What do you think you could have done better on writing Dar and the spear-thrower, and what do you regret the most after publishing this book?

(from Sunny, age 13)

Marjorie answers:

Dear Sunny,

This is a hard one! The writing of “Dar” was one long (five years) learning process because it was my first book and I had a lot to learn. I was okay with the first two-thirds of the novel, but struggled with the ending. After a great deal of starting and stopping, I suddenly began writing about Dar and his uncle meeting and reconciling in the pine forest. I stopped typing, sat back, and said to myself: “This is what I’ve wanted to say for a very long time.” The point of my answer is that the book did not please me for a long time—and then it did. So I have no regrets about the book that was finally published—only thankfulness.

Sincerely, Marjorie Cowley