Finding Myself in the Story – Fandom and Feminism

I’ve never been good at keeping a diary. When I was 9 I was obsessed with the concept of having a notebook with a lock – but I’ve never had a tendency to regularly write in one. ‘My life isn’t interesting’ I used to complain, and get bored writing about things that happened in my day to day existence. I think it was that feeling that drew me to fiction, both writing and reading.

The girl who could move objects with her mind and read more books than anyone else was one of my first

From Enid Blyton (I know) to Roald Dahl, to JK Rowling, my childhood was filled with the fantastic and the unbelievable. Fairy tales and magic were the things that filled my nights, and early mornings and every scrap of thought I could spare during the day.

I surrounded myself with these stories, not just on paper but on television and in film also. An over exposure to ’90s superhero cartoons gave me an appetite for all things Marvel and DC although I never got much further than watching the cartoons and eventual movies – I never had access to affordable comics. They captured my imagination just as much as fairy tales and fantasy did though. If you had asked me I would have said that superheroes were fantasy stories told with modern explanations (an over-simplification, I know but still). This carried on to science fiction with Star Wars and, when I was a little older, Lord of the Rings.

All of these worlds that I felt were more interesting, more compelling, more filled with possibility than my own captivated me. I used to come up with my own stories and adventures within them, manipulating the characters into scenarios that I thought were best. I didn’t know the term ‘fanfiction’ but it was something that I was engaging in before I knew what it was. Although my experience of fandom was more isolated than most people’s (we had dial up landline internet until I was 17), I would still have counted myself as a member of all of these fandoms.

I lived in desperate hope that I would one day receive my Hogwarts letter – no matter how late it was

One of the reasons I used to like to make up my own versions of the story was that, as far as I could tell, there wasn’t anyone like me in those stories (I know this breaks the first rule of fanfiction – don’t insert yourself into the story- I was young). There were girls, yes, but they were incredible action girls, or they were beautiful sorcerers, or they were geniuses – and despite all of these incredible qualities they were rarely the main character – the main character was almost always a ‘normal’ boy. Now he almost always discovered something incredible about himself by the end of the story, but as a child I couldn’t understand why it was always this character I identified with the most, and yet this character was almost never a normal girl like me. there was never a girl who was awkward and shy, or nervous and bookish but still desperate to be taken on an adventure. I couldn’t see myself in the confident super powered women that were on screen or in the story, but I could imagine being taken on an incredible adventure by a wizard.

These women are among my favourite characters, but they were never anything less than incredible to me

 

There were exceptions to this and I know that there have been countless arguments about the lack of women in fantasy and science fiction blockbusters – all of which are far more eloquent than I – so I’m not writing to complain about the lack of female characters in these stories. What I’m writing about is the fact that I still loved those stories, they still took my breath away and allowed me to imagine new exciting worlds, and imagine that although I was a girl with no skills that I could see would be of use in a fire fight, I could still find a place within them. The question of female representation is an important one that people need to keep asking but I often find myself even now often questioning whether it’s still acceptable that I love Lord of the Rings and I raced to watch the new Star Wars trailer like everyone else? I’d like to say it is. That doesn’t change the fact that I was asking those questions at 9 years old – I can’t believe that other girls weren’t.

I know that the landscape is changing with more and more stories with female protagonists from all walks of life are being released every day, and I love that that’s something I’m getting to experience. I feel like those stories are filling me up and I can’t get enough of them.

Just some of the stories that I’ve lost myself in lately

I’d love to be able to tell the girl who imagined going on adventures in Middle Earth that those stories are coming. I think that she would still want Middle Earth and Hogwarts and galaxies far far away, but she’d want new worlds as well, where awkward, shy girls get to tell the story too.

Will Rainbow Rowell please be my Best Friend?

After an inexcusably long hiatus, I’ve returned to the land of blogging and books. It’s been months since my last post and I’ve read thousands of pages between now and then. As can be expected, some of those pages have been good, some have been bad and some have been life-altering.

