Ask the Author: Madhuri Pavamani
Answered Questions (21)
Madhuri Pavamani
Tolk - gah! Please accept my apology - I had no idea you left me a question. I am so sorry it took so long to reply.
But I love the question and I hope you love the answer because yes, I am still planning The Sanctum Series and am in fact working on the first novel from the series. It's called The Warriors and is Ryker Morrison's hunt for Carter Breslin.
This series will be slightly edgier and sexier than the trilogy, but the characters will be the same, you'll just get more details on them and their backstories. And here and there, some Wyatt and Dev and dragons and Academies.
Any characters you'd like to see make it into the novels?
But I love the question and I hope you love the answer because yes, I am still planning The Sanctum Series and am in fact working on the first novel from the series. It's called The Warriors and is Ryker Morrison's hunt for Carter Breslin.
This series will be slightly edgier and sexier than the trilogy, but the characters will be the same, you'll just get more details on them and their backstories. And here and there, some Wyatt and Dev and dragons and Academies.
Any characters you'd like to see make it into the novels?
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Jennifer,
Please accept my apology for taking so long to answer your question - I had NO idea you left one.
If we're talking about my books from The Sanctum Trilogy, I know a lot of folks might think I'd say Ryker Morrison, and on some days I might. But my first answer is Jedda, the shifter who is the love of Darby's life.
Folks hate him, but he's complex and sexy and smart and pretty much everything I would crave on a deserted island.
Who would you want with you?
Please accept my apology for taking so long to answer your question - I had NO idea you left one.
If we're talking about my books from The Sanctum Trilogy, I know a lot of folks might think I'd say Ryker Morrison, and on some days I might. But my first answer is Jedda, the shifter who is the love of Darby's life.
Folks hate him, but he's complex and sexy and smart and pretty much everything I would crave on a deserted island.
Who would you want with you?
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Angenette,
First off, allow me to apologize for the delay in answering your question. Honestly, I had no idea you left me one. I am so sorry.
Now to the question at hand: will there be a sequel to The Sanctum Trilogy? No, there won't. Mostly because I like the way it ended. I tied up some loose ends, but left others dangling and as angry as that left some readers, it's kind of my writing style. I don't believe the bad guys always get theirs. But I do believe in big love, the kind that blows you over and leaves you breathless, hence Wyatt and Dev and at times, Jools and Ryker. Even Darby and Jedda - their final scene together was nothing but big love.
However, I am putting together something called The Sanctum Series, which will be stand-alone novels based upon characters from the trilogy. The first one is called The Warriors and is Ryker's hunt for Carter Breslin.
Could I ask you a question? Why do you want a sequel?
First off, allow me to apologize for the delay in answering your question. Honestly, I had no idea you left me one. I am so sorry.
Now to the question at hand: will there be a sequel to The Sanctum Trilogy? No, there won't. Mostly because I like the way it ended. I tied up some loose ends, but left others dangling and as angry as that left some readers, it's kind of my writing style. I don't believe the bad guys always get theirs. But I do believe in big love, the kind that blows you over and leaves you breathless, hence Wyatt and Dev and at times, Jools and Ryker. Even Darby and Jedda - their final scene together was nothing but big love.
However, I am putting together something called The Sanctum Series, which will be stand-alone novels based upon characters from the trilogy. The first one is called The Warriors and is Ryker's hunt for Carter Breslin.
Could I ask you a question? Why do you want a sequel?
Madhuri Pavamani
Hey Jeremy,
Happy holidays and thanks for the question. The first books to really rock my world and shake my foundation were written by Gerald Durrell, concerning his adventures as a zoologist. His life is quite amazing and as a kid, I would find myself getting lost in the pages of his books all the time. Also, Judy Blume - god, that woman is a total rock star.
As an adult, the book that has had the greatest impact on me as a writer is Gabriel Garcia Marquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. The story is full of magic and wonder and death and destruction...and that first sentence...WOW. Just wow.
What about you?
