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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 17:46:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
You migh want to try Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt.
Thank you for the reference, Kyrene.
Can you please tell me if Mr. Sehestedt's Ly-Tel'Quessir are more like the Elves of Evermeet lythari, or do they look more like Ganamede and the ones found in Mrs. Cunningham's books? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 07 Jul 2010 17:49:17 |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
767 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 18:29:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
You migh want to try Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt.
Thank you for the reference, Kyrene.
Can you please tell me if Mr. Sehestedt's Ly-Tel'Quessir are more like the Elves of Evermeet lythari, or do they look more like Ganamede and the ones found in Mrs. Cunningham's books?
No idea!  
I’ve never had the privilege of reading any of Elaine’s novels, and I don’t own Elves of Evermeet either. I’d ask Mark himself with a PM (since he doesn’t seem to have a dedicated scroll), or just read Frostfell. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 19:32:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
You migh want to try Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt.
Thank you for the reference, Kyrene.
Can you please tell me if Mr. Sehestedt's Ly-Tel'Quessir are more like the Elves of Evermeet lythari, or do they look more like Ganamede and the ones found in Mrs. Cunningham's books?
I would say Mark's are an extention and expansion on what Elaine did with them. Elaine fleshed them out enough for them to work for her story and make me want to read more about them. In Mark's work as I remember it, they are much, much more integral part of the story....as in they are the story so he really give much more background and such. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 19:44:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
You migh want to try Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt.
Thank you for the reference, Kyrene.
Can you please tell me if Mr. Sehestedt's Ly-Tel'Quessir are more like the Elves of Evermeet lythari, or do they look more like Ganamede and the ones found in Mrs. Cunningham's books?
No idea!
I’ve never had the privilege of reading any of Elaine’s novels, and I don’t own Elves of Evermeet either. I’d ask Mark himself with a PM (since he doesn’t seem to have a dedicated scroll), or just read Frostfell.
Wow , your missing out on some of the best realms work ever done( in fact I would call her novels integral to the feel and spirit of the real
s) What do we need to do to get those in your hands? |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 20:37:04
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
I would say Mark's are an extention and expansion on what Elaine did with them. Elaine fleshed them out enough for them to work for her story and make me want to read more about them. In Mark's work as I remember it, they are much, much more integral part of the story....as in they are the story so he really give much more background and such.
Thank you, Red Walker. And I can only agree with you about the novels: IMO the Songs and Swords are the best Realms books I read this far, even if I like many other books and authors.
But we're beginning to sidetrack this thread: Mrs. Cunningham, have you any thoughts about the Lythari and the Giant Eagles to share with us?
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"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2010 : 20:39:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
But we're beginning to sidetrack this thread: Mrs. Cunningham, have you any thoughts about the Lythari and the Giant Eagles to share with us?
Actually, I think the sidetracking has covered the topic. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
37006 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 00:43:40
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
You migh want to try Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt.
Thank you for the reference, Kyrene.
Can you please tell me if Mr. Sehestedt's Ly-Tel'Quessir are more like the Elves of Evermeet lythari, or do they look more like Ganamede and the ones found in Mrs. Cunningham's books?
I would say Mark's are an extention and expansion on what Elaine did with them. Elaine fleshed them out enough for them to work for her story and make me want to read more about them. In Mark's work as I remember it, they are much, much more integral part of the story....as in they are the story so he really give much more background and such.
I wasn't as enamored of his lythari as some others are. To me, they were more like an offshoot of the lythari than they were true lythari. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 01:03:09
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Actually, I think the sidetracking has covered the topic.
So, the changes WERE deliberate, after all? And the speaking beasts issue was more of a practical choice? Did the Eagles speak to emphasize their alien personality? Sorry, the answers weren't that clear for me!
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"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 01:18:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
You migh want to try Frostfell by Mark Sehestedt.
Thank you for the reference, Kyrene.
