AMA 6/18/2020

This is Terry's second Ask Me Anything and it was held at Reddit on June 18, 2020.  This is only the distilled Question and Answers, for the complete discussion visit Reddit at

Terry Mancour AMA

Love the series since finding Spellmonger years ago. I have been a fan. I've asked on your blog and Facebook about numerous characters because they make the story come alive. You have been generous in answering these questions but as a good story teller you do not reveal to much about the future of the character.

**That said....instead of asking to reveal may I make a request. I'd love to see more of Pentandra, Allura, Alya in her verbal combat role with some high born snot (as found in a revisit of the chepstan fair arguement with the Warbird),and a touch of Zagor. Old friends that made some contributions to the story but were fun. I love the dialogue. Zagor doesn't add much dialogue but is a comfort to know he is still keeping an eye on things.**

**Any date set for Wizards of Sevendor? Any date on Arcanist? Are we getting closer to either release?**

* Hey, Lois! You are, indeed, one of my longest-term fans, and I appreciate you for that! Good news, I’m plotting an entire novel (not part of the series) featuring Pentandra, Rondal, Gatina, and the southern Alshar wizards. Plenty of snotty be-yatches in Enultramar. And you’ll be happy to know that Wizards of Sevendor will be out shortly after Arcanist, and that Zagor has a story within.

**how is work on book 12 coming?**

* I’m more than half-way finished with Book 12, Arcanist. I’m hoping to release sometime around Sept 1, Briga willing. It will be in Min’s POV and will concern his frustration with the large number of potentially world-devastating matters he has to manage. Which is why he hires an Arcanist to keep track of them all. I haven’t played that version, but I’ve played a number of medieval sims. They’re dangerous, because like social media they are time sinks, but I can often learn a few things from them before I give up on them. If you have any recommendations, folks, please leave them below.

**As cliche as it is, I personally, would love to see some form of alliance with the goblin "kingdom", with a cultural mix similar to the Terra alon, for the greater good.**
So my question is, will we be seeing some more involvement from Gurkarl? Especially with what his role entails.

I honestly expected more when he was put on the council of the races.

* Not to spoil it, but Gurkarl and Ashakarl will become more important in an off-stagey sort of way in Arcanist. And yes, we will be seeing a lot more involvement of Gurkarl. The upcoming audiobook anthology will have a previously unpublished story concerning him, and he has an important future in the universe. There is a detailed world map in my notes, but I won’t publish it until it no longer spoils the series.

**Will we ever meet Min's unknown illegitimate children?**

* At least some of them. One in particular.

**Didn’t notice them mentioned until the reread. But with how important his children are to him, it seemed mind boggling that it just hasn’t come up again.**

* He's still getting used to the Greenflower children. But it will come to him in time.

**will there be more companion books like Lenodara's, what are some of your favorite books or ones that have influenced you and your writing. Also please keep John Lee he is the voice of the series to me. Absolutely love your work we are having a child and if it was a girl her name was going to be Alya.**

* Oh, my, yes! Indeed, the Cadet trilogy was so popular that I’m continuing it. In fact, I have at least two writing partners who will be cowriting books with me, one doing a series about Gatina’s early life, and one about Ruderal’s. In addition, there will be a story about a Kasari boy who develops rajira, among others. So there is PLENTY more Spellmonger Cadets on the way! BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! I’m planning at least 2-3 stand-alone novels, one with Lenodara and one with Pentandra, and at least one more.

* My biggest Fantasy influences were Tolkien, Zelazny, Brust, and Gygax.

**LOVE the Alya name!**

You’re going to enjoy what happens to her in Arcanist.

**Something that’s been bothering me on my rereading (for about the 8th time). Where did the Narasi come from? There doesn’t seem to be any acknowledgement of a shared ancestry from Perwin as there is with the Kasari but presumably they must have arrived with the other colonists? How did they come to be so separate?**

**Also the Valley People! Are they human? Alon? A mix of the two?**

* Excellent questions! The Narasi are the descendants of a survey and exploration camp in the far north-eastern steppes which was forgotten when Perwyn sank. They were a mixture of colonists, originally, but when they lost their technology they adapted to a primitive herder/rancher culture. That included horses, raiding each others’ camps, and eventually the fertile valleys of Vore, in the south.

* The Valley People are a separate question. Their secret will be revealed in a future book, but they are definitely human. Heavily genetically engineered, but definitely human. They are not Alon, though the Tera Alon bodies are based on Valley People genotypes.

**Will we ever know min’s mothers family origins?**

* Yes, in a round-about way. About Book 14-15.

**I have particularly enjoyed the Rondel and Tyndal development and of course their interaction. I look forward to more in the next books.**

* They are on different journeys, but the strength of their friendship will be vital to the series.

**Do you see any more books centered around the boy's adventures and any more hawkmaiden books? I love how you use these books to help set up stories that weave into the main story. THANKS!**

* There will be another Hawkmaiden book, but likely a longer, more in-depth novel than the Cadets. Dara has grown up a bit, after all. Expect to see other characters (and some new ones) get their own Cadet books, though. And I can’t talk about any deals.

