Results tagged “shannara”

On October 20th, I posted news titled Auction: Terry Brooks Character Name.

In short, Terry allowed fans to bid on an auction where the winning bidder could have their name in a future book. The auction helped raise $1700 for children, schools, and other non-profit entities around the world. Terry gives as much as possible for numerous charities throughout the year, and that one created a fun new opportunity for him.

The character from the winning bidder became the G’Home Gnome Shoopdiesel in the recently published A Princess of Landover.

That one turned out so well that Terry decided to do it again—this time for a Shannara character name!

The auction went live in October and ended at noon on November 11th. To help get news of the auction to Terry’s fans, I posted the information on Suvudu and the News section of his official website, mentioned it on his official forum, and sent out an email blast to his Brooksbooks newsletter which goes out to tens of thousand of people.

By the end of the auction there were 72 bids, fans hoping to get the chance to be immortal as a character in a Terry Brooks novel.

What dollar amount did the auction finally go for?

Last night’s live chat between Terry Brooks, Christopher Paolini, and many of you was one of those incredibly fun times that almost demands to be shared. Well, go ahead and strike the almost from that last sentence; we’re excited to offer this chat up for you to embed on your site or blog and continue the discussion. Just grab the code below (right-click—or Apple-click—in the box below and choose “select all”) then copy and paste it into your website or blog*.

It’s that easy.

Or Download the chat codeby saving from this link.

Now, you know that, while the live event is over, there’s still a little more to come. We were flooded with comments and questions during the chat and just weren’t able to get to all of them. However, if your question wasn’t answered during the event last night, it might be answered soon. Both Terry Brooks and Christopher Paolini agreed to select a few questions from last night that weren’t answered then and write up their responses, which you will be able to find here on Suvudu.

Were you not able to watch the chat yesterday? You can view it online HERE. Take, talk, be merry! And keep your eyes here for more later.

For more information about the authors and for a list of their works, please visit our dedicated Christopher Paolini and Terry Brooks information page.

“Christopher is perhaps the most mature, confident young writer I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I think his career will be long and successful, and I consider it a privilege to know him.” -Terry Brooks

Christopher Paolini. Eragon. Eldest. Brisingr.

Terry Brooks. Shannara. Landover. Word & Void.

What more do you need to say? They’re two of the hottest hands writing fantasy fiction today and are responsible for some of the hottest fantasy series’ since The Lord of the Rings. And tomorrow at 7pm EST (4pm PST), they’ll convene here, with you, to talk about all things fantasy.

Have you signed up for a reminder? It might be a good idea. Not only because it will enter you in to a drawing for a sweet prize pack containing a signed edition of Brisingr and a signed edition of World of Shannara (see the official rules here), but because this is one of those events you aren’t going to want to miss. I’ll give you the chance to sign up now, and then we’ll talk about what you might expect to see during the chat.

Okay, so here’s what we know about the chat. Christopher and Terry will open the chat by interviewing/speaking with one another. It’s a chance for them both to catch up and maybe ask a few questions of each other that they’re interested to know about. Then, we’ll move on to your questions.

Be sure to come by at the beginning of the chat and feel free to submit questions while Terry and Christopher are talking with each other, we’ll queue them up in the background so they’re ready to go later. Also, you never know if they’ll answer your question during that time, or perhaps give you additional insight that’ll reform your original question.

As for where the chat will take place, you can bookmark the official chat page we’ve created, hop on over to our front page on Suvudu.com where we will have an instance of the chat window, or sign up for an email reminder above, which should also include a link to the chat page. So there’s three ways to find the chat. Easy, right?

So sign up early, block out the time on your calendar (if you haven’t already), and grab a front row seat before the magic starts. I hope to see you there!

One of the best things about going to conventions and writing retreats is watching how authors interact with one another.

It can be quite a thing to watch and listen to.

I’ve witnessed authors become the best of friends over drinks; I’ve watched authors sit on panels and absolutely hate on each other like crazed wild cats. I’ve seen authors embarrassed to approach a colleague because they were a fan. I’ve listened to authors sing praises about others in their profession; I’ve heard authors talk shyte behind other authors’ backs.

As I said, it can be quite entertaining to sit on the sidelines and just watch and listen.

I am happy to report authors Terry Brooks and Christopher Paolini, the two authors for our Wednesday chat next week, have only great things to say about one another. They have been friends a long time now. Terry has a wealth of experience after 30 years of writingn and uses it every day; Christopher is coming into his own and handling his bestsellerdom with savvy and composure beyond his years.

It is great, therefore, that these two writers have a chance to chat with their fans together next week on Wednesday, October 14th!

