Juliet Marillier - Writing Style

Writing Style

Several of Marillier's books are written in the first person. One of her strengths is her ability to use this point-of-view skillfully, allowing the reader to form a close bond with the main character. Her characters are well rounded and the reader becomes familiar with their strengths and weaknesses, which again encourages immersion in the characters' world. Marillier is also noted for writing sequels that can stand alone: readers of the earlier books in a series will recognise old friends while new readers will quickly feel at home with characters old and new.

Marillier has said that it takes her about a year to finish a novel and that she is often researching one book while writing another and editing a third. She also says that she usually bases a story on two elements: what the main character learns about herself and her world that makes this adventure personally significant; and the bigger picture, showing this character’s role in something outside herself, such as saving a community or forging peace between two warring tribes. The first idea reinforces the second, making the writing both personal and realistic.

Juliet Marillier's books have won many awards, such as the American Library Association’s Alex Award for Daughter of the Forest and the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel for Son of the Shadows, Blade of Fortriu and Wildwood Dancing.