An Interview with Suzannah Rowntree

Today I'm happy to be interviewing Suzannah Rowntree!

When Suzannah Rowntree isn’t travelling the world to help out friends in need, she lives in a big house in rural Australia with her awesome parents and siblings, trying to beat her previous number-of-books-read-in-a-year record. She blogs the results at www.vintagenovels.com and is the author of both fiction and non-fiction. She’s written two non-fiction books on literature, The Epic of Reformation: A Guide to the Faerie Queene and War Games: Classic Fiction for the Christian Life. These day’s she focusing on writing and publishing fiction: Pendragon’s Heir, her debut novel, which springs from her lifelong love of medieval literature; and a series of fairytale novellas including The Rakshasa’s Bride, The Prince of Fishes, and (upcoming!) The Bells of Paradise. 

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1. (Heidi) Some differences and similarities you see between the three major forms of storytelling—literature, music, and film? 

(Suzannah) Um. Wow. Big question. Let me try. 

Literature is my own expertise. It’s by far the most precise of the three storytelling forms, since it involves the most precise of the storytelling media—words. You can make things very explicit in a book which it would be difficult to make explicit even in a film. This goes for description as well as for theme: just think of how much hilarity PG Wodehouse loses in the translation to screen. How can you film “the shifty, hang-dog look which announces that an Englishman is about to speak French” or “the look of one who had drunk the cup of life and found a dead beetle at the bottom”? You can’t.

Film is perhaps the most immersive and immediate of the three storytelling forms. Its strength is, of course, visual and physical, and it majors on dialogue. Its popularity has impacted immensely on the way we write books—more dialogue, more description of characters’ or landscapes’ physical aspects, elaborately choreographed dances or duels, a greater sense of movement, scene-setting reminiscent of camera angles—but I’m not convinced that’s always a good thing. Things which work beautifully in film don’t always translate so well to literature. 

Music is the least precise of the three storytelling forms, which is probably why so many composers wanting to write music with a point have chosen to add words—either as liner notes, or in a title, or in song lyrics—to explain what the music is supposed to depict. Music has always been recognised for its effect on mood and emotion, but there was also a time—especially in the Baroque period, as exemplified by JS Bach—when music was believed to have rational, philosophical/theological import as well, and musical lexicons were even published to explain the precise significance of various chords and rhythms. (For more information, I highly recommend James Gaines’s book Evening in the Palace of Reason). 

As for similarities, I think one of the big similarities is a sense of plot structure; of starting at Point A, and then proceeding in a linear fashion through various climaxes and resolutions to Point B. Another universal is the appeal to the emotions, but as hinted, I wonder if this might be a somewhat artificial distinction; it’s quite possible for music, as well as film and literature, to appeal to reason. 

2. How have you seen those three mesh together in your own creative process? 

Film is here to stay, and it’s revolutionised the written word. I don’t think that’s an entirely good thing, but I also don’t think it’s entirely bad. Plus, people expect a cinematic element in their storytelling, and I’m happy to use all its strengths as I can. 

As for music, I have a lot of respect for it (and I’ve been a musician most of my life). I don’t listen to it while I write because it uses up parts of my brain I need to focus on the rhythm and cadence of my words. So a musical faculty definitely plays into my writing. 

Also, people often seem to burst randomly into song in my stories, like in The Lord of the Rings. Because I secretly believe Heaven will be a lot more like a musical than we think. 

3. When and how did you first begin writing? 

In addition to loving books and being good with words, I had a strong tendency to play make-believe games when I was small. One day I decided to write a story based on one of my make-believe games for my best friend’s birthday. It look four years and three drafts to finish. It was then that I realised I’d probably never be quite the same again. 

4. What are you currently working on? 

Two projects—a series of novella-length fairytale retellings, and a giant huge immense epic novel, because I do not know the meaning of the word “moderation”. I’ve already published two of the fairytale novellas an am preparing another two for publication in the near future. 

5. Particular author/s who have influenced you? 

The Inklings (JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, and Charles Williams), along with their spiritual forbear GK Chesterton have probably had the biggest influence, but others include John Buchan, Edmund Spenser, and Jane Austen. 

6. Is there a “non-writing” activity that shapes your writing? 

I’m always reading avidly to feed my writing. I read history and factual books as research. I read theology to give my themes some real philosophical heft. I read classic literature so as to know what I’m aiming for. And I read current literature so as to know what’s on the market and what the tropes of my genre are. 

