*** Stackpole (Mike@ip26.phoenix8.az.pub-ip.psi.net) has joined #wedgechat

<Stackpole> Hi, all.

<Stackpole> I'm up, I have coffee, things are okay, and I'm here.

<GhentZ> Okay! Thank you all for showing up, and welcome to Mike's first chat since the release of ISARD'S REVENGE!

<Stackpole> Which you've all read multiple times by now, right?

<GhentZ> Thank you, Mike, for taking the time to talk to us a bit.

* Fish hasn't finished it yet.. but "it's not his fault!"

<PB> Oooh yeah!

<Stackpole> My pleasure, as always, Kris

<GhentZ> Actually, I am ashamed to say that I still have about 50 pages to go. :-(

<Rob> laggard ;)

<Stackpole> Well, I was slow in finishing it, too, so that's okay

<GhentZ> First, what gave you the idea to use Corvis Minor (all the way from Zahn's LAST COMMAND) in such a prominent role?

<Stackpole> Um, well, no one knew much about the world, but Corran had made a remark about the nature of Corvis Minor in KT, so I thought I'd tag it , just for fun.

<Stackpole> yeah, don't send me private messages since I'll never keep up with them.

<GhentZ> It was a really cool reference to TLC, along with the Fijisi trees.

<Rob> yes, don't send private messages to Mike, send them to one of the ops: Fish, GhentZ, PB, or Me

<Stackpole> I like bringing those little details back in from other books. Aaron forced me to do that with stuff from his Wraith books, whch I loved, by the way.

<Fish> And if you keep doing it, one of the ops with an itchy trigger finger will kick/ban you.... <g>

<Stackpole> There was no way I could do a RS novel without acknowledging the Ewok jokes.

<GhentZ> Yeah, those were great, as usual.

<Stackpole> Well, you've got at least one more coming int he last 50 pages.

<GhentZ> Heheh

<GhentZ> I'll keep a sharp lookout then.

<Stackpole> Um, it's not THAT subtle. A medium lookout will do.

<GhentZ> Baron_Fel asks: will we see the resolution of Syal, my namesake's wife, in any upcoming story from either BDD or Del Rey?

<GhentZ> Looks like people just want to cut to the chase. <G>

<Stackpole> Fel: concerning Syal, I have to give you a qualified no comment. I know what the story is there, and there are a couple of ways to approach it, but nothing has been approved, yet.

<Stackpole> Still, I do think that story will be told someday, yes. And I'm looking forwad to it.

<Stackpole> Next

<GhentZ> <Phil{LBD_Wedge}> To Mike: Do you work very closely with Aaron these days?

<Stackpole> Aaron and I communicate as needed, to check details back and forth in things. We've never worked hand in glove, though -- neither of us needs a keeper.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <LordGreedo> Can you ask Mike to give any sort of background to his upcoming SW title Onslought and the upcoming DelRey novels?

<Stackpole> Well, Del Rey has said something like: 25 years after ANH, 100 Jedi Knights, and a threat to the galaxy as a whole. That pretty much covers it...

<GhentZ> Heehee

<Stackpole> In terms of my books, you'll be seeing the same sort ofthing out of me that you have in the past: politics, action, humor, and a lot more Jedi Knight stuff tossed in.

<GhentZ> I think we should make it clear that Mr. Stackpole can't comment on the Del Rey projects much beyond that.

<Stackpole> Beyond that, if I say more, that Lucasfilm Implant will start throbbing and there will be blood all over the keyboard.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> pesky implant

<Fish> Here's one from BobaBrett: Sorry that Kevin j Anderson couldn't join us mike but,have yall thought to do a book together?

<Stackpole> I've known Kevin for years but we've never been at a point where we had the free time to come pu with a project to do together. Trying to keep up with him is like trying to catch a Ferrari.

<Stackpole> I also don't know that I'm a very good collaborator. I don't mind tossing things back and forthb etween books, but I'm very anal retentive. Still,we had talked about a Corran/Kyp comic. That would have been fun.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Phil{LBD_Wedge}> To Mike: Do you find that LFL get in the way of a good piece of plot, by popping up and saying, nah, we don't like that...

<Stackpole> Nope, LFL has been amazingly hand-off. I was only told "no" once, and that was early on, back when an idea I had might have run counter to the new movies. Other than that, they've been very good about letting me tell the stories I want to -- once the project is approved.

<Stackpole> next

<PB> Is there ever a chance that the Rogue Squadron Comics are going to be turned into novels, the way novels have been turned into comics? <from Ria_H>

<Stackpole> Chances are that won't happen, since Del Rey has the book line now and has their own story arc to handle. The RS comics would come prior to that, so wouldn't contribute to the line.

<Stackpole> Besides, the comics are really only short stories,and the cool stuff in them that was written for the format wouldn't work in a novel, like Plourr beating up a tech, etc.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Dane> This is my Question: Mr. Stackpole, as you may know, Decipher and LucasFilm ltd signed an agreement allowing them to make the SW Books and Comics into Star Wars: Custombizable Card Game Cards, what is your personal veiw of that decision?

<GhentZ> Hmm, I missed that.

<Stackpole> I've got no problemwith it at all, if LFL doesn't. I know the guys at Decipher and like them a lot. I regularly get questions from them about details on characters and the like.

<Stackpole> And the idea of seeing Corran or Fel as a card, well, that's just cooler than Ican imagine. (And, yes, I recall the Corran was a card in an article in Inquest a year and a half ago.)

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Ria_H> Do you know how KJA feels about the negative comments about his books. (I happen to like them generally, and I sometimes feel sorry for him if I see him being bashed again)

<Stackpole> I don't think any author likes to have his books bashed baselessly. I don't like criticism where someone says "You're a rebel sympathizer so you suck." Great literary criticism there, obviously.

