Ask Robin Hobb - Thursday, April 11th! discussion
Ask Robin!
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In post 132, Kimster wrote: I won't be asking many questions, just watching what everyone else are asking. Just one question: Are you planning to continue writing in this 'world' for example Bingtown, the Six Duchies, Jamalia or are planning to explore something new. I would like to read more about the Outislanders and their culture.
Hi Kimster!
It's a bit up in the air. I'm unclear right now as to what I'll be writing next. If I come up with a truly compelling story set in this world, I'll go for it. But I might do something entirely different, too. :)
Robin
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Philip Asked in post 133: Dear Robin I enjoy reading your ebooks. I'm a big fan But i must ask if you can join Bookshare, so that i can continue to read all of your books.Are you planning to go back to the solider son world?
Hi Philip! I'm not sure what Bookshare is, so I can't really give you an answer on that.
Will I go back to the Soldier Son world. If I have a truly compelling idea for a story set in that world, I won't hesitate to write it.
With best wishes,
Robin
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In post 134, Ian asked:
I'm currently reading city of dragons but I am wondering if you had more stories planned for this world?
Hi Ian! I like how your question is phrased. I do have a lot more ideas in my brain as to how things would unfold in this world. The difficulty is always finding the place where a story begins, has a plot arc, and then ends in a satisfactory way. And what happens in that time has to be something important to the world. So, as I've mentioned before, a compelling story that demands to be written in that world would take me back to it.
Best wishes,
Robin
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IN post 136, Catherine asked:QUESTION for Robin Hobb from Catherine in Merlin, OR: I find your detailed descriptions of food and physical pain especially vivid. Can you talk a bit about if those subjects are particularly inspirational to you?
I think that sensory details can really bring a reader into a story. We take it for granted that we will know what a character sees, and often we hear the conversations nearby. But when you can tie those pieces of information to smell, touch and taste, the scenes become much more vivid and bring the reader more deeply into the story. That's what I attempt to do.
Thanks for asking.
Best wishes,
Robin
In response to philip's post, Bookshare is a site which provides accessible ebooks for the visually impaired. Most of their books are scanned in by volunteers. To my knowledge, however, almost all her books are on bookshare, with the exception of blood of dragons which hasn't yet been uploaded. It usually doesn't take more than a month for them to get it there.
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In recognition of the fact that I have to be able to move my hands for a signing at Uncle Hugo's in Minneapolis on Saturday, I'm going to have to give this up pretty soon.
So, for Good Reads, here are a few suggestions for the next time you host one of these. Post the FAQ from the writer's website at the top of the page. Ask people to read through the FAQ first. And perhaps ask people to read through the questions that have already been asked before posting one of their own. The other thing I really think Good Reads might do, so that each person with a question has a chance of getting an answer, is to ask that each person only ask one question per post. Or limit the number of questions. I'm still back on questions that were asked on April 8, I think. :0
Nonetheless, this has been fun and interesting, and a very good way to connect with readers. Thanks to every reader who posted a question, and an apology to any reader whose question or comment did not get a response!
I will be doing an AMA (Ask Me anything) on Reddit fantasy on April 16. So if you read all my responses here and still don't find the answer to your question, please drop by there, and I'll have another run at it!
Best wishes and thanks!
Robin
Hi Robin :)Thank you for answering questions today. I have never done this before and I guess I don't even really have a particular question. I read the Liveship Trilogy - it's the only series of books of yours that I've read but I have to say I was transfixed. I just loved loved them. I practically gushed all over them in my reviews. I really just wanted to say thank you. Prior to reading the first book, I was slogging through a bunch of really terrible books and yours a light in the dark. So again, thank you for your talent. It's amazing.
Cheers!
Amy
p.s. i think Kennit was superb!
Thanks for your time Robin and for the heads up about the Reddit AMA.
Robin wrote: "Julie wrote: "Hi Robin, I love re reading your books, for me it's like visiting old friends, the stories are all so well written and every character has a depth to them that helps your readers to c..."thank you for answering my question Robin.
