 |
Alan Dean Foster Interview by Jordan Drew |
Alan Dean Foster is probably best know for his "Commonwealth" series. He is also known as the writer of some Star Trek novels (as well as ST TMP novels) and the first spin off Star Wars novel "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" (re-released a few years ago with a forward by Star Wars creator George Lucas) . A lesser know fact is that he also ghost-wrote the original Star Wars novelization. Originally published as "STAR WARS: from the adventures of Luke Skywalker " in 1976, it was re-named "STAR WARS A NEW HOPE" when re-released. Mr. Foster took the time to answer Ithor's questions:
Q) How is it that you were one of the first
writers to cover the Star Wars universe and 20 years later the "universe" is
being continued in book form? What are your feelings on being one of the first to
establish pieces of it?
A) I was contacted in 1975 by Lucas' representatives to do the novelization of the first Star Wars film, plus an original sequel. Strange to see it still going stronger than ever. As to my "feelings on being one of the first to establish pieces of it", those who participate in history do not think of it as such. It's just what they happen to be doing at the time (wonder if Napoleon felt the same way?)
Q) Are you going to contribute any further to that universe?
A) That's up to George (got some neat ideas, though).
Q) How was it to carry on the SW theme(in Splinter of the Minds Eye)? Was there positive or negative feedback? Was there support from Lucas & company?
A) Felt good to work in George's universe. Nearly all the feedback on both books (to this day) has been positive. George was the only one I had to please, however. As for support from Lucas & Co, see question #1.
Q) Were you chosen or selected to write Splinter of the Mind's Eye and did you approach this work any differently from your others?
A) See question #1. And no, I approach all my work the same way, whether it be original material or based on someone else's work.
Q) In Splinter of the Mind's eye Luke can swim and Leia cannot. I don't understand this because Luke was from Tatooine, a world of harsh dry deserts, and Leia was from Alderaan, a world of vast sea's and rivers (sort of a paradise type world ).
A) When Splinter was written, nobody knew anything about Alderaan other than that it was round and full of people. Still, individual phobias defy logic, so it's not out of the realm of possibility for Luke to know how to swim & Leia not.
Q) After all these years since Star Wars first hit the big screen, what do you think has made Star Wars so popular ?
A) People always want heroes to root for, and general audiences are not interested in the nuances of Doestoyevskyian or Kafkan characters. They want clean-cut good guys and villains they can root for or boo.
{Interviewer's Note: if you don't know what Mr. Foster means by this here is the definition of Kafkan from the 1996 Compton's encyclopedia KAFKA, Franz (1883-1924). The credit for making Franz Kafka internationally famous as a writer of visionary and imaginative fiction belongs to his friend, novelist Max Brod. In Kafka's will, Brod was asked to burn all unpublished manuscripts and to refrain from republishing those already in print. Brod instead edited the manuscripts and had them published. (Excerpted from Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia Copyright (c) 1994, 1995 Compton's NewMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved) Unfortunately I couldn't find the defination of Doestoyevskyian.}
Q) Have you read the "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" comic adaptation published by dark horse comics and if so what did you think of it ?
A) I've scanned it. Pretty good art, very respectful adaptation of the story. I'm pleased.
Q) "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" took place between "Star Wars: A New Hope" and "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back". Did you read the script/story of "Empire" when writing "Splinter" ?
A) As far as I know, Empire was no more than a snow glint in Lucas's eye when I was writing Splinter. The fact that Splinter fits after-the-fact as well as it does into the arching storyline of the saga is a delightful coincidence.
Q) What happened to Halla after "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" ? Did she join the rebellion ? Did she stay on Mimban ?
A) Heh-heh...I'm not telling unless somebody makes it worth my while. But then, given her character, neither would Halla.
Q) What happened to the Crystal ? Did they destroy it ? Was it taken to some rebel stronghold and forgotten about ?
A) As above.
Q) You helped to "ghost write" the original Star Wars novelization. Did you work very closely with George Lucas on this book? Do you remain in contact with him ? Also, what did you think of George Lucas's newest movie "The Phantom Menace" ?
A) I didn't "help" with the ghost-writing...I did it all. George had this little movie he was busy with at the time. That's why a ghost-writer was hired in the first place. Nobody writes and directs a movie and novel simultaneously. I've had no contact with George since then...but if we bumped into each other in the street (or Wendy's, or wherever), I think we could pick up conversation where it was left. That's how it is with people you get along with. I enjoyed SWTPM. I thought the writing needed work.
Q) If the chance arose, would you take another Star Wars job ? Would you pass it up ? Are you glad you got to add to this popular universe ?
A) I've been asked if I'd be interested in doing SW spin-off books. At this point in time, I have declined. I said that I would do a novelization of one of the three films (preferably the third one). I'd love to work on a script, but who wouldn't? I'm always glad when I get a chance to work with a good story.
------------
I would like to thank Mr. Foster for answering our
questions so thoroughly.
Special thanks to Matthew Stone for helping us get in contact with Mr. Foster. He runs http//www.vt.edu10021/M/mastone3/
------------
(Webmaster's Note: Since his involvement with Star Wars, Mr. Foster has produced a large body of work, including involvement in the world of James Gurney's "Dinotopia". To read more about what Mr. Foster has been up to, please visit the Dinotopia site for a biography.)
Fetching Results...