Happy holidays and thanks for the question. The first books to really rock my world and shake my foundation were written by Gerald Durrell, concerning his adventures as a zoologist. His life is quite amazing and as a kid, I would find myself getting lost in the pages of his books all the time. Also, Judy Blume - god, that woman is a total rock star.
As an adult, the book that has had the greatest impact on me as a writer is Gabriel Garcia Marquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. The story is full of magic and wonder and death and destruction...and that first sentence...WOW. Just wow.
What about you?
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Rosangela,
Thanks for the question - there's nothing more I love to discuss than my books.
First, why should you read The Girl? Because it's an exciting, action-packed, character-driven opening to an epic romance and soul-crushing adventure. Because the characters will burrow their way into your heart and claim a piece of you forever. Because of Wyatt and his quiet charm and his beautiful soul, because of Ryker's fierce loyalty and wickedly sexy mouth, because of Jools' uncanny ability to annoy, because of Darby's fiery Southerness, and because of Dev's everything. Because the evil in this book is complex and uncanny, twisted and sexy. Because there's nothing like losing yourself in an amazing story, knowing there are two more books to read in that story. Because of sex and passion and love. Those are just some of the reasons you should read The Girl.
Now onto my newest baby, Dutch. It's dark and tormented and so, so nasty. The characters are twisted and tortured and brutal. The story is gut-wrenching and in-your-face and so very gripping. It's also beautiful and stirring and sexy. It'll break your heart but leave you panting for more. Dutch is an impossibly horrible man, especially in contrast to Juma and all of her love and light. But they're both hiding secrets and pain and it's gorgeous to watch them peel back the layers of one another to discover their true selves. Fair warning, Dutch is not for the faint of heart. It's positively full of raunchy, sexy, dark filth and is so sexy you'll find your pulse racing and your breath hitched. It's smart girl smut at it's best and I promise you'll love every second of it.
So there you have it, Rosangela, a few reasons for grabbing my books and losing yourself in my crazy worlds. I promise you won't regret it.
xx
Thanks for the question - there's nothing more I love to discuss than my books.
First, why should you read The Girl? Because it's an exciting, action-packed, character-driven opening to an epic romance and soul-crushing adventure. Because the characters will burrow their way into your heart and claim a piece of you forever. Because of Wyatt and his quiet charm and his beautiful soul, because of Ryker's fierce loyalty and wickedly sexy mouth, because of Jools' uncanny ability to annoy, because of Darby's fiery Southerness, and because of Dev's everything. Because the evil in this book is complex and uncanny, twisted and sexy. Because there's nothing like losing yourself in an amazing story, knowing there are two more books to read in that story. Because of sex and passion and love. Those are just some of the reasons you should read The Girl.
Now onto my newest baby, Dutch. It's dark and tormented and so, so nasty. The characters are twisted and tortured and brutal. The story is gut-wrenching and in-your-face and so very gripping. It's also beautiful and stirring and sexy. It'll break your heart but leave you panting for more. Dutch is an impossibly horrible man, especially in contrast to Juma and all of her love and light. But they're both hiding secrets and pain and it's gorgeous to watch them peel back the layers of one another to discover their true selves. Fair warning, Dutch is not for the faint of heart. It's positively full of raunchy, sexy, dark filth and is so sexy you'll find your pulse racing and your breath hitched. It's smart girl smut at it's best and I promise you'll love every second of it.
So there you have it, Rosangela, a few reasons for grabbing my books and losing yourself in my crazy worlds. I promise you won't regret it.
xx
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Karina and thanks for the question.
First off, I should clarify - I don't think people confuse my name for a Spanish name, they see my face and assume I'm either Spanish or Black or Black and Spanish. I think once they hear my name, then a lightbulb goes off and they're like, "Oh, you're Indian." Of course, there are plenty of folks who turn around and ask me, "why do you have an Indian name?"
Haha. People are too funny sometimes.
My name means sweet as honey or ambrosia, but I rather like my mom's very poetic spin on it: nectar of the gods. Needless to say, when I mention this to folks, I get some very interesting, very suggestive and sexy snickers.
Again, people are too funny sometimes.
