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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Mar 2004 : 17:27:00
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BLACK BOUQUET SPOILERS (SORT OF) BELOW
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Prince, it's sort of tricky to say or even remember how you came up with a particular character's personality (at least I find it so), but I'll try.
With Aeron, I knew I wanted a character who would be both a sympathetic protagonist and a credible criminal, so I had to give him traits that balanced those two things out. He has virtues. He's brave, loves his father and friends, and is averse to unnecessary bloodshed. He also has the flaws that result in his criminality. He's somewhat greedy, a lazy slacker when it comes to honest work, and has a moral blindspot where larceny is involved.
I also knew I wanted him to seem like a formidable guy, but not a superman. So he has talents like disguise and knife-fighting, but he's definitely not brillinatly good at everything, or even everything rogue-ish. He's illiterate, and when it's time to crack the magic coffer, he tries to hand the job off to a specialist. His fighting skills are inferior to those of the two major villains.
Once I had the basic parameters, I just sort of discovered everything else about him as I went. I recall that early on I made the choice that he wouldn't have much intellectual curiosity about magic and stuff like that. I've noticed that I tend to write heroes who have a lot of intellectual curiosity, so going the other direction this time out was a way to make Aeron different.
I do think he grows in the course of the story, but I actaully tried to underplay that somewhat. I wanted subtle changes instead of the big, obvious transformation you get in a lot of novels. I just had the feeling that would work better in this particular story.
As far as where he goes from here, well, I haven't thought about it much. I'll figure it out if I get to do a sequel. One thing I can tell you is, the way I see his personality, even though, at the end of Black Bouquet, he has no more money worries, that won't be enough to keep him out of trouble. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2004 : 21:39:42
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Richard Lee Byers,
I obtained The Rage today. I have a question for you regarding the cover. The FR logo, title, etc. all are a bit off-centered. Deliberate I take it to emphasize things are going to be shaking up in the Realms with this series? Or do you have no idea what I'm talking about?  |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 02:16:53
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Sirius: I know exactly what you're talking about, and my interpretation of the off-kilter-ness is the same as yours: this is supposed to suggest the threat of cataclysm and devastation. But like you, I'm just assuming. I only found out how the book was going to look when I actually saw a copy. Nobody at WotC--no editor, art director, or what have you--conferred with me about the gimmick. Which, I've found, is the way things usually go, unless you're a consistently bestselling big kahuna kind of writer.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the book. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 02:41:42
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| Thank you and I'm sure I will. Opinions vary on the cover. I showed it to two other Realms fans and they both think that WOTC needs to hire a better printer. I hope it's our theory and not a printer mistake. In fact, if it is the printer, I wish them to quietly fix it and just tell me that it was all planned from the get go. |
Edited by - SiriusBlack on 28 Mar 2004 02:42:29 |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 11:35:25
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Eek, I dont like the sound of that with the cover. Does it look like it was done deliberatly?
On that note, I hope that the cover of Lady of Poison doesnt get published that way...hopefully someone just scanned it in at an angle  |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 13:58:43
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Rad: It obviously is deliberate, not a scanning error. Different elements are canted at different angles, and the gimmick is used on the title page, also.
If it makes it any more palatable to you, the actual illustration is presented normally. It's only words and logos that appear on the diagonal. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 17:21:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Rad: It obviously is deliberate, not a scanning error.
Agreed. Sorry to panic you Rad, but I hadn't looked inside the book when I last posted. The title at the bottom of each page is also misaligned. Thus, either it's a massive conspiracy by the printer or a way to make the book stand out.
I will say this, at first glance, just looking at the cover, one can get the feeling it is a printer's error. But, that might prompt someone to pick it up rather than just ignore it. Given the story's events, I like the effect.
Good read so far as well. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 19:12:06
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Thanks fellas! Well im not one to judge a book by its cover so it doesnt worry me at all  Cant wait for this one!!!! 
Still dont like the idea of the Lady of Poison cover though...thats going a bit far and I cant see a reason why they would do that. It would look much better aligned properly.
The only problem with FR trilogies lately, is......they leave a year between the release of each novel..... A YEAR! ARGGHHHHHH
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Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Edited by - Lord Rad on 28 Mar 2004 19:13:14 |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2004 : 19:27:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Rad
The only problem with FR trilogies lately, is......they leave a year between the release of each novel..... A YEAR! ARGGHHHHHH
Not this one. Book II in the series, The Rite comes out in January 2005. Perhaps Richard Lee Byers can let us know if that date is still valid. Nice timing if so since the first anthology in this series is set for December of this year.
