October Ask Terry Posted

David C. writes: Allanon is what I envision a druid should be based on your past writtings. Kind of mysterious, quiet, to the point in a way a druid should probably be and very powerful. However I have noticed in your last series that the Druid Order is much more relaxed with a lot of personality and a lot more non-druid characteristics. Can you expand on this a bit if possible?

Terry Brooks replies: I will try to do so without boring everyone. Allanon is the exception. If you think of how the world we live in is divided up with personalities, we don’t have so many of the Allanon variety as the Walker Boh variety. Also, once you’ve done Allanon, you want to take a look at a different kind of Druid. That is what I have attempted to do in each of the series I have writen. This is not to say I won’t get back to another Allanon type. But for now – and I agree with you – he is the prototype.

Sean Reno writes: I only have one question: How do I audition for the TV series?! I would do anything to get a shot at a role, even in the background! I understand the ridiculousness of the question, but hey, you’ve gotta try, right?

Terry Brooks replies: When I know, you will know. No one has called me to offer a part, either. At some point I will know more about all of this, but just now we are in the infancy stage of things. We still have to finish much of the writing and complete all the reference sources (the bible) that the writers and MTV will use to keep things on track. You know, my kids ask me this same question over and over. I just point them towards the door.

Devin Reed writes: You said that you are getting burned out on the Shannara series and want to do something else. Do you have something concrete in mind? Is it another fantasy series, or something completely different?

Terry Brooks replies: I will write and publish the conclusion to the Shannara series over the next 3-5 years. Meanwhile, I am working on a number of different stories. They are not fantasy in the way the Shannara stories were, but they are futuristic and supernatural in the way of Running With The Demon. I am playing around a bit. But I have three at least that I will write soon. I will also, at some point, tackle a new fantasy, but I need a break.

Fernando Zepeda writes: I will be getting a tattoo to pay tribute and homage to you. It’s a way for me to say thank you. You can’t talk me out of it! Therefore, what character(s), scene, symbol, etc. would you like to see on one of your fans?

Terry Brooks replies: Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT, tattoo my face on your butt. I mean it. If you want a real suggestion, try the iconic S image on all the books which represents the series Shannara. See how that looks when it is drawn out. I won’t try to talk you out of it, but I will suggest you think carefully about where you put it.

Emerich Hamilton writes: I was wondering, since Redden used the Red Elfstones does that mean his descendant will gain more magic?

Terry Brooks replies: Please be patient until this summer, when book two of the new Shannara cycle, The Darkling Child, appears. Your question will be answered.