I understand what you say about getting to play all the characters, when I read a book I try to see the story from each characters point of view, but usually identify with one or two, not always the main ones of the story.
Having suffered abuse as a child most of the time I find myself identifying with those characters who are misunderstood, mistreated and generally seem to have the hardest life, so I was wondering how each character's plight affects you and how their story unfolds ? Do you get emotional when writing some of their stories ?
Your books and the people in them have certainly managed to evoke a whole range of emotions for me. Thank you for allowing me to share your worlds
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You seem have created a very large and complete world in which you have placed your novels which I enjoy immensely.
How did this world come about? Did you create a world and then start ..."
post 137 from Justin:How did this world come about? Did you create a world and then start telling stories in it or do the novels spin out the details as required?
Did you always know that Fitz's journey was incomplete at the end of the Farseer Trilogy?
Hi Justin! For me, the story always begins with a character. Strange to say,Verity was probably the first character that started out hanging around my desk. Fitz came later. Before either of them, there was a question on an envelope scrap: What if magic was addictive and that addiction was totally destructive? So from those seeds the entire Realm Of The Elderlings began. It expanded from the characters.
I truly believed that with Assassin's Quest, I was finished writing about Fitz. I think a writer always knows what happens to his characters after he leaves them, but also knows that stories cannot go on forever. So I did believe, at that point, that I was finished writing about him.
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SPOILERS.
I'M NOT KIDDING. BIG SPOILERS WITH DRIPPING RED FANGS AHEAD.
OKAY, SUIT YOURSELF!
Roan wrote: "Hi Robin,
My question concerns The White Prophet's purpose in this particular age, which as far as we are aware was to see that dragons were returned to the world. Which he did by ensuring the re..."My question concerns The White Prophet's purpose in this particular age, which as far as we are aware was to see that dragons were returned to the world. Which he did by ensuring the return of Tintaglia and Icefyre. Since reading the Rain Wild Chronicles though I have felt that the return of Icefyre and therefore everything that The Fool achieved / sacrificed in Fool's Fate has become kind of unnecessary. In which case was The Fool mistaken that that was his great destiny? Did they go through all that for nothing? Or are for some reason Tintaglia and Icefyre's offspring integral to the future of the world in a way that subsequent dragon offspring are not?
Roan, I'm not sure if I'm understanding your question. I think the Fool would tell you that an avalanche is often started by one pebble rolling. Restoring dragons to the world is a large facet of what they did, but there are many smaller ones that affected all sorts of things.
I wonder if you have read The Liveship Traders Trilogy yet? It contains an important piece of the story and perhaps it will give you the piece that says without Fitz and the Fool, none of this would have come about.
You might want to think of it as a series of dominoes falling down. Even if you don't see the first dominoe fall, it does trigger the action!
Thanks for the question.
Robin
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I read the Farseer books and I was wondering how you come up with names for your books? Did you look up popular names on the internet? Did you know someone with those names? My ot..."
Eleanor asked in post 139:
Hi Robin,
I read the Farseer books and I was wondering how you come up with names for your books? Did you look up popular names on the internet? Did you know someone with those names? My other question is did you plan out the ending for the last book in the trilogy or did it just pop into your head?
Hi Eleanor! Oh, I never limit myself to only one source! Some names I made up. One has a cool typo as a beginning point. Some are very old names, and some are simply nouns made into proper nouns, such as Regal or Charity. Not so much for the Farseer books,but when I am looking for names that are not used as often, I sometimes scan the obituary pages for names that were in common use 80 or 90 years ago.
The end of the Farseer Trilogy was clear in my mind from the time I started typing the first introductory page. That isn't true for all my books, but I definitely knew where Assassin's Quest would end.
