*** Allston (allston@cs9359-210.austin.rr.com) has joined #moseisley

<Kyp_Durron> but its off

<Kyp_Durron> HI

<Kyp_Durron> :+)

<Kir_Kanos_> I thought Jedi Academy was ok but I, Jedi was a big improvement

<GhentZ> Hello Mr. Allston!

<Kyp_Durron> kool

<Kyp_Durron> ya

<Nova> hi

<Allston> Howdy, all.

<Mavrick889> looks like MY clock was right

<Smudge> hi

<Kyp_Durron> Hello Mr. Allston

<Kyp_Durron> :+)

<Kyp_Durron> yup

<Darion_Jeditalk> Greetings Mr. Allston Welcome

<Mavrick889> hello god of star wars writing

<Kyp_Durron> :+)

<Kyp_Durron> thats a good 1

<Mavrick889> well thank you

<Kyp_Durron> YW

<Kyp_Durron> umm

<Tycho> yo rendar

<Kyp_Durron> seems we are all lost for words

<Kyp_Durron> :+)

<Nova> not you, apparently

<Kyp_Durron> why are there 2 wedge 422 ?

<GhentZ> ROTFL

<Mavrick889> hehe

<Urza> Alright ladies and gentlemen.

<Urza> Welcome to the Aaron Allston chat hosted by MosEisley.Com

<Urza> Yes that's Aaron Allston. =)

* Darion_Jeditalk bows to the mighty Aaron Allston.

<Urza> First we'd like to welcome our guest host Darion Blade from Jedi Talk.

<Darion_Jeditalk> Hey guys.... :)

<Urza> Jedi Talk is an online star wars talk show. Check out jeditalk.com for info on that.

<Darion_Jeditalk> Never miss a chance to meet a star wars celberty

<Allston> Howdy, Darion, Urza. Looks like a nice turnout tonight.

<Urza> Yeah.

<Darion_Jeditalk> Thanks to you! :)

<Urza> First we'll open the floor to Aaron.

<Allston> Urza tells me I ought to talk about what I'm working on currently. Unfortunately, there's no Star Wars material in the offing at the moment. (more)

<Allston> But I'm working on a sequel to DOC SIDHE, my Celtic/Pulp fantasy of a few years ago, and will be doing a new series of original military/SF novels.

<Allston> Other than that, a few long-term game and novel projects, none of which is really scheduled at the moment.

<Allston> That's about it, really.

<Urza> Ok.

<Urza> This is where you guys come in.

<Urza> If you hav questions please messag them to me or Darion.

<Darion_Jeditalk> note: I only have an hour got to get ready for my show.

<Urza> <Mavrick889> Have you been approached by Dark Horse to write any Star Wars comic books, the way Stackpole was?

<Allston> I'm not certain what the protocols are on this chat area, but I usually say (more) to indicate that my current answer will take several messages, and (GA) to indicate I'm ready for a new question. (GA)

<Urza> ok =)

<Darion_Jeditalk> Mr. Allston: From: Darion hehehehe: Did you have to fight to keep some of the comedy in your books?

<Allston> Mavrick889: No, nor have I approached them. I've really been too busy with other projects. But I do need to contact them and see if they have any interest. (GA)

<Allston> Darion: No. I've had to fight to keep -- or sometimes have reluctantly agreed to give up -- some material that pushes against the adult envelope, but no comedy. (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> Does he plan to have bigger roles for Wes Janson in any novels that may be upcoming ? Hehehe from Wes Janson

<Allston> Wes: Well, since I don't have any SW novels on my schedule at the moment, no. But any novel I get to write dealing with the Rogues will definitly utilize Janson. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> Was the idea of getting Iella and Wedge together at the end of SoA a move sanctioned by Lucasfilm, or your idea? Does this tie into Wedge's love life in the NJO series?

<Allston> Mavrick889: Well, Wedge+Iella was set up in one of Tim Zahn's novels. All I had to do was point and say, "There, it's done. I want to show how they get there." And I don't know much about Wedge in the NJO. (GA)

<Urza> <Wedge422> Do you know how many or if there will be anymore X-Wing Books ?

<Allston> Wedge422: At the moment, there don't seem to be any plans for more X-Wings. Del Rey could always choose to publish some, but for now, they seem to be concentrating on the New Jedi Order. (GA)

* Darion_Jeditalk for Late comers, please msg Darion or Urza with your questions for Mr. Allston....

<Urza> Here's a mail in question: Please ask Aaron if he would consider doing the Wraiths as a comic book series. from Toofiery4u

<Darion_Jeditalk> <DaRION> You and stackpole good friends??? You work to gether at all?

<Allston> Toofiery4u: I'd love to do a Wraiths comic. That would seem to be an ideal format for them. So, yes, I've considered it. (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Kyp_Durron> Do you think there will be any more Star Wars series?

<Allston> DaRION: Stack and I have known each other since about 1982-1983, and worked together on a role-playing game, Justice, Inc., released 1984. (GA)

<Urza> <Kir_Kanos_> Would you like to (if approached) right any books for NJO?

<Allston> Kyp_Durron: I don't understand the question. More books are planned, at least two more movies are planned -- other than that, what Star Wars series do you mean?

<Allston> Kir_Kanos: I'd be happy to contribute to the New Jedi Order series, sure. Of course, I don't know much about it now -- they're being pretty close-mouthed about it. <g> (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> I loved how you made mention of Leia's mission in Planet of Twighlight. Did you do a lot of research on this book? Or was that Lucasfilm's continuity dept. or your doing?

