Just finished Dragonsblood – loved it!

Thank you for continuing the magic of Pern for those of us who love visiting it there.

Three questions: 1) what is the problem of a green dragon clutching? It was raised when Sarinth rose and a concern was mentioned about her possibly clutching because she hadn’t chewed firestone. 2) Do you have an plans for Xhinna? I don’t understand why she is ineligible for a queen, and the fate of her character seemed to dangle inconclusively. 3) Will you ever reveal who the “voice” was that directed Fiona?

It was suggested, but not answered conclusively.

Thanks so much…and thanks for adding the “love you” to your mum. For those of use who are moms, it was a blessing to read.

Shirley

Hi Shirley,

Do you mean Dragonheart rather than Dragonsblood? (I’m thinking you might.)

Your questions:

1) Well, greens only clutch greens and blues. It would be a particular problem back in Igen at the time because of a lack of Candidates, the time required for the Weyrlings to mature and the whole “it’s just not done” attitude.

2) Oh, yeah! I’ve got plans for Xhinna! You’ll see more of her (much more) in Dragongirl. Hopefully, most of your questions regarding Xhinna will be answered.

3) Yes. I’m looking forward to revealing the “voice.”

Cheers,
Todd

Is Dragonheart a sequel to another book? It would help if I could know out of the books you’ve written so far, what order if there is any order are they in?

p.s.: I looooooove dragonheart I’ve only had it one week and I’m on the last pages.

from
chloe

Dear Chloe,

Dragonheart is meant to be the start of four books. But it is part of the Third Pass, so you would place it after “Dragon’s Kin”, “Dragon’s Fire”, and “Dragon Harper.” You would also place it directly with Dragonsblood (they overlap in time, sort of).

Its sequel, Dragongirl, is in with the publishers now.

I’m really glad that you love it. I had a lot of fun writing it and Fiona is way cool!

Cheers,
Todd

Just to let you know – I have been reading your mum’s books since I was 11 years old so that’s 33 years.

I love the worlds she has created and am thrilled you are carrying on firstly with your mum and now Dragonheart – which I have just finished it has taken me 3 days and it is a fantastic read…

I look forward to the continuation…

I have to say if you are speaking to your mum…there is room for another book in the Crystalsinger series (I love it) and the Tower & Hive series some further books on the next generation of children, also a sequel to Nimisha’s ship…I could go on – all these world’s are so alive and I just love it…

Thanks for reading..

and many happy days to you, your mum and family
Best Wishes
Karen a UK reader

Karen,

I understand about being a long-time Anne McCaffrey fan! Once, way back when, the BBC did a documentary on her and I was honoured that she asked me to read “The Ship Who Sang” with her while they were recording. Of course, I hadn’t realized that it is impossible to read that story aloud — particularly the ending — without crying!

Many people have asked about sequels and more stories in other series. Mum’s just had her 83rd birthday (which means that my 53rd birthday — !! — is not too far behind) and she finds it hard to get the energy to write. She’s told me and others that she doesn’t have any more stories to tell in the Crystal Singer universe, nor in the Tower & Hive series.

A long while back, she asked me to consider collaborating with her on a sequel to Nimisha’s Ship. This was before we collaborated on Dragon’s Kin and nothing much came of it (mostly because, given a choice, most fans will want a Pern book before any other series). Still, the idea’s there, waiting for a time when (as it were).

Dragongirl, the sequel to Dragonheart, is with the publishers so I’m hoping we’ll see it on the shelves in a year or so.

Cheers,
Todd

Having read/listened to all the new Pern novels and read the description of Dragonheart I have but one question. Do you plan to write any Pern novels that do not involve a pandemic or is this going to be your set plot throughout?

Peggy,

If you check your times, you’ll realize that I have only one human pandemic (the “Plague”) and one dragon pandemic (the “sickness”). Dragonheart overlaps Dragonsblood in time, providing a very different viewpoint.

The “Plague” was only covered in Dragon Harper (and a bit, as aftermath, in Dragonheart). Dragon’s Kin has no pandemic, nor does Dragon’s Fire.

Between the two, however, are set major reverberations which will affect the Third Pass right into the Third Interval. There is a dearth of people, particularly trained, older people. There is a dearth of dragons — only a third of the required dragons are currently available for the defense of Pern.

So, the short answer is no. There are only two that I’ve in mind. They’re more than enough, I’m afraid.

Cheers,
Todd