Greetings Everyone,

It's that time again. Another five questions for the Ask Terry bin arrived yesterday, so I am going right to work on them. Your Web Druid doesn't like it if I'm not kept busy, you know. Anyway, got a look at the cover art for the new Magic Kingdom omnibus editions today and I think you are going to like them a lot. The packaging sure looks more up-to-date than the old covers. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished editions later this year. Not to mention A Princess of Landover.

But meanwhile...

Trevor Van Timmeren writes: Hey Terry! I love your books and really have little to complain about with any of them. The only thing I guess I could wish for is that you'd put more maps in your books. I love to be able to see where people are going and traveling. Any chance that can happen with the coming books? Thanks!

Terry Brooks replies: More maps would be cool, but then someone has to draw them. Guess who? At least for the initial map, it's all up to me. But I don't think there are any more maps that would serve a good purpose. All of the crucial information is contained in the existing maps. But when a fresh need arises, a new map will be drawn. Hence, when the new Magic Kingdom book is published, there will be a newer, more complete map at the front of the book.

Thomas Stringer writes: If you had a chance to meet J.R.R. Tolkien what would you ask him?

Terry Brooks replies: I would ask him if he thought at the time he was alive that his work would have such a vast impact on readers. I would ask him what he thinks about the Peter Jackson movies. I would ask him if he would sign my copies of The Lord of the Rings.

Marie Parsons writes: I just finished The Gypsy Morph—which I was eagerly anticipating for the longest time after finishing The Elves of Cintra, thank you tons!— and was wondering if the upcoming Genesis of Shannara duology will continue the "foundation" of the Four Lands, Paranor, etc, from the time of Hawk and Logan Tom closer to Bremen? I certainly hope so.

Terry Brooks replies: The Genesis of Shannara series is slated to run somewhere in the range of eight to ten books. Only three are done. I am at work on numbers four and five, which will probably publish in late August of 2010 and 2011. This set of two is a connected story line set hundreds of years after The Gypsy Morph and featuring new characters. After that, I probably won't write the next set for several years. I am thinking of doing something entirely new and of going back to a set of books that takes place at the close of High Druid of Shannara.

Sean Murray writes: I just finished reading Straken and wondered if you could tell me if somehow Grianne could have gotten Cinnominson out of the Tanequil's roots without trading herself what would she do with her life? Would she help train the new Ard Rhys or would she live her life out in exile?

Terry Brooks replies: I don't think so, Sean. If she could have, she would have. The whole point of Grianne's reformed life has to do with sacrifice. In the ultimate sacrifice, she gives up her own life to give Cinnaminson back hers. But she's ready for that; she's had enough of the world and its struggles, and she wants the peace offered by accepting the exchange. As for what's to come, you'll have to wait and see. Likely, there will be a new Ard Rhys and new Druids when we return.

Derek Reyes writes: As an avid reader of your novels I find myself making mental notes about events that occur throughout the story. Approaching with all due respect, what was to keep stray demons and/or feeders from wandering into the valley before Hawk sealed it?

Terry Brooks replies: Nothing. Hmmm. What do you think that means for the next set of books? Do we have a fresh plot point here, readers? Tell the Web Druid what you think about this. Maybe Derek is on to something.

Okay, that's it for this session. Sort of short answers this time, but there wasn't a need for a lot of expounding. Thanks for being a part of this session and the entire Ask Terry enterprise. I'll be looking forward to next month's edition and to a few hints that Spring might actually get here soon.

Take care and read, read, read!

Dear Readers,

Time for another edition of Ask Terry. As if Terry knew anything worth asking, I always think to myself. Anyway, I am just back from time spent touring the ruins of ancient cities, castles and fortresses in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, all of which fueled fresh ideas for new settings, stories and characters in books yet to be written — hopefully. Believe it or not, I am already looking ahead to the books I think I will write over the next five years.

I also attended the Emirates Air Festival of Literature (hope I got that right) in Dubai, a place I never thought I would go, but was glad I did. There were maybe fifty authors from all over the world (not more than half-a-dozen from the US, if I counted right) and the mix was exciting. It was a terrific experience with readers from all over, though most were from Dubai, a country where almost everyone speaks English, and communication and interest were never problems.

So, with that out of the way, let's get to it:

Anonymous writes: Greetings Terry. I am a beginner writer, and I have been working on a fantasy book for two years. During the process of writing, I love what I have written, then when I come back several weeks later to read through what I've written, I want to add things in, and change it up a bit. I usually end up adding new vocabulary, and rewriting whole scenes. So, here is my question. Since I am so picky, would it be better to trust what I've already written, and move ahead, or should I keep rewriting to where I'm satisfied?