However, the conclusion of the series doesn't come until May 2006. Is that laughter from the WOTC novel editors I hear right about now? |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2004 : 03:23:23
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| As far as I know, those dates are accurate. |
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Darth KTrava
Learned Scribe
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 01:39:10
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I can understand a year gap between HARDCOVER novels, but PAPERBACK?!?! That doesn't make sense as most are spaced 6 months apart that I've seen. (like the Spider Queen series)
Now I gotta go find the book..... |
Evil will be dealt with swiftly as it is my duty to remove such evil from my presence.
-Rozhena, Cleric/Divine Champion of Torm |
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Bruce Donohue
Learned Scribe
Canada
131 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 03:48:50
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| Hello Richard and fellow White Wolf writer. Well not yet for me still waiting for Philippe Boule to give me his answer on my short story. So you like that shared world too. Ah you must be a horor, manipulation, intrigues, plots within subplots then. How long does White Wolf take to respond to you generally? |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 03:55:16
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Hi, Bruce. In recent years, I've generally gotten a speedy response (say, no later than thirty days after deadline) to any material I sent Philippe at White Wolf. But then, that was all stuff that he had asked me to write. I don't know what your situation is. If you're responding to some sort of open call for submissions, it could conceivably take longer for you to hear back.
Just curious, which White Wolf universe are you working in? |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 05:20:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Darth KTrava
I can understand a year gap between HARDCOVER novels, but PAPERBACK?!?! That doesn't make sense as most are spaced 6 months apart that I've seen. (like the Spider Queen series)
Now I gotta go find the book.....
Yes, but the Spider Queen series was already released in hardcover. Thus, the timing between paperback releases might be a bit faster than those works that go straight to paperback upon being newly released.
To Richard Lee Byers, thanks for confirming the release dates. Are you still working on book II?
Additionally......The Rage *Spoiler Warning* to those that continue on...
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What made you choose Taegan's subrace? Always want to write about those types of elves? Just seemed to fit? I admit at first I was like, One of them!! I thought they were rare!!
But, he just fits, and is a very striking character. His final words to Gorstag are both humorous and clearly showing signs of frustration. Excellent job there.
You fence don't you? If so, I don't know if that helps you, but your combat scenes are very descriptive without becoming more than the story. It's very nice to encounter.
112 pages in and about to hear Kara's tale. There is no way Dorn is going to like what he hears. |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 14:29:33
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Sirius: Glad to hear you're enjoying The Rage. (This is actually the first feedback I've gotten from anyone except my editor.)
Yes, I've been a fencer for a number of years. Epee is the weapon I'm best with, but I do some foil and sabre, too. I also took some karate training when I was younger, and I have a number of reference books on various forms of combat and martial arts. It all helps when it's time to write a fight scene.
Even though I probably won't give away anything significant, just to be safe, I'll answer your other question after a
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I chose Taegan's subrace for three reasons: It's a perfect fit for the story, both plot-wise and thematically, I think they're cool, and I hoped readers would enjoy seeing a different kind of hero. I'm under the impression that no character of his subrace has ever played a major role in one of the novels before. (Now watch somebody post here to tell me I'm wrong.)
My desire to serve up something different also influenced me when I was creating other characters, notably Dorn and Raryn, but even Pavel and Will in a subtler way.
If you like Taegan, you may want to check out my tie-in story that'll be in Dragon #320. He's the central character. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 16:19:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
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I chose Taegan's subrace for three reasons...I'm under the impression that no character of his subrace has ever played a major role in one of the novels before. (Now watch somebody post here to tell me I'm wrong.)
Well, I have not read every FR novel. But, I do believe you are correct.
quote:
My desire to serve up something different also influenced me when I was creating other characters, notably Dorn and Raryn, but even Pavel and Will in a subtler way.
They are a motley group. Perfect to play heroes.
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If you like Taegan, you may want to check out my tie-in story that'll be in Dragon #320. He's the central character.
Dragon Magazine can thank you for an issue being purchased. I definitely will pick up that issue. Which month is #320 going to be published? |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2004 : 18:21:40
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| 320 will be the June issue, I think. Anyway, I'm pretty sure the issue currently on the stands is 318, so 320 can't be too far away. |
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Adam
Acolyte
Poland
1 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2004 : 02:11:33
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Greetings Mr Byers
As regards psychology, which I am a bit interested in, I would like to ask which one of characters, included in Dissolution, is most likely to correspond to your actual emotional state when writing the novel and how strong are the relations between your mind (as an author, creator) and your creation (character) in this particular work. |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2004 : 02:36:22
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Hi, Adam. I don't know if I completely understand your questions, but I'm going to try to answer them anyway.
None of the characters in Dissolution is me, but there are probably bits of me in all the major ones, if that makes any sense to you. No writer can create any character except on the basis of his personal understanding of how life works and feels, which is to say, on the basis of his particular emotions and perceptions.
