Georgia Beaverson

Georgia Beaverson began writing stories and novels in elementary school (a very old story!), and outlined the characters and plot of The Hidden Arrow of Maether in high school, returning to it in college. She became a corporate and then a freelance editor and writer while raising a family, then finally began working on Arrow in earnest. The book was published late in 2000 by Delacorte Press, appearing as a Yearling paperback in 2002 and as a French edition that same year (La Marque de l’Élue, Bayard Jeunesse). Since then, she’s written several other as-yet-unpublished novels.

Where do you get your ideas?
Almost anything can spark an idea (see the Maether FAQ for examples). But generally, I get a picture of a situation in my head. It’s usually a character doing something very specific, in a very specific setting. (For instance, one book I’m working on came to my notice with a picture of a very skinny, raggedy boy kicking the dirt of a dry riverbed. He sees something glinting in the dust, and bends down to find a key. In his world, keys are not allowed.) Of course, I’m curious! So I wait until the character begins talking to me (usually from just behind my right ear), telling me his or her story. Writing the books is a great way to find out what happens!

What books do you love to read?
Have you ever had the experience of seeing a book on a shelf and just knowing that book was meant for you? There are a few books that spoke to me that way, and they are my all-time favorites (although I read a lot of other books, too!):
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Moon Eyes by Josephine Poole
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The Silver Curlew by Eleanor Farjeon
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Greensleeves by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Sabriel by Garth Nix
The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg
I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak

Did you plan to be a writer all along?
Yes; it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. Although I would love to be a musician; I just can’t play or sing a note.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Remember that a lot of people can write; not every needs to write. If you have something inside you that compels you to write, listen to it and give it whatever it needs to bloom and grow. Read as much as you can. Write every day. Join a critique group. Stay humble with regard to your writing, because everyone benefits by editing. No exceptions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you about your own writing?
“Writers write.” A little less talk; a lot more action.

Are you married?
My husband’s name is Bob. He’s a wonderful photographer and musician.

Do you have children?
I have two adult children: Michael and Laura. Michael works in computers and Laura is an artist.

Do you have a job separate from writing fiction?
Yes. I am a freelance writer and edit two magazines. I also write enough nonfiction articles every year to equal the size of 2-1/2 young adult novels. I like to write about people.

What do you do in your off time?
My favorite thing to do in the entire universe is travel. I’ve been to Ireland twice and plan to live there one day.


	~ Author ~ The Hidden Arrow of Maether ~ In Progress ~ Contact Georgia ~ Home	Biography Georgia Beaverson began writing stories and novels in elementary school (a very old story!), and outlined the characters and plot of The Hidden Arrow of Maether in high school, returning to it in college. She became a corporate and then a freelance editor and writer while raising a family, then finally began working on Arrow in earnest. The book was published late in 2000 by Delacorte Press, appearing as a Yearling paperback in 2002 and as a French edition that same year (La Marque de l’Élue, Bayard Jeunesse). Since then, she’s written several other as-yet-unpublished novels. Georgia Q & A Where do you get your ideas? Almost anything can spark an idea (see the Maether FAQ for examples). But generally, I get a picture of a situation in my head. It’s usually a character doing something very specific, in a very specific setting. (For instance, one book I’m working on came to my notice with a picture of a very skinny, raggedy boy kicking the dirt of a dry riverbed. He sees something glinting in the dust, and bends down to find a key. In his world, keys are not allowed.) Of course, I’m curious! So I wait until the character begins talking to me (usually from just behind my right ear), telling me his or her story. Writing the books is a great way to find out what happens! What books do you love to read? Have you ever had the experience of seeing a book on a shelf and just knowing that book was meant for you? There are a few books that spoke to me that way, and they are my all-time favorites (although I read a lot of other books, too!): The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Moon Eyes by Josephine Poole A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle The Silver Curlew by Eleanor Farjeon The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Greensleeves by Eloise Jarvis McGraw Beauty by Robin McKinley Sabriel by Garth Nix The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak Did you plan to be a writer all along? Yes; it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. Although I would love to be a musician; I just can’t play or sing a note. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? Remember that a lot of people can write; not every needs to write. If you have something inside you that compels you to write, listen to it and give it whatever it needs to bloom and grow. Read as much as you can. Write every day. Join a critique group. Stay humble with regard to your writing, because everyone benefits by editing. No exceptions. What is the best advice anyone ever gave you about your own writing? “Writers write.” A little less talk; a lot more action. Are you married? My husband’s name is Bob. He’s a wonderful photographer and musician. Do you have children? I have two adult children: Michael and Laura. Michael works in computers and Laura is an artist. Do you have a job separate from writing fiction? Yes. I am a freelance writer and edit two magazines. I also write enough nonfiction articles every year to equal the size of 2-1/2 young adult novels. I like to write about people. What do you do in your off time? My favorite thing to do in the entire universe is travel. I’ve been to Ireland twice and plan to live there one day.

Georgia Beaverson ©2000.