Q&A: August 2007

Q: Did you realize as you were writing and developing these characters who would and would not be popular and to what extent the readers would connect with them?

A: To an extent, yes, but it's impossible to totally predict. I guessed right away what kind of reaction Becan and Jayden would get, and for the most part I've been right. Becan is usually the first name that comes to people's heads when character personalities come up in a conversation. He was designed to be the comic relief, and he's been that. Jayden, however, has the strongest cult following of any character. The people who like him like him ferociously.

It was always a mystery to me how Scott and David would be taken, and it's been great to see that they're both among favorite characters as well. Everyone seems to love Scott as a lead figure, which is obviously very important. Oftentimes, main characters aren't considered favorite characters by readers. I can honestly say that Scott is the most popular character, according to the fan feedback I've received. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people view David as the older voice of reason. That's exactly what I had hoped for.

No fan reactions have really stunned me. If I was forced to pick the reaction that surprised me the most, it would have to be Colonel Young. The fans really picked him out of nowhere. But that's a good thing! Sometimes the obscure characters have a lot to offer.



Q: How would you feel about the world you've created taking a new direction at some point, going the way of being adapted into other genres of entertainment, such as movies, television, and/or video games? I can totally see a video game franchise in this.

A: Well that's the point now, isn't it? Nothing would thrill me more than to see Epic on the big screen. That's definitely something I hope to do some day, but it would have to be done the way I'd want it. I'd want the movie to be exactly like the book, especially since the book was written in a cinematic style.

And yes, a video game would rock. :)



Q: In the latest newsletter from Epic Universe it says that Outlaw Trigger has finished production. Why is it then that the book doesn't go on sale until December?

A: Good question, one that a few people have asked me. Basically, for two reasons. One, it gives me time to be fully prepared. It doesn't just end with production...there's got to be advertisement, and I've got to give the fan base time to grow. It's doing that, so that's very good.

Secondly...anticipation is a good thing! As the time for book two draws slowly nearer, people will get more and more excited. The wait also gives people time to discuss things about the book on the message boards. Trust me, 'Dawn of Destiny' hasn't been picked apart nearly as much as it could have been so far. That's one reason why 2-3 reads are probably necessary to pick up everything. There are single sentences (some of them obscure) that will have series-long impact. Try and find out what they are!