<Stackpole> Still, if books have flaws or errors, we have to take the shots and learn from them. That's what I do my best to do. I assume Kevin does as well.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <DaveMaul> Have you been aproached or have you made a proposal to write in the Prequel timeframe?

<Stackpole> Nope, not been approached and I've not advanced a proposal. I'd be wiling to to do stuff there, but I think my strength comes in filling in little nooks and crannies, so I'd be best at doing stuff there AFTER the films are out.

<Stackpole> Of course, if they need a novelization for book 2 or 3, hey, I've got free time in the future.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Great, good to hear you'd consider it. =]

<PB> In the Last Command Sourcebook, it states that Wes Janson is a Captain. In IR he goes from Lt. to Major. Why jump over the captain part? <from Allax in absentia>

<Stackpole> I'd have to be nuts not to consider it.

<Stackpole> Um, because IR is written AFTER TLC. I couldn't leave Janson the same rank as Corran or Gavin, so Major was it.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> from me> i assume that you've heard about mitch albom's editorial in the detroit free press...how do you feel about it and the furor it has caused among Star Wars fans?

<GhentZ> Refresh our mems, what was that ed-op about?

<Stackpole> hey, if the guy could write, he'd not be working at some paper, he'd be doing what Ido and would be here talking to all of you.

<Fish> Star Wars fans being lifeless geeks.

<GhentZ> ah

<Stackpole> Folk who aren't into it, don't understand and get worked up about folks who are. Same thing for folks who are into golf and who aren't. I read it, thought it was a tad obvious and boring, and let it go.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Sanctuary> ok, Here it is: Were you always a HUGE SW fan when you were a kid and stuff, or do you just like to write the SW Books?

<Stackpole> Well, when Star Wars came out I was 19.5 years old, so I was't a kid anymore. Still, I was a big fan. Getting to write in the universe was and still is a thrill.

<Stackpole> There are times, when I'm out and see a t-shirt on someone, or hear someone talking about the films, I just start grinning. It is very cool to be involved in it all, and I am thankful for it every day of my life.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <LordGreedo> Can you ask Mike whether charecters like boba fett and Corran horn will be used in his and del reys books?

<Stackpole> Corran, yes, definitely. Boba Fett, I don't know, but not in my books. I've got too many characters to play with as it is. :)

<Stackpole> I do recall that I wanted to do a Corran/Boba Fett comic once, but never got the outline together solidily enough.

<Stackpole> next

<PB> "Isard's Revenge" mentions a brief past encounter between Wedge and Adm. Areta Bell. Is this taken from some other story, or just some lines added in to show that she and Wedge have met before? <from Garnet>

<Stackpole> Um, it was just to build a link between them. I think I said she had piloted the ship Wedge had guided off Hoth. No more of a story there than that.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Baron_Fel> Also, a question about Wedge and Iella... it has been said on the 'nets message boards that Wedge and Iella are married and have two children, a boy and a girl. It has been said that this is confimred by Lucasfilm as official continuity but when will the story see print? After all, there was some ofhand messages in VOTF about it but it kind of came from left field...

<Stackpole> Wedge and Iella have a boy and a girl? Hmmm, news to me.

<GhentZ> Heheh

<Fish> News to me as well... <g>

<Stackpole> yeah, the VOTF mentions were fun. I think, in the new books and in some new comics, you'll have that whole situation straightened out.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> and news to me, third ;)

<GhentZ> Pretty slick are you, Mike. <G>

<Fish> From <Halcyon_Days> I just wanted to say to Mr. Stackpole that after re-reading "I, Jedi" I noticed a better integration of his story with the Hand of Thrawn duology. With the search for Jorj Car'das, the cortosis ore, the "twisted" Jedi, Baron Fel, it all flows from one book to another as a pseudo trilogy. I appreciate your paying attention to such details!

<PB> Make that news to me fourth.

<Stackpole> LOL, just dancing on the high wire here. There IS a net down there, right?

<Stackpole> Well, Tim Zahn and I had great fun coordinating those books. We wanted to see if this two author trilogy thing could work, like the Anderson/Hambly books.

<Stackpole> I do recall IJ getting pounded by folks until VOTF came out and they could see the connections betweenthem. Corran's beating up on Luke did not sit well with a lot of folks until Tim's book came out.

<Stackpole> net

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> i think we can all agree that it has :)

<Stackpole> good

<GhentZ> I liked Corran telling that whiner off. <G>

<PB> lol

<Stackpole> LOL

<GhentZ> <DaveMaul> DelRey won't revisit past novels or plotlines?

<GhentZ> I presume this alludes to Mrs. Shapiro's comments in the last issue of the SWI...

<Stackpole> Del Rey is building on the Bantam continuity, so all that has gone before is valid for the new books. I think they just want build from the best parts of the Bantam line, and let some sillier stuff slip away.

<Stackpole> next

<PB> Do you have any upcoming Battletech or non-Star Wars novels we should know about? <from some guy named Fish>

<PB> <G>

<Rob> heh

<GhentZ> :)

* Fish sits in the corner and looks innocent.

<Stackpole> In January of 2000 I have both ONSLAUGHT and then THE DARK GLORY WAR. The latter is a fantasy.

<Stackpole> I also have to do a Btech novel that will come out summer of 2000. And FORTRESS DRACONIS, which will come out in August 2000. It's the sequel to Dark Glory War.

<Stackpole> and the other two SW books in the line, too.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> from Nawara_Ven> Could you plase ask Mr.Stackpole why there are so many force-sensitive charachters (for example Corran and Tyria)? Luke and Leia were supposed to be the last of them.

<Stackpole> Busy year for me.