<Allston> Mavrick889: I did a fair amount of research, though it didn't call for as much as the Wraith books. I set it around the time of Planet of Twilight because it marks the earliest point in the chronology I could really show, um, the event at the start of Chapter 1. (more)

<Allston> Lucas Licensing did request that I establish the timeline a little better with the reference to Leia's mission, yes. (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Kyp_Durron> I mean do you plan to write new series of star wars books?

<Allston> Kyp_Durron: Well, I can't just plan to write new Star Wars novels. With SW novels, the process starts at the publisher, not with the writer. If Del Rey wants me to write for their series, at that point, I'll begin planning. (GA)

<Urza> <KyleK> could you tell aaron that i love his books. How many more do you plan to write?

<Darion_Jeditalk> <DARION> always wondered if all the star wars authors ever try to get together? Just to talk swap ideas and things?

<Allston> KyleK: Thanks. If you mean Star Wars books, I'd be happy to write more; can't speculate on how many more. That depends on what happens with the universe. As for my own novels, I intend to write until I drop dead. I also intend to live forever. <g> (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Sidhe> I have to say that I loved Janson's flatscreen cloak in SoA- do you base his personality on anyone you know?

<Allston> DARION: We get together at conventions a fair amount. We don't always talk about Star Wars when we do so, though sometimes we do. Mike Stackpole, Tim Zahn and I spent some time together at Gen Con earlier this month. (more)

<Allston> Generally, we do swap shop talk, but we don't usually need to swap ideas. (GA)

<Urza> From Me..... what book does Starfighters of Adumar take place after?

<Urza> in the timeline

<Allston> Sidhe: Janson is about 30% me, about 40% derived from the many smart-alecs I know in real life, and maybe 30% derived from a tradition of smart-alec characters in fiction (like Nick & Nora Charles). (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> Thank you urza I had a hard time with that to.

<Allston> Urza: I'd have to check my many chronologies to be sure, and I don't have them on hand. It's simultaneous with the first part of PLANET OF TWILIGHT, though.

<Allston> (GA)

<Urza> ok cause Qui is "not quite 2 years old"

<Urza> <Wedge422_> can you ask aaron what his email is?

<Allston> Urza: Ah. She meant it had been about two years since Kyp Durron (not Kyp_Durron, <g>) had destroyed her memory.

<Allston> GA

<Urza> yeah that's what i meant =)

<Darion_Jeditalk> From myself: Janson was in rare form in SOA is it me or do you write him funnier and funnier each book as a chartor *hummm* Growth?

<Allston> Wedge422: My e-mail address is allston@io.com, and my web page is http://www.io.com/~allston.

<Urza> <Kir_Kanos_> Are any of you characters based on real life people that you know?

<Allston> Darion: I'm glad you consider him funnier each time around. It was a riot writing him, and with each novel I got to know him better -- meaning I was capable of writing more goofy stuff for him to do. (GA)

<Urza> <Vlion> - to allston- Do you know of any upcoming book in which luke and mara get married ?

<Allston> Urza: Rarely. Most of them are based on pieces of lots of people, plus character archetypes from history and folklore. Almost no one is 50% or more from any one person. (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <FROM ME> Just to let you know I have chuckled at other SWU books, but your were the first to make me belly laugh

<Allston> Vlion: Not a book, no, but I believe that's the subject of the upcoming comic book miniseries from Dark Horse. (GA)

<Urza> <Nova> Does this go through you first, and if so, here's my question: Did you have people act out some of the dialogue in SoA?

<Allston> Darion: I'm glad to hear it. People have written to tell me I've made them miss class, fall off chairs, and miss subway stops, which I find very gratifying. (GA)

<Urza> Here's a mail in question: Will there be more Wraith Squadron books? from Marian Lewis

<Allston> Nova: No. Sometimes I speak sections of dialogue, to make sure that it's not too clunky, but I don't have anyone acting it out for me. (I _am_ curious as to why you ask, though...) (GA)

<Allston> For Marian Lewis: There are none scheduled/planned at this time. I'd love to continue the adventures of the squad as an Intelligence unit, though -- Mission: Impossible in the GFFA. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> Is there a particular Star Wars character, time period, location, you'de like to write about? If so what is it?

<Darion_Jeditalk> <ME Agian) What is your fav star wars novel?

* Darion_Jeditalk for Late comers, please msg Darion or Urza with your questions for Mr. Allston....

<Allston> Mavrick889: I'd like to play with Old Republic Intelligence during the time of Palpatine's takeover, with the children of some of the Wraiths, and with several other areas and timelines. Too many to recount. (GA)

<Allston> Darion: I don't really have a favorite SW novel. Favorite writers, certainly -- Zahn and Stackpole. Which should surprise no one. <g> (GA)

<Urza> Here's a mail in question: 1) Have you read the other STAR WARS novels? Which ones? 2) I really enjoyed the Wedge/Iella story line. Did you decide to put that in yourself, or was it suggested by LFL and/or Mike Stackpole? from Robin

<Allston> For Robin: I've read 20 or 30 of them. The Thrawn trilogy, the Jedi Academy trilogy, the first four X-Wings, I, Jedi, two of Hambly's, The New Rebellion, many others. (more)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Wes_Janson> How did you decide as to what characters and Rogue Squadron vets would be in Wraith Squadron??

<Allston> Robin (con't): The idea for doing the Wedge/Iella relationship was mine. It's the romantic in me, I guess. (GA)

<Allston> Wes: Well, Wedge was a certainty, of course. I wanted Hobbie and Janson, because I love writing Janson and wanted them back together again. Mike Stackpole suggested adding Tycho to the mix because Tycho has many fans. (more)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Wedge> do you have a fav character?

