This was a joy to watch! Thanks to all three of you. A.P. - when we’re recording our Midnight Tides discussion, I’ll be sure to ask you about Harry Potter! 😁
@@ACriticalDragon I'm enjoying the last sunny day before four days of rain. And going to watch the 'new' Justice League. So my stamp of approval is poised and waiting. 🤣. But, I have no doubt enjoyment awaits. And I read your reply in your accent, so maybe waiting until tomorrow might be a good idea. 😉
@@ACriticalDragon Yup that was a fun conversation to eavesdrop on, Cam really needs get himself a few spare hamsters to run his internet, looks like the one he was using is ready to retire. Heh heh. Steve mentioned that he was writing GotM at the same time as Cam was writing RotCG, and unless my memory is faulty, the entire 10 book series was out before any of Cam's books. I was wondering why one of two co-creators of the world would have such a head start, so to speak, was Cam holding back to see if GotM had an audience or was he just writing part time. do you know?
Watched this whole conversation while stuck in a traffic jam, first time I've seen these two authors together and I find them very witty with a dry sense of humour. Good stuff I hope your channel grows fast.
The outfits in this video are giving me life! Regarding spoilers: I knew most of the events of Malazan beforehand and I feel like it did not influence my reading experience negatively at all, on the contrary, actually.
Hi Counsellor, The obsession over Spoilers baffles me, but some people really care about them. I try to be mindful and considerate, but it really is a foreign way of thinking about stories for me.
As a new Malazan reader, I have no aversion to spoilers whatsoever. I'm actually soaking them up like a sponge. I'm only a couple hundred pages into GotM, so it's possible (likely?) that I'll forget some of the later ones anyway by the time I reach those points in the story; or they'll become subliminal. I'm approaching this as a pre-re-read.
@@marsrock316 A pre-re-read.... that is the best way to describe reading with lots of spoilers... Thank you for this. I am absolutely stealing it. Brilliant description.
Not Rob here. Appreciate the shout out for you asking a very thought provoking question. Not so much on the 'Huh' response. 😢😆 But looking for more Statler and Waldorf interviews.
@@ACriticalDragon well it was two against one.... But the sphere of annihilation scene was likely from Tomb of Horrors. I know a couple GMs whose players did the same thing and just closed the book and said Now what do you want to do? Kind of like putting your hand in the green sparkly as a method of first contact.
Two things I loved about this interview: 1) Seeing Erikson let his hair down more then in other interviews I've seen. Great to see the grins and laughs 2) The commentary on authors finishing works, particularly Erikson's comments. Probably summed up the issue of reader entitlement and the pressures authors can place on themselves better than any one I have seen. Thanks for a great video. (just starting Orb, Sceptre, Throne)
Oh my gosh! Adorable! We just started watching, so I'll come back to edit along the way. You are all adorable :) I'm with A.P. with respect to spoilers - I don't mind them at all. Getting Mr. Lundin to talk like Kruppe would be something extraordinary, I would love to see that :)
@@ACriticalDragon They are very kind, and we are lucky to have you all :) I know I shouldn't ask about Harry Potter but.... have you not changed your mind? (about making a HP themed video) :)
I've been eagerly waiting for this video and it was well worth it. Thanks for doing this, gents. I can't believe both of my questions got answered. 😂 Here's hoping for more.
My eyes lit up at the hypothetical mention of a Malazan tabletop RPG. If such a thing were ever to actually exist, but I'd buy all the material in a heartbeat!
@@ACriticalDragon 🤔 If the RPG offers insight about the magic, warrens, ascendancy, history, all that jazz .. I would love Kaminsod's stamp of approval. Don't think they would be really interested in creating it themselves, but an occasional read through and discussion with the game designers might be doable. Without taking too much time, I'd hope. 😅 Would it weigh up to an extra novel or two..? If done well, yes. Problem is.. I haven't been impressed by the path game design has taken over the last decade or so - whereas the extra novels would be probable favourites.
That's a good point, though it'd depend on how involved Erikson and Esslemont got with the RPG. I suspect they'd want to handle more than the average author, due to the gamed origins and vast complexity of the Malazan world, but they should ideally be able to get some help with the heavy lifting. If their portion of the work were to take, say, six months to a year away from their writing... I'd probably take that exchange, from a fan's perspective! More than a year, though, and I'd be more hesitant.