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Question 1
As you have already skipped ahead 15years in one of your series, would you consider skipping ahead further, say a few centuries? It would be interesting to see an industrial revolution take on your worlds, or simply the introduction of printing presses and flintlocks to the world. The effect of freely available knowledge on the skill. or perhaps The tension between magic and machine; but rather than the usual 'the magic is dwindling' take have both facets of society thriving, like MAC vs PC or ANDROID vs IPHONE.
Question 2
As there are sailing /ocean going ships, in the elderling / farseer novels it would be interesting for there to be a voyage to a non 'European' setting, say a proxy of china, India, tonga or the Arab states. To see another cultures view on the magics discussed, how they are perhaps more integrated to society, or an accepted part of art or even warfare. Or perhaps even another magic.
Anyway thanks for the stories, I have the soldier son and dragon books in my 'to read box' in the loft......I like to space out what I am confident will be great books with new untested authors, and charity shop randoms from my dad!
I have enjoyed your brilliant writing since my father randomly bought me the first two live ship trader novels from a charity shop (a first as he normally buys books 2 and 3 of a trilogy!) w..."
In post 140, Matthew asked:
Question 1
As you have already skipped ahead 15years in one of your series, would you consider skipping ahead further, say a few centuries? It would be interesting to see an industrial revolution take on your worlds, or simply the introduction of printing presses and flintlocks to the world. The effect of freely available knowledge on the skill. or perhaps The tension between magic and machine; but rather than the usual 'the magic is dwindling' take have both facets of society thriving, like MAC vs PC or ANDROID vs IPHONE.
Question 2
As there are sailing /ocean going ships, in the elderling / farseer novels it would be interesting for there to be a voyage to a non 'European' setting, say a proxy of china, India, tonga or the Arab states. To see another cultures view on the magics discussed, how they are perhaps more integrated to society, or an accepted part of art or even warfare. Or perhaps even another magic.
Anyway thanks for the stories, I have the soldier son and dragon books in my 'to read box' in the loft......I like to space out what I am confident will be great books with new untested authors, and charity shop randoms from my dad!
Hi Matthew! In my home, my mom was the thrift store shopper, and a lot of my early introduction to SF and fantasy came from used copies of Amazing! and Fantastic, the story magazines of that time. I think I will always love browsing thrift stores and used book store racks as a result!
Now a SPOILER warning, for those who have not read Liveship Traders or Tawny Man. You might want to skip this entry now!
Are you sure you want to read on? Really, I'm going to do SPOILERS! Okay, that's your two paragraph warning.
Technological progression in fantasy is something I love. Soldier Son mixes magic and gunpowder, one of my favorite concoctions. And to a certain extent, so does the Tawny Man trilogy. Chade is up to his tricks with nitre and sulphur and charcoal, and as usual, Fitz takes the brunt of it. So, yes, I suppose if I continued writing in that world, eventually we would get to steam engines or even nuclear power. I'm just not sure I'll live that long!
Are there sea going sailing ships? Well, of course. In Liveship Traders there are, and there is mention of the Great Sail fleet. So there are other lands and peoples out there. But there are also other universes I'd like to explore. So I don't know where I'll be drawn next. But there is always that possibility.
Thanks for asking and please excuse any typos. I'm now answering these on a tiny keyboard in a Minneapolish hotel room. I can see Uncle Hugo's across the street and I'm filling up the time until my signing there this afternoon.
Robin
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Stephanie wrote: "Hi, Robin!
Like all of the others here, I'm a big, big fan of yours. You're my favorite author, and I have recommended your books to so many people! I'm a member of the Yuku board (FoolFarseer the..."
In post 141, Stephanie asked:1) Did you mean for Tintaglia to be, essentially, a matured version of Sintara? For all of Sin's pride by the end of CoD, so careful to only appear strong and act heartlessly, she shows envy for the life Tintaglia has (a mate, the ability to fly, physical strength & beauty). Meanwhile, Tintaglia is unhappy with her life (her mate, for example), and while she is also proud, she does have the capacity to see beyond herself in some way. For as haughty as Tin was straight out of the cocoon, she tirelessly fought for her species and actually held humans in regard. Was that intentional, and is there a connection you were trying to make between those Queens? It puts me in mind of the evolution of Malta from absolute brat to incredible heroine - in my opinion, that's the best character development in the business.
