In a message dated 6/17/02 9:33:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time, elainecunningham@cox.net writes:

Hmm. Sorry about that -- I was certain that I'd completed all the requested interviews. In view of the repeated delay, I'll attack it now. I've answered most of the questions. If you think of any follow-ups, let me know and I'll address them today.

Best,
Elaine Cunningham

1.) Why did you want to become an author, and why? 

I've always loved books. My first ambition, however, was not to write books, but to illustrate them. Then music came to dominate my teenage years and early twenties, edging out art as a creative focus, so I never did pursue that avenue. Reading was always a passion, however, and when I came back to the idea of writing, it felt like a good fit. 

2.) Who are your inspirations? 

Poetry is a strong influence. I love the music inherent in language, the fact that words can portray mood as well as meaning. A single concise, vivid verbal image can make my day. Folklore and mythology was another influence. As a kid, I was hooked on Greek and Roman mythology, Slavic folklore, Celtic legends, fairy tales, ghost stories - you name it. My interest in music and history continues to influence my stories.

3.) What is your favorite book, and why? 

I can't point to a single favorite book, but novels that made an impression included Hilton's LOST HORIZONS and classic adventure stories such as IVANHOE and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. One of my favorite books was Mark Twain's A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING AUTHOR'S COURT. It's got a bit of everything - wonderful dialogue, great characterizations, slapstick humor, irony, tragedy, and social commentary. As a child, I was a big L.L. Montgomery fan - loved the imagination and optimistic outlook of the red-haired heroine. Oscar Wilde's plays cultivated a fondness for irony and snappy come-backs, as well as an appreciation of life's absurdities. And Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series got me hooked on the notion of fantasy world-building. These days I read a lot of history, historical fiction, and mysteries. 

4.) What is your favorite movie, and why? 

Again, there's no single favorite. I loved "An Ideal Husband," an adaptation of an Oscar Wilde play, and I thought Cait Blanchard was wonderful in "Elizabeth." I was absolutely blown away by Igmar Bergman's "Persona," mostly because the acting was astonishing. There's one point in the move in which you can SEE the personality of one woman force its way into another woman's head and simply take over -- no special effects involved, just phenomenal acting. 

5.) Where did you first see Star Wars? 

I was a teenager at the time, and Star Wars ANH was the first movie I saw in a theatre. When I mentioned that to a recent acquaintance, she blurted out, "What were you - Amish?" Well, not quite, but I did grow up in a tradition that frowned upon movie-going. Imagine the impact of seeing that opening sequence - not only as a first Star Wars movie, but a first cinematic experience, period. That moment of wonder and discovery has colored my view of Star Wars ever since. 

6.) What made you decide to write a Star Wars book? 

R.A. Salvatore wrote the first book in the New Jedi Order series, and the Del Rey editors asked him to recommend a couple of new writers. He suggested my name. Until then, it had never occurred to me to write a Star Wars book, but I was very excited about the idea and immediately threw my hat into the ring. 

7.) What is your favorite thing about Star Wars, and why? 

It's an old-fashioned adventure story, with a great balance of action, humor, and romance. What's not to love?

9.) What is your favorite thing about being an author? 

The immersion in books and storytelling, and the fact that you're always learning something new. Every new project brings new and interesting topics to research. 

10.) Do you have any current projects that you are working on that you are allowed to talk about? 

I'm finishing up WINDWALKER, the third book in the Starlight & Shadows trilogy. This continues the story of the drow "princess" Liriel Baenre, which was begun several years ago in the books DAUGHTER OF THE DROW and TANGLED WEBS. The entire trilogy will be released with wonderful new cover art by Todd Lockwood, and the release dates are February, March and April of 2003. 

11.) What kind of music do you like? 

My undergraduate degree was in music education, and I have a strong preference for the classical music in which I was trained. I also like early music -- medieval and Renaissance -- and some types of traditional folk music. Recently I've gotten more and more interested in Celtic music. 

12.) Who is your favorite band, and why? 

Do you consider the New York Philharmonic to be a "band?" If not, I'd have to say the Chieftains, one of the best Celtic groups currently playing. I'm also very fond of Loreena McKennitt's music.

13.) Who is your favorite character in Star Wars (movies and books), and why? 

While I deeply admire steadfast, unwavering heroes such as Leia and Tenel Ka, I'd have to say Han Solo. It's hard to resist a charming rogue! 

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ec