Beautiful Books - October 2016

Well, I've been waiting for the next Beautiful People questions, and completely missed the fact that they posted a Beautiful Books questionnaire instead.
So here goes. Where the Music Ends. What's that? Why is my word count still so ridiculously low? Because I haven't been writing. Yes, yes, I know. I promised I would. Well, hopefully I will get back to it. Stop looking at me like that. Here's a post to keep you quiet.

1. What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

I started out with the scene of a woman in red, standing in a clearing in the forest and calling the children to her for nefarious (but unknown) purposes. That was several years ago.

2. Describe what your novel is about!

At its heart, it’s about the love of a sister for her brother, and the lengths she’ll go to rescue him. It’s also about friendship and adventure.

3. What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

Erm, haven’t thought about it much.

4. Introduce us to each of your characters!

I have a very small cast in this book. There’s Alice, the main character, whom I introduced in September’s Beautiful People post. There’s Gilbert, who joins up with her right at the beginning. Her brother Joseph, whom we only see in a few scenes. The witch is the villain. Supporting characters are Henry, his grandmother, and a scholar named Anthony.

5. How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)

I outline. I don’t have any rituals or anything, if that’s what you mean …

6. What are you most looking forward to about this novel?

Getting the second draft done!

7. List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

It’s cold. There are mountains. Oh, and a university!

8. What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?

Alice’s goal is to rescue her brother. The witch, and sometimes Gilbert, stand in her way (in one way or another).

9. How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?

Well, I wouldn’t want to spoil that for you.

10. What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?

See question 2 for the theme. I want them to feel like they’ve read a worthwhile story about characters they have come to care about. I want them to feel like it will go on once the last page has been read, but also to feel that it has come to a satisfying conclusion.