Wanna enter a cool contest? It’s easy! Sign up for a Suvudu Live Christopher Paolini and Terry Brooks Chat Reminder by using the above widget between 12:01 AM EDT October 8, 2009 and midnight on October 14, 2009 and be entered into a random drawing to win one (1) of five (5) prize packs containing a signed edition of Brisingr by Christopher Paolini and a copy of The World of Shannara by Terry Brooks! Read the Rules For Entry.

Signing up for the chat reminder costs you nothing but not doing so could cost you a fun late afternoon / evening with two of the bestselling fantasy writers ever!

And visit the Chat Page for Terry and Christopher! As well as visit a list of books by both of them.

Come with questions or submit them early in the comments field below!

See you next Wednesday!

Yesterday was a huge release day for Terry Brooks fans!

A Princess of Landover, the long-awaited sixth book in the Landover series, is now published.

It was also the release day for the two omnibuses collecting the previous five books in the Magic Kingdom of Landover series (The Magic Kingdom of Landover Volume 1 and Volume 2), as well as the updated and revised The World of Shannara, which now includes sections on the Word & Void, Genesis of Shannara and High Druid of Shannara trilogies.

In other words, yesterday was a great day to be a Terry Brooks fan!

So is today!

And not because A Princess of Landover is dedicated to me—although that’s very cool!

Release days are always enjoyable for me but for a very different reason than readers might think. Having been Terry’s webmaster now for almost ten years, it is great fun watching fans’ excitement grow as a release day approaches, knowing they are about to sit in their favorite reading spot to crack open the new book and read the first sentence of a new magical tale.

The biggest reason I love release days is because my gag order not to discuss the new book becomes vapor!

As I’ve said before, I get to read a book almost from the moment Terry finishes it. It is part of the perks of working for him. For instance, Terry is always a year ahead of his publishing schedule and he just gave me the completed, unedited fourth book in the Genesis of Shannara series. But while I get to read his books early, there comes the very real responsibility of withholding their contents to the fans. I actively take part in fan discussion every day on the Forum and yet cannot talk about what I read in any way, shape or form.

As an example of what I can’t talk about, I know two possible titles for the fourth Genesis of Shannara book.

Can I say anything to anyone and discuss their possibilities? Noooo….

*Shawn takes a piece of paper and rips it to shreds in undisguised aggravation*

*Shawn calms down and begins to type again*

Here are the other book, DVD and movie releases for the week!

HARDCOVER BOOKS

• A Princess of Landover by Terry Brooks
• The World of Shannara by Terry Brooks and Teresa Patterson
• Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Abyss by Troy Denning
• Traitors’ Gate by Kate Elliott
• The Law of Nines by Terry Goodkind
• Nine Gates by Jane Lindskold
• Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
• The Dame by R. A. Salvatore
• Elfland by Freda Warrington

• The Magic Kingdom of Landover: Volume 1 by Terry Brooks
• The Magic Kingdom of Landover: Volume 2 by Terry Brooks
• Five Hundred Years After by Steven Brust
• The Last Theorem by Arthur C. Clarke and Frederik Pohl
• Marked by Moonlight by Sharie Kohler
• Star Wars: The Essential Atlas by Daniel Wallace and Jason Fry

• The Last Starfighter 25th Anniversary [Blu-ray]

• Inglourious Basterds
• Shorts

Every once in a while, science fiction and fantasy is given love from the literary world.

Usually only a little love though.

The New Yorker, the long-standing quintessential magazine of New York City known for its breadth of reporting, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, cartoons and poetry, has run an article titled “Seven Essential Fantasy Reads: Going to Second Base.”

Now if the New Yorker was only read in New York City, I’d say their opinion is a small sampling, despite that city’s diversity and population. But the magazine is read all over the world and offers some of the best glimpses into literary fiction.

The writer, Macy Halford, asked her Yale physics friend to come up with the seven must reads for a fantasy nerd. Needless to say, I was interested in what a Yale guy could come up with. Turns out he didn’t do too badly—Tad Williams, Terry Brooks, Guy Gavriel Kay, Robin Hobb, Terry Goodkind, Patrick Rothfuss and Steven Erikson.

Click HERE to read the article.

Terry Brooks went to the San Diego Comic Con to speak on a panel about his forthcoming book A Princess of Landover and hold an autograph session for his numerous fans.

I wasn’t going to let him get away with such an easy time of it!

Terry joined me for an interview early Friday morning at the convention center to talk about the sixth installment in the Landover series, how his convention was going, what he has planned for the next two years of writing, and a hint or two about Book #4 in the Genesis of Shannara series.

Here is that interview.

Disregard the bald man on the right. He doesn’t know what he is talking about!

A Princess of Landoer will be published on August 18th, along with two Landover omnibuses and the newly revised The World of Shannara guide.

And to read an excerpt from A Princess of Landover, click HERE!

I’ve been fortunate to know author Terry Brooks for almost ten years and in that time we have a mutual understanding.