Can you please tell me if Mr. Sehestedt's Ly-Tel'Quessir are more like the Elves of Evermeet lythari, or do they look more like Ganamede and the ones found in Mrs. Cunningham's books?
I would say Mark's are an extention and expansion on what Elaine did with them. Elaine fleshed them out enough for them to work for her story and make me want to read more about them. In Mark's work as I remember it, they are much, much more integral part of the story....as in they are the story so he really give much more background and such.
I wasn't as enamored of his lythari as some others are. To me, they were more like an offshoot of the lythari than they were true lythari.
Essentially, it's explained in Frostfell that the main connection existing between the lycanthropic lythari and the Vil Adranath was simply that they were both elven -- only the west referred to them as lythari, and the east called them Vil Adranath. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
37006 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 02:56:06
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Essentially, it's explained in Frostfell that the main connection existing between the lycanthropic lythari and the Vil Adranath was simply that they were both elven -- only the west referred to them as lythari, and the east called them Vil Adranath.
I actually have an explanation that I think works... But that's on my own to-do list! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 03:04:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Essentially, it's explained in Frostfell that the main connection existing between the lycanthropic lythari and the Vil Adranath was simply that they were both elven -- only the west referred to them as lythari, and the east called them Vil Adranath.
I actually have an explanation that I think works... But that's on my own to-do list!
Is that the explanation we discussed elsewhere, and that prompted me to start working on my own? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 08 Jul 2010 03:06:15 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
37006 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 03:48:13
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Essentially, it's explained in Frostfell that the main connection existing between the lycanthropic lythari and the Vil Adranath was simply that they were both elven -- only the west referred to them as lythari, and the east called them Vil Adranath.
I actually have an explanation that I think works... But that's on my own to-do list!
Is that the explanation we discussed elsewhere, and that prompted me to start working on my own?
Prolly. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
767 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 09:17:12
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Elaine,
If I wanted to read any and all novels featuring either Dan, Arilyn, or Elaith (or all three), in which order should I try to get them, and which should I be careful of to 'must' get the following or preceding ones too (in other words avoid if I cannot get all two, or three, or however many)? I'm hoping I can use your advice, and with a little luck Wizards reprints your older work when The Serpent's Daughter comes out, and get my hands on them. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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Edited by - Kyrene on 08 Jul 2010 09:20:10 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 10:46:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
Elaine,
If I wanted to read any and all novels featuring either Dan, Arilyn, or Elaith (or all three), in which order should I try to get them, and which should I be careful of to 'must' get the following or preceding ones too (in other words avoid if I cannot get all two, or three, or however many)? I'm hoping I can use your advice, and with a little luck Wizards reprints your older work when The Serpent's Daughter comes out, and get my hands on them.
Elfshadow
Elfsong
Silver Shadows
Evermeet
There's also Thornhold and Dream Spheres, but you could probably skip both of these. Thornhold really isn't part of the story, though Dan has a minor role and Arilyn a cameo appearance. |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 15:13:48
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
Elaine,
If I wanted to read any and all novels featuring either Dan, Arilyn, or Elaith (or all three), in which order should I try to get them, and which should I be careful of to 'must' get the following or preceding ones too (in other words avoid if I cannot get all two, or three, or however many)? I'm hoping I can use your advice, and with a little luck Wizards reprints your older work when The Serpent's Daughter comes out, and get my hands on them.
Elfshadow
Elfsong
Silver Shadows
Evermeet
There's also Thornhold and Dream Spheres, but you could probably skip both of these. Thornhold really isn't part of the story, though Dan has a minor role and Arilyn a cameo appearance.
Kyrene,
Last time I was at my local used book shop, they had at least three of those.....I am heading back this weekend and if they are there I will grab them and pm you for your shipping info.
And though Thornhold is only loosely tied to Dan and Arilyn...it does feature Bronwyn....one of my favorite charcters in any Realms novel.
