| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| The Sage |
Posted - 14 Jul 2010 : 01:53:58
Well met
This being another collective scroll of any questions the Scribes and visitors of Candlekeep wish to put to a renowned author of the Realms, namely - Elaine Cunningham, whos works include: Elfshadow, Elfsong, Daughter of the Drow, Tangled Webs, Windwalker and of course Evermeet: Island of Elves, to name but a few.
Present your questions herein and check back to see what news may also come forth from the quill of this author. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 29 May 2013 : 12:24:57
Hi, Sightless.
Fortunately, titles aren't covered by copyright, and a quick search on Amazon.com will demonstrate that some titles are used many times. So there's no problem here. (Even LESS of a problem considering I don't have a story to go with the title...)
Sorry to hear about your fried computer! Good luck reconstructing the files.
ec
quote:
Originally posted by Sightless
The Demerol is currently having fun with my CNS, so there are probably going to be typeos, for which I am sincerely sorry. Ms. Cunningham, let me begin by thanking you for your very prompt reply, as it both confirms something suspected by one individual among the gathering previously mentioned, and put’s to rest a concern by another. While listening to some of the various posts related hereto, I came across a post to a title in search of a story, called, “An avalanche of tiny bones.” Naturally, what I shall relate is of little importance, as beyond the obvious reasons, I shall mention in a moment. The story “An avalanche of tiny bones” was a murder mystery, began by myself involving the removal of the most ulnar, or the Pinky Finger from 23 children by, ranging in ages of seven to twelve, what appears to be a serial killer. The individual in question, like most individuals fitting that catagorization, keeps the fingers as trophies. This is then the reference previously mentioned in the title. The children, or rather there parents hold a strange connection to both each other, as well as the man responsible. Throw in a few references to the Zodiac killer, the significance of twenty three, and the finger mentioned in Asian mythos, a cop that feels out of her element and an IRS agent that is involved more by chance than anything else, and you have the story. Unfortunately, all I have of the thing is what’s on tape, as my computer died when someone accidently set my roof on fire when setting off fireworks. Now, even if I was to write the entire thing down, which I shall do at some point, the only folks that would ever read the thing are close friends, as I suspect no publisher would ever touch the thing. This furether exemplifies the statement regarding the overall insignificance of the mentioning of any of this. I’m largely informing you of this, something I shall probably look back upon in wonderment, because of the urging of someone I shall leave unnamed, who I suspect wants to see if you’ll take the idea and run with it. I am beginning to hope that you don’t, largely as I’m completely certain that you can think of something better; but there you have it, hopefully this hasn’t been an utter waste of useful time, most respectfully, Sightless.
|
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 29 May 2013 : 12:17:56
Thanks for the kind word, Renin. Much appreciated.
quote:
Originally posted by Renin
Elaine,
I only just now have read Best of the Realms III.
Many years late coming to that party, but to see my most favorite characters come to life in many short stories I hadn't read before was fantastic. Your Realms breathes so much life, and really defines how I love to run my own campaigns.
The book also shows how much I miss those characters, and it make it bittersweet to have hints in there about the 'Reclamation' book that was unable to see print.
So thank you for all that. I just recently reread all my Arilyn books, and they are still just as fantastic as I recall. The fantasy, the imagery, the depth of emotion, and the care about the characters still rings true, even though I had not read them in well over a dozen years.
So, a long winded kudos!
 |
| Sightless |
Posted - 29 May 2013 : 04:37:23
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by xaeyruudh
Anyway, thanks for getting my rusty wheels turning. 
Hi, xaeyruudh!
It's odd, what can get the thought processes turning. This morning Andrew was emptying the kitchen garbage and was startled by the tinkle of shifting quinoa seeds I'd thrown out. When he asked what that was, my mouth said "Quinoa," but my mind said, "An avalanche of tiny bones." That is now a title in search of a story.
