Was any of The Maquisarde inspired by recent world events? Were you working on any of the book during September 2001?

Actually, the book was finished before 9/11, and I was horrified that my new novel began with a terrorist act, although in infinitely smaller scope, that mirrored the awful events our country was trying to deal with. Yet, it was the act of terror that launched Ebriel's transformation, and it couldn't be changed. Since then I've come to understand, as I'm afraid we all have, that violence exists in the world, and that responding with yet more violence is not an answer. So in the months since 9/11, and now that I have some perspective on the novel, I think it was the right choice to begin the story that way.

As I shared Ebriel's adventures, I thought of Zarah IbSada from Terrorists of Irustan. What do you think these ladies would say to each other were they to share lunch?

Oh, wouldn't that be interesting! In a way, both of these characters had the same revelation, but in different ways. Zahra was so conflicted over the uses of violence--as we all are--that they might have a really curious conversation. The difference, I think they would finally decide, was the one between protecting those you love and seeking revenge for an irredeemable loss.

Music continues to play an important part in your work. Do you think there is anything music can say better than words?

Music is so essential to human beings that I think it's a rare thing when it doesn't appear in one of my books or stories. What I think music does for people--that is, actual, audible music--is bypass the need for words, to speak in its own language, the language of emotion. Even bad music can be emotional, of course, but really good music seems to speak directly to the human soul. We were talking earlier of the tragedy of 9/11; in our work at St. James Cathedral, in Seattle, we poured our grief out in music, and it was both healing and cathartic to do that. And of course, people around the world took part in the Rolling Requiem as a way to express the inexpressible. I challenge anyone, no matter what genre of music they prefer, to listen to the Mozart Requiem and not be moved.

When it comes to worldbuilding, what do you tackle first? Is it plot, theme, setting, character...what comes to you first, or has each novel been different?

Setting and character are always first with me. A sort of image takes hold of me, some place I would like to know more about, and the story is born that way. Plotting is the labor part . . . character is the fun part. Characters unfold for me like origami, sort of opening themselves up to show what's beneath their layers. But plot I have to work at, sort of chipping it out of the stone like a sculptor. Still, having said all that, I know that every story or novel can take a different path, and it's important not to feel locked into one particular process. The creative urge--the Muse, if you will--can be full of surprises.

What, if anything, did the Clarion Workshop give your writing that you don't think you would have gained elsewhere?

I attended Clarion West 1993, and it was invaluable to me. I had already been thinking hard about the techniques of fiction, and my six weeks of intensive work with a group of outstanding teachers--notably Pat Murphy and Connie Willis--gave me just the burst of understanding I needed. It's curious, though--there were twenty of us in the workshop, and I think there are only a handful still writing! It's not for the faint of heart. But my years of study and practice as a musician had prepared me perfectly to be receptive to the approach of Clarion.

What is next for you?

My next novel is called The Child Goddess, the story of a Roman Catholic woman priest and a child who is a hundred years old. I can hardly wait for it to come out, because I love these characters. I'm glad to say this novel is finished, and I've started on a new one titled Singer in the Snow, which is set in the world of my very first books, the Nevya Trilogy. I also am at work on a proposal for a "contemporary rural fantasy" (I've made up a new genre) set in Montana.

Thanks, Louise! Readers, be sure to visit Louise's website at louisemarley.com.