Interview with Scott Lynch

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Q: Many people believe that you're one of the voices which will shape the future of the fantasy genre in the next few years. How daunting can such claims be to a new author on the verge of releasing his first novel?

SL: Ahhh, yessssss. Excellent! Phase one is the acquisition of minions. Phase two is the construction of my secret underwater base. Phase three is the conquest of the eastern seaboard!

Nah, seriously, people will say what they say. Someone's always conjuring portents and trends and movements, some real and some totally imaginary. It's my work that will do the deciding... either it'll do well for itself, and people will buy it and read it and it'll become generally known, or it'll sink, and I'll be an embarrassing footnote in, say, future biographies of John Scalzi. I can't refute or guarantee any "influence" I might have by babbling about it, I can only write. I can't let it daunt me at all. Sure is flattering, though. I'll take kind words any day over indifference or scorn; I'm not daunted, I'm extremely grateful.

Q: What can readers expect from the forthcoming sequel, RED SEAS UNDER RED SKIES?

SL: More evil sea creatures. I'm afraid that there just isn't much happy, cuddly, friendly wildlife in Locke's world. It's all out to kill us.

Other than that, well... it's got a couple major new plot elements, those being high-stakes gambling and piracy. Locke and Jean are staging one of their usual extremely complicated con games, and are once again interrupted in mid-scheme and forced to undertake an even more desperate and suicidal venture, masquerading as hardened pirates. As Jean puts it at one point, "All we know about ships is getting on, getting seasick, and getting off." Wacky hijinks ensue, especially once we get to the real pirates. I love them dearly; they were originally meant to be more of a background cast but they just sort of completely took the place over once they were onstage. Like, um, pirates.

Q: In the long run, what will differentiate THE GENTLEMEN BASTARDS from the other popular fantasy series on the market?

SL: Well, as I said, I hope that this will be a series that clips along at a good pace for its entire length... a series that feels of a piece, right and proper, neither too long nor too short. I should also say, by way of warning, that this story is not necessarily a happy one. The heart of the story is Locke's attempt to break free from his criminal origins and lifestyle, and his ultimate failure to do so. Not exactly light, fluffy, feel-good stuff. But with that said, hopefully it'll be exhilarating, moving, and satisfying. Ask me again in seven or eight years when all the goods are on the shelves.

Q: hanks again for accepting to do the interview. I wish you continued success with your writing career, and best of luck for the release of THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA.

Thanks to you as well, Patrick.

Cheers,
Scott

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Interview by Patrick
fantasyhotlist.blogspot