*** Urza sets mode +m

<Urza> Welcome Everyone to MosEisley.Com's first chat with author R. A. Salvatore.

<Urza> Who's recent published novel is Star Wars New Jedi Order Vector Prime.

<Urza> This chat isn't limited to Star Wars so don't worry about it. =)

<Urza> However we do ask that you do not us vulgar language.

<Urza> If you have a question for Mr. Salvatore you can send it to me directly.

<RASalvatore> Darn!

<Urza> To do this simply type something like this- /msg Urza Why did Chewie have to die?

<RASalvatore> And I'll finish my answers with "GA"

* Urza nods

<Urza> So Bob.. why don't you tell use a bit about current project and stuff you have on the horizon.

<RASalvatore> Right now, I'm about / of the way through my next TSR novel. It's a tough one because I'm feturing the bad guys for a change.

<RASalvatore> After that, I'll get to work on book of the second DemonWar.

<RASalvatore> GA

<RASalvatore> Oops, and "Mortalis" will be out in June.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<NailZ> Can u please give us some info on the next drizzt book?

<ravskel> Danke

<RASalvatore> By drizzt book, do you mean one that he's actually in?

<Urza> I believe he is. =)

<RASalvatore> If not, the boook I'm working on concerns the adventures of Artemis Entreri and

<RASalvatore> Jarlaxle AFTER The Silent blade, when Jarlaxle is in possession of a very nasty artifact.

<RASalvatore> he has no idea of what he's got there

<RASalvatore> As for the next Drizzt book that he's actually in, I have no idea.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<from myself> Who established the contection between Nom Amor and the Yuuzhan Vong? Was it something Lucas Film setup or was it a loose end from Crismon Empire that you were wrapping up?

<RASalvatore> I had put this agent in, and Lucasfilm said, "Hey, wait a minute, this might fit with Nom Anor..."

<RASalvatore> That's how Kyp Durron got in the book, too.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<NCp_QS> I would like to ask how long it took to go from the time he created the rough draft till the time it was finished in Good Copy.

<RASalvatore> The outline took through August and September of last year; I wrote the book

<RASalvatore> and turned in first copy in November, had an edit from DelRey, then sent it to

<RASalvatore> LFL in December.

<RASalvatore> They came back with editing remarks in January, and then again for minor touch up in February.

<RASalvatore> There were different levels of editing -- continuity, characterization, etc.

<RASalvatore> GA

>

<Berserker> You don't need to give anything major away here...but am I correct in assuming that perhaps Entreri may be making a few changes with himself soon? Might we be hearing any more from Elbryan in the future?

<RASalvatore> Entreri has been going through severe changes since his journey to Menzoberranzan.

<RASalvatore> Yes, that will continue, but don't expect him to don a white hat anytime soon!

<RASalvatore> As for Elbryan...have you read Demon Apostle?

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Nighthold> In the Demon Wars trilogy (i know it is not star wars and so early in the chat too...) the books have a decidedly more grown up feel. Even adult to the point of describing the more intimate encounters very visibly. Was this a contious choice of yours to make the books more adult oriented or did it just happain... or am i just a nut?

<RASalvatore> i don't know if you're a nut.

<RASalvatore> You're right on target here, though. DemonWars is not a children's bedtime story. No way!

<RASalvatore> I'm not holding much back here -- I can't. I wrote Mortalis through the toughest period of my life

<RASalvatore> it's a year and a half of pain poured out onto the page and I won't cheapen

<RASalvatore> that by making it nice and tidy. Good Question!

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<NCp_JODOKAST> When did Lucasfilm approach RA about the book?

<RASalvatore> DelRey called me in August of last year -that typical goodnews/bad news call.

<RASalvatore> great opportunity, but it has to be done fast. Fortunately, since my next book due was with

<RASalvatore> DelRey anyway, I was able to juggle the schedule to make room for SW.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Eclipse> What is the hardest part of being a writer, and what aspect of it do you find most rewarding?

<RASalvatore> the hardest part ist hat every time you write something, you give a little bit of yourself

<RASalvatore> away. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's just the way it is. Then you have to suffer through the two BAD THINGS

<RASalvatore> Criticism and Compliment...equally difficult.

<RASalvatore> The most rewarding if the therapeutic nature of the job. AS I said, I just poured my pain onto the page.

<RASalvatore> There is no better relief.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Darion> From me how many books are you signed on to do in the sw universe and do you think you'll be doing more?