Terry Brooks replies: I think there is a danger in going back over the same ground too often in an attempt to get everything right. Using my own experience as a guide, I find that it works best to write a chapter, give it a once-over, and move on without going back. Momentum is important in finishing what you start, and so I leave a thorough edit and rewrite for the very end of things, when the book is complete and I can work on a cohesive whole. But every writer has to find their own path; you will, too. Still, you might try my way in an effort to get through the initial writing of your story.

Collin Winks writes: I was wondering if you will ever write more about Cogline's life, or if we have seen all that we will of him?

Terry Brooks replies: Honestly, Collin, I don't know. I don't have anything planned at the moment, and because I have so many other irons in the fire, I don't know that I will get back to Cogline any time soon. I have books planned for the Genesis series and for a series that comes after the conclusion of High Druid. I have a new series planned, as well. If I can successfully clone myself, I might try something more. At present, that doesn't look likely.

Julian Barr writes: Hi Terry. Just a quick question: What are your personal feelings about fan fiction?

Terry Brooks replies: Well, I understand the lure of fan fiction. Readers who love the books of a writer want to see more than what a writer can produce and want to be part of the mix. So if someone wants to try their hand at copying writer and taking the story in a direction that appeals to them, I don't think that hurts. Unless, of course, they try to sell it or use it in a way to makes them a profit, in which case they will hear from the publisher's attorney's pretty quickly. I always thought that it meant more to write something that belonged to you and you alone. That's just the selfish part of me talking, of course. Doesn't play well with others, all the report cards said. Not much has changed.

George Lymperopoulos writes: First off let me say I met you at the NY Comic Con last year and it was a thrill. You were really kind, and very generous with your time. Now on to my question. It has been years since I have read the Magic Kingdom books, and to be honest, I am not the type of person to re read books. Will we be able to pick up the new books and remember everything, or is there somewhere we can go to help bring it all back and refresh our memories? Any help will be greatly appreciated and can't wait for the new book.

Terry Brooks replies: Good question, George, and for several reasons. Once you've got a few books under your belt in a series, one of the considerations at the start of every new book is how much old ground do you cover to bring readers up to speed. You need to let them know what's gone before, but how much do you need to let them know? Some of this I've solved in Shannara by writing generational histories so that a reader doesn't need to know much more than what's happening in the books of the current generation to get into the story. Landover is different because it is a true series with each book featuring the same characters and each story following closely on the heels of the one that came right before.

I've changed that a bit with A Princess of Landover. The featured character in this story is Mistaya Holiday, who is the only child of Ben and Willow. She was just born at the end of Tangle Box and was only 10 or 11 in Witches' Brew. Now she is a teen, and this is her story. So not so much background on the previous books was needed, save the last. A reader coming into this new book will not need to have read or to re-read the earlier books to get right into the story. Memories will be refreshed pretty quickly, I think. Of course, I am hoping that lots of readers will want to go back and read the earlier books, but I want lots of stuff I can't necessarily have.

Josh Melton writes: Hi Terry, I've read all your books and think you're the best author I've ever read. In your Genesis series we discover that the world has been destroyed thanks to the carelessness of man and his wanton use of technology, and that his salvation lies in the magic of the Gypsy Morph. I was wondering if the technology we see man using somewhat in the Voyage series, and definitely in the High Druid series, the crystal-powered air ships and weapons, will have the same effect on the Four Lands as it did on our own world.

Terry Brooks replies: I wonder this, too. Seems altogether possible that it might, doesn't it? This next series is one of two in the works, and some of what will be written covers the ongoing dilemma that the Druids face knowing that magic and a resurgent technology are on a collision course. I'm not sure myself how this is going to play out, but we know it will mirror some parts of what we have already seen at the beginning of the Genesis series. History repeats itself, the old saying goes, and those who ignore its lessons do so at their peril. Watch out.

So there you have it for another month. A quick word about book touring in the fall. I am not going to England this year after all, which means I will definitely be on the road for a few weeks in early September. We are still discussing which cities to visit, and as soon as we have that worked out and have contacted bookstores, we will post the tour details. Looking forward to seeing many of you then and hearing how you like the new Magic Kingdom book.

Meanwhile, read lots, be kind to others and remember that there really is magic in the world.

