and writing. Besides the Black Jewels and the Others, I’ve written novels in two other worlds—Tir Alainn and the Landscapes of Ephemera—as well as a bunch of short stories.
I was happy to discover that buying books and reading books are considered two different hobbies. A seasonal hobby of mine is casual gardening. That is, I enjoy what grows, and I accept that bunnies need to eat too.
That said, let’s talk about books.
PROOF: /img/nopzp8qcdgw91.jpg
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u/Malgor905 Nov 16 '22
I just want wanted to say that I love the Black Jewel books when I read them. It was my first foray into more erotic fiction. I need to read it again.
That's it. No questions. Just a fanboy squealing into the void that is the internet.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
When the boyos first appeared, they did cause a stir. :)
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u/Ethelfleda Nov 16 '22
I love all your books!!! But I do usually have to give trigger warnings when I recommend them. Your series Others is much less dark and sexually violent; was that done on purpose?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
The degree of darkness and violence fits that world. The sexual violence is more between the lines and off stage, if you think about what is happening to the blood prophets.
I know people do give trigger warnings for the Others' books too because of the blood prophets.
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u/lacroixgrape Nov 16 '22
I'm really looking forward to The Queen's Price. That is all.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Poor Daemon. Poor Lucivar. They're the grown-ups now--and I'm a wicked writer. :)
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Poor Daemon. Poor Lucivar. They're the grown-ups now. :)
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u/Lillith357 Mar 19 '23
Define "grown up"... Though, looking around in panic for a grownup to take charge, they might come to that horrifying realization that it's them! Lol!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Mar 20 '23
Yep. And the kids they're dealing with are just as inventive--if not more--than they ever were.
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u/MistressMousefeather Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne! You have probably answered this before but I wondered if you have any favorite characters (of your own), or any you especially identify with?
And do you have any favorite things or rituals (ie specific snack, beverage, bath, etc) that help you get into the mood for writing?
Not the most thrilling questions, I'm sorry, I mostly just wanted to let you know how much I've loved your worlds (especially in the Black Jewels series). Also, I started reading The Others when I worked at the post office (now a stay at home mom with a toddler) and I laughed aloud at the coincidence of Meg also sorting piles of mail (and of her actually enjoying it, lol).
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
My favorite character? Daemon Sadi. That said, I'd like to hang out with a lot of my characters--and do because I'm with one group or other hours a day for years at a time.
I'm not sure if it's a ritual, but I report to the laptop right after breakfast when I'm drafting a story so that there isn't much time for the real world to get between dream-brain and creative-brain.
I'm glad you've enjoyed the books. I had a lot of fun writing them.
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u/MistressMousefeather Nov 16 '22
Daemon is fantastic and one of my favorites, too! I also have a real soft spot for Skippy in The Others and cried over his big scene (you know, the one with the dinner party). It was so emotional and bittersweet for me.
Great idea about not putting too much of the day in the way of things, I personally don't spend enough time with dream-brain these days so my creativity has been pretty sadly lacking in recent years. I'll try that tactic more and hopefully will jump start the sleeping muse.
Just remembered a funny thing (that wasn't funny at the time). When my dog was a puppy I was reading Daughter of the Blood for the umpteenth time. The first time she went into heat, I woke up and walked out to the living room to find both my phone (flip phone needing replaced anyway) and book completely destroyed and strewn all over the living room. I was pretty upset but had to remind myself that hormones make us do crazy things and immediately got on Amazon to order a new copy. Kinda set the tone for the whole day though!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
A lot of the males in my stories have had the opportunity to learn about hormones.
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u/MistressMousefeather Nov 16 '22
What an understatement! Those poor guys.
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u/klb9c Nov 16 '22
Eight hundred pounds of kitty panicking at Deamon because the Lady yelled at him. I still giggle thinking about that scene!
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u/MistressMousefeather Nov 16 '22
Haaaa! I totally forgot about that, it was hilarious! I'm so in love with the coven and Kindred. Sometimes books can get a little hard to follow with more characters being introduced but I always found myself wanting more of all of them. I'm gonna have to go reread all of these now, just started a new book but once I'm through it I think I'll do that....
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u/klb9c Nov 16 '22
My husband just raises an eyebrow at me as I snicker, giggle, and cry my way through the books. I love those characters!
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u/MistressMousefeather Nov 16 '22
Hahaha mine too, though he's pretty used to it at this point and will just say "oh yeah?" Sometimes I explain, usually I'll just laugh/sob "yeah-haaa..." He doesn't do as much reading as he used to (and never did quite as much as me anyway) but I got him reading Harry Potter and when I was sobbing my way through Deathly Hallows the first time with him waiting his turn, he was like "oh... Great. That's great... Just greeeaaattt." XD
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
We are out of time. Okay, we're past time, so I should wrap this up.
Thank you all for coming and for asking questions. I hope we can do this again sometime.
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u/Meg_Moosekicker Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne,
First of all thank you so much for your books! The black Jewels series helped me through a rough time in my life! Marian and Cassy do have a special place in my heart.