And I saw that you added Dutch to your "to read" shelf - you're a smart woman, Karina. Dutch and Juma are ALL kinds of hot and sexy. Can't wait for you to meet them.
Cheers.
First off, I should clarify - I don't think people confuse my name for a Spanish name, they see my face and assume I'm either Spanish or Black or Black and Spanish. I think once they hear my name, then a lightbulb goes off and they're like, "Oh, you're Indian." Of course, there are plenty of folks who turn around and ask me, "why do you have an Indian name?"
Haha. People are too funny sometimes.
My name means sweet as honey or ambrosia, but I rather like my mom's very poetic spin on it: nectar of the gods. Needless to say, when I mention this to folks, I get some very interesting, very suggestive and sexy snickers.
Again, people are too funny sometimes.
And I saw that you added Dutch to your "to read" shelf - you're a smart woman, Karina. Dutch and Juma are ALL kinds of hot and sexy. Can't wait for you to meet them.
Cheers.
Madhuri Pavamani
Girl, this question is SO difficult. I love so many characters for so many reasons.
Of my own creation, my favorites are Wyatt Clayworth and Darby Winthrop from The Sanctum Trilogy and from my upcoming series, The Nine Deaths of Dutch Mathew, Dutch Mathew, and Juma Landry. I love Wyatt's quiet devotion and fierce loyalty, I love Darby's zest for life and all-around badassery, I love Dutch's pain, and Juma's unapologetic sensuality.
Some of my favorite literary characters are The Lorax because he speaks for the trees and he's kind of a badass, The Cat in the Hat because he's the ultimate mischief-maker, the Buendia family from One Hundred Years of Solitude because they are so full of magic, Nikhil/Gogol from The Namesake because I totally get it and he is me, Louis from Interview with the Vampire because I love a tortured soul, and Ziri and Liraz from Dreams of Gods and Monsters because I am a TOTAL sucker for a good love story and theirs is the shit.
I'm sure I could go on and on, but those are a few of mine, Natasha.
Thanks for the question - I loved it.
Of my own creation, my favorites are Wyatt Clayworth and Darby Winthrop from The Sanctum Trilogy and from my upcoming series, The Nine Deaths of Dutch Mathew, Dutch Mathew, and Juma Landry. I love Wyatt's quiet devotion and fierce loyalty, I love Darby's zest for life and all-around badassery, I love Dutch's pain, and Juma's unapologetic sensuality.
Some of my favorite literary characters are The Lorax because he speaks for the trees and he's kind of a badass, The Cat in the Hat because he's the ultimate mischief-maker, the Buendia family from One Hundred Years of Solitude because they are so full of magic, Nikhil/Gogol from The Namesake because I totally get it and he is me, Louis from Interview with the Vampire because I love a tortured soul, and Ziri and Liraz from Dreams of Gods and Monsters because I am a TOTAL sucker for a good love story and theirs is the shit.
I'm sure I could go on and on, but those are a few of mine, Natasha.
Thanks for the question - I loved it.
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Samantha, how's it going. Thanks for stopping by to say hello and see what's up. Hope things are well on your end. I just put the finishing touches on my latest book - make sure to add it to your TBR shelf, especially if you love reading raunch - it's hot. Here's the link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Talk soon…xx
Talk soon…xx
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Natasha, good question.
I would say first, before anything else and because he is brilliant, read the Bukowski poem "So You Want to be a Writer" because it's dead on. And if you're one of those people that simply must write, that it comes screaming out of you, seeking release, and is explosive and urgent and fierce, then go for it and just write. And you'll find that once you put aside your fears of the what-ifs and how-comes, it will pour out of you and soon enough you'll reach a place where you can no longer remember not writing every day, not creating, not weaving words into magic, and it will be bliss and you'll never want to go back to the way you were before you leapt off the creative cliff.
So by all means, if it's urgent and necessary and you've got to get those words out lest you explode, then just do it...JUMP!!
