A Goodreads user
asked
Deborah Harkness:
Hi Deborah! I believe in the power of creativity and I'm particularly interested in the intersection of travel and creativity. One of my favorite parts of The All Souls Trilogy is the lush locales. When you travel to scout out a location, do you approach the city or building in a particular manner? Do you have any particular travel habits that feed your inspiration? All the best, Melinda Eliza
Deborah Harkness
what a great question! Sometimes I go to a place and immediately know "Gallowglass was once here" or "Ysabeau likes this square." Other times, I go intent on researching a locale, as I did when I spent time in the village of St.-Arcons-D'Allier in the Auvergne. I tend to sit quietly and listen and look rather than racing around trying to "see" things. I find that is the best way for me to become familiar with a place so that I can write about it.
More Answered Questions
Sonia
asked
Deborah Harkness:
I started reading A Discovery of Witches because of a friend's recommendation. I was intrigued by the comment she made about the strength and intelligence of your female characters. How was this a focus of your's? It came across so naturally, and I've found so few books with genuinely whole characters.
Stacy Brunner
asked
Deborah Harkness:
Would you ever consider teaching an open online course on the history surrounding your trilogy? I loved how you connected a fictional story to real people and events of the past. I listened to Shadow of Night on audiobook with my ipad open looking up details on all the historical figures. It would be fun to have a guide taking me through the history, culture, art, society of Europe in the 1590s.
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