**Were did the idea of humanity origins come from, I was impressed with the foreshadowing that went over my head until the second read through.**

* Thank you! That’s high praise, and precisely what I was shooting for. Every Fantasy story has an origin, and it can either be realistic or mythic. I went with realistic, beginning with “what would happen if a space colony came to an inherently magical world?” and went from there. That idea isn't original, both Anne McAffery's Pern and (to a lesser extent) Steven Brust's Taltos series flirt with that, but I wanted to make it more central to the long-term plot.

**is the souls in the rock or Enneagrams are they copies of the person at that point of time or is it the original book 10 confused me on that**

* They are essentially copies of a person’s self-awareness at the moment of impression.

**How did the girl they were fighting And book 10 When they were trying to get the hand Maiden Get killed and then come back knowing everything that's going on**

* The Nemovorti are special. Korbal has affected their ennegrams during the original process in such a way as to preserve their immediate memories as a consequence of the process. It makes them more effective servants.

**So dumb question, but is it common knowledge why she thinks spoons are funny?**

* I don't think it's common knowledge. But it's also why she's horridly fascinated by fire.

* Thanks. It will be clear to everyone about book 17.

**How do spoons work under water?**

* Pretty freakin’ amazing. It will take several books to get there, but she’s going to continue to play a major role in the series.

**I keep on thinking Alya will be not only a fantastic wife to our dear Min - but also a major arcane player by the end of the day. What with the Handmaiden basically re-writing her brain to be a close analog to the Sea Folk. (assumption: mine, but pretty strong**

* The interesting thing about their relationship is not that merely Alya is a fantastic wife . . . it's that Min will become, eventually, a "model husband" in a very significant way.

* Yeah, I'm obscure. Sue me.

**HM spent a lot of time scanning him and the CM might need a pairing. HM was always meant to keep it in balance.**

* That's an astute observation. I mean, what could possibly affect Alya more? You'd need divine intervention or something to be a comparable influence.

* Yeah, you're going to enjoy Arcanist.

**Do you have any plans for a book or other story in the perspective of Sire Cei, or perhaps Sir Festaran? I love these characters and I'd love the chance to get in Sire Cei's head like I did with Tyndal, Rondal, and Pendantra.**

* Sire Cei has a story in the upcoming The Wizards of Sevendor anthology. And Sir Festaran will be a prominent character in the previously-unpublished audiobook story in The Road to Sevendor anthology. But both characters will play large roles in the future.

**I’d love to know if you could give us any insights on the species that live under the oceans, will we get to see more of them in future books?**

**We know that there is a possible audio book - anthology of short stories in the works, can you give us any more details on its content?**

**From signing up to your newsletter via FB, we know the next book is Arcanist and you’ve even started on book 13 Footwizard, I was wondering what inspired the titles of these novels?**

* We will get to see more about the Sea Folk and the other intelligent species (yes, there is more than one) who live in the ocean. Probably around the time that Min travel’s to Callidore’s version of Atlantis.

* Yes, actually, I’m currently working on the pronunciation guide for Spellmonger’s Wedding and The Road To Sevendor, which will be combined for audiobook by the incredible folks at Podium and include at least one and possibly two previously unpublished, unreleased stories. This is a risk for Podium, understand: the industry standard is long-form fantasy novels. An anthology is unknown territory.
* Each book gets a title that references an important element to being a wizard – a subclass, in FRPG terms. And there are plenty more to come. The titles don’t necessarily reference the most important element of the book, but it’s usually pretty important.

**How many new apprentices do we have to look forward to being introduced to over the next 19 books?**

* Good question! At least five more, including some of Min’s own kids.

**Penny's biggest professional aspiration is said to be using a giant magical orgy to power a spell. Did the events of Ishi's Night satisfy her aspiration, or did Ishi's involvement spoil it for her?**

* It titillated her, and gave her some ideas. But motherhood has tempered her professional aspirations, for the moment.

**The Valley People's bracelets, described as metal... are they tekka?**

* Originally, yes. Now they are mostly weapons, though a few older ones have tekka

**During one of Min's fever dreams, he notes that the stars seem wrong, and Briga seems to know something more about the "wrong" stars. Were those stars the view as seen from Earth?**

* Yes.

**When Min and Penny are talking after the convocation in *Magelord*, Min *knows* that Penny knows about his child with Isily, but I can't figure out how he knows. It seems obvious that she would find out through her own methods, but it seems out of character for Min to get hurt feelings without having known for sure that she knew. How does Min know?**

* He made an insightful guess, and Penny’s actions confirmed his suspicions.

**How important is mystery in your work? I love how much is unexplained and only revealed bit by bit. It gives the spellmonger series a feeling of real depth. Do you know everything about your world or are you discovering it with the reader?**

**Also are we going to see more female POV characters? Loved Court Wizard!**

* Honestly, knowing how much to tell y'all is a constant struggle. I have to give you just enough to stay interested and drive the plot along, but not so much that you figure out all the details long before I give them. It does take some work on plotting, but also on perspective. Indeed, a lot that you think you know will be challenged dramatically in Book 13. Mystery leads to suspense which keeps the reader engaged. I know things about the characters and the series that won't be revealed until the final book. And I'm completely OK with that.