I would say first, before anything else and because he is brilliant, read the Bukowski poem "So You Want to be a Writer" because it's dead on. And if you're one of those people that simply must write, that it comes screaming out of you, seeking release, and is explosive and urgent and fierce, then go for it and just write. And you'll find that once you put aside your fears of the what-ifs and how-comes, it will pour out of you and soon enough you'll reach a place where you can no longer remember not writing every day, not creating, not weaving words into magic, and it will be bliss and you'll never want to go back to the way you were before you leapt off the creative cliff.
So by all means, if it's urgent and necessary and you've got to get those words out lest you explode, then just do it...JUMP!!
Madhuri Pavamani
ha! Lorena, I hardly doubt I'm worthy of a memoir just yet, although now you've given me yet one more thing towards which to strive: live a life worthy of a memoir folks would want to read.
Madhuri Pavamani
Good morning, Natasha, and thanks for the question.
Hmmm, maybe I'll tackle this question in a more personal sense than try to answer for other people.
For myself, when I'm looking for something new, I am famous for scanning book covers. I do it ALL the time. I have spent hours roaming a book store, analyzing covers. It's actually how I came upon Brazilian author, Jorge Amado, one of my favorite writers.
Back cover blurbs are important and once the cover catches my attention, I head to the blurb. But this is all very functional and analytic - there are also moments when I know I want to find a fantasy book with a badass heroine, kicking ass and taking names or some hot, love story and I go off in search of them.
Once I dive into the book, I want well-developed characters and the story to move along - I am not a fan of pages upon pages of descriptive prose. But that's just me. I like to read strong women - simpering, weak women bother me tremendously and I tend to avoid their stories.
And of course, I love a good fantasy.
Hmmm, maybe I'll tackle this question in a more personal sense than try to answer for other people.
For myself, when I'm looking for something new, I am famous for scanning book covers. I do it ALL the time. I have spent hours roaming a book store, analyzing covers. It's actually how I came upon Brazilian author, Jorge Amado, one of my favorite writers.
Back cover blurbs are important and once the cover catches my attention, I head to the blurb. But this is all very functional and analytic - there are also moments when I know I want to find a fantasy book with a badass heroine, kicking ass and taking names or some hot, love story and I go off in search of them.
Once I dive into the book, I want well-developed characters and the story to move along - I am not a fan of pages upon pages of descriptive prose. But that's just me. I like to read strong women - simpering, weak women bother me tremendously and I tend to avoid their stories.
And of course, I love a good fantasy.
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Natasha,
Oh, this is an easy one - Book III in The Sanctum Trilogy, The Prophecy.
And it was the most difficult for me to write for three reasons:
1) it's the end of my world of Wyatt and Dev and I love them fiercely, they literally changed my life, so saying goodbye to them is horribly difficult
2) it's brutal killing characters I love deeply and I had to do that a few times in Book III. There is one death especially that I knew had to happen, there was no way to move the story forward with that character living, at least not move it forward the way I wanted to, but I desperately did not want to commit that death to paper. And so I hemmed and hawed and procrastinated and no lie, a chapter that should have taken me a couple of days to write took me almost three weeks!
3) I wanted this book to be perfect - the violence and the murders and the sex and the love - just everything needed to be perfect because I wanted to make sure I gave Dev and Wyatt the ending they deserved.
And I know perfection is impossible to attain, but I strove for it these past seven months, and even though I might have come up slightly short, I feel confident that I gave them their brilliant ending.
Oh, this is an easy one - Book III in The Sanctum Trilogy, The Prophecy.
And it was the most difficult for me to write for three reasons:
1) it's the end of my world of Wyatt and Dev and I love them fiercely, they literally changed my life, so saying goodbye to them is horribly difficult
2) it's brutal killing characters I love deeply and I had to do that a few times in Book III. There is one death especially that I knew had to happen, there was no way to move the story forward with that character living, at least not move it forward the way I wanted to, but I desperately did not want to commit that death to paper. And so I hemmed and hawed and procrastinated and no lie, a chapter that should have taken me a couple of days to write took me almost three weeks!
3) I wanted this book to be perfect - the violence and the murders and the sex and the love - just everything needed to be perfect because I wanted to make sure I gave Dev and Wyatt the ending they deserved.
