More Questions from an L.E. Modesitt Fan

lmodesitt · Post by **lmodesitt** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:31 am

I'd always thought of the pronunciation as Crit-TELL-a.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:47 am

Is that a name just pulled out of the air? or does it show up in history some where?

lmodesitt · Post by **lmodesitt** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:32 pm

I thought of it as a variation on Krystella... but I honestly don't know anyone named that.

L. E. Modesitt

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:05 pm

I don't think theres been a name on one of your characters I haven't liked...

I've had trouble trying to pronouce a few...like Cerryl comes to mind mostly because I didn't know where to put the emphasis...

Keep up the good names

Aunflin · Post by **Aunflin** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:08 pm

Never had a problem with the character names. Just figured I could pronounce them however I liked--since LEM's books often leave much to the imagination, which I LOVE!

(Concerning physical actions and etc...)

CodeBlower · Post by **CodeBlower** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:07 pm

Re-Finished

"Scion of Cyador" today and I have a question ...

In Lorn's "closing thought" at the ceremony, you say that Tyrsal will "pay more than he knows for Cierst's death".

Is this a branch to a possible future book, or just a suggestion that (as the Hand) Tyrsal will not have nearly as much free-time as he once had?

Also, does the position of The Hand generally pay pretty well, or is it one of those "lots of work for little recognition until after you die" kinda jobs? Kien'elth never really seems to lack for anything, but I kinda wondered if holding that position didn't bring you some reward (other than the feeling of a "job well done").

How many questions am I allowed to pose in one post?

lmodesitt · Post by **lmodesitt** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 4:18 pm

The reference to "payment" was actually to guilt, because Tyrsal is the type to feel great guilt.

The position of the "Hand" is almost completely thankless, except for satisfaction for a job well done, and a modest stipend -- and the chance/danger to inform the Emperor before he does something stupid.

There's no set limit to the number of questions someone can ask. If there are too many, I may just not answer them all.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

CodeBlower · Post by **CodeBlower** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:51 pm

lmodesitt wrote:The reference to "payment" was actually to guilt, because Tyrsal is the type to feel great guilt.

I guess I could see that being true - but I sort of don't see him being much troubled over Ciesrt - although I'm guessing

that you know a little better than I do.

lmodesitt wrote:The position of the "Hand" is almost completely thankless, except for satisfaction for a job well done, and a modest stipend -- and the chance/danger to inform the Emperor before he does something stupid.

Which, I completely agree, makes Tyrsal the perfect "Hand" -- well, as perfect as Kien'elth anyway -- seems to me The Hand could be pretty troubled over not being able to control everything to help keep the kingdom peaceful.

But, as far as "thankless" goes, I think Tyrsal's a lot like Lorn's sire that way -- all he has to do is meet with the Emperor to know that all of his efforts are appreciated and worthwhile.

My only challenge with him being posted to that position is that, I believe, most everybody who already knows Lorn would already assume that Tyrsal is The Hand -- but, then again, maybe that was true with Toziel and Kien as well and, as readers, we just came into the story without the insight.

Man - am I seriously over-analyzing this, or what?

lmodesitt wrote:There's no set limit to the number of questions someone can ask. If there are too many, I may just not answer them all.

LOL.

Okay .. for my next number ...

I was looking at the cover to "Fall of Angels" sitting here on my desk waiting to be read, and got to thinking about the numbers of people in the "How I Discovered Recluce" thread commented about noticing the cover-art first.

I was wondering about the relationship between you, as the author, and the person who does the cover-art.

Do you pick them, or does the publisher? Do you get input on that selection?

Actually, I guess I could think of a number of questions but really the only one I was pondering initially was ..... Does the artist read the book before they start, or just get info from you / the publisher? I've noticed artwork over the years that doesn't quite match the content - but most of the art on your books seems accurate and helps me picture some things a little better.

Just kinda wondered how that stuff worked -- if you're allowed to say -- and if I'm not asking something that's already in the FAQ (sorry - forgot to look there first).

BTW, as many have stated before, we the readers really appreciate being able to get your perspective and feedback on the various questions we have. (Even if I *do* turn out to have guessed wrongly more often than I would like to admit.)

lmodesitt · Post by **lmodesitt** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:26 pm

The selection of the artist is made by the art director at Tor. Some artists read the book; others work from a specific scene or are given a choice of scenes by the art director. I've never talked directly to an artist before a cover was done. That's the art director's job. However, my editor is very specific and works with the art director. Also, I usually get to see the preliminary sketch and get to make comments on it. Almost always, they take my suggestions. On about four or five occasions, I've actually been asked to suggest a scene.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Post by **Kvetch** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:20 pm

Out of interest, which ones have you suggested the scenes for? (and where have you been ignored, for that matter?)

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:32 am

I always found that the cover art didn't do the character justice. I always had a different image in my mind as to what the character looked like.

reas0nabledoubts · Post by **reas0nabledoubts** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:27 am

I have always had a thoguht on those cover pages, and always thought different of what those pictures portrayed.

DocKurtz · Post by **DocKurtz** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:40 am

I have found that I am anxious to get to the part of the story where the cover art scene takes place. For instance in Scion of Cyador the scene is the battle at the pier and that is almost at the end of the book so I had to wait a while. Fall of Angels cover art was from very early in the book.