@@ACriticalDragon Hey, I'm not even sure that "fun" applies to mine! People accuse me of being like a lawyer, grilling the poor witness on the stand during my interviews :)))) And it's Steve's fault anyway. In 2018, I think, we had a friendly exchange of comments on an article he had shared on his page. I let him know I intended to come see him in Croatia. He said that maybe we can have a glass of some drink I could never actually identify. Being the dreamy eyed girl that I am, I imagined sitting at the table with him, having the chance to ask him all the things I wanted to ask. And then it hit me with horror: forget about dinner! I could have an entire day and night and it might not be enough . And how could I possibly remember all the things I wanted to ask? He has been gracious enough to make my dream come true (even if sometimes I wonder if he doesn't regret it :)) ) So Master Sargent Braven Tooth now gets to torture poor Steve every now and then. I can only dream that maybe Cam will allow me to do the same someday. I doubt I will get to watch this until Monday, but by now I have made it a habit to start my week with your voice in the background. Feedback may be forthcoming then. And I know, I will try to keep it shorter (despite being notorious for my inability to do so)
Love this interview guys,all looking splendid, Gotta say that I try to avoid watching things that I've enjoyed reading as they invariably fall short and disappoint but would sit and watch one of the Malazan Trilogies Kharkanas, Path to Ascendency or Bauchelain & Korbal broach short stories.
Enjoyed this greatly, informative and fun! I found the part about creative writing and stuff very interesting, as I've started to feel the bug to set out into a literary journey increasingly as the years pass. It reaffirmed some ideas one's had about it all, and provided some insight on their learning process also.
I'm sorry, this is too good not to comment as I go along! I just saw Steve show us his notes for Walk in Shadow. I couldn't glimpse much, but it seemed well organized. My hand notes are terrible! For example, i was listening to your Deahouse Gates video, I can't remember if the spoiler one, or the prologue, or the one with Phillip Chase. As always, doing that while working, so lots of things on my mind at the same time. I am preparing my next interview with Steve and I come by a note that I made while listening to you: "The Romans needed the loot - India - movie Water - more to progress than railroads". Now try and make sense of that :))))
Romans needed the loot could refer to justifications for the culling. More to progress than the railroads could refer to the benefits of imperial colonisation in contrast to the detrimental effects. So the Wickan rationale for joining because it stopped interclan warfare. I am guessing that the film Water and the reference to India has to do with the impact of colonialisation by the British Empire as an analogue for 7 Cities.
@@ACriticalDragon You nailed it, that's pretty much it. The movie is probably a reference to suttee, the hindu practice of the burning of the wife on the husband's pire, with regards to cultural benefits of colonization, in opposition to the material aspect, both in giving and in taking from the occupied nation. But what was my question for Steve in all this? How do I spin all that into a question for the interview? :)) I probably meant to ask something along the lines of "is colonization exclusively evil", both in the context of our world and the Malazans expanding their empire. Yes, I think I will go with that. See? Talking to you helped. Now I have about 3 more pages of similar stuff to disentangle (I already cleared 5 pages or so).
Hillarious and enlighting discussion! The broken glass fixed upon walls reminded me of my own time in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which combined with a Mediterranean geographical setting (Lankhmar prehaps?) was my mental image of Malaz City. BTW: Have you, Cam or Erikson any opinon on Fritz Leiber’s «Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser», Poul Anderson’s «The Broken Sword» and Clark Ashton Smith’s «Zothique» in regards to Malazan? If you are in need of more Dancer-songjokes AP, I would go with Sister Sledge’s «He’s the Greatest Dancer» or Tina Turner’s «Private Dancer».
I am glad that you enjoyed it. Both Erikson and Esslemont have read a lot of Sword and Sorcery, so those stories definitely had an influence. I will try to remember to ask if there are specific homages next time I am talking to them.
