‘A ROAD MAP’ FROM TRAUMA
Author aims to inspire girls
Q What is Tess of the Road all about?
A It started out as a happy-golucky picaresque road novel about a girl and her Quigutl (a small species of dragon) going on a journey to find the semi-mythical World Serpent. The more I wrote, however, the more layers the story acquired. And now, I have to say, it has turned into a book about recovering from trauma, finding yourself again and figuring out how to be the protagonist of your own life.
Q How does it differ from your previous Southlands-set releases?
A My earlier books, Seraphina and Shadow Scale, had a lot of politics and intrigue. Tess is Seraphina’s sister, and this new book is in some ways a reaction to Seraphina’s adventures. I had to wonder what it would be like to know that your older sister had saved the world by the time she was your age. Would you resent it or feel like a failure? Tess is a more introspective, character-driven book as a result. Q What was your inspiration for the main character Tess?
A My own sisters, and my relationship with them, was a big inspiration. I wanted to show how that sibling relationship can be both beautiful and tyrannical, locking you into a role forever if you don’t find some way to assert
yourself and break out. I was also inspired by the so-called “purity culture” I grew up in, which also locks young women into very narrow and rigid roles. Tess breaks those rules, with terrible consequences, and the result is a lasting trauma that she has to work to heal from.
Q What made this the right time to tell a story about a girl who creates her own path in the world?
A It is an unexpectedly timely book, coming out in this #MeToo moment when women all over the world are bringing their experiences of sexual assault and harassment into the light. Tess’ story, alas, fits right in. It wasn’t intentional. I’m such a slow writer that I’ve been working on this book since 2015, before anyone had an inkling of the cultural sea change we’d be seeing right now. That said, I’m glad to be a part of it — and also sad. You have no idea how much I would love this book not to be timely and relevant, for people to read it and say, ‘Did people really used to treat each other that way? How awful!’ Maybe someday. Q What do you hope readers take away from this book?
A Hope! This book is a road map back from trauma and grief. When you feel irretrievably broken, or like your life is screwed up past the point of no return, I want this book to be a signpost saying: Other people have passed this way before. You will find your way back and be the hero of your own heart.