| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 01:35:10
FYI, today (May 8) is the book's release date. It should be finding its way to bookstores near you, and it's now available at Amazon.com. Here's the link to the product page.
Right here.
This collection has most of the stories previously published in FR anthology, four stories priginally published in Dragon Magazine, and three new tales.
Hope you enjoy the collection. 
Mod Edit: Shortened the URL.
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| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| The Sage |
Posted - 30 May 2007 : 01:18:22
I can probably do that. I do intend to post a review on my local library's "Must Read" listing on their website [as I do for every Ed and/or Elaine novel released, regardless of the setting]... once I've finished my copy. I'll shift it over to Amazon when I'm done.
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| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 30 May 2007 : 00:49:43
Hi, folks.
Shameless request time: if you've read this short story collection, please take a moment to post a review on Amazon.com. Good, bad, mixed, or indifferent--all viewpoints would be appreciated.
Thanks!
ec |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 22 May 2007 : 14:23:01
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Did you actually write more of these tales, Elaine, or was this the only one that was done?
This is the only one that was polished. I had a few others in various states of development, but we abandoned this idea fairly early on. Someday I may follow up on this, as it would be an ideal web project.
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| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 21 May 2007 : 17:22:27
quote:
Originally posted by initiate
Also: "Tribute", one of the stories printed for the first time in the collection, is now free on line, on the Wizards novels page.
Indeed. http://ww2.wizards.com/Books/Wizards/?doc=fr_bestrealmsstory
...And that just allowed me to read that tale for the first time. I read about half of the book in one sitting the day after I got it, but my upcoming move has kept me from spending any real time reading it. So, thanks to initiate and WotC's web people, I just now read that tale.
It's a good tale, and fits the whole "ancient legend" type quite well. It's a shame more tales like that couldn't be told in the City of Splendors novel.
Did you actually write more of these tales, Elaine, or was this the only one that was done? |
| initiate |
Posted - 21 May 2007 : 15:28:54
Hello,
Thank you very much for answering my questions, Elaine. Liriel's story takes place ten years after Windwalker, eh? Very interesting indeed, considering all the ways in which the drow pantheon starts getting stirred up around about then.
Also: "Tribute", one of the stories printed for the first time in the collection, is now free on line, on the Wizards novels page.
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| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 21 May 2007 : 13:43:53
I'm sorry to hear about the errors that found their way into the final product. I felt pretty confident about this one--I went over the stories many, many times, read and made corrections to the copyedited manuscript, and proofed and corrected the galley pages. At that point the manuscript looked very clean to me. I suppose it's possible that corrections I made to the galleys didn't make it into the final version, but most likely I'm largely at fault here. Sure, there have been times when errors have been inserted into manuscripts; for example, a copyediter might shorten a sentence with participial phrases into two or more sentences with simple noun/verb/object contruction but neglect to change the verb tense. But for the most part, what you see in a final manuscript is the author's doing. I try to turn in very clean manuscripts, and will continue to work to improve the accuracy of the material WotC gets from me.
One problem for an author is that after you see a story SO many times, you know what's supposed to be there and can miss things that, to a fresher eye, would be obvious. For example, someone emailed me this week to let me know that my name had been misspelled on the copyright page. I saw that page in galley proofs, but it wouldn't occur to me to check the spelling of my name--my eye skims over things I assume will be correct. I need to figure out ways to get some distance and proof more accurately. Also, if I could afford it (and if I could get NDA clearance from WotC) I would hire a proof reader to review my manuscript after the copyedit and before it's "typeset" into galley pages. I'd really like to work with beta readers, but again--NDA restrictions. |
| Kaladorm |
Posted - 20 May 2007 : 15:07:34
I was thinking of novels in particular |
| Kuje |
Posted - 20 May 2007 : 14:47:09
quote:
Originally posted by Kaladorm
Is it just me or is the editing getting sloppier and sloppier these days? In the old books I have I'd notice maybe one mistake per book. In the latest ones I have it's the norm to find at least 5 or 6 mistakes
Yes, but as WOTC said on Enworld a week or so ago, they don't consider misspelled words an issue enough to issue errata for it, nor if there are minor errors in stats. I.E, if so and so is missing some skill points, it's not a concern enough to issue errata. They said that they'd fix the errors in second printings, if the book in question has a second printing. At least for sourcebooks. |
| Kaladorm |
Posted - 20 May 2007 : 12:04:51
Is it just me or is the editing getting sloppier and sloppier these days? In the old books I have I'd notice maybe one mistake per book. In the latest ones I have it's the norm to find at least 5 or 6 mistakes |
| Reefy |
Posted - 20 May 2007 : 11:52:28
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Oh well. At least the actual content is good.
