“Supernaturally” Was Super!
Well, it’s all over… The captains and the kings have departed, the shouting and tumult died away—but while it lasted, the WORD Christchurch Writers & Readers’ festival was all go.
I didn’t get to participate anywhere near as much as I would have liked, but I did get to chair/compere the “Supernaturally” event with Laini Taylor and Elizabeth Knox—and since these authors are both lively speakers, it was a lot of fun.
As I told the audience, I had “eleventy-one” questions prepared (“just in case”: spot the belt and braces gal here!) But the conversation between Elizabeth and Laini quickly found a life of its own, covering a range of topics from why the “supernatural” sparks for them in writing fiction, through how they approach their storytelling (hint: discovery, not planning), to writing strong women characters, and the importance of romantic elements in contemporary YA—to name just a few of the matters traversed.
The observation that most resonated for me came in response to a question at the end, when Laini Taylor said that writing takes at least 100% of what you have to give… Ay, I thought: true dat!
And echoed the thought a moment later when Elizabeth Knox reminded us all that our writing also needs to be fun.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable session. (But what am I going to do wth the remaining two thirds of the eleventy-one question topics? 🙂 )
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My thanks to Hachette & The Realm for the photo.
It was a great panel, Helen. Thanks for asking the guests such interesting questions.
I also found Laini’s remark very inspiring. I feel like she gave me a kick in the pants. Must work harder!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, too, Cat.