Interview with C.S. Marks, author of "Elfhunter"

Today, Juanita Watson Most Popular Video Games Reader Views talks with author C.S. Marks about her book "Elfhunter: A Tale of Alterra, The World That Is," AuthorHouse (2007), ISBN 9781420894608. This is the first in a trilogy of fantasy fiction geared for both adult Most Popular Video Games young adult readers.

C.S. Marks, Ph.D. has often been Cheap Video Games as a 'Renaissance woman'. The daughter of academic parents, she holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has spent the past two decades teaching Biology and Equine Science. She is currently a Full Professor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in west central Indiana.

She began writing shortly after the untimely death of her father, who was a Professor of American Literature at Butler University. A gifted artist, she has produced illustrations and cover art for all three books. C.S. plays and sings Celtic music, writing songs both silly and serious, and she is an archery aficionado and makes hand-crafted longbows using primitive tools. Horses Popular Video Games her passion, and C.S. is an accomplished horsewoman, having competed in the sport of endurance racing for several years.

C.S. has been happily married for nearly three decades, sharing her forest home with husband Jeff, ten dogs (predominantly Welsh Corgis) and five horses.

Juanita: Thanks for joining us today C.S. "Elfhunter" has been getting great reviews from a wide age range of readers. Did you expect such a great response from your first book?

C.S.: Thank you, Juanita. Sending any creative effort out X-Box360 Video Games the world is nearly always uncertain, but 'Elfhunter' had been tested by a variety of volunteers before I ever put it into print. Therefore, I had a fair idea that the story would appeal to a wide range of readers. Currently, to my knowledge our youngest reader is eight and the oldest is ninety. What has surprised and delighted me is the response from young readers. Some of my most positive responses have come from them; in fact, I have met a number of them who consider 'Elfhunter' to be one of their all-time favorites.

Juanita: Well that is actually a great complement C.S.; children are very forthright with their opinion when it comes to books. Would you tell us what happens in "Elfhunter"?

C.S.: Sure. First let's be reminded that this is only the first book in the series. As such, we meet the characters and set the stage. Gaelen and Nelwyn are two cousins, Wood-elven hunter-scouts (think of them as being sort of like a terrestrial Coast Guard). They come upon the remains of two of their friends, who have been recently mauled by an unknown enemy. Gaelen and Nelwyn decide to track the enemy (an enormous, fearsome creature named Gorgon Elfhunter), and begin a long and involved adventure in a quest to rid Alterra of him. Along the way they encounter other characters, such as Orogond, a mortal man, High-elven Galador, and one of my personal favorites, a dwarvish lore-master named Fima. The story centers on the interactions and entanglements between those characters, Gaelen and Gorgon in particular. To tell you much more would give away the story, but it takes you through thousands of miles of Alterra by the time you reach the end of the third book. It turns out to be far more than just a simple 'monster hunt'.

Juanita: The fantasy world you have created, Alterra, is incredibly rich and complex. Would you give readers an idea of this incredible world?

C.S.: It is a primitive, non-industrialized, earthlike world. There is not much magic in Alterra per se-the challenges to the characters are often of the same sort faced by people in our own world. There are deserts, mountains, swift rivers, and night-hunting beasts. There is hunger, thirst, heat and cold. Alterra is an active world in the geologic sense; there are active 'fire-mountains' in both the north and south of the western region (which is where the story takes place). In addition to familiar, earthly denizens such as horses and ravens, it is inhabited by cool but believable creatures that are uniquely Alterran, such as Ulfar and Currgas. I will say no more!

Juanita: How did you come up with Alterra, and how did it change and evolve in the writing process?

C.S.: Hmmm...well, I must confess that my taste in fantasy runs straight into Middle-earth and her 'affiliates'. Perhaps the reason is that I require realism in my fantasy. As a field biologist I have considerable experience 'knocking about' in the wild places of our own world. Alterra is a fantasy world, but it is consistent with the laws of chemistry, physics, and natural selection. Creatures in Alterra could exist, and natural phenomena in Alterra could occur on earth (although a geologist might disagree with some of the bits involving fire-mountains). This is a book about characters, and could be set in any world, so I chose an earthlike setting where I would not get into too much trouble with fanciful but unbelievable backdrops that could distract the reader from the characters. I played it safe, I suppose, and 'wrote what I knew about.' Perhaps that's why Middle-earth is so appealing to me...it is very similar to lands Professor Tolkien knew a lot about.

