Interview with Tad Williams

What lesser known fantasy/science fiction authors would you like to recommend to our readers?

TW: Many of the older ones who are dangerously unread now, I think. All those mentioned above -- especially Leiber, whose work seems to be falling out of common knowledge. I hope not. And Dunsany, and Mervyn Peake,

After writing a New York Times bestselling series, is there added pressure when it comes to writing a new project?

TW: Really, there's less pressure. You've proved you can sell books, so the publishers and booksellers are more inclined to treat you seriously. Genre fiction is like a lot of insider's-network careers you have to fail repeatedly before you actually get kicked out. Not that I'm planning to do that.

ou've spent your entire career with Daw Books. You have undoubtedly received offers from bigger publishers over the years. What made you remain with the publisher that gave you your first chance?

TW: Loyalty and, of course, satisfaction with the job they've done. Plus, I like to work with people that I know and care about, and being with a company like DAW has the added benefit that since my publishers ARE the company, the chances are that as long as we're all alive, we'll work together. I don't have to worry about my favorite editor suddenly disappearing to another company.

Also, we're good friends now, and I'd rather work with friends any old day.

You were awarded the German Corine Award. Can you tell us a bit more about this award?

TW: I don't know that much about it except that the award itself a very attractive porcelain figure that's sitting on my mantelpiece in the office, looking stylish. The prize seems to have a commercial component -- in other words, selling well helps. The TV awards show was very interesting, and I enjoyed being part of it. Everyone was very nice to me. They're welcome to give me another Corine any time.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give the younger Tad Williams concerning his writing career?

TW: Nothing, really. I don't think I could separate out the very few bits of bad luck without losing the overwhelming amount of good luck, so I'd just leave it alone. I make a good living doing something I love, and I've reached middle-age with me and my family healthy. What's to change?

You have been acknowledge as one of the best writers in the genre? Where do you think you stand in the fantasy field?

TW: That's tough to say. Based strictly on my own judgement and what I read in the field, I think I'm pretty good, and more than that, I'm pretty serious about what I do. Where do I stand? Who knows? But I think at least some of my work will be read after I've popped my clogs (as my British in-laws say, meaning "died") and that's about all you can ask for. Well, that and incredible riches to enjoy during your lifetime, but I don't want to be greedy.