I maintain his website and update it whenever he desires.

As payment, I get to read his books the moment they are written.

The best of deals for a big fan!

Yes, I am very lucky to get the opportunity to read his books early, well before they are published. Usually Terry finishes a book a year in advance of it being published, so I am privy to what is going on in his multiples series long before the readers find out.

The sad part is I have to keep my mouth shut about what I’ve read!

Anyway, it always makes me happy to share early excerpts with Terry’s fans of whatever book is forthcoming. Terry has some of the best fans around and watching them gleefully post their thoughts on his Forums of a released and read excerpt is always fun.

Here is the summary to A Princess of Landover:

After fourteen years, New York Times bestselling fantasy master Terry Brooks has returned to the magic kingdom of Landover. The remarkable realm of dragons, demons, wizards, and wonders that wove an irresistible spell in five classic novels throws open its gates at long last for a brand-new adventure featuring a dazzling cast of characters and creatures.

So begins an eventful odyssey peppered with a formidable dragon, recalcitrant gnomes, an inscrutable magic cat, a handsome librarian, a sinister sorcerer, and more than a few narrow escapes as fate draws Landover’s intrepid princess to the last place she expected to go, and into the thick of a mystery that will put her mettle to the test—and might bring the kingdom to its knees.

Want to read Chapter One of A Princess of Landover?

Here you go—Chapter One!

A Princess of Landover will be published on August 18th in the US and a week later in the UK!

Enjoy the excerpt!

PS: Terry will also be at the San Diego Comic Con in a few days! If you are going, be sure to stop by the Del Rey booth and tell him hello!

As many of you know, I’ve been the webmaster for Terry Brooks for almost 10 years now, longer if you count the three years working on the dedication website I had built. Until very recently I had done it out of love for Terry, his work and his fans, choosing not to get paid for years of services rendered.

I only had two demands:

1) That I would get to read the books early before publication, and 2) I would receive two ARCs to sell or keep as I saw fit.

Fairly simple demands, eh?

Over the years those initial requests have evolved. These days I read the books almost as soon as Terry is finished with them. He gives them a quick line edit, has his wife do a read over, and barring any changes then he sends a copy to his editor at Del Rey and a copy to me. Ever since 2001, where I caught several large inconsistencies in the ARC I was sent, I’ve continuity edited his work, being what he calls an expert on his books. After all, it is hard keeping everything straight in a series as long as the Shannara series—I’ve discovered with my own writing it is hard keeping events straight within one book, let alone seventeen—and the earlier I get the book the more help I can be.

As for the ARCs demand, I still receive them, although I rarely sell them anymore and instead give them to the moderators who help me run Terry’s Forum. They put up with some interestingly crazy and whacko fans to maintain one of the most civil fantasy forums on the internet(s) and for their time I allow them to read Terry’s books early as well. It is the least Terry and I can do.

I received the ARCs for A Princess of Landover—and was shocked!

Terry Brooks, the New York Times bestselling author of the high fantasy Shannara series, has reviewed Robert V.S. Redick’s The Red Wolf Conspiracy for Amazon!

Here is Terry’s review for The Red Wolf Conspiracy:

“Robert V. S. Redick has accomplished something rather extraordinary in his new fantasy adventure novel, The Red Wolf Conspiracy, the first in what I predict will be an eagerly awaited series. His accomplishment is in crafting a story that is a throwback to the days of the European Adventure story writers—Stevenson, Dumas, Scott and the like—a tale that is a gripping page-turner accessible to all ages. I seek stories like this constantly and seldom find them. Here we have a good one. The characters are memorable and fully realized, from the lowly tarboy Pazel Pashkendle to the unwilling young bride Thasha to the half-mad captain Nilus Rose to the powerful sorcerer Ramachni. As the story proceeds, we come to know and care about all of them, the good and the bad, the high and the low. We want to know their fates, and we will follow the writer to wherever we need to go to learn what they are.

So trust me on this one; you won’t be disappointed. Except, of course, like me you have to sit by patiently waiting for the next book. The anticipation is akin to what I experienced growing up with chapter books, when it seemed that every single installment ended in a cliffhanger, and the characters and I were all left hanging together. In an effort to minimize the damage to our fingernails, I will use whatever magic I can conjure up to prod Mr. Redick onward towards completion of book two. You have my promise.”

—Terry Brooks

Intrigued? I am. I have been ever since Terry finished reading The Red Wolf Conspiracy and told me it was the best thing he’s read in a long time.

If you are as intrigued and if you loved The Golden Compass, The Briar King and The Name of the Wind, you should pick up a copy!

After all, Terry blurbed those books as well!

As promised last month, here is the cover to the forthcoming Terry Brooks book, A Princess of Landover!