Juanita: You chose to cast your two Elven main characters - Gaelen and Nelwyn - as heroines. Would you describe this captivating, and somewhat unlikely duo?

C.S.: Love to! I am fond of all the characters, but the story began with Gaelen and Nelwyn. Both are based on persons of my acquaintance, and they are very different. Gaelen is the main protagonist character, a sort of 'Everyelf.' She is practical and very competent in her hunter-scout's role, an adept fighter and survivor with a wry sense of humor. But her main strengths are her ability to see directly into the heart of a situation, and know it for what it is. She judges all things on their own merit despite outward appearances. She is passionate, resourceful, stubborn, self-willed and independent. She leaps quickly to a decision and is driven to carry it out. She is a fire-spirit with a tender heart beneath.

Nelwyn, by contrast, is a water-spirit. Her personality is less volatile; her passions run deep beneath a calm exterior. Nelwyn is both younger and more innocent than Gaelen. She tries always to see the best in people and situations, whereas her cousin is far more suspicious. She is taller and more beautiful than Gaelen, who is small in stature and tends to be boyish for practical reasons. She is a wonderful confidante and friend, steadfast in her loyalty, and sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. She serves as a wonderful moderator to her fire-hearted cousin.

Juanita: And why heroines, and not heroes?

C.S.: Why not heroines? There are precious few of them in fantasy, and many of those are not believable. No 'crewman Sue' who saves the Universe here. These are heroines who are strong yet believably flawed, and who need their heroes to aid them. This is not a feminist statement (though some parts of book II might stray into those lands a bit). There are wonderful heroes in 'Elfhunter' who can serve as role models just as surely as Gaelen and Nelwyn can. But in the end, the heroines remain the central characters. Again...my gender is female, and I have some experience with a female's world view. I wrote what I knew.

Juanita: You make a great point about the lack of believable heroines in fantasy. Did you have any underlying thoughts/ideas/messages that you wanted to convey through Gaelen and Nelwyn, and their friendship? And, how are young girls responding to these characters?

C.S.: The response has been very positive. The young female readers like to compare themselves to Gaelen, and seem to want to emulate her. I've also noticed that young male readers are attracted to Gaelen, whereas older males favor Nelwyn. I have a theory as to why that is so, but it would take too long to explain here. As far as underlying messages are concerned, the whole series is full of expressions of my personal philosophy. Although I AGame Boy Batteries & Chargers that males and females are different, and that some roles may be better suited to one than the other, the fundamental characteristics that define every living soul are gender-independent. Gaelen, for example, is true-hearted, valiant, perceptive, persistent, and fiercely loyal. Those qualities are much more central to her nature than the fact that she is female. Gender should not be a barrier to achievement. As with many females in fantasy (and elsewhere), Gaelen is often underestimated. Those who do so quickly learn of their folly.

Juanita: Who are the other predominant characters in "Elfhunter"?

C.S.: In addition to Orogond (the adorable and steadfast mortal whom every young male reader seems to want to emulate) and Galador, the complicated and occasionally annoying High-elf, there is:

Fima, the dwarvish lore-master (one of my favorites),
Magra, an ancient and powerful Elf-lord,
Gorgon Elfhunter, of course (another of my absolute favorites),
Gelmyr, one of Gorgon's victims who reappears in interesting ways,
Eros, Orogond's horse, a worthy and entertaining mount you would be pleased to own (but only if you're Orogond),
Realta, Galador's horse, a 'pretty boy' who is impressed with himself (not without reason),
A host of intriguing Elves, dwarves and evil minions called 'Olcas' (the word Olca is Gaelic for 'evil') including one named 'Kharsh',
The Asari, who are divine teachers sent to enlighten the world. We encounter a few of them in 'Elfhunter',
More interesting characters too numerous to list here.
Juanita: Of course, the evil characters in fantasy fiction are always a strong lure for young readers. Your main adversary is Gorgon Elfhunter, and you say he is one of your favorites. Would you tell us about him?