You gentlemen look very distinguished! I am also jealous of Cam and your bookshelves. I just love all of your content. Keep up the good work keeping us sane during the pandemic. I'm in Ontario, Canada so we are back in stay-at-home orders, so any distraction is appreciated
I'm just 10 minutes in and shouldn't really be commenting yet, but this is just too good. Loving the clothes! Oh, the spoiler gods just got rid of Esslemont. Whoops! Talking about spoilers, I agree with you. I actually think it is true for pretty much all fiction that if knowing what's going to happen ruins the experience for a reader, then the experience probably wouldn't have been that great anyway. If all we care about is what happens at the end of a character arc, for example, why bother with all the middle bits? Then again, I very rarely read mysteries or thrillers, where I suppose that kind of thing is more important.
There are a lot of elements of the history of the expansion of the Malazan Empire that Esslemont is working through. Some really interesting stories. Plus, they usually contain a metafictional element concerning the 'real' event versus the 'remembered history' which I have always loved in historical fiction and mythic stories. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great interview, A.P! I'm biased to say that, since my question got answered hahaha Thanks a lot for carrying our thoughts to my two favorite writers. Keep up the great work and analysis you've been making.
Thanks for answering my question. I've seen some loooong hypotheses and discussions about mythological influences and the answer is a resounding No. Highly amusing :D
No problem at all. But I think that a good point to consider is that just because neither author considered a specific deity/religion as a direct analogue does not mean that a reader cannot interpret the character in light of a deity or religion. So we can resonate with and see a point of connection with a specific faith or religion, and that can be our interpretation. That is a very valid response to the text. I would guess that a number of the discussions could be reframed in that way. So rather than 'did ICE and SE use X god as a model' it becomes 'we can interpret X as an articulation of Y God because...' The arguments and analysis still work in a way.
This is great stuff. You gentlemen look quite snazzy. I felt severely underdressed just watching this video. I agree with Prof. Chase that we all need to ask A.P. about Harry Potter. Possibly a future video A.P.? 🤓
I'd argue for a fundraiser to improve Alaska's internet, or at least fly Cam over - but some of those frozen shots were gold. 😂 Great fun listening to you guys, the banter is great and any look into the Malazan kitchen is just fantastic. Now I'm just praying that Bridgeburners in Mott Woods movie becomes a thing.. Also the RPG.. Also, we need to find that big Red Button.. I hear it has 'push' written on it. 🤔
This was so fun to watch :) Thanks AP, ICE and SE! Can't stop thinking that Esslemont just needs a cane *tap tap* :P #WuIsKellanved #KellanvedIsShadowthrone #WuIsShadowthrone #AmmeanasOrAmmanas? #CantComeUpWithOtherHashtags
I now declare AP the winner of the Great Formal Wear War of the Second Year of the Social Distancing Plague, 21st Year of Queen Beyonce's Reign. Sorry Philip.
I consider all things outside of actual material and title to be spoilers, so that includes character names and synopses of books for me. If I've already read what's being spoiled, I don't mind different perspectives, though.
@@ACriticalDragon Yes. xD So I often end up judging books by their covers and titles, which we all know is a good strategy. My reason for being so particular about spoilers is that they change slightly how I think about what I'm reading, even if those spoilers aren't a big deal.
I would like to watch the video but am only at the beginning of The Crippled God. Can anybody give me a heads up what books are being spoiled? So that I know when I can come back and watch it. If it‘s their whole work: oh well that will take some time. Or maybe there are even spoilers for the work of other authors?
@@ACriticalDragon Thanks so much for the quick reply! I only saw the spoiler warning in the thumbnail. I look forward to watching the video very soon then!
The expectation of fans was interesting to think back. I read what was in the library when I was younger. I read mallorean before belgariad because I knew no better at the time. Just because all the mallorean books were on the shelves. We didn't have the information on the Internet to tell us reading order or interconnected series. I remember game of thrones getting huge ten years or so ago and thinking OK I'm gonna read this and then realising I had read at least the first two books. But by that time I hadn't been in a library for years.
I was just thinking about this, an, to be honest, no matter if you read Malloreon or Belgariad first, it doesn't really matter as they are the same story.
I swear to God, one time a friend got pissed at me because I was talking about how Christ died at the end of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ". At first I thought she was joking but nope... She was pissed because I had spoiled it for her.
What is common knowledge to one is not necessarily common knowledge to all... but... there comes a point... when the issue is not you spoiling stuff but the other person not knowing enough... that point varies depending on context.
@@ACriticalDragon worst part of the story? She is Catholic! I told her "who do you think is nailed to that cross in church!"l. In her defense, she said that she didn't want to know what was in the movie until she watched it herself.