Also, as a rule, I would never suggest "skipping" any of Elaine's realms work |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 08 Jul 2010 15:20:38 |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 17:36:01
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
Elaine,
If I wanted to read any and all novels featuring either Dan, Arilyn, or Elaith (or all three), in which order should I try to get them, and which should I be careful of to 'must' get the following or preceding ones too (in other words avoid if I cannot get all two, or three, or however many)? I'm hoping I can use your advice, and with a little luck Wizards reprints your older work when The Serpent's Daughter comes out, and get my hands on them.
Elfshadow
Elfsong
Silver Shadows
Evermeet
There's also Thornhold and Dream Spheres, but you could probably skip both of these. Thornhold really isn't part of the story, though Dan has a minor role and Arilyn a cameo appearance.
Which isn't to say you should skip them. Dream Spheres is my favourite among Elaine's novels. Mostly because it feels a bit more melancholy in tone than the others (well, the third Liriel-one is pretty melancholy too). |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2010 : 18:50:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Kyrene
Elaine,
If I wanted to read any and all novels featuring either Dan, Arilyn, or Elaith (or all three), in which order should I try to get them, and which should I be careful of to 'must' get the following or preceding ones too? I'm hoping I can use your advice, and with a little luck Wizards reprints your older work when The Serpent's Daughter comes out, and get my hands on them.
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Elfshadow
Elfsong
Silver Shadows
Evermeet
Those are exactly the ones I have, all of them fantastic pieces of literature. And as soon as you get them, I'm sure you will, like me, want the others.
Of those cited, however, Evermeet: Island of Elves is the only one that is independent from the rest. It's a great work on its own, a compilation of the Realmsian elves' mythology and history, and even if it encompasses a part of what transcurred in the earlier books, its much more abrangent than the previous works. Still, you just cannot let it out of your reading plans; many consider this title the "Elven Bible" in the FR, and for no small reason. 
However, if you're looking specificaly for Arilyn, Danilo and Elaith's stories, go first for the other three books. Some short stories of them are also found in Realmsian anthologies like "Realms of Infamy", and in issues 246 and 335 of the Dragon Magazine, for example. But I still think the books must be read first, for they will introduce you the characters. |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 08 Jul 2010 21:02:40 |
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Menelvagor
Senior Scribe
Israel
352 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 07:29:06
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham:
There's also Thornhold and Dream Spheres, but you could probably skip both of these. Thornhold really isn't part of the story, though Dan has a minor role and Arilyn a cameo appearance.
Why do you say that one could skip Dream Spheres? As far as I see it, both Elaith and Danilo are main characters, and Arilyn isn't on the sides either. I felt it was a very important novel in showing us more of Elaith's character and feelings. |
"Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.
How much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation in the dust, are crushed before the moth?" - Eliphaz the Temanite, Job IV, 17-19.
"Yea, though he live a thousand years twice, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?" - Ecclesiastes VI, 6.
"There are no stupid questions – just a bunch of inquisitive idiots."
"Let's not call it 'hijacking'. Let's call it 'Thread Drift'." |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 12:43:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
Why do you say that one could skip Dream Spheres? As far as I see it, both Elaith and Danilo are main characters, and Arilyn isn't on the sides either. I felt it was a very important novel in showing us more of Elaith's character and feelings.
This was a question I considered asking: although I've not read Dream Spheres this far, it seems to have some important info about Elaith, the Harpers, and Arilyn's moonblade. But, since the very author said it could be skipped and other, more experienced scribes didn't say a thing, I got quiet in my corner... But, IMO, I'd let Evermeet out of this list (as an independent book, but a "must read" for sure), and include the Spheres. 
Mrs. Cunningham, have you seen my question of July 8th? The answer about my "speaking eagles and wolves" question wasn't very clear to me... So, if it's not bothering you, could you answer that, please? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 09 Jul 2010 13:03:49 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 13:01:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Menelvagor
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham:
There's also Thornhold and Dream Spheres, but you could probably skip both of these. Thornhold really isn't part of the story, though Dan has a minor role and Arilyn a cameo appearance.