<Urza> Hehe.. I know the answer to that. =)

<RASalvatore> One book Vector Prime. Will I do more? I was considering it before, but now...

<RASalvatore> Well, let's just say that I've had more than my fill for now.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Mordeth> I've been wondering something about that artifact How does Jarlaxle use the Crystal Shard if he's in the Underdark. Doesn't it require sunlight?

<RASalvatore> When did he go back to the Underdark?

<RASalvatore> And what makes you think the Crystal Shard will let him go back to the Underdark?

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Juroviel> Will we be seeing anymore of DeUnnero in the next Demon Wars?

<RASalvatore> How could I possibly say no to that? I love the tortured guy!

<RASalvatore> he's prominent in Mortalis, you bet he is.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza> This was emailed to us by Wendy...

<Urza> Hello, Mr. Salvadore,First of all before I ask my questions, my sincerest condolences on the

<Urza> death of your brother.

<Urza> Secondly, I wanted to say that I thought you handled Chewbacca's death with dignity. No one likes to see an old friend die, but I understand why it was done, and I accept it. I liked the way that Chewie was given an heroic death. He fulfilled his Life-debt in saving Anakin, since his Life-debt to Han Solo had extended to Han's family. The reactions of Han and the other SW characters to Chewie's death brought real emotion to the book.

<Urza> My question is about the Jedi. Why did all of the Jedi, from Luke to the Solo children hardly use the Force for anything except strengthening their flying skills throughout the book? I was especially surprised that Luke couldn't even sense that Mara was in trouble when in the same building with her despite the fact that he's supposed to be very powerful in the Force and despite the fact that he and Mara have a very strong personal bond in the Force.

<Urza> What's the point of having special Force gifts if they're never used?

<Urza> The End. =)

<RASalvatore> The Force is something that has been strengthened considerably in the books, not the movies.

<RASalvatore> Remember the first three? If theForce was nearly as strong as it has since become, Ben would have waved those Imperials away at the docks.

<RASalvatore> Also, didn't a couple of Jedi use comlinks in TPM?

<RASalvatore> The problem here is that DelRey and Lucasfilm made a conscious decision to get back to basics, somewhat,

<RASalvatore> and basics of the Force do not include as strong alink as has been presented in the novels.

<RASalvatore> it's that simple. I know that Tim used the Force more powerfully between the two in VotF, but he was writing

<RASalvatore> that book at the same time as I was writing mine, so it was hard

<RASalvatore> to compare notes.

<RASalvatore> I hope that answers your question. GA

<Urza>

<from myself> Did you have access to the Star Wars Union material as you were writing Vector Prime?

<RASalvatore> nope -- that was written after Vector prime, i believe. i did talk with mike Stackpole, though.

<RASalvatore> Understand that one of the reasons I gave Mara the illness was to sideline her somewhat because

<RASalvatore> she's not a character that I know very well, and there was so much in process wtih her at the time.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza> Another letter that wasy emailed to us from TRL Patron Who was behind the giving Mara that illness? Also, who came up with that Danni Quee woman? Salvatore or the Del Rey editors?

<RASalvatore> I gave her the illness, with absolute approval, of course. Consider it my tribute to Mara, believe it or not.

<RASalvatore> I modeled Mara after someone I know very dearly who was battling terminal cancer.

<RASalvatore> The bravest guy I ever met.

<RASalvatore> As for Danni Quee, she was mine, as well, the one protagonist I got to add.

<RASalvatore> I needed one of my own, after all, though I have no idea of what they will now have in store for her, if anytyhing.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<blaster> In RAS's next book in the Demon Wars series, does it take place before the original trilogy and what if any, small taste can he give us of what the next series holds in store for us?

<RASalvatore> The next book is a bridge between the two DemonWars.

<RASalvatore> I had outlined the second DemonWar and had even started writing it, when i realized that i would

<RASalvatore> have too much being told in the past tense, because too many things had to have happened to get me

<RASalvatore> to that point in the story. So I wrote "mortalis", which is really Pony's book.

<RASalvatore> it's a tough time in post-war Corona, a situation made worse by the re-emergence of the plague.

<RASalvatore> The whole book deals with the reactions to this incurable (nearly, even wit hthe stones) disease (do I sense a theme in my writing of late?)

<RASalvatore> Who's right and who's wrong? Darned if I, or Pony, know the answer!

<RASalvatore> Anyway, it's likely that there will be three more DemonWar novels after Mortalis, the second DemonWar, if you

<RASalvatore> will. GA

<Urza>

<Kyle_Varnell> Bob, I would like to say thank you once again for helping me on my Writing essay and for that signature in my copy of Vector Prime.

