10
Apr182011
‘Where Stories Are Made’ with Michelle Harrison
by Carolyn • Posted in Where Stories Are Made
‘Where Stories Are Made‘ is a new feature here at Book Chick City. It’s where the author takes us on a tour of their writing place, be it an office, coffee shop or park and tells us about their writing day and rituals.
My guest today young adult author, Michelle Harrison…
I write in the smallest room of a Victorian house. Due to its age it’s a bit wonky, but I like it. When you step into the room there’s a feeling of being off-balance, like one of those crooked houses you get at theme parks. I decorated with the colour red as a link to my books, in which it acts as protection against fairies.
My desk is home to assorted books including reference, fairy folklore and books of witchcraft and spells that I use for inspiration. Mixed in are notebooks with character details and spider-grams. My early notebooks contained lots of chapters or partial chapters written in longhand, but these days most of my work goes straight on to the laptop. Above my desk is an inspiration board with image I admire, and drawings and gifts from readers.
Dotted around are various fairy ornaments. Some of them I bought myself, others were gifts. One of my favourites is the fairy door. It’s meant for the garden, but I like having it indoors. It fits the room.
The bureau hold press cuttings, bookplates and bookmarks for my readers – and tax paperwork (my least favourite drawer).
I write either at my desk or lounged on the daybed. Above it is a print of the UK cover, signed by the artist. I keep my Waterstone’s Award nearby as a reminder of my achievements. It’s often easy to focus on your goals and forget your successes. Under the bed are some Thirteen Treasures props for school events, baskets of manuscripts, and full notebooks.
I seem to be in the minority of authors who dislike noise. I need silence while working, or if not silence, background noise that’s not intrusive – like the kind you get in cafes. During breaks I’ll sometimes play music to create a certain mood. I listened to a lot of Loreena McKennitt while I wrote the Thirteen Treasures series – her music is gorgeously atmospheric and otherworldly.
My cats distract me with cuteness, steal my seat while I’m making tea (often), or create chaos by diving on papers or the keyboard. They, and my boyfriend pay little attention to the sign on the door. The cats bat it about like a toy, and to be fair to my boyfriend the interruptions are welcomed if they involve tea or snacks of some kind . . .
10 Comments
I love Michelle's fairy door! How awesome is that. I am pleased to read that Michelle doesn't like noise around her whilst writing, I was beginning to think it was just me that needs silence, even to write a blog post. I have only recently discovered Loreena's music but it is very haunting.
Now off to read what spidergrams are??
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The fairy door is so cute! I'd love to have one.
And the room seems really cosy.
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I really want a fairy door!
13 Treasures has been very popular at my school (I enjoyed it, too) and can't wait for the other two books to come in.
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You have a lovely home. I wish my house looked so tidy and neat
That fairy door is so pretty!
I just ordered this series this last week and it should arrive very soon. I am looking forward to starting on it after hearing such good things.
Love your kitty. Too cute!
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Love the Victorian house it has such character and like everyone else has said – who wouldn't want a fairy door
Thanks for sharing!
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Oh my gosh! How much do I LOVE the fairy door???? I need one installed immediately! I'd so be the coolest mom ever!
I haven't read this series yet! But it sounds fabulous!
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I love all of the fairy things you have around. It's a beautiful space.
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What a great space. I love all the fairy things, too.
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This is SUCH a great post. I love that you live in a Victorian house, Michelle – it's the perfect place for your stories to come to life. And the fairy door is ace, I want to see it in person!
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Amazing post! I wish my room was as clean as yours, my workspace has junk everywhere, but it is organized chaos
The fairy door is coolest thing ever! I wish I thought of that. Really fun. Thanks so much for the great post guys 
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