2) The dragons seem to hide their thoughts even from the reader. Was that because that's how they communicated to you? Or do you know their secrets?
3) Have the Elderlings completely changed in your mind, or did you see them evolving this way on purpose? That's assuming the creatures the keepers are becoming, or Malta/Reyn etc, are early versions of the Elderling that Fitz first saw in his room. Did you imagine reviving the Elderling race at the time you wrote AA, and if you could go back, would Fitz's interpretion of that painting, or of his walking on the Skill Road in AQ, or his use of Skill Pillars, be written any differently?
Hi Stephanie! First, question 1. Is Sintara a younger version of Tintaglia? Oh, I hope not! At least, I did notintend that. Dragons are as individual as humans, or so I try to write them. As an older Queen, Tintaglia has more experience than Sintara, and she has gained it in a very different way. (Trying to avoid spoilers here!)So I hope that what you are seeing is just the similarities you might find in any two dragons, rather than a rubber stamp!
Second Question:
The Elderlings of old are bound to be somewhat different from this new generation. They were the products of an intact culture that understood its technology/magic and had the resources of generations of memories to draw upon.
So much in these stories is tied to Silver, whether in the liquid form or as veins in stone. Looking back on what I wrote, I'm happy with it.
Of course, if I sat down to write Fitz's first tale now, it would be completely different, but that's because I've grown and changed. That's why it's so important that if you have a story to write, you write it now. Wait ten or twenty years, and that story will be gone forever, morphed into someone that is completely different.
So if you are an aspiring writer: Right Here, Write Now! Write Here, Right NOW!
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I was so lucky a friend of mine queued for hours to get a signed copy of 'The Dragon Keeper' for me when Robin was visiting Norwich a few years back, she explained to Ro..." In post 142, James wrote . . . oh. Wait a minute. Bit of a SPOILER there for Liveship Traders. And for Rainwild Chronicles. So PROCEED WITH CAUTION! SPOILERS AHEAD!
I have LOVED the latest series soooo much and just finished Blood of Dragons last week – I thought it was brilliant. I’d like to know if you would write more about the fool / amber who is definitely my favorite character, closely followed by Alise Finbok (so disappointed she didn’t get turned into an elderling though )
Hi James! Thanks for the kind words. The Fool is definitely one of my most cherished friends, and if I have the right opportunity to write more about him, I shall be glad to do it.
As for Alise, I think she will be happier with the future she has chosen. And looking far ahead, to a distant hatching of eggs, a time in the sea and a migration to the cocooning grounds and a second emergence . . . well, who knows who might bond with those dragons? :)
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Stephanie wrote: It seems like the Pleny wiki is not working . . .
Oh, Stephanie, actually it works very well, if people know it is there! So, right now I'll add this link . . . oh my. I see what you mean! It goes to a 404! I'll have to ask Mervi to look into that! For now however, here is thelink to the rest of The Plenty, a fan site for my works that I truly enjoy:http://www.theplenty.net/index.php
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Do you think you'll ever come and visit Melbourne on your book signing tours?"That was inpost 144!
Hi cheryl! I'll definitely be in Australia in 2014 for SupaNova in Perth and Sydney. Melbourne is not on the list . . . yet. I may be able to persuade my publisher I need to visit there, or I might get there under my own steam. So I hope, but no definite plans. Yet. :)
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>Will you ever return to the world of Soldier Son or is that chapter of your writing closed forever? I really enjoyed Soldier Son and would love to read more stories set in that world.
Hi Sparky!
You know, I love Nevare and that world, so notes like yours make me feel really happy. Will I get back to that world? I truly don't know. There are only so many years of typing left to me, and far too many books to fit into them. So a lot will depend on where those tales fall in the line up of "I have to write those books now!" wish me luck on that!
Teeny keyboard, many typos! And it's time to check out of this hotel room, so more later, I hope!
