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Finishing a Trilogy: Interview with Meagan Spooner, author of Skylark
Sooz Oct 6 2014
Book Recommendations, Giveaways, Guest Post, Interviews, Speakeasy Sharing, Writers Toolbox
Today, I'm delighted to have Meagan Spooner back on the blog. The final book in her Skylark trilogy, Lark Ascending, just released last week, and if you haven't yet read these books, then now's the time!
For one, the books are EXCELLENT (and if you're a fan of my Something Strange & Deadly, then you'll definitely love Skylark).
For two, the book is only $0.99 on Kindle right now!!
For three, just read this summary and tell me you're not intrigued:
Lark thought returning home to face her city was the hardest thing she'd ever do. She was wrong.
No longer the girl who ran for her life, Lark's ready for the Institute. She never dreamed she'd find a rebellion, a Renewable, and those she used to love embroiled in the fight of their lives. She's mastered her magic, but she still doesn't know if she can master the darkness stirring inside her.
Nothing is simple anymore, and finding her place in this war—and discovering the terrible secrets behind her ruined world—might cost her everything she has left.
Now, let's get down to the interview!
1. Alrighty, Meg. Biggest author inspirations/influences. Go!
Way too many to count! I'm one of those who firmly believe everything you read (or watch or listen to or see or eat…) goes into the imagination compost and shows up in your work when you least expect it. But some big ones include: Diana Wynne Jones, Garth Nix, Robin McKinley, Neil Gaiman, Peter Beagle, Philip Pullman, Tanith Lee, Tamora Pierce, Patricia C. Wrede, and pretty much every myth or fairy tale I've ever heard.
2. You have basically listed all of the authors on MY list as well. 😉 Plotter or pantser or…plantser?
Definitely a pantser. When I first started writing Skylark, the first book in this trilogy, I had absolutely no idea where it was headed. There were a few twists and themes I knew I wanted to hit, but part of the joy of writing for me is the act of discovery. Often the ideas that come to me as I write, whether totally out of the blue or as a response or solution to some problem that pops up, are my best ones. Of the three, Lark Ascending is probably the most "planned", simply because most of the ideas in it came to me while writing Skylark and Shadowlark. I had all these awesome, epic scenes that I knew I wanted to hit in this third book. It was tons of fun.
3. I feel you on the "art of discovery" bit. So now that you've finished, how does it feel wrapping up an entire trilogy?
AMAZING. I think it's no secret that writers often have a love-hate relationship with their books, particularly with their series books, and I'm definitely one of those. Like any long-term relationship, being with someone—or some story—for that many years means you know it inside and out. It's good, its bad, and everything in between. But despite every time I wanted to throw the story—and my computer along with it—out the window, seeing all three books lined up and knowing that I finished telling Lark's story in a way that feels complete and satisfying—and TRUE—to me…that's an amazing feeling.
4. Wow. I'm even more excited to read now. Okay, here's a fan question: in the Skylark trilogy, which character do YOU identify most with?
Definitely Lark herself. Skylark was the first novel I ever wrote, and for me, at least, that meant that of all my characters, my main character was the one most drawn from my own thoughts and personality and experiences. Lark is an odd combination of things I wish I was, things I'm afraid I am, and things I one day hope to be. She'll probably always be the character most like—and most unlike—me in all my books.
5. That's TOTALLY how I feel about me with Eleanor! She's both part of me and who I wish I could be. So cool. Now, final question: If Lark Ascending were a literary cocktail, what ingredients would it need?
Equal parts fantasy and dystopian with a shot of steampunk and a sprinkle of moral grey area. Garnish with a rebel uprising, and serve on the rocks.
HA! Love the "garnish" bit. Nice touch. 😉
Okay, dear readers. To celebrate having Meg stop by, we're doing a giveaway (international!)! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below, help us spread the word about Meg's amazing series, and we'll choose a winner next week.
Also: if you weren't aware, both Meagan and her co-author, Pub Crawl's own Amie Kaufman, have a short story releasing tomorrow. It's called This Night So Dark, and it's free!! You definitely don't want to miss it.
MEAGAN SPOONER grew up reading and writing every spare moment of the day, while dreaming about life as an archaeologist, a marine biologist, an astronaut. She graduated from Hamilton College in New York with a degree in playwriting, and she currently lives and writes in Asheville, North Carolina. In her spare time she plays guitar, plays video games, plays with her cat, and reads. Learn more about her at her website.
About Sooz
Susan Dennard has come a long way from small-town Georgia. As a marine biologist, she got to travel the world—six out of seven continents, to be exact (she'll get to Asia one of these days!)—before she settled down as a full-time novelist and writing instructor. She lives in the Midwestern US with her French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about her crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on her blog, newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Her Something Strange and Deadly series is now available from HarperTeen, and The Witchlands series will launch from Tor in January 2016.
View all posts by Sooz →
Fantasy Lark Ascending Meagan Spooner Series Skylark Young Adult
Collaboration: Two writers are better than one(?)
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8 Responses to Finishing a Trilogy: Interview with Meagan Spooner, author of Skylark
Natalie Aguirre Oct 6 2014 at 7:28 am #
Awesome interview. Loved learning that Meagan did not have to completely plot this out at the beginning and the trilogy all worked out. So excited watching her career as an author grow since she debuted.
Christina R. Oct 6 2014 at 8:44 am #
LOVE reading trilogies when I love the characters. And I like it when the last book wraps things up and ends on a good note 🙂
LOVELY interview and congrats to Meagan!! She's awesome 🙂
Julie Oct 6 2014 at 9:43 am #
GREAT interview Susan and Meg!!! Congratulations, Meg!!! I'm so happy for you. This line: …knowing that I finished telling Lark's story in a way that feels complete and satisfying—and TRUE—to me… that's an amazing feeling. Wow. Can't wait to read this!!! <3
Vivien Oct 6 2014 at 3:02 pm #
Uncomfortable. It's a transition that isn't always a smooth one. But can be the best thing ever!
Jae Young Oct 6 2014 at 3:36 pm #
I can't believe your first triology is coming to an end, Meg! So proud of you and can't wait to see what happens to Lark at the end of her adventure <3
Marissa H. Oct 6 2014 at 5:20 pm #
Finishing a trilogy is always kind of bittersweet. I usually love the characters and I'm sad it's over.
Kelly Oct 7 2014 at 12:52 am #
Finishing a trilogy makes me feel happy, satisfied, relieved (if it ends on a good note), empty (knowing I'll never see more of the characters) and all that good stuff. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I stuck with a story until the very end, and it just means it's /THAT/ good. Because if the first book doesn't catch my attention, chances are I won't be invested enough to want to continue with the characters' adventures.
Kelly G. Oct 8 2014 at 9:23 am #
It's usually sad to end a series, but if it's done right, there's also a sense of relief.
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