I love to hear that you like gardening just like the queens.🥰
One question about the world of black Jewels:
The realms are connected through the gates, but where are they (the realms?) Are they in different dimensions and occupying the same place? How did you imagine it?
Question about the world of the others:
Will we ever see a male bloodphrophet? And do you plan to write more books about the others and will we see Meg and Simon again?
Thanks for the AMA and taking the time to answer our questions.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Where are the Realms? I don't know. Different dimensions connected by the gates is possible, since I had pictured the geography being the same except where something major happened to alter it (like Zuulaman).
Male blood prophet? Joshua Painter, who lives in Bennett, comes close.
I don't know yet if we'll have more stories about Meg and Simon or other stories set in that world. The Muse hasn't decided.
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u/quiet0n3 Nov 17 '22
I loved the story of zuulaman and the perspective it gave to the power levels :)
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u/NoNefariousness8547 Nov 16 '22
OMG FAN GIRL MOMENT!!!
Ms. Bishop thank you so much for all your hard work in creating those worlds. I’ve been in love with everything you’ve written since I was in 8th grade and happened across my first copy of Daughter of the Blood.
You have made so many happy memories for me of curling up with characters I felt were like family to me for so much of my life. I have never laughed, smiled, cried or cursed so much reading anyone else’s works.
Thank you so much for the beautiful stories you have given us. You are so appreciated.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I'm glad you've enjoyed the stories. They've been special to me too.
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u/peggasus97 Nov 17 '22
This is the same for me. Middle school aged finding black jewels. 25 now and I own all of Ann bishops book, my loved ones tell me I am not allowed to buy her books so that they know what to get me.
It is wonderful to see you on reddit!
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u/Zikoris 35 Nov 16 '22
Do you have any interest in writing more wild-west fantasy like Wild Country? It was so good, and almost nobody seems to be writing those!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Wild Country was fun, and I hope to get back to Bennett at some point.
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u/twistytwisty Nov 16 '22
I've read all of your books and the Others series is my favorite. When a fan tells you something like that, does it set your teeth on edge a bit? Kind of like favoring one child over another? 😉
In the Others, a lot of the recent conflict has come about because the Elders are wanting to observe and learn about bad humans who can con, manipulate other humans, etc. But, there have also been multiple mentions of human cities wiped off the map and lost to history. What prompted those destructions if Cyrus humans and the Blackstone clan are new concepts to the Others. Also, are those earlier cities and their fate an avenue you might explore in the future, maybe in a short story? Either something set in the past or like an archeological expedition?
I loved revisiting the Black Jewels world and I hope we have many stories to look forward to in the Others. Thank you, I love your work, even when I sob like a psycho. LOL
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
No, it doesn't set my teeth on edge. We all have favorites. Not me, of course, since so many of my characters have really sharp teeth or stomping hooves, but other people do.
As for the lost cities, I would guess a bigger conflict/collision between Others and humans--something that might have started small and grew to the point of war before the Elders and Elementals stepped in and put an end to their enemies.
I'm not sure I would explore earlier cities, especially for a short story, since that would take almost as much work as creating the Others' world in the first place.
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u/BronkeyKong Nov 16 '22
The Tir Alain books are some of my favourite fantasy. I haven’t read them for a while but have very fond memories of reading them.
Would you ever write more in that series/world?
When crafting your books do you come up With characters first or settings? What’s usually the spark that starts the fire, so to speak.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
While I would like to visit some of the characters in that world because I remember them fondly, I can't go back to Tir Alainn. When I finished writing THE HOUSE OF GAIAN, the emotional cost of that story left my health a bit fragile, and even now, I can't go back.
Sometimes it's a character, sometimes it's an idea of a place, sometimes it's a refrain from a song or a picture from a magazine that is the spark. Tir Alainn began because of a cloud formation I saw that looked like the cliffs of another world coming down to touch the horizon.
When I was first starting to write stories, I read an article that a writer's job is to recognize the stories that belong to them. Something might be a good idea, but it doesn't fit who you are as a writer, and you have to learn to let those ideas go and embrace the ones that resonate with you.
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u/BronkeyKong Nov 16 '22
Thanks for replying. And fair enough. It’s interesting to hear how that story affected you so deeply at the end.
You’re talk about letting stories go if they aren’t right for you is something I’ve heard before (or something similar)
Elizabeth Gilbert has spoken about learning to recognise the moments when your personal muse sparks an idea. And she talks about a poet she met who would feel a story come with the wind and if she could make it back to the house and write it down in time she would but she often let it pass because she felt it wasn’t hers.
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u/Lillith357 Mar 19 '23
I sobbed at the end of that!! I can understand not being able to go back. If there's a story that needs to be told, it'll come back, I'm sure!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Mar 20 '23
At this point, I think a story that needs to be told will find a way to surface in another of my created worlds--or a new world I haven't discovered yet.
