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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 00:42:12
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| Ditto! |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4689 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 01:27:02
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
I've got a question for the local sages and scribes:
Would you have any interest in a general encyclopedia of elves? One that addresses elves in folklore, mythology, literature, movies--the whole gamut?
That scope is very large indeed, it might be an interesting 2000 plus page compiliation. Such a size would not interest me.
quote:
Projects of this nature have addressed such topics as vampires, werewolves, and Arthurian lore. Why not elves?
They have been addressed in part before, however I have not seen the Edgar Allen Poll version of vampires well addressed in any comprehenisive vampire edition, the same can be said about Aurther and were.[/quote]
Very broad topic, I know, and an enormous amount of work. Permission to reference data from other sources--that alone is a Herculean task. But it's been on mind for quite a while now as a long-term project.
[/quote]
The more recent material certainly is copyright, however there is almost certainly 1000 pages of copyright expired material available if you look to each land that has an Elven like myth figure. The changelings, the small winged ones, the "dark" ones, the <inserest culture> ones and so on.
Perhaps you can condense to 300-500 pages myth elven notes which might be sellable. Adding gaming the pages would grow the size again, still might be sellable though to a smaller market. At least in my view, it certainly might be profitable as well. I though would worry some about niches that some find ommitted or in their opinion not given proper amount of space. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 04:22:12
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I wasn't thinking of a compilation of existing material, but a newly written overview. The former would definitely be too unwieldy.
I also agree that the focus should not be as broad as, say, Melton's The Vampire Book: Encyclopedia of the Undead. Focusing on folklore and mythology would probably be the best route. Besides, elves, unlike werewolves and vampires, haven't gone Hollywood (except for the Santa's Helpers variety... ), so movies really wouldn't be relevant.
I've been kicking the idea around for a while, and since I'm working on several elf-related projects, it has moved a little closer to the forefront. Thanks for the observations and comments!
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 05:52:38
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Besides, elves, unlike werewolves and vampires, haven't gone Hollywood (except for the Santa's Helpers variety...), so movies really wouldn't be relevant.
What about Legolas and Arwen? Or Dobby the house-elf? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 12 Feb 2005 : 12:20:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
What about Legolas and Arwen? Or Dobby the house-elf?
True enough, but the movies you reference are adapted from books. I can't think of any movies originally written as screenplays that prominently feature elves. (Except for Santa's helpers.) This is markedly different from werewolves, vampires, and witches, all of which have developed a specific Hollywood identity through movies and TV series.
Legolas, Arwen, and Dobby are characters from novels, which raises another issue. There are so many novels featuring elves (fantasy, young adult books, children's books) that perhaps that aspect of the task would be better served by an internet data base. 
Big project, indeed. |
Edited by - ElaineCunningham on 12 Feb 2005 12:27:29 |
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Gareth Yaztromo
Acolyte
Australia
37 Posts |
Posted - 01 Mar 2005 : 00:03:33
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Hey Elaine,
I'm writing my own fiction and was wondering how many words do you think is appropriate for a chapter? |
"Gereth Yaztromo is arguably the most famous wizard of Allansia due to his part in a number of the most well known sagas of that region from the third century AC. He is also known as one of the three Star Pupils of the Grand Wizard of Yore.." |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 01 Mar 2005 : 13:07:42
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Hi, Garath.
There really isn't a single, hard-and-fast answer to this question. Chapter length is dictated by the story and the writing style. For example, Andrew Vacchs' Burke novels are characterized by terse, staccato prose and brief scenes and chapters--glimpses into grim, bleak lives. This works very well for these books, but similar chapter lengths would feel choppy in stories with a more leisurely narrative.
It's difficult to address the topic of chapter LENGTH without discussing chapter PURPOSE. For fantasy adventure fiction, it might help to think of a chapter as an installment in an online serial novel. Does it tell enough of the story to make a satisfying, one-sitting read? Does it leave the reader wanting to know what happens next? You want to depict a scene, or perhaps more than one, using window breaks to shift from one scene and group of characters to another. Sometimes you'll have to break a long scene into more than one chapters--the final battle or conflict, for example--but each chapter should be a logical and cohesive section.
For my writing style (at least, for my FR books), I find that 15-20 manuscript pages, or roughly 4,000-5,000 words, feels about right. Your milage may vary.
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Tamsar
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
141 Posts |
Posted - 01 Mar 2005 : 14:10:49
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
For fantasy adventure fiction, it might help to think of a chapter as an installment in an online serial novel.
I remember vivdly realising this when i first read Magician by Raymond Feist, he was a master at it. He would build up one plot thread to a creschendo and just when everything was about to happen, bang! switch to the other ongoing plot. It was like damn i cant wait to get back to that story, so you woudl wad avidly through the next couple of chapters to get back to the action, only for the current story thread grab you by the throat and force you to read it. Rinse and repeat and before you knew it you'd finished the novel. Sorry for the non realms reference, but i was using the example relavent to me, when i relaised what was happening. Thats the sign of a good writer who is able to make varied and disparate threads and weave them into an enthralling and captivating whole. it's certainly beyond me, and i'm damn appreciative of those who can. |
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light |
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Gareth Yaztromo
Acolyte
Australia
37 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 03:22:07
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Hi, Garath.