No doubting that, but then I wasn't expecting anything less. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 19 May 2007 : 23:52:29
Oh well. At least the actual content is good. |
| Reefy |
Posted - 19 May 2007 : 23:48:44
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I've read the first five stories so far, and I've already noticed tons of editing mistakes. :-/
I'm afraid it doesn't get a lot better. 'Games of Chance' contained the most that I noticed, with there even being a few on the same page.  |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 19 May 2007 : 23:43:43
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Daviot
I picked up the BotR III earlier this week (as I've already burned through the first two) and in my copy, I noticed that the page numbers listed in the TOC don't match up with the actual page numbers for the starts of stories, which are two pages/one plate later, starting around the second story. Anyone else notice this?
But on the plus side, the actual content is wonderful!
I noticed this. There's also a typo -- likely a printing error -- on the ToC page.
I've read the first five stories so far, and I've already noticed tons of editing mistakes. :-/ |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 19 May 2007 : 20:23:40
i gotta go get this |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 19 May 2007 : 16:45:23
quote:
Originally posted by Daviot
I picked up the BotR III earlier this week (as I've already burned through the first two) and in my copy, I noticed that the page numbers listed in the TOC don't match up with the actual page numbers for the starts of stories, which are two pages/one plate later, starting around the second story. Anyone else notice this?
But on the plus side, the actual content is wonderful!
I noticed this. There's also a typo -- likely a printing error -- on the ToC page. |
| Daviot |
Posted - 19 May 2007 : 05:34:46
I picked up the BotR III earlier this week (as I've already burned through the first two) and in my copy, I noticed that the page numbers listed in the TOC don't match up with the actual page numbers for the starts of stories, which are two pages/one plate later, starting around the second story. Anyone else notice this?
But on the plus side, the actual content is wonderful! |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 17 May 2007 : 18:54:40
quote:
Originally posted by Ethriel
I'm considering picking this up. A question: Whom do the new stories involves? Liriel, I noted....anything on unresolved points like Bronwyn with her niece and Cyricist brother, Kymil Nimesin, Amnestria's son, or Arilyn and Danilo's little issues with the Thiones?
Lots of things I'd love to see Elaine wrap up
I just finished the first story (which I really liked, by the way), and it ties up some, but not all, of the loose ends from the Thornhold novel. |
| Ethriel |
Posted - 16 May 2007 : 20:51:05
I'm considering picking this up. A question: Whom do the new stories involves? Liriel, I noted....anything on unresolved points like Bronwyn with her niece and Cyricist brother, Kymil Nimesin, Amnestria's son, or Arilyn and Danilo's little issues with the Thiones?
Lots of things I'd love to see Elaine wrap up |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 16 May 2007 : 00:36:15
Got it, read it, love it. Thank you, Miss Cunningham, for writing these tales and thanks to WOTC for publishing them like this. |
| The Hooded One |
Posted - 14 May 2007 : 04:40:23
Hi. Ed tells me he always buys copies of the new Realms books, and multiples of those he wants to "evangelize" to hook people on writers new to them, so they'll become fans - - and that includes this one of yours, Elaine.
