A lot of readers ask me, "Do you ever get emotional while writing the book?" or "Did you cry when you killed this character?" And the truth is, no, I didn't. That's not really the way I approach it. I don't get emotional while writing, but then there are plenty of other authors who do.

Victoria Aveyard

In the fairy tales, the poor girl smiles when she becomes a princess. Right now, I don't know if I'll ever smile again.

Victoria Aveyard

princess smile girl

The truth is what I make it. I could set this world on fire and call it rain.

Victoria Aveyard

fire rain life

I've always really loved big worlds and the kind of worldbuilding where you can open a portal into a new realm that feels full and complete. At the same time, I also really love history. So the combination of big worlds and history draws me directly into fantasy. Well, it should turn me towards historical fiction but I'm such a perfectionist about research that I'm not sure I could ever write a book in that genre properly. In fantasy, you have to have the same level of precision, but it's not as research-based. Plus, I get to write my little info sheets and draw my maps.

Victoria Aveyard

historical writing book

World-building is my favorite pastime, so with me, I'm always about reining myself in.

Victoria Aveyard

building my-favorite world

I don't want to lose too much of the mystery by hammering every detail to death.

Victoria Aveyard

details too-much want

My biggest bits of advice are, write as much as you can, finish what you start, get a thick skin, don't take crap from anyone, but also live your life and have fun. The stereotype of a writer holed up alone all day is really unhelpful. You can't write real people and real emotion if you don't let yourself experience them.

Victoria Aveyard

alone day you life

I'm a child of the Disney Renaissance, so the new classics are near and dear. I suppose this is a legend more than a fairy tale, but 'Mulan' is easily my favorite. Not only is it a fun, action-packed, beautiful movie, but it's so important for young girls to have.

Victoria Aveyard

legend child fun beautiful

I start out giving characters archetypes and parameters. Once I know the basics and have a rudimentary model, it's easier to carve unique curves and edges. It's quite easy to guess how a character is going to react if you know their background, and at a certain point, you realize you understand them personally.

Victoria Aveyard

understand you unique character

I have sort of weaned myself off of reading my own reviews, which is a constant struggle.

Victoria Aveyard

myself my-own reading struggle

My number one job at the end of the day is to entertain.

Victoria Aveyard

end-of-the-day end job day

World-building is my favorite pastime, so with me, I'm always about reining myself in. I don't want to lose too much of the mystery by hammering every detail to death. I did fiddle with lots of maps for 'Glass Sword,' as the second installment sees Mare, Cal and company traveling throughout their country, and that's always fun for me.

Victoria Aveyard

myself me fun death

My favorite part about Mare Barrow is her almost selfish survival instinct, as well as her increasingly gray morality. Her character arc in 'Glass Sword' is a lot deeper and more emotional than before, so I'm glad I got to write this sequel and that people want to read it.

Victoria Aveyard

selfish survival character people

Maven is very much a haunting presence in 'Glass Sword.' His influence is everywhere, and he dogs Mare and Cal like no other. He's my favorite character to write because he's so complex, but also because he affects everyone else so deeply. He's kind of like the source of gravity. Everyone moves around him and what he's done.

Victoria Aveyard

sword influence done character

All my favorite books and movies are franchises like 'Harry Potter' and 'Lord of the Rings,' so that was always the dream, that maybe I'll get to write a series of my own.

Victoria Aveyard

movies own my-own dream

I write, having seen what's happening already in my head. I see it as a movie, and I'm just writing down what's happening in front of me.

Victoria Aveyard

down see me writing

Action set pieces are my absolute favorite thing to write. I'm pretty much always in the mood to do them, but music certainly helps the process. I usually brainstorm out the dynamics and choreography of a fight to music beforehand - it gives me the little sparks of imagination when I get to the gaps in my own creativity.

Victoria Aveyard

fight me music imagination

Telling stories has been a compulsion of mine since I could physically say, 'Once upon a time...' But in high school, I realized I could study creative writing in college and actually pursue it as a viable career.

Victoria Aveyard

high-school college time school

I don't necessarily set out to teach or say anything in particular in my writing. Morals and themes come out as I'm telling the tale.

Victoria Aveyard

morals say teach writing

My writing could be the most beautiful or important piece of prose, but it means nothing if it's boring, if people aren't listening or reading. I think transporting someone, putting them in a story for a few hours, taking them out of their worlds, is what I always strive to do.

Victoria Aveyard

think reading beautiful people

I definitely look up to Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins, and J.K. Rowling.

Victoria Aveyard

veronica definitely look up