The Sword and Laser discussion

We will be interview author R.A. Salvatore at DragonCon in a few days! Please let us know if you have any questions!

I loved the collection of the short stories surrounding the Drizzt series you've written over the years. Of particular note is the story about Wulfgar as an old man. Given that Wizards jumped their official time line ahead for fourth edition, essentially forcing the Forgotten Realms authors to do the same, do you ever wish you could have gone back and done things differently with the stories that were prematurely forced to come to an end? I would have loved to have seen Drizzt and Wulfgar cross paths at some point later in life, personally.

Also, not really a question so much as a request... I want to know more about Zaknafein, especially his relationship with Jarlaxle! Write some stories about them in their younger days!

Ok, one question I know he won't answer, and one he might:

1.) So...granting that the character still has legs, have you at least *imagined* how Drizzt Do'Urden is going to die?

2.) Can you expand on WotC's plans for the Forgotten Realms universe hinted at in the GenCon keynote address?

(I find myself going back over that whiteboard review. Did that seem snide? Crap, I hope it wasn't snide. The comparison to Doyle was intended to be complimentary, since I too am a demanding fanboy. I never thought he'd then pop up on the frakking show!)

My biggest question is a major SPOILER for the Star Wars expanded universe. So if you don't want to see it please don't read any further. I have even made a nice little space in between my question and this post so that you don't have to continue reading it. Stop now. I'm serious. If you don't want to be disappointed stop reading right now.

QUESTION:
In Vector Prime how much storytelling leeway did you have with how Chewbacca ended up dying? Was it your idea to drop a moon on him or was that part of the narrative already concluded by the time you signed on to the project?

I would also like to say thank your for the amazing stories that you have given us over the years.

I'm curios about his take on writing in a pre-established universe. Is it more frustrating to work within a set of confines like Star Wars or Forgotten Realms or does it relieve him of some of the pressures of completely designing a world?

What was your inspiration for Drizzt? and why a dark elf?

Asking him about killing off a major star wars character (NOT HIS IDEA) or how to write a good fight scene are always good questions (I think he was a bouncer).

Kris wrote: "What was your inspiration for Drizzt? and why a dark elf?"

You will find out the answer by reading the introduction to The Dark Elf Trilogy Collector's Edition, which he wrote.

Tamahome wrote: "Asking him about killing off a major star wars character (NOT HIS IDEA) or how to write a good fight scene are always good questions (I think he was a bouncer)."

Yeah I knew it wasn't his idea and I know that he has taken a lot of heat for it. I was more wondering about how much creative leeway he had for how to do it. I still love that (view spoiler)[ in order for chewbacca to kick it a fucking moon had to be dropped on him. Basically obliterating the entire planet he happened to be standing on at the time. (hide spoiler)] still epic in my opinion.

Have him answer once and for all "How do you pronounce Drizzt!!!"

Christopher wrote: "Have him answer once and for all "How do you pronounce Drizzt!!!""

He will never do it because as he have said that its what gets more people to read and discuss the books.

What is it like writing so many books around the same few characters?

I believe the interview has already taken place.

Christopher wrote: "Have him answer once and for all "How do you pronounce Drizzt!!!""

Watch any video interview with him on YouTube and he'll say his name many times. "Drits" with a short i sound is the way he says it. And Do'Urden is "do" like in donut, and "urden" as it's spelled. Short u.

Christopher wrote: "Have him answer once and for all "How do you pronounce Drizzt!!!""

Like what has been said before, there are plenty of interviews where Bob says the name. You can also listen to the audio version of the books and you will soon learn how to pronounce everything from his name to his panther, Guenhwyvar.

Tamahome wrote: "I believe the interview has already taken place."

If this is the case then disregard.

My question is about the Graphic Audio adaptation of Demon Wars. What was it like hearing your work acted out with sound effects and their full production? Do you feel it adds or takes away from the experience of the book and do you plan on releasing anymore titles with graphic audio?

What was it like to work with Curt Shilling and Todd McFarland on Kingdom's of Amalur?