However, he also told me Wizards sends him care packages "when they remember to" (which is apparently about twice a year, these days, and misses out on a lot of titles in the line; for some reason, except for his author's copies of the book you co-wrote, they have NEVER sent him a single copy of any book by either you or Bob Salvatore).
So if he wants to make sure he gets a copy of anything, he has to buy it. And that definitely includes this title of yours.
For one thing, his ordering it spurs the local independent bookstore where he places all his orders to order another five or six copies as well as his - - they've being do so for years, because they know if Ed special-orders something new (as opposed to something out-of-print and truly esoteric), it will sell off their shelves. Intentionally or not, he's built Paul Kemp and Richard Lee Byers into solid sellers in Cobourg (admittedly a tiny market in rural Ontario, Canada) in just this manner.
Ed also gives "teasers" of what particular titles he thinks kids will like, when he does author visits to the local schools. I know he pushes some of your books on such occasions, because both genders of high school students love the Danilo and Arilyn repartee/sparring.
love,
THO |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 14 May 2007 : 02:22:04
I'm better than halfway thru this book. I'm really enjoying it. The new stories are a treat, and it's been a while since I read a lot of the older tales. It's interesting to see some of the minor changes in the stories, too. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 13 May 2007 : 16:42:55
quote:
Originally posted by initiate
Based on the table of contents supplied on WotC's product page, it doesn't look like "Gorlist's Dragon" is included in the book. I new that the Liriel novella from Realms of the Underdark was not going to be included, but was under the impression that more or less everything else was here. Is this a misprint?
No, the table of contents is correct. The editor, Phil Athans, felt that this story was too recent to reprint.
quote:
Also, there's a listing on this same table of contents for a story called "Tribute". I could not find this tale listed in Elaine's post covering her short stories in the "Anthology Overviews" scroll. Is it a Dragon Mag tale?
No, it's a new tale. I should probably update the "AO" scroll.
quote:
Just out of curiosity, does the new Liriel story, (I'm assuming its the tale called "Answered Prayers"), take place after or before "Windwalker".
Almost ten years after. Gamers who read this story will note the significance of that...er... "deadline."
quote:
This last question may be better deferred until the anthology's been out for a while, but, still: Without giving any spoilers, would you say that you're more or less satisfied with where Bronwyn and Liriel's stories are now? Could you see yourself possibly returning to either of them at some point, or do you think their stories are over?
I'm okay with where Liriel and Bronwyn are at the end of these new tales. Future stories would depend upon the direction WotC decides to take the Realms. It may be that such tales would no longer fit the tone, editorial direction, or demands of the setting. In all candor, however, I haven't given the matter a great deal of thought. I've got a couple of stories to write, and that's where my focus is.
quote:
Looking forward to reading the collection!
Hope you enjoy it. |
| Asgetrion |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 20:51:27
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Asgetrion
I am waiting for my signed copy to arrive... whenever Elaine will send it.  
The packages will be going out tomorrow morning, Asgetrion. It may take a while for yours to find its way to Finland, but do me a favor--drop me an email when it arrives.
I will, Milady, I will. 
*Asgetrion hums and croaks happily as he heads towards the library with his trusty Alaundo-given duster in hand* |
| initiate |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 19:56:47
Hello,
I have to admit that I haven't bought the anthology yet, but I shall do so very soon. Quite apart from wanting to get my hands on it so that I can read it, I'm hoping to buy it within the first month of its release, as I'm under the impression that initial sales figures count for much in the publishing sphere.
Being relatively new to the Realms, I've actually never read any of the stories in the book. In a way, this is good. Fifteen brand new tales to read. I was incredibly excited about this collection when it was announced, and I remain so.