C.S.: Hmmm...what can I tell you without giving away the story? Because the core of the plotline centers on Gorgon and Gaelen, the interaction between them, and the changes they undergo as a result of those interactions, I must refrain from revealing too much. I can tell you this: several readers have mentioned needing to leave their lights on at night for a while after being introduced to Gorgon, and that he has invaded their nightmares. Yet he provides some of the most thought-provoking moments in the series.

Juanita: The theme of good vs. evil is central to the fantasy genre. How do you bring the evil element into "Elfhunter," still keeping it original without being too generic?

C.S.: I think the evil element makes the story. It is the heart of the conflict-the contrast for the Light. Who doesn't enjoy a good villain, after all?

I love my villain in this series. I wonder whether I have another evil character in me with the depth and complexity of Gorgon Elfhunter, who has been described as the 'best villain since Darth Vader.' Two-dimensional, evil Dark Lords are both dull and unrealistic. Even the worst villains of our world have complex natures. Lust for power, self-absorption, desire to dominate, and hatred of others are common themes, but their origins are different for every soul overtaken by evil. Gorgon's situation is unique, as is his development through the series. The story, really, is centered on him.

Juanita: You have also created some very interesting equines in this story that are really capturing reader's hearts. The horse is written into many fantasy novels - What do horses represent in this context, and how relevant are your horses to Gaelen and Nelwyn's journey?

C.S.: They are very relevant. In Alterra, the only ways to get around on land are either by horseback or on foot. Because the survival of the characters depends on their horses, the horses are central to the story. I have spent much of my life in their company, and have ridden literally thousands of miles over the years. I have recently taken up the challenge of racing a hundred miles over difficult terrain in a day, and I understand the sort of human-equine bond required to accomplish that. My horses are some of the most realistic and engaging equine characters around (so say the readers). Again...this is because I know them inside and out. Many of the horses in the series are based on horses I own or have owned. Those of us who understand horses realize that they are not mere modes of transport, nor are they infallible shining steeds with hooves of fire. They are animals who have been selected to have a very close bond with us, and they have definite and undeniable personalities, just as we do. The horses provide some of the most enjoyable scenes in the series.

Juanita: It is very evident that you have a strong bond with horses. Most people who haven't experienced a relationship with these creatures have no idea of the incredible depth of these precious animals. Now I understand that you are also an archery aficionado, and a quick look at "Elfhunter's" front cover reveals that archery is prevalent in this story. Would you comment?

C.S.: The bow is, in my opinion, the most elegant weapon ever designed. I love to make longbows and practice with them. In a world devoid of firearms and flying machines, the bow is a vital element in every battle; it is the 'air support'. The invention of the longbow changed human history. I also find it impressive that one can, with knowledge and a few primitive tools, take wood, flint and flax and produce a weapon effective enough to hunt and kill a moose with. The sheer ingenuity of archery fascinates me.

Juanita: What drew you to writing in this genre?

C.S.: I must confess that my mom is responsible, as she passed on her copy of 'The Lord of the Rings' to me when I was twelve. I have been a fan of high fantasy ever since. Yet I am particular in my taste, therefore I wanted always to create my own high fantasy works where things unfolded the way I wanted them to. I have been writing this sort of Elf-based fiction for a long time (twenty years or so), but only recently have progressed all the way to a novel and thence to a series. Blame Tolkien and my mom!

Juanita: I would imagine that with writing fantasy, where you have the opportunity to create an entire new world, you would have to stay quite organized, yet at the same time, keeping your imagination wide open. How did you go about navigating the complexities of this type novel?

C.S.: That is an excellent question, and I have wondered about it myself over the past few years. The story that unfolds in this series is complex...one reader compared it to a tapestry, and I like the metaphor very much. There are threads of many colors all interwoven to give a complete picture. Some threads are brighter than others, and some colors may predominate, but all are important. Authors, I am told, vary in their strategies for having the tapestry emerge as intended. Some make outlines, and some have the entire work planned to the last detail 'ere they set it down. I have never been that organized.