And I know perfection is impossible to attain, but I strove for it these past seven months, and even though I might have come up slightly short, I feel confident that I gave them their brilliant ending.
Madhuri Pavamani
Of The Sanctum Trilogy, I would say the second one, The Boy. And I think that's mostly because with The Boy I had a great rhythm going with my writing, was feeling very confident, and had grown quite a lot as a writer. Those things working together made the story just really flow so well out of me and onto the page.
Now that I've finished writing the trilogy, I understand that the middle is kind of easy. You have more freedom to have some fun, wander a bit. You don't have impending death and disaster hanging over your head, although Wyatt did have to suffer quite a bit on his journey, it was still quite fun to write.
Thanks for the question, Natasha. And my apologies for taking so long to answer it. I just saw it today!
Now that I've finished writing the trilogy, I understand that the middle is kind of easy. You have more freedom to have some fun, wander a bit. You don't have impending death and disaster hanging over your head, although Wyatt did have to suffer quite a bit on his journey, it was still quite fun to write.
Thanks for the question, Natasha. And my apologies for taking so long to answer it. I just saw it today!
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Natasha,
Thanks so much for the question about my writing inspiration.
When I first started writing in earnest, like really putting together novels and series and the like, my inspiration was a void I saw in the bookshelves for young adults of color. I wasn't trying to make some grand stand about race and culture, I just wanted to create some fun books for them to read.
That was over ten years ago, but even today, that inspiration remains. There is a new awareness of the dearth of multicultural and diverse characters and books, hence the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign, which I love because it expands even beyond race and culture to include sexual identity, physical disabilities, and the like, but I still feel we have much work to do. And as a woman of color, I think it's important to portray characters of color in meaningful and prominent positions and show that my stories are no less interesting because of the skin color of the characters.
Currently, I'm working on my paranormal trilogy The Sanctum, and alongside my desire to create diverse books is an inspiration fueled by Laini Taylor.
I had the ideas for my trilogy banging around in my head, and then I read her books and was just so moved by the beauty of her words. I wanted to see if I could do something similar - it's quite amazing to write something so beautiful in the midst of all of this violence and death. So I tried to do something similar with The Sanctum.
I think I did a decent job - If Ms. Taylor ever reads my books, I can only hope she would agree.
Thanks so much for the question about my writing inspiration.
When I first started writing in earnest, like really putting together novels and series and the like, my inspiration was a void I saw in the bookshelves for young adults of color. I wasn't trying to make some grand stand about race and culture, I just wanted to create some fun books for them to read.
That was over ten years ago, but even today, that inspiration remains. There is a new awareness of the dearth of multicultural and diverse characters and books, hence the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign, which I love because it expands even beyond race and culture to include sexual identity, physical disabilities, and the like, but I still feel we have much work to do. And as a woman of color, I think it's important to portray characters of color in meaningful and prominent positions and show that my stories are no less interesting because of the skin color of the characters.
Currently, I'm working on my paranormal trilogy The Sanctum, and alongside my desire to create diverse books is an inspiration fueled by Laini Taylor.
I had the ideas for my trilogy banging around in my head, and then I read her books and was just so moved by the beauty of her words. I wanted to see if I could do something similar - it's quite amazing to write something so beautiful in the midst of all of this violence and death. So I tried to do something similar with The Sanctum.
I think I did a decent job - If Ms. Taylor ever reads my books, I can only hope she would agree.
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Christine, thanks for the question.
The short version of my answer is that I'm from Snellville, Georgia, a small town down South, where "everybody is somebody." And when I was growing up, it certainly felt like that at times. Now it's grown tremendously and I'm sure one could easily lead a truly anonymous life within its confines.
The longer answer is that I'm from Snellville, Georgia via Seattle, Washington via Vancouver, Canada, moved to New York City when I was 18 (god, that feels like a lifetime ago) for college and never left. I've now lived in the NYC area longer than I ever lived down South; however, everyone that meets me immediately asks where I'm from because of my accent. It's not strong, but it's noticeable enough to make for a conversation starter.