<Allston> I decided against adding Corran because I thought Tycho would want him to remain with the Rogues in a leadership position during Tycho's absense. (GA)

<Allston> Wedge: No, but I do have several. In the books I've written, Wedge, Face, Phanan, Janson, and Lara -- not necessarily in that order. (more)

<Allston> In the universe as a whole, I'd add Han Solo (whom I loved writing but can't pretend to be proprietary toward), and Leia in the right writers' hands. The universe itself is a character, too, and I enjoy its portrayal. (GA)

<Urza> <Sith_Lord_Game> When you first started did you start out with a big novel or a short story type of novel?

<Allston> Sith_LG: When I was a kid, I started out with poems and short stories, then wrote my first (bad) (fantasy) novel at age 16. Over the years, I've discovered that I'm better with the novel form than the short story form. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> I loved how you made mention to the fate of the Toprawan people in X-wing # 5. Was this a deliberate reference to the UK published Lost Jedi choose your own adventure books written by Paul COckburn, or did Lucasfilm just tell you "this is what happened to Toprawa after Star Wars?

* Darion_Jeditalk for Late comers, please msg Darion or Urza with your questions for Mr. Allston....

<Allston> Mavrick889: Actually, I haven't read the Cockburn works. Toprawa was mentioned in one of Mike's X-Wings, and I chose to mention it based on that reference. (GA)

<Urza> <Wedge422_> What is your favorite book youve written?

<Allston> Urza: Rough question. Probably DOC SIDHE. But I really didn't get my humor in gear until WRAITH SQUADRON, which was after DS. I suspect my favorite novel is yet to come. (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Jade> Where did he get the inspiration for Lieutenant Kettch?

* Urza chuckles

<Urza> yubyub commander ;-)

<Allston> Jade: Voort saBinring came first, of course. As I was writing the scene where I was about to introduce him, I got into Janson's head and tried to figure out how he'd do it. The idea of taking a ridiculous idea for a pilot and making it more ridiculous led to Kettch. (more)

<Allston> Then the idea mushroomed. With each new book in the Wraith trilogy, I'd decided to give up on Kettch jokes, and then another one would occur to me. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> all those Baron Fel appearances in your books. Did you not know that Fel was gonna be in VotF, or did you intend him to be an actor all along?

<Allston> Mavrick889: Because of a miscommunication between me and Mike, in an early draft of WRAITH SQUADRON, I had Fel appear in a time and place when he couldn't. (more)

<Allston> We caught it before it was in danger of fouling up the continuity, but then I was left with the choice of substituting a figure who would naturally be less fearsome, or continuing on with an ersatz Fel. (more)

<Allston> In part because it would be an opportunity for more angst for Wedge, I decided to go with the fake-Fel approach. Which in turn led to the gradual buildup of Face's acting rival. (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Kir_Kanos_> do you like writing books in the star wars universe or your own books better?

<Allston> Darion: Well, the truth is, I enjoy writing in my own universes better. However, make no mistake -- it IS a lot of fun writing in the Star Wars universe. I do like it, and like it a lot. (GA)

<Urza> from me: Where'd you come up with the Wedge purge? I had to stop reading because I couldn't stop laughing.

<Allston> Urza: It was inspired by the event in which President Reagan (or was it Bush? Reagan, I think) threw up at a Japanese diplomatic dinner. (more)

<Allston> The Japanese immediately coined a term for it -- Bushu-rushu (which makes it Bush, of course). A weird bit of true history. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> What is your favorite piece of literature that you haven't written?

<Allston> Urza: I'm glad you liked it. Sort of a sick joke to be perpetrating on the Star Wars readership, of course. <g>

<Urza> i thought it was funny =)

<Allston> Mavrick889: Whoa. No way to boil it down to one piece, I'm afraid. My tastes range from _The Iliad_ to Robert Parker's Spencer novels, and a lot of works have meant a lot for me. That's one I just can't answer. (GA)

<Urza> <Sith_Lord_Game> what made you pick to write in the star wars universe?

<Allston> Sith_LG: Long story. In short: I'd known Mike Stackpole for years. A while back, after he'd started writing X-Wings, he introduced me to Tom Dupree, who was then the SW line editor at Bantam. (more)

<Allston> Tom was curious about my work, so my agent sent him a few of my novels. Some time after, Bantam asked Mike to write four more X-Wings, but he couldn't -- he was working on I, JEDI and other projects, and didn't have time. (more)

<Allston> Mike recommended me to do three of them. He may have recommended other writers as well -- I've never asked. But Dupree read my novels and decided my style was more or less compatible with Mike's. (more)

<Allston> Which is how I got the assignment. Just luck, timing, and sharing certain novelistic stylings with Mike Stackpole. <g> (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> when lfl first came to you to write SW how did you fell about it?

<Allston> Darion: I was very much cheered by the prospect. Star Wars is one of the few movie/TV universes I felt I could write in, and I was happy to have the opportunity to tell some stories that would work only in that universe. (more)

<Allston> By the way, it was Bantam, not LFL, that talked to me. For that matter, it was my agent they talked to. <g> (GA)

<Darion_Jeditalk> <Wes_Janson> What made you specifically choose to kill of Ton Phanan in Iron Fist ?

<Allston> Wes: That question is on my FAQ page, which you can find off my top web page (http://www.io.com/~allston/). In short: He died because he didn't much want to live, and he died so that Face could learn something from it. (more)

* Darion_Jeditalk I have to go It was great to meet Mr. Allston cant wait to have you on Jedi Talk as well.

<Allston> Until Phanan died, Face couldn't get better, essentially. (GA)

<Allston> Darion: Looking forward to it!

<Urza> <Jade> Is there a chance that you will work on some of the NJO books, as Mike Stackpole and others have done?