Robin
Bless you Robin.....for all you do for your fans.Thank you for the time you have taken to do this.
Much appreciation....
Brenda
Robin wrote: "Austin wrote: "Hello, Robin. :DI must say that I haven't had the chance to read most of your books yet(between catching up on The Wheel of Time, the Mistborn trilogy, and A Song of Ice and Fire),..."
Well, I've tackled it from a different perspective. Rather than just make them a predator... Dragons are a vital part of the process of creation. That being said... The rules do apply to them being on the top of the food chain in a way... They do eat a lot, but not as much as they would normally. Pretty much, they wouldn't be able to survive (especially not within the bounds of the roles they are given) without magic. Their metabolism and flight just shut down.
Robin wrote: "Helgafj wrote: "Dear Robin!First of all, thank you for all the hours of pleasure your books have brought me! The Farseer and The Tawny Man are among my all-time favourite series in the fantasy ge..."
Dear Robin! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I appreciate it very much :) I have read "A Song of Ice and Fire", and I´ll keep crossing my fingers for more on Fitz or perhaps his grandchildren ;)
best wishes
Helga
Robin wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I'd like to preface my questions by saying that I've read your RotE books more times than I can remember, and I frequently cite them as my favorite pieces of fantasy literature. 1..."
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! Not just answering my questions, but the whole Q&A. I've loved reading all the questions and responses you've given. And I can only speak for myself, but I was absolutely delighted to be able to interact with the author of the books that have had such a profound impact on my life!
Rachel
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I was wondering how much is planned ahead. So much stuff gets come back to later, whether it's the Liveships or the city of Kelsingra. Did you create an abandoned city and decide to come back to it later, or did you decided to do it years after the fact?
Ryan, I have always loved tales of abandoned cities and lost civilizations. So in a sense, Kelsingra has always been there for me. Once the city became part of the geography of the Realms of the Elderlings, given its location, it was almost inevitable that we would see it again.
Thanks for asking.
Robin
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Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I hope you'll come out to Australia again soon, my partner and I got to meet you in 2011 in Melbourne, where you very patiently signed ev..."
Olga asked in post 148:Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I hope you'll come out to Australia again soon, my partner and I got to meet you in 2011 in Melbourne, where you very patiently signed every one of my first editions.
I have one thing I have been wondering about for ages
(view spoiler)
Thanks so very much for using the spoiler hider! Warning. Avoid a spoiler for Assassin's Quest.
It's a fairly easy question to answer, if I have interpreted it correctly. Yes. One and the same.
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In post 148, Oney asked:My question for you is from the Farseer series. I can't find it right now, but I seem to remember a passage about how the Farseer name actually came from what would happen in the future & Fitz was the impetus for this. The way it sounded was that just using the skill the way the royal family had been, wasn't actually 'far seeing', but I can't think of any specific thing the Fitz did to make this clear. Am I just reading too much into this or was this possibly foreshadowing into something else
Oh, I wish you had the exact passage you are asking about, because I honestly don't recall this. So I'm going to guess that means it wasn't of vast significance. And tonight I will lie awake and try to remember that passage! :)
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David, I wish I had a properly eccentric answer to this, but I fear I'm very ordinary. I suppose I began my writing career with spiral notebooks and a pen, graduate to a Smith-Coronamatic typewriter, then to a Kaypro computer and finally to a PC. My only odd habit was knowing that I would get very little time to write while raising kids, so I would write in every odd moment. I always had a notebook and pen with me, so if the kids were busy at the playground or pool or even if they were in the bathtub when they were little, I could sit on the floor and write in my notebook. I write at home, at a desk, in an office now, but in the laundry room when I didn't have an office. That's it. Nothing especially unique about it!