<Stackpole> REcall, the Empire wiped out the JEDI, they never wiped out all the Force sensitive folks out there.

<Stackpole> And, heck, they missed Ben and Yoda, so how good could their effort have really been?

<Stackpole> Besides, the Sw universe needs the Jedi, so having more folks come up and be able ot explore all that was kind of necessary to have any sort of story future.

<Stackpole> I agree that sometimes the Force might have been used when we didn't exactly need it, but on the whole it's been fun to see, IMHO.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Thorin> Why did you decide to have Wedge rename his R5 unit, from Mynock to Gate?

<GhentZ> Probably mem wipe

<Stackpole> The droid got wiped. I changed the designation to G-8, which is an allusion to "G-8 and his BattleAces," an old pulp magazine. Gate seemed to be the logical way of making a name of that, so that's what I did.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Wow, pretty cool backstory!

<GhentZ> What's the status of the comicbook series you wanted to do with Zahn, about Thrawn and Fel in the Unkown Regions?

* Stackpole smiles

<Stackpole> Still waiting on finishing the outline to get it to Dark Horse. While TPM is in the offing, schedules aren't as flexible as they might want to be, so we have plenty of lead time for that title.

<Stackpole> next

* GhentZ reminds the people to send questions to the ops.

<Stackpole> Oh, the delay is entirely my fault, by the way. Tim got me the first pass on the outline ages ago.

* Fish reminds people *not* to send questions directly to Mike Stackpole

<PB> you talked about the force-sensitives, Corran and Tyria just now. Do you happen to know if it was a coincidence that both of them were the ones to shoot the brain-washed in Aaron's Solo Command? <from Ria_H>

<Stackpole> You'd have to ask Aaron that. Aaron did talk to me about Corran's role in all that, and I was cool with it. What he had planned for Tyria, though, only he knows.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> another from me> have you been caught up in prequel mania, and if so, in what way? are you planning on waiting in line for a month to see TPM? ;-)

<Stackpole> ACtually, I've been watching the trailers and all, but I've stepped back from a lot of the magazine stuff.

<Stackpole> As for waiting for the pic, I'll do that, sure, though I am kindof hopping there will be a press screening here and that I get to go to it.

<GhentZ> heheh, theater-hopping. <G>

<Stackpole> Someone is trying to organize a signing at a theatre, so I might be involved in that here. We'll see. Otherwise I'll be on line like veryone else.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Foremole> (To Mr. Stackpole) Which came first: Your ideas for Corran's training in I, Jedi, or his Force sensitivity in the X-Wing series? Did you always plan to have him trained?

<Stackpole> I always knew Corran was Force sensitive because, from the start, I knew I wanted that meeting between him and Luke at the end of KT. As I started writing I knew I wanted to do a tale about a Jedi.

<Stackpole> Had DARK EMPIRE not already been done, I would have pitched to Bantam the idea of doing Luke's duel with the Dark Side as a first person novel. Since It had been, Corran became the logical choice.

<Stackpole> I talked with Tim Zahn while he was writing SOTP and told him what Corran would have been trained to do and how I would go about it. Tim wrote that material into SOTP even though IJ was not yet under contract or approved.

<GhentZ> naughty!

<Stackpole> Once I got a contract, though, things rolled ahead. I dropped Corran into the Academy (pulling a Frederick Forsythe) and the rest is history.

<Stackpole> next

<Stackpole> Oh, you'd be surprised how much back channel coordinating there is going on.

<PB> Do you think we'll see even more from Soontir anywhere else? <from Hobs>

<Stackpole> yes, you will see more of Baron Fel one way or another, and hopefully a number of ways.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> regarding your posts to afw, did you get the bottle of wine from your editor? ;)

* PB giggles.

<Stackpole> Nope, the wine hasn't arrived yet. I think the editor is still paying off the Abalone dinner we had in Monterrey last November. :)

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Foremole> What were your reasons for Asyr's exit? Are you planning on visiting her again in a future project? (comic or book)

<Stackpole> Um, that's really close to a spoiler...

* PB loves spoilers. ;)

<Stackpole> But, well, you've read my stuff. I never do anything without a purpose. Do recall that I wrote IR while under contract to Del Rey and helping to plan out what there line would do.

* Fish will cover his eyes. <g>

<Stackpole> I hope that answers your question.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Hobs> Could you tell us anything aboutthe X-wing: Rogue Squadron comic miniseries this summer?

<Stackpole> Nope. I don't know anything about it.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Is it even real...?

<Stackpole> I thought it had been canceled, myself, but I never know much in that regard.

<GhentZ> Just a quick follow-up: what was the title?

<Stackpole> I have no clue.

<PB> Given the choice, do you prefer to write a book about the main characters in the StarWars universe, or do you prefer the greater freedom with creating your own characters? <from Ria_H>

<Stackpole> I don't really have a preference fore a variety of reasons. My own stuff is fun, and going into it is nice since I don't have to put up with things other do.

<Stackpole> Then again, I DO have to put up with things I DO, which can be just as bad.

<Stackpole> The advantage to the SW universe is that there's tons of stuff there, both from outside and even within my own work. Lots to play with.

<Stackpole> In my own work I have lots to play with, but I have to make the toys first.

<Stackpole> I'll keep doing both for as long as you guys will buy both.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> from Nawara_Ven> Perhaps there's been some mistake in Aaron's book Wraith Squadron. At one point Kell Tainer, being in space tried to TALK to Grinder who was in his X-wing. And Grinder actually HEARD him. They were not usinng any commlinks, just straight voice. Everyone knows there's no sound in vakuum. What does Mr.Stackpole think?

<GhentZ> Hmmm, I don't remember this...