Why do you say that one could skip Dream Spheres? As far as I see it, both Elaith and Danilo are main characters, and Arilyn isn't on the sides either. I felt it was a very important novel in showing us more of Elaith's character and feelings.
It might not be a good idea to say that a particular novel is...not your best work, but if I had to rank the Songs & Swords books, Dream Spheres wouldn't be at the top of the list. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 13:04:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
Mrs. Cunningham, have you seen my question of July 8th? The answer about my "speaking eagles and wolves" question wasn't very clear to me... So, if it's not bothering you, could you answer that, please?
It's not bothering me, but I don't have a lot to add to what's already been said. There is enormous variety among the creatures of the Realms, and varying sizes and linguistic abilities among the fantastical creatures strikes me as entirely plausible. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 14:42:22
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I agree with you, Mrs. Cunningham, but my question about them was beyond linguistics. Since the Giant Eagle description in 2e states that they have a "limited telepathy" and there is no mention about speaking, I thought maybe they just couldn't speak, having no vocal apparatus to perform this action. Since the telepathy would "translate" their concepts and ideas, maybe it would be impossible to have some expressions and interpretations that they would elaborate if they simply could speak - in their attempts to "translate" to the human/elf languages.
As for the lythari, I previously thought that they should have to change back to elven form to speak, cause they would only bark and snarl and howl, while in wolf form. Being so, a Ly-Tel'Quessir lupine form also would be more like a normal wolf to the eyes of the other creatures, and wouldn't be readily recognized (and mystified) by the other elves, for example. I recall that it was really a rare occurrence to see a lythari in elven form, and maybe if they should return to this form to speak, they would be forced to appear in this form more frequently.
That's why I asked if the "changes" were deliberate, for they looked significative alterations to my earlier concept of the creatures to me, and maybe they could be there like an answer to your story pretensions.
Otherwise, you could have always seen both of the speaking beasts in the way you depicted in your novels, and so there was no deliberate intention on changing them at all! Was that the case? |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 09 Jul 2010 17:07:37 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 16:47:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
I agree with you, Mrs. Cunningham, but my question about them was beyond linguistics. Since the Giant Eagle description in 2e states that they have a "limited telepathy" and there is no mention about speaking, I thought maybe they just couldn't speak, having no vocal apparatus to perform this action. Since the telepathy would "translate" their concepts and ideas, maybe it would be impossible to have some expressions and interpretations that they would elaborate if they simply could speak - in their attempts to "translate" to the human/elf languages.
As for the lythari, I previously thought that they should have to change back to elven form to speak, cause they would only bark and snarl and howl, while in wolf form. Being so, a Ly-Tel'Quessir also would be more like a normal wolf to the eyes of the other creatures, and wouldn't be readily recognized (and mystified) by the other elves, for example. I recall that it was really a rare occurrence to see a lythari in elven form, and maybe if they should return to this form to speak, they would be forced to appear in this form more frequently.
That's why I asked if the "changes" were deliberate, for they looked significative alterations to my earlier concept of the creatures to me, and maybe they could be there like an answer to your story pretensions.
Otherwise, you could have always seen both of the speaking beasts in the way you depicted in your novels, and so there was no deliberate intention on changing them at all! Was that the case?
Honestly? I don't remember. Evermeet was published in 1999, and though I did very extensive research for the novel, I don't recall all of the particulars. And I just don't have that information readily available. All of my research notes were lost when my family moved from Maryland to Rhode Island, and more recently, all of my D&D material, including the Elves of Evermeet game produced you cited, were destroyed in the freak spring flooding we had here in Rhode Island. Since I can't address this question without spending time I can't spare researching materials I don't have, I'm going to have to pass on further comment.