All my best!

Hi Everyone,

Spring is here, even in Seattle where it was still snowing early in April. What a rotten winter! Doesn't sound like it was much good anywhere, although I guess people in the southwest didn't suffer too badly. Water is an issue for them, of course, so we may hear more about their situation this summer.

Anyway, back from my journey to the Middle East, where Judine and I visited the Emirates, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. I will write all about why and what in another piece, hopefully accompanying this months Ask Terry:

Ryan Baca writes: Can you please tell us what your plans for Grianne Ohmsford are? Will we see her soon?

Terry Brooks replies: I could tell you Ryan, but I won't. Ah, ha, ha, ha!!! (Maniacal laughter). Okay, got it under control again. What can I tell you about this that won't give too much away—that is the question. I am in the middle of a two book set, the next installment in the Genesis of Shannara series. When that is done, I intend to do one of two things—write the first book in a new series or write the next installment in the Shannara series following High Druid. Which would necessarily involve Grianne. But I haven't fully decided about this yet and probably won't until sometime next year. I have to see how I feel. I have to see which challenge is the most interesting when I am getting ready to write again.

I should warn you not to get too fixated on Grianne. Last I knew, she was little more than an air spirit out in the wilderness somewhere. Might not be much of a story in that. But she was High Druid, wasn't she? Hmmmm.

Thom Taylor writes: I am greatly anticipating the Shannara series being made into movies. There seems to be some speculation about what accents the different races should have in the movies. What accents do you imagine the different races have?

Terry Brooks replies: I don't think about this a whole lot, Thom. At least from a book point of view, which is all I can really influence. The movie people will do what they want, I expect. Right at the moment, I am writing a book in which we have main characters who are Trolls, and for the first time we hear them speak in the language of Men. How do you think that should go? Because I am struggling with it. Anyway, that's as much in the way of accent issues as I can handle. Should a movie actually get made (one wonders) I will put in my two cents with the studio and director, if either will listen.

Sean Thiesfeld writes: I grew up reading your work and have always admired your writing style. I aspire to be an author myself and have written a few short stories and am currently working on my first novel. I was wondering if you could go into a little detail about what it was like for you to write your first novel. How you felt, how much time it took you to complete it, if you ever envisioned yourself becoming as popular as you are, and just your process for laying out the story.

Terry Brooks replies: Let me start by suggesting you read my book Sometimes The Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life, which covers all this in greater detail than I can manage here. But I will give you the Reader's Digest version as a starter. I wrote Sword as a challenge to myself and because law school was driving me crazy and I thought writing a fantasy might help keep me sane. It took me six years, working on and off, to finish the book. Mostly, I was just trying to get the story down on paper and make it sound interesting. I didn't really know what I was doing technically. Not then. Now, I have a better handle on the matter. But just starting out, you are mostly learning your craft and seeing what you can do. I wasn't particularly well organized, and I rewrote the first half of the book several times, once completely. I worked nights and weekends and whenever I could fit it into my schedule. I had one goal—get it to someone who would publish it. I didn't have any expectations beyond that. Fantasy wasn't hugely popular back then, and I didn't know enough about the business to have expectations that made any sense. I just wanted to see if I could do it.

Later, you do have expectations of yourself, but that's another story for another time.

Robert Wellington writes: I'm reading The Sword of Shannara for the hundreth time. In the book, Allanon takes the company through the Hall of Kings and explains that it was built by a forgotten race to bury all the monarchs of the Four Lands. I was wondering in your upcoming Genesis series will we find out more about the Hall of Kings and who built it? Thank you!

Terry Brooks replies: I will try to remember to cover that. It is not a part of what I am writing now, but belongs in the second half of the series. Which means somewhere down the road. But thanks for reminding me. I had forgotten about that missing link in the Four Lands history.

Josh Wise writes: During the past year, you've hinted at the possibility of writing something entirely new. As always, you regale us with tidbits, enticing us with scintillating morsels until we're drawn out to ask: What will you be working on?

Terry Brooks replies: Well, here's the thing, Josh. Some writers (me, for instance) do not like talking about something they haven't written yet or even outlined yet because talking about it seems to leach away some of its magic. I have the shape of the thing, and it is different than anything I have written before. This does not mean it isn't a fantasy, because it is. But a different sort of fantasy for me in the way that Word & Void was different from Shannara and Magic Kingdom. So you will have to be patient on this and give me some time to finish working it out and getting started on the writing. Then I will be willing to talk about it some more.

