Digest

This podcast features author Rachel Gillig discussing her writing process, the impact of BookTok, and the nuances of genre classification, particularly "Romantasy." The conversation delves into crafting intimate scenes, the "bad boy" trope, and the appeal of hard magic systems. Gillig shares insights into her "flashlight theory" of writing, inspirations from folklore and personal experiences like sleepwalking, and her thoughts on adapting fantasy for screen. The episode also touches on fan art, book cover trends, and the human drive for answers, viewing science and storytelling as forms of modern magic.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Author's Journey

The podcast opens with a discussion on the "bad boy" trope and welcomes author Rachel Gillig. Gillig shares her journey into writing, the selection of her book "One Dark Window" for a book club, and the influence of platforms like BookTok on author-reader interaction.

00:05:08

Genre, Language, and Intimate Scenes

The hosts and Gillig discuss genre shelving in bookstores, the use of modern language in erotic scenes, and creative descriptions in intimate moments. They explore the balance between explicit content and narrative drive, with Gillig sharing her approach to writing sex scenes.

00:10:02

Defining and Marketing "Romantasy"

The conversation addresses the classification of books as "Romantasy," with Gillig emphasizing the plot-driven nature of her work. They discuss the fairness of genre labels, especially for female authors, and the prevalence of romance in male-authored fantasy. Gillig also shares her enjoyment of writing romantic tension and the elements of a great romantic scene.

00:14:01

Communication Habits and Consistency

Gillig discusses her introverted communication style and struggles with group chats. The hosts share their experiences with managing text messages and communication overload. The importance of habits over motivation for consistency is highlighted, followed by advertisements for AG1 and Peloton Tread Plus.

00:19:10

"Tea Time": The "Bad Boy" Trope and Character Depth

The podcast transitions to "Tea Time," revisiting the "bad boy" trope and exploring whether these characters are truly toxic or misunderstood. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a good heart beneath a rough exterior and the found family trope. An anecdote about early edits concerning character awkwardness is shared.

00:21:44

Writing Process: Plotting, Pantsing, and Magic Systems

Gillig explains her writing process, identifying as a "pantser" for plot but a plotter for character development. She introduces her "flashlight theory" and discusses unique concepts like card-based magic systems and the appeal of hard magic systems with clear rules. The origin of magical objects in her writing and her preciousness about possessions are also touched upon.

00:28:01

Misunderstood Characters, Villains, and the Nature of Magic

The discussion shifts to favorite misunderstood characters and villains, including a comparison of Frankenstein adaptations. The author finds humor in certain character portrayals and touches on psychic abilities and speaking things into existence. Gillig expresses skepticism about literal magic but believes in the magic of storytelling and human imagination.

00:33:48

Science, Storytelling, and Folklore

The podcast explores the human drive for answers, viewing science as modern magic due to its transformative power. A viral video of a lonely penguin is discussed for its emotional resonance. Gillig shares childhood exposure to Mexican and European fey folklore, noting their often grotesque nature.

00:39:12

Folklore, Superstitions, and Personal Experiences

Traditions like leaving trinkets in trees and stories of mysterious staircases spark conversations about folklore and superstitions. Gillig shares experiences with potentially seeing ghosts and managing sleepwalking and sleep terrors, linking them to stress.

00:43:38

Inspiration for "One Dark Window" and Character Expectations

Gillig reveals the inspirations behind "One Dark Window," including a poem, a painting, and her sleepwalking experiences. She addresses reader expectations regarding the "Nightmare" character and discusses the challenges and enjoyment of incorporating rhyming couplets.

00:49:30

"Tryhard in Rugby" Game and Personal Preferences

The podcast introduces a game called "Tryhard in Rugby," covering topics like coffee orders, favorite memes, preferences for mist versus ruins, favorite musicians, and essential carry items.

00:52:09

Sensory Sensitivity, Media, and Renfaire

Gillig discusses her heightened sensitivity to smells and her search for a signature scent. Her favorite rewatched movie is "Coraline," and she expresses enthusiasm for Renaissance fairs and cosplay culture. A note on custom chain mail used for book covers is mentioned.