The Demerol is currently having fun with my CNS, so there are probably going to be typeos, for which I am sincerely sorry. Ms. Cunningham, let me begin by thanking you for your very prompt reply, as it both confirms something suspected by one individual among the gathering previously mentioned, and put’s to rest a concern by another. While listening to some of the various posts related hereto, I came across a post to a title in search of a story, called, “An avalanche of tiny bones.” Naturally, what I shall relate is of little importance, as beyond the obvious reasons, I shall mention in a moment. The story “An avalanche of tiny bones” was a murder mystery, began by myself involving the removal of the most ulnar, or the Pinky Finger from 23 children by, ranging in ages of seven to twelve, what appears to be a serial killer. The individual in question, like most individuals fitting that catagorization, keeps the fingers as trophies. This is then the reference previously mentioned in the title. The children, or rather there parents hold a strange connection to both each other, as well as the man responsible. Throw in a few references to the Zodiac killer, the significance of twenty three, and the finger mentioned in Asian mythos, a cop that feels out of her element and an IRS agent that is involved more by chance than anything else, and you have the story. Unfortunately, all I have of the thing is what’s on tape, as my computer died when someone accidently set my roof on fire when setting off fireworks. Now, even if I was to write the entire thing down, which I shall do at some point, the only folks that would ever read the thing are close friends, as I suspect no publisher would ever touch the thing. This furether exemplifies the statement regarding the overall insignificance of the mentioning of any of this. I’m largely informing you of this, something I shall probably look back upon in wonderment, because of the urging of someone I shall leave unnamed, who I suspect wants to see if you’ll take the idea and run with it. I am beginning to hope that you don’t, largely as I’m completely certain that you can think of something better; but there you have it, hopefully this hasn’t been an utter waste of useful time, most respectfully, Sightless. |
| Renin |
Posted - 29 May 2013 : 04:17:12
Elaine,
I only just now have read Best of the Realms III.
Many years late coming to that party, but to see my most favorite characters come to life in many short stories I hadn't read before was fantastic. Your Realms breathes so much life, and really defines how I love to run my own campaigns.
The book also shows how much I miss those characters, and it make it bittersweet to have hints in there about the 'Reclamation' book that was unable to see print.
So thank you for all that. I just recently reread all my Arilyn books, and they are still just as fantastic as I recall. The fantasy, the imagery, the depth of emotion, and the care about the characters still rings true, even though I had not read them in well over a dozen years.
So, a long winded kudos! |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 20:43:27
quote:
Originally posted by Sightless
I hope all is well on this Athenya, Ms. Cunningham, my question is do you mind if people use character's from your novels in your games? I was cooking dinner for a few friends that I role play with last night, I cook and they read stories I can't access, which seems to work well for everyone, and the topic came up, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks for your time.
Hi, Sightless.
Thanks for asking. One of the main purposes of the novels is to give color and depth to the setting, which in turn can add to gamers' campaigns. I'm glad to hear that you and your friends like my characters well enough to include them in your games.
Best,
ec |
| Sightless |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 20:30:32
I hope all is well on this Athenya, Ms. Cunningham, my question is do you mind if people use character's from your novels in your games? I was cooking dinner for a few friends that I role play with last night, I cook and they read stories I can't access, which seems to work well for everyone, and the topic came up, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks for your time. |
| xaeyruudh |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 19:24:17
Hah I like that one too. Maybe the Headless Norseman can meet the Needless Horseman. They can share drinks and shrink from dares. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 19:18:38
Not necessarily. The OTHER title-in-search-of-a-story that hit me yesterday was "The Headless Norseman."
quote:
Originally posted by xaeyruudh
Nice! That's a pretty awesome title.
*mumbles* her wheels are better than mine...
|
| xaeyruudh |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 19:15:21
Nice! That's a pretty awesome title.
*mumbles* her wheels are better than mine... |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 15 May 2013 : 19:04:22
quote:
Originally posted by xaeyruudh
Anyway, thanks for getting my rusty wheels turning.
Hi, xaeyruudh!