A Toblakai giving Dancer a hug, telling him "hold me closer, tiny Dancer?" :))) I would say that Urko came pretty close though. This video made my day! I am working with a big smile on my face, despite the fact that I just got a burst of workload to have me drowning for the rest of the week. Just when I thought the crisis had ended :)))
Think you're the only person, at least that I'm aware of, that doesn't look like he just shit his pants, when those 2 other cameras are turned on! :D On a serious note - another amazing video!
@@ACriticalDragon I might be a minority, but it looks to me that the level of respect their presence demands is too much for all of the interviewers I've watched so far (No disrespect to anyone, I'd swallow my tongue worse than all :D ). You on the other hand are like the little brother they like to tease, which creates an entirely different dynamic within the conversation and it's tone. It sounds cliché, I know, but I/we're all truelly greatful for the sudden burst of content that's on another level!
Oh, god, the divine slap of reason! :))) You are making it hard for me to work today :))) I am going to steal that one. My husband will enjoy it so, going forward :))) And he will have you three knights to thank for.
The Divine Slap of Reason was hilarious. I remember when Erikson first told me about it and I just had to laugh. I think more games could use that as a concept.
Depends on the spoiler. Reading GotM and knowing about Kellanved or that Tayschrenn is actually helping would SUCK. It was so cool to go back and think about the unreliable narrative in gotm when you read Moi. Edit: About movie trailers. I nearly stopped watching movies, at least mainstream ones, because most feel the same and are soooo predictable that I wouldn't care about spoilers anyway ^^
Hi Monarch of the Sink Unblocker, Spoilers are a tough one and they are really an individual issue. So it is personal preference in a world in which the availability of information is widespread. This is especially tough when you have books that are 10 or 20 years old, linked to other books and series... it is almost impossible to talk about the broader implications when you cannot have a sense of what order people have read the books. Thanks for watching, I hope that you enjoyed it.
@@ACriticalDragon That name is pretty great, I am going to write that down ! I had a couple of things spoiled in malazan, but even things like an individual characters death don't annoy me a lot tbh. But being robbed of reading a whole book in a way that an unreliable narrative provides is something I would get angry about. I am close to finishing toll the hounds and stonewielder (I read Ians and Eriksons books more or less together) and I still think back on the slow realization that the first book's events were totally different from what I thought ! I haven't finished watching yet (online lectures interrupted it), but I will soon. I have watched some interviews and discussions in the past, but getting Ian or Ian AND Erikson on at the same time alone makes these videos stand out ! I never saw a discussion with Ian about his books before until your video 2 months ago and then again with night of knives and now this. Very cool stuff !
Spoilers are a really difficult issue. Everyone has a different opinion of what is and is not a big or little spoiler, or even a spoiler at all, and some people don't mind them, others are really upset at them. Ultimately it is impossible to cater to everyone because it involves a personal approach. If you then add in the difficulty that there are 20 odd books published over a 20 year publishing history, and every reader is at a different stage... I do my best, but ultimately I have to trust that if people don't want to be 'spoiled' they can decide for themselves whether or not to watch t a video.
That wouldn't be fun for anyone. But I will think if I can reframe it into something slightly more positive or worthwhile. There is little merit in posting something that is just a negative video. It adds nothing to the conversation.
This was a joy to watch! Thanks to all three of you. A.P. - when we’re recording our Midnight Tides discussion, I’ll be sure to ask you about Harry Potter! 😁
It will be a long video...
@@ACriticalDragon
😐🙂☺️😁🎉🙏
I haven't even watched this yet, but I have to love how Steven's camera is set lower so that he looks like he's gazing down at us from 'on high'. 😂
I hope that you enjoyed it.
@@ACriticalDragon I'm enjoying the last sunny day before four days of rain. And going to watch the 'new' Justice League. So my stamp of approval is poised and waiting. 🤣.
But, I have no doubt enjoyment awaits.
And I read your reply in your accent, so maybe waiting until tomorrow might be a good idea. 😉
@@ACriticalDragon Yup that was a fun conversation to eavesdrop on, Cam really needs get himself a few spare hamsters to run his internet, looks like the one he was using is ready to retire. Heh heh.
