Café de Nuit

That would be an intriguing idea! I never got that far though, I had a few ideas but nothing more and really haven't done much thinking beyond that. The idea of a showboat was suggested by the mentions of riverboats, and originally originally the boat was to be magically powered by what few "good" creatures were found, making it even more exotic.

ChristieGolden wrote:When I created Jander, I tried to think of the icons of both horror and fantasy--of course he had to be a vampire, but what is more "fantasy" than an elf? Ta-da--the world's first elven vampire. I play WarCraft and on my server there are a lot of elven vampires, I keep wanting to apologize and say "Sorry, my bad!"

This is also one of the first TSR novel that had an heroine instead of a powerful iconic hero and it made the story flow in a better way IMHO. The novel had a human and easily relatable heroine, while keeping true to Ravenloft’s powerful domain lord. So the end result is less fantasy then Vampire and much more gothic, which is cool (IMHO again).

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Your bio shows you are very close to art in your private life. Where did you get this cool idea of dancing the Dance fo the Dead, i.e. that the art of dancing can be so powerful?

Joël

I do think it has a more Gothic feel to it, especially Southern gothic (as well as being New Orleans-ish...is that a word? LOL!). And it was fun to take the "damsel in distress" heroine idea and make her her own rescuer, as it were.

Art is EXTREMELY powerful. In my first original fantasy novel, INSTRUMENT OF FATE, I worked with the idea of song, although again, the protagonist is a human female with not much more than her own guts to get her through. For her, song is a comfort and a refuge. I'm a singer, so that was easy. Not a dancer, but I have always been intrigued by the power of creation in any form. Go with me on this for a sec--don't you wonder what happens to music when the last note has died away? Or the characters in a book after you put it down? What about the kinetic energy released in dance? What happens to the creation when the creating stops? Or does it ever?

So yes, the idea of art/magic connection has always interested me.

Fascinating topic indeed, Dear Ealasaid There is a lot of thoughts and emotions put into art, so the idea that somekind of vibe is remaining is intriguing.

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When doing research on Souragne, I read many reviews on the net, and one of them I did bookmark as well written and funny. Here's an excerpt:

This book is surprisingly romantic and has a wonderful heroine who can give Buffy a run for her money. And the hero's a fascinating creature, and there's a really sexy demon that, should he turns his attentions to me, I'm in definite danger of roasting.

When you are writing, how do you build your characters' personality? Were Larissa, Anton, Willen (or others) inspired by a character or a person you know?

Joël

Ealasaid, wow, haven't heard that name in a long time!

That's a lovely review, that woman needs to go read my new series! (ON FIRE'S WINGS and IN STONE'S CLASP have been published so far...interestingly enough the series is called the "Dancers"!)

I always have trouble answering stories about characters, because character development and dialogue have always come easily and naturally to me. The characters come very soon after the initial spark of the concept, and they really just want me to tell their stories. I never model a character after someone I know. The most interesting character in the book to me from the "where did he come from?" perspective actually was a minor character, Dragoneyes. He just showed up, fully formed...I never was able to get much of his past out of him but he was very distinct. I was also very adamant about his name--names were a bit of an issue in this book. I wanted to keep more "normal" names, as that seemed to be the gist of some of the Ravenloft realms, but I was told that I had to make them more "fantasy sounding" But Dragoneyes was Dragoneyes, and stubbornly refused to yield on it. *shrugs* I had another character in my most recent book, Jareth Vasalen, do the same thing. Pretty much folded his arms and glared when I tried to change his name.

In VAMPIRE, Jander very strongly resisted being evil. I created him that way--I think I still have the scene where he stalks through the asylum, his "cold eyes raking the scene." Just felt so terribly wrong. When I made him a more compassionate and tragic character, then he started to come to life for me. Another character in one of my original novels, KING'S MAN AND THIEF, launched into a diatriba in one scene where he was supposed to just murmur assent about somthing. I felt like a journalist running around with a tape recorder as I typed.

Now--I'm not losing my mind. What is happening is that I have let my subconscious go to work on the characters, and when I try to make them do something that's wrong for them, it's almost like a warning signal. I have learned to trust that feeling and fight for it.

I actually love it when that happens.