<Stackpole> Hmmm, I missed that one. Either grinder was a lip reader, or Kell's helmet was pressed to the cockpit canopy (allowing vibration) or that grinder has one hell of an imagination and is clearly Force sensitive in a latent way.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Thorin> Mr. Stackpole, why did the name for the 4th X-Wing book change from Rogues Unbound (as its reffered to at the front of Rogue Sqaudron) to The Bacta War, and did the plot change with it, or was the stuff in BW what you always intended?

<Stackpole> You must be from the UK, which is the only place Rogues Unbound appeared as a title.

<Fish> Thorin wants you to know that he is from the UK. <g>

<Stackpole> The deal was this: I had to come up with titles as the project started. I came up with Rogue squadron, Wedge's Gamble, Rogues Grounded and Rogues Unbound.

<GhentZ> Drat, I was going to ask that!

<Stackpole> tom Dupree, the editor at Bantam, said we'd have to change the last two titles because on the computers nad microfiche the books would just show up as ROGUE..., so anyone trying to order them wouldn't knwo what they were getting.

<Stackpole> within 5 minutes of my sending the fax that had those titles they were killed, but the fax went through to the UK for licensing purposes, hence the confusion.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Foremole> I was sorry to see that Baron Fel wasn't in IR. Are there any plans on showing how left the Rogues and found Syal/Wynssa? If not, can you tell us how here?

<Stackpole> There are plans to cover that part of Fel's story, yes. As for spilling the beans now, well....DAMN, the implant...

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Heehee

<Rob> that's a very pesky implant ;)

<PB> lol

<Stackpole> Im glad I know nothing about TPM, or it would be twitching all the time.

<Rob> heh

<PB> ask Stackpole if he would write books/comics about how Luke formed the Rogue Squadron? <from Donos>

<Stackpole> Novels, nope, not in the cards. A comic would be possible, but no plans for that at the moment. I think that should wait for a really great story, myself.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Baron_Fel> If you could ask him what stories, past or present, of his would be in the new Tales of the Rebellion anthology?

<Stackpole> Tim Zahn and I have another 4 part collaboration titled ENCOUNTER AT DARKKNELL. Main characters are Garm Bel Iblis, Hal Horn, Moranda and Ysanne Isard. It's a lot of fun.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From someone named P something or other, oh! From PB! <g> : I know you've been asked this so many times but I must know. Are you going to the Celebration next week and if you're not going do you want Allax and me to bring you something from there and give it to you at GenCon?

<Stackpole> Nope, I'm not going to the Celebration for a variety of reasons, which include some prior commitments around here.

<GhentZ> Ditto here. <G>

<Stackpole> As for the offer to bring me something, thanks, but I have no idea what I could want. Just enjoy yourselves there and tell me all about it at Gencon.

<Stackpole> next

<PB> Thanks!

<GhentZ> <LordGreedo> Could you ask Mike if he thinks Del Rey will include material that was wrote in Splinter of the minds eye even though pieces of the material were discredited by the empire strikes back?

<PB> We'll see if we can steal a li

<PB> We'll see if we can steal a life size X-wing for ya. ;)

<GhentZ> I don't believe I ever saw any references to SotME in any of the BDD novels either...

<Rob> hehe

<Stackpole> PB: Well, THAT would work.

<GhentZ> =]

<PB> We'll fly it on over. <g>

<Stackpole> Well, Splinter was the first place we had veriable blade lightsabers, so it has been included.

<GhentZ> Right! But other than that... ;O)

* Fish wants to see more Yuzzem... or was it Yuzzum? Whatever Hin & Kee were <g>

<Stackpole> There has been no direction as to what we would and would not include, and using splinter as source material for general stuff would be okay, I think. I don't know though. I suppose I should ask.

<Stackpole> next

<PB> is there ever part two of the RS Handbook coming out? <from Ria_H>.

<Stackpole> Part two of the RS handbook? You mean from Dark Horse? I didn't know there was a part two, and if not from DH, I didn't know there was a part one.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> can you name the one thing in the Star Wars Universe that held you back the most when writing any of your novels?

<Rob> some plot point, a character in the wrong point, technology that wasn't invented yet, etc, etc

<Stackpole> Hmmm, never held back by any of that.

<Stackpole> I've always known what was there because of the research and worked around it without being stumped.

<Stackpole> Sometimes someon else injects something that is a pain to deal with, and it comes in at the last minute, but, in general, it's not been a big problem.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Thorin> Mr. Stackpole, who is your favourite author, in general, when your just reading for fun?

<Stackpole> Boy, tough question, because I read a lot and like all sorts of authors like: Zelazny, Donaldson, McKiernan, Roberson, Forsythe, Rex Stout, Larry Bond, J. Gregory Keyes. If I had to be limited to one of them, id' have to pick between Stout, Donaldson and Zelazny, I guess.

<Stackpole> next

<PB> Just something really quick: <Ria_H> Well, make that a correction then, and pardon me for my english. I meant the Dark Horse handbook, and I was wondering if there ever will be another handbook covering characters that were not covered in the first one. [that was in reply to Stackpole's reply earlier]

<Stackpole> No, there are no plans for a future RS Handbook from Dark Horse. I think we got most all of the characters in the first one. If the West End Games book will ever come out, well that's something to see inthe future, I guess.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Donos> would stackpole create some band new SW character( eg. x-wing pilot, smuggler,spy...) and write some books focusing on them?(like Aaron didi with the Wraiths)

<PB> Goodbye Mike, Jim, Rob and GhentZ. I must go shopping with Shan. :)

* PB waves to everybody else.

<Stackpole> Bye, PB. Have fun in Denver.

<Rob> cya PB :)

<PB> Thanks.

<GhentZ> Bye PB!

