P.S. Your the expert on how Goliaths and Elves relate as well
They get on famously, in some cases.
Oh and be not afraid that that particular story has gone the way of the dodo. There was some about it in Downshadow, but there will be more specifically in the novel I'm starting . . . today, as it happens!
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
P.S. Your the expert on how Goliaths and Elves relate as well
They get on famously, in some cases.
Oh and be not afraid that that particular story has gone the way of the dodo. There was some about it in Downshadow, but there will be more specifically in the novel I'm starting . . . today, as it happens!
Cheers
your a shameless, shameless tease.
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Love is a lie. Only hate endures. Light is blinding. Only in darkness do we see clearly.
"Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but.. blinding. The shadows betray you because they belong to me." - Bane The Dark Knight Rises
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Love is a lie. Only hate endures. Light is blinding. Only in darkness do we see clearly.
"Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but.. blinding. The shadows betray you because they belong to me." - Bane The Dark Knight Rises
You know, I'm only really pretty familiar with Lateralus and 10,000 Days, and of those two, I think I prefer 10,000 Days, as I absolutely love the story it tells.
My favorite lyric is this:
You're the only one who can hold your head up high, Shake your fists at the gates saying: "I've come home now! Fetch me the spirit, the son, and the father. Tell them their pillar of faith has ascended. It's time now! My time now! Give me my, give me my wings!"
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
A very good choice. They are all good. Of them all, Lateralus is my least favorite. You should give Undertow a thorough listen. It is a lot harder and got me through some very rough times. Aenima was their biggest commercial success for good reason. Get Salival, the box set, too. Wings for Marie is probably my favorite from 10,000 Days, but Right in Two is arguably a better song.
Anyway, thanks for the off-topic reply. I believe I asked this before, but don't recall reading an answer. You had mentioned writing something about Neveren's Betrayal, will we have to wait for your next full-length novel to get the skinny on this goblin-sticker?
Love is a lie. Only hate endures. Light is blinding. Only in darkness do we see clearly.
"Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but.. blinding. The shadows betray you because they belong to me." - Bane The Dark Knight Rises
Sober is the best song on it and has a lyric that suits Fox at Twilight's patron:
I am just a worthless liar. I am just an imbecile. I will only complicate you. Trust in me and fall as well. I will find a center in you. I will chew it up and leave, I will work to elevate you just enough to bring you down.
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
So Erik, if I wanted to ask you something, what would be your Realms area of expertise?
Good question, Althen. I know what places of the Realms I particularly *like* and which ones I know more about than others, but I've never thought about it in quite those terms.
I'll turn that question back on my readers--based on my work, what would YOU call my Realms area of expertise? (i.e. where do you think I've best captured the feel and lore of a place?)
Most of my fiction/design stuff has taken place in the North/Savage Frontier (Waterdeep, Silver Marches, Neverwinter, Luskan, etc.) and the Dragon Coast (Westgate, Elversult, etc.) regions.
Cheers
Hmmm, that's an interesting question. For the most part, I'd say RW has covered it rather well.
Additionally, I'd simply add that your love of characters who challenge traditional conceptions in the Realms, is another area of expertise that has become almost wholly your own.
Your utilisation of extensive Realmslore, and the desire to make new and intriguing connections between the various peoples, places, etc., is something I've come to greatly appreciate in your works. And it's evident in practically everything you've written for the Realms.
As for an actual location in the Realms, well... I'd have to say whatever area is currently fortunate enough to receive attention in your work. You bring such a level of focus, knowledge, and creativity to what you're writing about, that I feel confident enough to say that your work demonstrates that you're entirely capable of making any and all places in the Realms, as "your area of expertise."
OMG, that song . . . so smart, so dead-on, it's scary.
Thanks for the suggestions. I need to get a copy of Undertow, I think . . .
quote:You had mentioned writing something about Neveren's Betrayal, will we have to wait for your next full-length novel to get the skinny on this goblin-sticker?
Ah--I seem to recall something like that. Well, we'll see.
Keep your eyes peeled (except not literally, because ouch!). And you know me--I will inevitably shamelessly mention it here.
quote:Originally posted by The Red Walker
Sober is the best song on it and has a lyric that suits Fox at Twilight's patron:
I am just a worthless liar. I am just an imbecile. I will only complicate you. Trust in me and fall as well. I will find a center in you. I will chew it up and leave, I will work to elevate you just enough to bring you down.
Indeed. And see, he could tell you that straight-out to your face, and it wouldn't make a lick of difference. (It certainly didn't in her case!)
I want to make something clear so that no one is expecting the wrong thing: the adventurer known as the Fox-at-Twilight (or Lady Ilira, as she passes these days) does not have a major role in my next novel, Shadowbane. She is mentioned, but don't expect her to appear--plenty to see, however, and I still highly recommend the book.
(I also said nothing about any old acquaintances of hers . . . or a certain sword . . .)
Now. As far as the subsequent novel, on the other hand, which I am working on as of today . . . Well, if you're a fan of our shadowdancing swashbuckler, you CANNOT MISS this one.
(And now, to get back to the writing, so that I don't let anyone down after the hype!)
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
OMG, that song . . . so smart, so dead-on, it's scary.
Thanks for the suggestions. I need to get a copy of Undertow, I think . . .
quote:You had mentioned writing something about Neveren's Betrayal, will we have to wait for your next full-length novel to get the skinny on this goblin-sticker?
Ah--I seem to recall something like that. Well, we'll see.