So on that note, it's back to the old drawing board. Or rather, the old keyboard. I am about two-thirds of the way through the book for next year and want to finish it sometime this summer. I will be talking about and reading from that one this fall, when I am on tour with the new Magic Kingdom book. Hope to see many of you then. I will be on the road for about two weeks, and will try to get to as many cities as possible.

Okay, now to write that piece for the website on traveling the Middle East and generating new ideas.

Take care!

Greetings Everyone,

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying Spring. It has arrived in the Pacific NW in its usual fashion — lots of rain mixed with sun, lots of cool days and nights mixed with warm. You never know. What I do know is that it is time for another Ask Terry session. Do these things breed or what?

So, to work:

Anonymous writes: What do you do if the publisher or editor shows lack of interest in your manuscript?

Terry Brooks replies: I send Guido around to make them an offer they can't refuse. What do you think? Actually, I haven't had that problem since book two almost thirty years ago when Lester del Rey turned down my offering and told me to start over. You can read about it in Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life, if you want more on this. Since then, I've been living a charmed life. What usually happens is that my editor will suggest ways in which I could make the work stronger or improve the presentation or something of that sort. I get helpful suggestions every time out, which I am not ashamed to say I definitely need. But no one has shown a lack of interest and told me about it.

Anonymous writes: Have you ever thought of writing a book in first person?

Terry Brooks replies: Who is this anonymous person anyway? Is that a pseudonym? Okay, I'll try to get serious, 'try' being the operative word. Sure, I've thought about it. But in series, you don't change horses in mid-stream. So since all the previous books are in third person, it might be jarring to suddenly have one in first. On the other hand, I am thinking about a couple of new books unrelated to anything I've done before. For one or both of those, I might go to first person. It depends on a lot — too much to go into here. You have to consider the limitations of first person balanced against the closeness a reader feels to that form of narrative, just to begin with. It goes on from there.

Anonymous writes: I recently lost a flash drive with copies of my work in progress. The flash drive was password protected so I should be OK. I am thinking of copyrighting my work to protect it just in case someone either breaks into the flash drive and finds them or if someone steals my PC and finds them. I realize this might be a bit paranoid, but I have high hopes for my work. When should a book being written be copyrighted?

Terry Brooks replies: Normally writers don't copyright their own work until it is accepted for publication and then the publisher does it for them in the author's name. The reason for this is copying or stealing from unpublished work is rare. Mostly it happens from published work and takes the form of plagiarism. If you have copies of your work and have dated and defined them, I think you can prove the work is your own just from that, should someone try to steal it. Even now, I don't bother with copyright until I turn in a finished manuscript. But if you are worried and want to do this, you can copyright your work on your own. There are forms you can obtain from the government and fill out and submit. Or you can ask the help of a copyright lawyer.

Chris Crowder writes: I remember the happy surprise when The Scions of Shannara was first published. I'm curious whether, at the end of writing The Wishsong of Shannara and beginning the first Landover novel, what your thoughts were about ever returning to Shannara at that point? Was the return to Shannara in The Scions of Shannara something you definitely intended or an idea that grew on you later? Or did an editor give you a nudge towards returning to it, or...?

Terry Brooks replies: Thinking back. Way back. After Wishsong, I was fed up with Shannara and went off to Landover. Four years later, I was back with Scions. I did not leave Wishsong with a definite idea of where the next book was going. Even the time period was up in the air. About all I knew was that Allanon had bestowed the blood trust on Brin, so her heirs would be Druids. Also, that a new era would define what the story would be for the next set of books and it would be the same as the one we left. That's pretty much what happens most of the time now. I leave one set knowing something about what the next will be and then map it out when I am ready to write. With Scions there was more uncertainty than with the other sets that followed. But I think when I go back after High Druid, there will be some hard questions I will have to ask myself about where the series is going.

Seth Harkins writes: I was wondering, with the releases of the new omnibuses, all of which I bought, have read through, and enjoy thoroughly (especially their cover art—beautiful in my opinion), will we be seeing a re-release of a hardcover version of First King?

Terry Brooks replies: There are no plans for a new hardcover edition of First King at this point. Maybe when I get there with the Genesis of Shannara series, an omnibus edition will include that book, too. We'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for your questions, readers and fans. I'll be looking forward to the same in May. Wait, it is May. Shawn must be holding them captive or something. Sort of like the weather out here seems to be hold the sun captive. See you when things improve.

Best wishes to all,