| Author |
 Topic  |
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Apr 2008 : 12:23:59
|
quote:
Originally posted by Ergdusch
Hi Elaine!
Just wanted to tell you that I enjoy reading the C&K trilogy very much. I am in the third book by now and wonder about the following things:
1. Did you think of the Laraken yourself or was that something you HAD to include in the novels?
The Laraken was mentioned in some of the gaming lore. Its form was different, but its magic-absorbing capacity was what inspired the particular version of the monster used in C&K.
quote:
2. How would you pronounce 'Procopio Septus'. Is the c pronounced as [k] or rather a [s]? Just wondering...
It would be [k].
quote:
EDIT NOTE:
Your homepage is down atm. Therefore I post this here: How long would it take you to send a book from your book cellar to an adress in NY? A friend of mine is there until April 18th and could take it home with him.... Would save some shipping costs...
Huh. Thanks for the heads-up. The page is indeed down, and I'll check with my server to see what's up. If you email me with the details, I can get the book in the mail same day. I'm in Rhode Island, so the book should get to NY in 1-3 business days. Shouldn't be a problem.
(email: elainecunningham AT cox DOT net) |
Edited by - ElaineCunningham on 10 Apr 2008 12:25:32 |
 |
|
|
Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2008 : 18:00:35
|
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
Hi Elaine,
I sent you a mail few days ago. I just asked you the authorization to translate one of your short novels (History of the crinti) and to put this text in a French FR fans website.
Sent it to the e-mail adress which is on your own website. I had the Read message back but I had no answer.
That's why I try to ask it here.
I thank you so very much for reading my question... and for everything you do for us !
Read you soon.
Hi, Fillow.
Sorry about the non-response. Every now and then my email filters eat messages. 
I'm going to address your question here in the forum rather than take it to email, because this is an issue that arises quite frequently.
If you want to translate any Forgotten Realms material for publication, even if that publication is on the Internet, you will need permission from WotC. Since I don't own the copyright to any of my work set in the Realms, I have no say in the matter.
For the record, however, I'm very much in favor of your project. I hope you're able to work something out with WotC and get the Crinti article online. 
Best,
ec
|
|
|
|
Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3743 Posts |
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 15:54:46
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
I thought it was already pushed back, though.
-It probably was. It doesn't deserve all of the bouncing around it gets.
"It" doesn't deserve it, no, but then, Reclamation wouldn't be the first story that deserved better treatment from its author than it received.
Sorry for the continued silence on this question. I hope to have an answer for you shortly. |
|
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 19:50:31
|
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I've heard writers far more experienced than I admit that every now and then, they'll come up against a book that is far more difficult to write than they'd anticipated--including some stories they're never able to complete. For me, RECLAMATION was one of these problematic stories.
I rewrote the plot several times, changed the scope of the story, dropped characters and subplots and added new ones, changed Elaith Craulnober's role from a secondary character to a major character, wrote, revised, tossed out, lather-rinse-repeat. Despite all these efforts--and also because of them--I was unable to complete the book before the drop-deadline. After much consideration, the folks at WotC decided to cancel RECLAMATION.
I have absolutely no complaints about the way WotC has handled this situation. If a writer cannot, for any reason, meet a contracted deadline, the publisher has every right to cancel that book.
Yes, I'm disappointed. This story dealt with several issues I would have liked to resolve: the final mystery behind the moonblades, the identity of the child Princess Amnestria bore to Elaith Craunober, the fate of Kymil Nimesin, the royal succession of Evermeet. Elaith needed to face his past and move beyond it one way or another. Danilo needed to move beyond what my friend and current co-writer calls "a walking romantic subplot" and come into his own. Arilyn had residual issues raised by events in the last part of Dream Spheres.
But. With fourth edition around the corner, it just didn't make sense to push back the release date again. Upcoming 4th edition changes to the Realms will render many of the themes and concerns of this book irrelevant, just as the destruction of Halruaa pretty much guaranteed the irrelevance of the Counselors & Kings trilogy. Also, nine years have elapsed since the release of DREAMSPHERES, the last Songs & Swords book. Nine years. That's a long, long gap, even in as long-lived a series as Songs & Swords. ELFSHADOW, the first Songs & Swords book, has been in print longer than many FR readers have been alive. All things considered, its probably time to move on.
