Brodi Ashton is the author of the Everneath trilogy. Her latest book is “Everbound.” The following is a complete transcript of her interview with Cracking the Cover.
“Everbound” is the second book in the Everneath Trilogy. Was it easier or harder to write than its predecessor?
HARDER. And that word is in all caps for a reason. In the first book Everneath, despite the title we never actuallygo to the Everneath. So in the second book, I had to create a new world. Granted I already had a good portion of the world in my head, but getting it on paper, and making sure all the pieces fit, proved to be difficult. But I love how it turned out.
Often, second books in a trilogy are considered “hump” books, getting readers from Point A to Point B. Were you conscious of that and what did you do to avoid that?
I’m definitely aware of the “sophomore slump” and I wanted to avoid that at all costs. I think the biggest way it’s not a “middle book” is the fact that the problem that arises at the end of book one (I don’t want to spoil for those who haven’t read it) gets solved by the end of book two. If it were simply a “middle” or “bridge” book, we would’ve seen progress toward solving the problem, but not the actual solving. Does that make sense? I hope so. I haven’t been sleeping very much. Deadlines!
Do you have a formal outline for the trilogy? Have you strayed far from it?
I never had a formal outline for the trilogy. I sold the trilogy with the first book written, the second one merely synopsized (is that a word?) and a simple paragraph on the third one. But I definitely didn’t have an outline. In fact, with both sequels, my editor has had to remind me, “Um, remember that paragraph you originally sent us? About what was supposed to happen? Let me remind you…” And then I’d be like, “Oh yeah. I forgot that was my original intention.” But that’s how I write: by discovery. So sometimes it’s hard to stick to outlines.
You did a lot of research for “Everneath.” Did that carry over into “Everbound”?
Actually, I like to say I avoided doing a lot of research for both of the books, and that was on purpose. I never wanted this series to be a faithful or literal retelling of the myths. Rather, I wanted the myths to provide subtle themes in the story of Nikki and Jack. So while I am very familiar with mythology, I don’t read very much about it when I’m writing the books. I like to have the freedom to stray far from the bounds of the stories.
Has writing in general become easier? Do you still love it?
I still love it. And I’m still waiting for the day when it becomes easier. Will that happen? In fact, the opposite has been true. The more I write, the more I realize how much I DON’T know. The harder I am on myself.
What has the response been to your books so far?
That’s a hard question to answer, because I’m not aware of a lot of the response! I stay away from review sites, because I’m crazy enough already without adding to it an obsession with who does and doesn’t like my books. But I do get a lot of fan mail, and I really love hearing when my story has connected with a reader. I especially love hearing the different interpretations of the book.
Are you surprised by it?
I did get a starred review for EVERNEATH and EVERBOUND, Kirkus was glowing about the sequel, and the fact that these people are even reviewing my book, let alone impressed with it… I’ll never get over that.
Why do you think people enjoy your books?
Ha! I have no idea. That’s the great thing about being an author. I get to spend all this time alone with my book, writing it the way the characters are playing it out in my head. It’s a very personal interaction, and I have complete control over it. Then we hit the stage where it goes out into the world, and I have no control over how people read it, and I have no idea what will resonate with them. Even with the fan letters I do get, I know it only gives me a tiny glimpse as to why some people like my books.
If you could go back in time to when you were first trying to get published, what advice would you give yourself?
1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. 2. Don’t waste time pressing “refresh” on your emails. Spend that time writing your next book. 3. Eventually you need to stop researching “how to get published” and simply write what you are passionate about. It all comes down to the writing.
What are you working on now?
The revisions for Book 3 in the EVERNEATH trilogy. It’s kicking my butt, but I love this book!