Interview with Natalie Wright, Author of Season of the Dragon

What’s the story behind the story? What impressed you to jot down Season of the Dragon?

I first started growing Season of the Dragon in 2016! Inspired by my longtime Feng Shui observe, I needed to create a magic system that was roughly based mostly on parts coupled with seasons. I noodled on the magic and mythology of the world for a number of years, however the story was going nowhere. Then, I spent per week in a writing retreat for a very completely different story idea with author, actor, screenwriter, and story marketing consultant, James Bonnet. He saved asking me the query, “Why?” He pushed me to maneuver past worldbuilding fun-time and dig deeper. Why does this story have to be informed? What related query does it reply? My work with James helped me perceive the emotional “spine” of a narrative.

I went again to the drafting board on what would change into Season of the Dragon. The important query I needed to reply was what occurs to an individual once they deny their internal fact? I felt this was related as so many of us wrestle to easily be ourselves. And how higher to work by this story query than with a personality who actually has two souls! Quen’s battle with her internal self types the emotional backbone of this fantastical, magical journey.

What’s your favourite style to learn? Is it the identical as your favourite style to jot down?

I most take pleasure in studying the sorts of issues I wish to write—Fantasy and Sci-Fi. I really like good, techno-mystery Sci-Fi, and fantasy with fantastical settings and well-developed magic and fable. Though I really like wonderful world-building, I lose curiosity in a narrative until the characters and their relationships are well-developed. In my very own writing, I’m impressed by Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire, and N.Okay. Jemisin’s Broken Earth collection.

What books are in your TBR pile proper now?

The Obelisk Gate (Broken Earth #2) by N.Okay. Jemisin; Fevered Star (Between Earth and Sky #2) by Rebecca Roanhorse; and the Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu.

Of course I’ve a ton extra! But these are the three I’m most wanting ahead to in the close to future.

What scene in your guide was your favourite to jot down?

The drunken, bawdy, tavern scene! After a attempting day at work for the band of rogues and mages, it was enjoyable to jot down a scene that allowed the characters to chop free. And the scene results in one other of my favorites—one through which the sexual rigidity between Quen and Aldewin is heating up. Levity and romantic rigidity—my favorites!

Do you may have any quirky writing habits? (fortunate mugs, cats on laps, and so on.)

My quirky writing behavior is why I write with the door closed and the shades drawn. Calm down—it’s not what you’re considering!

My writing course of is, at instances, like methodology appearing. To get “into character,” I’ve been recognized to carry out dialogue out loud; stroll, dance, or carry out hand gestures the means a personality in my story would; make faces whereas wanting in a mirror, and different odd issues! So, in case you see me in a café writing, don’t assume I’m gone off my nut! I’m in all probability contorting my face to match what my character goes by so I can extra successfully write about it.

Do you may have a motto, quote, or philosophy you reside by?

Never hand over.

Not lengthy earlier than my mother handed, she gave me a silver guide with that saying inscribed on it. I hold it on my writing desk at all times to remind me.

If you possibly can select one factor for readers to recollect after studying your guide, what wouldn’t it be?

She was at all times beloved. Once you learn it, you’ll know what I imply.