I haven’t wanted an author to be my new best friend since I read Harry Potter and discovered JK Rowling, so the discovery of Rainbow Rowell has been something of a revelation. I discovered her last September – with the purchase of Eleanor & Park – and moved swiftly on to Fangirl and Attachments.

Eleanor & Park US cover

Eleanor & Park tells the story of two teenager’s first love- Eleanor, the new girl at school who couldn’t be more different than her peers (with her disasterous home life and unique tastes) and Park, the boy who has never been outside of the crowd – but never quite fit in either. It sounds like a conventional premise, however it’s anything but a conventional love story.

Her Story of Before: A Conversation with Susan Stairs

 

With comparisons to The Lovely Bones and a voice so affecting that it stays with you long after the page, it’s no surprise that Susan Stairs, The Story of Before is sweeping readers off their feet.

I sat down with the first time novelist to talk about fame,  fiction and the writing life.

Susan Stairs has had a busy month. Following the launch of her first novel, The Story of Before in June, Susan has been everywhere, talking about writing, tragedy and character’s motivation. When we meet, she’s just in from a BBC NI interview. For a writer who is used to solitude, to be thrust headfirst into the limelight isn’t exactly easy,“It is difficult to deal with the whole circus, interviews, and everything,” she says.

It’s a complete change of pace from the year and a half the Dublin native spent writing the actual novel.  “I started writing it during my MA. I submitted the first 15,000 words as my dissertation – so that was about five chapters”.  Susan completed her MA in creative writing in UCD in 2009 and from then worked towards finishing her book.

The Story of Before is told by eleven year old Ruth, who has just moved from the City Centre to the suburbs of Dublin with her family. Ruth’s estate in the novel is so immersive it borders on claustrophobic, which is exactly what Susan was going for, “I didn’t want to have a lot of scenes happening anywhere else”.

On New Years Eve Ruth predicts that a ‘bad thing’ will happen that year. She cannot know how this will affect her family and truly change her life forever. With comparisons to the direct and moving story of Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Susan has been plugging away in the novel game for years, rather than a relative first-timer. The story that befalls Ruth and her family was always one that she wanted to tell, “The ‘tragic event’ of the novel had been on my mind for a long time and I knew that was what I wanted to write about. It was inspired by an event that really did happen. I always knew that was going to be the reveal,” Susan says.

“I was writing pretty much full time, while I was doing it. I sometimes look back and wonder, how did I do that when I had now idea what was going to happen to it. I never had a doubt in my mind that I was going to finish it. I mean I was writing a novel and I was finishing it,” she smiles. It wasn’t speed that got Susan through the process but determination, “I consider myself quite slow at writing, some days I would have only written 300 or 400 words, but I’m thinking all the time.”

And Susan’s mind didn’t let her rest,  “I’m kind of my own worst enemy in that way – I’m terribly critical of what I’m doing. If something doesn’t sound right, even if it’s just one word I have to change it.” At the same time, when it came to editorial judgement Susan had to face ‘killing her darlings’ like every other writer too, “There were some parts that I had really laboured over and it was difficult to get rid of them but at the same time I could see why they needed to go”.

 

And even though a year and a half doesn’t seem that long  to write a novel, Susan told me,“It seemed like forever to me, there are times when I think back on the hours that I put into it.” But what came out at the end is something truly special.

It still took a while for Susan to develop the story into Ruth’s distinctive voice, “Ruth was always a character, but I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to let this girl tell the story when she was older or as a child, but when I got my first line, “The others used to say I was psychic”, I knew this was a child talking and from then on it was very natural.”

Susan still had to navigate the pitfalls of  writing as a child telling a very adult story, something that even the most experienced of writers struggle with, “When I was writing, I had to be her, I had to be an eleven year old Dublin girl in the seventies. It becomes very natural when you’re writing, your mind just switches into that mode, you become somebody else” And that brings its own restrictions too, “There were a lot of words I couldn’t use, which was restrictive because I would think ‘No, that won’t work’ – Ruth wouldn’t say that.’”

