Ask the Author: Ishtar Watson
Answered Questions (6)
Ishtar Watson
Ember of a New World took me about 4-5 years to write, but a total of 15 years (if you count research, failed attempts, etc). This was my first novel, so there was a learning curve. One time consuming part was physically enacting nearly every technique or skill from the book. I made prehistoric clothing, learned to make and use tools from bone, wood, stone and leather. Spending that time helped me better describe the setting.
Ember of Life (book 2) took me about 1.5 years to write, though it is double the length. I have improved my writing technique since my first novel. My next Ember book looks like it will have taken a year to write.
I love prehistory. It is a fascinating time with a defined framework (e.g. types of houses made, foods eaten) but no known history. This allows for a wide open telling of tales. Also, I adore the setting.
Ember is based on a part of my own self (though she is way cooler than me). She let me explore new ways of thinking and being, whilst telling a story. There is also a component of personal history. Ember and Brig'dha are effectively my prehistoric ancestors. I am fascinated by this.
Ember of Life (book 2) took me about 1.5 years to write, though it is double the length. I have improved my writing technique since my first novel. My next Ember book looks like it will have taken a year to write.
I love prehistory. It is a fascinating time with a defined framework (e.g. types of houses made, foods eaten) but no known history. This allows for a wide open telling of tales. Also, I adore the setting.
Ember is based on a part of my own self (though she is way cooler than me). She let me explore new ways of thinking and being, whilst telling a story. There is also a component of personal history. Ember and Brig'dha are effectively my prehistoric ancestors. I am fascinated by this.
Ishtar Watson
It would be too easy to say that my favorite fiction couple are Ember and Brig'dha (from my own books), though it is true.
Outside of my own books, I have always liked the odd love between Aliisza the alufiend (half succubus) and Pharaun Mizzrym (dark elf mage). I love their uncommon personalities and their inhuman interactions. This occurs within the War of the Spider Queen series by: Richard Baker, Paul S. Kemp, Richard Lee Byers, Philip Athans, Lisa Smedman.
I especially like Lisa Smedman's work.
Outside of my own books, I have always liked the odd love between Aliisza the alufiend (half succubus) and Pharaun Mizzrym (dark elf mage). I love their uncommon personalities and their inhuman interactions. This occurs within the War of the Spider Queen series by: Richard Baker, Paul S. Kemp, Richard Lee Byers, Philip Athans, Lisa Smedman.
I especially like Lisa Smedman's work.
Ishtar Watson
I believe in following three rules of writing:
1. Be existential. The reader must smell the dirt, feel the hot sun on their skin, and taste the cool water.
2. Be accurate. Every tiny detail must be accurate. No level of research before writing is too much.
3. Be yourself. Do not ask, “how might people take this?” You only live once, so say what you want to say.
1. Be existential. The reader must smell the dirt, feel the hot sun on their skin, and taste the cool water.
2. Be accurate. Every tiny detail must be accurate. No level of research before writing is too much.
3. Be yourself. Do not ask, “how might people take this?” You only live once, so say what you want to say.
Ishtar Watson
I am currently working on the 3rd Ember book!!!
People loved books 1 & 2!
People loved books 1 & 2!
Ishtar Watson
I got the idea for Ember of a New World when I was a child walking around by myself in the wilds of Arizona. I lived with the Navajo for a number of years and I spent a lot of time by myself in the high desert walking around with only a small bow and a knife. I know that sounds strange in the 21st century, but it's completely true. Books like Island of the blue Dolphins also inspired my thoughts.
Ishtar Watson
Hello,
Thank you for pointing that out. I do have a few spelling errors though far less than you might suspect (some seem to be bunched in areas). I am looking at a publisher and I will revise my book then. For now, it would do my harm to release a fixed copy as this would become a new edition.
Thanks for the concern, however.
Thank you for pointing that out. I do have a few spelling errors though far less than you might suspect (some seem to be bunched in areas). I am looking at a publisher and I will revise my book then. For now, it would do my harm to release a fixed copy as this would become a new edition.
Thanks for the concern, however.
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