I made notes, yes. I had a rough idea of where the story was going...some of the time! Sometimes I sat back and let the characters drive...they always got me where I wanted to go in the end! I don't know how it happened, but the tapestry emerged as I intended. I suppose we should thank the characters. There were definite moments of inspiration, I can tell you that. There were epiphanies in the middle of the night (when I actually did much of the writing) and there was a multi-day writing frenzy at the end of Book III. But as far as organization, I must admit it is not in my nature. I will confide that I knew exactly how the series would end the day I started it...I just didn't know how I would get there.

Juanita: So C.S., the entire trilogy is finished at this point. How did it feel to have all three books finished, after what I can only imagine was a very fun and rewarding writing process?

C.S.: It felt wonderful and depressing all at the same time. Most people do not realize the outpouring of creative energy that writing such a series represents. For most of the time it was like traveling on a journey with these characters that I had created, sometimes uncertain but never really lost. At the end, it was more like conducting a symphony-building to a final crescendo-and then...
...over?

I'm sure you can imagine the joy of completing the symphony, sitting before the word processor with the last sweet, compelling tones still ringing in your ears. There is a feeling of accomplishment, but there is an undeniable feeling of sadness, too.

There is a wonderful thing about a good story, as with a fine piece of music. If it has been recorded it can be enjoyed at leisure, over and over again. I confess that I still read my own books, and each time I do I visit with friends and revel in their adventures. The worn, tattered books that loyal readers bring to signings show that I am not the only one who revisits Alterra. And, although this trilogy is finished, I cannot know whether the series will continue. I may write more books in Alterra.

Juanita: Were you inspired in your writing by J.R.R Tolkien's work?

C.S.: Of course! Any writer of high fantasy who says otherwise is living in denial. As I indicated earlier, Tolkien's work is at the root of my love of the genre. 'The Silmarillion' is my favorite of his works, and I have stated that if I ever got thrown into prison and could only take one book, it would be my choice.

Juanita: Well let's hope that doesn't happen! C.S., many people are enthralled with underlying "spiritual" nature of Tolkien's works. You've briefly mentioned good/evil and light/dark as it relates to the fantasy genre, how much emphasis to underlying spiritual themes did you include in this series?

C.S.: 'Elfhunter' can be appreciated on many levels. For those who want a mere adventure/fantasy, it is a fine choice. Yet there are many elements that lie beneath the storyline that will challenge any reader who wants to find and appreciate them. If they make their way through all three books in the series, they will discover such underlying themes as the exercise of free will, and the power and nature of love. There are many such themes woven throughout the series, yet they are not heavy-handed. 'Elfhunter' can be enjoyed on a very superficial level alone, if desired.

Juanita: C.S., we see the elf theme coming back strong in recent years, in both books and movies. Why do you think elves are so timeless, and continue to capture our hearts?

C.S.: Elves are timeless. They represent the best qualities of humanity, and they are not beset by some of the same flaws. They are immortal, and suffer neither the effects of age nor of disease. We would like to escape the trappings of our own mortality at times, and would like to have the time to acquire the sort of wisdom that the Elves acquire. In addition, who would not envy them their beauty, power, and grace? For many readers, fantasy is an escape from reality. Elves are the embodiment of their desires, I expect.

Juanita: How can readers find out more about you and "Elfhunter"?

C.S.: They can go to our website, www.Elfhunter.net. There they will find a link to e-mail, as well as links to some of our affiliates (we have miniature figures for gamers, for example). They will also find direct links to our Amazon pages for all three books in the series. As I finally drag myself into the 21st century, I expect a bigger and better website to emerge. If readers have suggestions, please share them with us!

Juanita: C.S., thank so much for the opportunity to chat with you today. "Elfhunter" is a fantastic first book, in what will undoubtedly be a highly sought after series for fantasy readers. We wish you all the best, and hope you come back and talk with us when you release book two.

C.S.: Thank you for the opportunity to share with your readers, Juanita. I would invite them to join our family of 'Alterran Adventurers,' and look forward to sharing more with them in the future. Watch the website for exciting new developments, such as the audiobook and the RPG based in Alterra, both slated for 2008.

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