December ASK TERRY Posted

Philo Vinson Carter III writes: Are any characters from the Defenders of Shannara series going to carry over to the final Shannara trilogy that follows thereafter?

Terry Brooks replies: Highly unlikely, since that set of books will probably take place several hundred years later. I am still considering this time/space aspect of the final three. Maybe a Druid or two might still be around, but i am leaning towards an entirely fresh cast. This does not mean, however, that I won’t be using a descendent or two of characters from Defenders.

Ron Eldridge writes: What will be one major difference between the Elfstones book vs TV show? Are you taking this opportunity to rewrite some parts that you wish you had done differently (like Robert Kirkman did with the Walking Dead TV show)?

Terry Brooks replies: The visuals will lend an astonishing new perspective to your imagining of the story – hopefully in a good way. Also, the writers are fleshing out and adding new material to the book, so that we have some new characters and some new plot lines for the series. This will be a change – again – from the book, but I think we all have to remember that a change of medium requires an understanding that each new effort is an adaptation of the old, not a paint by the numbers. I am way cool with the changes, and I find it interesting to imagine how I would have incorporated them in the book, had I thought to do so. But I think once you’ve done something, you should leave it alone. This is a different imagining, but one that I have kept watch over while it is being developed and which I very much approve.

Mike Evans writes: Kind of a dark question, and I am in no way trying to rush things, but does Mr Brooks have notes from unused storylines and/or plans for the World of Shannara after he is gone, perhaps along the lines of Tolkien’s Lost Tales or Robert Jordan’s WoT series?

Terry Brooks replies: Wait. What do you mean, Mike? “After he is gone?” Gone where? Oh, wait. No, I’m not going anywhere. I plan to live forever! Didn’t I say as much to everyone a while back? I’m sure I did. But let’s just say there really ought to be a Plan B. So with that in mind, no, there are no notes or unused story lines written down. I don’t think. But here’s guessing someone will find some and new books will appear. That’s the way these things go. So be prepared.

Sam Thieler writes: Is there any chance of us seeing a Knight of the Word in recent story lines. Meaning as recent in the line as he’s been so far.

Terry Brooks replies: Well, I’m not entirely sure I understand your question, but here’s my best attempt at an answer. All of the Knights of the Word died out in the aftermath of the Great Wars. In Bearers of the Black Staff and The Measure of the Magic we saw descendants of those knights, but no actual knights. So unless I write a short story or a fresh tale for Word and Void, there will only be Druids further down the road. One era gives way to another, even though the magic and talismans of magic survive.

Amberle Elessedil writes: Do you know who is doing the special effects for the TV show? Since you are filming in New Zealand, will it be WETA (the people who did the CGI for Lord of the Rings)?

Terry Brooks replies: Well, this is just scary. I’m not sure how to respond to one of my own characters. Usually, they don’t ask questions. They just do what I tell them. But I am guessing you are maybe named for the Amberle in Elfstones? How is that working out for you? Okay, an answer. WETA is not involved at the present time, although other NZ special effects companies are. This might change at a later date.