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Two questions for Robin:: to what extent do you think that narrative resolutions and character contentment can only come about through pain, suffering and distress? So many of your main characters go through such a horrid time, visceral and at times brutal, and I wonder if you see this is just 'character development' or something more philosophical/ethical/religious? Second question: the symbiosis of creatures in your works is captivating and seems to be another common thread: Witted and their companions, Dragons and Elderlings, etc. Can you comment on this theme throughout your work?? thanks
Hi Dr! I think perhaps you are approaching my stories with a far more erudite attitude than I employ. My aim is always to tell a good story. I'll admit that in the Farseer epic Fitz goes throuhg many unpleasant and even horrid things, but if you read carefully, you'll see that the reason he faces death and danger so often is spelled out by the Fool. So it's not a philosophy or anything, but merely a part of that particular story.
For the second question regarding symbiosis, I think it is absed on what I see so commonly in nature. All creatures live as part of a system. Every creature that I can think of has another creature that is essential to its survival. You see it most clearly with sharks and remoras, or buffalo and tick birds, but it's there with whales and plankton, or any predator and their most common prey. So it seems a very natural part of any story to me.
Thanks for asking a couple of very interesting questions.
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I have no questions but just want to say thank you for the many enjoyable novels you have written.
I enjoyed reading about Fitz and the human- wolf friendship as I love the elements c..."
Rebecca, thanks so much. It is always wonderful to hear when the books work for someone!
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I have a bunch of questions for you, but I'll keep it down to two ;)
First, as a writer I have a question regarding your writing process. You are a very prolific writer and finish..." In post 154, Vanna wrote:
First, as a writer I have a question regarding your writing process. You are a very prolific writer and finish your books on schedule, it seems to me, so I would really appreciate some insights into your writing process and schedule.
As a reader, I'm really curious whether you knew, while still writing the Farseer trilogy, that you might want to one day return to the same characters and world. When I first read Assassin's Apprentice, I got the impression that the Fitz writing his story was a very old man, and not just a thirty-five year-old. Though when I reread the, there seemed little enough reason why I should have made such an assumption :)
VAnna, thanks! I try very hard to stay within my deadlines. I don't always manage to do it, but I do try. I try to write every day. It's hard when I'm traveling, but if I can write even a bit, it helps keep my head in the story. For me, it's very difficult to come back to a story if I've been away for a few days or a week. I have to re-read a lot of it and then try to pick up the same attitude and flow in the telling. I don't do outlines, but about midway through the book, I'll make what I call my 'map to the end of the book.' It's a rought idea of the chapters left to write and what must happen in each of them. If I have six chaptes left and only a month to finish, then I know I'd best try for half a chapter a day, and then have some time to reread and polish.
I always knew (and still know) that Fitz has a long and complex tale. I'll admit that I've already written more of it than I ever expected to. Usually you tell part of a character's tale and find a good stopping place to end the bookl Or trilogy. So every story is essentially a Never Ending Story. It's up to the writer to find a satisfying beginning, middle and end for the reader, but also to leave them confident that the characters and world goes on.
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Robin, you are on my list of top 20 writers of any genre. You simply inspire me.
As a fellow fantasy writer (albeit unpublised), I too would like to know more about your writing proce..."For example, do you have a particular daily/weekly writing schedule? Can you write anywhere, or do you prefer a specfic physical space such (i.e. home office)? Do you use authoring software (e.g. Scrivener?
FYI, I'm an American who is currently living on a small farm in Ireland. I find that being in an environment similar to the pre-industrial world I'm writing about helps a lot. So, one last question: Do you spend a lot of time communing with nature or are you a bonafide city girl?
In message 155, Kimberly asked:
Hi Kimberly!
I wish I had a more regular routine than I do. I try to write daily, but sometimes it's early in the morning, and other times I start at night and then discover it's morning. To me, the important thing is to get at least a few pages done every day, espeically at the start of the project. I use Microsoft Word and my writing space is in my office on my desktop computer. I like a roomy keyboard. (all these typos are because I'm on a laptop right now!)
