Ask the Author: Jonathan French
Answered Questions (35)
Jonathan French
The year is 2030. Nothing has changed since 2025.
Jonathan French
Thanks so much, Chester! Your father sounds like he was an awesome dude. Did you share a love of any other fantasy books when he was around?
Picking a favorite is tough and I think my answer changes every time I'm asked. But right now I'd say Warbler. He was always very easy and comforting to write.
Picking a favorite is tough and I think my answer changes every time I'm asked. But right now I'd say Warbler. He was always very easy and comforting to write.
Jonathan French
I just went through a move, so I need to unearth my bookplates. I can let you know once I've found them.
Jonathan French
I'm so gratified to hear you connected with the Bastards so intensely! Thank you for reaching out to share that with me. Never gets old knowing those mongrels of mine made an impact.
And thank you for your question. It's a good one, but tricky to tackle. And my answer may seem like a cop out, but here goes: I wouldn't change anything.
First, most writers are more critical of their work than any reader ever could be, so believe me when I say, I got issues with Free Bastards as an ending. But acceptance is a huge part of grief. And I grieved hard for the Bastards and what I saw (for a while) as the disappointing end of my career. Once, I may have decried everything wrong with Free Bastards as an ending, but these days it would just be tearing open closed wounds.
Second, me doing that is, I think, an injustice to the fans. Because let's face it, most people reading a third book in a series are fans. I remember when I read that Umberto Eco ended up resenting The Name of the Rose, and that made me really sad becasue I think that book is incredible. So, I don't want to cast a pall over Free Bastards for those that love it. And I understand you weren't asking me to bash the book. It's a very good question, but I wouldn't change anything and here's the final reason:
Because I still can finish the franchise on my terms. Book 4 (and all the plans for it) are still in my head. I could write it and self publish it, which would be an interesting full circle for the series since it began as a self pub book. I have definitely toyed with the idea and my agent has also encouraged it. I'm not ready yet, though. Still healing some from the experience and the personal fallout. Plus, there are other projects in the way now. But perhaps one day.
Until then,
Live in the Saddle
And thank you for your question. It's a good one, but tricky to tackle. And my answer may seem like a cop out, but here goes: I wouldn't change anything.
First, most writers are more critical of their work than any reader ever could be, so believe me when I say, I got issues with Free Bastards as an ending. But acceptance is a huge part of grief. And I grieved hard for the Bastards and what I saw (for a while) as the disappointing end of my career. Once, I may have decried everything wrong with Free Bastards as an ending, but these days it would just be tearing open closed wounds.
Second, me doing that is, I think, an injustice to the fans. Because let's face it, most people reading a third book in a series are fans. I remember when I read that Umberto Eco ended up resenting The Name of the Rose, and that made me really sad becasue I think that book is incredible. So, I don't want to cast a pall over Free Bastards for those that love it. And I understand you weren't asking me to bash the book. It's a very good question, but I wouldn't change anything and here's the final reason:
Because I still can finish the franchise on my terms. Book 4 (and all the plans for it) are still in my head. I could write it and self publish it, which would be an interesting full circle for the series since it began as a self pub book. I have definitely toyed with the idea and my agent has also encouraged it. I'm not ready yet, though. Still healing some from the experience and the personal fallout. Plus, there are other projects in the way now. But perhaps one day.
Until then,
Live in the Saddle
Jonathan French
Graham,
Thanks so much for giving them a go and for reaching out with the kind words. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time in the Tin Isles (and beyond).
Autumn's Fall fans have been waiting a LOOOOONG time for book 3 (since 2014 when both books were still self-pubbed). The delay is entirely my fault, being unable to juggle the Grey Bastards books with the AF books. BUT, the Bastards are now done, so I have time to once again focus on AF. I will be working on AF Book 3 during this year. No idea when I will be done, but it is coming. Whether Open Road takes it or I self-pub is also TBD, but it is coming, I swear.
I have not ever had a Patreon (I'm really bad at "internetting" and modernity in general.) But it is very humbling and gratifying to know that if I did you'd be willing to show support. For now, I'll accept your patience and any word-of-mouth selling you'd be willing to do about the AF books.
Cheers!
Jonathan
Thanks so much for giving them a go and for reaching out with the kind words. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time in the Tin Isles (and beyond).