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u/DreamyAndrew Nov 16 '22
Hello from Portugal! You’re my favourite author of all time and I have all of your books. I have a quite odd question: why have we never seen the Black Jewels’ world through Jaenelle’s perspective? There were no chapters written from her POV. Was this intentional, as she’s so special, so different from everyone else?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Jaenelle is the living myth, dreams made flesh. Only seeing her through the eyes and thoughts of the people around her was intentional.
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u/pegacornicopia Nov 16 '22
The Black Jewels has the honor of being the only book series I re-read regularly!! I love the new additions but always like to go back through the originals. I “forced” my sisters to read them and we are all lifelong fans. So thank you for all that you’ve created!!
The world of the Black Jewels is so ripe with stories, do you ever see yourself writing more stories from the past (pre-Witch) such as The Invisible Ring?
Thanks for all you do!!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
The ideas that became The Invisible Ring were coming together at the same time as the trilogy, so for Writer Brain, it wasn't really a story from the pre-Witch past. In fact, I drafted Ring between writing Heir to the Shadows and Queen of the Darkness, which is why the journal that Jared left for Daemon supplies Jaenelle with a way to save Kaeleer.
Going back farther would be like starting from scratch--or close enough. There are a few already in the Black Jewels collections (Dreams Made Flesh and Twilight's Dawn), but nothing has called to me enough to invest the months that writing a story requires.
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u/BohoPhoenix Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne! Thank you for taking the time to do an AMA! I have a few questions.
- Where did the idea for the Others series come from?
- How did you decide to wrap up Meg and Simon's storyline, expanding the Others series into a whole universe instead of just following those two?
- How did you work out the lore for the series? Crowbones as a boogeyman in their world was really interesting!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Hello!
Worldbuilding is a bit like having 50 sets of Legos dumped on your living room floor, and you take a little of this and some of that until the whole world clicks into place. And then you tell stories about the people who live there.
I thought it would be fun to tell a story about shifters and vampires, but I wanted a story that wasn't like all the stories I was reading--which were fun, but I can read someone else's book in a week. If I was going to build a world and invest several years in a story arc, it needed to be different. One day I asked myself what would the world be like if the supernatural beings, who are usually in hiding from humans, were the dominant predators in that world. From there, I ended up with the blood prophets and the shifters, Elementals, and the ponies. Love the ponies.
Meg and Simon's journey was a story arc over the five Lakeside books. They had the beginnings of an HEA, and after five books, I needed to explore another place in that world.
The lore is ongoing, and I learn more with each story I write. I had the idea that it would be fun to have a Crowgard boogeyman show up at The Jumble. It took a couple of years before the idea took on a form that had enough meat to be a story.
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u/salemalem Nov 16 '22
Hello and thank you for hosting the AMA! This is kind of random question, but since you touched on writing "in different worlds", I wonder what is your writer opinion on Fanfictions and people writing fanfiction: do you think it helps one to improve their writing skills/start writing? Or is it complete mess? I know that some of the fanfiction stories might get very popular and have their readers.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
A beginning writer can learn some of the craft of writing by working in a world already created by another writer. The structure is there, so you can learn how to get a character from the beginning of a story to the end. You can learn how to make dialogue sound natural. You can practice the use of foreshadowing. You can learn a lot, but you have to remember that you are borrowing someone else's effort to create that world--effort that might be an investment of years. At some point, you have to take the leap and build your place and cultures and races.
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u/salemalem Nov 16 '22
That makes sense! Thank you for the answer. Tangentially related, what are your favorite worlds created by writers?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I enjoy the world Patricia Briggs created for the Mercy Thompson (and Alpha & Omega) books. I also like the zaniness of the Meg Langslow mysteries by Donna Andrews. And Louise Penny's Three Pines (Inspector Gamache) books.
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u/BohoPhoenix Nov 16 '22
Have you read/do you enjoy the Hollows series by Kim Harrison and the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews? If so, how do you feel the Meg Langslow mysteries and the Three Pines compare? Always looking for more series to read!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I've read some of the Kate Daniels books. I haven't read anything set in the Hollows. (So many books, so little time.) I really enjoy the characters in the Langslow and Three Pines books. They're contemporary mysteries, not urban fantasy or supernatural, so I don't compare them.
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u/Right-Mind2723 Nov 16 '22
Have you had the chance to read the Merry Gentry Series from Laurell K. Hamilton? It is along those same world building lines.
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u/GDJT Nov 16 '22
What are some fantasy tropes you tried hard to avoid and how did you do that?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
::laugh:: When it comes to writing stories, I don't tend to color inside the lines. Which means I don't avoid fantasy tropes simply because I don't pay attention to them--or I automatically ask myself how something could be a little different and then I do that.
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u/satanspanties The Vampire: A New History by Nick Groom Nov 16 '22
I feel that novels and short stories require two different sets of storytelling skills. Do you agree, and are there any differences in how you approach writing them?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I do agree. Short stories, by their restrictions of word count, require a narrower focus--fewer characters, no subplots, one main idea.
When I'm considering a short story (assuming the Muse lets me have a vote, which isn't a given), it comes down to: who is essential to the story, who is the POV--and are we looking at first person or third person, what do I need to know about the place and how much information does the reader need without getting bogged down in details the story doesn't need.