Whenever an author becomes so involved with a single character it becomes a part of their life, they eat, breathe and drink the world through their eyes, so it becomes very difficult to bring them the sort of hardship that in Ruth’s case, Susan knew was coming all along. “Absolutely, it was very difficult, to write the ‘bad thing’ I cried a lot when I was writing that part, definitely.

‘And when I decided on it, it was like watching your children do something bad – but you can’t do anything about it – and feeling responsible. So that was probably the hardest thing to do because I was so involved with these characters, I had created them and yet I was allowing this person to do this awful thing, so that was really hard.”

The care and love that Susan has put into the novel shows, Ruth is the kind of girl who lives right up your street and that makes her story feel so much more powerful for readers,  who are already clamouring for a sequel. “I’ve always said no” Susan smiles, “But sometimes I think that you could resurrect characters from it, and take them down their own paths”.

Even her second novel, which she is currently working on, gained it’s inspiration from an event in The Story of Before.“What I’m writing now, was in some was inspired by one small thing in The Story of Before, there’s a letter that David sends to Ruth that she’s convinced isn’t true. That whole scenario opened up something for me and that has inspired number two”

And if it’s received anything like The Story of Before, Susan has nothing to worry about. “All the comments I’ve been getting have been great. The one phrase that people keep saying to me is ‘I couldn’t put it down’ and I’m absolutely chuffed to have people saying that to me, telling me that they can really identify with the setting and the time period”.

Susan’s success isn’t something that she takes lightly, the whole process was a long and required her to absolutely persevere, “I got so much advice when I was doing the MA. I wouldn’t have been able to do the novel if I hadn’t done the MA. I got great advice from Eilish Ni Dhuibhne, who was my tutor.  And from the classes with James Ryan.” As she thinks about what it took to get her where she is today, Susan gives me some wise words of advice, “I always say to myself, you never see books in shops from authors who gave up, you see the books from authors who persevere.”

And Susan is a living example of that happy fact.

 

As published on writing.ie

Beautiful, beautiful boys!

Why is it that every time I open up a novel recently that the boys aren’t just described as ‘handsome’ or ‘has a nice smile’ but as “cross my heart, hope to die, beautiful creatures” (Not a reference to the novel of the same name but now that I mention it, I’m fairly sure it offends in this way too)?

Don’t they all look pretty?

It’s not that I have a problem with the word ‘beautiful’ or men being described using a word that up until relatively recently was solely associated with women. I’m all about gender subversion. Give me a million superhero girls and damsel gentlemen and I won’t complain an inch. It’s more the frequency which “beautiful” has been cropping up as a descriptor that is starting to grate on my nerves.

Ultimately my issue with it is twofold: the first is that it seems to me to be lazy writing. If a female character is ever simply described as “beautiful” I tend to (metaphorically) close the book on her. It may be the word used to describe all that is good and wonderful and aesthetically pleasing about the skin around another person’s skull but it’s boring. (Side note- I have no problem WHAT-SO-EVER with the word ‘beautiful’ being used in real life. In real life people are allowed to be clichéed and say soppy things to the people they would like to hug and kiss and do the dishes with forever, etc. But I expect a little bit of variation from fiction.) How many books have you read, or indeed films have you watched where the title character (be they male or female) descends the staircase/sobs at the ball/shrugs off a compliment and is answered by the love interest with an incredulous “But you’re… (Big Moment here folks) BEAUTIFUL”. Followed by a groan from the entire audience and tears of joy in the protagonist’s eyes (I will forgive Howl’s Moving Castle for this as it handles it well and one of the primary themes is appearance). This was an incredibly annoying theme for ages in reference to women which most literature at least attempted to kill.

Think about it- when was the last time you read a description of a female character that described her as simply “Beautiful”? (Twilight doesn’t count for this half of the argument as it sins on almost everything) It isn’t allowed anymore. Female characters are acknowledged as being more nuanced, more interesting and more than their looks. I mean, there are books that have gone so far as to disregard certain love interests purely because they fail to describe the girl as anything but ‘beautiful’. And this is good – not just because of feminism and empowerment but also because it makes for more interesting reading. We get to see inside a character’s head, see how they really feel and not have a label stuck onto their significant other that basically says “I like you because your parents DNA combined to make face shapes that I like and would subconsciously like for my future progeny”. (How romantic).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=975OStgcPyM

The Great Gatsby – On Words and their Importance

It’s been a super busy month, which is why I needed to take a small siesta from blogging. But, last week I went to see The Great Gatsby and it filled me with the kind of confusion/rage/annoyance/I-really-don’t-know-how-I-felt-about-that I can only interpret through venting my views upon the rest of the world.

