October Ask Terry Posted

Anonymous writes: Is The Elfstones of Shannara still on track to become a motion series for a television show?

Terry Brooks replies: It is. We are in the process of ferreting out a writer who is up to the task. This takes time, typically several months. But we intend to stay the course until we find the right one. More on this when we know more. Elves Rule!!

Mitchell Hanan writes: Hi Terry- long time fan here. I absolutely love all of your books, but I feel I need to (kindly) call you out on something. How long will the Ohmsfords really be able to retain their idyllic country lifestyle? I would have thought that with an Ohmsford on every quest since the Warlock Lord and having saved the Four Lands countless times, they would be well known and worshipped by all! Isn’t the family legacy past the point of having mothers who shy away from the wishsong and want their boys to stay away from great quests? Wouldn’t an Ohmsford child really be tempted to use his or her legacy as a celebrity status?

Terry Brooks replies: Good point. But listen. Remember that there are large gaps of time between these stories and the lives of particular Ohmsfords. So it doesn’t necessarily follow that people living hundreds of years in the future would know about what a handful had done. Further, the magic skips generations and disappears entirely. Further, many Southlanders consider magic users dangerous and troublesome, in spite of what they have accomplished. Also, let me just say “Ilse Witch” when it comes to Ohsmford reputations tarnished and reviled.

That said, I agree it is time for a change. Hence, keep your eyes open for new developments in the three stand-alones I am working on. I intend to take those new Ohmsfords in some different directions, ones that I think will square with what you are asking for.

Anders Ohman writes: As far as I know there will be another set of Elfstones in Wards of Faerie, I haven’t read it yet, but I read on the Shannara Wiki that there is supposed to be five sets of Elfstones. Have you always planned for there to be a specific number, and if so, what their powers are?

Terry Brooks replies: Ah, you ask, but I decline to answer. You must read the books to find out about the missing Elfstones. Otherwise, why have I spent three years writing about them? I will say that you are right about there being five sets total, one of which is the Blue Elfstones, and you will find out more about them in the books. No, I did not have plans for any of this until I decided to write the Dark Legacy books. Then I had to come up with something. Watch out about speculation. Nothing is as it seems.

David Olson writes: Will you tell the fate of the last Staff of the Word, born by Panterra?

Terry Brooks replies: I will. But that book is down the road a piece just at the moment. I would say we are at least 3 or 4 years away from seeing it in print. I am consumed with writing the current triology, now written, and the 3 stand-alones that follow it.

Kevin Mcdermott writes: Will the Sword of Leah make an appearance in the new Shannara trilogy? Mirai is getting kind of ripped off not having use of magic like her ancestors did.

Terry Brooks replies: Mirai has sufficient abilities and skills to handle things without the use of magic. The Sword of Leah will reappear in the book immediately following the last of the current trilogy, somewhere in 2014. That book will feature a scion of Leah who will carry it in special service to the Druids.