Madeline Miller
It's important for me to touch base with the story every day. Even if I know I don't have time to write, taking ten minutes to think about it, or reread a chapter, helps to keep the fictional dream firmly in my mind. At the same time, I think there's nothing like perspective--taking a break from a particular scene, and coming back to it a week later. I also swear by long walks outside. No matter how stuck I am, I always figure something out from a walk-- something about the motion of my body gets my mind moving as well. And finally, I love to read literary criticism of ancient texts. Hearing scholars argue with each other helps to clarify my own thinking, and spark new ideas.
More Answered Questions
Lindz
asked
Madeline Miller:
I absolutely LOVE "The Song of Achilles". It instantly became my favorite book! I was wondering about something. In an interview about the book, you said that you spent 5 years creating the first draft, then you scrapped it and started again. Why did you scrap the first draft? And did you completely delete it, or is there still a copy of it lurking somewhere? Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful book!
Gaby Ott
asked
Madeline Miller:
Hi! I adored reading The Song of Achilles and Circe. I love your writing style, the way you take these Greek Myths into an understandable story is awesome. I have been wanting to read Galatea by you, but I am having trouble finding a hard copy. Where could I find one?? Thanks!!!
Carly Lyn
asked
Madeline Miller:
Song of Achilles is my all-time favorite book and now Circe is as well. What I love about them both is the complexity of the characters' relationships. Both books are un-put-downable but also super character-driven. What's your approach to creating that page-turning ability in books that are mostly about feelings? What's your revision process like? Do you do a lot of cutting? Restructuring? Filling out?
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