Questions for Timothy Zahn

[Tom, Supreme Laser]

We'll be interviewing Timothy Zahn this afternoon for Sword and Laser. What should we ask him?

[Joe Informatico]

1) Which of your original (e.g. non-Star Wars) works do you feel is the best introduction to your writing and why?

2) If you were given free rein to write a story in any popular franchise, property, or setting other than the ones you already have, which one would you choose?

3) Who's your favourite Star Wars character from the films, and who's your favourite among the ones you've created?

4) You're an author with a tremendous output, both in licensed works and your own original creations. Is there anything special you do to keep the inspiration or motivation flowing?

5) Is there a book or author that influenced your writing that might surprise your fans?

[Mark]

Your characters Mara Jade and Grand Admiral Thrawn really resonated with readers of the Star Wars novels. Why do you think they've become fan favorites?

[Sean]

How did you feel when you heard about the Expanded Universe ending?

[Scott]

Any possibility you might write in the new Star Wars canon?

[Scott]

Also, I second Joe's first question about best introduction into his original work

[Nathan]

Similar to Sean and Scott, would he be willing to write Mara Jade and Grand Admiral Thrawn introduction into the new Canon. How would you feel if someone else did?

[Jon]

What his early impressions are of the new Star Wars trilogy. Is he excited, sad, indifferent?

[Tamahome]

Admiral Thrawn (from the Star Wars books) conquers a world by learning about its culture. Would having the internet make him invincible?

Is it true you think it's better to create suspense in "solving problems" rather than "threat of death"? (I think I heard you say that on a podcast once.)

[Tamahome]

Was the interview done yet?

@Joe re: #4: maybe there's just a thing like writing inertia, where you start to write a lot of books and can't stop.