TQ: Who was the easiest character to write and why? The hardest and why?įran: Not easiest, but the voice I heard clearest and first was Kirit’s, followed by Nat’s and Ezarit’s. I spent a lot of time in skyscrapers, out on the high balconies. I went indoor skydiving to get the feel of flying in a wind tunnel. TQ: What sort of research did you do for Updraft?įran: I did a lot of research on altitude variations in foods on bone growth and structures on and and especially on flight and foils and wings.

A different short story I was writing in the same world became Updraft. Originally, I was inspired to write the world of Updraft with a story prompt at a writers’ workshop… one that turned into a short story that is actually part of Updraft’s sibling, Cloudbound. TQ: What inspired you to write Updraft? What appeals to you about writing Fantasy?įran: I write both science fiction and fantasy, but this world and these characters, wanted a more fantastical approach. TQ: Tell us something about Updraft that is not found in the book description.įran: Someone gets devoured fairly early. Giant invisible flying carnivorous monsters. TQ: Describe Updraft in 140 characters or less.įran: Updraft: a world of wind & bone, songs & silence, secrets & betrayals. I often keep lists of favorite stories I’ve read on my website, and I try to keep track of books on goodreads, if that helps – you’re welcome to sort through my bookshelves, although they’re not terribly well organized. TQ: Who are some of your literary influences? Favorite authors?įran: How much space do I have? Influences: Jorge Luis Borges, Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula Le Guinn, China Miéville, Gibson, Pat Cadigan, Candas Jane Dorsey… Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Pablo Neruda, Milton, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Seamus Heaney, Wyslawa Szymborska, Anna Ahkmatova, Rita Dove, Charles Wright, Eavan Boland, …įavorite authors – that’s nearly impossible – I have too many. When I start off by answering emails and problem solving, sometimes I don’t get enough time to focus on what I love to do. When I wake up before everyone else and get those first couple hundred words down, I know I’ll have a good workday. So many things want my time and attention. TQ: What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?įran: Making sure I put writing first is most challenging. I like writing because then the story stays fixed on an axis, at least usually. My family has many storytellers – the older generation likes to sit a spell and talk, and it’s sometimes hard to figure where facts end and stories begin.

When and why did you start writing?įran: I’ve been a writer since elementary school at least.

Updraft by fran wilde