The Next Best Book Club discussion

Taylor wrote: "Also, the risks involved are huge. I wanted the reader to question, continually, whether these characters would make it, would survive. Hell, I myself wasn't sure whether both of them would make it, and I was the one writing the book!
"

Good point. For most of my life I never read ahead in a novel and took it as it came. I'd have been up all night finishing this book. Now I start the novel and then at some point, read the ending so I can savour it better.

Ava is one of my favourite civil war fiction heroines.

Tabitha wrote: "I also wanted to ask you about that final show-down between Callum and the bounty hunter (sorry; I'm at work with the book not in front of me!). I thought it was genius, but again, interesting because it deviated from the traditional "dual/show down" finale I was expecting. Were the events of the story the only realistic way that Callum could survive this man, rather than confronting him face to face?"

Tabitha, another good question. I think you're onto something from the realism perspective. I'm not sure Callum could have survived any face-to-face encounter with the man. What's more, Clayburn is almost a force in the book, an avenging ghost, and I knew, early on, that it would take a force of equal or greater magnitude to reckon with him. And the only other force of such magnitude in the book is Sherman's army.

In terms of the covered bridge, I'm pretty sure I actually read about this tactic being used at some point during the war. I can't remember where I read this, exactly, or the parties involved, but I think I liked the idea of Callum passing through the darkness and into the light, and the rest of them...not.

Karin wrote: "Ava is one of my favourite civil war fiction heroines."

Thank you! I'm partial to her myself ;)

Great questions so far you guys!
Taylor, nice job keeping up with them : )

I fell hard for this book. The writing was absolutely gorgeous, the characters and the setting were fleshed out so well. As I knew with Eric Shonkwiler and his debut ABOVE ALL MEN, as soon as I read the first few pages of FALLEN LAND, I know it's going to remain a favorite of mine!

Taylor, how long did it take you to write? From its initial entry into the world as a short story till you placed in into the publisher's hands?

Lori wrote: "Taylor, how long did it take you to write? From its initial entry into the world as a short story till you placed in into the publisher's hands? "

Hi Lori! Thank you for the kind words!

I'm not exactly sure when I completed the short story. Sometime in early 2009, I think. I remember working on the closing scenes after work at Mission Pie in San Francisco, and finishing the story on the floor of my bedroom in Dog Patch.

I started the book on the morning of my 27th birthday. That would have been October of 2009, and the book sold in November of 2014. So about five years from start to sale.

It seems like you would write whenever the mood struck you.

Have you built a routine around writing - time of day, specific place, set a word goal?

Taylor wrote: "Tabitha, another good question. I think you're onto something from the realism perspective. ..."

Cool. Thanks for answering :)

Wow! This is so exciting! I've never had the opportunity to speak to an author about their own work before, so Taylor thank you for speaking with us.

1. I loved the book. It was a captivating read for me that I couldn't put down (which I needed because I now have a two month old who needs to eat at 3am). Ever since I recently read Gone with the Wind, I fell in love with this Civil War genre and was really looking forward to reading another book in that same category. Well, Fallen Land did not disappoint. But Fallen Land was different enough in the sense that to me, it captured the truth and reality of the Civil War in a different light compared to Gone with the Wind. With Fallen Land, I felt that we, as readers, got a clearer picture of what really happened to a majority of the people living in the South in regards to being raided and all that that entailed.

2. Thank you for touching on the Guerrilla war style of the Civil War which you captured in your book. Once you mentioned that during this discussion, everything became clearer and you did such a wonderful/amazing job of describing the Civil War as essentially Guerrilla warfare. Throughout the book it didn't seem to matter North vs. South, it was just soldiers and people trying to survive in which ever way they could. I think the most poignant example of this was the way you consistently described the groups of men who would pillage whatever they came across in their path. They were always dank, ragged, and pieced together, never a clear cut uniform which would indicate Northern or Southern.

3. I loved Ava. What an incredible job of captivating true heroism. She was a bad a** chick in her own right yet was still vulnerable and relatable. Was there anyone in your life that may have influenced you to create such a strong character in Ava?

