When we tell stories about things that are important - love, fear, beauty - we change the way people think about the world. Writers are, or should be, truth-tellers even when the stories themselves are fantasy.
Theodora GossWrite all the time. I believe in writing every day, at least a thousand words a day. We have a strange idea about writing: that it can be done, and done well, without a great deal of effort. Dancers practice every day, musicians practice every day, even when they are at the peak of their careers โ especially then. Somehow, we donโt take writing as seriously. But writing โ writing wonderfully โ takes just as much dedication.
Theodora GossIf readers like The Thorn and the Blossom, which I would call literary fantasy, I think they would like books such as Elizabeth Hand's Mortal Love, Catherynne Valente's The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, and Kelly Link's Stranger Things Happen.
Theodora GossSo much work went into this book [ "The Thorn & The Blossom"] - you can probably tell from looking at the art and overall design.
Theodora GossThe book[ The Thorn and The Blossom] is a love story about two people, Brendan and Evelyn, who meet in a small town in Cornwall where Evelyn has gone on vacation and Brendan is working in his father's bookstore. The story is told from both perspectives, Brendan's and Evelyn's.
Theodora GossLearn as much as you can. Take every opportunity to learn about writing, whether itโs through classes, workshops, whatever is available to you. This may be difficult, because things like classes, workshops, writing programs, require time and money. But I say this honestly and somewhat harshly โ if youโre not willing to prioritize your writing, perhaps you should do something else?
Theodora Goss