<Stackpole> Donos: Um, I did that with Rogue Squadron. Aside from Wedge and Ackbar, all the characters inthere were my invention.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> I think he meant: would you do it again...

<GhentZ> :)

<Stackpole> Oh, would I do it again? Sure.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <ToyCars> How does Mr. Stackpole feel about the different Rogue Crests being designed from his descriptions in his books and has anyone come close to his idea of what they should look like?

<Stackpole> I love folks doing the crests, sculpting figures, painting X-wings. That's very cool. As for the crest I envisioned, um, I took it from one of the West End Games books -- Heir to the Empire sourcebook, I think.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Yeah, I remember it. <G>

<Stackpole> The crests I've seen do it justice, indeed.

<Fish> This one's from me, myself, and I: What are the chances that we'll ever see the WEG Rogue Sourcebook in print? I had heard rumors that the one completed copy disappeared from the WEG offices when the editorial staff was let go a few months ago. I've never heard anything to substansiate this rumor, though.

<GhentZ> It's probably in Mike's desk drawer. ;-)

<Stackpole> Good question. I don't have an answer, though. I suspect, when the license is settled, the book will reappear.

<Stackpole> Nope, I don't have it, though somewhere on disk I have the short story I wrote for it.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Hehehe

<GhentZ> <Baron_Fel> Is there any chance that Leonia Tavira from I jedi will show up in your DR books? Or in some other story coming down the line?

<Stackpole> It's possible she'll come back. I don't have her slated for the DR stuff at the moment, but one never knows. had the X-wing comics not been canceled, we would have finished her there.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Any idea if you will be able to pull Zahn back into the SW writing loop?

<Stackpole> I'd love it, but that will be up to Del Rey.

<Stackpole> next

* GhentZ says the ops need questions or they'll die of starvation.

<Fish> This is from <Garnet> A couple "who would you cast?" questions. Did you have anyone specific in mind when you created Iella (like Anne Parillaud for Mirax)?

<Fish> <Garnet> Also Sarah Michelle Gellar's character in the recent film "Cruel Intentions" reminded me a bit of Tavira (judging from the trailer and movie poster anyway). If you were casting for a character, would she fit your idea of our favorite Mofflet LoliTavira? ;-)

<Stackpole> Umm, for Iella, I used a picture of a model clipped from an old Royal Silk catalog, but I have no idea who she was. Now I could see Michelle Pfeiffer in the role.

<Stackpole> Tavira,hmmm. ACtually the other actress on Buffy, the woman who plays Willow, she'd be a kick to see in that role.

<Fish> And and the casting questions roll on.. <g> From Thorin this time, Mr. Stackpole, when I picture Kirtan Loor, I always thought of a younger Lance Henrikson, is that fairly accurate?

<Stackpole> SMG is not waif enough to be tavira.

* Fish is thinking "Dog Day Afternoon" era Henrikson is what Thorin is asking about...

<Stackpole> Henrikson is far too competent to be Loor. :)

<GhentZ> hehehe

<GhentZ> <Da_Clyde> do you know how much Random House paid for the license to print SW fiction again!

<Stackpole> Loor is tough to cast, actually. Probably need a tall, slender, unknown actor. (Like THOSE are hard to find.)

<GhentZ> ME! <G>

<Rob> hehe

<Stackpole> Clyde, I do not know how much they paid no. I've heard estimates that run from 30 to 60 million dollars. I do know they're not paying ME that much to write the books, though, so I kind of let that data slide by.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Simon> Were you planning on including the explanation of the Lusankya's construction in IR, or did all those questions about it prompt that?

<Stackpole> The story of the Lusankya's sinking in Coruscant was something first discussed as a Journal story. When I saw the questions I thought IR was a good place to use some of the things I'd been thinking in that vein.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Da_Clyde> if he watched Red Dwarf, how about the guy who plays Rimmer as Loor?

<GhentZ> Just a quick aside.

<Fish> Chris Barrie, IIRC

<Stackpole> Rimmer could do it, yes, he might work.

<Stackpole> next

<Stackpole> Oh, also the guy who played Bertie Wooster. He was in Black Adder.

<Stackpole> He would be killer in that role.

<Fish> Welcome to "Obscure British Actor trivia starring Mike Stackpole!" <g>

<Rob> lol

<GhentZ> hehehe

<Stackpole> First name is Hugh...

<GhentZ> <Foremole> Did you always intend to have Isard survive the encounter above Thyferra? And PLEEEASE tell me this is the last we'll see of her or her ::shudder:: clone (spider-man fan influence here).

<GhentZ> Quarshie!

* Fish knows that Stephen Fry played Jeeves, but can't remember who played Wooster....

<Stackpole> Stephen Fry has also written some funny novels.

<Stackpole> Yes, Isard was ALWAYS intended to survive.

<Fish> Da_Clyde says it's Hugh Laurie who played Wooster.

<Stackpole> It's funny, but the only person who wrote to ask me about that was a 6th grader who had uncovered the clues because his teacheer has assigned the class to rewrite the endings of books they liked.

<Rob> lol

<GhentZ> :)

<Stackpole> He pickedup on the clues and had her surviving. I told him he was an astute reader and swore him to secrecy.

<Stackpole> Next

<GhentZ> <Baron_Fel> If you could also ask him, how did he feel about what happened to Tal'dira is "Solo Command"? He was a pretty good character, wish he didn't die...

<Stackpole> yesh, Hugh Laurie

<GhentZ> been reading MUTTS?

<GhentZ> ;)

<Stackpole> It's funny about Tal'dira, but if Aaron hadn't of killed him in SC, I would have killed him in IR. In my notes for I, JEDI I noted that he'd died in X-wing 8. Aaron just got there first. And I thought the death worked fine.

<Stackpole> next

<Stackpole> yesh, Kris.