This is a book blog, so regular readers will have to forgive the following journey into movie territory but this movie was  adapted from a book (although what movie hasn’t been recently?) and I feel like that makes it fair game. Plus, in order to make sure my interpretation of the movie was correct, I re-read the book (I’ve been a little remiss in ‘what I’ve been reading’ posts lately, expect a blanket post to cover the last few books in the next few days).

The most famous cover image of the novel.

Now before I launch into this – some words of warning- If you have not read/seen The Great Gatsby, and would prefer the ending to remain a mystery, I would advise you to cease reading this post. Secondly, this will not be a review (yes, I know I tagged it as one, but there isn’t really a quick way of saying in depth analysis that focuses on the very nature of interpretation, is there?) as all my review-like feelings about the movie have already been said  here at Letters from a Patchwork Wizard (awesome blog run by equally awesome friend).

You may have missed: Very far away from anywhere else

And now we’ve reached the end of this little series with, for me, the book that started it all. A tiny little piece that was written in a single summer by Ursula le Guin who, at the time didn’t have the following she has now. This is one of her works that should get far more recognition in my experience. Fans of John Green ought to take note- this book takes on a lot of similar themes to his (The Fault in our Stars, An Abundance of Katherines, Looking for Alaska). It breaks my heart that it’s out of print. (Don’t worry it’s still available on Amazon and the like).

Very Far Away From Anywhere Else by Ursula Le Guin

And now we’ve gotten to the last and smallest on my list. And probably, almost definitely, the most obscure. Le Guin is by no means a forgotten author, having gained international fame by writing her signature style of epic fantasy in The Wizard of Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness. But this tiny little book, a nobody from 1976 that no one ever paid attention to is quite simply beautiful, a love letter to those who read fantasy rather than live it. It’s an easy story, a familiar story about a boy and a girl, two outcasts who take their time to fall in love, the boy, a scientist, thinks too much, the girl, a musician, can’t plug into reality and they both struggle through each day, trying to do the ‘Gorilla Act’ as best they can. The  book is as normal as they come and there in lies its beauty, it tells a simple tale of two normally abnormal teenagers trying their hardest to fit – not with the world- with eachother. With references to the Bronte’s and MIT and Tanglewood, there is nothing typical about this little gem. It was the first book I found to coin the term and I’ve used it ever since. Its tiny, small enough to read in two hours. But they’re two hours that you won’t forget, and you won’t ever want them back.

You may have missed: Pretty Monsters

And we’re back to extraordinary books whose profile should only be increased. You’ve heard me talk about this one before. And as one of my all time favourites, Pretty Monsters has it all.

Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link

Those of you who follow me, will know that I mention Pretty Monsters about once a month, more often if I can help it. This is the book I’ve recommended to more than any other to my friends, family, and general people that I meet in the street (because it’s nice to recommend books to strangers). It’s a kaleidoscopic mess full of witches and Scrabble and second hand shops, librarians, and monsters and graveyards and girlfriends. For two weeks after I read this collection, I never wanted to write another word – because there was no point – all the best words had been put in perfect order. Some of the highlights of the collection include ‘Magic For Beginners’, ”The Faery Handbag’ and the title tale, ‘Pretty Monsters’ which won the Nebula Award for ‘Best Novella’.

