Month: December 2007

Letter from Dian

Letter from Dian

Todd,

Been a big fan of your mom and, lately, you. I love the Dragonmen of Pern series.

Got on www.imdb.com and typed in your mom’s name. Is there a movie coming out next year?

I’m sure some fans would like to know – even if it’s ‘just in the works’.

Thanks,

Dian

Hi Dian,

Technically, it’s the “Dragonriders of Pern” series but I’m pretty sure we all know what you mean ::grin::!

Anyway, the world of film is such that the Dragonriders of Pern have been optioned on and off for more than twenty years now. When the option became available most recently, Mum decided to carefully choose her producer — Copperheart Entertainment.

Copperheart is working diligently to bring the series to the screen and as soon as we can say more, we will!

Cheers,
Todd

Letter from MaryEllen

Letter from MaryEllen

Dear Todd,

I have never personally read any of your books but I am working on it. I am currently reading the Harper hall trilogy. Quickly getting to the last of the Pern books. But I do hear you write so much like your mom but so differently also. I am reading like a maniac trying to see for my self but I also have another reason for writing.

I know that being a writer alone won’t support me but I plan to become an author or writer of some sort. I also plan to get some postsecondary education after high school. But I have absolutely no clue what to do from here on out.

Trying to better myself in writing should I take English courses or Literature courses (what do you suggest)? Do you think I should go to a liberal arts college or to a state college? Going to either one should I get an associate, bachelors, or a masters degree? Also do you have a few suggested colleges that I might go to?

If you find these questions rude please know that I am dearly sorry and I expect you to delete this immediately. I know the questions are blunt but I really need some suggestions about what to do.

Your anxiously awaiting reader,

MaryEllen.

Dear MaryEllen,

More than anything to be a good writer you have to be a good reader.

I have heard one literary agent also say that she felt a writer didn’t really have anything to offer until they’d had a lot of life experience. This isn’t always the case — Ally Sheedy’s “She was nice to mice” was published when she was twelve — but I can see where it would be a good rule of thumb.

My mother has a degree from Radcliffe (Harvard) in Slavonic Languages and Literature with a minor in cartography. I have a degree in mechanical engineering.

I know several writers who started life pursuing history history. I know of few writers who
started life pursuing English majors.

My own advice is to learn everything you can but to understand that nowadays in our country it is quite possible to become master of two very separate areas of endeavor in the same lifetime.

Cheers,
Todd

The West Coast tour

The West Coast tour

The West Coast tour is on. I’ll be traveling to San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, and Salt Lake City as well as signing in the greater Los Angeles area starting on the 8th of January. See my Appearances section for dates and times.

Dragon Harper give-away

Dragon Harper give-away

Fantasy Book Critic, the website devoted to reviews, interviews, giveaways, etc. of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, suspense, etc., is offering a chance to win a free copy of Dragon Harper, courtesy of Joe Scalora at Del Rey books.

Visit Fantasy Book Critic to enter.