Because of the volume of e-mail I receive--thank you, readers!--I'm unable to answer every letter, especially when many of the questions replicate one another. So here is a list of the questions most often asked, and my replies.
Q: Is it all right for me to write about your characters and/or worlds, design a game using your characters and universes, or use any of your fantasy language in my works? A: This is a very complex issue. Please click HERE for information regarding this question. Q: I want to get published, too. Could you read my ideas, outlines, and/or manuscript and tell me what you think? A: This also is such a tough question. Please click HERE for a detailed explanation. Q: Have you ever thought about having your books made into movies? A: Frequently. The problem is, this is not up to the author, the author's agent, or the author's publisher. It's strictly up to the screenwriters, producers, directors, and actors in Hollywood. Authors are completely powerless when it comes to filming our books. Q: I don't have time to write a novel, but I have wonderful ideas. How about if I give you my idea, you write the book, and we split the royalties? A: I'm sorry, but authors have so many wonderful ideas of their own--and never enough time to write them all--that this kind of partnership just wouldn't be feasible. Q: How do I get published? A: This is a subject about which entire books are written and classes are taught. I can't truly anwer it in e-mail. But I'm happy to provide titles to several excellent How-To books that will answer most if not all of your questions. You may purchase them, or check them out of the library. Keep in mind there are others available, too. WRITER'S MARKET (published annually in the Fall) HOW TO GET HAPPILY PUBLISHED, Judith Appelbaum and Nancy Evans BEYOND THE BESTSELLER, Richard Curtis THE CAREER NOVELIST, Donald Maas WRITING TO SELL, Scott Meredith Q: Will you do an online interview for my school assignment? A: This is another tough one. Click HERE for a detailed answer. Q: How can I find hardcover copies of all your books? A: Unfortunately, you can't. The only fantasy novels of mine that are available in hardcover are the last two volumes in the Sword-Dancer saga, Sword-Born and Sword-Sworn. Up until these two were published, all of my books first appeared in paperback. When a book has debuted in paperback, it's not cost-effective for a publisher to then publish the book in hardcover. Q: The bookstore says this book is out of print. How do I find it? A: Publishers often decide a book or series has had its chance in the marketplace and won't really earn much more, which means it's too expensive to keep reprinting it. So the book or series is labeled OP, or OOP. This means once bookstores are sold out, they cannot reorder the book. The best way of tracking down copies of OP books is to try online, through used bookstores (especially those specializing in f/sf), and libraries. Q: Do you plan to write any more Cheysuli novels? A: Yes, three of them. They will fit into the existing timeline of the orginal series. There are no publication dates for them yet; first I must finish the first two novels in the Karavans series, a new fantasy universe. Q: I'm missing a couple of the Cheysuli books. How do I find them? A: Some of the original Cheysuli titles are OP and won't be reprinted as individual volumes. But you can get all eight of them in the four 2-book omnibus editions. Since I will be writing three new Cheysuli novels (they'll debut in hardcover), I'm sure DAW Books will keep the omnibus editions available. Q: Do you plan to write any more Sword-Dancer books? A: I can't rule it out entirely--never say no!--but it's unlikely. It's possible that I may write a couple of books about Tiger's and Del's children, with T&D making cameo appearances, but that depends on time and book contracts already in place. Q: Will you write more historical novels? A: Yes. Currently I'm under contract for a slew of fantasy novels, but I definitely will return to the historical genre at some point. Q: I've read all your books! What's next? A: Are you really, truly sure you've read all of them? Even the historicals, the western, the romantic suspense, and the historical romance? You may want to check out my NOVELS link in the index page for a listing of everything I've written. Q: Will you do any more collaborations? A: This is a definite possibility. I really enjoyed working with Melanie Rawn and Kate Elliott on The Golden Key, and would love to repeat the experience with another collaborator. I have an idea, and have discussed collaborating with Michelle Sagara West, whose work I love; the problem is getting our busy schedules to coincide! Q: Is it true you wrote a novel based on the Highlander television series? A: Yes. I was a huge fan of the series when it was on TV, and when I heard Warner was going to publish original novels set in the Highlander universe, I asked if I could write one. Hence, HIGHLANDER: Scotland the Brave, called a "media tie-in book," came into being. For additional information, check out the OTHER NOVELS link on my index page. Q: Will you write any more media tie-in books? A: If I like a TV series well enough, I am certainly willing to write a book in the media universe. It depends on how my schedule looks, and right now I have bunches o' books to write in my own universes. Q: What's this I hear about you having lots of dogs? A: My "other life" is dedicated to breeding, training, and showing dogs in conformation and agility. I specialize in Cardigan Welsh Corgis (the Corgi with the tail!), and am very active in the national breed club and my local kennel club. If you're interested in seeing photos of the gang, click HERE. Q: Will you be appearing at any signings or conventions? A: The last couple of years I haven't done as many signings or convention appearances for a variety of reasons. However, once the first Karavans novel appears I do hope to do some signings. In 2004 I'll definitely attend the World Science Fiction Convention, WesterCon, the World Fantasy Convention, and probably some smaller cons as well. Thanks again for all the letters!
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