But generally speaking, I try to stay true to the established lore and would not arbitrarily contradict game material to better serve the story.
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Edited by - ElaineCunningham on 09 Jul 2010 16:49:42 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2010 : 17:09:05
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That's fair enough, Mrs. Cunningham. Thank you very much for your considerations, anyway! My question was more out of curiosity: first, because I just love wolves and eagles (althought my preference is for felines - my favorite "animal character" in fantasy is Salvatore's Guenhwyvar). Second, since authors do have a poetic license regarding magic in their novels, I was thinking that maybe this freedom would also extend to the creatures they show in their stories (and I recall some different monsters showing up in Elfsong).
Finally, and just to make it crystal clear, the way the lytahri and the giant eagles were depicted in your novels was just great, and I liked very much the dialogues and mindsets there presented! After all, I think THAT is what really matters! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 11 Jul 2010 17:10:45 |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2010 : 16:01:18
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Elaine,
I remember reading along time ago that if you could write whatever you wanted to in the realms it would be " a caper novel with Elaith".....I understand that The Serpent's Daughter is a caper novel with hid daughter, but I am so glad for you that you get to write about something which obviously has much motivation for you! Of course the downside for tht is it really sets the bar high as for my expectations of it
I was just curious when you shifted into thinking about writing This particular book....was it something that popped as soon as 4e happened, because you were carrying this desire and saw a new direction for it or???
Thanks. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2010 : 17:24:23
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quote:
Originally posted by The Red Walker
Elaine,
I remember reading along time ago that if you could write whatever you wanted to in the realms it would be " a caper novel with Elaith".....I understand that The Serpent's Daughter is a caper novel with hid daughter, but I am so glad for you that you get to write about something which obviously has much motivation for you! Of course the downside for tht is it really sets the bar high as for my expectations of it
I was just curious when you shifted into thinking about writing This particular book....was it something that popped as soon as 4e happened, because you were carrying this desire and saw a new direction for it or???
Thanks.
You know, I pitched this story quite a while back and thought about it for a long time before I pitched it, so I don't recall all the factors that went into the decision. But the desire to do a caper novel was certainly a large part of it. The folks at WotC wanted new characters and storylines, so it seemed obvious to me that writing about Elaith was not in the cards. But I liked the idea of revisiting his early life and seeing how he might have become who he was through the lens of his daughter's experiences.
There was also an odd, "aha!" moment several years back. After GenCon Indy, 3 or 4 years ago, Ed Greenwood mentioned in passing that one of the newer FR writers broached the idea of writing about Elaith and his daughter. My reaction to this proposed Azariah-poaching made me realize that I felt very strongly about Azariah. And since it's a good idea to write stories about which which you feel strongly, I decided to give it a shot.
Okay, here come the usual disclaimers. I've been writing work-for-hire for nearly 20 years, and I know the drill. WotC owns all the characters freelance writers create or develop, and can do with them as they like. Azariah is not "my" character any more than Arilyn or Danilo or Elaith or Khelben Arunsun are. If WotC had tapped another writer and said, "We want a novel about Azariah, a character ec created," they'd be completely justified in doing so. I understand that someone could have appropriated Azariah and developed her into "his" character just as I unwittingly did with Elaith. I know how shared worlds work, and with the exception of gratuitous moonblade hijacking, I've had no problems making adjustments as needed. But when someone started sniffing around Azariah, I went into full mama lion mode. That, it seemed to me, said something significant.
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Edited by - ElaineCunningham on 12 Jul 2010 17:32:01 |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2010 : 17:40:49
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
[There was also an odd, "aha!" moment several years back. After GenCon Indy, 3 or 4 years ago, Ed Greenwood mentioned in passing that one of the newer FR writers broached the idea of writing about Elaith and his daughter. My reaction to this proposed Azariah-poaching made me realize that I felt very strongly about Azariah.