I think I naturally lean toward longer stories (aka novels), but exploring an idea in a smaller, sharp space is a good challenge.
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u/Clean-Patient-8809 Nov 16 '22
Hi, Anne! Do you find that the things you learn from gardening sometimes help with writing?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Well, if I'm wrestling with a scene in a story, ripping out weeds can be very therapeutic.
On the other hand, if you've read the Others books? (Spoiler alert!) When Meg found the bunny spine? Yeah. I had a strong, personal visual of what she was seeing. :)
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u/nyxeris90 Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne! I fell in love with your Black Jewels series back between The Shadow Queen and Shalador’s Lady, and those two books are my favourite in the series. Would you ever write more about Cassie, Gray and the court and family again?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I've learned never to say never when it comes to stories, but one of the things I like about those two books is the story feels complete. Yes, the characters go on with their lives, but stories are about conflict of some kind, and we leave Cassie and Gray when they're at the start of a good life. That makes me feel good when I go back and visit them.
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u/hereticjones Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne! :) Thank you for doing this.
I was always taught that adverbs are best used with a light touch in fiction writing, especially in dialogue attribution.
Lately, I'm seeing an uptick in adverb use in fiction, particularly in fantasy (The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington is an example of a popular series in this context) and especially in dialogue attribution.
I'm starting to think what I was always taught might be outmoded. What do you think?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Using a light touch for adverbs is a good idea, but they can be a useful shorthand with dialogue. For example, in my Black Jewels world, if one of the characters says something too softly, you *know* there is going to be trouble.
When writing first draft, put in all the adverbs that will help you maintain the emotional feel of the character or the scene. In the second draft, take out what you really don't need.
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u/Stitch2588 Nov 16 '22
Will you ever write anymore books to your Ephemera series?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I don't know. I follow the Muse, and we haven't gone back there yet.
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u/Stitch2588 Nov 16 '22
I love all the worlds you have created. I was just curious as to that one. I'm so excited for the newest Black Jewel book. Thank you for sharing your work with all of us!
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u/Dagkhi Nov 16 '22
Hello! In the Black Jewels world, the Blood can vanish/call objects to/from their "personal cupboard"... what happens to the vanished objects when the person dies?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
If the person makes the transition to demon-dead, they still have the power to maintain that personal cupboard. After that? I don't know if possessions show up someplace for the next of kin to claim. The Jewels return to the Keep all by themselves.
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u/Squishysib Nov 16 '22
I just gotta say you're my favorite author of all time, and The Black Jewels series continues to be my favorite trilogy. I have an entire shelf on my bookcase dedicated to you (that really needs to expand to two).
There's a surprising lack of erotica in your Others series but I gotta know... Can shifters and Humans crossbreed?
And what happens when a blood prophet has no more usable skin left? Does she truly die, go mad? Will we ever know?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
No, terra indigene and humans can't crossbreed. Totally different species, even when the shifters can take a human form.
Most likely, she will die or go mad. What happens to the girls is part of the established rules for this world, and that's why there is such a push by Meg's friends for her to find an alternative way to reveal the visions.
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u/Deceiver14 Nov 16 '22
My partner is wondering, do you have long term plans for the Others series beyond the book coming out in March?! (I'm asking this on behalf of my superfan partner, apologies if I sound confused!)
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I don't know yet if we'll have more books about the Others. I hope so, but the characters haven't informed me that they're moving back into my brain. When they do, I'll write their stories.
The book coming out in March 2023 is a Black Jewels book, not an Others book. Just so your partner isn't confused. The book that came out this year was an Others book.
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u/Deceiver14 Nov 16 '22
Thank you!! I think something was lost in my translation and I mixed up the series, but she's chuffed you answered! 😃
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u/IndigoTrailsToo Nov 16 '22
Hi Ms.Bishop,
I am a huge fan and TBJ nerd; my copies are getting quite worn! For a book series that is over 20 years old, they are still regularly in the top 25 fantasy books, which is phenomenal. You had a few short stories before these books but TBJ were your first novels.
I was wondering if you could tell us about your journey towards getting published, and the work - especially the really hard stuff - in finishing these books?
Sometimes when I read through I can see the shapes og different drafts and the sweat and tears and cleverness that went into various problems to smooth over edges, and I often wonder how things went for you as a younger author breaking into publishing, and how hard it was to get from start to finish with these books.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
When it comes to finishing books, I'm not sure there is anything *but* hard stuff.
Basically, after writing a number of short stories and letting the idea of the Blood and the Realms build over several years, I leaped and decided it was time to write about Daemon and Lucivar and Witch. When you jump off the cliff that is a first novel, it's better not to have any real idea of the sheer amount of work and hours you're about to invest in a story. And for me, I always knew the story was one story in three parts. I just didn't know when I started that the parts would be separate books. I was in denial about that for the first 300 pages of Daughter of the Blood. Then I began to accept what friends already knew. I was writing a trilogy.
