I have three cats. I have a big collection of “maps to
places that never were:” a map of Middle Earth, a map of Sherlock Holmes’ flat
in Baker Street, a map of Narnia, a reproduction of the Time Bandits map.
2) What was the inspiration for writing The Mortal
Instruments?
I wanted to write something that would combine elements of
traditional high fantasy — an epic battle between good and evil, terrible
monsters, brave heroes, enchanted swords — and recast it through a modern,
urban lens. So you have the Shadowhunters, who are these very classic warriors
following their millennia-old traditions, but in these urban, modern spaces:
skyscrapers, warehouses, abandoned hotels, rock concerts. In fairy tales, it
was the dark and mysterious forest outside the town that held the magic and
danger. I wanted to create a world where the city has become the forest — where
these urban spaces hold their own enchantments, danger, mysteries and strange
beauty. It’s just that only the Shadowhunters can see them as they really are.
3) Were there any personal experiences that went in to
writing The Mortal Instruments?
Certainly living in New York City informed my writing
process, but fortunately I've never been attacked by demons!
4) Was Chary's
character based on anyone or was she a purely made up character?
Clary Fray is named after two friends of mine, but she's a
made up character.
5) What was your inspiration in the cover art for the MI
Series?
I didn't have anything to do with the design!
10 Fun Facts:
1) Favorite color?
Blue
2) Favorite Food?
Sushi
3) Favorite song right now?
Poison & Wine by the Civil
Wars
4) Favorite Movie?
Blade Runner
5) Favorite Book?
Pride & Prejudice
6) Favorite author?
JRR Tolkien
7) Favorite place to write?
I like to write in coffee shops with friends
8) Somewhere you have always wanted to go?
Japan
9) Dream cast for City of Bones movie?
10) If you were to write another series, what would it be
about?
The next one will be another Shadowhunter series, set in Los
Angeles five years after the events of the Mortal Instruments take place. It's
titled the Dark Artifices.