<Allston> Jade: There's always a chance. There are no plans for it currently, but Del Rey is aware of me -- in fact, their editors keep getting pestered about me by fans whenever they attend conventions. (GA)

<Urza> from me: In your mind does Myn go after Lara at the end of Xwing 7?

<Allston> Urza: Well, just to settle things -- yes. You can consider Myn and Kirney an official item. (GA)

<Urza> <Wedge> what specifically made you make erisi a spy?

<Allston> Wedge: Erisi Dlarit? I didn't. That was from Mike's X-Wings.

<Urza> <Mavrick889> Do other authors ask your permision to use your characters in their books? I know Stackpole used one of 'em in Isard's Revenge. Has anyone else approached you about it?

<Allston> Mavrick889: Not yet. I look forward to it happening someday, but for now, the Wraiths are all off in a mysterious limbo. <g> (GA)

<Allston> (Was that just an attempt to make an end run around Urza? Heh.)

<Urza> =)

<Urza> hehe loojs like it =)

<Urza> <Gen> How did you come up with the hawk-bats?

<Urza> <K_os> That was stupid and selfish... Could you post my apologies.

<Urza> there you got K-os

<Urza> =)

<Allston> Gen: Well, the creatures themselves appeared in earlier books, of course. As for the Hawk-bats mercenary unit, I just tried to think about what sort of alternate IDs the Wraiths would come up with. (more)

<Allston> The result, of course, was somewhat melodramatic and florid -- both because of the Wraiths' natures and because of Zsinj's own tendency toward melodrama. Is there some specific trait of the Hawk-bats you were curious about? (GA)

<Urza> from me and Wedge422.... there's for that Greg Bear is writing a novel in the prequel time period. Would you like to write in that time period?

<Urza> for= word

<Allston> Urza/Wedge422: I would. In fact, I sort of set up a little hook for myself when I introduced the bit of history about Shalla's father. I'd like to write about him in the earlier era. (GA)

<Urza> <KyleK> I haven't read all the X-Wing books yet so if Fel has died please ignore this, but do you plan to make Wedge and Baron Fel to have a 1 v1 dogfight in a later book?

<Allston> KyleK: I, personally, don't. That's really something Mike Stackpole ought to do, if anyone is to do it. But they're brothers-in-law -- maybe they'll stay more or less allied when next they meet. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> At the beginning of Wraith Squadron, Talon Squadron is completely wiped out. Did you know that there was an Imperial Talon Squadron in the Tie Fighter game series? can you think of a good continuity fix for the two sides of this conflict having a squadron with the same name?

<Allston> Mavrick889: I don't see that it needs a continuity fix, really. Though it would have been interesting had they ever met -- they might have duked it out to determine who got to keep the name. (GA)

<Urza> <Sith_Lord_Game> to tell you the truth i never read any of the books... but if i were to start with yours would there have to be any background info i needed to know?

<Allston> Sith_LG: Hmmm. You might find it a little easier if you'd read Mike's X-Wings before mine, but several of my advance readers hadn't read any SW fiction; just having seen the movies was enough for them. (GA)

<Urza> <Mavrick889> Do you know of any plans Lucasfilm might have to find Wedge's missing sister? That seems like a dangling plot thread that you, or stackpole or Zahn might be asked to takcle?

<Urza> If you have question for Aaron please message them to me.

<Allston> Mavrick889: I don't know of any plans, but they'd be vested in Mike or Tim rather than in me. I do think somebody ought to tie it off one of these days; it's really the last bit of unfinished family business for Wedge, after all. (GA)

<Allston> (Much as it kills me to do it, I really am forcing myself to ignore private messages sent me while we're all in public forum this way.)

<Urza> <Kir_Kanos_> In the wraith books, who do you believe is the best pilot? (other than wedge:))Who has the most potential?

<Allston> Kir_Kanos: That's a rough call. I'd say, of the remaining Wraiths, Kell is the best, but until the point in any fight that he gets over his qualms, Dia is probably better. (more)

<Allston> Remember, though, that it's been a while -- months and months -- since I reviewed my notes on the Wraith pilots, so I might change my mind after reviewing them. (GA)

<Urza> If you have question for Aaron please message them to me. Please don't message him since he won't answer.

<Urza> <Kierra> Could you ask him how he though up the whole Ewok pilot thing? I loved it, it was the funniest part of all the books!

<Allston> Kierra: I actually addressed that earlier in the chat, so it'll be on the transcript. (There will be a transcript, won't there?) But there is more to the answer than I gave before, so here it is: (more)

<Allston> I never really cared for the Ewoks as they appeared in RETURN OF THE JEDI, but it did occur to me that I could write Ewoks that I liked. Thinking about their characteristics led to some of the way Kettch was portrayed, especially by Wedge in the "puppet show." (GA)

<Urza> <Wedge422_> If you could write on one thing in the Star Wars universe right now what would it be?

<Allston> Wedge422: When I got the opportunity to write STARFIGHTERS OF ADUMAR, I was actually told I could either write another X-Wing or possibly a Luke/Han/Leia novel. (more)

<Allston> So the Luke/Han/Leia novel I conceived was one dealing with the Han/Leia relationship -- a point at which Han could actually prove to himself his worth when operating within Leia's spheres of influence. (more)

<Allston> As you all have probably seen, Han is often portrayed as kind of a bumbler when dealing with politics and diplomacy. I tend to think that he doesn't have to be a bumbler there -- just uncomfortable. But even he may not be aware of his potential there. (more)

<Allston> Anyway, I'd like to write that story some day. (GA)

<Urza> <Gen> what gave you the idea of the gara-lara part of the Wraith squadron series?