<Rob> heh

<GhentZ> =]

<Rob> <Baron_Fel> There has been some talk on the net about a story involving where Mara Jade was during the "Dark Empire" comics. While I do not know if this has appeared in "Isard's Revenge" yet (haven't read it yet, pesky final exams) is this a story you might want to pitch to either DR or Dark horse in the future. Maybe work with Tim Zahn on it?

<Stackpole> I know a lot of folks have wondered where she was during that time. Notice most of Rogue squadron was n't there, either.... Could be a project for somewhere down the line.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Foremole> (and another from my friend) Was there any reason you didn't include the Intel Wraiths in IR, or was that unconscious? There were plenty of opportunities, I thought.

<Stackpole> Didn't have enough space. I needed Iella to be the keystone in the intel area, so she overrode the Wraiths. The only problem with all these cool characters is that I only have so many words t use. :)

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> LOL

<Rob> heh

<GhentZ> <Simon> For Mike, while casting is still the current topic: Did he ever consider "casting" his Battletech characters too?

<Stackpole> Oh, quick note: folks seem concened about Tim's future with Star Wars. I think, with the right project, at the right time, he'd be glad to be back.

<GhentZ> Indeedy!

<Stackpole> Yeah, btech stuff has been cast over and over again. It's a fun exercise, especially at conventions in the wee hours.

<Stackpole> I see Michael J. Fox as Victor, but I think others see David Spade. I guess it depends if youre IS or Clan.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Donos> about IR, If the empire still has some TIE defenders left, why no one in the empire send a TIE defender Squadron(maybe with 181st pilot to destory Rogue Squadron?

<Stackpole> That supposes that a) the 181st still exists inside the Empire and b) that there were enough defenders that were available to do the job. Clearly Vessary's were NOT available for that purpose.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Da_Clyde> ask "After all your work with Star Wars, Battletech and Shadowrun would you readily accept another job writing in someone else's universe? Have you ever turned down a writing job or do you just see it as "hey, writing for money, cool" ?

<Stackpole> I pick and choose my properties carefully. I look for properties that expand my audience. For example, right now, there would be no purpose in my writing a Trek novel. It couldn't get me anhthing I don't have.

<Stackpole> Writing an X-files novel, that would. Still, I don't see that many properties out there that I want to write for. Star Wars still has bestseller potential written all over it. Why should I slum elsewhere? :)

<Stackpole> Now, if the rent is due and I've got nothing coming in, my attitude could change rather quickly. :)

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> since you've used tie defenders in IR, how do you feel they affect or possibly can affect the balance of starfighters in the SW Universe?

<Stackpole> Well, Defenders are pretty tough. The problem is, if you overwhelm them with missiles, they go away. I don't know if the Empire, or anyone, can afford to mass produce them,w hich should keep the balance there. After all, two uglie with a lot of concussion missiles can make a lot of scrap.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Thorin> Mr. Stackpole, do you think that we're ever likely to see a complete crossover between Rogues and Wraiths, with all current rosters, from both squadron's, or do you think a book like that would be too crowded?

<Stackpole> Man, it would be tough to do. Because DR has the license now, that question is moot. Not going to happen.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> What was up with all those "reviews" of SC, IR, TPM, and the rest at Amazon.com? And that listing for HARD MERCANDISE being written by Tim Zahn or cowritten with Jeter?

<Stackpole> First I heard of HM. I did find it funny to have reviews of IR out before the book was available. That was just silly.

<GhentZ> <Da_Clyde> "Mike, I just have to say THANK you for being in the Del Rey deal. It's encouraging that they ectually have someone who is Star Wars literate in a guiding role this time around. LFL has lacked that for a LONG time!"

<Stackpole> I do recall the one who just panned the book and the whole previous 4.

<Stackpole> I must have pushed him down in a playground when I was 6 or something.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> Heehee

<Stackpole> Thanks. I was thrilled to be asked to join the line. It was killing me to be keeping it secret for a year, too.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> That REALLY annoyed us at SDCC. <G>

<Stackpole> yeah, Kris, with a DR editor standing right there and everything....

<Fish> From <Thorin> Mr. Stackpole, do you plan to introduce any other star fighters into the novels from the computing games?

<Stackpole> I will, as needed, yes.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Kahless> Well Mike..since you mentioned Trek..do you LIKE any of the current series? And if so do you have any view on DS9 being cancelled

<Stackpole> Since 1994, when I got assigned the Star Wars books, I've pretty much been Trek-free, so I'll ahve to pass on that question. I've not watched because I don't want to contaminate my memories of what exists where.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Halcyon_Days> Any word on whether an obscure plot thread from Isard in the x-wing comics called Project: Ambition might come to fruition?

<Stackpole> That was laid inthere for a future comic. I don't know if we'll be able to revisit that, but if we do, it will be in a comic.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Foremole> (from my friend) At the end of Solo Command, when Myn became a Rogue, it made it seem as if he'd be important in an upcoming story, and I was disappointed that he wasn't really featured in IR besides a few mentions and conversations. Do you know if Mr. Allston intends on using him as a Rogue in book #9?

<Stackpole> BTW, I was just happy to know the line was ending so I could craft Mandatory Retirment into a fitting end.

<Stackpole> Sorry Myn wasn't more in IR, but the previous remarks about only so much space applies. As for waht Aaron's doing with #9 and Myn, I have no idea and couldn't tel you if I did. Sorry.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> from me> do you get blisters from typing answer to so many questions online? ;-)

<GhentZ> hehehe

<Stackpole> Nope. I do this for a living. I will be taking motrin after this is over, though.