I enjoyed Dance of the Death, I liked Anton Misroi a lot more as he was described here than in later game supplements (where he was made some kind of zombie). I htink they later solved that (don't recall where though).
He had this 'phantom lover' feel over him - very charming, but very deadly, and it was very doubtful that you would end up right if you would involve yourself with him.
Still, while you know there is dark evil heart beating (?) in his chest, he had a strange 'redeemable' aura - he seemed very lonely, and somehow, I got the feeling (a delusion, no doubt) that he migth just be able to shake of his evil nature, if given a new chance.
Of course, that is impossible as a darklord, but I wondered if this was an impression that only I had, or that it was intentional?

I read this book a long while ago, but I liked it very much, and especially Larissa Snowmane. So much that I'm using her in my campaign.
But what I wanted to know here is, what kind of life did Larissa take after the book ended ? Do you think she would ever go back willingly to Souragne ? If I recall right, she too learned from the Maiden of the Swamp. Does she think she still owes something to the Maiden and believes she should, ultimately, undo the evil the Maiden did unwillingly in teaching Misroi by battling, or redeeming him? what would she most likely do, redeem him probably? Or did that final scene, where she loses her love through her dreadful Dance, unhinge her somewhat? Could it have altered her views and morale compass? Do you think Larissa views herself as a successor to the Maiden of the Swamp?

Now, on a more general basis, how did you begin writing? Did you take special formation before doing it, or was it mostly your talent that made you successful? What kind of research and preparation do you do, and do you feel it is geared to specific genres of writing or could you write mostly anything? Is there such a thing as a fantasy-writer instead of simply a writer?

Thank you. I may be sounding rather mis-informed, and I must confess, in this field, I am. I haven't read your biography and despite loving Souragne I will only make a detailed study when my players finally get there (but I have already read a few books and sites on Voodoo, and mostly its African sources).

Curiously, I have read all your Ravenloft novels, even unaware they were all of the same author (I have read a couple more of the RL line) and I like all of them. To this day, your version of Maalken / Tristen is the one I prefer.

This is rather long already, so I'll stop here. Sorry if I bothered you or made stupid questions, I didn't mean to.

Ail

gomez wrote:I enjoyed Dance of the Death, I liked Anton Misroi a lot more as he was described here than in later game supplements (where he was made some kind of zombie). I htink they later solved that (don't recall where though).
He had this 'phantom lover' feel over him - very charming, but very deadly, and it was very doubtful that you would end up right if you would involve yourself with him.
Still, while you know there is dark evil heart beating (?) in his chest, he had a strange 'redeemable' aura - he seemed very lonely, and somehow, I got the feeling (a delusion, no doubt) that he migth just be able to shake of his evil nature, if given a new chance.
Of course, that is impossible as a darklord, but I wondered if this was an impression that only I had, or that it was intentional?

Oh, they did make him a zombie? After telling me I shouldn't. LOL! I'm glad they managed to unzombify him then.

I don't think anyone is "unredeemable," at least they shouldn't be. We have free will, and what we do is a matter of the choices we make. Besides, something that's "completely" good or evil is BORING don't you think? As I've said, I kept bumping my nose against that. I think a completely evil character is one-dimensional. Heck, I even tackled Satan in my novel A.D 999 (written under the pen name Jadrien Bell) and managed to give him lots of shading. Hm, come to think of it, my Angelo does owe something to Misroi....

My opinion is that Misroi doesn't think he can be redeemed, but when he sees something that's essentially good and beautiful and pure, he secretly wishes he could be a part of it. But that thought comes and goes. I think he's really glad Larissa could stand up to him. He's proud of her and admires her. To bend her to his will to be would lose her. He is a bit sad in that I think.

Ail wrote:I read this book a long while ago, but I liked it very much, and especially Larissa Snowmane. So much that I'm using her in my campaign.
But what I wanted to know here is, what kind of life did Larissa take after the book ended ? Do you think she would ever go back willingly to Souragne ? If I recall right, she too learned from the Maiden of the Swamp. Does she think she still owes something to the Maiden and believes she should, ultimately, undo the evil the Maiden did unwillingly in teaching Misroi by battling, or redeeming him? what would she most likely do, redeem him probably? Or did that final scene, where she loses her love through her dreadful Dance, unhinge her somewhat? Could it have altered her views and morale compass? Do you think Larissa views herself as a successor to the Maiden of the Swamp?

Wow, a lot of questions...I think Larissa has been sobered by what happened. She grew up hard and fast. I don't know that she's particuarly keep to return to Souragne, but if she was needed, she would go, painful though it might be. She would want to do what she could to honor what Willen stood for. I think she is sadder, but stronger. I don't know that she feels she "owes" anything to the Maiden, certainly not enough to feel compelled to return.