<Urza> I'm assuming he means the Seven Swords Preorder signing (which I got btw).

<RASalvatore> I'll be doing another E_Signing (PLUG) in late DEcember/early january for the Icewind Dale Collector's Edition

<Urza> Ohhh. =)

<RASalvatore> You're welcome, kyle.

<RASalvatore> GA

* Urza drools

<Urza> Icewind Dale Collector's Edition AD&D game correct?

<RASalvatore> huh? Icewind Dale Collector's is a combination of the three Icewind Dale novels in hardcover form, with a forward by Terry Brooks.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Darion> From Myself Other than the reaction of the fans (only some of them, I hope you know) did you enjoy writing vector prime?

<Urza> Ahh.. OK.. because Biowares is making an Icewind Dale computer game. =)

<RASalvatore> I loved writing the book, and I thought working with LFL and DelRey worked out beautifully.

<RASalvatore> I really like those folks out on teh Ranch!

<RASalvatore> most of the fan reaction has been good to great, and the reviews have been superb.

<RASalvatore> I'm just a little touchy these days, I guess, and tired of people who proprietize(that's becoming my favorite word)

<Darion> I think I can speak for all the JediTalk fans and say we all loved and thought you did everything perfect. I feel it would be our loss if you dont come back and write sw agian....

<RASalvatore> series to the level where they think they're driving the story.

<RASalvatore> I recently had one Amazon reviewer say of Spine of the World...next time NO DRIZZT = NO CASH!

<RASalvatore> it gets tiring, you know.

<RASalvatore> Read it or don't read it, but don't blame me if you've read thirty of my novels in a row and hated every one.

<RASalvatore> And don't expect me to writ to your specifications, Star Wars or otherwise.

<RASalvatore> I had to pass through a battery of editors, including Mike Stackpole, to get this book accepted.

<RASalvatore> I cannot write for , people.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza> Well this seems like a good time so I'd like to take this time to allow Mr. Salvatore to clear the air reguarding what went on behind the scenes of the Death of Chewbacca (and to blow some steam if he wants).

<RASalvatore> You've got to be more specific than that...

<RASalvatore> You want the whole story, 'cuz I've got this implant thing...

<Urza> Well who's decision was it to kill someone, who selected it, your reaction.

<Urza> As much as your allowed to tell us. =)

<RASalvatore> Quite simple. I signed to do the book and was working on the outline when they (DelRey) said, oh yeah, and we've got this other thing that has to be in the book.

<RASalvatore> i told them I'd give them back their money, but then they, and LFL convinced me that it was indeed the right thing to do.

<RASalvatore> I've talked with Stackpole about htis and he assured me that no one in that room (the meeting at the Ranch)

<RASalvatore> was happy about having to do it, but everyone agreed that there was simply no way to continue to hold any tension in the SW galaxy any more.

<RASalvatore> It was not a marketing decision, as so many cynical people loudly point out, again and again and again,

<RASalvatore> but rather, a creative decision, designed to let readers know that this is not

<RASalvatore> ahappy time, nor a safe one...for anybody.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza> If you could do it over would you still write the book or change anything significant and what?

<RASalvatore> Would I still write the book? great question, and one i've asked myself many times.

<RASalvatore> The easy answer is yes, because it's quite evident that Vector Prime has brought many new readers into my other works,

<RASalvatore> but honestly, given this specific time in my life, I don't know that I would do it again.

<RASalvatore> Then again, I also know that the screams will die away after the grieving period.

<RASalvatore> I just went through this with another series. the "how-could-you" letters, et al.

<RASalvatore> hey, no one is sacred. I've been getting pleading letters from a certain dark elf, begging to be kept alive, but...

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza> I started reading you when Menzoberranzan became a computer game. =)

<Urza>

<TheRaven> how difficult was it to make the transition from fantasy to Star Wars, which is almost a genre in and of itself?

<RASalvatore> Not so difficult. Sw is as much heroic fantasy as it is science fiction, in my opinion, adn hey, starfighter

<RASalvatore> battle choreography rocked! GA

<Darion>

<Nighthold> Even for an author as publisized and publically adored as you how do you personally handle the critisism. There are some people who can sell a million books and still get red faced when a person says... it stinks.

<RASalvatore> i don't mind criticism, what steams me is the assumption/premise/conclusion error that is so prevalent today, particularly on the web.

<RASalvatore> Someone makes a statement Don't the Vong remind you of the bad guys from GI Joe, teh Movie?