<GhentZ> ROTFL

<Fish> <g>

<Rob> LOL

<GhentZ> <Da_Clyde> have you written any SW books OTHER than full sized novels (Dave Wolverton wrote a bunch of kids books for Scholastic, for example)?

<Stackpole> Nope, the comics and a few short stories have been my only other forays into the SW universe.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> A personal comment from me, Mike, if you get the Sci-Fi channel, check out the Star Wars special they're running sometime in May... you might see a familiar face. ;-)

<Stackpole> Oh, really. Pity. I don't get cable. I'll have to have friends tape it.

<GhentZ> I'll get it for you. <G>

<Rob> i'm sure Fish would be happy to make 20 copies and mail em all out <g>

<GhentZ> <Lysander> How do writing for comics and writing a novel differ?

<Stackpole> comics are a visual medium, so you have to think in pictures. All characterization will either be in the art, or inthe dialog, so you have to concentrate it there. It's not really the place for long internal dialogs.

<GhentZ> which Corran has a lot of. <G> kind of like my writing, only MUCH better.

<Stackpole> Once I got the thinking graphically thing down, though, it worked pretty well. I love scripting and am looking forward to more of those projects. Doing the first three Mara Jade issues were especially fun.

<Stackpole> Yeah, IJ would be tough to make into a comic with all the introspection. As an action epic, though, it would be fun to do.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Halcyon_Days> what other short stories have you written for Sw? I know of the ones that appeared in the "Tales of the Empire" anthology but there are more?

<Stackpole> Those two, the one that will be in Tales from the Rebellion, and the one for the Rogue Squadron Sourcebook from West End Games.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Thorin> Mr. Stackpole, what sort of process to you go through when you write the comics (e.g. do you draw your own basic story board when you write?)

<Stackpole> OH, God, no. No one wants me drawing or sketching anything. <<shudder>>

<GhentZ> LOL

<Rob> hehe

<Stackpole> I write a full script, detailing page breakdowns and what should go where. I send it to my editor, trusting that he or the artist will overrule my art direction as needed.

<Stackpole> Different artists work different ways, so I vary what I do according to what they want from me.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Donos> would stackpole write some longer, more detail SW capital ships battle scenes? I can't get enough of those after I read 'Solo Command'.

<Stackpole> Well, I did a bunch in The Bacta War and in IR. While they are fun, of course, there are only so many of those scenes you can write before they start sounding stale.

<Stackpole> I want to keep them fresh, so I save that sort o thing for something very cool.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Da_Clyde> Mike, do you have any idea how many countries and languages your novels have published in?

<Stackpole> Vaguely. I have Russian, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese editions of various books in my shelves. I expect Portuguese by the end of the year. In most cases, though, I don't know the books are out until someone tells me, or I find it on the web, or a copy arrives in the mail.

<Stackpole> next

<Fish> From <Greysword> Can you please ask for me: Mr. Stackpole, has any thought been given to making a TV series based on your characters? The movie section is definatly full, but since Rogue Squadron isn't epic in it's current dealings, it could be a good source for a series, especially if Dennis Lawson would participate. Also, if this did come about and you were asked to write for it, would you do new stories or try and put the ones from print onto the screen?

<Stackpole> I think LFL is very busy with the new films, so a TV series would have to wait until those are over. If there were to be such a project and I was invited to contribute, I would be thrilled to do so.

<Stackpole> next

<GhentZ> <Foremole> (from my friend) If you write any more Rogue comics for DH, would you be against including references about or perhaps an appearence by Kasan Moor, the pilot who debuted [I think] in the Rogue Squadron game?

<GhentZ> For the record, I thought the cute little references in there were horrible.

<Stackpole> I'd not have a problem with mentioning him. I'd have to get source material onhim from LFL, since I don't have the game, but that's part of the research, after all.

<Stackpole> next

<Rob> <Simon> For Mike: Do you plan out how much of any story will be action vs. story development, or edit it later?

<Fish> Isn't Kasan female? <g>

<Stackpole> Okay, see how little I know?

<Fish> <g.

<echo_dave> Nawara_Ven> I'm glad to hear you say that :-)

<Dane> i seen 32 inch @ computer store.. :)

<Garnet> I want the whole Rogue Squadron action figure collection! :-D

<Stackpole> Fish: that's what slaves are for...(How very Imperial of me, I know.)

<Stackpole> Dave: right, and Valin is at the academy...

<BobaBrett> WOw Dave is back

<DaveMaul> Ooooooohhhhhh, cool.

<Fish> Yeah, but I end up being the slave... and I'm not even a wookiee! <g>

<movitz> I hope they release the rogue squadron with all the xwings and all the fighter, might cost a bit, but anyway :)

<Dane> daves been here, helpin me on something.

<movitz> all the pilots..

<Stackpole> WE can but hope. I've bought Hasbro stock, so maybe I can start a stockholder initiative.

<DaveMaul> I know this is a long shot, but would it be possible for him to show up in the YoungJediKnights books?

<Stackpole> It's at a good price, by the way.

<Stackpole> Dave: nope, I don't think so.

<Da_Clyde> teh Young Jedi Knights books ahve ended

<Nawara_Ven> In the books I read x-wing is 9 meters long. Its not that big in the movies !!

<BobaBrett> Sorry Dave I dont have your mail programs..im searchin for Pop3's so now I got starwarsfan.com :) hehe

<DaveMaul> I had heard someone is picking them back up, Clyde.

<Stackpole> Ithink it's 12 meters long, just over 10 wide.

<Simon> Mike: Haven't heard much lately, so here I go again: you've got another BT novel in the works, right? How's it going?

<Deak> Im playing a pick up game tomorrow (soccer) would you like to join in?

<Da_Clyde> let's hope that's just rumor...because Wolverton was teh name I heard attached to a possible continuation

<Stackpole> Simon: II've not started it yet, but other thna that, it's going well.

