Questions for Peter F Hamilton

[Hobbit]

We’ve been asked for questions to grill SF superstar Peter Hamilton, who is doing a video interview next week.

So: over to you: Do you have a question about the Void trilogy, or any of the rest of his work, life or career that you would like us to pose to him? The publishers have said that they’ll be sure to state who the questions have come from and they will be very happy to share the video with us for you to seed or link to should you wish.

(I had better say for clarity that there are other blogs and websites involved as well, and so it is possible that your question may not be asked. But if it is good/original/weird enough, you stand as good a chance as anyone!)


If you are interested, please add a question below, with your name/chosen moniker and I'll get them to the publishers.

Not long, though: I will need them by 12 midnight GMT Tuesday 22nd in order to get them to Peter in time.

Thank you!

Mark

 

[creemore]

"Why do you make your novels so long?!"

 

[Ropie]

"Why do you make your novels so long?!"

Haha, this was my first thought as well, though I would have added the word 'bloody' between 'so' and 'long'. This one has got to come up in some form I'm sure and it is the main reason why I've never read anything of his.

 

[nquixote]

"Where are all the nonwhite people in the Commonwealth, or did they all get killed off by a war?"

 

[chitman13]

"Where are all the nonwhite people in the Commonwealth, or did they all get killed off by a war?"

A little unfair don't you think? The Commonwealth Saga has plenty of non-white characters (including Ozzie and Paula, two of the main characters). The Void trilogy can't be really blamed with this either, considering you have Paula as a main character again and there are other non-white characters. Just because their skin colour isn't constantly referred to it doesn't mean they're not part of the story.

You may aswell ask "where are all the ginger people, or did they all get killed?"

 

[nquixote]

A little unfair don't you think? The Commonwealth Saga has plenty of non-white characters (including Ozzie and Paula, two of the main characters). The Void trilogy can't be really blamed with this either, considering you have Paula as a main character again and there are other non-white characters. Just because their skin colour isn't constantly referred to it doesn't mean they're not part of the story.

You may aswell ask "where are all the ginger people, or did they all get killed?"

No, you're right. I guess I should have said "non-Western characters"...

 

[Smitty]

No, you're right. I guess I should have said "non-Western characters"...

Is there such a thing as 'non-western' people that far in the future? Does it matter anymore?

My question is this.... any plans to write a standand alone novel again? A good sci-fi like "Fallen Dragon" or something?

 

[Keyoke]

I've noticed that with each successive novel, your technology seems to be more wild and extreme. Basically, how much farther can you go? Have you ever thought of stepping back, and writing something with tech not so highly evovled, or perhaps even fantasy?

 

[Smitty]

..... or perhaps even fantasy?

NOOOOOOOOOOO.....! Not fantasy, the world has enough of that from everyone and their brother already!

Sorry, personal opinion leaked through.

 

[Andols]

Have you been approached recently concerning turning any of your work into TV series' or movies?

 

[Keyoke]

I dont think me asking is going to actually make him write fantasy.

 

[FitzChivalry]

He is already writing fantasy, what do you call all those undead in The Night's Dawn.

 

[SCEtoAUX]

He is already writing fantasy, what do you call all those undead in The Night's Dawn.

or the water walkers world in the current series?

 

[Keyoke]

I think this thread is about asking Peter F Hamilton questions, and not debating wether my question was accurate or not.

 

[nquixote]

Here's a question:

"Which, if any, of the classic space opera greats (Doc Smith, etc.) inspired you?"

 

[Hobbit]

OK: thanks for these. I've passed them on and we'll see if any surface...

Mark

 

[Hobbit]

OK: the video interview is in two parts at YouTube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFa4s0gRHcw



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd4ZGcpmMBU


Don't think any of our questions are there, but there are some similar ones and some interesting details about future writing.

Thanks to those who produced suitably eligible questions.

Mark

 

[Smitty]

Pretty cool. Although, given how short the overall interview is you would hope he would go a little longer?

 

[Hobbit]

Well, yes, but I guess that's the way these things work: leave the audience wanting, etc.

Peter's a nice bloke though. Met him a couple of times and he clearly thinks through what he's doing carefully. Nice sense of humour, too.

Mark