Squeetus summer book club: Princess Academy, chapter 19

Chapter 19

The opening song: A love song that only Mount Eskel would create.

"However...": Oh! To float above the ground only to come slamming back down again! I so feel Miri here. Never in my life has a prince seemed to like me and then leave early without declaring his feelings, but I feel like I know exactly what she feels. Isn't it amazing how universal feelings are? That we don't have to go through the exact same thing to understand each other? Like quarry-speech, similar memories nudge our own till the message is almost just the same. Not exact, but humanly close. I love books for how they help us empathize with others experiencing things we never will.

"she felt as though she sat in the puddle" pg 226: Sitting in a puddle is never a pleasant place to be. But I trust that Miri will be able to stand back up.

"She was used to having the idea of Peder nestled constantly inside all she did," pg 228: This is how I felt when I was falling in love with Dean. The feeling has changed slightly with the years and the confirmation of his own love. Being mutally, welcomingly in love means the other is a constant companion even in their absence.

"Esa was telling her to run." pg 230: Wait, what? Danger is afoot, you say? I wasn't expecting that! (or were you? Do tell!)

Libby asks, "With editing, are there times when editors tell you to change things that you'd rather not change (stuff that's important to the plot, etc.)?" I've never had any negative experiences with this. I trust my editor and try to listen closely to her feedback. There are definitely times when she points out something isn't working and suggests a solution that doesn't work for me. But so far I've always found a different solution that solves the problem in a way that works for both of us.

Kris says, "Just letting you know that my preteen daughter and I read PA together last year (along w/The Witch of Blackbird Pond-- don't you love that book?!), and I know that the experience will always be one of those special memories." I do love that book! Thank you. Reading books together creates such a unique and profound bond with people, doesn't it? It's much more intense than watching a movie together. It's closer to actually experiencing the action of the story. Going on an adventure together. So lovely.

Comments

[Tori]

I reread Princess Academy earlier this summer, not knowing that you were going to do this wonderful series, and every once in a while I felt overcome by how lovely your writing is. I love Miri, and the conflict with her family especially. My question is this: when you first write a main character, how do you make sure that she or he is not too much like you? I know I have a hard time drafting because I tend to get nervous that my MC is too similar to me.

[Maddie]

If they were to make Princess Academy into a movie who would be your personal first pick to play her? :)

[Susan]

Shannon, knowing the novel is far from finished, I'm curious to know when/how you recognize/define that point when you call a first draft complete?

[Bekah]

The first time I read this book, I reached this point and I was very intrigued. The seemingly main part of the book was over but there were still so many pages left...what would happen next, I wondered. I want to thank you for throwing me for a loop in the pages after because I was expecting something more but it turned out to be nothing that I expected. It created a very intense and exciting book to the end. Also, I love the contrast between the girls having the thought that they will have to spend another winter studying and the reality that their dull winter becomes quite thrilling and also life-changing.

[Heather]

I was definitely not expecting this twist the first time I read it. This is the part where I absolutely could not put the book down until I had reached the end. And there aren't too many books/authors that can keep me up at night reading!

[Emily]

I have 2 questions: 1. In Forest Born, on page 135, Enna wants to tell a joke about Tirans, but Isi won't let her. I was wondering if you had a specific joke in mind for her to say or not. I know you don't like to add anything other than what is in the book already, but I wonder every time I read that part, and I figure I may as well ask. 2. How do you put imagery in your books? When I write, I have a hard time with it because the descriptions seem too lengthy or don't fit in the story anywhere, and when I go back and reread it, it doesn't describe the image of the person or object I have in my head. So I was wondering if you had any tips on how to describe things better. Thanks! I am really enjoying this summer book club!

[Katherine]

Of the characters, the world, and the plot, which is easier for you to develop and write? How do you work on the other two?

I am so excited for Palace of Stone! Your other books have enchanted and inspired me so much, and I can't wait for more!