<Allston> Gen: Funny you should ask. I knew in WS that I wanted Gara to appear later in the series, sort of a catalyst for events, and I introduced her that way at the start of IRON FIST. (more)

<Allston> But it was actually while writing the scene in which Face and Phanan talk to her about ferreting out Tyria's former instructor that I realized what I could have her do. (more)

<Allston> The glee she feels in that scene is actually a reflection of the glee I was feeling at coming up with what I thought would be a fun plot development. So, in short, it was a spontaneous thing while writing. (GA)

<Urza> <Greedo> What is your take on Anakin's "miraculous conception" in Phantom Menace? Do you like that particular plot point?

<Allston> Greedo: I didn't think it was necessary within the context of what we knew Anakin/Darth Vader to be. On the other hand, if it's handled in an interesting way in the next two movies, I'll withdraw my complaints. So I'm withholding judgment for now. (GA)

<Urza> <GW_CO|Darksaber> How did he come into writing? Has he alwise wanted to be a writer? also can he send out autographs? I'd put it right upo there in my Star Wars collection.

<Allston> GW_CO|Darksaber: I've wanted to write since I was in elementary school, and I'm really happy to be able to make my living at it. (more)

<Allston> I started writing by doing poems for my grandmother's church newsletter, then short stories for my junior high school literary magazine. I did a lot of RPG supplements, and began writing novels in the middle of my RPG years. (more)

<Allston> As for autographs -- certainly. Please check my top page at http://www.io.com/~allston/, looking for the "How to Contact" link. Or, check http://www.io.com/~allston/evntsked.html, and bump into me at one of the conventions I attend. (GA)

<Urza> <Eskimo> I was late getting here so this might have already been asked, but were you at all nervous when you started Wraith Squadron after taking over from Mike?

<Allston> Eskimo: Good question, and it wasn't asked. I was nervous, yes -- Mike's fans had high expectations. But I jumped in with both feet, and got lucky -- Mike's fans have appeared largely to enjoy my work. (GA)

<Urza> <Eskimo> Many Star Wars fans don't feel the books are really official, what is your take on that and what would you tell them to make them want to read?

<Allston> Eskimo: My take on it is that there are two Star Wars universes: The one made up only of the six (so far) movies and TV movies, plus the radio plays, and then the Extended Universe. (more)

<Allston> My belief is that all the novels are official within that second universe, and that it's pointless to argue canon vs. non-canon. It certainly doesn't do anyone any good to perpetuate that argument. (GA)

<Urza> Please don't send me anymore questions.... once I give Aaron all the question I currently have we'll do an open forum.

<Urza> <Sith_Lord_Game> i probably won't know who or what it is but other might want to know... if you could be one thing or one character in your books who would you be?

<Allston> Sith_LG: I'd probably be Tevor MacHinnery, the protagonist of a book that's only in the planning stages right now. Which means I can't tell you much about him... yet. <g> (GA)

<Urza> <Kir_Kanos_> when would you want this han/leia idea to take place in the timeline?

<Allston> Kir_Kanos: I'm not sure yet. Some time after their wedding in CoPL, perhaps after the Thrawn trilogy. But I'd have to read more of the ones I haven't yet read in order to find the ideal placement. (GA)

<Urza> <Rikael> What would you tell anyone who wants to write for a living...whats the most important thing to do?

<Allston> Rikael: I'm actually revising my web page to have a FAQ page dealing with that question -- you ought to check it in a week or so. (more)

<Allston> But, short advice: Read a lot, and read writers who are skillful craftsmen, not just those who push your emotional buttons. Write every day. Develop a thick skin. It's not a bad idea to study journalism. It is a bad idea to base your fiction style on what you learn there. (more)

<Allston> Don't base your fiction on anyone else's -- if you must have inspiration, go to the roots of _their_ inspiration, such as myths and classical writings. And don't ever decide to write because you can do "just as well" as a writer you dislike -- you need to want to do _better_ if you're to do yourself and your readers a favor. (GA)

<Urza> <Durango> At the last of the books, why did you have Wraith squadron switch to an intellegence group and not keep them doing covet-ops? it seems to me that they perform better as a air/ground based squadron

<Allston> Durango: Well, for one thing, it helps account for the fact that no one in the later Star Wars books has heard of Wraith Squadron. (more)

<Allston> Second, we can't predict that they're better as an air/ground based squadron when we haven't yet seen any of their pure Intel missions. (more)

<Allston> And third and last, as a weapon they really do seem to function better within the parameters of Intelligence than Starfighter Command. (GA)

<Urza> Ok... at this time we'll move to open forum. Please don't use vulgar language and please do not flood.

*** Urza sets mode: -m

<Allston> Urza: What about me? Can I use vulgar language or flood? <g>

<YodaSkate> hehe

<Wedge422_> hehe

<Sith_Lord_Game> hehe

<Durango> heh

<Rikael> heh

<Kali> Will there be any more books involving the Wraiths?

<Nova> ha

<Razul> I think i lide +M better

<Opera_Ghost> I do at least want to thank you for one thing Allston....

<Kierra> I think your books are the best written. I love them!

<KyleK> heh

<Rikael> Thanks a lot for the advice Mr.Allston:)

<Urza> Umm.... your the guest of honor... dare i say no? =)

<Allston> Kali: No telling. Del Rey has to decide whether or not they'll expand beyond NJO before they decide that.

<Allston> What's that, Opera_Ghost?

<Opera_Ghost> In, my Fan fic.... The Wraiths helped me get a handle on some friends and possible personalities for them

<Allston> Kierra: Thanks!

<Wedge422_> yor books rule allston

<Opera_Ghost> Nuttiest bunch of real life guys I

<KyleK> Yes

<Opera_Ghost> 've ever seen.

