Jess Nather
asked
Lisa See:
Hi, Lisa! I absolutely love your books. Every one of them is so moving. I read Peony in Love in 2 days because I couldn't put it down! And Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is one of my top favorite books ever, period. Are you able to give us any hints on what you're working on now? ;) And do you have any tips on creating complex and unique characters for aspiring writers? Thanks! <3
Lisa See
Wow! Two days?! That's amazing! It took me two years to write!
I’m writing a novel based on my great-grandmother’s diary. She grew up on a homestead in South Dakota. Her family then continued west to homestead in Washington State. She got pregnant very young and had to get married. She and her husband (my great-grandfather) became itinerant workers, working from Alaska down to the Mexican border. It may sound different thematically and geographically from my other books, but I think it fits right in. I’m once again telling a moment of history through the eyes of women.
As for how to write complex and unique characters, just think of them as real people -- with good characteristics and bad ones, with people who love them and people who don't. Try to think of them using all five senses.
Last but not least, thank you for your beautiful words about my writing. Feeling very humbled over here.
I’m writing a novel based on my great-grandmother’s diary. She grew up on a homestead in South Dakota. Her family then continued west to homestead in Washington State. She got pregnant very young and had to get married. She and her husband (my great-grandfather) became itinerant workers, working from Alaska down to the Mexican border. It may sound different thematically and geographically from my other books, but I think it fits right in. I’m once again telling a moment of history through the eyes of women.
As for how to write complex and unique characters, just think of them as real people -- with good characteristics and bad ones, with people who love them and people who don't. Try to think of them using all five senses.
Last but not least, thank you for your beautiful words about my writing. Feeling very humbled over here.
More Answered Questions
Doris Ghilardi
asked
Lisa See:
Your picture surprised me and I would never guess that you are of Chinese heritage. I love your books but I have to tell you that I want more about the family connected to Tea Girl. I really didn't like how it ended and wanted more. I'm so glad she found her mother but but but ...lol Have you ever considered writing a sequel to this? When this virus lifts, I'll go to Boston's Chinatown to taste teas. Thanks!
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