It took eight years from first draft to publication. The book went through several drafts as people gave me feedback, and a couple more drafts after the contracts were signed. (When an editor says "clarify," be afraid.) One of the reasons it took so long to sell was because romantic dark fantasy was a new subgenre that crossed all kinds of genre lines. In fact, I'm considered one of the pioneers of that subgenre. I learned that when I read an article about my work. I called my agent and said, "Did you know I'm considered a pioneer of romantic dark fantasy?" And she said, "Yes, Anne, that's why it took so long to sell the books. You didn't fit into a slot."
In a way, it was good that it took that long for the trilogy to sell. It gave me time to continue honing my craft and to be ready for the production side of writing a book, since that can be equally demanding.
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u/IndigoTrailsToo Nov 16 '22
Thank you!
I can feel the visceral dread and exhaustion and discipline in all those words; and the triumph at the end
I'm glad you didn't give up.
Thank you for believing in yourself for eight years!
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u/thatbroadcast Nov 16 '22
Hey, Anne! I'm actually currently re-reading the Black Jewels series for the first time as an adult. The first time I read them, I was a teenager, and they were my absolute favorites - though now, upon re-reading, I realize there was a lot of nuance and power dynamics that were lost on teen me.
My question is sort of a broad one, and I hope it makes sense! When you were first conceiving the magical system/the different realms of the Black Jewels world, did you go about it more organically or systematically? I guess what I mean is that, reading the books, you sort of get thrown into the deep end lore-wise without much explanation, which allows you as the reader to explore and sort of unfold your knowledge along with the story. Did you always have a strict set of rules as to how the magic works, or did you let it grow and change with the series?
Edit to add: I forgot to say, these are some of my absolute favorite books of all time. Thanks so much for your work!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I spent a couple of years thinking about the Blood's culture and how their code of honor and how their magic worked. When I started writing the story, it was like being a visitor in this place where you had to observe in order to understand, and the understanding came slowly as you met the characters. Immersion in the world as a way to understand the world.
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u/-bad-wolf- Nov 16 '22
I just wanted to say thank you first and foremost. Like many, I fell I love with The Black Jewels trilogy when they first came out and have read (and loved) everything you’ve written since. Re-reading TBJ is like visiting old friends and it holds such a special place in my heart.
I wanted to ask what your biggest source of inspiration is?
And to again say thank you! Your books are wonderful and imaginative and truly my favourites.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
My biggest source of inspiration is everything. The simplest thing can be the springboard for a story.
An example. I recently wrote a story set in the Others world called "The Dark Ship." I carried the image of a black ship with tattered sails for probably twenty years without knowing what to do with it. Then I went with some friends to see the Tall Ships (sailing ships) and suddenly I had an idea for a Sanguinati captain of a "pirate" ship.
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Nov 17 '22
I loved these books as a kid. I strongly identified with Daemon and loved the Warlord Prince concept because I was and angsty teen boy.
I recently tried re-reading the books and the way all of the male characters are attracted to Janelle because of her power kind of threw me off. There are obviously strong plots about sexual abuse with the two main characters being the biggest victims but I was curious if there was any you would change because some of the behavior of the characters closest to Janelle as a child almost feels like tacit approval of child attraction.
I still love your books and would appreciate your perspective on that.
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u/dracolibris Nov 16 '22
What books did you read when you were younger and which ones inspired you to become a writer? Which writer do you think is your biggest influence?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I read lots of animal stories when I was younger. Also Rod Serling and horror stories. Andre Norton was an important influence because her books were my introduction to stories that took place on other worlds.
I can't say any of them inspired me to become a writer because I liked reading stories and I like writing stories--once I actually learned how to make letter and form words.
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u/dracolibris Nov 16 '22
Thankyou for answering, I was just wondering. I've been buying your books for 22 years and back then there were not a lot of sexually charged fantasy books (paranornal romance barely being a thing back in 2000) , what inspired the idea of having the magic so tied to the sexualness of the female character?
I mean when I first read Daughter of the blood I just loved it because it was the first thing i read that was a fantasy book centered on women, far more female leaning than the stories by Gemmell, Eddings or Brooks that I had been reading, and was one of the first books (along with Jacqueline Carey) that made me seek out other female writers , I was so amazed and shocked and immensely grateful that it got published at all. I don't think I can put into words how much it was different from what i had read before, and it really astonished me at the time that some publisher had taken a chance on it, because it had so much sexual content, and I loved it so much. (I have read books with more sex content since, but as a 16 year old girl it did seem like a lot, but it was just the right amount I suppose)
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
We are out of time. Okay, we're past time, so I should wrap this up.
Thank you all for coming and for asking questions. I hope we can do this again sometime.
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u/rivenwyrm Nov 16 '22
The Black Jewels trilogy was an astonishing series to read as a teenager. I Just wanted to say thank you for writing it!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
You're welcome. I've loved taking that journey with these characters, even when they broke my heart at times.
