Paul
Paul asked L.E. Modesitt Jr.:

Sir, I was wondering how you keep track of the information, ideas expressed and chronological timeline in the Saga of Recluce? Over the last 20 years you have written 20+ amazing Recluse books and now with the passage of time us readers can start at the chronological beginning and read the series in that order all accurate to the timeline and references, an amazing achievement I wonder how you did it?

L.E. Modesitt Jr. As I've noted elsewhere, I'd originally written THE MAGIC OF RECLUCE as a stand-alone novel, but Tor and my editor wanted another book. At that time, I couldn't think of a good sequel; so I wrote a prequel. I knew from what was happening it had to be a considerable time in the past. Because I've always been fascinated by history, I'd put in historical events in both the first two books, and I just kept expanding the history of the world of Recluce. After several books, I developed a general historical chronology, although I didn't make that public until a bit later.

I just kept asking myself, "How did this happen, and when did it happen?"

There are a few small glitches, but I'm keeping them to myself.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more