Dissolution, like most of my novels, had a shifting limited third-person point of view. When writing such a story, I identify closely with the viewpoint charcacter, who ever it happens to be in the particular scene I'm working on. It's sort of like method acting.
Of course, it's probably true to say that writers put more of themselves into some characters than others. Like I said, I'm intensely involved with each viewpoint character in turn while I'm knocking out the book, but months after I finish, I can look back and feel closer to some characters than others. I continue to identify with some, and perhaps that's because they're the most representative of a certain part of me. In the case of Dissolution, I feel the most persistent attachment to Pharaun and Ryld. |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2004 : 02:59:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
In the case of Dissolution, I feel the most persistent attachment to Pharaun and Ryld.
I would have been very disturbed if you said Quenthel Rich! |
“I am the King of Rome, and above grammar”
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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VEDSICA
Senior Scribe
USA
466 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2004 : 19:06:08
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| Just picked up my copy of The Rage today.Can't wait to crack the cover. |
LIFE,BIRTH,BLOOD,DOOM---THE HOLE IN THE GROUND IS COMING ROUND SOON----BLS |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2004 : 21:57:43
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| I hope you enjoy it, Vedsica. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2004 : 17:21:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
If you like Taegan, you may want to check out my tie-in story that'll be in Dragon #320. He's the central character.
What time period will this tie-in story cover? A period before The Rage or the period between novels 1 and 2 in the series?
Thank you in advance.
SB |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2004 : 19:10:25
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| Sirius: A period prior to The Rage. It's the tale of a pivotal moment during Taegan's formative years, when he was a very different person from the guy in the novel. |
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SiriusBlack
Great Reader
USA
5517 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2004 : 19:14:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Lee Byers
Sirius: A period prior to The Rage. It's the tale of a pivotal moment during Taegan's formative years, when he was a very different person from the guy in the novel.
I thought that would be the period covered. As the novel suggests, there is a great deal of background when it comes to Taegan. Thanks again for a character with depths. |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2004 : 19:41:48
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Well well, just thought id mention something that raised my eyebrows...
Ive been sorting through my bookcases (to make room for yet more FR material ) when I stumbled upon a set of novels tucked into a corner, from the World of Darkness series (by White Wolf)....Lo and behold, there stands a novel for the Vampire RPG, entitled Netherworld....by Richard Lee Byers. Well whadya know Maybe ill read this one after all, FR related or not 
And thats not all....look here |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Edited by - Lord Rad on 06 Apr 2004 19:43:50 |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 06 Apr 2004 : 20:49:16
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Rad: I hope you enjoy Netherworld.
I actually did quite a bit of World of Darkness fiction. Besides Netherworld, I wrote the novels Caravan of Shadows, Dark Kingdoms, and On a Darkling Plain. You can also find my WoD short fiction in a number of the anthologies (if you happen to get hold of a copy of Dark Destiny, my story in the particular book is one of my favorites among all the stuff I've banged out over the years.)
From what I understand, White Wolf is bringing down the curtain on the World of Darkness I wrote about, but a new WoD will rise from the ashes. Who knows, maybe I'll get a chance to write about the new incarnation someday, too. |
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Prince Forge of Avalon
Learned Scribe
USA
117 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2004 : 20:34:28
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Richard,
I just finished my copy of The RAGE, OK now my review---
LOVED IT!( ala in loving color syle). Honestly though It was great, wow there were so many things I enjoyed about this book, I would suggest EVERYONE get this book!
Now that Ive given my opinion I have a question or two so---
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Richard, can you tell exactely what Vorasaegha is?
P.S. I cant wait to see this group stated in Dungeon mag, and Taegan and Pavel are my favorite characters!
Thanks for the great read.
PFoA |
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Richard Lee Byers
Forgotten Realms Author
USA
1814 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2004 : 20:58:17
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Prince, I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed The Rage. I really appreciate you taking the time and trouble to tell me.
Alas, I don't know of any plans to publish gaming writeups of the heroes from the trilogy in either Dragon or Dungeon. I wonder if there are other folks besides you who'd like to see this. If so, maybe I could convince the editor of one magazine or the other to buy an article, then write the suckers up.
Now, the answer to your question, after a
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Essentially, Vorasaegha is a "guardian dragon" as described on pp. 16-17 of Draconomicon. But her attributes and behavior probably don't correspond exactly to what Draconomicon says they ought to be. I took the basic concept of a guardian dragon and ran with it in the way that seemed to work best for my particular story. |
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Prince Forge of Avalon
Learned Scribe
USA
117 Posts |
Posted - 11 Apr 2004 : 05:16:23
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Richard,
Thanks for the anwser, I hope to see these guys in Dung or Drag mags SOON!
Ok now when do I get to read the second onehehe!
Thanks PFoA |
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Questions for Richard Lee Byers