**I can't wait for the Tecka revolution! How soon?**

* There will be more of a magical revolution, first, but tekka will become more important as the series progresses. Not too much, or too fast, but as Min learns more about the colonial period, more tekka will come to light.

**One: I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of your books but as I read through Thaumaturge (and as I am currently listening to the unparalleled John Lee read it) I am struck by the fact that the defense of Vanador was perfect. The Nemovort did exactly what Terleman wanted him to do, right when he wanted him to do it. I know it was explained by the fact that he was... well... stupid and easy to rile up, but was this a simple mechanism to show that the later Nemovorts coming for Vanador will be bigger threats?**

* Yes, things went well. In Arcanist, not so much.

**Two: We had the Dead God. Now we are fighting the Demon God... but, as you have another 18 books left in this great epic... will there be ANOTHER, MORE POWERFUL God that Min will have to cross swords with to protect humanity? The Living God of some sort?**

* Yes, and it isn't always about the power. Sometimes minor evil dark lords are more of a pain in the ass than major ones. When you see where I go with this, I think you'll be gratified.

**Three: Finally, will Min ever find out that Pentandra has read the future and so knows many of the main events in the next several years? I could see a Leto II from Dune ennui seeping into her if the visions continue to be accurate.**

* Yes, but not for a long, long time. And good call about Dune. And the nature of prophecy.

**Do we get to see the 3 trolls again? Does Min co OP a group of trolls for Vanador? Okay I know the last part is probably not going to be answered but it would be great to revisit Sir Dondegrin? again.**

* Yes, we will see them again. Literate trolls are a rarity. One does not waste them.

**Will we be seeing more of Olmeg, Zagor and Banamore as the story progresses?**

* Yes, yes, and yes, as all three have stories in The Wizards of Sevendor anthology, along with Dara, Sire Cei, Planus, and Lorcus. Because I like them too. Green magic will be important, but doesn't have the potency of Vibrant energy from animals (humans). It's a matter of density and efficiency.

* Olmeg doesn't exactly get an apprentice. He does get a wife.

**I'm glad he'll meet someone who appreciates him as much as do. He's an honorable man, and deserves happiness.**

* You'll like her. Probably more than her sister.

**What's Iyugi's other half? He's a half-breed but I can't tell what that means...**

* They are a semi-civilized tribal people descended from Eastern European stock. There's a story there . .

**Why is Ruderal the best character in Spellmonger?**

* Because he's hopelessly idealistic in a world where he can literally see people lying to him. That takes a certain level of character sophistication that will be difficult to adequately express in his upcoming Cadet novel.

**I'm barely into Thaumaturge, but when will Min come toe-to-toe with the prince and just put him in his place? So many different factions want to impede Min in his quest to save everyone.**

* Min's clash with Tavard will be front and center in books 14 and 15. It will be epic. It will be a watershed moment for the kingdom.

**It occurred to me on a reread that I haven't seen prosthetics brought up anywhere. I mention it for two reasons: One, there's a war on and there's probably a number of amputees being forced to wait on the sidelines, but the other, bigger reason is that with all the advancements in magical constructs toward the later books that a magical prosthetic could be *really cool*.**

**I'd be curious to see what crazy shit your wizards could come up with.**

* There will be at least one series book that focuses on magical medicine, including prosthetics.

**You have teased and made fun of the LGBT community in your books a number of times. Will you make a main supporting LGBT character in this second half of your series?**

* What makes you think I don’t have a main supporting LGBT character, already?

* This is a difficult issue, as most pre-industrial societies deal with the issue in a pretty repressive fashion. In fact, every culture on Callidore contends with it, in one way or another. In Narasi society, it tends to be institutionalized according to religion. In Kasari society, it's quietly tolerated but not officially recognized. In other societies, its brutally punished. But, as a straight man, I don't know if I could treat an LGBT character authentically. That said, I'm not unwilling to try, if it serves the story. That last part is the important part. But there is at least one and perhaps as many as four non-hetero characters in the books, so far.

**Do we have any evidence that Dara is hetero?**

* She is. Not all of her Sky Riders are.

**You say you have plotted 30 books. Is that just in the main series, plus additional books in the other series (like Hawkmaiden and the shorter stories)?**

* Yes, 30 books in the main series (3 decaologies). Plus the others. Lots of others. I like to write. Beats the hell out of working for a living.

**I strongly suspect that Huin, Duin, and Luin are named after Donald Duck's nephews. Are there other similar 'Easter Eggs'? I am looking.**

**I would also like to see the Women of Spellmonger done by a Frazetta or Vallejo.**

* There are easter eggs throughout the series, many in homage to previous fantasy series or even as leftovers of our own civilization. And, as a matter of fact, I’m discussing a commission of one of the characters in the series by an extremely well-known comic artist, someone I’ve been a fan of for years. Details when they become available! BTW, did you know that I own an original Frazetta? It was a page of nude studies from his Art School days in NYC. I also have several signed prints. I would kill for an original Vallejo. Boris was a seminal (pun intended) artist who influenced me. The prize of my collection is an original Rudy Napi, but the Frazetta comes close.