Autumn's Fall fans have been waiting a LOOOOONG time for book 3 (since 2014 when both books were still self-pubbed). The delay is entirely my fault, being unable to juggle the Grey Bastards books with the AF books. BUT, the Bastards are now done, so I have time to once again focus on AF. I will be working on AF Book 3 during this year. No idea when I will be done, but it is coming. Whether Open Road takes it or I self-pub is also TBD, but it is coming, I swear.
I have not ever had a Patreon (I'm really bad at "internetting" and modernity in general.) But it is very humbling and gratifying to know that if I did you'd be willing to show support. For now, I'll accept your patience and any word-of-mouth selling you'd be willing to do about the AF books.
Cheers!
Jonathan
Jonathan French
Sorry to take so long to answer. This question slipped through the cracks.
I would have liked to have done more, but the publishers were not interested. In the years since I have come to terms with the fact that the Lot Lands are over for me. Too much heartbreak to ever return.
I would have liked to have done more, but the publishers were not interested. In the years since I have come to terms with the fact that the Lot Lands are over for me. Too much heartbreak to ever return.
Jonathan French
That's kind of you to say. It's been a difficult road professionally, but will hopefully be able to share news of my next project soon.
Jonathan French
Hey Heidi! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
As for me, it's really complicated, but the late, great Tanith Lee was asked that exact question in 1998 and her answer sums it up:
''If anyone ever wonders why there's nothing coming from me, it's not my fault. I'm doing the work. No, I haven't deteriorated or gone insane. Suddenly, I just can't get anything into print. And apparently I'm not alone in this. There are people of very high standing, authors who are having problems. So I have been told. In my own case, the more disturbing element is the editor-in-chief who said to me, 'I think this book is terrific. It ought to be in print. I can't publish it – I've been told I mustn't.' The indication is that I'm not writing what people want to read, but I never did."
It sucks, but it's not a new or unique situation in this business, I'm afraid.
As for me, it's really complicated, but the late, great Tanith Lee was asked that exact question in 1998 and her answer sums it up:
''If anyone ever wonders why there's nothing coming from me, it's not my fault. I'm doing the work. No, I haven't deteriorated or gone insane. Suddenly, I just can't get anything into print. And apparently I'm not alone in this. There are people of very high standing, authors who are having problems. So I have been told. In my own case, the more disturbing element is the editor-in-chief who said to me, 'I think this book is terrific. It ought to be in print. I can't publish it – I've been told I mustn't.' The indication is that I'm not writing what people want to read, but I never did."
It sucks, but it's not a new or unique situation in this business, I'm afraid.
Jonathan French
Well, thank that lark for me! I'm glad you enjoyed the book (two more to go!) and that you got to improve your German. I can order a beer (or ten) in German, but that's it, I'm afraid. I'm a typical American who wished they knew a second language, but never does buckle down and learn one.
Jonathan French
Not in the foreseeable future, I'm afraid. The series didn't sell well enough for my publishers to be interested in continuing. I do have more stories I want to tell in that world (at least 4 books worth), but it's just not in the cards at the moment. Maybe one day...
Jonathan French
Yeah, it sucks. Took me a long time to come to terms with it myself. Not sure if there is anything that can be done. Bastards had more than a fair shake in many respects: self-pub contest winner, 6-figure deal with major publisher, chance at a TV series for a brief time. Ultimately, it just didn't hit that critical mass of readers necessary to go further. I think Bastards fans are much like the Bastards themselves: loyal but few. It would shock you how few people have finished the series. And it doesn't help that the author has no patience or talent for online promotion. Hence why I have not considered crowdfunding. Me and the internet are not on the best of terms ;) Anyway, thanks for being one of the stalwart few mongrels. You are a rare but fierce breed.
Jonathan French
Sarah,
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your ride through the Lot Lands! But I'm sorry to say there will be no new books for the foreseeable future. My publishers chose not to continue the series. I do have other mongrel tales to tell, so perhaps one day a way will present itself. Until then...
Live in the saddle
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your ride through the Lot Lands! But I'm sorry to say there will be no new books for the foreseeable future. My publishers chose not to continue the series. I do have other mongrel tales to tell, so perhaps one day a way will present itself. Until then...
Live in the saddle
Jonathan French
Thanks for the kind words! Glad to hear you enjoyed your ride through the Lots!
Ah, yes. The cover you're referring to is the original self-published edition with artwork by the incomparable Raymond Swanland. Sadly, when the series was acquired by Penguin/Random House they decided not to use that design, and I had to take that edition off sale when they bought the rights. It was only available from Fall 2015 to early 2017 and was a print on demand paperback, so the only copies in existence are those ordered by folks during that brief time. Occasionally, copies show up on eBay or Abebooks, but the prices are often quite high.
