Suyi Davies Okungbowa
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
Jeff, I noticed a lot of plant biology recurrent in Southern Reach, presented in a lot of sweetly disturbing ways. Was it a product of really extensive research (and if it was, what rigors did you go through to attain such knowledge?) or do you have some sort of background in plant biology?
Jeff VanderMeer
That's a good question. To be honest, I already knew some things and then also did a little bit of research. In addition, a good friend is a plant microbiologist. I was very pleased to get an email from a botanist recently in which she said: "It's a bit strange because this is the first series I've ever started reading that I comprehended as being scientifically and theoretically possible. You are an extremely talented writer. I am a botanist and your work speaks to me on levels that nothing else ever has." And yet I wouldn't say I've done *a lot* of research.
More Answered Questions
David
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
When I got my book published, I was told that I couldn't publish another book for two years, for fear of cannibalizing my own sales. You're releasing three hardbacks in a year. Is this a new publishing idea--a reflection, say, of pressure from ebooks (where single authors sell many books a year)--or is it just a trilogy-specific marketing plan that isn't reacting to ebook realities at all? Why did they let you do it?
Sam
asked
Jeff VanderMeer:
You've built some pretty outrageous and fantastic worlds in your writing, but are able to draw the reader in so easily. I've never had a point when starting one of your books where I am at all reticent to dive in completely. Is there a process for this world creation? Do you have a set map in your head from the beginning or does it kind of grow along with the story?
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