4. I know this is probably a silly question but where did you come up with the name Reiver? It is such a unique name. Also, is there a reason you chose Reiver to die toward the end of the novel and let the story continue without out him rather than have the story end with him living happily with Ava and Calllum?

5. What was your favorite part of writing this book and did you come across any challenges while writing?

6. And lastly (sorry for all of this), are you currently working on anything else?

Hi Taylor,,has there been any talk about making this into a movie?Any casting ideas.

Lori wrote: "It seems like you would write whenever the mood struck you.

Have you built a routine around writing - time of day, specific place, set a word goal?"

Absolutely. Routine is really important to me. I leave the office at the same time every day and write at the same cafe at the same table, usually drinking the same drink, haha. I think such a routine trains your mind to get into writing mode, and the familiar surroundings serve as cues.

Even when I'm on the road, if I'm in the same place for more than a day, I generally develop a mini-routine. I find a cafe I like, a table I like, etc.

Hi Taylor,what type of books do you read.Anything new that you have read &loved.

Amanda wrote: "3. Was there anyone in your life that may have influenced you to create such a strong character in Ava?

4. I know this is probably a silly question but where did you come up with the name Reiver? It is such a unique name. Also, is there a reason you chose Reiver to die toward the end of the novel and let the story continue without out him rather than have the story end with him living happily with Ava and Callum?

5. What was your favorite part of writing this book and did you come across any challenges while writing?

6. And lastly (sorry for all of this), are you currently working on anything else?

Amanda, thank you so much for the kind words about the novel--I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much.

3. I come from a family of strong women--even iron-willed, I'd say--and I think that inspired Ava for sure. Plus, I think it took a woman like Ava just to survive in the world she'd been living in, in that house all alone.

4. I'm not sure where exactly I came up with the name Reiver, but I liked not only the sound of the name, but the fact that the "Border Reivers" were raiders along the English-Scottish border during the Tudor dynasty in England, and they raided without regard to victims' nationality. Obviously, this makes a good parallel to the Colonel's troop, and it seems like just the kind of esoteric name that the Colonel, being fairly well-read, would choose for his horse.

5. My favorite part of writing the book might have been the many historical nuggets and anecdotes I uncovered along the way. For instance, the idea of a woman hiding an old family pocket watch in her hair bun, or an old lady with a goose on a leash--many of these images/episodes were inspired by stories I found in diaries or journals or history books. As for challenges, there were many. Just trying to write a book while supporting yourself is a challenge, and writing with a historical backdrop requires a lot of research, as you might imagine.

6. Right now, I'm finishing up the revisions on my next novel, THE RIVER OF KINGS, which is due out from St. Martin's on 3/21/17...now less than one year away!

Rhonda wrote: "Hi Taylor, has there been any talk about making this into a movie? Any casting ideas."

Hi Rhonda! A film agent in Los Angeles does have the book--cross your fingers!

I'd love to see Ray McKinnon as both the Colonel and also Clayburn (in different costume/makeup, of course). I love Ray, and you should see his performance as Lonzo Choat in That Evening Sun. So good. Walton Goggins would also make a great Colonel.

I think Ray Winstone would make a great Swinney.

For Callum and Ava, I'm not so sure, given I don't know as many actors of that age range.

I really hope it gets optioned perfect book to put on screen Callum&Ava would need to be portrayed by really accomplished young actors.

That would be AMAZING if the book became movie!!! I am crossing my fingers!

Taylor wrote: "Karin wrote: "Ava is one of my favourite civil war fiction heroines."

Thank you! I'm partial to her myself ;)"

She reminds me a little bit of Adair Colley from Enemy Women, one of my other favourite civil war fictional characters, but you developed her into her own character. More than anything, I read to find out what happened to her.

Anyway, I'll keep a look out for your next book!