There really isn't a single, hard-and-fast answer to this question. Chapter length is dictated by the story and the writing style. For example, Andrew Vacchs' Burke novels are characterized by terse, staccato prose and brief scenes and chapters--glimpses into grim, bleak lives. This works very well for these books, but similar chapter lengths would feel choppy in stories with a more leisurely narrative.
It's difficult to address the topic of chapter LENGTH without discussing chapter PURPOSE. For fantasy adventure fiction, it might help to think of a chapter as an installment in an online serial novel. Does it tell enough of the story to make a satisfying, one-sitting read? Does it leave the reader wanting to know what happens next? You want to depict a scene, or perhaps more than one, using window breaks to shift from one scene and group of characters to another. Sometimes you'll have to break a long scene into more than one chapters--the final battle or conflict, for example--but each chapter should be a logical and cohesive section.
For my writing style (at least, for my FR books), I find that 15-20 manuscript pages, or roughly 4,000-5,000 words, feels about right. Your milage may vary.
Thanks for the repy it was very helpful in assessing chapter length.
Tamsar, yes agreed. Feist is definately good at that. |
"Gereth Yaztromo is arguably the most famous wizard of Allansia due to his part in a number of the most well known sagas of that region from the third century AC. He is also known as one of the three Star Pupils of the Grand Wizard of Yore.." |
Edited by - Gareth Yaztromo on 02 Mar 2005 09:06:55 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 05:44:41
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Hey, more Feist fans! 
Elaine, have you read any of his (Raymond E. Feist) stuff? For that matter, who are your favorite writers? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 06:20:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Elaine, have you read any of his (Raymond E. Feist) stuff? For that matter, who are your favorite writers?
I believe for the latter question, it is addressed in her WOTC author profile. |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 11:50:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Elaine, have you read any of his (Raymond E. Feist) stuff? For that matter, who are your favorite writers?
I've read some of his work, yes. It's really hard for me to pin down favorite writers, because I read so widely. Here's a few that come to mind at the moment.
Humorists and satire: Dorothy Parker, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Dave Barry. Mystery: Lawrence Block, Ellis Perry, Kasey Michael. Dark fantasy: Edgar Allen Poe, Kelley Armstrong, Laurell K. Hamilton (early stuff). SF: Connie Willis, Greg Bear. Fantasy: Tery Pratchett, Grey Keyes, J. Robert King, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Neil Gaiman. Mainstream/literary: John Irving, Margaret Atwood, Ian MacEwen, Toni Morrison, Amy Tan, John Updike. Paranormal chick lit: Mary Janice Davidson. Historical fiction: Bernard Cornwall, Steven Lawhead, Rosalind Miles, Ellis Peters.
I read a lot of poetry, folklore, mythology, and history, plus a variety of non-fiction book. |
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 13:34:21
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Wow... half of that list could be mine, might explain why I enjoy your books so much.
Have you read any of Lindsey Davis' books about Falco? If not they're who-dunnits written in much the same spirit as Ellis Peters' Cadfael books. Only slightly more humorous and set in Vespasianus Rome. In my book, she's the closest thing to an heir to Peters. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist.
Terry Pratchett |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 04 Mar 2005 : 00:14:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Kajehase
Have you read any of Lindsey Davis' books about Falco? If not they're who-dunnits written in much the same spirit as Ellis Peters' Cadfael books. Only slightly more humorous and set in Vespasianus Rome. In my book, she's the closest thing to an heir to Peters.
I know OF Davis's work, but haven't read any yet. |
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Haman
Seeker
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - 07 Mar 2005 : 23:41:49
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Hey Elaine,
First off, great work on the books, Elfsong and Elfshadow are two of the all time best pieces of Realms fiction around.
Since you seem to be a Realms expert (if not THE Realms expert) on Elves, I was wondering if you could help me out a bit. I have a player who is playing a Gold Elf with the last name of "Niedre", and at the last session he revealed it (he had kept it secret, even from me, the DM!) and began talking of his rich families history concerning Cormanthyr and Evermeet. Afterwards he told me it was canon and in several earlier sources (such as Elves of Evermeet FOR), and I was just wondering if you knew of anything about this family of elves besides what is commonly known.
I know it may be along shot, but I had to ask. Thanks for your time, and keep up the great work! |
Some people say we gamers have no lives....I think we have too many. |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2005 : 10:49:35
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Dear Elaine,
it`s about the upcoming Waterdeep Novel. Will there be a little bit about Undermountain?
Smokepowder?
An armee against Waterdeep? |
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ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2005 : 11:35:02
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Hi, Haman. First, thanks for your kind words. For more information on the Niedre family, your best bet would be "Elves of Evermeet," a softcover 2nd ed gaming accessory, and the boxed set "Cormanthyr." Unlike Ed, I don't possess unpublished Realmslore. He's the creator, and anything he says is canon until WotC published something to the contrary. I, on the other hand, am a freelance writer working in someone else's shared-world setting. In respect for the setting, I try to be very careful about public speculation on unpublished lore. Until my creations and opinions are reviewed and approved by WotC, they're no closer to canon than any random piece of fanfic or any DM's notes, but because I have published in the Realms, any speculations I might offer might appear to have more pith and moment than they in fact possess.
