Author Archives: Wren James

Sensitivity readers in traditional publishing

You might have seen that this week a black author pulled his book due to backlash over representation, only a month after an Asian author did the same. I don’t usually comment on twitter discussions like this, but I think this is a worrying trend that has wide implications for the US YA publishing industry.Continue reading “Sensitivity readers in traditional publishing”

Where I got the idea for The Quiet at the End of the World

Exactly two years ago, in March 2016, I posted a quote on Instagram from a book I was reading, which is not something I usually do. “We are a short-lived genus of species. All our cousins are already extinct. We are perhaps the only species on Earth to be conscious of the inevitability of ourContinue reading “Where I got the idea for The Quiet at the End of the World”

Fancasting the characters – meet Lowrie, Shen, Maya and Riz

Lowrie MB-W – Aubrey Peeples Lowrie is a suit-wearing, treasure-hunting tomboy, with a workshop full of tools in place of a walk-in wardrobe. She constantly has a chisel and screwdriver on hand. She’s blonde, and wears her hair in a french plait. She’s most often found wearing Shen’s mustard yellow jumpers. Shen Zhang – JustinContinue reading “Fancasting the characters – meet Lowrie, Shen, Maya and Riz”

Playlist for The Quiet at the End of the World

    Not long now until the book comes out! There’s already been some AMAZING reviews: “I’m still sobbing quietly over how beautiful and heart-wrenching this novel was. Seriously, this might be my favourite sci-fi book? Of all time? I JUST CAN’T EVEN BEGIN TO EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED IT. Can I pluck allContinue reading “Playlist for The Quiet at the End of the World”

Research trips I took when writing The Quiet at the End of the World

Research trips! There’s nothing better than writing about somewhere, and then going to see it for real. It brings fiction to life in a completely original way. Here are some of the places I made sure to visit when I was writing The Quiet at the End of the World. I’ve previously visited Carlisle CastleContinue reading “Research trips I took when writing The Quiet at the End of the World”

Writing group & book shimmy award

From 23rd March I am going to be running a monthly Writers HQ writing retreat group in Coventry at Holy Trinity Church near the cathedral. You can find out more here and buy tickets (which are very limited). The group doesn’t involve any teaching, just all of us writing together for a day, with food and drinksContinue reading “Writing group & book shimmy award”