Teodor

Teodor asked Jeff VanderMeer:

Annihilation and Authority both take distinctly different genres as starting points. It certainly seems to be a more 'controlled' approach than, say, City of Saints and Madmen, which gleefully and deliberately plays around with various genres, styles and voices. Do you think that you're at a point in your career when such 'fine-tuning' is the next logical step?

Jeff VanderMeer Thanks for the interesting question...I don't think there's much of a parallel. City of Saints & Madmen collected a series of connected stories. The better parallel would probably be Veniss Underground, which is also an early book of mine and has a very structured approach. However, within both Annihilation and especially Authority all kinds of other things are being riffed off of in the text, so I'm not sure that's a great parallel either. In any event, both Annihilation and Authority follow one specific character with great intensity, so whatever's in the novels is in a sense dictated by the characters.

More Answered Questions

Julianne (Leafling Learns・Outlandish Lit)

Julianne (Leafling Learns・Outlandish Lit) asked Jeff VanderMeer:

When you're writing strange and mysterious worlds like Area X, are you discovering them and the secrets behind them as you write (almost as if you're an expedition member)? Or do you have it all thought out and plotted before you begin?

Irus

Irus asked Jeff VanderMeer:

Hello Jeff - I have been enjoying the Southern Reach books very much, but I am utterly confused about exactly what rotten honey would smell like given it doesn't rot. Why choose an odor that is impossible to imagine? Thank you for taking the time to satiate my curiosity. Best, Michelle

Wildwomble

Wildwomble asked Jeff VanderMeer:

Just finished 'Annihilation' and loved it! It was so beautiful and eerie. It reminded me a little bit of Tarkovsky's film 'Stalker'. Have you seen that film or are a fan of Tarkovsky? I just started on 'Authority' so I'm reluctant to ask you anything about the books that might reveal a spoiler :)

All answers from Jeff VanderMeer…

Jeff VanderMeer

16,372 followers

To ask Jeff VanderMeer a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions