SHADOW SCALE is the sequel to SERAPHINA, and the duology was always intended to have a roughly symmetrical structure. The first book would carry us from peace to war, and the second book from war back to peace. The road to peace is much more difficult than the road to war, however, so the second book is kind of a brick. The other thing I realized as I was writing was that I was interested in a different set of questions than I’d been exploring in SERAPHINA, and it took me some time to figure out what those questions were. I think there was much more perspiration than inspiration involved in this second book, frankly.

What scene was really hard for you to write and why, and is that the one of which you are most proud? Or is there another scene you particularly love?

The scene I loved the most was the epilogue, and it was simultaneously hardest and easiest to write. I can’t really talk about it without spoiling, but it’s a bittersweet, emotional scene. There were days when that scene was the only thing I was really sure of about this book. It was my Pole Star.

What did this book teach you about writing or about yourself?

It reaffirmed something that I already knew, but had half-forgotten: that when I’m stuck, it’s a good idea to go do something else for a while. The solution will bubble up from my unconscious more readily if I’m not trying to force it. “Writers write” has become a ubiquitous truism, but sometimes writers don’t write. Sometimes writers ride bikes or sing or walk the dog, and it’s ok. You’re not a failure if you have to walk away from it occasionally.

What’s your writing ritual like? Do you listen to music? Work at home or at a coffee shop or the library, etc?

I get up early, before the rest of my household, and I write very first thing. I often listen to music, but not always. There’s a pause during the breakfast and off-to-school rush, but then I get back to it. These days, I get to about 1500-2000 words before I stop, which is a lot for me. I only ever work at home, because I find other humans quite distracting.

What advice would you most like to pass along to other writers?

Be patient, be persistent, but above all, be gentle with yourself. It is a tricky mental transition from writing for yourself to writing for a publisher and a readership. If writing was your therapy, it can easily become the source of stress — and then what have you got for therapy? I found singing, another art form that I can enjoy without any pressure, and it reminds me what writing is supposed to feel like, which helps keep my head on straight.

What are you working on now?

A second duology, set in the same world as SERAPHINA and SHADOW SCALE, but featuring an almost completely different cast of characters. I’m having a great time with it so far.