7. Your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of digital books? 

The advantage is that I can feed my reading habit for a much lower cost, and be more selective about the books I do buy physical copies of. The disadvantage is that in a thousand years or so when they’re digging up our bones, it’s our paperbacks that are going to survive to pass on our work, our philosophy, and our stories. Not so much our Kindles. 

8. Do you ever do graphic design to help with your writing? 

I design my own covers, and I generally work on them for as long as I’m working on the story. That’s about the limit of it. My graphic design repertoire is extremely limited. 

9. Do you outline? If so, in a general way or very detailed? 

Yes, I’m a confirmed outliner, to a moderate level of detail. Too much detail in an outline, and I feel I might as well be writing the first draft. Too little, and I risk running into problems when I don’t know what to do next. Major plot points and climactic scenes get the most level of detail in my outlining, since they’re the big scenes I’m building towards. 

10. Do you work on multiple projects at once? 

I am at the moment. I don’t like tearing myself away from one project to another in quick succession, but I do consider long hiatuses (hiati?) essential, so as to give my thoughts time to mature. 

11. Do you edit as you write? 

Editing and rewrites account for an enormous proportion of my writing time. Even in first-draft work, it’s hard not to tinker a bit. 

12. Certain themes you see surfacing and resurfacing in your work? 

Multigenerational vision. The struggle of building the Kingdom of God in an imperfect world among imperfect people. Optimistic eschatology. The nobility of ordinary things. All these things crop up pretty regularly, especially in the stories I get most excited about. 

13. A particular aspect of writing you struggle with or a challenge you’ve overcome? 

I don’t know I can point to anything specific. Writing is pretty backbreaking. One thing I’m trying to be sensitive to is not trying to accomplish too much in a story—just limiting myself to the essentials, rather than weaving in every possible option. 

14. How do you deal with feedback—particularly negative feedback? 

Positive feedback always makes me happy. Negative feedback differs according to whether it comes from someone who understands what I’m trying to achieve, or someone who doesn’t get it at all. The former is often very useful—which is why I try to get it before publication, so I can use it. After, I do often read the negative feedback—and then I often have to take a couple of weeks letting the sting subside before I go back and see if I can take away anything worthwhile. 

15. One thing you’ve learned from other writers? 

Everything. I’ve learned everything from observing and analysing masters of their craft like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, JRR Tolkien, and so on—how to plot, how to craft sympathetic characters, how to incorporate theme, how to work faithfully every day. 

16. A helpful nonfiction book or website? 

Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide to Six Shakespeare Plays by Peter Leithart opened my eyes to how literature works, especially when it comes to chiastic structure and how theme can underlie literally every plot/characterisation aspect of a book. 

17. What do you consider one of the single most important things to remember (i.e. an attitude or technique)? 

No matter what you’re doing, you can always be doing better. Never take it for granted that you’ve succeeded. Always try to improve. 

18. A word of encouragement for fellow writers? 

Remember 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, which I believe applies to all cultural works. Your work has eternal significance. Your foundation is Christ, and it’s up to you to build on that foundation-stone with gold, silver, and jewels—not with wood, hay and stubble. If you work well, you will receive the reward for the work of your hands, and those that endure will enter into eternity with the glory and honour of nations brought into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24). Some things you actually can take with you! 

And therefore, no matter how long it takes you to produce something worthwhile, no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears you must shed, it’s going to be worth it. Things that deserve to last for all eternity aren’t made in a day; aren’t made without painstaking work and attention. And while it may feel difficult and thankless today, you have the best incentive in the world to persevere—the words of the Creator himself, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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Note from Heidi: Thank you so much for sharing Suzannah! :) 

And everyone, be sure to check out Suzannah's blog at Vintage Novels.

Quote of the Month ~ November 2015

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This is our 50th post! And what think you of Lewis's advice? :)

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Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com

The Behind-the-Scenes Writing Tag

Hamlette tagged me with this recently and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. (Thank you, Hamlette! ;))

Is there a certain snack you like to eat while writing? 

Glass after glass of fresh whole milk. Also, dark chocolate and (at the moment) fruit leather, of all interesting things. :) 

When do you normally write? Night, afternoon, or morning? 

I’m trying to keep flexible with being able to write at any time, but -- unless I’m at a riveting place -- morning definitely seems to be my most productive time. Blog posts I generally tend to write in installments all throughout the day and in between everything else. 

Where do you write? 