<DaveMaul> haha, true Clyde

<Stackpole> Deak: my game is at 1 tomorrow, and I'll be in the goal.

<Deak> cool, i play sweaper/stopper, so im the guy your always yelling at

<GhentZ> Wolverton was supposed to have written some of them previously, but KJA and Moesta decided to stay on after all...

<Stackpole> Deak: Naw, the guy Im' always stuffing.

<Da_Clyde> ok, if that's the case, let's all pray we don't see anymore YJK stuff

<BobaBrett> lol

<BobaBrett> :)

<GhentZ> I'll look into it

<Stackpole> ACtually, I don't yell at defense. It gets through, it's my fault.

<DaveMaul> I'd just like to say that if you do consider doing Prequel stuff, Mike, either the Clone Wars or maybe a group of Naboo pilots would fit you perfectly for plot ideas.

<Stackpole> I mean, if I gave better direction, no shot, right?

<Da_Clyde> does Berkeley still have a license to print?

<Deak> you one of kind than, must i have played with are very tempermental

<Nawara_Ven> I'm 18,5 and when ppl see me readind StarWars they say: grow up ! I live in StarWars universe.

<GhentZ> I'm checking into that as well. <G>

<Stackpole> Dave: you know more about TPM than I do. I thought playing with Nejaa Halcyon would be fun.

<GhentZ> It would be really cool if he made a cameo in EpII

<Stackpole> Deak: we'll, if I yell, I lose control, and I don't lose control.

<Garnet> Mike, are you familiar with personality type theories like Myers-Briggs? (yes, I'm asking for a reason....)

<DaveMaul> Ooooooo, that'd be cool too. I'm just looking forward to your new books. =-)(

<Stackpole> Kris: Not going to happen, I think, but it would be cool.

<DaveMaul> -(

<Stackpole> Garnet: yep, vaguely.

<Deak> Mike "Stonwall" Stackpole in goal

<GhentZ> He might get in as just somebody standing around, and then we could say it was him. <G> Kind of like Tycho in reverse.

<Garnet> I didn't have any problems with the conflicts between Corran and Luke in "I, Jedi". To me they made perfect sense, considering their differing personality types.

<Fish> Unfortunately his own players score on him by accident. <g>

<darthkev> Mr. Stackploe would you like to see your novels turned into mission expansion pacs for the latest computer xwing game?

<Stackpole> Mike "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down" Stackpole ingoal

<Deak> lol

<Stackpole> Kris: true.

<Simon> heh

<Stackpole> Garnet: Oh, yes, exactly. Different backgrounds, different temperments, different training. They were made to strike sparks then become friends.

<Stackpole> Darth: That would be cool.

<Garnet> I suspect Luke is an INFP, which is my type. Some of his weaknesses and strengths are pretty close to my own. I thought you wrote him believably.

<Stackpole> About five more minutes, then I have to roll.

* Fish reminds everyone that if you hit EchoStation.com, go to the back issues, look for the Rogue Squad issue, you'll find some custom X-Wing misions based on Mike's stuff

<Stackpole> Garnet: thanks. I wanted to get him down, especially after the Dark Empire trauma.

<Thorin> thanks very much for coming Mike, thanks for writing such great novels, and keep up the good work :)

<Sidhe> INFJ's are more perceptive and supposedly better with psychic phenomena, though :)

<Stackpole> Thanks, Thorin. You keep buying, Ill keep getting paid to write.

<DaveMaul> I'd just like to say that I LOVE your books, Mike, and I'm very much looking forward to your NJO books.

<Deak> Thanx for someing Mike, good luck tomorrow

<GhentZ> Mike: The thing you were scheduled to go to is still on, right?

<Rob> gotta run

<Deak> comeing even

<Rob> thanks for comin' Mike :)

<Thorin> mike: will do :)

<Da_Clyde> Mike, if you have time, could I email you about getting some detaila about the international printings of you books that you have?

<Fish> Thanks again for coming Mike. :-)

<Stackpole> Kris, yes, as near as I know.

<Rob> au revoir all, and to all a good...afternoon ;)

<Garnet> Shane: I'll tell my INFJ boss that. Not that she'll be surprised. :-D

<Stackpole> Clyde, sure.

<Foremole> Thanks again for coming, Mr. Stackpole. It's been an honor to be here.

<Simon> Chat again sometime, Mike :)

<Garnet> Thanks for coming, Mike!

<Da_Clyde> thanks, man, and thanx for the chat!

* GhentZ gets down on his knees and touches the hem of Mike's Jedi robe.

<GhentZ> I feel the Force!

<Stackpole> Lol, Kris

<Nawara_Ven> Great books Mr.Stackpole !!

<DaveMaul> Mike, one last question. Will you be updating your site with details from your new book?

<Stackpole> Hey, this has been a lot of fun.

<GhentZ> I'm not really that crazy though. <G>

<Garnet> Does he have a silver saber too? :-)

<Alpha_1> thanx for the chat Mike!

<Stackpole> Dave: I'll update the stuff as I can. LFL is very hinky about details getting out.

<DaveMaul> Garnet, he's prolly got a hydrospanner/lightsaber combo. <g>

* Garnet feels a quick bit of fan art of Mike in his Jedi robes coming on...<G>

<Stackpole> yeah, that would be fun, having a silver saber.

<Garnet> I'm no great artist, but I'll see what I can do.... ;-)

<Stackpole> Just never switch over to the longer purple blade...

* Da_Clyde is reminded of Tommy Lee Jones' line about "hinky" in The Fugitive...hehe

<DaveMaul> Thanks again for chatting, Mike.

<Stackpole> Okay, well, thanks for having me. We'll do this again sometime.