My afternoon with Steven Erikson

[al'Kael]

I had the chance to meet Steven Erikson the other day and spend an afternoon with him. Needless to say it was quite an experience and I've written all about it at my blog, but I thought some of his fans here might be interested in hearing about it as well.

Here's a good chunk of my write-up about the experience.

What struck me most about Erikson was his willingness to speak to me as an equal. From the moment we shook hands I could tell that it didn’t cross his mind that I was a young, unpublished fellow with a fledgling blog; instead he listened openly to everything I had to say, was more than willing to speak about the craft of writing and give tips and suggestions when needed.

I’ve met several prolific authors in my time, but I’ve never had the chance to sit down so casually with one and converse so freely. I can already feel the affect that my encounter with Erikson has affected my vision of writing, my approach to writing my own material and my perception of the dedication an author should show towards their craft. It’s clear that Erikson takes his writing seriously. He is confident about his work, but never cocky. He has a vision for his story, but is willing to let his characters show him the true path. He is willing to share the wealth of information he has accrued in his years and author.

He stressed to me how important it is for a writer to not only write, but also to read. To read not only within the genre they are writing, but also everything else. It is from these works that a writer will pull their inspiration, their knowledge and on top of everything else it can help remind you why you fell in love with the written word in the first place. And it’s obvious from seeing his bookshelves that he is very well read; his library of books is enough to make anyone jealous! He enjoys reading and is more than willing to extol the virtues of some of his favourite authors (he really likes Stephen R. Donaldson!)

We also talked at length about the importance of work-shopping you writing. Get people to read it! Get them to tell you what works, what doesn’t and how they think it would work better. Listen to them, but always remember that you are the author, you are the one in control of your story. If 20 people read your novel and 2 of them actually give good advice then it is time well spent and can help you immensely.

Alas, Malazan fans, we did not speak too heavily about specifics of his own novels, so I have no spoilers about Toll of the Hounds, his next novel; I can however tell you that he’s happy with the novel; it is almost finished; and he’s pretty confident that he’s crafted an ending that will knock his fan’s socks off. I also saw the notebook he works out of; it was a thrill to see where all the secrets of the Malazan universe are held and I’m sure there are many fans out there that would love to get their hands on it! I got a glimpse at a map he had hand drawn himself, which was interesting considering I’m abysmal when it comes to drawing my own maps. Oh yeah, we also spoke a little about the… erm, disappointing US cover of The Bonehunters.

Meeting Steven had a big impact on me and my approach to writing. He takes his work seriously and dedicates himself so much to the universe he's created. Truly a terrific experience.

[Rohan]

Wow, thanks for that. I've only recently started reading the Malazan series (a few weeks ago) but I'm almost finished Deadhouse Gates now, and am thus far quite taken with it all. It is great to hear positive things about the author of a series you enjoy; cheers.

~Rohan.

[Hobbit]

Just to agree with that: It's always good to read that an author matches our expectations.

I was told the other day that Steven writes a new book very quickly: a matter of weeks, which considering the size and complexity is quite amazing.

Hobbit

[al'Kael]

Rohan, Hobbit,

I'm glad that you guys found some value in my experience. There was just way too much goodness in that day to keep it all for myself. It is indeed nice to find that you respect the author behind novels you enjoy. I can certainly think of a few authors who have disappointed me when I find out who the man behind the novel really is.

Erikson surely didn't disappoint.

Hobbit: That information is a little erroneous. Erikson is quick, but not that quick! He told me that it takes him roughly 8 months to write a novel, the impressive part is that it doesn't matter how long it is - 250k, 300k, 350k words - it always takes him 8 months. He can't really explain how it works!

It's incredible that he's able to pound out such huge novels, so quickly and keep the quality so high. I can think of several authors who spend more time on shorter novels that aren't nearly as good. I guess that's what talent will get you, though.

[Hobbit]

Thanks for the correction. That's still a pretty amazing speed. Ian Fleming used to do lots of prep, then type like mad until a new James Bond was done, I've been told. I have visions of Steven doing that.

Hobbit

[saintjon]

I don't know why it matters so much that a writer be a good guy, but for some reason it is nice when an author you're into is someone you'd like in person. It doesn't seem to affect me either way in music though, some of my favourite artists are known snobs.

[Hobbit]

I don't know why it matters so much that a writer be a good guy,

I don't think it's necessarily important, SJ - but I have known readers be put off by authors with a difficult reputation. (We have a thread around somewhere saying pretty much that.) It should be the case that only the writing matters, and I definitely know people who don't want to meet writers to concentrate on what's written, but if I've met someone who I like and whose writing I also like that can be a bonus.

I've also met some lovely writers whose work was not my thing and some unpleasant writers who write wonderfully. (Takes all sorts!)

Hobbit

[al'Kael]

I can read novels by authors whose attitudes and personalities I don't particularly like or agree with *coughterrygoodkindcough*, but meeting someone such as Erikson and finding out what he is such a kind, smart and dedicated man makes my experience with his novels much more enjoyable.

I'm also much more willing to go out and buy a book in hardcover if I know the author is a nice guy. Hey, I'd rather support and give my money to a respectable person rather than someone who's a bit of a knob.

[kater]

I'm kinda jealous, although I think I'd have asked so many questions about the series in the first five minutes he'd have run screaming from the room with his hands in his ears I'd also have pinched the notebook and run like Carl Lewis

[al'Kael]

Kater, I definitely had questions about the series, too, but I wanted to keep them to a minimum! Regardless, he answered so many of my questions about writing that I feel kind of guilty.

[al'Kael]

Hey guys, I saw Steve again yesterday and learned a bit more about Toll of the Hounds. I've made a nice post about it over at my blog.

The jist, though:

- He read three excerpts: Kallor; Kruppe; Iskaral Pust;
- Toll of the Hounds is almost done
- The Return of the Crimson Guard is finished and in the hands of PSP
- He's already thinking of what he might write after he's done with The Crippled God

You can check out the full post HERE