<KyleK> the CXwing books are my favorite

<Allston> OG: Glad to hear it.

<KyleK> Xwing

<Allston> Rikael: You're welcome.

<Sith_Lord_Game> your's will be the first books i read

<Darion> do you listen to Jedi Talk Mr.Allston??? HEHEHEHE :)

<Kierra> Do you know any real pilots? You've got their sense of humor down pat!

<Allston> Wedge 422: Thanks, I'm glad you like 'em.

<Sith_Lord_Game> star wars related that is

* Durango bows to Mr. Allston for his superior book writing

<GW_CO|Darksaber> Keep up the great work

<Allston> Darion: Haven't had the opportunity yet. I will before I have to go under the spotlight myself. <g>

<Allston> KyleK: That's good to know.

* Wedge422_ cant catch up

<Allston> Kierra: No, but I have several military men in the family -- the sense of humor is pretty similar across the services. (Just don't tell that to any active servicemen.)

<Kir_Kanos_> thank's for answering all my questions! Keep up the good work :)

<Opera_Ghost> Tonight's show may be a good time to.. (Listen to how they interview someone.)

<Nova> Does anyone know where I might find the transcript later?

<Allston> Sith_Lord_Game: Hope you like 'em.

<Allston> GW_CO: Thanks.

<Kierra> Good question, Nova.

<Allston> Kir_Kanos: You're welcome.

<Nova> thnaks

<Sith_Lord_Game> i think i will

<Allston> Yes -- Urza, do you post transcripts?

<GW_CO|Darksaber> You have inspired me from your very first Star Wars book to take up writing. I'm taking 2 English classes this year.

<Wedge422_> wheres the transcript

<Mistress_of_Pain> Mr. Allston: nice web site, very comprehensive link section.

<Kali> How do you write in the SW universe? Do you submit something, or do they contact you?

<Allston> GW_CO: Think about journalism, too. English courses are good for some things, not for others.

<Darth_Mann> Mr. Allston I don't think that the movie trilogy is complete without you and so many other star wars authors. I really appreciate your books

<Allston> Mistress_of_Pain: Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

<Kir_Kanos_> could you post the address for your site again, please?

<Eskimo> Can you give the address to your web-site again, I missed it

* Kierra wonders about the transcript.

<Allston> Kali: Generally, the publisher looks around to see who they want to write for them. Meaning they mostly look at their own stable of writers. Meaning that to write Star Wars, you have to write your own, original novels first.

<Opera_Ghost> based on past experience...

<KyleK> Have you ever played any of the Xwing games (Xwing vs Tie Fighter, Xwing Alliance etc)

<Gandalf> http://www.io.com/~allston/

<Wes_Janson> I really enjoyed all four of your books. Every one of them. It was a really good break from hearing about Corran Horn

<Kali> thanks, sir

<Durango> anyways, thanks for your time Mr.Allston, I'm looking forward for your new novels

<Allston> Darth_Mann: Thanks. I'm certainly glad to be able to play around in the universe.

<Opera_Ghost> it will most likely be posted at the moseisley website.

<Durango> to*

<Wedge422_> he isnt good at flight sims

<Allston> Thanks, Gandalf.

<GW_CO|Darksaber> Yah, i'm taking jornalism next year when its an option at my school

<Allston> Wes: Well, Corran has his legion of admirers, but I just wanted to write about a bunch of other guys. <g>

<GhentZ> journalism major right here. <G>

<Allston> Durango: Thanks. I hope you enjoy them.

<Durango> that I will

<Wes_Janson> Well, I enjoyed the bunch of other guys more. I was hoping for something with the vets of Rogue, and I got it. Thx.

<KyleK> Have you ever played any of the Xwing games (Xwing vs Tie Fighter, Xwing Alliance etc)

<Allston> GhentZ: Teaches all sorts of lovely things about meeting deadlines and not romanticizing writer's angst, doesn't it? <g>

<Wes_Janson> He has played X-wing

<Wedge422_> no others

<Wes_Janson> It's in the FAQ on his webpage

<GhentZ> indeedy! hehehe

<KyleK> oh

<Sith_Lord_Game> that's a great game

<KyleK> my apoligies

<Allston> KyleK: I've played a little with the original X-Wing. My current computer won't handle the newest X-Wing games, unfortunately.

<Wes_Janson> I liked TIE Fighter more

<GhentZ> TIE was my fave

<GhentZ> haven't gotten to XWA yet

<Sith_Lord_Game> i like XWA best

* Darion Just Want to remind you all Mr. Allston Will be on Jedi Talk in Oct. and Tonight we have A.C.Crispin on Join us at www.jeditalk.com

<Urza> Aaron.... are you one of those evil star wars authors that uses a Mac?

* GhentZ might as well get on the advertising bandwagon

<Wedge422_> heheehehe

<Allston> Urza: No. It's a 200-MHz Gateway Pentium. But it doesn't have a burly enough graphics card.

<KyleK> XWA is great

<Wes_Janson> XWA was HORRIBLE for multi

* GhentZ will have Mr. Allston back next Sunday at 9pm EST for another chat. :)

<Urza> hehehe

<Nob> It isn't THAT bad

<KyleK> ill trade u a graphics card for your autograph

<Sith_Lord_Game> Wes is a XWA hater

<GhentZ> ROTFL

<Sith_Lord_Game> hehe

<Wes_Janson> XvT was better for multi. MUCH better

<Nob> XWA is alot more editable

<KyleK> if you like lag

<Darth_clone> man

<GhentZ> hehe

<YodaSkate> xwa has a better engine

<Allston> KyleK: I'd be robbing you. Check my web page to find out how to get my autograph for almost free.