Ah, yes. The cover you're referring to is the original self-published edition with artwork by the incomparable Raymond Swanland. Sadly, when the series was acquired by Penguin/Random House they decided not to use that design, and I had to take that edition off sale when they bought the rights. It was only available from Fall 2015 to early 2017 and was a print on demand paperback, so the only copies in existence are those ordered by folks during that brief time. Occasionally, copies show up on eBay or Abebooks, but the prices are often quite high.
Jonathan French
I'm a big proponent of casting unknown actors. Always better to have a new face that can really own the role rather than a celebrity combating public perceptions of them and the legacies of previous previous roles.
That said, Hollywood doesn't work that way usually. They want someone big to draw an audience so they can make a return on their investment. Knowing that (and in the spirit of the question) I'll give the following answers:
In a dream world it would be Andy Whitfield. He died much too young, but I still think he would have been an amazing Jackal.
If I have to go with someone living and contemporary, I'll say Michael B Jordan. During the very exciting (and very brief) period where Bastards was being eyed for a TV show, Mr. Jordan expressed some interest in the project, so there were a few months where I was picturing him and I'd still like to see that happen.
Ultimately, though, my desire is more about the cast as whole. The chemistry and brotherhood. It is a rare cast that isn't marred by ego and creative differences. But with Bastards my dream would be a dynamic akin to what the Lord of the Rings Fellowship and Avengers casts experienced, where they all became very close and formed a bond onscreen as well as off. If the actors playing Jackal, Oats, and Fetch don't get along the whole thing is shot. That triad really has to be solid and drama free.
I've heard that Jon Bernthal has a tendency to act as bonding a agent among his castmates, so maybe the key is having him play Hobnail and everything else will fall into place.
That said, Hollywood doesn't work that way usually. They want someone big to draw an audience so they can make a return on their investment. Knowing that (and in the spirit of the question) I'll give the following answers:
In a dream world it would be Andy Whitfield. He died much too young, but I still think he would have been an amazing Jackal.
If I have to go with someone living and contemporary, I'll say Michael B Jordan. During the very exciting (and very brief) period where Bastards was being eyed for a TV show, Mr. Jordan expressed some interest in the project, so there were a few months where I was picturing him and I'd still like to see that happen.
Ultimately, though, my desire is more about the cast as whole. The chemistry and brotherhood. It is a rare cast that isn't marred by ego and creative differences. But with Bastards my dream would be a dynamic akin to what the Lord of the Rings Fellowship and Avengers casts experienced, where they all became very close and formed a bond onscreen as well as off. If the actors playing Jackal, Oats, and Fetch don't get along the whole thing is shot. That triad really has to be solid and drama free.
I've heard that Jon Bernthal has a tendency to act as bonding a agent among his castmates, so maybe the key is having him play Hobnail and everything else will fall into place.
Jonathan French
It's always so bittersweet to hear when someone enjoyed the AF books. They have definitely been on hiatus far longer than I intended. The honest answer to your question is, sadly: no, it won't be soon. I'm still at the point in my career when I have to write what pays the bills. But the moment, the very moment, I can get back to Airlann, I will.
Jonathan French
Rob,
Thanks so much! Will Damron and Lisa Flanagan do a wonderful job with the audio narrations.
As far as Lot Lands wiki, there isn't one as far as I know. Those kinds of things are usually the work of fans, and I don't think the Bastards have reached enough readers yet to merit that type of love.
Thanks so much! Will Damron and Lisa Flanagan do a wonderful job with the audio narrations.
As far as Lot Lands wiki, there isn't one as far as I know. Those kinds of things are usually the work of fans, and I don't think the Bastards have reached enough readers yet to merit that type of love.
Jonathan French
David,
SO glad to hear you're enjoying the books. Thanks for the questions!