Now, on a more general basis, how did you begin writing? Did you take special formation before doing it, or was it mostly your talent that made you successful? What kind of research and preparation do you do, and do you feel it is geared to specific genres of writing or could you write mostly anything? Is there such a thing as a fantasy-writer instead of simply a writer?

I started writing when I was old enough to hold a crayon. I used to make "books" for my teachers, stapling big pieces of construction paper together. I had some wonderful English teachers in high school and junior high who encouraged me and let me experiment. In college, I did not really take many classes, just honed basic writing skills in English on reports and stuff. If you want to be a fantasy writer, it's likely you're already a fantasy reader. There is a weeklong course called Clarion you can take, but it guarantees nothing. It could help a lot, or it could really discourage you if you are a bit sensitive about sharing your writing. I wrote for newpapers and magazines and I've written fantasy, SF, horror, thrillers, essays, reviews....I can write pretty much anything. In fact I'm thinking of a mystery series one of these days. In my opinion, a writer is a writer, is a writer.

Thank you. I may be sounding rather mis-informed, and I must confess, in this field, I am. I haven't read your biography and despite loving Souragne I will only make a detailed study when my players finally get there (but I have already read a few books and sites on Voodoo, and mostly its African sources).

Curiously, I have read all your Ravenloft novels, even unaware they were all of the same author (I have read a couple more of the RL line) and I like all of them. To this day, your version of Maalken / Tristen is the one I prefer.

Hah! Guess you like my work without realizing it. Ah, Tristan. That was interesting. I wrote the book when all the information there was on Nova Vaasa was a tiny little writeup in the first edition. I gave Hiregaard his first name, backstory, everything. And then in the second edition of the Ravenloft campaign, it all got changed, and I start getting hate mail about "how I couldn't even be bothered to do my research" and "you got it all wrong" and so on. The perils of writing in a shared world! Quite frustrating, but you just have to laugh. It goes with the territory, though I do wish people would check pub dates and stuff before attacking me.

This is rather long already, so I'll stop here. Sorry if I bothered you or made stupid questions, I didn't mean to.

No such thing as stupid questions! Keep asking, chances are lots of people had the same questions you did.

A very typical question but-

which novel(s)- Ravenloft or not- do you think back on most fondly?

ChristieGolden wrote:Hah! Guess you like my work without realizing it. Ah, Tristan. That was interesting. I wrote the book when all the information there was on Nova Vaasa was a tiny little writeup in the first edition. I gave Hiregaard his first name, backstory, everything. And then in the second edition of the Ravenloft campaign, it all got changed, and I start getting hate mail about "how I couldn't even be bothered to do my research" and "you got it all wrong" and so on. The perils of writing in a shared world! Quite frustrating, but you just have to laugh. It goes with the territory, though I do wish people would check pub dates and stuff before attacking me.

Thank you for your answer. As a side comment, that hate-mail you received reminded me of a short essay that made me laugh years ago, and still does, about Tolkien not writing good Middle-Earth novels for a roleplaying-game system. Here: http://tolkien.cro.net/tolkien/cclark.html
It was purposefully and very well written, and although some people don't like this, I find it hilarious.

Ail[/url]

Haha! Yes, I was once told by a frustrated gamer that he couldn't "play' VAMPIRE out as a game. I told him that novels and games are very different. They both take skills to write, but the goal is very different. One is designed to be experienced passively, the other needs to be open ended so the player can contribute. The novels aren't meant to be played, they're meant to be read as an adjunct to the game. Frankly, too, they should be able to stand on their own as a "good read," so that those who don't play the game can enjoy them as well. Tie-in work is not easy!

PS: I just read the link you mentioned....it is not serious, but rather a brilliant piece of satire. The usage of good spelling and grammar alerted me when I started that the poster was likely too smart to not understand that the books were written before the game, and by the time I got to "Blade of Bannara" instead of "Sword of Shannara" I realized what was going on. Still, really great stuff! Too bad it wasn't for real, that would be even funnier.

Hi Ms. Golden! Let me first thank you for being here. Although it's been years since I've last read them, your three Ravenloft novels are some of my all time favorite parts of the setting, and Vampire especially is a favorite novel of mine in general. (I've also dropped Larissa into a cameo in my campaign, and hope to use her more fully later.)

I was wondering what, if anything, you had read about where the other writers of Ravenloft took your creations after you'd written about them. And what your opinions were on those developments. I saw above that you hadn't heard about the changes to Misroi. Are you up on the latest status of Larissa, Tristen, etc? Specifically, how do you feel about the official stance that Jander was "saved" by the Mists at the end of Vampire? (Did you know the cult of the Morninglord is still going strong in Barovia?) I know part of writing for a shared world involves giving up control over your creations, but is it a weird thing to experience? Do you feel the need to keep tabs on your characters?