Link’s distinctive style shouldn’t work. She meddles with the reader’s perception, she mixes genres, churns up the narrative structure and ends most of her stories three seconds into the third act. It leaves the reader extraordinarily unsatisfied, absolutely gasping for just a few words more. Kelly Link is dangerous, she makes you an addict and then calmly cuts off your supply. It’s genius, delicious, and cruel. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You can find more off the wall-amzingly-bonkers examples of her work at http://www.kellylink.net

What I’m Reading: Clockwork Princess

The title of this post is somewhat misleading, as I happen to have finished Cassandra Clare’s conclusion to her Infernal Devices  trilogy already, but I’ve yet to move on. For fans, you can take your hands off your ears, you won’t hear any spoilers here.

Cover of Clockwork Princess, my own pic to follow soon.

In Tessa’s final story we know she must choose between her doomed to die fiancée Jem and his best friend and ‘blood brother’ Will, the boy who told her he loved her minutes too late. Oh- and there’s also the simple matter of  defeating the criminal mastermind who’s set to kill her and destroy the Shadowhunters forever but what else is new? What fans of this story (some might even go so far as to say the superior one over the Mortal Instruments) want to hear about is the love triangle that well known fantasy author Holly Black dubbed ‘The Kobayashi Maru’ (Star Trek fans take note) and to be fair, Clare devotes a great deal of her time to resolving it. The fact that she does this without limiting the action shows real skill and  has met with almost universal praise since the book’s release. And even though I’ve had my disagreement’s with the voices in the story, I have to admit to thoroughly enjoying the adventure all the way through.

Although the ending surprised me, in the most pleasant of ways, with Clare proving that she can keep the fans happy and write a satisfactory conclusion as well. Although calling it a ‘conclusion’ feels like the incorrect term, it might be better to say that it feels as though she placed the story within the wider world of ‘The Mortal Instruments’ series so it can continue. Don’t get me wrong though – I still bawled  my way through the last 20 pages. That’s saying something. I would consider myself to be something of a stoic reader, and although I do believe Clare pulled a number of her punches with regard to outright killing of characters, she still packs a fair emotional wallop.

And here’s my pic as promised.

It’s no secret to fans that Tessa will endure beyond the final pages of this book and beyond the final pages of all those that follow but we were always led to believe that her story would end here. After finishing  Clockwork Princess I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Tessa were to turn up again. I think I would be very happy to see her.

Directing your attention elsewhere…

If you have ever glanced nostalgically back at the books on your old bookshelf and remembered the happy times you spent together then you ought to check out my newly refurbished blog, Méabh’s Childhood Stories.

I’ve given it a going over, a new look, new content and all the nostalgia I can muster into one piece.The way I describe it to people is as a ‘retrospective diary’. What I think now about the books I read then. It’s enormous fun to write about and I hope a little bit of fun to read.

The new look.

It includes posts about my own reading experiences and what it was like growing up in the 90’s when children’s literature was just beginning to change. From Harry Potter to Nancy Drew, I’m planning on going over it all.

It exists because even though every child wants to grow up, it still never hurts to look back.

Have a look, I hope it makes you smile.

You might have missed: I Capture the Castle

Number three in my list of books that are unforgettable but unfortunately sometimes forgotten. This one is a desert island read if there ever was one. (Side note, the main virtue of what I’m currently reading : Jo Walton’s Among Others,  is that it reminds me of this book).

A beautiful new cover was recently released by Vintage.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Now, I feel a little guilty featuring I Capture the Castle in this list, as, being a modern classic- it’s hardly forgotten. Also having received endorsement from the most successful authors of the last 20 years (Ms JK Rowling) it can’t really be called a forgotten classic either- but I still feel justified because I’ve never met anyone who’s ever read it but me. And people should read it, people should devour it. I feel confident in saying that I’ve never come across a narrator so compellingly genuine and nuanced as Cassandra Mortmain. A teenager living in a dilapidated castle with a poverty stricken father, a beautiful sister and a bohemian step mother creates a new romantic fairytale turned on its head. When you’re in Cassandra’s world- you feel like you are taking each gorgeously articulated step with her, from the very first line, “I’m writing this sitting in the kitchen sink” – it has a vibrant pulse. Although the author seems best known for her penning of 101 Dalmations this is a book that should be gifted to every person who has ever been in unrequited love. You’ll have found a friend for life.