A few questions for Elaine Cunningham, if she happens by:
Based on the table of contents supplied on WotC's product page, it doesn't look like "Gorlist's Dragon" is included in the book. I new that the Liriel novella from Realms of the Underdark was not going to be included, but was under the impression that more or less everything else was here. Is this a misprint?
Also, there's a listing on this same table of contents for a story called "Tribute". I could not find this tale listed in Elaine's post covering her short stories in the "Anthology Overviews" scroll. Is it a Dragon Mag tale?
Just out of curiosity, does the new Liriel story, (I'm assuming its the tale called "Answered Prayers"), take place after or before "Windwalker". I believe Elaine's answered this elsewhere, but I can't remember.
This last question may be better deferred until the anthology's been out for a while, but, still: Without giving any spoilers, would you say that you're more or less satisfied with where Bronwyn and Liriel's stories are now? Could you see yourself possibly returning to either of them at some point, or do you think their stories are over?
Looking forward to reading the collection!
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| Dhomal |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 19:07:10
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Wow. That is really, really good news. This means that WotC sprung for co-op. Bookstore placement is a Very Important Thing, and a spot on the "new paperbacks" table is worth more than advertising.
::happy dance::
Hello-
I think that the placement on the new table as definately a good thing. However - co-op money may not have been spent. I work in a bookstore - and as we receive new books in - the copies get split up - some bound for in-section shelving - and some for the tables as new items. There is no list we go by for this - and it is mainly driven by quantity we receive, as well as topic. We can't really 'split' a new book if we only get one - so the section takes precedence. that - and some types of books are not really as good impulse buys off new tables...
".... Oh - I just realized I DO need a new C++ book - and tis one looks great!..."
As far as the book being on the new tabel - and not in the section - it is possible that the people in charge of the new table dispays were just quicker to deal with incoming items than those responsible for getting books into their respective sections. :)
Dhomal |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 17:12:40
quote:
Originally posted by Kajehase
I'm going to get mine as soon as the next paycheck comes in (unless my weekend-bets come in )
I try to get to the bookstore every weekend, though sometimes being busy or broke interferes... Unfortunately, the only convenient bookstore (Barnes & Noble) is slow to get in new material. So it may be a while before I can get my hands on this book... I really want it, though! |
| Kajehase |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 15:55:42
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Got it, read it, and it's lovely!
Thank you, Ms. Cunningham!
I called Ed earlier today, and he'd just picked up his copy at the local bookstore that orders in everything for him, and was "well into it."
A delightful collection, and my bookshelf can never have too many of those...
love,
THO
Thank you, THO. I'm glad you enjoyed the stories.
Why is Ed buying copies? If WotC isn't sending him new stuff these days, I'd certainly mail him one. Not that I don't appreciate the support, mind you. But still.
Elaine, are you actually objecting to someone buying a copy of one of your books?
I'm going to get mine as soon as the next paycheck comes in (unless my weekend-bets come in) |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 14:01:53
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Well, I went back today, and I managed to find it on the "new paperbacks" table...
Wow. That is really, really good news. This means that WotC sprung for co-op. Bookstore placement is a Very Important Thing, and a spot on the "new paperbacks" table is worth more than advertising.
::happy dance::
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| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 13:58:22
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Got it, read it, and it's lovely!
Thank you, Ms. Cunningham!
I called Ed earlier today, and he'd just picked up his copy at the local bookstore that orders in everything for him, and was "well into it."
A delightful collection, and my bookshelf can never have too many of those...
love,
THO
Thank you, THO. I'm glad you enjoyed the stories.
Why is Ed buying copies? If WotC isn't sending him new stuff these days, I'd certainly mail him one. Not that I don't appreciate the support, mind you. But still. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 10 May 2007 : 13:56:39
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
. . . I really think they should have gone with another artist. None of the characters have the right look for who they are . . . but then again, I was spoiled for Liriel with the Todd Lockwood covers.
Yeah, well, the dragon was pretty cool. And Danilo would probably approve of the color scheme. |
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