Ask the Author: Tamara Grantham
Answered Questions (7)
Tamara Grantham
Hi N.N.! I just saw this message. I'm so sorry I let it slip. I don't get on Goodreads often, but I'd love to answer you. My inspiration for the Olive Kennedy series came from several different places. I remember watching the movie Inception. I've always been fascinated with dreams, mainly because mine have always been very vivid. I had the idea of someone stalking kids through dreams and taking their dream-self, which started the idea of Dreamthief. I also got inspiration from my grandma's garden. She had a flower garden behind her house, and to me, it always seemed otherworldly, like a fairy world. As a kid, I would often go there and pretend I really was in Fairy World, which one day led me to writing a whole series about it.
Tamara Grantham
My favorite part of world building is trying to come up with something we've never seen before. I like to think out of the box, and I'd like my worlds to be a reflection of something different and imaginative. I think that's the best part of being a fantasy writer--that you have no limits or boundaries. You can create whatever you like and make it as fun and realistic as possible. You have the ability to transport your readers to new places. I also try to keep in mind all five senses when writing about new worlds.
My least favorite part of world building... I'm not sure I have a least favorite part, but sometimes it is annoying to have to stop writing in order to come up with the name for something. Don't get me wrong, I think coming up with names is part of the fun, too, but sometimes while I'm writing and suddenly need the name for something, it catches me off guard and I lose my momentum until I can find the name that fits.
Example: In my current WIP, I needed the name for an elven village. I had to stop writing until I came up with the name. (Celestara) Sometimes it takes me quite a while to find a name that works, and it's difficult to keep writing while I have that unanswered name looming over me. Yes, I use name generators and all that, but it still takes time for me to settle on a name. Once I do, it's back to writing full speed!
My least favorite part of world building... I'm not sure I have a least favorite part, but sometimes it is annoying to have to stop writing in order to come up with the name for something. Don't get me wrong, I think coming up with names is part of the fun, too, but sometimes while I'm writing and suddenly need the name for something, it catches me off guard and I lose my momentum until I can find the name that fits.
Example: In my current WIP, I needed the name for an elven village. I had to stop writing until I came up with the name. (Celestara) Sometimes it takes me quite a while to find a name that works, and it's difficult to keep writing while I have that unanswered name looming over me. Yes, I use name generators and all that, but it still takes time for me to settle on a name. Once I do, it's back to writing full speed!
Tamara Grantham
Great question, Cheree! I'll have to be a bit vague with my answer. I can tell you that more will be revealed in book four, but the majority will be revealed in book five.
Tamara Grantham
Good question! When I went back to Spellweaver to explain it--it seems I cut out the part the said what happens when someone from Earth crosses to Faythander. So, here's what happens: nothing.
I know, boring, right? The truth is, since Faythander has magic, and transformations happen frequently, seeing a cat on Faythander could easily be ruled out as a creature distorted by magic. Faythander doesn't have laws that are as strict as Earth's. Earth is more meticulous about keeping order, and Faythander is more concerned about keeping things fantastical. But, since you asked, if it were to happen: Han would probably turn into a nobbinfly: a small cat-like creature with wings and a plumed tail.
I know, boring, right? The truth is, since Faythander has magic, and transformations happen frequently, seeing a cat on Faythander could easily be ruled out as a creature distorted by magic. Faythander doesn't have laws that are as strict as Earth's. Earth is more meticulous about keeping order, and Faythander is more concerned about keeping things fantastical. But, since you asked, if it were to happen: Han would probably turn into a nobbinfly: a small cat-like creature with wings and a plumed tail.
Tamara Grantham
I'm writing the sequel to Olive Kennedy, Fairy World MD, Book One--Dreamthief.
Tamara Grantham
I'll give the same advice that my writing mentor, William Bernhardt, gave me. Ready for it? He said, "write every day." I think it's the best writing advice anyone will ever give you.
Tamara Grantham
What's writer's block? Just kidding. Okay, for real, I don't deal with writer's block very often. Stories are always running through my head. My real problem is trying to focus on which one I should write first. If I do happen to get stuck at a certain spot, I take a long shower. Yep, that usually clears it up.
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