Steve mentioned that he was writing GotM at the same time as Cam was writing RotCG, and unless my memory is faulty, the entire 10 book series was out before any of Cam's books. I was wondering why one of two co-creators of the world would have such a head start, so to speak, was Cam holding back to see if GotM had an audience or was he just writing part time. do you know?
Watched this whole conversation while stuck in a traffic jam, first time I've seen these two authors together and I find them very witty with a dry sense of humour. Good stuff I hope your channel grows fast.
Thank you very much. I hope that this made the traffic jam at least a little more bearable.
"Do you honestly think I have the ability to edit properly?" - A.P. Canavan, professional editor.
Thank you for yet another brilliant video, A.P.
Yup 😂🤣😂
Video editing requires software and computer skills... Editing a book just requires a pencil.
I am a low tech kind of person.
The outfits in this video are giving me life!
Regarding spoilers: I knew most of the events of Malazan beforehand and I feel like it did not influence my reading experience negatively at all, on the contrary, actually.
Hi Counsellor,
The obsession over Spoilers baffles me, but some people really care about them. I try to be mindful and considerate, but it really is a foreign way of thinking about stories for me.
As a new Malazan reader, I have no aversion to spoilers whatsoever. I'm actually soaking them up like a sponge.
I'm only a couple hundred pages into GotM, so it's possible (likely?) that I'll forget some of the later ones anyway by the time I reach those points in the story; or they'll become subliminal.
I'm approaching this as a pre-re-read.
@@marsrock316 A pre-re-read.... that is the best way to describe reading with lots of spoilers... Thank you for this. I am absolutely stealing it. Brilliant description.
Great and enjoyable video, AP, but it looks like you brought a suit to a tux fight.
Always let the guests shine brighter than the host.
The costumes are making this ten times better xD
We do clean up well. 😂😂😂
Not Rob here. Appreciate the shout out for you asking a very thought provoking question. Not so much on the 'Huh' response. 😢😆
But looking for more Statler and Waldorf interviews.
I tried.
@@ACriticalDragon well it was two against one.... But the sphere of annihilation scene was likely from Tomb of Horrors. I know a couple GMs whose players did the same thing and just closed the book and said Now what do you want to do? Kind of like putting your hand in the green sparkly as a method of first contact.
That attire was on point, gentlemen! Loved this discussion, thanks to the three of you.
You are very welcome, Jay.
Occasionally even the scruffiest of us can make an effort. It was a lot of fun to record that.
Two things I loved about this interview:
1) Seeing Erikson let his hair down more then in other interviews I've seen. Great to see the grins and laughs
2) The commentary on authors finishing works, particularly Erikson's comments. Probably summed up the issue of reader entitlement and the pressures authors can place on themselves better than any one I have seen.
Thanks for a great video.
(just starting Orb, Sceptre, Throne)
Glad that you enjoyed it, Matt.
This had just made the sunshine of this day even brighter, thanks.
Glad to hear that. A bit of sunshine and fun now and again is a soothing balm.
Thank you all for this wonderful video, Steve, Cam, and A. P. It's truly a gift to all of us readers!. To many more!
I am very glad that you enjoyed it.
Oh my gosh! Adorable! We just started watching, so I'll come back to edit along the way. You are all adorable :)
I'm with A.P. with respect to spoilers - I don't mind them at all.
Getting Mr. Lundin to talk like Kruppe would be something extraordinary, I would love to see that :)
Hi Rox, I hope that you enjoyed this.
@@ACriticalDragon we're still watching, it's a fun, lovely conversation, thank you so much for doing this :)
You are very welcome. Erikson and Esslemont were very kind to do this.
@@ACriticalDragon They are very kind, and we are lucky to have you all :)
I know I shouldn't ask about Harry Potter but.... have you not changed your mind? (about making a HP themed video) :)
Thanks for sharing this wonderful conversation! I hope you're staying safe with everything going on this past week
Thanks for watching and the good wishes. I am safe and sound.
I've been eagerly waiting for this video and it was well worth it. Thanks for doing this, gents. I can't believe both of my questions got answered. 😂 Here's hoping for more.
I am glad that you enjoyed it.
My eyes lit up at the hypothetical mention of a Malazan tabletop RPG. If such a thing were ever to actually exist, but I'd buy all the material in a heartbeat!
