Interview Robin Hobb!

[Hobbit]

We have the chance to exclusively question Robin Hobb!

So please get your thinking caps on.

What is it you'd like to know from Robin Hobb? (There are no boundaries, I believe, though Robin may not be able to answer all of them.) Want to know more about Fitz? The Live Traders? Where did the ideas come from?

Rather than the staff ask all the questions (though we have a few!) we really want to hear questions you want to ask.

If you have them, please add to this thread.

However, we will need those questions by 12pm Thursday, UK time....

[PeterWilliam]

I would be interested to know what projects are on Hobb's horizon, after Dragon Keeper.

[algernoninc]

Q: do you see Fitzchivalry as a hero fit for the big screen? who would be your first choice as director for an adaptation?

[Hobbit]

A good start, gentlemen.

Keep 'em coming...

Mark

[Sapph]

1

Is there anything specific you can remember that helped to inspire your series and characters? Or anything that kept you writing when you felt as if you should just give up?

2

What would you say is key to creating a good character and making them (and their histories) believable? How important would you say this is as opposed to other aspects of story writing such as a good plot and world building?

[Hobbit]

Was there anything specific you can remember your series and characters?

Not sure what this one means, Sapph: do you mean 'Was [Is?] there anything specific that you can remember about your series and characters?'

In other words, what key scenes and characteristics do you remember from your books?

Mark

[Sapph]

Not sure what this one means, Sapph: do you mean 'Was [Is?] there anything specific that you can remember about your series and characters?'

In other words, what key scenes and characteristics do you remember from your books?

Mark

Sorry there, completely messed up typing that as I was in a rush... Edited now.

Sapph

[Mithfânion]

1) What are some of the things we can expect from the Rain Wild Chronicles ( Dragon Keeper & Dragon Haven)? Will we see Icefyre again? Will there be cameos from any of the Six Duchies characters in particular ( Hobb has already confirmed there will be some small cameo roles for a few Liveship characters).

2) Do you think you will return to Six Duchies if a story comes to you, or are you decided on not visiting Fitz again regardless? Do you have any idea how badly people want you to revisit that place?

3) Could you say a little bit about the stories that will be incorperated in your Hobb/Lindholm collection and is that really due later this year? What will it be titled?

[Rob B]

Will we be seeing any of the books written as Megan Lindholm reprinted in the future? I'm thinking of books like Wizard of the Pigeons which would probably be welcome in the current marketplace with the popularity of Urban Fantasy. Or maybe the Ki and Vandien books?

[Bren18]

I'd be really interested to know who inspired all of the strong female characters in her books. In all of her series there is always a very strong female. . .


I would also want to know what she sees as the future for The Realm of Elderlings? Is she done writing in it or is she planning on going back to it. And if not would any others ever be allowed to work within the universe created by Hobb?

[Dyloot]

Hobbit,

Hobb might be my favorite fantasy author. I'd love you to ask her a little about the mixed reviews from Soldier Son after she did so well with her Realm of the Elderlings series. I'd also love to hear her opinions on how the series turned out and if she achieved what she set out to accomplish.

I don't want to be critical, but I'd also love to hear it from her. Perhaps:

The Realm of the Elderlings series was one of the most popular fantasy series in the past decade. Your latest work, the Soldier Son trilogy, received mixed reviews. Now that Solider Son is done and you're back to the Elderlings, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Soldier Son and the reactions you got from fans?

Second, I doubt you have any specific plans to do so, but is there a chance you'll write again about Nevarre's world or have we heard the last from that universe?

[Hobbit]

That's a good point, Dyloot. We can always pass it along and see what she has to say. Robin can always not answer the questions if she feels she doesn't want to, though I rather think she'll want to give them a go myself.

Perhaps your point also suggests other questions. How about:

What were you trying to achieve with the Soldier Son trilogy? and

The Soldier Son series seems to have divided some fans. Does that bother you? Do you write for fans, to sell, or for yourself?

Mark

[Dyloot]

That's a good point, Dyloot. We can always pass it along and see what she has to say. Robin can always not answer the questions if she feels she doesn't want to, though I rather think she'll want to give them a go myself.

Perhaps your point also suggests other questions. How about:

What were you trying to achieve with the Soldier Son trilogy? and

The Soldier Son series seems to have divided some fans. Does that bother you? Do you write for fans, to sell, or for yourself?

Mark

Right on, good questions.

Like I said, I'm a huge Hobb fan. I'll admit, I even loved Solider Son. =) Her slow style of storytelling that pauses to take in the view and smell the flowers is very appealing. Others call her a slow starter, but I think her chapters like the ones with Fitz and the Fool just hanging out at the log cabin were just amazing.

The ending of the Realm of the Elderlings was also amazing. Instead of ending it quickly after the final conflict was resolved she spent about a third of book nine just winding down the story. How many authors give readers the opportunity to really enjoy the end? Not many.

I'd ask her about her tendency to slow down the story and reward the reader. My guess is that like the reader, it's really a guilty pleasure for her to enjoy her characters without the pending conflict or a long journey overwhelming the moment. Anyway, just a few more thoughts. I can't wait to read the interview when it's done.

[Hobbit]

The questions are away and we await the answers.

I'll close this thread for now, but I will reopen it when we get results.

Thank you to everyone who took part.

Mark