I apologize to readers who have been looking forward to this story and who are disappointed by its cancellation. You have my heartfelt thanks for all your support, kindness, and friendship over the years.
|
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 20:51:20
|
That's a grand disappointment, Elaine.
I hope that at some point, things may change, and Wizards will allow the publication of a book that many, many of us have waited a long time to read. |
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!  |
|
|
|
Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 20:59:24
|
Ach well, we are all but humans and I for one look forward to your next short story or novel.
One would hope that WotC will in some day to come publish a few novels about the Old Realms - after the fuss about 4E and all that is connected to it subsides somewhat. And hopefully, you will be among those authors chosen for the task.
Heck, I'd really love to read more about that turban-wearing wild elf assassin! |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gęš a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerūn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
Edited by - Zanan on 14 Apr 2008 21:02:37 |
|
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 21:05:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
That's a grand disappointment, Elaine.
I hope that at some point, things may change, and Wizards will allow the publication of a book that many, many of us have waited a long time to read.
Last night I couldn't fall asleep, so I came downstairs and starting reading Writing the Mystery, a writing reference book with articles by many of the top mystery writers. Lawrence Block, whose work I've long enjoyed, contributed an interesting article about "ending a story." He concluded that there were three reasons why he occasionally stalled out:
1) There was something wrong with the story itself. It went off track somewhere, but he just couldn't figure out where and how.
2) There was nothing wrong with the story, but he just wasn't able to finish it at that particular time. On more than one occasion, he pulled an abandoned ms out of the file months or years later, read it, and immediately figured out how to procede.
3) There was nothing wrong with the story, but he was having a crisis of confidence and needed to muscle his way past it.
I'm fairly sure I'm facing a Number 1 problem, because I know what a confidence crisis feels like, since I'm obliged to push through them on a regular (weekly? daily?) basis. Maybe someday I'll wake up at o-dark-thirty sitting bolt upright and exclaiming, "Yeah! That's EXACTLY what the story needed!" And maybe I'll finish it to satisfy a personal sense of closure. But barring that if-if scenario, this isn't a matter of WotC "allowing" publication. If they'd received a finished ms on schedule, they would have published it already. |
|
|
|
Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 21:07:17
|
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
I'm afraid of understanding (I recall that English language is not my native one !) that there probably wont be any future for Elaith, Danilo and Arilyn ?
That's what you mean Elaine ?
That's correct.
Elaith is the only character that could (possibly) survive both the Spellplague and the 100-year timeline shift. |
|
|
|
Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 21:09:16
|
I'm sorry to hear of your trouble.
You've got what makes what irrelevant backwards. |
|
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2008 : 21:15:56
|
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
I'm sorry to hear of your trouble.
You've got what makes what irrelevant backwards.
Thanks for the kind word. As a writer, what I consider "relevant" are interesting stories, compelling characters, and carefully crafted prose. These are the things I strive for no matter what the project, with varying degrees of success. But as a FR writer, I also have to also consider the setting, which includes editorial decisions concerning directions for the world.
Many, if not most, FR readers judge a book's success not only by the story but also how it handles the setting, and by this measure, contribution/innovation is a criterion of relevance. |
|
|
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31777 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 00:45:51
|
Elaine, while I'm deeply disappointed to hear this unfortunate news [Danilo remains my favorite Realms character after all], I can also say that, having read through your recent discussion here, I certainly feel for you, especially in terms of both the pressure and inevitable pain you've faced while wrestling with this work. And I appreciate the level of committment you've demonstrated once again, in attempting to meet the expectations of the most fanatical Realms reader.
I can only hope that we still may see some form of this story told in the future.
|
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 |
|
|
|
Brian R. James
Forgotten Realms Game Designer
USA
1098 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 00:49:34
|
| Wow I'm stunned. I've been a fan of your Realms fiction since the beginning Elaine, and have enjoyed every word. In fact, it was your sweeping novel, Evermeet, which prompted me to get off my duff and start compiling timelines for the setting. It's my sincere hope and desire that you'll find your muse and continue writing fiction for the Forgotten Realms. |
Brian R. James - Freelance Game Designer
Follow me on Twitter @brianrjames |
|
|
|
Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 00:52:29
|
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
But as a FR writer, I also have to also consider the setting, which includes editorial decisions concerning directions for the world.
