***7.15.01***

Greetings Mr. Bear, 

I was surprised to receive a reply so quickly. Usually it takes a few weeks for me to get some replies, so I would like to greatly thank you for the quick turn around. 

Here are the interview questions - 5 as requested... :) 

1.) What made you want to become an author?

Not sure actually! I've been writing since I was eight years old. I love storytelling in all its forms, and it just seemed like the most interesting profession. 

2.) What do you like most about being an author? 

I love getting feedback from my readers. That lets me judge how successfully I've told my story, from a wide variety of reactions. I also enjoy working with professionals in publishing and elsewhere--and getting to meet the people who inspired me when I was younger, who still inspire me. Fiction is a kind of universal language, not as widespread as music, but almost--and it takes me to some amazing places even in the real world! From my writing, I've been invited to give talks in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, England, and this year, Greece. There's also a possibility I'll be getting together with the good folks at ILM this next year to do a book signing. That will be terrific fun. 

3.) How did you come up with the idea for the planet of Zonama Sekot?

Zonama Sekot is loosely based on a planet I created for my novel, LEGACY. The idea of an integrated ecological mind was first proposed, in its modern form, by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis. In LEGACY (and in ROGUE PLANET) the ecological systems are closely integrated, but competitive. Some of these ideas I later expanded into a more formal and realistic theory of evolution in DARWIN'S RADIO. 

4.) What are your current projects?

Next up is VITALS, the most paranoid conspiracy novel ever written. It will be published by Del Rey and HarperCollins UK in January of 2002. At the moment, I'm writing DARWIN'S CHILDREN, the sequel to DARWIN'S RADIO. There are some projects under way in Los Angeles for television and movies. but none are in production contract at the moment. Hope springs eternal!

5.) What are your hobbies, and why? 

I collect books and records and movies, mostly in DVD now. I've been known to collect and build model kits, but don't have much time for building any more. I'm a history buff--particularly ancient history and the American Civil War. I'm also very fond of books about travels and voyages--I'm a member of the British Hakluyt Society, which publishes historical accounts of travels. 

*END INTERVIEW* 

I would like to thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to fill this out. Also, I would like to offer you an "Honorary Membership" in the Emperor's Hammer. This is only for contributors to the Star Wars 
universe, like yourself. You'll be given an honorary rank, admiral I believe, as well an a special e-mail forwardeder - gregbear@emperorshammer.org. If you're interested, please let me know. It would mean a lot to the Emperor's Hammer and myself.

Thanks! A link to my web site would be terrific. 

Best!

Greg 

Thanks a million! 

Highest Regards, 

Keiran Idanian 
Admiral/Emperor's Hammer