Brenda
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Dear Juliet, I was wondering if you ever considered writing a book with Australia or New Zealand as a background? I would love to read about these cultures, especially by your pen, and a Māori “Sorcha” seems like a dream. I really love the way you weave fantasy into “the real world”, your fierce characters and the LGBT touch. Thank you for sharing your magic with us!
Juliet Marillier
Dear Brenda,
Thanks for those nice comments! That is a good question - when I write short fiction I do sometimes use Australian or New Zealand settings, but I haven't ever tried to incorporate the indigenous lore of either country, mostly because (a) I think other people do it much better than I could and (b) it doesn't feel right to 'borrow' the cultural heritage of either Aboriginal or Māori as it's not really mine to use. Having said that, some writers who are not indigenous, especially in NZ, do this really well, with proper consultation, and if I still lived in NZ I would probably try. I can imagine a wonderful urban fantasy novel set in Bluff, such a diverse and interesting community down there, with a lot of environmental challenges. But I think someone who has lived there needs to write it. :)
Juliet
PS or an urban fantasy set on the campus of Otago University - that I could actually do one day. Maybe in the music department!
Thanks for those nice comments! That is a good question - when I write short fiction I do sometimes use Australian or New Zealand settings, but I haven't ever tried to incorporate the indigenous lore of either country, mostly because (a) I think other people do it much better than I could and (b) it doesn't feel right to 'borrow' the cultural heritage of either Aboriginal or Māori as it's not really mine to use. Having said that, some writers who are not indigenous, especially in NZ, do this really well, with proper consultation, and if I still lived in NZ I would probably try. I can imagine a wonderful urban fantasy novel set in Bluff, such a diverse and interesting community down there, with a lot of environmental challenges. But I think someone who has lived there needs to write it. :)
Juliet
PS or an urban fantasy set on the campus of Otago University - that I could actually do one day. Maybe in the music department!
More Answered Questions
Marta
asked
Juliet Marillier:
Dear Juliet. First of all thank you so much for the amazing work that you do, you are my favorite author and I really admire you. I’m always anxious to read your new books and I can’t wait for the next Blackthorn & Grim. From all the wonderful books you've written which one is your favorite? The one you most enjoyed writing or the one that has more meaning to you? Thank you.
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