<RASalvatore> Then, on another board, someone is complaining that they don't like the Vong, so a guy who

* Urza chuckles

<RASalvatore> read the first board jumps over and says, you know why you didn'

<RASalvatore> t? Go here! You'll see that they came from GI Joe teh movie!

<RASalvatore> Yikes! I've been accused of stealing so many different aspects of the Vong from about different movies or novels, an you know what, I haven't seen or read ANY of them.

<RASalvatore> Also, everyone today is a rocket scientist -- ask them.

<RASalvatore> So yes, it is frustrating at times, and even painful -- all authors feel it, don't believe those who deny it.

<RASalvatore> We just have to hear so much more of it well, we don't have to, but it's hard to ignore the internet.)

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<SylvanArrow> You've alluded to Drizzt's death once or twice, if I recall correctly. Is this just speculation or do you have plans? You've got me scared now after the Demon books )

<RASalvatore> You really should be scared. makes you more alive, you know.

<RASalvatore> Could happen anytime, any place, in the middle of any fight. Now, doesn't that make you want to read the books a little faster?

<RASalvatore> Doesn't that make them a little bit more edgy and exciting?

<RASalvatore> You bet it does! Ask the SW guys the next time one of their favorites is in trouble.

<RASalvatore> they'll be on the edge of their seat.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Darion> ooochhhh'

* Urza hides =)

<Urza>

<NailZ> what is mortalis?

<RASalvatore> Mortalis is the most grown-up novel I've ever written. it means "death" and it's a treatise on accepting the inevitable, fighting to the bitter end, or running and hiding, though there really are no holes deep enough.

<RASalvatore> The title comes from a poen by Calvin of bri-Onnaire (made up, a guy from Corona), who took refuge

<RASalvatore> with the Abellican Monks during one of the earlier plagues (fifth century, I believe). sleep. (who needs porn when you have /usr/bin?)

<RASalvatore> they thought him a genius because of his stimulating and challenging poetry, but when he

<RASalvatore> realized that he didn't like their attitude much, he went out and began reciting his poetry to the general

<RASalvatore> populace. He went from being an acclaimed poet of the Abellicans to a heretic in a hurry, you see, because it's not right to ask the common folk to consider their real feelings about dying. No, no, we musn't do that!

<RASalvatore> it's really a bright and happy book! GA

<Urza>

<Berserker> Do you find that music is helpful while you are writing? If so, what kind?

<RASalvatore> I used to write to Fleetwood Mac. Now I create to music often -- mystical stuff like Enya or a CD called Stars, or my new favorite, Sarah McLachlin.

<RASalvatore> her "Building a Mystery ids my theme song for DemonWars.

<RASalvatore> I love many kinds of music, though. Collective Soul is a definite favorite, and the Goo-goo Dolls. I saw the Cranberries in concert this summer with my kids and was blown away.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Darion> you'd kill Barney if you ever meet him huh???

<Darion> )

<Urza> And you wouldn't?

<Urza> =)

<Darion> point taken... )

<Darion> From me what is your favorite book?

<RASalvatore> My favorite of my own? Demon Apostle. Homeland would be second, I think, though Mortalis might grow on me as I get past this particular time in my life. (The cover for Mortalis is

<RASalvatore> absolutely spectacular, by the way.)

<RASalvatore> My favorite book by another author is either james Joyce's "The Dead" (not really a book, but a novella), Walter Miller's "A canticle for Liebowitz" or, of course, The Hobbit

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Eclipse> If he enjolyed writing the book so much, why is Salvatore hesitant to write another SW novel? Is it because of the vocal few who whined about his writing Chewie's death?

<Urza> At this time we'll be taking no new messages.. if you've submitted questions they'll be asked.

<RASalvatore> it goes way beyond the whining about Chewie's death. I expected that. Star Wars is too full of

<RASalvatore> specialized readers, i fear, who have their own vision of the way things ought to be.

<RASalvatore> Where's Tenel Ka? No Rogue Squadron! What about Cilghal? The Vong can't be devoid of the Force!

Salvatore> it's just too -- here's that word again -- proprietized for my tastes. An author, or as in this case, a group of creators, has to be free to roam the boundaries of creativity, not to write a book that will satisfy certain factions.

<RASalvatore> I'm not saying I won't write anotehr SW book, but, heck, it's like running for office, adn those favoring the other guy make no bones about calling you names.

<RASalvatore> I think I'm too old to subject myself to this kind of abuse again.

