The Sword and Laser discussion
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Questions for R. A. Salvatore
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What made you decide to make a whole series out of Drizzt? I read somewhere that you wrote a few novels where Drizzt was a supporting character and then wrote a prequel series which starred Drizzt, was he just a popular character? Or did you always intend to give him the spotlit eventually?
Does he prefer writing in shared worlds, such as Forgotten Realms, or does he like creating his own worlds better? How difficult was it when Wizards decided to re-boot the Forgotten Realms, and how did it effect the stories he had planned?
How, specifically, were you informed they were going to advance The Forgotten Realms ahead 100 years? I can't think of another author who has had his world changed so dramatically by someone other than himself. How did that affect where you saw the series going?Also, Homeland was the first fantasy book I ever read. A Drow on a lizard mount in a lightless underworld was a true mythopoeic moment for me. You opened up not only the Forgotten Realms, but the entire fantasy genre to me. Thank you.
James wrote:How difficult was it when Wizards decided to re-boot the Forgotten Realms, and how did it effect the stories he had planned."
This, very much this.
When you started writing stories with Drizzt, did you anticipate that they would continue for as long as they have? Is it difficult to keep writing with the same character for so long? and is it difficult to imagine new plot lines for him after 20 books?
Pikel Bouldershoulder is one of my favorite characters ever. How did you get the idea to make a Dwarven Druid? Oo Oi!
Mr. Noah wrote: "Pikel Bouldershoulder is one of my favorite characters ever. How did you get the idea to make a Dwarven Druid? Oo Oi!"Yes! Pikel! Always wonderd about that. The dwarf with green hair.
A lot of your books are on my to be read list, but I've only read Vector Prime(sorry!). It's been a while, but I remember really enjoying that book. As far as I know you haven't written in the Star Wars universe since then. Why not, and would you consider it in the future?
Is there any chance of you writing in Kingdoms of Amalur universe, after the whole shenanigans with that company? Or are you barred from writing in that world due to legal stuff?And how (if at all) is the experience of writing the story for a computer game different from writing a novel?
Do you want to talk about Chewie, or is it still too soon? Also, in another interview with the Wizards guys you talk about your approach to fight scenes being so vivid to the reader, and yet so vague when you write it, can you elaborate on that? (it was a neat interview)
Having worked with a publisher as long as you have, what do you think of the growing group of authors who have decided to go the self-published route? Do you think that self publishing is the "way of the future" or are publishing companies almost essential to succeed as an author?
If you were to offer advice to would-be authors, which way would you guide them?
which book that you've written is your favorite to read, and which was the favorite to write?what is your method to writing. Do you outline or does the story stream out of you?
Not really a question, but I want more books in the spear wielder series. I know it wrapped up perfectly, but I love the world and the characters.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer? Do you write every novel the same way, same protocol, if ever there was such a thing?
So i have to ask because a lot of your books are RPG related, grid or gridless?
Bob, your books have been an enormous inspiration for me and all but kickstarted my love of writing prose. So, thank you for that.I find it often difficult to focus on just one story without building an elaborate continuing storyline in my head. When writing the Drizzt books, once you knew he was your main character, did you always have a plan for where he was headed ten books down the line, or did you take it one book at a time?
Also, if Drizzt and the Silver Surfer got into an introspective contemplation-off, whose mind would melt first?
Most definitely, The Spearweilder was great.
Christopher wrote: "So i have to ask because a lot of your books are RPG related, grid or gridless?"I second this question.
After forgiving you for the death of Chewie, I began reading the Highwayman series. What was your inspiration for the character of Bransen?
What would you like us to ask him?