Action and adventure were the themes that strode the stage as Jordy Kerr interviewed John Flanagan, the author of the Apprentice Ranger series of books. In 2004 his book The Ruins of Goorlan, was a regular on the New York Times Best Seller List for 73 weeks. He has also created the Brotherband series, which is set in the country of Skandia; there are two books in the series already. John Flanagan said that he got a sense of satisfaction and well being from writing and the questions it creates.
Jordy asked, what is in Will’s future? John replied that there will be one more Ranger’s Apprentice story; it is set sixteen years after Will and Allison’s wedding. It introduces the first female ranger. He’s known the idea behind this book since he wrote the fourth book. He needed to write it because he hadn’t finalised the relationship between Alison and Madeline. The Emperor of Norhorja was mentioned, John Flanagan said it consisted of lost stories to answer questions and give information. There are twelve books in all, because he will write prequels.
Does the effort of writing get exhausting? Jordy asked. John said that thinking about that revealed another facet of Paul’s character; the Fun, Godlike power to control people’s destiny. He has a set writing process; ideas can come from anyone. His son lives in Japan, so he can write about Northern people. He could change the location of the Emperor. When writing he notes down details over a month, then he thinks of the ending. It’s easy to write the middle, you can put in clues. A four page outline is how he starts. Beginning – establish, Middle – development, Ending – Resolution. Then he writes chapter by chapter outlines, six lines on each. He will print it out and work from that. He writes a chapter a day. By the fourth reading it gets boring. He has to proofread both the Australian and United States versions. The process has to be ordered and disciplined. There is a do it yourself manual.
A student asked whether any of the archery or fighting skills scenes is based on his own experiences. John said that in his research he does a lot of reading of medieval history. When he was at school he was in the Maths and Science stream, so he missed knowing history. He read history and myths, and did archery. A lot of the details are from stuff he’s compiled, and he also does research. There’s a Viking ship museum in Denmark called Rothskild; he spent half a day there. Writers researches things that interest them. He sold the film rights to Rangers Apprentice five years ago, then the GFC hit. With writing, the inspiration is easy, the perspiration is hard. Need to ask questions. Why did people turn green and look at the consequences. You need to look for slightly unusual things, why? Writers have a warped mind or a sense of curiosity.
One of the audience members asked, is Holt based on a real person? John Flanagan answers that Will is based on his son at fifteen. Holt is based on his fourth grade teacher. As an author – you meet lots of people, so you combine them. He was nineteen or twenty when he wrote his first book. He wondered if he could write something as big as a book. His first book was rubbish, but he decided he really liked it. Starting out he had some rejected, now he spends about two months planning a book. He needs a plan before he writes a book. Brotherhood took several years because it involved creating whole new characters.
Somebody asked, how do you put in all the different types of warrior? John Flanagan said that in a fantasy he can make anything happen. There is coffee in the books, but it is not available until the eighteenth century in Europe. He mixes and matches as he likes. It is a Fantasy world, so there is no magic.
A person asks, would he be a ranger? John replied that the hardest thing would be hitting the target. The next questioner asked what his favourite book was when he was a child. The author replied there were so many great authors. He liked C.S Forester the author of Horatio Hornblower. He found the Bible fast moving, adventurous, and exciting. He wanted to create a medieval high school; with the central concept being that it was all about outcasts. His favourite character Tug transcends different bodies, it is a great sound. He likes Silvan in Brotherband, he’s disreputable.
The next question was does it take a big idea to write a big story? John said no, even a small idea can do it. It is the characters important. What makes it likeable? It depends on whether you project yourself into a character. Hal in Brotherband, was completely new, a total invention. He was an inventor, but not all of the inventions work. He could be based on his brother who is inventive. When he sold the books in the United States he started to make money. He was able to give up other work. Rose and Crevice began when his son was twelve; it was written for him. He started aiming at adults, then kids. J.K Rowling’s success with Harry Potter increased the kids’ book fantasy markets. His writing doesn’t talk down to kids and lots of adults read the books too.
A questioner asked, what is his favourite book out of those that he has written? John replied that his favourite is the one that’s not annoying him at the moment. Book 3 has an anti-drug theme. The series is one continual story. You have to think about what the characters want to do. The writer is driven by characters; if the writing is good, they won’t let you do things that are out of character. The story is about characters own lives and reality. The reader views the story through their prism. He loves writing and telling the story. As you are writing you need to work out where the story is going? This keeps it fresh. Another character he likes is Barranarald, because he is overweight and tells jokes
By Susan Davies
This report was written from notes taken in longhand at the session; it is not a complete report
©Susan Davies 2012 spooky2013lib.wordpress.com
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