<g> GA

<Urza>

<Nighthold> Another question for me... about the demon wars trilogy again. There are amazingly relevent religious questions raised in these books. Both by the initial questioning of faith by Avelyn and the eventual Redemtion and divine light. Was this in any way a bit of a personal struggle with religion.. or perhaps the remnents of one?

<RASalvatore> i thinkthat the themes in DemonWars are pretty much universal to any thinking indiviual.

<RASalvatore> how can oanyone living in a science-dominated world not question his/her faith once in a while?

<RASalvatore> i think I did some of the same things with Cadderly in teh Cleric books, though, because of the nature of the Realms, the answers were more cut and dried.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<NailZ> Is Mortalis part of Demonwars, if not then what?

<Darion> From JediTalk can we get a interview sometime with you?

<Urza> shameless plug Darion =)

<Darion> )

<RASalvatore> Mortalis is the bridge book between the two DemonWar stories (two trilogies). yes, it is certainly a big part of DemonWars.

<RASalvatore> E-mail me, Darion.

<RASalvatore> ga

<Urza>

<Mordeth> Where did you get the inspiration for all of your fight scenes? Your sword fights in particular are some of the best I've ever read.

<Darion> jeditalk is it ok for urza to give us your email?

<RASalvatore> I play hockey.

<RASalvatore> Darion RASalvtore at AOL.com

<RASalvatore> No, Urza can't give it out.

<RASalvatore> As for battle choreography, I don't know how I do it, it just comes very easily to me.

<RASalvatore> I was a boxer in high school, and a bouncer for years, andI just seem to understand it.

<RASalvatore> Fighting is like a dance, after all.

<RASalvatore> Though my wife doesn't think I dance very well.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<diveBrokeModem> As for writing, how does one come up with so much detail and plot twists? I love writting, but can't ever get too deep with it.

<RASalvatore> it's a matter of keeping all the details compartmentalized in your brain. Particularly challenging is when you write about dark elves, because as you're writing it, you see layers beneath the words.

<RASalvatore> it get scary sometimes.

<RASalvatore> Entreri is going through some of this in the book I'm writing now.

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Joe> Hey Bob, Now that Demon Wars has taken an even darker turn (if that was at all possible) are there any NEW heroes to add to the growing list of characters to combat all of this evil. To be honest the outlook seems pretty grim...and whatever happened to that evil king that was stealing souls by using gemstone magic? Hope I didn't give anything away...

<RASalvatore> A couple of new heroes, a couple emerging from teh second ranks of the first series. And a monk or two who

<RASalvatore> are beginning to see things in a different light.

<RASalvatore> I see Francis growing up here...

<RASalvatore> GA

<Urza>

<Magpie> you have said that your been trying to move more away from fight scenes in your novels, concentrating more on the characters, could you expand on that? where do you see your novels heading?

<RASalvatore> Right where DemonWars is leading me.

<RASalvatore> Right where Spine oft he World is leading me.

<RASalvatore> The fights will stillbe there, but I'm trying to get more into what I see as pertinent human questions

<RASalvatore> GA

* Darion thanks RA for the Great Chat.... I have to go (But from all the Jedi Talk Staff and fans Thank You for Vector Prime you put the fight back in Han Solo but also in us Fans)

<Urza> No more questions. So that concludes MosEisley.Com's chat with R. A. Salvatore. We'd like to thank him for coming and hope he continues to write excellent novels and doesn't get discourage from returning to the Star Wars Universe and giving it another try.

<Urza> It was great having you Mr. Salvatore and we hope to hear from you again in both Forgotten Realms and in Star Wars.

<Urza> Have a goodnight everyone.

<Darion> night all

<RASalvatore> Thanks, got to go and see how my Patriots are doing.

<Urza> May The Force Be With You, Bob.

*** Urza sets mode -m

<TheRaven> bye Mr. S!

<Blitz> later hombre)

<Urza> Everyone can say bye to him now =)

<RASalvatore> See you all! Thanks for having me in here.

<TheRaven> thanks for being here

<amidala> Bye Salvatore

<Berserker> Thanks for the talk, I enjoyed it.

<Skykiller> bye

<NCp_QS> THanks for taking the time and comming to chat

<dnyss> sees pats r down by

* diveBrokeModem waves.

* Skykiller bows to the master

<Lynxdom> escelent listening to you )

<dnyss> bye everyone!

<Mist> cya!

<Lynxdom> bye all

<Draconious> may your pen be straight and steady

*** RASalvatore has quit IRC (Leaving)