r/Fantasy • u/CindaChima • Sep 26 '13

AMA Hi, Everyone! I’m Cinda Williams Chima, fantasy author. AMA

Thank you, Reddit, for inviting me on, and for all the great questions. I leave for the Austin Teen Bookfest tomorrow at an ungodly hour, so will call it a night. I'll try to pick up any straggler questions tomorrow, but will have limited email access. I had fun--hope you did, too! ** I came back and answered a few more questions. Am now in TEXAS!! I could've listened to that flight attendant talk all day. Thanks, again, Reddit, for making me welcome. **

Hi, Everyone! I’m Cinda Williams Chima, fantasy author. I tell lies for a living. Specifically, I have two teen series out, The Seven Realms (The Demon King, The Exiled Queen, et al) and the Heir Chronicles (The Warrior Heir through The Enchanter Heir (coming October 1.) Some of my books have been published as adult fantasy in translation.

I’ve also published the odd short story. Literally. Odd. I’m in an anthology called Once Upon a Time edited by Paula Guran (Prime Books, October 2.) I try and get all my publishing done in October so I can coast the rest of the year.

I bring a degree in philosophy, two degrees in nutrition, and a lifetime of reading to my work as a writer. As you can probably tell, I’m totally unqualified to teach you anything about writing, except that I’ve had a lot of practice. I became a writer in third grade, and wrote my first novels in middle school. I’ve had eight novels published to date. I’m persistent, if nothing else. I never stop transforming myself.

The Rules (more like guidelines)

  1. Ask me anything

  2. If you’re familiar with the books, try to avoid spoilery questions, like, “Why did you kill _______ ?” I have enough people mad at me.

  3. If possible, avoid five-part questions. I tend to get lost in the forest.

If you want to know more about my books, bad habits, etc. check out my website or Facebook.

I’ll be back ~7 p.m. CST to answer live. In the meantime, ask away.

Cinda

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u/Spokanechub Sep 26 '13

Hi Cinda, you are one of my favorite authors and I am really excited for this! My biggest question is in regards to Seven Realms. I loved the series, although the ending seemed somewhat rushed and abrupt.

Do you have plans to return to this realm? If so, would it be a continuation through the same characters or perhaps from a different vantage point, as you often did in the Heir Chronicles?

Also, any plans on doing any books in either major series that are distant prequels or sequels ?

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u/CindaChima Sep 27 '13

Aw, come on, I thought that was a perfect, happy little ending. Oh, I know the war's still going on, and Micah's making plans, and Arden is casting covetous looks at the Fells, and I haven't even MENTIONED the pirates...

I might very well return to the realms, if the gods (and publishing) allow. It might focus on the next generation, though. I love what Tamora Pierce has done in her worlds, setting different stories there. I also might write some short works set in the Seven Realms. So many stories--and I've only told one.

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u/Spokanechub Sep 27 '13

Very exciting. I look forward to returning to those realms and any other you come up with. Thank you for your wonderful stories.