Mr. McCaffrey,
I have been reading the Pern books for almost as many years as I have been alive (not that I am saying how many years that has been :>) ). And I am so glad to see that the Pern world will be continued! However, I do have one question about Pern that has been on my mind since I was a kid that I hope you (or your Mom) will answer for me. I have never found it asked or answered anywhere else, though I may have just missed it. Anyway, could you tell me why all the Dragon’s names end with the theta (th) sound? I have yet to find a dragon who’s name does not end in “th”.

I hope for an answer to this question, but regardless I want to thank you so much for continuing my favorite “home away from home”.

Yours truly,
Lanie

Dear Lanie,

I’m afraid you aren’t going to like the answer. It’s not my answer, it’s Mum’s. She says that all the names end in -th’s because dragons have forked tongues and therefore lisp.

— Todd

Todd

I have read all but two of your mom’s books. Those two the Las Vegas Library don’t carry. After reading about Pern for years I feel that two more books will need to be written. One will have to be about “The Last Fall” when the Red Star is no longer a menace. Showing the big move by the riders to the Southern Continent and the problems encountered. The second book would likely be a Brain and Brawn story “The Ship that found Pern”. Just think of the fun that could be had writing about all the crazy things that happen when mixing “Dragon Lizards” and “Dragons” With a “B & B”.

Thanks

Bill

Bill,

Haven’t you read “The Skies of Pern”? That would cover your last fall issue.

Also, you’ll see similar feelings expressed in Dragonsblood where M’hall is dealing with the end of the First Pass.

As for your Brain & Brawn story, that’s something for Mum. She has said repeatedly that her universes are separate and she intends to keep them that way. I agree. There’s no room for a Brain & Brawn ship in the universe of Pern (re-read Dragonsdawn and Rescue Run to learn more).

And, honestly, while I’m sure you are only offering your ideas with the kindest and greatest of intentions, I couldn’t do anything with them — the danger of lawsuits (not you but perhaps another) is too great.

I have no dearth of my own ideas and I hope you’ll like them.

Cheers,
Todd

Hi Todd,

I’ve started a Pern related resource project and would like to know what I need to do to honor your copyrights to Pern related info. I’ve complied with the fan fiction rules on your mother’s site, and have applied for inclusion on her approved fan sites listing.

My project is a complete listing of Pern canon names from all the Pern books and related short stories that I have access to. It’s still a work in progress, but there is enough info posted to show my intent. You can check it out at: http://lady_cin.tripod.com/thingsPernese/thingsPerneseIndex.htm Feel free to look over the rest of my site as well, and let me know what, if anything, needs changing or adding.

I do NOT want to infringe on yours or your mothers copyrights in any way.

Sincerely,
Tara
aka Lady Cinnamin; Lady Cin at AMCF (http://www.annemccaffreyfans.org/forum/index.php)

Hi Tara,

If you’ve complied with the fan fiction rules and the usual disclaimers (you might want to doublecheck that you have the right copyrights listed for our collab and my solo works), then you’re probably fine.

What you describe sounds like it fits in the realm of homage, that is it is work which potentially increases sales of the copyrighted works. Copyright works to protect artists from rip-offs. I’m not an expert (and they cost money).

You might also want to check http://www.pern.nl/index.html by Hans van der Boom — his Encyclopedia is quite impressive.

Cheers,
Todd

Todd,

I like that name my son is also a Todd, anyway I have been a loyal fan of your mothers books from the very first book. I am also a Terry Brooks Fan and I am registered on his web site. I honestly did not know until today that there was a web site for your mothers work. My question is how do I go about regeresting on this site. I have been reading her pern books since the 1980’s

Thanks,
Gary

Gary,

There’s no registering on Mum’s website (nor mine). Come and visit, drop me a note from time to time, that’s all we ask!

Cheers,
Todd