It's odd, what can get the thought processes turning. This morning Andrew was emptying the kitchen garbage and was startled by the tinkle of shifting quinoa seeds I'd thrown out. When he asked what that was, my mouth said "Quinoa," but my mind said, "An avalanche of tiny bones." That is now a title in search of a story.
|
| xaeyruudh |
Posted - 14 May 2013 : 20:45:55
Hello Elaine. I just wanted to chime in with a "hear, hear!" I like this take on non-caster views of magic (or exceptional skill that might look like magic. I think in my own games I'd like to expand it to other places where magic is commonly seen, or often credited/blamed for events/affects that can't be explained through common folklore, but where the schools/spheres (depending on what edition we're playing) of magic aren't really understood or cared about. I'm thinking Mulhorand, because I'm biased, but I can see how folks in Waterdeep, Silverymoon, Myth Drannor, and not just big cities but also small villages, would look at practitioners of magic this way. Nobody calls an evoker an evoker except evokers, ya know? Illusionist is descriptive but farmers and barkeeps are likely to come up with other references. Some names might be commonplace ("green mage" makes perfect sense for the caster you describe, and it seems logical that this name would spread across Faerun) while infrequently seen or much-maligned forms of magic might have a different name in each place, and obscure distinctions (like "white" necromancy) might be completely lost on most folks.
Anyway, thanks for getting my rusty wheels turning. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 14 May 2013 : 19:20:42
quote:
Originally posted by silverwolfer
In the Magehound 2nd book , you make mention of a Green mage, a sort of seemingly blend of drudiac, clerical, and arcane of abilities and healing. What thought did you have behind in, so far as what exactly that entailed?
Hi, Silverwolfer.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. "Green mage" is a colloquial Halruaan term for a type of healer, but not necessarily a NEW type of healer. Halruaan magic is divided into nine formal schools, but since magic is so prevalent, it seemed logical to me that there would also be many other cultural terms for people who used magic. Some of those would likely focus on the result, rather than the school or even the class of the caster. So I imagine there are local names for people who find lost items, engage in magic-enhanced matchmaking, rid houses of unwanted incorporeal entities, specialize in training and/or healing sick animals, and so on. So "green mage" could refer to anyone who heals with a blend of herbal lore and magic, regardless of their class. Druids, therefore, might be referred to as green mages, but so might the local midwife with the fabulous herb garden. |
| silverwolfer |
Posted - 15 Apr 2013 : 22:45:53
In the Magehound 2nd book , you make mention of a Green mage, a sort of seemingly blend of drudiac, clerical, and arcane of abilities and healing. What thought did you have behind in, so far as what exactly that entailed? |
| Arcanus |
Posted - 26 Mar 2013 : 16:49:22
So when will you be writing new novels for us milady? Your FR fan base is large, surely it's just a matter of time? |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 25 Mar 2013 : 20:20:47
Quite a few of my Forgotten Realms novels, as well as anthologies to which I contributed, have been released as audio books since my last post. This includes all of the Songs & Swords books, the Starlight & Shadows trilogy, Evermeet, City of Splendors, and the short story collection Best of the Realms III.
A few days ago, The Magehound was also released as an ebook. Here's a linkto its page on Amazon.com:
http://tinyurl.com/ctmhkyz |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 08 Jan 2013 : 15:53:56
Today is release day for three of my Forgotten Realms novels in audio book format: Evermeet, Tangled Webs, and Windwalker. (Not sure why Daughter of the Drow isn't on the list, but I'm looking into it.) My short story collection, The Best of the Realms Book III, is also out, and so are two anthologies to which I contributed. (Realms of Infamy, Realms of the Arcane.) You can find these at Amazon.com or Audible.com. I'm currently adding links to both booksellers to the book info pages on my website.
|
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 08 Jan 2013 : 15:51:50
quote:
Originally posted by Thieran
Great stuff, thank you!
(The link to the info page on Elfsong is currently not working because it misses the .com suffix.)
