Ask the Author: Daria Polatin
Answered Questions (6)
Daria Polatin
I had written a TV pilot about a cult, so was interested in what happens within isolated communities. Then I heard the true story of a teenage girl who escaped from a satanic cult and moved in with her psychiatrist’s family. This became the inspiration for the story of Mae and the Mathis family. For my way in, I explored the story from Jules’s perspective. For me that point of view was more relatable, and I wanted to dig into Jules’s complicated feelings—the good the bad and the ugly—and how she struggles to deal with Mae’s arrival in her life. I also found it interesting to explore what happens from Suzanne’s point of view, because she deeply relates to Mae’s past and because of that, gets pulled into her own journey.
Daria Polatin
I find stories I want to tell from many places. Sometimes an idea comes from an article I read, or a character that comes to me, or a theme that I’m curious about exploring. I also find going for hikes helpful, to get out in nature. That helps clear my head and be open to inspiration.
Daria Polatin
I’m working on a new novel about the loss of a parent. My father died recently, and it was such a profound experience. I’m exploring the story of a young woman who loses her mother, and ends up escaping to Japan and landing herself in an emotional mystery-thriller-adventure. It’s a down-the-rabbit-hole "Alice in Wonderland" experience of loss and transformation, crossed with "Lost in Translation." I’m also writing and producing the upcoming Amazon TV series Tom Clancy’s "Jack Ryan," and doing rewrites on my new play, "Palmyra," about a young woman who joins ISIS, which will be presented in New York City this winter.
Daria Polatin
Write and write and write, then rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. Writing takes a lot of practice and discipline, and the more you do it the better you get at it. Have trusted friends, and fellow writers, read your work, and listen to their feedback. Even though it might not be what you want to hear, there’s usually something useful you can gain from other people’s perspectives. Maybe something you thought was coming across actually isn’t. Take writing classes if you can, and try to get specific feedback from your teachers. And, read as much as you can!
Daria Polatin
The best thing about writing is that I get to tell stories for a living, which has been my lifelong dream. Also the flexibility is great—I can write whenever, wherever. That can also be daunting, so I set aside certain hours to write every day, which takes a lot of discipline.
Daria Polatin
I tell myself, “I’m going to write the bad version.” That frees me up to begin writing, and let my thoughts start flowing on the page. Then I have a draft to work with, even if it’s not Pulitzer-worthy, and can revise it later. It’s easier to work with anything over a blank page. And writing is a muscle, so the more I do it, the easier it gets.
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