I think research is essential to writing good fantasy, and hands on research is the best. I come from a hunting anf fishing background, so the forest and water are pretty familiar places. But I still do a lot of research for each book, and if I can try something for myself, whether it be trying a knot in a thick, cold wet piece of rope and taking care of an animal, it is the most helpful sort of research.
Thanks for asking, and best of luck with your own writing!
Robin wrote: "Vanna wrote: "Hi again Robin,I have a bunch of questions for you, but I'll keep it down to two ;)
First, as a writer I have a question regarding your writing process. You are a very prolific wri..."
You're welcome ;) And thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate the insight into the working process of a successful writer, especially if she's one of my favorites.
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But please be aware that as time permits, I intend to return here and answer every question that was submitted before April 12th. If I haven't reached yours, please do be patient! I'm answering these as I can find time in the day. Thanks so much for your understanding.
Robin
Oh no! Please do not lose any sleep! I couldn't find it and if you don't recognize it, then I'm sure I was wrong. Your stories are so wonderful that I guess they can take on a life of their own with me. I feel horrible for making you wonder. Please accept my thanks again for doing this and for all of your books. :-)
I just received my dragons blood book. JUUUUUUST. A little bit excited. Cheers to you, Robin. Xo
Robin wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "Hi RobinDo you think you'll ever come and visit Melbourne on your book signing tours?"That was inpost 144!
Hi cheryl! I'll definitely be in Australia in 2014 for SupaNova in Perth..."
Perth! You're coming to our little country town! I'm so excited. I can't wait. I'll see you there!
Sorry for gushing, but I think that's great news.
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Do you carry a lunchbox?
I met you in Melbourne at Supanova a couple of years ago. I don't know if you remember me (I was wearing a blue hijab - Islamic headscarf) I was totall..."
I had such a wonderful time at Supanova, and I'm really looking forward to returning in 2014. Sydney and Perth for that year.
Do I carry a lunch box. Actually, I think I could survive for a week with all the miscellaneous junk in my van. Does that count? :)
Robin
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I am a fan from Australia. I have enjoyed your books for many years. I absolutely loved your Liveship Traders series and then you wrote The Rain Wild Chronicles. They are amazing.
T..."
In message 158, Catherine asked: My question is how do you go about planning your character development or do you not plan that aspect and allow it to develop more organically as you write?
Oh, definitely more organic! More than one character has surprised me with the direction he moved in. I had thought Verity was going to be cold toward Fitz, for example.
As the story unfolds, the characters grow and change. I think it's important to let them do that.
Thanks for asking.
Robin
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My boyfriend and I love your books. We're collecting all of them. At this moment we both are reading the Rain Wild Chronicles and absolutely love the books! We are looking forward to '..." In message 160, Kimmi asked:We were both wondering if there will be more books that are set in the world of the Rain Wild chronicles.
Well, that remains to be seen. I don't rule out the possibility, but I'm willing to wait for a wonderful story to come to me.
Robin
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LOVE your work! I'm forever grateful to my sister for introducing me to it and am really thankful to you, too, for sharing it with us. She and I have both--on more than one occasion--t..."
In message 161, Farrah asked: --are the dragons remembering the same things? In other words, are we seeing Kelsingra as it is, or, is it 'awakened' to us in a different way based on which dragons are there at any given time?
I think we are seeing Kelsingra as it is, if I understand your question directly. It has resisted the ordinary wear and tear of time passing. The dragons would not influence the humans' experience of the city. The humans experience what is stored in the memory stone and released at that particular time as they pass down the street.
Hope I understood what you were asking!
Robin
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In post 162, Ed asked: Do you know if the Tawny Man series will ever be put in audio format?
Check out Audible.com It ought to be there, as it showed up for me!
Thanks for asking.
Robin
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I'm Valentina, another fan from Italy. I'm a translator and I read all your series in English because I wanted to get every nuance and little emotion I could get from your world. I ju..."
In message 163, Valentina sahred this: http://dooniveh.deviantart.com/art/Th...
Very nice! I recommend you follow the link! And thankyou for sharing this.
