Unveiling Diana Wynne Jones' Creative Processes: World-Building and Character Development

Diana Wynne Jones, the renowned British fantasy author, captivated readers with her intricate and fantastical worlds. How did she manage to weave such rich narratives that continue to enchant readers even today? This article delves into her creative processes, revealing how she brought her characters and worlds to life.

The Genesis of Diana Wynne Jones' Stories

Diana Wynne Jones once shared her creative process during a discussion at the University of Oxford in 1998. She explained that her stories and characters emerged almost effortlessly, almost dictated by her subconscious. The initial spark of an idea would serve as the foundation, and she would let the story flow without much intervention.

For instance, when Philip Pullman, another esteemed author, spoke about his writing style, he noted that 'The Golden Compass' began when a sentence entered his head: 'As she crossed the dark hall her daemon, Pantalaimon, fluttered beside her.' Pullman had no idea what it meant at the time, but it ignited the seed of his story.

The Freedom of Storytelling

Jones adhered to a deeply intuitive method. She often trusted her subconscious, allowing it to guide her through the narrative. This approach meant that the stories unfolded naturally, with characters and settings developing as needed.

Her horror of clichés was evident in her criticism of 'The Magician's Nephew,' a book she felt was too linear and predictable. Jones particularly despised the 'and then they woke up' trope, which often indicated a disconnection from the core narrative. To avoid this, she carefully crafted her plots, ensuring they flowed seamlessly.

Characters as Extensions of the Author

Diana Wynne Jones had a profound connection with her characters, allowing them to become a significant part of her own being. This emotional investment was not just for show; it deeply influenced her writing.

The Homeward Bounders: One of the most poignant examples is her portrayal of Jamie in 'The Homeward Bounders.' Jones found it incredibly difficult to write the end of the book, as it required her to emotionally confront the character's transformation. She described the process as writing a sentence at a time, feeling increasingly desolate as the story unfolded.

"How do you think it felt to write it?" she rhetorically asked when I expressed my struggle to read the end of the book.

Jones' relationship with her characters was such that they often reflected her own experiences and emotions. This interplay between the author and the characters' development added layers of depth and authenticity to her stories.

The Subconscious and Writing

Her reliance on her subconscious was a key element of her creative process. Jones believed that her childhood, filled with an abundance of books, contributed to her ability to tap into this wellspring of creativity.

Use of Subconscious: Much like the way her sister, Helen Wynne Jones, finished 'Islands of Chaldea' after Diana's passing, Diana herself used her subconscious to develop her stories. The initial spark of inspiration would be the starting point, and from there, the narrative flowed organically.

This method of letting the story guide her led to the creation of some of the most memorable worlds and characters in contemporary fantasy literature. Diana Wynne Jones' belief in her subconscious's power allowed her to create intricate, complex, and ever-evolving stories that continue to captivate readers.

A Memorable Author

Reflecting on her interactions with Diana Wynne Jones, it is clear that she embodied the essence of an author who devoted her life to storytelling. Her brilliance and passion for the art form were immeasurable, and her loss was a significant blow to the writing community.

“What a woman, what an author, what a loss.”

Her creative processes, centered around intuition and the subconscious, remain a testament to her enduring legacy. Diana Wynne Jones' ability to create worlds and characters that come alive through her writing is a testament to her genius as a storyteller.