As a professional, yes. Creatively, my gist was that I think your books are a better standard of relevance to the Realms than the machinations of the Wizards team. |
|
|
|
KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 00:56:08
|
| Elaine, its sad to see this book disappear, and words fail me as far as saying anything more profound than that. My Realms, it seems, are well and truly dead. |
|
|
|
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 00:58:43
|
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
But as a FR writer, I also have to also consider the setting, which includes editorial decisions concerning directions for the world.
As a professional, yes. Creatively, my gist was that I think your books are a better standard of relevance to the Realms than the machinations of the Wizards team.
I would say I agree.
I heard this sad news in another thread, and like everybody else I'm stunned. |
"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) |
|
|
|
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 00:59:41
|
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
Elaine, its sad to see this book disappear, and words fail me as far as saying anything more profound than that. My Realms, it seems, are well and truly dead.
And hearing that from KEJR certainly doesn't bode well. |
"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) |
|
|
|
Theophilus
Learned Scribe
Australia
143 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 01:16:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
I'm sorry to hear of your trouble.
You've got what makes what irrelevant backwards.
Thanks for the kind word. As a writer, what I consider "relevant" are interesting stories, compelling characters, and carefully crafted prose. These are the things I strive for no matter what the project, with varying degrees of success. But as a FR writer, I also have to also consider the setting, which includes editorial decisions concerning directions for the world.
Many, if not most, FR readers judge a book's success not only by the story but also how it handles the setting, and by this measure, contribution/innovation is a criterion of relevance.
I don't like speculate but if this criterion is applied across the literature isn't there a chance that Mr Greenwood's 3rd instalment could similarly be cancelled? |
|
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 01:21:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by Theophilus
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
I'm sorry to hear of your trouble.
You've got what makes what irrelevant backwards.
Thanks for the kind word. As a writer, what I consider "relevant" are interesting stories, compelling characters, and carefully crafted prose. These are the things I strive for no matter what the project, with varying degrees of success. But as a FR writer, I also have to also consider the setting, which includes editorial decisions concerning directions for the world.
Many, if not most, FR readers judge a book's success not only by the story but also how it handles the setting, and by this measure, contribution/innovation is a criterion of relevance.
I don't like speculate but if this criterion is applied across the literature isn't there a chance that Mr Greenwood's 3rd instalment could similarly be cancelled?
I don't see any reason why it WOULD be. The issue is my inability to finish the story, not WotC's willingness to publish the story according to the contractually agreed-upon schedule. |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 01:50:37
|
I'm certainly no Realms author, but I can undestand completely where you are coming from. For the past six months or so I haven't been able to work on any of the Realms projects I used to enjoy so.
It all seems so........ pointless, now.
As much as I would love to have some closure with all of those wonderful storylines, I completely respect your decision to not continue work on something you are personally unhappy with (the story thus far, I mean).
Sometimes we can be our own worst critics, but if we can't live up to our own high standards, then who will? |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
|
|
|
sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 09:20:06
|
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow
I'm afraid of understanding (I recall that English language is not my native one !) that there probably wont be any future for Elaith, Danilo and Arilyn ?
That's what you mean Elaine ?
That's correct.
Elaith is the only character that could (possibly) survive both the Spellplague and the 100-year timeline shift.
, pardon me, but how old was Arilyn anyway, thought she was 36 or 46.
Half-elf 62 years 93 years 125 years 3d20 years to death.
so assuming she wasnt over 50 shed live the 100 year jump.
she could survive the spell plague to ih she ended up in a magical protected spot, or made a break for andrio's gate.
a bit retirement during that period sounds pretty good.
bummer that reclamation got canceled.......
edit: my spelling is bad
2nd edit: yep really bad spelling of mine |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
My FR fan fiction
Magister's GAmbit
http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
Edited by - sfdragon on 15 Apr 2008 21:43:02 |
|
|
|
Zanan
Senior Scribe
Germany
942 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 11:05:34
|
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I'm certainly no Realms author, but I can undestand completely where you are coming from. For the past six months or so I haven't been able to work on any of the Realms projects I used to enjoy so.