I can't say that I was ever disillusioned or disappointed by the character's depictions on the cover because I figure the artist is only interpreting what s\he's read or been told - just as I am - but I do find myself picking apart the details. For instance again in Scion the cover art shows the firecannon using a narrow beam to attack the soldiers. It looks quite effective, but Lorn very clearly tells the engineer Major to have his man use a wider beam that will cover the whole pier. Sir LEM even paid enough attention to detail to have Lorn inquire how long it would take to refocus the beam, etc. So I'll pick on the artist for missing silly things like that which I should really just ignore

.

Man now I REALLY feel like a trekkie ... 'you know in episode 6 when Kirk goes into the bar an orders a drink ... in the next clip his drink is empty but he hasn't had a drink yet'

-Doc

lmodesitt · Post by **lmodesitt** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:32 pm

I did suggest the cover scences used for Magi'i of Cyador, Scion of Cyador, Colors of Chaos. I did not get to choose all the details.

I also have suggested, with various degrees of success, modifications to a number of covers. Then, there have been those covers "sprung" on me, some of which were less desirable than I would have wished [and no, I am not going to comment on those, since it would do little good].

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:23 pm

With out asking for which ones that is....are you able to do anything about it when that happens? or does the final say come from the publisher

lmodesitt · Post by **lmodesitt** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:34 pm

In some cases, the editor and I managed to get modifications. In two cases, there were none, and no way to get changes, for reasons I'm not at liberty to discuss, except to say that it's highly unlikely one particular artist will soon work for that publisher again.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

PasoFino · Post by **PasoFino** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:01 pm

OK - all of this is just my opinion. I have been wanting to talk about cover art.

I really like Raymond Swanland's cover art. He did a great job with capturing the intensity and heat of the moment. There is alot of movement and action. It makes me want to jump in and get in the middle of things. It begs me to open the book and see what it is all about. I love his depiction of Mykel on Cadmian's Choice. You can sense the coldness that he needs to posess in order to be effective. Plus, there are lots of nice details. The uniform is very cool, different from the standard fare that other artists use.

Darrell Sweet comes in a close second - it looks too much like the WOT covers and he seems to have issues with the proportions of the character's limbs. They always seem to be a bit wonky looking. I also don't like the outfits that he puts them in.

Daniel Horne covers are terrible. The representation of Alucius on the cover of scepters looks like a cross between the guy from "Office Space" and the John Stewart plus Wendra is not the least bit attractive. Their outfits/uniforms are generic at best. Very little detail, these covers do not challenge me to see what is inside...Are they carrying Winchester 30's, and dancing with them? I think I see a disco ball.

I think the worst cover I have seen for any LEM books would have to be The Forever Hero. WE Barlowe makes Gerswin look a little inbred or something. His eyes are too close and goofy rather than intense, they are also lopsided. You would think that an artist could do a better job of capturing the main character's most intense feature. There is also the wall-eyed female in the background. The whole effect is cheesy at best.

CodeBlower · Post by **CodeBlower** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:17 am

Do I sense some pent-up frustration?

And what's the deal with "wall-eyed females"? Once you go wall-eyed, you'll never go back ...

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:40 am

everyone needs some pent up frustration....or is it pinup relaxation hmmm i'll get back to you on that

hmmm theres a thought....ok i'll leave it at that

PasoFino · Post by **PasoFino** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:53 am

hee hee, I guess you guys can tell that I tend to be a bit opinionated at times. Those covers have ALWAYS bugged me. It felt good to get some release.

So am I way off, or do you guys agree just a little???

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 3:52 pm

I think I would have to see all the covers together at once to make a true judgement...

but thats just me

Ravenseye · Post by **Ravenseye** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:25 pm

PasoFino wrote:hee hee, I guess you guys can tell that I tend to be a bit opinionated at times. Those covers have ALWAYS bugged me. It felt good to get some release.

So am I way off, or do you guys agree just a little???

I've never enjoyed Sweet's cover art, though some are a bit more tolerable than others. I've learned to live with bad cover art for Fantasy books, though, it's almost to be expected. I just always make sure I buy the hardcover so I can take the jacket off instead of getting stuck with gaudy paperbacks on my bookshelf.

CodeBlower · Post by **CodeBlower** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:43 pm

PasoFino wrote:hee hee, I guess you guys can tell that I tend to be a bit opinionated at times. Those covers have ALWAYS bugged me. It felt good to get some release.

So am I way off, or do you guys agree just a little???

I would agree - sort of why I asked Mr. Modesitt the question. And, based on the number of responses from the group, I would definitely guess that you are not alone in your sentiments.

Emperor wrote:I think I would have to see all the covers together at once to make a true judgement...

but thats just me

[Truth-In-Reporting requirement: this is my site]
Covers are half-way down the page ... http://www.codeblower.com/recluce/recluce.asp

Emperor · Post by **Emperor** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 1:17 pm

The cover of Magic Engineer brings up a question I posted in another thread..

What ever happened to Dorrins Horse? did it swim back to shore or did it try to follow him to Recluce?

ShawnCowles · Post by **ShawnCowles** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 8:11 pm

Didn't we cover that in "Had fun this weekend"?

The depiction of the Black Diamond as being armored on that cover always bugged me. That ship looks more like the Black Hammer.

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More Questions from an L.E. Modesitt Fan

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