[Rob B]

Hello everybody. I just finished up Sara Douglass' most recent (US) book Starman and I will be writing a review for the book.

In addition, through the firm handling her books, I will be doing an e-mail interview with Ms. Douglass for promotion of Starman.

Here's where you, the great members of this forum come in:

Post questions you would like to ask Ms. Douglass right here. I have a couple of my own that will be included, but I will initially send about 10 or so questions.

Since this interview is in promotion of Starman try not to posit any questions that may be spoilers for books beyond Starman, if you do, I may not include them.

e-Morgana, you've mentioned Sara Douglass as a favorite writer, so I'm hoping for some good questions from you. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Pete-Gas]

Why did the publishers change the names of the books and then sell both versions in Canada? Confusing. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Rupert Avery]

1 thing that I really liked about Sara`s books were the names of all the characters. What I would love to know is How she came up with such magic names?
Also

Did she find it hard to get a Fantasy novel publised living in Australia?

[Arc]

How did she convince a publisher to run with a series where the main character is an effeminate ponce called Axis the BattleAxe, BattleAxe of the Axeweilders?

Ok sorry don't mind me, I been out late. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Rob B]

How did I know somebody would not take this seriously?

[e-Morgana]

Well I guess I'm expected to contribute here but you've caught me unexpectedly - I'm not very good with spontaneity http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Let me ponder for awhile.

You could ask how much backlash she got because of the ending of Starman and whether that influenced her writing of the second trilogy.

Why did she pick such an arrogant, despicable hero? (Maybe I'm the only one to find him really offensive)

The relationships portrayed in the series were often contraversial to say the least. (the incestuous nature of the Icarii for example). How did the general public respond to this?

You could ask what she ever had against Faraday - but I already know her answer to that one (I asked her at a book signing here http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif). I liked her reply http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Also, a couple of questions that aren't related to the first trilogy so you may not want to add them. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Firstly, the final outcome of some characters from the second trilogy was left "up in the air". Will she return to Tencendor one day to tell their story?

Secondly, what has been the reaction to the Crucible? I haven't heard of any huge uproars or outrage by the Catholic church which one would kind of anticipate with the content of this series. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

I shall keep pondering and let you know if I think of anything else. I'm finding it a bit tricky to only think of the first trilogy though.

[Rob B]

e-Morgana, thanks for the questions. I was likely going to ask about the Icarii relationships.

I didn't think Axis was that despicable, I did find him arrogant and annoying at times, I just saw that as his Icarii blood, and his similarity to his even more arrogant father.

[milamber_reborn]

I have yet to read Sara Douglas, but my question is - What is Sara's opinion of Australian fantasy writers and the lack thereof?

[Lawson]

How hard has it been to break into other markets, namely the US market, and why?

[Mithfânion]

Well, I've never read any of her books, but you could always ask if she feels it important that her books have great depth or if she's more an afficionado of loads of action and plotline than of worldbuilding and moral themes.

You could ask what sources she drew upon to write her Fantasy books, I seem to recall that her Crucible books were based on a certain period of English history. So, perhaps based on or inspired by certain mythologies, or histories?

I'd also ask her if she thinks there are Australian elements in the book, for instance, in her writing style, perhaps there are certain things typical for Aussie writers, a particular sense of humour or something like that.

Cheers http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Mithfânion (edited May 12, 2002).]