Thinking about the previous comment about going to the end & finding out what happens...I never used to do that, my best friend always did. Recently I read a study that people who know what is coming actually enjoy the experience of reading a book or watching a movie more, as they are more relaxed. But as an author, I imagine that might feel as if the reader is undermining all your hard work. How would you react to your readers "cheating", as it were. On the other end of the scale, my son removes the dust jacket and avoids reviews & summaries as he feels they give too much away already.

Taylor wrote: "Rhonda wrote: "Hi Taylor, has there been any talk about making this into a movie? Any casting ideas."

Hi Rhonda! A film agent in Los Angeles does have the book--cross your fingers!

I'd love to se..."

Given Ava's age, it might be great to see a new actress play her. I think David Paetkau would also be a great choice for the Colonel; he's one of the best underrated actors I know of (I was a fan of the TV show Flashpoint, so watched some of the other things by members of that cast, and he's played both "good guys" and "bad guys.")

Kim wrote: "Thinking about the previous comment about going to the end & finding out what happens...I never used to do that, my best friend always did. Recently I read a study that people who know what is comi..."

I absolutely enjoy a novel more when I read the ending; I take more time enjoying the prose and writing that way and seeing how a book develops. When I refused to read the ending (like my kids do and I used to) I would miss many beautiful bits of writing in my race to see what happened. Also, for some books, it means I don't waste my time on an iffy book. This book was well written, so I got more out of it by knowing Ava and Callum were okay by the end. I couldn't have taken all the starvation, injuries and hardship otherwise; I have kids those ages.

There are others who can enjoy all of that without reading the end.

I look forward to sharing this novel with my entire family, we are enthusiastic readers of anything to do with the Civil War. Ancestors fought on both sides, I grew up with my dad driving me through various areas of the country, narrating about the Battle of the Wilderness or Gettysburg talking about the various generals. I can close my eyes and hear him still.

I belong to the On the Southern Literary Trail group, your book is our post-1980 book for April. I am sure we will have a great discussion all through the month.

Kim wrote: "How would you react to your readers "cheating", as it were?"

Kim, thank you so much for the kind words. I'm so excited about the book being the April selection for On the Southern Literary Trail!

As for my feeling on readers skipping ahead, great question. To be honest, doesn't bother me in the least. One of my best friends always skips ahead.

As Karin said, I can see where it can allow you to savor the language of a book, rather than racing toward the end. Especially in a book like this, when you really don't know what's going to happen, and it could be stressful for sure.

In my opinion, the book, once bought, is the reader's to experience however they like :)

May you have a long, satisfying literary career. I look forward to your next book, and send you greetings from the spring-like Bay Area. May you have an abundance of ideas, the energy and tenacity to see them through, and the ability to enjoy the experience. May you have good strong characters like Connor, Ava, and the Colonel to keep you company in the writing hours.

Kim wrote: "May you have a long, satisfying literary career. I look forward to your next book, and send you greetings from the spring-like Bay Area. May you have an abundance of ideas, the energy and tenacity ..."

Aw, thank you so much, Kim. This means a lot to me.

You are most welcome. Pleasure chatting with you.

I have a girlfriend who reads the last page of a book before purchasing it. I cannot do that. I don't like to be spoiled, and avoid knowing anything about the book that could take away from the experience of figuring it out on my own.

When preparing to read THE THIRD POLICEMAN, the entire premise of the book was ruined IN THE INTRODUCTION! The Introduction spoiled the ending. I nearly cried as I read the book, because I knew I was reading it completely differently than I would have if I didn't know...

Which is also why I almost NEVER read a book if I've seen the movie first. The only time I knowingly did this was with The Remenant. I had no urge to read it, saw the film, and came home, immediately downloading the book to my kindle.

Hey Taylor,

Do you think you'll stick with historical fiction as your genre of choice. Or are you planning on branching out with future works?

Hi Taylor,what type of books do you enjoy reading?Do you read differently while your writing?Favorite authors best new author you've read lately.Picking your brain

Tabitha wrote: "Hey Taylor,

Do you think you'll stick with historical fiction as your genre of choice. Or are you planning on branching out with future works?"