* Nob shrugs

<Wes_Janson> If anyone still wants to play me in XvT, just look for TRA_JK_Wes on the zone

<Urza> hehe =-)

<Sith_Lord_Game> XWA single is great and has a new story, i would read a book with that story

<KyleK> already have =-p

<YodaSkate> and yes..alot more editable

<Opera_Ghost> bye all.. it was fun... (See ya at Jedtalk.)

<Kierra> Mr. Allston, is RPG a good way to hone writing skills?

<Allston> (Jedtalk? Isn't that the Beverly Hillbillies server?)

<Urza> lol

<GW_CO|Darksaber> lol

<Rikael> heheheh

<Sith_Lord_Game> haha

<Allston> Kierra: That's something on my writing FAQ. It helps with plotting and world-building, but not at all with character depiction, dialogue, action, etc.

<Urza> he meant JediTalk

<KyleK> heh

<Allston> Urza: I know. Step on my jokes, will you? <g>

<Nob> heh

<Razul> Good bye cool people i dont fit in here.. LOl Cya

<Darth_clone> mr. allston it was great meeting you I have to go .................it is my bed time

<GhentZ> heheh

<Wes_Janson> Later, Mr. Allston. I'm off to my XvT tourney

<Kierra> Did you read Terry Brooks' novelization of TPM?

<Allston> Wes: Have fun.

<Kir_Kanos_> darion: what time is jeditalk on live?

<Allston> Kierra: No, I haven't, not yet. I have a stack of books taller than I am that I need to read...

<Urza> Kir Kanos..... in 19 minutes

<Kierra> Read or write - tough decision, huh?

<Allston> Kierra: ... and I'm kind of taking a break from Star Wars for the first time in a couple of years. <g>

<Sig9> Aaron: just wanted to thank ya for coming tonight, and guess we'll see you again next sunday...wanna just setup a regular meeting date? ;)

<Kierra> While the rest of us dive in head first! <g>

<Eskimo> Did you go to other authorsin the SW universe for advise when you first started writing for it?

<Allston> Sig9: Looking forward to being there. (But a regular chat? No, I'd wear my fingers out... <g>)

<KyleK> Aaron, if you could be any animal you wanted, what would it be

<Rikael> :)

<Sith_Lord_Game> any advice to someone working on his second small novel thing in a series?

<Rikael> Aaron...what is your best novel you have written so far in your opinion?

<Allston> Eskimo: Some to Mike. But mostly I _read_ the other writers and analyzed what they were doing. I'm big on analysis, and better at it than social skills such as interacting with other writers. <g>

<Kir_Kanos_> what program do you need to listen to jedi talk?

<Allston> KyleK: Dunno. What's smarter and better-looking than a human, with better business opportunities and no diseases? <g>

<Rikael> Lol

<KyleK> a butterfly?

<Darion> ?me Can we convince to listen in tonight on Jeditalk maybe hang out in our chat for a bit, I think you will enjoy it

<Allston> Sith_Lord_Game: If you're working on your _second_ novel, you're miles ahead of most people who want to write. What, in particular, are you curious about?

<Sith_Lord_Game> well is it usually harder?

<Sith_Lord_Game> seems harder

<Allston> Rikael: Hard to say. Possibly DOC SIDHE, possibly STARFIGHTERS OF ADUMAR. I'm too close to them to have an objective opinion.

<Urza> Kir Kanos..... Microsoft Media Play

* Darion Can we convince to listen in tonight on Jeditalk maybe hang out in our chat for a bit, I think you will enjoy it

<Allston> Darion: I don't think so. I have house-guests, and can't ignore them _all_ night. Maybe next week.

<Kir_Kanos_> I probably don't have that unless it came with IE. I hope its a small download :)

<Kierra> It's very nice of you to do this, Mr. Allston. It's a thrill for me, surely!

<KyleK> yea

* Kierra is just a writer groupie...

<Urza> Kir Kanos... it did come with Ie

<Rikael> heh:)

<Urza> and it came with windows 98 also

<KyleK> i was thinking yesterday while reading iron fist that it would be great to meet you

<Allston> Sith_L_G: Each book can be harder or easier than the one before it. Depends on how much you're challenging yourself. If you're doing more elaborate things, yes, it'll be harder. (more)

<KyleK> this is as close as ill get

<KyleK> =-p

<Allston> Can also be harder if you're running into a plot problem and not quite recognizing it yet.

<Urza> Speaking of Next week....A nn C. Crispin (author of The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit, and Rebel Dawn (The Han Solo Trilogy)) will be here on the 29th at 8pm EST.

<Allston> Kierra: You're quite welcome.

<GW_CO|Darksaber> What university did you go too?

<Darion> well I gotta go Start Jedi Talk, Thanks for coming Mr. Allston looking forward to more great working coming from.....

<Darion> you....

<Sith_Lord_Game> allston: thanks

<Sith_Lord_Game> for the advice

<Allston> KyleK: Well, I do go to a lot of conventions. Maybe one near you some day.

<Sith_Lord_Game> i'll see you in october on jedi talk

<Sith_Lord_Game> :)

<Sith_Lord_Game> bye

<Allston> GW_CO: One semester at the University of Texas. In the eighteen years since, I've just done a lot of reading.

<Allston> Darion: You're welcome.

<KyleK> is it really stressful writing books that readers will like?

<Nova> bye everybody:)

<GhentZ> cya Nova

<GW_CO|Darksaber> its Darksaber GW_CO stands for GRey Wraith(after your book)Squadron Commander but np

<Allston> KyleK: Well, there's some stress in it, but there's also a lot of freedom. My boss, for example, is no bigger a rat than I am. <g>

<Eskimo> How long on average does it take you to write an X-Wing book?

