Ask the Author: Shannon MacFarlane
Answered Questions (4)
Shannon MacFarlane
I suppose there is a grain of truth in all fiction. Obviously I didn't grow up in the Dust Bowl era, but I was raised in Kansas. The closest thing to Esta's story in my own life is that I was very accurate with guessing the sex of unborn babies in my family. Somehow this led to a stint as a "dream interpreter." I still do this for a couple friends and family, but it's all nonsense. However, I do think it crossed my mind that it would be easy to take advantage of people in this way. This may have spawned the concept of the story, but it ended up going in another direction. I've also always been fascinated by Sociology with regard to mass hysteria -- cults, witch trials, etc. What circumstances would set the perfect stage for a whole town to proclaim the daughter of a poor dirt farmer as a Prophet of God? The Great Depression, dust storms, poverty, hunger, tragedy. That sounds about right.
Shannon MacFarlane
Get a good editor. No matter how talented, we all have some bad habits. Also, be very careful with whom you share your early drafts. Artists are sensitive and first drafts are fragile. Guard your story until it has matured a bit.
Shannon MacFarlane
I love when the story takes on a life of it's own and follows a path that you did not intend. I'm reading the book as I'm writing it. So fun!
Shannon MacFarlane
I make myself write five pages or four hours per day, whichever comes first. Not exactly prolific, I know. But I have been surprised that even when I'm not inspired, something good will come out of "showing up."
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