As of a couple months ago, I used to only write at the computer in the basement, but since being given another laptop computer I’ve found it hugely stimulating to move around the house. Sometimes the dining table, or sitting in the rocker in the library, or standing by one of the chest freezers in the basement, or sometimes at the sewing desk. 

How often do you write a new novel? 

Each novel is a marathon for me and I generally try to focus on one at a time -- letting the others have time to simmer -- so starting each new project is an infrequent and momentous occasion. 

Do you listen to music while you write? 

Yes!!! Almost always. And different stories have different selections. Right now, for A Flame Shall Spring it’s Cinderella 2015 and Ever After and Dreaming (by André Rieu) and sometimes, Beauty and the Beast. 

What do you write on? Laptop or paper? 

The laptop, but I have an entire collection of handwritten notebooks and generous piles of miscellaneous scraps of paper covered with all sorts and combinations of oddments. 

Is there a special ritual you have before or after you write? 

No, besides backing up everything connected with my current WIP each and every time I finish a writing session.

What do you do to get into the mood to write? 

I’ve been working hard on making a steady writing habit of late and, thankfully, I think the ‘sitting down and staying with it regardless of mood’ is getting a bit better, BUT I do have certain movies that are a huge part of my process, freshening me up for different stories and generally starting off an explosion of creativity. 

What is always near the place you write? 

This has changed a little with being more mobile, but I still absolutely love the calendar and character collages my sisters made me for On David’s Shoulders. 

Do you have a reward system for your word count? 

I’m trying to get better with just writing and then being comfortable editing out later, but by default I tend to focus strongly on the less-is-more principle, which -- needless to say -- tends to give a low word count. I do keep microscopic track of it and spreadsheet every last adjustment, which is tremendously helpful for pacing, etc. So all in all, seeing it fluctuate up and down as necessary where the work needs to expand or tighten up, is quite satisfying (not to mention encouraging)!

So... I guess that answer ended up being my overall philosophy on it, but no, I don't have a reward system per se. :)

Is there anything about your writing process that others might not know about? 

For me, whenever a new story arrives, the ending generally always comes first. So before writing I sit down and work back to the beginning and then go forward again, figuring out the major plot points. Then I keep the outlining very low key between those points, leaving plenty of room for character changes and new developments. Sometimes the major incidents shift as the book grows, but so far the built-in flexibility has taken on any and all changes without skipping a beat, so I’m thoroughly happy!

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Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com

Quote of the Month ~ August 2015

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Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com

Announcing....a new link-up!

The date of the grand announcement has arrived! Coming the week of May 11th, I'll be starting a monthly link-up here for any and all readers who love delving deep into their favorite works while also sharing and discovering with fellow story lovers. It promises to be an entirely wonderful experience and I hope you'll join us!

More details to follow when the link-up officially starts next month, but meanwhile, tell your friends—and be sure to share the button!

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Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com

Book Review: The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

I am not (by definition) into grammar textbooks. I am tremendously into the careful use of language, and so far The Elements of Style is the one book on the subject that I have recommended on any and all occasions without reservations!

This thin little book belongs in every writer’s arsenal. Easily accessible, pertinent and succinct, it touches on subjects that matter (elementary rules of usage, principles of composition, matters of form, and commonly misused words and expressions). In short, all those small, daily, irritating trip-ups which too often bring our writing to the dust. And it’s all done in roughly 80 small pages!

The ending chapter, An Approach to Style, is worth the price of the entire book and (in my opinion) if thoroughly studied is all you might ever need on the subject. To quote: 

“Write in a way that draws the reader’s attention to the sense and substance of the writing, rather than to the mood and temper of the author. If the writing is solid and good, the mood and temper of the writer will eventually be revealed, and not at the expense of the work. Therefore, the first piece of advice is this: to achieve style, begin by affecting none—that is, place yourself in the background. A careful and honest writer does not need to worry about style. As he becomes proficient in the use of the language, his style will emerge, because he himself will emerge, and when this happens he will find it increasingly easy to break through the barriers that separate him from other minds, other hearts—which is, of course, the purpose of writing, as well as its principal reward. Fortunately, the act of composition, or creation, disciplines the mind; writing is one way to go about thinking, and the practice and habit of writing not only drain the mind but supply it, too.”

Most excellent, is it not?

Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com

Quote of the Month ~ February 2015

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For more great Quotes of the Month click here.

Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com

An Interview with Éowyn Peterson

Today (for our first interview!) we’ll be visiting with my sister, Éowyn Peterson. She’s loves writing, history, playing with horses, and studying healthy lifestyle practices. The author of Blue Ice and Amber, you can read more about her writing here. You can also find her at her blog Captured by the Word and her book and movie review blog High Noon. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing with us today, Éowyn!

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1. (Heidi) Some differences and similarities you see between the three major forms of storytelling—literature, music, and film? 

(Éowyn) Movies are very often made by the music within them. Music can weave so much story within your mind and my one regret when it comes to books is that dance scenes are much less effective than ones in movies, because you can’t have music. However, the beauty of emotion and scenery described in books can at times almost make melody, so I think it all balances out. :)

2. How have you seen those three mesh together in your own creative process?

I love how—when reading all sorts of juicy tidbits of description—character and mannerisms are woven to a complete web. Seeing characters in a movie very much helps me spice up my own characters and, without copying, have somewhat of a model of behavior to base them from. Music brings them completely alive—as listening to the swirl and cohesiveness of song brings deep emotion to places where you can’t even see a face.

3. When and how did you first begin writing?

Firstly, stories were read to me. Then I learned to decipher them on my own. Paintings, travel, photos and adventures of all kinds inspired me…and the words and stories came naturally out of it all.

4. Particular author/s who have influenced you?

There are so many authors that inspire me to write, but the three that I think most constantly influence my style are: L. M. Montgomery, P.G. Wodehouse, and Zane Grey in his Light of the Western Stars.

5. Is there a “non-writing” activity that shapes your writing? 

Definitely working with my horse, and my other studies help my brain work as well. Long walks that afford both wind-whipped hilltop views and forest glades. Surfing internet sites and blogs written by/featuring adventurous and creative people is also very motivating.

6. Have you chosen to go with a publishing house or independent publishing? (Please elaborate.)

With complete honesty I have never even looked into traditional publishing, and though I do like the sound of it I very much like the freedom that independent publishing gives.

7. Your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of digital books?

Advantage: for emergency reading, you can bring them up on your father’s phone on the way home from church and other important occasions… Disadvantages: though at times you simply have to do digital, they are inanimate objects, peoples! Instead of smell and feel and three dimension, there is only clicking…and that, friends, is a sad exchange.

8. Do you ever do graphic design to help with your writing? 

If especially inspired I might attempt a drawing of a character, but for the most part I leave the cover designing, etc. to my younger sister. However, I am a great collector of character photos.

9. Do you outline? If so, in a general way or very detailed?

It depends on four things (at least, I think only four things as I came up with them even as I write here): 1.) How complicated the interactions are between the characters. 2.) How many different story threads there are to be woven together. 3.) How clear the image of the story is in my own mind. And 4.) How grand and large the scope of the finished work is going to be.

10. Do you work on multiple projects at once?

If inspired, I work on several. And lately I have been most definitely inspired.

11. Do you edit as you write?

After most writing sessions I do go over what I have written, but sometimes I also let it rest.

12. Certain themes you see surfacing and resurfacing in your work?

Freedom, loss, change, horses, nature, and ill and wounded characters. :)

13. A particular aspect of writing you struggle with or a challenge you’ve overcome?

Dialogue! When I’ve got it I’ve got and when I don’t…oh, the agony! Also (and this is somewhat awkward and shocking) writing young, friendly heroes. But I am working on it…or trying to!

14. How do you deal with feedback—particularly negative feedback?

I have to confess that my first reaction is to get a little hurt and irritated. Yes, I know, very dignified and mature to be sure. However I am trying to work on this one, so keep on with the feedback!

15. One thing you’ve learned from other writers?

What I have learned! In every book I have ever read the author has taught me something. But I think the most important thing is that no matter whether the story is romantic, humorous, tragic, or all three spun together, the best authors keep Don Lockwood’s motto before them at all times: do all with dignity—and decency.

16. A helpful nonfiction book and/or website?

Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon is absolutely AMAZING! K.M. Weiland’s blog is also really helpful, too.

17. What do you consider one of the single most important things to remember (i.e. an attitude or technique)? 

Don’t wait for the Insp. Just write and it will come sooner…or later.

18. A word of encouragement for fellow writers?

Keep positive and diligent about your work.

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Thanks a bunch for having me, Heidi! I greatly enjoyed having both a reason to studiously take note of my writing practices and to drown myself in the gorgeous photos!

Quote of the Month ~ January 2015

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For more great Quotes of the Month click here.

Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com