00:55:16

Fan Art, Book Tours, and Cover Art Trends

The discussion touches on fan art and character portrayals, with Gillig sharing her favorite fan art piece. She discusses her book tour experiences, the upcoming release of "The Nave and the Moon," and her introverted nature. Book cover trends, particularly animated covers, are contrasted with her photoshoot-based designs.

01:02:40

Kindle Unlimited, Current Reads, and Adaptations

Gillig explains that traditionally published authors don't control Kindle Unlimited placement. She shares her current reads, recommends "Ella Enchanted," and discusses the challenges of adapting fantasy works for screen, emphasizing the need for practical execution and faithfulness to the source material.

01:12:56

Pronunciation and Authorial Input

The author clarifies the pronunciation of the name "Ioni" and discusses the author's role in audiobook narration and ensuring correct pronunciation of fantasy names and places. The podcast concludes with thank yous and social media plugs.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the significance of the "bad boy" trope in literature, and how is it often portrayed?

  The "bad boy" trope features rebellious characters with underlying charm, often depicted as misunderstood with good hearts, especially within the found family trope.

• How has BookTok influenced the publishing industry and reader engagement?

  BookTok has significantly impacted publishing through community discussions and recommendations, driving sales and fostering direct author-reader connections.

• What are the challenges and considerations when classifying and shelving books by genre?

  Genre shelving can be difficult due to blended genres, impacting discoverability. Marketing decisions and classifications may not always align with author or reader expectations.

• How does an author approach writing intimate or "spicy" scenes in a novel?

  Authors balance specificity with tasteful language, focusing on tension, character connection, and emotional resonance to serve the story and character development.

• What is the difference between hard and soft magic systems in fantasy, and which does the author prefer?

  Hard magic systems have clear rules, while soft systems are more mysterious. The author prefers hard magic systems for their engagement and clear rules.

• How does an author's personal experiences, like sleepwalking, inform their writing?

  Personal experiences provide unique perspectives and inspiration, shaping character development, plot, and atmosphere, contributing to authenticity.

• What are the key elements that make a romantic or intimate scene compelling for readers?

  Compelling scenes rely on built-up tension, shared experiences, and character development beyond attraction, with banter and shared history creating deeper connections.

• How does an author decide on the magic system for their fantasy novels?

  Magic systems are developed based on reader preferences and what's compelling, involving tangible rules or atmospheric elements, enhancing story, characters, and world-building.

• What is the author's perspective on classifying her books as "Romantasy"?

  The author views her books as plot-driven with romance elements, not strictly "Romantasy," emphasizing that the romance is integrated within a broader narrative.

• What are the common inspirations behind unique fantasy concepts like card magic or nightmares?

  Unique concepts stem from art, folklore, and personal experiences, such as symbolic cards or personal disturbances, contributing to imaginative worlds.

• How do artists sometimes misinterpret character portrayals in fan art?

  Fan art can sometimes depict characters as overly attractive or feminized, deviating from the author's intended portrayal due to artists' preferences.

• What are the current trends in book cover design for fantasy and romance?

  Current trends include animated or cartoon-style covers, contrasting with the author's photoshoot-based designs featuring models and elaborate sets.

• Do authors have control over their books being placed on Kindle Unlimited?

  Traditionally published authors generally do not control Kindle Unlimited placement; publishers make these decisions based on market trends.

• What are the difficulties in adapting fantasy novels for film or television?

  Adaptation challenges include budget constraints, stylistic differences, maintaining authenticity, avoiding anachronisms, and complex world-building.

• What is the author's recommended book for everyone to read?

  The author recommends "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine for its fairy tale origins, nostalgic appeal, and reminder of why they started writing.

• How is the pronunciation of the name "Ioni" determined for audiobooks?

  Authors often establish canonical pronunciations for made-up names and places in fantasy works, as the author has done for "Ioni."

Show Notes