June ASK TERRY Posted

Vincenzo Verduci writes: Can a Mwellret ride a horse?

Terry Brooks replies: No. Horses won’t tolerate scaly creatures resembling crocks. Nor would the Mwellrets find such travel comfortable. They travel by foot or in coaches.

Allan Duncan writes: Does your wife enjoy the fantasy genre? Obviously she supports your work but would she read it otherwise? I was recently married and although my wife and I have many similar tastes, our reading preferences are quite different. I’m actually very excited about the television series because now she’ll be able to experience Shannara. You’ve been married a long time: any advice on maintaining a long and happy marriage?

Terry Brooks replies: Oh, man! Now I’ve witnessed it all. I am a source for maintaining a long and happy marriage, am I? So we are pretty much discounting the first two marriages and practice and focusing on the current 27 year union as the finished product. Okay. Laugh a lot. Can’t tell you how important that is. Share your experiences by being together when they happen, as much as possible. Be kind. Be willing to step back once in a while. Never be afraid to say “I’m sorry.”

Jeez. Judine reads some fantasy, but not a lot. She reads in other areas entirely for the most part. Because she is my first reader and editor, she has read all my books. I think that has pretty much spoiled her for any other fantasy books. That’s what I tell myself, but then I do live in a fantasy world. She reads mostly what I recommend and now and then something she picks up in the bookstore that catches her attention. Adult and YA both.

Paul Morris writes: Hey Terry! Love your work. My Question is about Landover. Can only kings rule and use the Paladin? Seeing that Ben has a female heir, could Misty use the Paladin?

Terry Brooks replies: We will have to wait and see, won’t we? Problem is, I hadn’t planned on Ben dying or Mistaya becoming Queen. Let’s just assume that she can command the Paladin. Although, since the Paladin is essentially a personification of the ruler summoning it, we will have to assume it would have a distinctly female bent – whatever that means.

Steve Pierce writes: Have you ever considered writing about the previous bearers of the black staffs prior to John Ross – set in 19th centrury or middle ages?

Terry Brooks replies: I think I will leave that for someone to consider after I am dead and gone. I have all I can handle with finishing the Shannara series in the next five years and then tackling the rest of the pre-history. Anything else would probably put me in an early grave.

Chris Dixon writes: Just one question: You already indicated we will see more of Grianne. I trust the new storyline will make amends to Tesla? Her family are really getting the short straw from the Ohmsford family!

Terry Brooks replies: Has it not been ever thus with families? You are correct, of course. In fact, I haven’t considered the details of the stories I will be writing to end the series, but now that you have reminded me, I will keep Tesla in mind. No promises, of course. They’re pretty worthless anyway when I make them.