Del Rey Books has released the new cover, featuring the stunning and very talented Paris Hilton! Hilton, who has starred in several low budget films, has signed on for what will be her break out performance to play the role of Mistaya Holiday in the upcoming Universal Pictures movie A Princess of Landover.

You may ask how did Paris Hilton become involved in this movie? She is an heiress who has no need for money.

Turns out she is a fanatic fan of Terry Brooks and has been since she was a little girl reading about Abernathy and Elizabeth in Wizard At Large. The beautiful waif will play the role of a teenage Mistaya, who must confront a hellish library before it destroys Landover.

Terry Brooks couldn’t be happier.

“Having an actress the caliber of Paris Hilton will bring this project to fruition, finally, after almost two decades of being in development limbo,” Terry says of the choice. “I think Paris will bring a whole new teenage girl readership to my novels!”

As Terry’s webmaster and longtime friend, I’m just happy that Universal Pictures picked such a talented actress to play the important role! And I’m even more happy that Del Rey decided to put her on the cover!

I mean, after all, it’s about time Terry got some great cover art!

A Princess of Landover will be released on August 18th in the US and September 3rd in the UK!

Click to Enlarge

Terry Brooks has long been one of the foundational authors of the fantasy genre.

With his 1977 bestselling The Sword of Shannara, he helped publishers realize there was a massive base of readers out there who craved fantasy. From that time, Terry has written numerous Shannara books, each exploring something different, each growing that foundation he helped originally to create.

But the Shannara series is not his only series, and many fantasy readers overlook Magic Kingdom of Landover!

Magic Kingdom For Sale—Sold! began a new bestselling series for Terry in 1986. The novel was a vast departure from the three sprawling epic fantasies he had written before it, the story of Chicago lawyer Ben Holiday and his purchasing of a real magic kingdom. Right from the start Terry told his readers Ben Holiday was an alter ego of sorts, as Terry used the fictional character to discuss his transition from lawyer to full-time writer. Terry wrote five volumes about Ben Holiday, his magic kingdom of Landover, and a whole cast of unique characters—the last novel, Witches’ Brew, published in 1995.

After 14 years, Terry has returned to the Magic Kingdom of Landover series with the forthcoming novel, A Princess of Landover!

To celebrate Terry’s August 2009 return to The Magic Kingdom of Landover, Del Rey Books asked artist Steve Stone to create two new pieces of artwork to be used on collected omnibuses of the first five books in the series. The first omnibus, The Magic Kingdom of Landover: Volume I, contains the three novels Magic Kingdom For Sale—Sold!, The Black Unicorn and Wizard At Large. Volume II contains the two novels The Tangle Box and Witches’ Brew.

Today is March 1st. I decided to showcase the first cover, posted above.

On April 1st, Del Rey Books and I will send out the first of a new series of monthly Terry Brooks newsletters. The April newsletter will include the covers to Volume II and the new book, A Princess of Landover. Additional newsletters will contain more information, interviews with Terry, several fun contests, excerpts from all the books—and some other surprises!

Not signed up for Terry’s newsletter? Visit www.TerryBrooks.net and use the sign-up form at the bottom of the front page. It’s that easy.

The return to Landover has begun!

Terry Brooks visited the University Bookstore on August 26th to promote his new book, The Gypsy Morph—and he was caught on video!

At the event, Terry spoke about his future works, answered questions from the audience, and read an excerpt from the forthcoming 2009 Magic Kingdom of Landover novel. There are five parts to the video:

• Part 1: Terry thanking Duane Wilkins, bookseller extraordinaire!
• Part 2: Terry talking about the Genesis of Shannara and reading from the forthcoming Magic Kingdom of Landover novel.
• Part 3: Terry reading from the forthcoming Magic Kingdom of Landover novel.
• Part 4: Terry reading from the forthcoming Magic Kingdom of Landover novel.
• Part 5: Terry speaking about his sister Laurie’s forthcoming book Selkie Girl and answering questions from the crowd.

We hope you enjoy the videos and the Magic Kingdom of Landover excerpt! There will be a few more videos uploaded this week—one from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (Dune), another with Steven Erikson (Malazan)!

For every writer who makes it onto the New York Times Best Sellers List, it is a joy.

Terry Brooks has done it countless times and each time it is special to him. It immediately correlates that people are reading his work and that makes him happy. After all, that’s why he still writes—to be read.

The Gypsy Morph, Book Three in the Genesis of Shannara series, will debut on the New York Times Book Review Best Sellers Fiction List at #2!! Only one book, Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs, sold more in hardcover last week in fiction.

Here is the New York Times page in PDF: Best Sellers Fiction - 9/14/08

Terry Brooks is also #1 on the Barnes & Noble Fiction Bestsellers display!

Terry Brooks is currently on the touring road right now. If you have the chance to see him, do so and tell him congratulations!