Get ready to learn more about the book Woven in this discussion with sapphic author Adrian Page.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Adrian Page about Woven, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Interracial Romance category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Woven?
I think this was a book I was trying to write for a long time! It touches on so many topics that are so near and dear to me; motherhood, friendship, Lesbian community (especially intergenerational community), and what it means to be an active participant in your own life.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Jenny, Jenny, Jenny! I love the gentleness with which she mothers, and the way her love persists over time and space. We could all use a Jenny.
What inspired the idea for Woven?
My own struggles with indecisiveness and fear of making the ‘wrong’ choice, and the Lesbian community that has held me through innumerable hardships and triumphs.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Honestly? How quickly I did it! Woven took me only three weeks from start to finish on the first draft, and I was so ANNOYED when I finished, because I wanted to write more!
How did you come up with the title for your book?
The series is called Threads — meant to invoke the threads of life, of connection, of love, that tie us all together. The other books in the series are named similarly, and I wanted the title to both fit that theme, but also signify a coming together, a completeness. This is August’s story as she’s woven it, layers of thread forming a cohesive fabric of her life.
What is your writing process like?
I’m definitely more of a plotter, but with a few pantser characteristics. I like to have an overall arch in mind, and the first 1/3-1/2 of the chapters plotted in vague detail– i.e., the theme/mood and the main event of the chapter. From there, it gets a little more pants-y and I let the characters do their thing. Once I’ve completed most if not all of the first half, I do the same for the remainder of the book!
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Anywhere but home! Something about it just makes it impossible for me to focus. I write a lot at work, where I have ample downtime in the evenings, and it’s not unusual to find me camped out at a Panera or a Starbucks.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Changing my environment and getting out of my own head. Sometimes I get so stuck because I either haven’t moved in hours (a vicious cycle) or because I want the words I’m writing to be immediately perfect. I seem to forget every time that just writing ANY WORD is better than no words, and the rest can be sorted out later. Moving to a different location tends to act as a sort of ‘soft reset’ on my brain and reminds me of that!
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
Only once, and it was while writing Woven! I won’t give any spoilers, but there was a particular piece of imagery during a particularly sad moment that, for whatever reason, really got to me!
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I am a big fan of fantasy! This has waxed and waned over time, and I sort of fell away from fantasy for a while in my early/mid 20’s, but I’m back now and loving it! I love the adventure, the creativity, the magic– both on page and of being transported to another world entirely.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
There is a particular bean bag at my job that I really love cozying up in! Besides that, I love to get snuggled up in the corner of my couch (with my heated blanket if it’s even a little bit chilly!) and read there.
