Happy Days, Everyone!
Two weeks of warmth and sunshine have done wonders for my disposition, and I might almost believe that summer is here. Almost, but not quite. I know that in Seattle the traditional first day of summer is always July 5th.
But while waiting on that, I might as well tackle the latest batch of Ask Terry:
Jake writes: What does one of your sample outlines look like?
Terry Brooks replies: It looks like this: %#@*&^%@%*. Only angrier and longer. Okay, kidding. It consists of three parts. A chapter by chapter synopsis of the story, each chapter reduced to maybe one paragraph cover basics—action, characters, setting, voice and mood. A set of profiles on the main characters, which include not only what the readers need to know but what I know and am not telling. A map and accompanying geographical description of the main settings in the story. Oh, and sometimes a set of pictures of places I've been that inspired the story.
George Lymperopoulos writes: I just finished reading Peter Brett's The Warded Man that was recommended on the site, and just purchased The Red Wolf Conspiracy to start next. I am glad you can find the time to read new books and give us your opinion—so not only are you a great writer, you also excel as a book reviewer. The Warded Man was excellent, and I expect the same of the Red Wolf. Do you worry that by reading these books, it might affect your writing style? For some reason, I assumed you would want to stay away from other fantasy books. Speaking of which, if you read any other type of books, please let us know what you enjoy, they are probably just as great. Thanks again for all your great writing, and now all your reading and reviews.
Terry Brooks replies: Glad you agree with the reviews, George. I'm never sure about these things. After all, we don't all like the same kinds of books. Lots of books I read and enjoy are not the kind I write. But when I find a fantasy I like, I do agree to give it a quote. As for influences, no problem with that so far. Mostly, it's because I don't necessarily write the way others do—if ever—and don't have any interest in writing about their choice of subject matter. The danger lies in using names or ideas that you read about in another book. But that is a risk you take no matter what you read. I use ideas from non-fiction and from some sorts of fiction that are not fantasy related all the time. I just take them in a different direction by asking new questions of myself. Pretty much, it works.
Christopher Vaughan writes: Hello! First, thanks for your inspiring works. I was curious, what is your secret for producing so many books at such an astonishing speed? Other authors (I won't name names, but there are a lot of them) tend to take up to a few years to finish a highly anticipated installment, and by that time I have forgotten the prior plot development, or even why I was interested in the book. How are you able to work so quickly on such massive amounts of work? Thanks!
Terry Brooks replies: Writers all work at their own pace, me included. I know some who do two and three and even four books a year. I can't imagine that. I do one a year, and that seems about right for me. Once in a while, I do one and a little more, but that is rare. I find that the one book a year pace is comfortable and doesn't leave me feeling rushed. The publisher only wants to put one book a year out in any case, although now and then they do two, if there is something other than a Shannara. But I see the value in doing one every three years or so. By then you've lost the old books in the set and have to buy all new! Maybe I should try that!
Julian writes: How did you feel when Frank Herbert read—and liked—The Sword of Shannara?
Terry Brooks replies: My first reaction was surprise that he had bothered to read it at all. I didn't think a writer of his stature would both with an unknown newbie. Later, I discovered that Judy-Lynn Del Rey had talked him into it. But what stays with me is how even-handed a review it was. Most of the reviews for that book suggested one of two things was needed: (1) hang the author after drawing and quartering or (2) declare him a saint. Both were way over the top for what the book was, so I've always felt a warm spot in my heart for Frank Herbert's more measured and reasonable response.
Scott Drebert writes: Hi Terry! First, I met you and Shawn last year at the West Seattle Barnes & Noble. Thank you both for your kind and open friendliness. It was a great experience and Shawn does an awesome job as Web Druid.
As for my question, this may be a little different, but I would be interested in your perspective. During the last three years I have been reading through all of your books and enjoying them. Recently, a friend who works at Amazon finally convinced me to get a Kindle 2 electronic reader. At first I was hesitant that nothing would ever replace my holding a physical book in my hands. That is still the case, but at the same time, after having the reader for two months now and was pleased to see that Amazon carries all of your books in the electronic format. I am very surprised at how much I have enjoyed reading your books on it. I don't view the reader as a replacement to owning a book, but it has become a great supplement to lugging a bunch of books around with me.
So my question to you is what are your thoughts about electronic readers (and maybe the Kindle 2)? Have you ever considered trying one out for personal use? My understanding is that one of the challenges going on with Amazon.com is the amount of royalties they are negotiating with the writers isn't always pleasing to the writers (sorry if this is a sensitive issue; I don't mean to get too personal). Anyway, I am interested in your thoughts about the new medium for readers and writers (as both a writer and a reader)?
Terry Brooks replies: No one knows yet the entirety of the ramifications of electronic publishing. Some feel it is the new wave on book reading. Some feel it is an abomination. I think everything changes, so you have to expect that other forms of entertainment in all fields are going to come along and find advocates. My son and grandson and on the computer all the time. They haven't gone to electronic readers like the Kindle because they can't afford them. I think this is a major stumbling block to a mass spreading of electronic reading. Remember when they told us that computers would put an end to paper usage? As if. I think its like that with Kindles and the like. They will find buyers and make sales and lots of people will make use of them. But I don't think it means the end of books.
That said, I have nothing against using them and don't have any quarrel with Amazon about my books. People tend to want their reading experiences to go a certain way. They want to buy their books at certain places. Everyone has their preferences and it takes something to change all that. So opening a market by offering books to read online seems only logical. I have problems with reading on a screen for pleasure because I spend so much time working on a screen. But when traveling, a Kindle would make some sense because you don't have to carry books along. I don't own one, but I can see it happening.
Hope this helps, Scott. I know lots of people who are wedded to their Kindles. I know others who want them all junked asap. Just depends, doesn't it?
Okay, gang. That's it for the month of May. Since it is already June, I trust you are hard at work on the next batch of questions. I look forward to answering them. I will be right here in sunny old Seattle, the city where it seldom rains and never snows. I'll be writing fantasy, of course.
See you next month!
