Lizzy, thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and insightful post on your creative process. You’ve given me much to think about. Will Alison be published in the US? I do hope so!
It's already out in the US! You should be able to order it from wherever you buy your books. It's had basically zero publicity in the US so it feels like a miracle whenever anyone finds it.
'I have to pick and choose what I include in the background of my images. What are the things that will describe the feel of the place without forcing me ... to draw in fiddly, accurate detail... I map the layouts of the buildings I’m drawing... [I use] places I’m familiar with... If I can accurately walk through the space in my head then I’ll always know what is in sight wherever I position my fictional characters.'
Please forgive the contracted quote, Lizzy, but I'm continually fascinated by the overlap between writing about place and depicting place in art. Especially the type of artistic engagement you have with your characters, which is to ensure they are comfortable 'in place'. I really enjoyed your post.
You are 100% correct on your imagined readers' key attributes! (Tightens wool coat for a mooch around town, novel in hand)
Lizzy, thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and insightful post on your creative process. You’ve given me much to think about. Will Alison be published in the US? I do hope so!
It's already out in the US! You should be able to order it from wherever you buy your books. It's had basically zero publicity in the US so it feels like a miracle whenever anyone finds it.
Thanks Lizzy, I'll scout around and see if I can find it!
'I have to pick and choose what I include in the background of my images. What are the things that will describe the feel of the place without forcing me ... to draw in fiddly, accurate detail... I map the layouts of the buildings I’m drawing... [I use] places I’m familiar with... If I can accurately walk through the space in my head then I’ll always know what is in sight wherever I position my fictional characters.'
Please forgive the contracted quote, Lizzy, but I'm continually fascinated by the overlap between writing about place and depicting place in art. Especially the type of artistic engagement you have with your characters, which is to ensure they are comfortable 'in place'. I really enjoyed your post.