Hells to the Yes!
Especially if these gentlemen are seriously involved 🙏
RPG or more books? How much time do you want them to take away from writing to do RPG stuff?
@@ACriticalDragon
🤔
If the RPG offers insight about the magic, warrens, ascendancy, history, all that jazz .. I would love Kaminsod's stamp of approval.
Don't think they would be really interested in creating it themselves, but an occasional read through and discussion with the game designers might be doable. Without taking too much time, I'd hope. 😅
Would it weigh up to an extra novel or two..? If done well, yes.
Problem is.. I haven't been impressed by the path game design has taken over the last decade or so - whereas the extra novels would be probable favourites.
@@robpaul7544 I am always going to favour more books... But a nice coffee table bestiary and world of Wu book would be nice.
That's a good point, though it'd depend on how involved Erikson and Esslemont got with the RPG. I suspect they'd want to handle more than the average author, due to the gamed origins and vast complexity of the Malazan world, but they should ideally be able to get some help with the heavy lifting. If their portion of the work were to take, say, six months to a year away from their writing... I'd probably take that exchange, from a fan's perspective! More than a year, though, and I'd be more hesitant.
Oh, wow, look at the attire! I can't wait to listen to this one!
Not quite as indepth as your interviews. But it was a lot of fun though.
@@ACriticalDragon Hey, I'm not even sure that "fun" applies to mine! People accuse me of being like a lawyer, grilling the poor witness on the stand during my interviews :))))
And it's Steve's fault anyway. In 2018, I think, we had a friendly exchange of comments on an article he had shared on his page. I let him know I intended to come see him in Croatia. He said that maybe we can have a glass of some drink I could never actually identify. Being the dreamy eyed girl that I am, I imagined sitting at the table with him, having the chance to ask him all the things I wanted to ask. And then it hit me with horror: forget about dinner! I could have an entire day and night and it might not be enough . And how could I possibly remember all the things I wanted to ask?
He has been gracious enough to make my dream come true (even if sometimes I wonder if he doesn't regret it :)) ) So Master Sargent Braven Tooth now gets to torture poor Steve every now and then. I can only dream that maybe Cam will allow me to do the same someday.
I doubt I will get to watch this until Monday, but by now I have made it a habit to start my week with your voice in the background. Feedback may be forthcoming then. And I know, I will try to keep it shorter (despite being notorious for my inability to do so)
Love this interview guys,all looking splendid, Gotta say that I try to avoid watching things that I've enjoyed reading as they invariably fall short and disappoint but would sit and watch one of the Malazan Trilogies Kharkanas, Path to Ascendency or Bauchelain & Korbal broach short stories.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Enjoyed this greatly, informative and fun! I found the part about creative writing and stuff very interesting, as I've started to feel the bug to set out into a literary journey increasingly as the years pass. It reaffirmed some ideas one's had about it all, and provided some insight on their learning process also.
I am very glad that you enjoyed it.
I am waiting eagerly for the 2-hour long Harry Potter-rant video :)
That one may never make the light of day. We shall see.
This is like watching 3 Bond villains discuss literature.
"Do you expect me to talk?"
"No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to read."
LOL
I'm sorry, this is too good not to comment as I go along! I just saw Steve show us his notes for Walk in Shadow. I couldn't glimpse much, but it seemed well organized. My hand notes are terrible! For example, i was listening to your Deahouse Gates video, I can't remember if the spoiler one, or the prologue, or the one with Phillip Chase. As always, doing that while working, so lots of things on my mind at the same time. I am preparing my next interview with Steve and I come by a note that I made while listening to you: "The Romans needed the loot - India - movie Water - more to progress than railroads". Now try and make sense of that :))))
Romans needed the loot could refer to justifications for the culling.
More to progress than the railroads could refer to the benefits of imperial colonisation in contrast to the detrimental effects. So the Wickan rationale for joining because it stopped interclan warfare.
I am guessing that the film Water and the reference to India has to do with the impact of colonialisation by the British Empire as an analogue for 7 Cities.
