I'm late to the party (finished reading The Project this week and am Still Processing), but thank you for sharing a look into its creation. The story and structure of this book is so spellbinding, and as a writer it feels like an immense privilege to hear about your research and the construction of Lo's arc. All of your protagonists stick with me, but it feels like Lo especially has embedded herself deep in my mind and heart.
Love how the new cover echos the original. I have so much to say! I'll try not to go on too much 😁. Firstly because I'm not on any social media (maybe one day) I didn't even know people had a problem with Lo, let alone were hating on her ☹. I took her as she was, complexed and flawed and hurting and was gutted for her when she fell prey to Lev's manipulations. But not surprised. Cults use grooming, although it is not often referred to as that, they find what their victim is missing and offer it. Anyone can be groomed, everyone is vulnerable. Out of curiosity, did Lo get much blame for what happened to her from some of your readers the way Georgia did?
Thank you for sharing the writing craft stuff, I love reading about other writers processes and techniques! Feel free to share more ❤. About any of your books 🥰
As for genre, what a murky water that is, can writing not become more fluid and less defined as music and movies and people are becoming? Why does it have to be pigeon holed and labelled? Also, since when was a nineteen year old not a young adult? 🤔 I took a short class one time that was to do with plot and planning a novel and I suggested that maybe my target audience was YA, and the class teacher (a YA author themselves) shut it down straight away saying no my writing and/or subject matter was too dark, and that YA had a hopeful ending. The teacher had actually only read a brief plan (not my actual writing voice) and I hadn't even decided on an ending at that point 🙁.
Oooh thank you. I found the craft talk and the whole retrospective fascinating, I really love having a glimpse into your mind and how you shaped the whole thing.
I devoured this newsletter, Courtney. I love that we can talk about the ending in such a public space with you. I was shocked that Lo went into the cult, but it was what she wanted all along, to feel loved. For me, the ending wasn't just courageous, but it was true to the character. You never shy away from the truth. Xo
I'm late to the party (finished reading The Project this week and am Still Processing), but thank you for sharing a look into its creation. The story and structure of this book is so spellbinding, and as a writer it feels like an immense privilege to hear about your research and the construction of Lo's arc. All of your protagonists stick with me, but it feels like Lo especially has embedded herself deep in my mind and heart.
Love how the new cover echos the original. I have so much to say! I'll try not to go on too much 😁. Firstly because I'm not on any social media (maybe one day) I didn't even know people had a problem with Lo, let alone were hating on her ☹. I took her as she was, complexed and flawed and hurting and was gutted for her when she fell prey to Lev's manipulations. But not surprised. Cults use grooming, although it is not often referred to as that, they find what their victim is missing and offer it. Anyone can be groomed, everyone is vulnerable. Out of curiosity, did Lo get much blame for what happened to her from some of your readers the way Georgia did?
Thank you for sharing the writing craft stuff, I love reading about other writers processes and techniques! Feel free to share more ❤. About any of your books 🥰
As for genre, what a murky water that is, can writing not become more fluid and less defined as music and movies and people are becoming? Why does it have to be pigeon holed and labelled? Also, since when was a nineteen year old not a young adult? 🤔 I took a short class one time that was to do with plot and planning a novel and I suggested that maybe my target audience was YA, and the class teacher (a YA author themselves) shut it down straight away saying no my writing and/or subject matter was too dark, and that YA had a hopeful ending. The teacher had actually only read a brief plan (not my actual writing voice) and I hadn't even decided on an ending at that point 🙁.
Thanks again for sharing ❤
I LOVED this book!
Just curious...is there a reason you never reference my other favorite book - This is Not a Test?
Oooh thank you. I found the craft talk and the whole retrospective fascinating, I really love having a glimpse into your mind and how you shaped the whole thing.
I devoured this newsletter, Courtney. I love that we can talk about the ending in such a public space with you. I was shocked that Lo went into the cult, but it was what she wanted all along, to feel loved. For me, the ending wasn't just courageous, but it was true to the character. You never shy away from the truth. Xo