Hi Tabitha, I'll definitely branch out, as I don't want to get pigeonholed or put in a box, you know? The major storyline of my next novel, THE RIVER OF KINGS, is contemporary, though there's a historical storyline woven in as well.

I've always been fascinated with history--and the relation between "history" and "story"--and this will always play a big part in my work, I think. But not necessarily as a genre.

Rhonda wrote: "Hi Taylor,what type of books do you enjoy reading?Do you read differently while your writing?Favorite authors best new author you've read lately.Picking your brain "

Rhonda, I actually spend a lot of time reading for research, learning about topics I'm writing about. Just glancing at the recent stacks, there are books on everything from serpent-handling to moonshine to river ecology to early aeronautics.

That said, I've been on a big Harry Crews kick of late. I bought myself a copy of The Hawk is Dying as a Valentines present. It's been long out of print, and costs about $50, and it was worth every penny.

Recently, I was blown away by Matthew Griffin's Hide. I read with Matt at the Oxford Conference for the Book, and he's about the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet.

One of my favorite books of 2015 was Matthew Neill Null's Honey from the Lion, published by the lovely people at Lookout Books, and I can't wait for Matt's collection of short stories, Allegheny Front. Matt recently received an American Academy in Rome Fellowship--previously awarded to such luminaries as Anthony Doerr and Cormac McCarthy--and I couldn't be more excited for him.

I recently had the distinct pleasure of reading an advance copy of Andrew Hilleman's World, Chase Me Down, which will be coming out from Penguin in 2017. Keep your eye out for this book. It's incredible. And I'm about to start an advance copy of Eric Shonkwiler's 8th Street Power & Light. I absolutely loved his novel Above All Men--Eric is the real deal.

I'm also a huge fan of Kent Wascom, author of Blood of Heaven, The and Secessia. I can't wait for his next book. We recently read together in New Orleans and discovered that we are basically soul-brothers, haha.

Since I've been on the road, I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks, including Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood and The Violent Bear it Away, which make great audio.

The best audiobook I've come across lately is The Power of Myth, which is not really an audiobook at all, but a recording of Joseph Campbell speaking with Bill Moyers at Skywalker Ranch. It's just incredible, and sweet and powerful and perspective-changing. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

Taylor thanks so much for sharing this fantastic list.I will get busy checking out your recommendations Nothing better for a book nerd then discovering new to me authors.I have Hide on my Tbr list will. Move it to the top.Have a great day!

Taylor wrote: "Tabitha wrote: "Hey Taylor,

Do you think you'll stick with historical fiction as your genre of choice. Or are you planning on branching out with future works?"

Hi Tabitha, I'll definitely branch ..."

I'll be looking forward to THE RIVER OF KINGS :)

Hey Taylor,

So I have one more question that I wrote down weeks ago when I finished the book :P

What thoughts or opinions on war do you hope readers will take away from your work?

Taylor, thank you for sharing your thoughts this week. I had planned on participating more in the discussion, but unfortunately was ill this week. (All better now!) I was curious about your method of writing. When you write do you focus on how you would like the story to end, or do you focus on how you think the readers would like it to end? Do you think there is a difference between the two?

Again thank you for your time. This was the first novel from this time period that I have read and it was a true pleasure.

Thanks Taylor it's been a pleasure chatting with you.Will look forward to your next book&fingers crossed for a movie deal,

Tabitha wrote: "Hey Taylor,

So I have one more question that I wrote down weeks ago when I finished the book :P

What thoughts or opinions on war do you hope readers will take away from your work?"

Oh man, that one is loaded. I'll just say I think we forget that the people on the ground, in the mud and cold, are mostly just kids, and they're just trying to survive.

Jennifer wrote: "I was curious about your method of writing. When you write do you focus on how you would like the story to end, or do you focus on how you think the readers would like it to end? Do you think there is a difference between the two?"