@@ACriticalDragon You nailed it, that's pretty much it. The movie is probably a reference to suttee, the hindu practice of the burning of the wife on the husband's pire, with regards to cultural benefits of colonization, in opposition to the material aspect, both in giving and in taking from the occupied nation. But what was my question for Steve in all this? How do I spin all that into a question for the interview? :)) I probably meant to ask something along the lines of "is colonization exclusively evil", both in the context of our world and the Malazans expanding their empire. Yes, I think I will go with that. See? Talking to you helped. Now I have about 3 more pages of similar stuff to disentangle (I already cleared 5 pages or so).
You know your question hit home when both authors just sit in silence for a minute. Loved this discussion.
Glad that you enjoyed it, Daniel. It was a lot of fun to record this.
Hillarious and enlighting discussion! The broken glass fixed upon walls reminded me of my own time in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which combined with a Mediterranean geographical setting (Lankhmar prehaps?) was my mental image of Malaz City. BTW: Have you, Cam or Erikson any opinon on Fritz Leiber’s «Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser», Poul Anderson’s «The Broken Sword» and Clark Ashton Smith’s «Zothique» in regards to Malazan? If you are in need of more Dancer-songjokes AP, I would go with Sister Sledge’s «He’s the Greatest Dancer» or Tina Turner’s «Private Dancer».
I am glad that you enjoyed it. Both Erikson and Esslemont have read a lot of Sword and Sorcery, so those stories definitely had an influence. I will try to remember to ask if there are specific homages next time I am talking to them.
You gentlemen look very distinguished! I am also jealous of Cam and your bookshelves. I just love all of your content. Keep up the good work keeping us sane during the pandemic. I'm in Ontario, Canada so we are back in stay-at-home orders, so any distraction is appreciated
Thank you very much, Jessica. I am glad that we were able to add a bit of entertainment to your day. Stay safe and well.
I'm just 10 minutes in and shouldn't really be commenting yet, but this is just too good. Loving the clothes! Oh, the spoiler gods just got rid of Esslemont. Whoops!
Talking about spoilers, I agree with you. I actually think it is true for pretty much all fiction that if knowing what's going to happen ruins the experience for a reader, then the experience probably wouldn't have been that great anyway. If all we care about is what happens at the end of a character arc, for example, why bother with all the middle bits? Then again, I very rarely read mysteries or thrillers, where I suppose that kind of thing is more important.
I hope that you enjoyed the whole video. It was a lot of fun and Erikson and Esslemont were such good sports about dressing up.
I just clicked what event we will be witnessing with Cams' book, hot damn that's something I've actually always wanted to know! Looking forward
There are a lot of elements of the history of the expansion of the Malazan Empire that Esslemont is working through. Some really interesting stories. Plus, they usually contain a metafictional element concerning the 'real' event versus the 'remembered history' which I have always loved in historical fiction and mythic stories. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great interview, A.P! I'm biased to say that, since my question got answered hahaha
Thanks a lot for carrying our thoughts to my two favorite writers. Keep up the great work and analysis you've been making.
I am very happy that I got your question to them before my phone died.
@@ACriticalDragon well, you just can't bring two Ascendants together and not expect Hood to show up hahaha
Thanks for answering my question. I've seen some loooong hypotheses and discussions about mythological influences and the answer is a resounding No. Highly amusing :D
No problem at all. But I think that a good point to consider is that just because neither author considered a specific deity/religion as a direct analogue does not mean that a reader cannot interpret the character in light of a deity or religion.
So we can resonate with and see a point of connection with a specific faith or religion, and that can be our interpretation. That is a very valid response to the text.
I would guess that a number of the discussions could be reframed in that way. So rather than 'did ICE and SE use X god as a model' it becomes 'we can interpret X as an articulation of Y God because...'
The arguments and analysis still work in a way.
This is great stuff. You gentlemen look quite snazzy. I felt severely underdressed just watching this video. I agree with Prof. Chase that we all need to ask A.P. about Harry Potter. Possibly a future video A.P.? 🤓
I am glad that you enjoyed the video. No Harry Potter video planned anytime soon though.
@@ACriticalDragon 😆
Attire A+. Discussion A++
I'd argue for a fundraiser to improve Alaska's internet, or at least fly Cam over - but some of those frozen shots were gold. 😂
Great fun listening to you guys, the banter is great and any look into the Malazan kitchen is just fantastic.
Now I'm just praying that Bridgeburners in Mott Woods movie becomes a thing..
Also the RPG..