Mod
Hi Dave. Brighton is a fair bit of time away, so I haven't heard any details about it yet. I'll definitely be there for the Convention, but hope to visit other places as well. And it has been hinted that I may make a stopover in Sweden as well, but that is still in the 'maybe' stage. As soon as I know more, I'll post details at www.robinhobb.com Thanks for asking.
Mod
In message 165, Cathering wrote:
will you be writing any new worlds in your future books ?
I still haven't made any definite plans about what will come next.
Except that I do plan to be in Boston at the end of the month. I have a signing at the Boston public library on April 30th. Details are on my website. Maybe I'll see you there? Robin
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The entire "going into the dragon" process with Kettle, Verity, etc...do you feel like that might be a bit of a metaphor for writing?
Hm. I suppose it could be seen that way. But the truth is that my pursuit is simply story. I don't think too much about theme or symbolism or even metaphors. One friend has pointed out to me that, That does not mean they're not in the books. I suppose they are , but they are not planned out by me.
I think a lot of what people find in books is actually coming from the reader himself.
Thanks for asking.
Robin
Writers usually don't answer every question. You are awesome. #TheOfficeKat is awesome too, the Twitter antics are amusing. You're in Nashville sometime in June, I might try to see you.
Robin wrote: "Hello! Today is April 16th, and I'll be answering questions on Reddit today on Reddit Fantasy. But please be aware that as time permits, I intend to return here and answer every question that w..."
That is amazingly generous of you. Thank you!
Robin wrote: "Jerome wrote: "Hi there,thanks for inviting me to join this group, I'd would love to use this opportunity to ask you a question:
In 1992 you co-wrote the amazing "The Gypsy" with Steven Brust. (F..."
Thank you so much for answering my question!
hello robin,love your books. have all of them. on my third reading of farseer trilogy.
question: now that the dragons and elderlings are back, are we going to revisit the duchies? id love to know about the first king, how the wit got started, how did skilling become known, and how is it related to the dragons and silver?
thank you!
Jennifer kosco
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Hi Leora! And thanks for the recommendation for Pandora Celtica. I'm still enjoying the music.
My favorite character? I think they all are when I'm writing them. And after I've written a character for a few years, it does feel as they they are friend rather than someone I've written. So characters I've known a long time, such as Fitz, do feel like old friends. But truly, I do love them all, even characters like Hands who appears briefly.
I'm on a tiny keyboard tonight, so please forgive any errors!
Ask Robin Hobb - Thursday, April 11th!
Books mentioned in this topic
The Dragon Keeper (other topics)Dragon Haven (other topics)
City of Dragons (other topics)
Blood of Dragons (other topics)
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ALL THE TRILOGIES, YOU MAY WANT TO STOP READING HERE.
SPOILERS AHEAD.
OKAY . . . YOU WERE WARNED.
Miguel wrote: "I have a million questions, since I'm a huge, huge fan, but I'll just ask the ones I haven't seen asked by others and the ones I'd most like an answer to:
1- Are there no skilled/witted people in ..."
Miguel wrote in post 131:
1- Are there no skilled/witted people in Bingtown/Rain Wilds/Chalced/etc? At some point it looks like Selden might be skilled, but that's never talked about again.
In different regions, the different types of magic are recognized in different ways. If you read all the way to the end of the Rain Wild Chronicles, I think you will understand more of how the Skill works. But it's unfolded across all the books, so I'm reluctant to talk about it when Blood of Dragons is such a recent release.
2- When Fitz teleports with the stones, did he go to Kelsingra? Or was it another great city that hasn't been mentioned?
Didn't you recognize a tower? :)
3- How did Fitz revive the stone dragons? Just a little bit of witted blood or what? That didn't make sense to me, since Verity had to make such a huge sacrifice to revive just one.
Verity was creating a Stone Dragon from raw stone. Fitz was awakening some from a long dormancy. Two different things. It took Skill, Wit, blood and desperate need.
Good questions, but I'm a bit uncomfortable with all the spoilers here.
Robin