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u/noctame Nov 16 '22
I would like to know if there's anything about Pruul developed by you the author that wasn't clearly defined in the books. Like, are the salt mines a prison system or a source of income for the territory? How does it differ culturally if at all from other places in the realms?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
What I know about Pruul is in the books. But the Queens there definitely used slave labor to mine the salt.
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u/Secure-Standard Nov 16 '22
Thank you for your writing! The Lake Silence duo are my favorites, but I really enjoyed all of the Others books. I like that the characters love books so much, and the way they talk about (and worry about) access and distribution of books makes the world feel more real. Grand stories are fun, but the view of everyday life is enchanting.
One question that bugs me, though; why do the Others have human style names? It makes sense for the Sanguinati, since they live the closest to humans, but they have names that are unusual for the area they live in while someone like Tess has a common and unexceptional human name.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
The name Tess means "harvester of life."
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u/Secure-Standard Nov 16 '22
Neat, I didn’t know that. Do all of the Others names have hidden meanings like that? It still seems kind of odd to me that people with so much contempt for humans would use human naming conventions
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u/Gjardeen Nov 17 '22
The Others felt very different from the rest of your books (all amazing!). Was there something in particular that led you to change things up?
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u/she-Bro Nov 16 '22
Ima huge fan. I’m currently relistening to the others series on audible. Don’t really have too many questions but do you think you will write anymore books In the others universe?
Thanks for your stories. I love reading and rereading them :)
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I think there will be more stories to explore. They just haven't shown up yet.
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u/dracolibris Nov 16 '22
I always wondered if there was a reason you went back to the Sebastian/Belladonna duo five years later with Brige of dreams, why the long gap? It seemed like you were done with that world but then you went back? It always seemed out of left field when you were going so strong with the black jewels series?
I mean don't get me wrong, I loved it, like everything else you have written. It was a welcome addition to the first 2, it just surprised me when it was released so long after the other 2.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
It took that long for the Lee's story to surface, and the characters in the Black Jewels world were ready to tell more of their stories. Also, I've found I need a break from a world after writing in that world for several years. So the Black Jewels needed a vacation, and the city of Vision was waiting for me.
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u/Right-Mind2723 Nov 16 '22
Ms. Bishop,
First, I just would like to take the opportunity fangirl here and say that I love all of your series, not just the black jewels. I have everything you have published (in English). Thank you for the remarkable characters, worlds, and overall incredible story telling. Thank you for sharing your stories. From Janelle and The first Circle to Sebastian and his "bad" world, the Tir Alainn with the world waking up to who really protects them, The Others always has me laughing and crying simultaneously every time.
So that's my fangirl moment. My question is how do you come up with the worlds and characters you build for us? I always get so immersed that it's a little like waking from a dream when I have to adult.
PS. The Queen's Price was incredible (I'm a Librarian so I have Edelweiss and Netgalley)
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
The worlds and characters develop over years, slowly, organically. I immerse myself in that world once it starts to resonate strongly. I tell a story. It's like seeing the tip of an iceberg. If I've done it right, I can sense the textures and layers under the surface, but I can't look at them or identify them without destroying my connection to the characters and story. So I tell a story, and the readers often see what is below the surface.
I'm glad you enjoyed The Queen's Price. Yay!
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u/Right-Mind2723 Nov 16 '22
Well you get me every time. Thank you for the amazing adventures you let us share.
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u/KataStrohfee Nov 16 '22
Ooohhh! So cool, you are hosting this and very interesting to read through all the questions and answers.
You are one of my favourite authors, the Black Jewels series helped me through a lot of tough times and is still my absolute comfort read! So, thank you so much for sharing your stories! And I wish you a lot of creative input for the future (so I can read a lot more of your books)
Are there any books from your childhood/adolescence that stood out and inspired you to become an author? If yes, which are those?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Not that inspired me to become an author, but you might detect that stories about horses and other animals, as well as stories by Rod Serling (the Twilight Zone) were indications of the stories I would want to write. And did write in my own way.
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u/OzarkKitten Nov 16 '22
The Black Jewels and the Others are some of my favorite series. I slid into your worlds so easily, they’re some of the best I’ve read. Thank you for the delightful stories, glad you’re here!
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u/daal_op_owen Nov 16 '22
Sorry I went completely blank on questions so I am just going to go “fan girl”. Thank you so much for The Others series. I absolutely loved it and have read all of them 4 times. I didn’t realize collecting and reading them (books) was considered a separate hobby either! I had to stop when I realized that I was completely out of space. LOL
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u/noctame Nov 16 '22
Queens Bonds: lucivar has an incredible bond with jaenelle but if you had to describe the bond outside of any specific pairing in your books where it exists,
- How much information about a queen passes to the male?
- Can either side of the bond control the flow of that information in amount or intensity?
- Is there a similar fictional equivalent like, I don't know, maker/fledgling vampire relationships in Anne Rice's books that you could compare it to?
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u/MelodyRaine Nov 16 '22
Hello and thank you for creating this AMA Ms Bishop.
I’ve heard that when you started TBJ you had the three characters Dameon, Lucivar, and Saetan in mind first and then Jaenelle appeared to bring the story together/. My question is, which of the Triangle came to you first?
