November ASK TERRY Posted

Sarah Beck writes: Hi Terry, do you think that Magic Kingdom will eventually be made into a film/series? Many thanks!

Terry Brooks replies: Well, it better be filmed after all the time and effort I’ve put into trying to make it happen. Also, Warner Brothers and Steve Carell have given it time and effort, as well. We all want the same thing. The problem is finding a writer who doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel. That had been an ongoing problem, but I am hopeful that this is the year we finally find that elusive writer and he does the job we have all been waiting for. You will hear any good news on this as soon as I do.

Richard Perkins writes: How does Terry determine how many years / generations (of the characters) pass between each Shannara story?

Terry Brooks replies: The length of the gap between stories is pretty much determined by the nature of the story itself. I look at what the story is about and where it is going and how long the journey will be from beginning to end and that tells me to some extent where I need to place it in the larger grouping. A further consideration is what I decide needs to come next. It does take some thought, and I don’t always get it right the first time through. Time and space issues are a constant source of trouble for me, so I always end up spending more time on that aspect of the storytelling process than I expect.

Stan Johnson writes: When is the expected release date on MTV for Shannara?

Terry Brooks replies: Stan, I honestly don’t know. This is something MTV is keeping to itself, if even they know. I am guessing they would like to place it in this Fall’s lineup, but they are probably waiting to see how filming will go before they release a fixed date for airing. Lots of things can change expectations on when airing is possible, and you don’t want to go telling your audience a show will appear on one date and have to come back later and say there will be a change. I can tell you filming of the first season of the series begins next month. Everything I see in the scripts and cast and concept art tells me the show will be a success. More when I know more for sure.

Kendra Atchley writes: I’d like to know which scene from The Elfstones of Shannara is Terry most looking forward to seeing on TV?

Terry Brooks replies: Boy, that’s a tough one, Kendra. There are so many to choose from. I kind of think maybe the first appearance of Arborlon will be pretty special. Also the first appearance of the Dagda Mor out in the wilderness of the Breakline. But, oddly, I think the opening scene might turn out to be pretty special, too. It was conceived by writers Al Gough and Miles Millar, and it wasn’t in the book. But it works well in the TV show, and it is a terrific introduction of the character around whom the entire story centers.

Julian Barr writes: With the Shannara TV series, do you retain any creative control over the merchandising? Will we be getting statues, toys, etc.

Terry Brooks replies: This isn’t something in which I am directly involved, for the most part. I imagine much of this sort of merchandising will take place once the show is determined to be a success, but it is a little early in the process to be thinking about it too much. Some vendors have been in touch with me, but I refer all that to MTV, which controls the rights. If I wanted to do something, I imagine some attention would be paid to what I asked for, but you have to remember who I am. Mostly, I want people to read the books. Mostly, I want them to take the series as an reason to look at the entire canon, and read all 25 or whatever. That much, I do control. So look for the special editions of the books from Word & Void, coming soon from Cemetery Dance Press in a limited release.