And the longest answer is that my parents are originally from India, moved to Canada where I was born, then did a stint in Seattle before planting permanent roots in Georgia. But instead of listening to my babble here, you should just read the blog post I did on it: http://madhuriblaylock.wordpress.com/...
Hope that answers your question, Christine. Thanks so much for stopping by and if you've got any more you'd like to ask, by all means, go for it.
Cheers!
The short version of my answer is that I'm from Snellville, Georgia, a small town down South, where "everybody is somebody." And when I was growing up, it certainly felt like that at times. Now it's grown tremendously and I'm sure one could easily lead a truly anonymous life within its confines.
The longer answer is that I'm from Snellville, Georgia via Seattle, Washington via Vancouver, Canada, moved to New York City when I was 18 (god, that feels like a lifetime ago) for college and never left. I've now lived in the NYC area longer than I ever lived down South; however, everyone that meets me immediately asks where I'm from because of my accent. It's not strong, but it's noticeable enough to make for a conversation starter.
And the longest answer is that my parents are originally from India, moved to Canada where I was born, then did a stint in Seattle before planting permanent roots in Georgia. But instead of listening to my babble here, you should just read the blog post I did on it: http://madhuriblaylock.wordpress.com/...
Hope that answers your question, Christine. Thanks so much for stopping by and if you've got any more you'd like to ask, by all means, go for it.
Cheers!
Madhuri Pavamani
Hi Heather,
Thanks for the great question.
I might change the first few paragraphs of my book The Girl, which is book I in The Sanctum Trilogy.
I've rewritten it more times than I care to think about and I still am not in love with it. I don't know why - I just feel like it's the weakest part of the entire book. And that's major since those are my opening paragraphs!
Crazy, huh? But I'm being honest.
The problem is that even if I went back now and tried to rewrite it, I probably still wouldn't like it. I think it's just there to drive me nuts.
Thanks for the great question.
I might change the first few paragraphs of my book The Girl, which is book I in The Sanctum Trilogy.
I've rewritten it more times than I care to think about and I still am not in love with it. I don't know why - I just feel like it's the weakest part of the entire book. And that's major since those are my opening paragraphs!
Crazy, huh? But I'm being honest.
The problem is that even if I went back now and tried to rewrite it, I probably still wouldn't like it. I think it's just there to drive me nuts.
Madhuri Pavamani
When I first started writing in earnest, like really putting together novels and series and the like, my inspiration was a void I saw in the bookshelves for young adults of color. I wasn't trying to make some grand stand about race and culture, I just wanted to create some fun books for them to read.
This go 'round, with my fantasy trilogy The Sanctum, my inspiration is Laini Taylor. I had the ideas for my trilogy banging around in my head, and then I read her books and was just so moved by the beauty of her words. I wanted to see if I could do something similar - it's quite amazing to write something so beautiful in the midst of all of this violence and death.
I think I did a decent job - If Ms. Taylor ever reads my books, I can only hope she would agree.
This go 'round, with my fantasy trilogy The Sanctum, my inspiration is Laini Taylor. I had the ideas for my trilogy banging around in my head, and then I read her books and was just so moved by the beauty of her words. I wanted to see if I could do something similar - it's quite amazing to write something so beautiful in the midst of all of this violence and death.
I think I did a decent job - If Ms. Taylor ever reads my books, I can only hope she would agree.
Madhuri Pavamani
I write my way out of it. Oftentimes what I write is complete garbage and gets thrown out right away, but the repetition of putting my thoughts down makes a difference. Eventually I find my way out of the blackhole and get back down to business.
Madhuri Pavamani
The freedom to allow my imagination to run wild. And also the ability to create work that fills the voids in my bookshelves, for as a woman of color, I definitely feel there is a very apparent lack of diversity in much of what is put out there by the traditional publishing houses.
Madhuri Pavamani
The third and final book in my trilogy, The Sanctum. It's called The Prophecy and I'm hoping to have it finished and ready to hit shelves at the end of the year. Fingers crossed...
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