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one more thing
I have this idea about the manuscript for Queen of Swords, which I will share though you may think I'm nuts.
If you know the earlier novels in the series (and even if you've just read Homestead) you'll know that I use a lot of letters and other kinds of documents as part of the storytelling process. I like to do this. In fact, I need to do this to make the story work for me. Sometimes it's the best way I have to get in touch with the characters. Elizabeth writes a letter to Jennet or Lily, Curiosity writes to Daniel, Nathaniel to Hannah, Gabriel to Luke, and their voices come to me very clearly as I take dictation.
Now, you may also remember that I have a fondness for fonts. What you don't know is that I have a specific handwriting font for each character, and when Elizabeth writes a letter (for example) it shows up on my computer screen in her handwriting.
So I'm thinking that when I turn this manuscript in to my editor, she will find each of the letters not as part of the whole (Courier New 12 point) but instead she'll find the letters themselves. Folded into envelope shape and addressed, as they must be.
I know that the chances of Bantam actually printing the novel this way are next to non-existant, but at least the editor will experience it. I like that idea. So here, for your information, are a few examples.
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July 15, 2005 12:26 PM
Comments
When you first mentioned a different font for each character, I must confess I did a little mental eye-rolling, since I have long been tired of the way "playing with fonts" looks, especially in a book. However, as I read on and actually saw the fonts you use -- they really do speak clearly of the characters. I wonder what Jennet's handwriting looks like? Or the Judge's? Or -- ooh -- Curiosity's?
Also, just those little tidbits made me want to start a re-reading spree through all four of the existing novels, RIGHT NOW. I think I will, tonight. I never can make myself hold off until right before the new book comes out. Hey, I'll just do it again then.
Posted by: Rachel at July 15, 2005 07:09 PM
Rachel-- I do know what you mean about poor use of fonts. But let me ask you. How would you like it if, while reading a letter is mentioned in the narrative, and you find the very letter tucked in between the pages? So that you have to unfold it to read it, I mean.
Now I have to pack the car. Hope to check in tonight or tomorrow.
Posted by: sara at July 16, 2005 05:09 AM
Dear Sara,
I think that's great, and I'd really love it if the publishers would actually publish the letters as separate pieces of paper tucked into envelopes. I have seen a few books like this (such as JRR Tolkien's The Father Christmas letters) and they always delight me. Hey, maps and illustrations of Paradise and Hidden Wolf and things like the skirt map or Jennet's tarot cards would be wonderful too - I agree with your earlier posts, why should children get all the lovely illustrated books?
Posted by: Sheena Walsh at July 17, 2005 05:29 PM
I love this idea.
Did you ever read The Neverending Story? I thought it added an extra dimension to the reading experience having the text in different colours. I am a bit vague on detail now as it is over 20 years since I read it. I was living in Germany at the time and am pretty sure the book was published with red text for the present day and green for the parts that were being re-counted.
Posted by: Alison at July 17, 2005 05:33 PM
Sara,
I think you should have the letters of the characters in different fonts. I understand that you use them as a device to tell the story. I posted a while back on this very subject. I felt like I was reading the letters as they were. It gave me a feeling of being their contemporary in a time where letters were the only way to communicate. Quite unlike the throw away communication of e-mails and instant messaging ( although I use both of these forms ) In your books the characters were waiting for letters and when they arrived I was so excited to read with them as they sat down and carefully unfolded the paper.
All of this reminds be of an enchanting series of books unlike anything I have ever read. The author is a man by the name of Nick Bantock. The first book is "Griffin and Sabine" It is about a correspondance between a woman Sabine who lives in the Sicmon Islands in the south pacific and is a postage stamp designer. Griffin Lives in London. The book starts with Griffin getting a postcard from Sabine, whom he does not know. Anyway the book is filled with beautiful illustrations of postcards with beautiful stamps and letters in envelopes that you can take out and read! There are 2 more books in the series and another one I read called "The Venetian's Wife" with letters and enigmatic correspondence like the Griffon and Sabine books.
Cynthia in Florida
Posted by: Cynthia at July 19, 2005 07:03 AM
Just wanted to let you know that in my latest re-read, which I did indeed start over the weekend:
--I am gaining more insight into Richard's character and motivations than I had before. I still don't LIKE him, but I guess I feel sorry for him a little bit. A LITTLE bit.
--I am finding a few more little clues about Elizabeth's mother.
--It has been long enough since I'd read the series that I've forgotten little details, which is nice.
--I am reading the sex scenes with the discussion about that in mind, and finding that yes, it is definitely possible for that sort of scene to do a lot more than just, um, entertain. The reader learns a lot about E and N from the way they interact, and they learn about themselves as well. I guess that previously I'd
--I am utterly engrossed. Excuse me, going to go read more now.
Posted by: Rachel at July 19, 2005 04:07 PM