<Allston> Darksaber: Aha. Now I k now.

<Allston> Eskimo: Three to four months. IRON FIST took longer, but I think it was because I was experiencing heat stress.

<KyleK> stress while writing

<KyleK> =-p

<GW_CO|Darksaber> who are the main people you work ith on a Star wars bopok, does Mike help you alot?

<GW_CO|Darksaber> with*

<Allston> KyleK: The only real stress you're likely to experience is worries about whether people will like it. And I do worry about that. But I can't let that slow me down -- I'd never finish a novel. So I ignore it as much as possible.

<GW_CO|Darksaber> book*

<Eskimo> when do you get your best ideas, night, morning, etc?

<KyleK> well i love all your xwing books

<Allston> Darksaber: I correspond with Mike over details of coordination, but, no, I do all my writing and plotting on my own. I'm not as fond of collaboration as I am of writing solo. (Er, alone, I mean, not Han Solo.)

<KyleK> wheter they suck (hasnt happened yet) or not

<GW_CO|Darksaber> yah they Kick

<Allston> Eskimo: Midday. After my brain has awakened, after I've kicked my stomach into submission with breakfast, when all the mental machinery gets up to speed. Sometimes when I'm walking for exercise.

<Allston> KyleK: Thanks. With luck, they'll remain suck-free. <g>

<GhentZ> LOL

<Mistress_of_Pain> I'm sitting here looking at your Event Schedule...I'm surprised you have time to write. :)

<GW_CO|Darksaber> How do you like texas?

<Eskimo> So you don't think you would ever co-write a story such as Mike and Tim did with the short story in Tales from the Empire?

<KyleK> heh

<Allston> Mistress_of_Pain: Well, last year, I was on the road about 30 days out of the year. This year, it's a little better. And I write when I'm on the road, too. Do a lot of outlines then.

<Kierra> You outline your books first/

<Mistress_of_Pain> ahhh.

<Kierra> ?

<Allston> Darksaber: I'm a native Texan. It's my home and I love it. Though, even as a native Texan, I hate summertime. I may end up being 75% Texan, 25% Coloradan, or something. <g>

<GhentZ> that's cool. interesting use of flight time or those boring hours in the hotel!

<Allston> Eskimo: I might, but it would have to be something where we agreed that it was an idea neither one of us could really pull off independently.

<Allston> Kierra: Yes. The outlines aren't long (5-6,000 words or so), but they're the only way I can test whether the story's skeletal structure is strong enough, whether the story has the proper begin/middle/ending proportions, etc.

<Allston> GhentZ: Yep. I have a checkbook-sized computer, the Psion 5, and carry it on a hip pouch. So, basically, I can write anywhere.

<GhentZ> :)

<Eskimo> Do you ever think of making a backstory for Face to write about his acting days?

<Urza> ok

<Urza> if you've been waiting to ask questions get them out now

<Urza> we wrap up at the hour =)

<Allston> Eskimo: Yes, but it probably wouldn't be a separate story -- perhaps something like a flashback or exposition within a larger story.

<GW_CO|Darksaber> What made you decide that StarFighters of Adumar(which i'm just finishing as we spaek) have only the 4 veteran rogue's in stead of the full squads

<GW_CO|Darksaber> it rocks by the way

<Allston> Darksaber: I wanted to write a novel all from Wedge's perspective, and didn't want him sharing time with too many characters. It was supposed to be his novel, not a squadron novel.

<Allston> Darksaber: Glad you like it. It certainly was fun to write.

<Eskimo> Was it hard to get all the Star Wars lingo down pat?

<GW_CO|Darksaber> Oh and are you happy with the transferr of star wars books from bantam to Del Ray?

<Allston> Eskimo: Yes. I tend to use a less extensive military-slang vocabulary than Mike did, for example. But I gradually acquired enough of it to function...

<Kir_Kanos_> did LFL require you to do a lot of research before writing a sw book?

<Allston> Darksaber: Well, it's sad to see some of the Bantam people unhappy about it, of course. But I get to keep my Bantam associations and perhaps make new contacts at Del Rey, so I'm not personally unhappy about it.

<KyleK> Mr. Allston thanks for a great night

<KyleK> bye

<KyleK> keep up the great work

<Allston> Kir_Kanos: They didn't require me to, but I felt I had to. I hate writing when I don't have a crystal-clear idea of what I'm writing about. I'm a fairly obsessive researcher.

*** Urza sets mode: +m

<Allston> KyleK: You're welcome. Take care.

<Urza> Thanks Aaron for attending.

<Allston> Urza: You're welcome. Thanks for having me.

<Urza> I'm sure most of us will see you next week at 9pm EST.

<Urza> #allston I believe

<Urza> Hosted by Ghentz

<Allston> I look forward to it. Maybe I'll have better answers for the tough questions then. <g>

<Urza> hehe =)

<Urza> i'll be on the asking side this time =)

<Urza> Thankyou for coming to this Aaron Allston chat hosted by MosEisley.Com. Hope you all will come NEXT week for the chat with Ann C. Crispin (author of The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit, and Rebel Dawn (The Han Solo Trilogy)) @ irc.holonet.org #moseisley on August 29th 8pm EST. Check out MOSEISLEY.COM for the latest in star wars news.

<Urza> MosEisley.Com is not affiliated with LucasFilm, LucasArts, Lucas anything.

<Urza> But we sure wish we were. =)

<Allston> Adios, everybody. It was good seeing you.

*** Allston has quit IRC (Leaving)

<Urza> Goodnight everyone and May The Force Be With You.