Thanks for the heads-up, Thieran. I fixed the link. Here 'tis:
http://www.elainecunningham.com/books/forgotten-realms/elfsong-info/ |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 08 Jan 2013 : 15:49:50
I was updating my website to add links to the newly released audio books and noticed that the Kindle version of EVERMEET is currently on sale for $2.99. If you're building your Forgotten Realms digital library, this would be a good time to add this particular novel. :) |
| Thieran |
Posted - 15 Dec 2012 : 15:08:25
Great stuff, thank you!
(The link to the info page on Elfsong is currently not working because it misses the .com suffix.) |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 12 Dec 2012 : 13:20:05
Hi, folks.
I'm currently expanding my website (www.elainecunningham.com) to include a page for each book. These pages include cover art, a brief story description, links to sample chapters, links to review sites and/or specific discussion threads, and links to various online booksellers of print, digital, and audio books. Since this is a time-consuming process, I'm adding one book a day, and I'm currently working my way through the Forgotten Realms books.
Each page will have basic story and purchasing info, but I'm adding extra bits; for example, on the Elfshadow page is a list of novels and short stories featuring Arilyn, Danilo Thann, and Elaith Craulnober. I'm putting up the Elfsong page later today. It will include sheet music (lyrics and melody only) for "Elminster's Jest," the song Danilo's singing sword belts out during the heat of battle. Aspiring fantasy artists have created some nifty portraits of Liriel, so when I get to the Starlight & Shadows trilogy, I'll add a fan art gallery. And so on. I'd welcome feedback and suggestions.
If you're interested in adding some of the Forgotten Realms backlist books to your library, I hope these pages will make the process a little easier and more interesting.
Sweet water, light laughter,
ec |
| Naeryndam |
Posted - 04 Dec 2012 : 02:35:30
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Elaine! |
| CorellonsDevout |
Posted - 04 Dec 2012 : 02:30:01
I would love it that too! I actually FINALLY started reading the Song and Swords trilogy (not sure why it took me so long to get around to it), and I was reminded of why I love your books, and how much I've missed them in the Realms. |
| Euranna |
Posted - 04 Dec 2012 : 00:57:02
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Naeryndam
Elaine, will we ever find out what happened to Amlaruil and Evermeet during the Spellplague? I know that Evermeet is now in the Feywild and that the Queen has vanished. Are there any plans to explore this? I loved Evermeet: Island of Elves and other than the Grand History of the Realms, I don't believe anything has been mentioned. Amlaruil is one of my favorite characters.
These are questions I've often pondered, but since I'm a freelance writer, and not privy to WotC plans for the future, I don't know what plans they might have to revisit Spellplage's effect on Evermeet. But I hope they do. It's a story I'd love to read. Or, for that matter, write. :)
This would make me so very happy. I think I would literally do a happy dance or two if this came to be. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 03 Dec 2012 : 20:58:13
quote:
Originally posted by Naeryndam
Elaine,
Hope you don't mind a personal question. I was reading on your Wiki page the other day that you originally went to school for music and taught for several years. I went to school in New England and was an English major who minored in trumpet performance, so that was quite cool to see. What instrument do you play and do you still perform???
I was a voice major, and I focused mostly on vocal/choral music, but I've played several instruments over the years. Thirteen years of piano lessons, for starters, and I've studied classical guitar and lute. In high school I played the bass viol in folk/gospel groups and mallet percussion in band. In recent years I picked up celtic harp and Irish fiddle.
I no longer perform as a soloist, but I'm a member of the Providence Singers, a chorus affiliated with the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Info about our 2012-2013 season is on our website, www.providencesingers.org. |
| Naeryndam |
Posted - 03 Dec 2012 : 19:44:30
Elaine,
Hope you don't mind a personal question. I was reading on your Wiki page the other day that you originally went to school for music and taught for several years. I went to school in New England and was an English major who minored in trumpet performance, so that was quite cool to see. What instrument do you play and do you still perform??? |
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