Mrs. Cunningham,
Could you tell how was your reaction to the proposal? It was something you said, or was you referring to an emotional response you haven't seen coming? Since this question goes out of curiosity, you can skip this one, if I'm asking too much!
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"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 12 Jul 2010 18:02:06 |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2010 : 17:58:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Barastir
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
[There was also an odd, "aha!" moment several years back. After GenCon Indy, 3 or 4 years ago, Ed Greenwood mentioned in passing that one of the newer FR writers broached the idea of writing about Elaith and his daughter. My reaction to this proposed Azariah-poaching made me realize that I felt very strongly about Azariah.
Mrs. Cunningham,
Could you tell how was your reaction to the proposal? It was something you said, or was you referring to an emotional response you haven't seen coming? If I'm not asking too much, I say!
I already did. "Full mama lion mode" indicates an extreme protective impulse toward one's young. Maybe this wasn't sufficiently clear, but it's so much more tactful than "exceedingly pissed off."
And before you ask, no, I do not know who the would-be poacher was. Nor do I want to know. |
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Barastir
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1607 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2010 : 18:06:38
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
I already did. "Full mama lion mode" indicates an extreme protective impulse toward one's young. Maybe this wasn't sufficiently clear, but it's so much more tactful than "exceedingly pissed off."
And before you ask, no, I do not know who the would-be poacher was. Nor do I want to know.
That's true, somehow I missed this part!
We all know that it's a shared world, and that the characters, creatures, stories and concepts a writer creates are not exclusively theirs... And I think it's specially hard if another writer or game designer messes with those ideas you created yourself.
It's not necessarily easy for us readers, too. See, if we have an image of a character that was created (or better developed, like Elaith) in your books, reading stories of the same character written by another author can bring us another image, somewhat different from the one we already knew. Of course the editors must have some control over it, but I think there is always some imprinting of the writer's point of view, style, or understanding of that character.
Besides, I see a great novel coming, and it's really good to know how passionate and comitted to the development of this story you are - considering it will be either a "caper" AND a tale about a favorite character.
PS: And no worries, I wouldn't ask the poacher's name! Although I definately don't agree with the "poaching politics", I understand it somehow, and wouldn't be pissed with him (her), but maybe many of your other fans would not be with me. So, it's better - like you did - not knowing at all! |
"Goodness is not a natural state, but must be
fought for to be attained and maintained.
Lead by example.
Let your deeds speak your intentions.
Goodness radiated from the heart."
The Paladin's Virtues, excerpt from the "Quentin's Monograph"
(by Ed Greenwood) |
Edited by - Barastir on 12 Jul 2010 18:09:51 |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2010 : 18:52:28
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Elaine, thanks for answer. And thank goodness you had such strong reaction and also bless Ed for mentioning that to you!(how very DM of him to "create a young author swooping down on poor Azariah, thus evoking your strong mama bird instincts and spurring you to tell the tale )
I was wondering about an answer you gave a while back here, and since we have moved past Dan and Arilyns time, if it is yet something you can expand on( at the time you rightly passed on answering it in full, planning on telling "on stage"....
Moving on to your Realms questions. When you say "now," I assume you're talking about DR 1375, the current time in the Realms. My stories about Arilyn and Dan, however, have only gone up to 1368. At that time, Arilyn was in her early forties, which is very young for a half-elf--the equivalent of a human woman in her early to mid twenties. No, she was not pregnant. There was a mention of a "little one" in the paperback edition of Evermeet, but I didn't intend for this comment to see print. Apparently the book was reprinted from an old file--most likely, from a file that did not reflect changes made in the galley pages. I removed this reference because the explanation would have been too cumbersome for that particular book, and I've resisted explaining the situation because I hoped to address this issue "on stage" in a new book. So bear with me a while longer, and all will be known.
Thank again!
P.S. I'm crossing my fingers and wishing hard as hell, but don't have my hopes too high!
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A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 12 Jul 2010 18:56:13 |
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