To be honest, Jennifer, neither. I focus on how the story wants to end. I find that I'm just trying to get out of its way, most of the time, and let it unfold how it will. So it's more like riding a horse--a living thing, in which you must have some faith--rather than driving a car.

Taylor wrote: "Oh man, that one is loaded. I'll just say I think we forget that the people on the ground, in the mud and cold, are mostly just kids, and they're just trying to survive..."

True. I liked that the novel gave such an honest look at suffering during wartime.

Thanks so much for chatting with us this week! :)

I just saw a photo that someone posted on Facebook about people who dog ear the pages of the books they are reading. I can't STAND dog earing! I also cringe whenever I see marginalia.

Taylor, What are your biggest bookish pet peeves?

Hi Taylor. I love the book. I felt that the story has a dreamlike quality. My questions is regarding the horse in the story. Is he symbolic of something?

Lori wrote: "I just saw a photo that someone posted on Facebook about people who dog ear the pages of the books they are reading. I can't STAND dog earing! I also cringe whenever I see marginalia.

Taylor, Wha..."

I grew up doing that; that's what we did with paperback books all the time in my house. We didn't have much of a library and owned them. I NEVER do it now, though, and cringe when I see it done.

Lori wrote: "I can't STAND dog earing! I also cringe whenever I see marginalia.

Taylor, What are your biggest bookish pet peeves?"

Oh man, Lori! I am serial dog-earer and margin-writer. Also, an underliner of epic proportions. I'm really bad, haha, but it's how I get personal with a book, how I make it my own and create a sort of map or history inside the pages, to which I can later return.

I'm trying to think of any pet peeves I have, bookwise. I'm not too easily offended unless I want to be, haha. I'm just glad people are reading books, no matter how they choose to go about it!

Taylor i agree with you enjoy reading make the book yours .as long as someones reading i'm not offended

Lori wrote: "Hi Taylor. I love the book. I felt that the story has a dreamlike quality. My questions is regarding the horse in the story. Is he symbolic of something?"

That's a good question. I leave such symbols up to the reader to decide, as I think they spring from the subconscious of the writer--at least in my case--and are subject to interpretation. Like, I did not deliberately make him a symbol of anything.

That said, I do think there is something slightly otherworldly about Reiver. He is one of those creatures who borders on mythic, who skims the veil of our knowing. He bears a trace of the divine.

I think there are creatures like this. I remember watching an ESPN documentary on Secretariat, where they ranked him one of the 50 greatest athletes of 20th century--the only non-human, I believe, besides Man o' War. And there were interviews with all of these great athletes like Jack Nicklaus--gods in their own right--who'd witnessed Secretariat win the 1973 Belmont Stakes, and they described simply weeping with awe. Secretariat won by 31 lengths--an unthinkable margin. He was transcendent in that moment, godlike. When Secretariat died, they cut him open and found that his heart was nearly three times the size of a normal Thoroughbred's.

If that animal was not holy, nothing is.

Taylor,

Hope you had a wonderful holiday! Thank you so much for hanging out with us all week long. I had a blast seeing how people connected with your novel and it was great getting some of the behind-the-scenes info!

I hope you enjoyed your time with us here and don't be a stranger!!!!

Lori wrote: "Taylor,

Hope you had a wonderful holiday! Thank you so much for hanging out with us all week long. I had a blast seeing how people connected with your novel and it was great getting some of the b..."

Thanks so much for having me, Lori! It's been awesome. Such great questions. Thank you everyone for participating!

T.

I think I felt like I was in a bad dream for most of this, being pursued, or chased that is. I was wondering how the book would end too, if there would be an ending I would like. I think its interesting that the beginning and end are much alike. And the interesting thing is that it is Ava who is finally able to come to Callum's rescue.

I think it would be interesting to address the above question too, since this part is a bit confusing to me. I guess that is about greed. They simply wanted Callum for some sort of reward, but I can't quite pinpoint the "showdown" maybe I need to refresh.

I was wondering about the Boy Callum, is he a totally fictional character? He seemed so real, there were echoes of this lost person who also was surviving against all odds.