As a character-driven writer most of my process is creating/developing the cast of the books, so it's tough to narrow down specific influences. I try to layer them as much as I can, even if most of it doesn't land on the page it helps inform who they, how they react/speak, etc. The initial inspiration can come from anywhere. Claymaster, for instance, was inspired by a Reaper gaming miniature; this big, misshapen warrior covered in bandages,. He was initially called the Paymaster and was more of shadowy mercenary puppet master. As the world developed and the notion that the Bastards began as sappers hit the page I changed his name to Claymaster (plus, I really like comics and Clayface is a personal favorite villain in the Batman rogues gallery). And every character is, to varying degrees, distilled through the lens of a Spaghetti Western, so that shapes them a bit, too. In the end (hopefully) they all gain their own spark and gain more layers as they walk & talk. I also pull from people I've known or historical folks I've read about. Characters from film/TV, as well. Oats (originally named Wagon) was put in because of a desire to have a character similar to the character of Jayne Cobb from Firefly/Serenity. But I think ultimately he developed into something very different, which is great.
As for my writing influences, my main inspiration is Robert E Howard. In 2008 I read the Del Rey reprints of the Conan/Kull/Solomon Kane stories where they removed all the pastiche writers and got back to pure Howard. Something clicked while I was reading those and I went from a hobbyist writer to someone who wanted to make a go as a professional writer. While I can't claim to be anything like them in ability, I do enjoy: Elmore Leonard, Tanith Lee, Jesse Bullington, Jacqueline Carey, CJ Cherryh, Samuel Shellabarger, to name a few.
SO glad to hear you're enjoying the books. Thanks for the questions!
As a character-driven writer most of my process is creating/developing the cast of the books, so it's tough to narrow down specific influences. I try to layer them as much as I can, even if most of it doesn't land on the page it helps inform who they, how they react/speak, etc. The initial inspiration can come from anywhere. Claymaster, for instance, was inspired by a Reaper gaming miniature; this big, misshapen warrior covered in bandages,. He was initially called the Paymaster and was more of shadowy mercenary puppet master. As the world developed and the notion that the Bastards began as sappers hit the page I changed his name to Claymaster (plus, I really like comics and Clayface is a personal favorite villain in the Batman rogues gallery). And every character is, to varying degrees, distilled through the lens of a Spaghetti Western, so that shapes them a bit, too. In the end (hopefully) they all gain their own spark and gain more layers as they walk & talk. I also pull from people I've known or historical folks I've read about. Characters from film/TV, as well. Oats (originally named Wagon) was put in because of a desire to have a character similar to the character of Jayne Cobb from Firefly/Serenity. But I think ultimately he developed into something very different, which is great.
As for my writing influences, my main inspiration is Robert E Howard. In 2008 I read the Del Rey reprints of the Conan/Kull/Solomon Kane stories where they removed all the pastiche writers and got back to pure Howard. Something clicked while I was reading those and I went from a hobbyist writer to someone who wanted to make a go as a professional writer. While I can't claim to be anything like them in ability, I do enjoy: Elmore Leonard, Tanith Lee, Jesse Bullington, Jacqueline Carey, CJ Cherryh, Samuel Shellabarger, to name a few.
Jonathan French
Thanks so much for the kind words and the question! If you've just finished EH there's no need to wait as The Errantry of Bantam Flyn (Autumn's Fall Book 2) is available to purchase from Amazon. However, after that I would recommend Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft, Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams, The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander, We Ride The Storm by Devin Madsen, and anything by Tanith Lee.
Jonathan French
Diana,
Thanks so much for reading all the books! It's always a bit bittersweet to hear when someone enjoys the AF books since it's been so long since I've been able to return to that world. That series is near and dear to my heart and I ache to continue it, but right now the Bastards books occupy my time and attention because they pay the bills. Bastards 3 is in the works now and should come out early next year. After that, my writing future is uncertain. Could be a Bastards 4, but that's up to the publishers. If not, I will have to see what's next. I can't say when AF3 will happen, sadly, but know that I fully intend to finish that saga with at least 6 books (possibly 8). I'm a slow writer which doesn't help.
Thanks so much for reading all the books! It's always a bit bittersweet to hear when someone enjoys the AF books since it's been so long since I've been able to return to that world. That series is near and dear to my heart and I ache to continue it, but right now the Bastards books occupy my time and attention because they pay the bills. Bastards 3 is in the works now and should come out early next year. After that, my writing future is uncertain. Could be a Bastards 4, but that's up to the publishers. If not, I will have to see what's next. I can't say when AF3 will happen, sadly, but know that I fully intend to finish that saga with at least 6 books (possibly 8). I'm a slow writer which doesn't help.
Jonathan French
Hey, Sean! Thanks for the question. Yes, I am writing Bastards 3 now, but don't have a release date yet. There will be four books in this first series.
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