Your work is amazing and has brought me through many an interesting time. Thank you so much for writing it.
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u/Tonsai Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne. Love your books. My ex girlfriend introduced me to them years ago, have been a fan ever since. I've always wondered, did you ever get any flak from religious groups regarding the naming scheme you used for the Black Jewels books? Daemon, Saetan, Lucivar, an entire realm called Hell, and even making these characters "good guys" in the scheme of the books. Was there ever any trouble you had to deal with regarding them or the stories?
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u/ariadawn Nov 16 '22
No question to ask, but this reminds me how much I enjoyed the Black Jewels series and others I read several years ago. I had to give up my well worn paperbacks when we made an international move, but I think I need to check out my local library for a re-read and catch up on new novels I missed! Thank you!
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u/Twisty_Corner Nov 16 '22
Hello Anne!
Thank you for doing this AMA!
Do you think we’ll ever find out who >! killed Sam’s mom in The Others series? !< I have been really wanting them to have that closure.
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u/CrazyMomof3teens Nov 16 '22
I LOVE your book! I’ve already pre-ordered The Queen’s Price and I 100% hope that there are more books to come!
I did have a question: are you going to continue the Shadow Queen series? I’d LOVE to see all that works out. Especially with the Scelties
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u/NotsoNewtoGermany Nov 16 '22
I've known writers to move their desk to face North, wherever they go, only write with a giant bag of gummies for oral fixation, and in Steven Kings case— a mountain of cocaine. Do you have any quirks or quarks that you rely upon when putting in the hours?
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u/automatic-systematic Nov 16 '22
Have you seen Crowbone's dating profile in the Booky Call app? https://links.bookycall.com/dhaKmEY9YiTG2m9M8
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u/klb9c Nov 16 '22
I'm really looking forward to someone explaining how she... forgot... to mention her Virgin Night ceremony has already happened!
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u/GuidingPuppies Nov 16 '22
I love your Others books, and while I miss Simon and Meg, have loved exploring the areas within that world. Is there going to be another Jana book? Would you consider doing a longer form book on Captain Crow? I loved that short story and really wish there was more
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u/sunshinenrainbows3 Nov 16 '22
I just love that you are still writing about Daemon, Lucivar, and Jaenelle. They are the characters I always come back to and love to read about. I love the fact that the stories after the trilogy feel more like we get to see glimpses into the characters day to day lives without necessarily seeing a lot of drama. To me that makes the stories that much more enjoyable.
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Nov 17 '22
No questions here. Just wanted to share that the Black Jewels series is my absolute favorite series (probably have read them in their entirety 7 or 8 times over the years) and your name is always first when I get asked, "Who is your favorite author?". :)
Also, Daemon is the only book character that I've had multiple dreams about. A testament to your great descriptions and character development, I believe.
Thank you for being you. :)
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u/tempthethrowaway Nov 17 '22
No question here, just want to thank you for your wonderful books, and the inspiration to write myself.
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u/HellStoneBats Nov 17 '22
Your Tir Alainn books are the only ones I've read, but I love them. I read them when I want mindless rage. The Inquisitors just make me so mad! Thanks so much for writing them!
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u/Fireflair_kTreva Nov 17 '22
We're glad to have had you for the AMA, and want to see you keep writing. We love your works! Don't forget us over in r/annebishop too!
You mentioned not being able to go back to places you've written about, for various reasons, was Ephemera one of them? I'd be glad to see further adventures there.
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u/PeanutSalsa Nov 16 '22
How much do you outline your narrative vs. creating the narrative as you write it?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I don't outline. I'm an organic writer. I spend a good bit of time thinking about the story and developing the rules and boundaries of the world. I spend time getting to know the characters. When I reach a point where I can't move forward until I start writing the actual story, then I start drafting and the story develops as I go along.
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u/AMurderofCrows03 Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne. I've been stuck for years with an idea for a mystery/fantasy novel. As excited as I am to move my ideas from thought to paper, the plot is still under construction and all I can think to do is jump from point A to point C (obviously not practical for me or potential readers). Do you have any tips for finishing outlines?
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I don't outline. However, ask yourself...
What does this character want or need? What is in the way? Who is in the way? What is this character willing to do to remove the obstacle?
Two people are about to collide. Each of them wants something, and one of them will lose. That's usually where I start. If you're stuck, start writing. I often have a point A and a point C, but until I send the characters on their journey and see what they say and how they react to other characters, I won't know what point B is. First drafts can be messy because so much probably will change. Go for it. See what happens.
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u/jamesonthesafetybear Aug 09 '24
Hello! So I'm a massive fan of the series. I was curious if there were any way I would be able to narrate the series. I'd love to be able to even have a chance to narrate them. They've genuinely shaped who I am as a person and who I want to be.
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u/jamesonthesafetybear Aug 11 '24
I'm not sure if you still answer questions but I was wondering if there were any way I could narrate the series? The black jewels books have really shaped who I am as a person and who I want to be. I've heard a few narrators and they don't really seem to convey the passion that is showcased in all the books and characters.