Keep your eyes peeled (except not literally, because ouch!). And you know me--I will inevitably shamelessly mention it here.
quote:Originally posted by The Red Walker
Sober is the best song on it and has a lyric that suits Fox at Twilight's patron:
I am just a worthless liar. I am just an imbecile. I will only complicate you. Trust in me and fall as well. I will find a center in you. I will chew it up and leave, I will work to elevate you just enough to bring you down.
Indeed. And see, he could tell you that straight-out to your face, and it wouldn't make a lick of difference. (It certainly didn't in her case!)
I want to make something clear so that no one is expecting the wrong thing: the adventurer known as the Fox-at-Twilight (or Lady Ilira, as she passes these days) does not have a major role in my next novel, Shadowbane. She is mentioned, but don't expect her to appear--plenty to see, however, and I still highly recommend the book.
(I also said nothing about any old acquaintances of hers . . . or a certain sword . . .)
Now. As far as the subsequent novel, on the other hand, which I am working on as of today . . . Well, if you're a fan of our shadowdancing swashbuckler, you CANNOT MISS this one.
(And now, to get back to the writing, so that I don't let anyone down after the hype!)
Cheers
Ok, ok enough already! My head hurts
Is the new novel the follow to upcoming Shadowbane...or is it something else?
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Love is a lie. Only hate endures. Light is blinding. Only in darkness do we see clearly.
"Oh, you think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was already a man, by then it was nothing to me but.. blinding. The shadows betray you because they belong to me." - Bane The Dark Knight Rises
I assumed, but was hoping you were launching another series
Funny you should mention that . . . well, can't say anything definitive just now. More later!
quote:And as long as they keep selling? Thanks for the pressure!
Hey, you're welcome.
There's only so much any of us can do--author, designer, reader, etc. It's a symbiotic relationship, and only by working together do we keep breathing life into that setting we all love.
Which is not, of course, to say that you should feel any pressure to buy my books and support me. But you should keep reading the Realms, because that helps authors such as myself keep trying to please you in a literary way.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Erik, any advice on how to break in with an entirely new setting? I love the Realms, but don't really have any stories for it (at least not ATM). But I'd LOVE to introduce folks to the world I've been using as my sandbox for several years now, if I could just get it out there.
Well what you really have to do is write the book, then publish it. As to *how* to do that . . . honestly, everyone's path to publication is different. I think for the most part, getting published is a crapshoot--you've got to keep trying until you get lucky. I can only give a few general guidelines that are helpful to keep in mind:
1) Be the writer: None of this fledgling/aspiring writer crap. If you write, you ARE a writer--it's just a matter of how many publishing credits you have, and you're in the business of getting more. It's obvious why you're a writer: you write because you can, because you like to, and because you HAVE to. If those three reasons aren't there for you, then you're in the wrong business, because writing will break your heart a thousand ways to Sunday. You've got to keep trying, keep believing in yourself, and keep working at it. Because eventually you'll figure it out.
2) Be irresistible: Be a nice, respectful person. Socialize and interact with people. Go on panels. Publish lots of short stories. GET KNOWN. Your writing talent carries you a certain distance, but your facility with communication and with socializing carries you farther. Be respectful to agents, and follow their guidelines to the letter.
3) Be unstoppable: You will run into a lot of rejection, and a lot of just "ignored" results. Push past that urge to give up. Follow your instincts. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because you then get the chance to learn from them. Think unstoppable juggernaut: Keep pushing. Keep writing. Keep going.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Well, I've got the first part down- I write because I can't NOT write. I guess what I'm really asking is how I would break in with a D&D related setting specifically. Any advice based on how you did it? Did you already have something out when you first got into FR? And did you approach WotC first, or did they come to you? Things like this are what I'm interested in. I have several tales already in various stages of progress- one about two-thirds, one nearly finished, and three more started- so how would someone get into that market specifically?
Also, would you recommend using an agent? Why or why not?
Incidentally, I've looked into self-publishing, and it doesn't seem cost-effective for someone just starting who doesn't have the income to spare on expensive packages. How would you recommend submitting something to WotC or Paizo?
I have no particular tricks as to how you would go about breaking into WotC. I did it through a blind submission and through the Maiden of Pain open call back in 2003 (or whatever year that was)--I don't think WotC is actively looking for new authors, but you never know.
Basically what I sent to them was a 10 page sample and a cover letter, though they want something more than that these days.
As for an agent . . . an agent can open lots of doors for you, but one can be hard to acquire. Myself, I just signed an agent this last year, and I sold my first novel in 2003. That was through WotC, however, which didn't require an agent. It's probably a better bet than navigating the various slush piles at publishing houses.
Here's my suggestion: pick whichever of those novel works in progress you like the best--the one that's most true to who you are as a writer--and finish it. Then get yourself a copy of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market 2011 (or 2012, if it's out yet) and start picking out agents and publishers to submit to. Formulate a really killer cover letter (here's a good guide from my own agent, Andy Zack: http://www.zackcompany.com/images/stories/theperfectpitch.pdf). Try both agents and publishers. And good luck!
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
The cover art for my next FR novel is up, as is a product description and some notes from me about where the novel falls in the cosmology of FR, as well as some of my influences going into it.
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 11 Apr 2011 21:08:26
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
Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Someday this site will join the rest of the 21st century.
that will happen when Candlekeep sees the liught of Amuanator and shines in his light. then Ogmha will smile and grant his blessings tp the site.
and then those who commits viles acts will hide in fear as Shadowbane takes his place as the patron of vigilantes.
btw ERik, have any FR plans after shadowbane??
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
Questions for Erik Scott de Bie
Posted - 21 Mar 2011 : 20:47:27
