For many years the only chance a fan had of speaking to Terry was to meet him at tour events or conventions.
With the establishment of this website in 2000, Terry began accepting two questions from each fan per month. On the last day of the month, five questions are randomly drawn. Terry answers these five questions and they are posted monthly for your enjoyment.
Below are the questions selected from September 2019 and Terry’s answers! Enjoy!
Note: This section may contain spoilers!
SEPTEMBER 2019 ASK TERRY Q&A
Hi Everyone,
And again…
Mark Smith writes: When writing the last four books (The Fall of Shannara) or any of the other trilogies, do you write the full story in full then split it up into different book titles or write one after another with the book and trilogy titles in mind?
Terry Brooks replies: Oh boy, would I love it to be able to write it all at once, but one book at a time is about all I can manage. Not that I am writing in a vacuum. I am always thinking of the other books, particularly the next one I will write. And I always know the end of any series. In writing The Fall of Shannara, I knew the person, the mood, the setting, the last paragraph and the last sentence in particular. Helps me to stay focused when I am writing to something.
Linda Alley writes: When you aren’t busy with writing and book signings, what books and authors do you like to read?
Terry Brooks replies: Another hard to answer question. Mostly because I read all over the place. Of late, I have been reading the second book in Philip Pullman’s trilogy, The Book of Dust – The Secret Commonwealth. Before that I was reading John Connolly, Peter Heller, Richard Powers and Karen Russell – not a fantasy writer per se among them. Now I am back in line reading The Four Hundred Doors of January. Reading is my greatest pleasure.
Dianne Iverson writes: Thank you the many hours of escape and intrigue your stories provide! The Word and The Void trilogy is my favorite and I wanted to ask if you will please continue Nest’s story? What happens between Angel Fire East and Armageddon’s Children? What is the rest of Nest’s story? What happens in her world over the rest of her life? To Harper? And, of course, the gypsy morph’s life? PS: The Word and The Void stories are seeming to come to life in the real world today. Your wisdom is required!
Terry Brooks replies: Ha! I said that it would ten years ago. Anyway, a few pieces of information. I have always said I would not do anything more in Word & Void that involved Nest and her companions. That one is done. Nor is there anything to be found in the pre-history of Shannara. Those sagas are meant to be separate save for place and a bit of magic. My further writing in the prehistory will begin when I am rested again, and it will start up with the events that follow The Measure of the Magic and some of the characters there. Be patient. I will get there one day.
Ashton Crered writes: I have been a long time fan of Shannara and the Word and the Void. In an interview I had read years ago you said the Shannara books followed one family. In connecting the two series does this mean the Shannara line begins with Nest Freemark and Hawk?
Terry Brooks replies: No. The Ohmsfords and their friends arrive hundreds of years later and are not connected to Nest or Hawk. If anyone, the Ohmsfords are connected through Shea Ohmsford – who is adopted – to Jerle Shannara, who was first given the Sword of Shannara in the book titled, First King of Shannara.
Chris writes: Is the Magic Kingdom For Sale-Sold movie going to happen? I loved the book and am excited if it will!
Terry Brooks replies: Well, I hope so. But we are still negotiation and we do not yet have contracts signed. I think we will know more in the next 90 days and you can believe me when I tell you we will post the news right here.
Thanks again for sticking with me, all of you. More about events for the coming year and the publication of the final Shannara book after forty plus years is forthcoming.
Take good care of yourselves until then,
Ask Terry
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