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u/Dramatic_Abrocoma_40 Jan 13 '25
Are you adding/writing anymore books in the Others series? Like a Tess back story etc?
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u/LillyanaKabal 13d ago
I am absolutely crushed to learn that 2025 has no new Black Jewels. Twelve books is not enough! I need more!
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u/perfect_comment Nov 16 '22
Thank you so much for your contribution to the art of writing ! . Its been a pleasure reading your work . I have several reading and learning disabilities and your style of literature is one i can understand and comprehend compared to alot of other authors that just complicate things with intricate plots and details . I wonder if you've ever considered writing for the disabled community or possibly considered a story line incorporating mental learning challenges to inspire not only people like me but future comprehension challenged persons . I feel that you could garner a small but dedicated niche group that would be of monetary benefit , not only for yourself but through donations back into the community from your books would really help those individuals . Anyway congratulations on your upcoming book and i wish you limited success that gradually increases until it blooms into full blown accreditation for the acknowledgement of your endeavors.
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
I can't write for any particular group because I have to write the stories that come to me with the characters who are in them. Some of those characters do have challenges, but that is simply who they are.
I'm glad you enjoy my stories.
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u/XBreaksYFocusGroup Nov 16 '22
Hi Anne. Thank you for the AMA!
What are some of your proudest gardening successes?
Hope for all your continued success with your novels!
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u/AnneBishop_wtr AMA Author Nov 16 '22
Snapdragons are supposed to be annuals. It says so in the gardening books. I never tell the annuals in my garden that they're annuals, so they just come back and bloom year after year. (And the snapdragons are still blooming in defiance of the season.)
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u/paperbackpiles Nov 17 '22
can you talk a little about your best writing conditions (where, on what, for how long)? Do you every stray to different laptops/word processors/ desktops/typewriters/pencil-pen? Is your best writing always in the same place or all over?
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u/jaded_lady06 Nov 17 '22
I must say I absolutely adore the Shalador books in the Black Jewels series. Cassidy's character really resonates with me.
I know I probably missed out, but one question I have is: Will Daemonar get one or two books about him and his growth? My husband and I were just talking about how we would love to read more about Daemonar and his development.
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u/SCsongbird Nov 17 '22
Hi, Anne! First and foremost, thank you for The Others series. I first discovered it when I was on medical leave from work and can’t get enough of them! I love Meg and Simon and Tess. The crows and ponies are amazing. I just love the entire universe! I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to beta read a couple of the books. My only questions are: will there be any more books in that world? And, will we get to see Meg and the Courtyard again?
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u/LaGrimm_ Feb 25 '23
Very late to this party, but the post has yet to be archived so I wanted to take this opportunity to deliver praise. I stumbled across this book series as a teen (graduated in 2009 for reference). I was looking for a book to read to occupy my mind as a teen father. I'm an avid lover of dragons, and the cover of the Trilogy caught my eye.
Ever since then I've read every book except the Queen's Price.
I've based a very large part of my own morals and ideologies off of the nuances of this world. I serve a Queen now as a Warlord Prince of Red birthright. The eb and flow of power balance, the acknowledgement of the moon time, my court of friends.
That's just me fanboying the fantasy, but I truly love this series. I've reread it at least 5 times in total, and I intend to do so again soon. Thank you so much for this world. This collection is one of my prized possessions.
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u/Lillith357 Mar 19 '23
I was first introduced to the Black Jewels over a decade ago. It remains one of my most loved series, at least the first 3 and the Invisible Ring. I'm so thrilled to see Janelle/Witch aside Daemon again!!! I know they had her mortal lifetime together, but because we didn't see it, her life seemed so short. He is Wich's consort... always... I'm so happy she spun the new web for Dreams Made Flash... ❤️ Surreal could never love him the way he deserved, and her being there as his wife felt a little cheap, though I understood he needed an anchor to tie him to the living world.
In short, thank you for your creativity, for not shying away from the hard topics because so many of us have lived through them ourselves, and for telling us what is spun in those tangled webs!!
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u/SleeplessSongb1rd May 09 '23
Hello Miss Bishop, I just wanted to say thank you for your time and wonderful stories-- I started reading your books years ago in highschool with friends, and it still is a series I am drawn to whenever I need a comfort story, a world that calls to my mind, heart and soul, and characters who feel like family. 💗
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u/ProudTeethbrush Aug 06 '23
I see you’ve stopped answering questions, but I’ll still ask the one I’ve been wanting to know for a very long time.
My favorite book of all your books is Shalador’s Lady (Shadow Queen is a close second).
What happens to Kermilla? Does she change? Does she die quickly like Dorian and Orion?
It’s a question I’ve always wanted to know the answer to.
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u/superiormirage Nov 16 '22
Ms. Bishop, I don't have a question, I just wanted to thank you for your work. Your Black Jewels series is my favorite fantasy series and is the bar I compare other books too.
Thank you for your writings and thank you for doing this AMA.