Also, congratulations on the reprinting of Vampire. We know that at least one other Ravenloft novel (Death of a Darklord) is being reprinted. Do you know if the reprints will continue? Any plans for a reprint of Dance, or (dare we hope) new novels? Would you be interested in writing for Ravenloft again if the opportunity came?

And here's a random one: Who's your favorite Darklord? Least favorite? Favorite domain? Least favorite? (Just about every member here has answered those questions at some point; might as well continue the trend. )

Thanks again...

ChristieGolden wrote:Haha! Yes, I was once told by a frustrated gamer that he couldn't "play' VAMPIRE out as a game. I told him that novels and games are very different. They both take skills to write, but the goal is very different. One is designed to be experienced passively, the other needs to be open ended so the player can contribute. The novels aren't meant to be played, they're meant to be read as an adjunct to the game. Frankly, too, they should be able to stand on their own as a "good read," so that those who don't play the game can enjoy them as well. Tie-in work is not easy!

As an occasionaly reader of novels, I find they are invaluable to get a good grip on the setting. For example, I read Vampire of the mists when I was planning the Barovian part of my campaign. I loved it, and I liked Sasha's relation with Trina. I put some elements from it in my campaign, obviously in different form: the circle, references to Sasha and the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind (merely as hooks, as of yet), the history of the cult of the morninglord and general attitude of the population.

Having read the novel makes it all the more worthwhile when we now read in the Gazetteer that the Cult of the Morninglord defends compassion towards lycanthropes but does not explain why, and it feels even better when we as DM know that we can let the players know that and understand it is really ancestral and very rare knowledge. If they can appreciate that kind of information, digging novels set in the past is truly precious.

Ail

gonzoron wrote:Hi Ms. Golden! Let me first thank you for being here. Although it's been years since I've last read them, your three Ravenloft novels are some of my all time favorite parts of the setting, and Vampire especially is a favorite novel of mine in general. (I've also dropped Larissa into a cameo in my campaign, and hope to use her more fully later.)

I was wondering what, if anything, you had read about where the other writers of Ravenloft took your creations after you'd written about them. And what your opinions were on those developments. I saw above that you hadn't heard about the changes to Misroi. Are you up on the latest status of Larissa, Tristen, etc? Specifically, how do you feel about the official stance that Jander was "saved" by the Mists at the end of Vampire? (Did you know the cult of the Morninglord is still going strong in Barovia?) I know part of writing for a shared world involves giving up control over your creations, but is it a weird thing to experience? Do you feel the need to keep tabs on your characters?

Also, congratulations on the reprinting of Vampire. We know that at least one other Ravenloft novel (Death of a Darklord) is being reprinted. Do you know if the reprints will continue? Any plans for a reprint of Dance, or (dare we hope) new novels? Would you be interested in writing for Ravenloft again if the opportunity came?

And here's a random one: Who's your favorite Darklord? Least favorite? Favorite domain? Least favorite? (Just about every member here has answered those questions at some point; might as well continue the trend. )

Thanks again...

I was a little disappointed that the history of Tristan and Nova Vaasa got so thoroughly overhauled, any writer would be I think, but I'm sure they had their reasons. Cool that the Morninglord cult is still going so strong! Woot! I don't know if you all know this but Jander has appeared in several Forgotten Realms anthologies, including the Best Of (reprinted the story from REALMS OF INFAMY), so I've been able to "keep up" with him, sort of. Jander is by far my favorite Ravenloft character I've created, so I'm pleased that not too much has been done with him since the book. I know there have been some scenarios and things and by and large I am fine with where they've wanted to take him. Several years ago TSR and I were talking about a sequel, but for various reasons it never materialized. I sure wouldn't mind doing another one, I am a little surprised by how happy I am that Jander is "back" in my life with the reprint! I can't wait to see the cover. I always pictued Anthony Andrews from his Brideshead Revisted days (wow, I'm dating myself) but I suppose Orlando Bloom would do...

For Dumont, I always pictured David Warner. And of course Timothy Dalton for Misroi.

No word on reprinting the other two at this point.

Haven't heard too much about Larissa or Tristan recently.

Hm....It's been so long since I've seen anything Ravenlofty it's hard to comment. Probably my favorite is Misroi, since all I had was a name and I got to really create him!