It all seems so........ pointless, now.
Well, being a historian in "real life", I tend to look at all that happens over at the WotC as well as with Elaine here from another angle.
It is not that she is gone, or the Realms are gone.
Sure, we are all disappointed about what happened to Elaine and Reclamation, as well as WotC's decision (which still is (even though they have every right to do so) a bit baffling, as you are surely one of their top-sellers and no-one but you and them know about deadlines et al). Yet, it's not that Earth will stop rotating. If authors like Peter Tremayne (Sister Fidelma stories) or Lindsay Davis (Marcus Didius Falco) write about characters, they full well know that the fictional bones of those have all become dust by now, their respective "realms" long since gone. Never will that stop them from writing novels or adventures though.
As I intimated over at the WizBoards, one would hope that WotC and Elaine can come up with some sort of an agreement that the story of the threesome mentioned above does not end as it is. Short stories in Dragons, a little tale here at Candlekeep (Compendium?) and the like could well mean that all the work spend on the story will not turn to dust in Elaine's cupboard. Obviously, it will not give Elaine much of a financial reward, but one would hope that this can be solved one way or another and to everyone's benefit. These hours at the writing desk should not be in vein, shouldn't they?!
Now, MT, there are of course many (as in MANY) blank spaces to be filled in Faerūn's history pre-Spellplague. I for one will not cease with my efforts to create more characters, stories and lore for the Realms I come to love. The Realms pre-4E and pre-Spellplague. Of course, the doom-and-gloom scenario of Spellplague will still hang heavily above every hero created, every campaign designed. But a) the characters don't know that it will happen and b ) we do not think 24/7 whether that asteroid will hit Earth in 2039 (or something), or else we would go mad about that too and become virtually catatonic.
No way! By that time, my favourite footie team could have won their 83rd league title and I for one would not want to miss any minute of that! Nor any upcoming story about Ferret, Liriel or a newly designed character which happened to explore Ascore in 1238 D.R. ... or the like. |
Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!
Gęš a wyrd swa hio scel!
In memory of Alura Durshavin.
Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerūn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more. |
Edited by - Zanan on 15 Apr 2008 11:07:00 |
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3743 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 13:55:50
|
-Elaine, words cannot express how sorry for you, and, in general, how sad I am. These are dark times for the Forgotten Realms, and Reclaimtion was, in my mind, the light at the end of the tunnel. The "Point of Light", if you will. Reclaimation was probably going to be one of the last, if not the last, Forgotten Realms novel that I read, as the future of the Forgotten Realms is not for me.
-And, what a climax it would have been. The culmination of so many complex tangents, plotlines and stories. A definite fate for various characters that we have all, over the years, come to love, hate, laugh at, and cry with. But now, unfortunatley, none of that will come to pass. Like so many other things in the current Forgotten Realms, we will now never get to see what happens to Elaith, to Arilyn, to Danillo, to Kymil, to Amnestria's daughter, and to everyone else. That is, their true fates, as determined by the individual who breathed life into these characters, who made us care about them.
-Just when the roller coaster was reaching the top of that slope, about to take that tumble for the final time, it stops. Just when the composer was signaling his orchestra to build the creshendo for the grand finale, he cuts them off.
-Elaine, I genuinely hope that you are able to "find yourself" and expel the writing demons that are 'haunting' you.
Steve (and, by proxy, the entire Forgotten Realms fandom ) |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36805 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 15:47:06
|
...And don't delete the file, this time!
In fact, you can email me a copy for safekeeping, if you'd like.  |
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! |
|
|
|
The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31777 Posts |
|
|
ElaineCunningham
Forgotten Realms Author
2396 Posts |
Posted - 15 Apr 2008 : 17:31:18
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
...And don't delete the file, this time!
It's true--I have deleted several versions of Reclamation. But yeah, I really should keep the most recent version. |
|
|
|
Fillow
Master of Realmslore
France
1608 Posts |
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Questions for Elaine Cunningham
Topic Locked
...