Jessica Day George is the author of “Princess of the Midnight Ball,” “Princess of Glass” “Dragon Slippers” and her latest, “Tuesdays at the Castle,” which comes out Oct. 25. Below is a complete transcript of her interview with Cracking the Cover.
Background — Have you always wanted to write? Why?
I decided that I wanted to be a writer in fifth grade, when I found it was a real job. I fell in love with Robin McKinley’s HERO AND THE CROWN, and decided that I wanted to write fantasy books, too!
Why do you write for middle-readers/young adults?
I actually started out writing for adults, but all my protagonists were either teens or college students, and after the hundredth time someone said, this reads like a YA novel, you should try YA, I finally got a clue!
Do you have any rituals? Do you write all day?
I wish I could write all day! Because I have small kids, I just have to steal time whenever and wherever I can. I used to have to have music, and a large glass of ice water, and some licorice . . . now I’m lucky if I get to sit down, rather than standing at the kitchen counter with my laptop while my daughter eats lunch!
Where did the idea for “Tuesdays at the Castle” come from? Briefly tell me a little about it.
I was getting into bed one night, totally exhausted, and I suddenly thought, “On Tuesdays, when it was bored, Castle Slaughter liked to grow new rooms.” And I realized I had the start of a book, about a living castle and the princess it loved . . . and I REALLY had to find a new name for the castle!
How long did you work on it?
The rough draft took about five months.
Who is your favorite character in the book? Why?
The castle! Thinking of ways the castle could express itself and things for it to do was just sheer delight.
What were the challenges working on “Tuesdays at the Castle”? The highlights?
The challenge, as always is finding time! But I loved working on the book, it was almost like a writing vacation.
What do you hope readers will get out of “Tuesdays at the Castle”?
I hope they’ll have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!
If your home could “grow” a room, what would it be?
I would really love a “bounce” room. I had a trampoline growing up, and I used to jump on it every day, and make up stories while I was bouncing!
Princesses are subjects of many of your books. What is it about them you find interesting?
I love the juxtaposition of having servants and luxuries and this very envied life, but also being bound by your position, not having much choice in who you marry, where you can go, etc.
Magical or fantastical elements also play a big role in your writing. Have you ever considered writing contemporary fiction or have you found your niche?
I’ve got several ideas for books in a contemporary setting, but there would still be magic afoot. I love fantasy, and every story I ever think up has magic in there somewhere!
What are you working on now?
I just finished the third book in my Twelve Dancing Princesses trilogy, PRINCESS OF THE SILVER WOOD, and I’m starting in on a sequel to TUESDAYS!
Looking back, how has your writing evolved from when you first started until now?
Oh, my yes! My dialogue is a lot better, and my writing is much more concise.
Any plans to revisit characters from your other books?
All sorts of plans . . . plans within plans . . . but nothing that wouldn’t take hours to talk about!
Did you have a favorite book or book that really resonated with you as a young reader?
Robin McKinley’s books made me want to be a writer, but I was also obsessed with Anne of Green Gables!