Lameth, the upcoming Waterdeep novel does not venture into Undermountain or deal with smokepowder. The prelude looks back to the attacking sahuagin army we saw in the Threat from the Sea trilogy and the anthology Realms of the Deep, but the novel deels with the aftermath of that battle. |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2005 : 17:35:07
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quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
Lameth, the upcoming Waterdeep novel does not venture into Undermountain or deal with smokepowder. The prelude looks back to the attacking sahuagin army we saw in the Threat from the Sea trilogy and the anthology Realms of the Deep, but the novel deels with the aftermath of that battle.
The aftermath of the Battle?
Hey that sounds great too, I liked this battle in the streets of waterdeep.
Hmmm, I think I have to reread the battle.
Thanks for the Info Elaine. |
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Haman
Seeker
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2005 : 20:45:23
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quote:
Hi, Haman. First, thanks for your kind words. For more information on the Niedre family, your best bet would be "Elves of Evermeet," a softcover 2nd ed gaming accessory, and the boxed set "Cormanthyr."
I'll scour them both, and pester Ed when I get the chance, thanks for the assist! |
Some people say we gamers have no lives....I think we have too many. |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2005 : 18:25:37
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Well met
Unfortunately, I received news today from Elaine that due to personal issues which have restricted her time to be able to access a computer, Elaine will be unable to continue any online presence with immediate effect. This includes Elaine's online blog as well as participation in ANY forums.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elaine, on behalf of all at Candlekeep, for the vast amount of time and effort spent here at the library providing valuable and interesting information to us and for answering the constant bombardment of questions.
Elaine has expressed that she will miss many people here at Candlekeep and has enjoyed her time here  I'm sure too, that she will be sorely missed by many.
Obviously, there is a vast amount of invaluable material here in this scroll and it will therefore remain available.
Please do not post any further questions here as they will not be answered. However, feel free to post any well-wishes for the time being. I will lock this topic within a few days. |
Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
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Mareka
Learned Scribe
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2005 : 20:09:59
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This is sad news indeed. All the best to you, Elaine, and hope things settle down in your life soon. Your presence will be very much missed.
Mareka
( who has never asked a question of you, but has enjoyed reading this thread nonetheless. Thanks so much for your time.) |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 14 Mar 2005 : 23:00:21
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Her absence will be felt by many.
Even though I didn't ask a whole lot, I enjoyed reading her thread. I hope she's able to return soon. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2005 : 01:33:15
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I hope so too, I hope she isn't gone for good.
I've always enjoyed her comments as well as her wonderful books. |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2005 : 07:28:32
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Oh yes Elaine, your presence will be sorely missed! I love your books and your helpful, insightful comments on these boards. All the best to you in your endeavors!
Sweet water and light laughter til next we meet! |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2005 : 16:47:52
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I'm sure I join others in wishing the best to Elaine Cunningham and her family as she deals with these personal issues.
I started talking online about a decade ago to other Realms fans. During that time, I've come across numerous people who have met Elaine and know personally two individuals who have met this author. Out of all of these souls who met Elaine, I have never encountered anyone who had something negative to say about her. To me, that speaks volumes as does the way she treated the two people I know and love who got to meet her.
Candlekeep will be a little less bright in her absence.
SiriusBlack |
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Lameth
Learned Scribe
Germany
196 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2005 : 17:57:38
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Best wishes to you Elaine.
I hope we`ll talk again. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2005 : 15:06:19
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Our days at Candlekeep are shining brighter than ever with the graceful return of the Lady Cunningham!!!
Let me be the first to welcome you back to Candlekeep, Elaine. I hope you have faired well through the personal issues which Alaundo spoke of back in March. We are again, complete .
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2005 : 15:36:21
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Our days at Candlekeep are shining brighter than ever with the graceful return of the Lady Cunningham!!!
Let me be the first to welcome you back to Candlekeep, Elaine. I hope you have faired well through the personal issues which Alaundo spoke of back in March. We are again, complete .
One thing I'd like to note. The Sage's post is in response to Elaine Cunningham's reply on this thread.
However, I don't know if it signals a regular return by the author where she will again be fielding questions in this thread. For those scribes who are interested, Elaine Cunningham has a blog where she makes frequent entries. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2005 : 17:45:38
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quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
However, I don't know if it signals a regular return by the author where she will again be fielding questions in this thread. For those scribes who are interested, Elaine Cunningham has a blog where she makes frequent entries.
Yeah, I noticed that she didn't declare she was fully returned... But I certainly hope so! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 27 Apr 2005 : 18:30:25
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For some time I noticed that every once in a while something I read in Elaine book would strike a certain familiar, comforting cord with me. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was nice.
Then I realized how much Elaine's work reminded me of stories and personalities from my fiance's family, a Pennsylvanian Polish family that is very pround of its Polish history, and I realized why in recent years I have come to appreciate Elaine even more.
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Questions for Elaine Cunningham
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