Also, we need to find that big Red Button.. I hear it has 'push' written on it. 🤔
The Internet connection is not usually that bad, we just were unlucky. It got much better shortly after we finished. 😢
@@ACriticalDragon
No worries, we're all intimately familiar with wonky internet connections given the past year 😅
This was so fun to watch :)
Thanks AP, ICE and SE!
Can't stop thinking that Esslemont just needs a cane *tap tap* :P
#WuIsKellanved #KellanvedIsShadowthrone #WuIsShadowthrone #AmmeanasOrAmmanas? #CantComeUpWithOtherHashtags
Hi Niflrog, I am glad that you enjoyed it. They are so much fun to talk to.
Beware: Spoilers for Titanic in this interview!
In other news, Star Wars is set in a Galaxy far far away.
@@ACriticalDragon 😂
thanks guys, this was great!
and a.p., what's that about harry potter??
Everything....
@@ACriticalDragon I would love to hear the Harry Potter rant, but I also don't want you Ranneled on yhe interwebs. 😁
I now declare AP the winner of the Great Formal Wear War of the Second Year of the Social Distancing Plague, 21st Year of Queen Beyonce's Reign. Sorry Philip.
I can’t compete with the awesome level of dapperness displayed in this discussion.
We thought it was worth the laugh. Everyone needs something to cheer themselves up during lockdown.
@@ACriticalDragon You also gave me the Titanic story I've been waiting for. I've been curious about that for awhile now. 👍
There is actually more to that story, but it doesn't pertain to spoilers.
@@ACriticalDragon Way to keep me on the hook. 😁
Damn Steve, you look dapper af!
Both of them were great sports about dressing up.
diggin the duds. 👍
thanks for the chat!
You are very welcome. Despite the issues with the Internet, it was a lot of fun.
Is there an A.P. Harry Potter rant on TH-cam..?
Nope. And it is very unlikely to appear. But I will always grumble about it.
@@ACriticalDragon My kids beg to differ. (Me, on the other end… 😉)
A philosophical question: If Cam adapted titanic, would the cover have a boat on it?
ICE ICE BABY... MALAZAN ICE ICE BABY.
God, I can't stop laughing. Yall are great.
I am glad that you enjoyed it.
Thanks for this!
You are very welcome.
I usually do something else while listening to these but it's tough not to admire the classy outfits.
They do look good. I will have to get my dinner jacket out for future interviews.
Esslemont's got my vote for the next James Bond
3 dapper dudes
Sartorial elegance or satirical eloquence :)
Ian’s voice reminds me of an actor and I can’t quite put my finger on it, it’s driving me up a wall…I almost want to say it’s John Cena but not quite
Excellent!
I consider all things outside of actual material and title to be spoilers, so that includes character names and synopses of books for me. If I've already read what's being spoiled, I don't mind different perspectives, though.
That must make keeping spoiler free incredibly challenging.
@@ACriticalDragon Yes. xD So I often end up judging books by their covers and titles, which we all know is a good strategy. My reason for being so particular about spoilers is that they change slightly how I think about what I'm reading, even if those spoilers aren't a big deal.
This is amazing xD
I am glad that you enjoyed it.
5 sec in and it's beatiful^^
I don't think that I will ever be offered a job as a professional interviewer... 🤣 🤣 🤣
I would like to watch the video but am only at the beginning of The Crippled God. Can anybody give me a heads up what books are being spoiled? So that I know when I can come back and watch it. If it‘s their whole work: oh well that will take some time. Or maybe there are even spoilers for the work of other authors?
I think that I spoil Titanic, but it was mainly a relaxed chat. I don't think that we discussed anything that would spoil The Crppled God.
@@ACriticalDragon Thanks so much for the quick reply! I only saw the spoiler warning in the thumbnail. I look forward to watching the video very soon then!
The expectation of fans was interesting to think back. I read what was in the library when I was younger. I read mallorean before belgariad because I knew no better at the time. Just because all the mallorean books were on the shelves. We didn't have the information on the Internet to tell us reading order or interconnected series. I remember game of thrones getting huge ten years or so ago and thinking OK I'm gonna read this and then realising I had read at least the first two books. But by that time I hadn't been in a library for years.
Hi Gareth, I am glad that you enjoyed the chat. It was fun to record.
I was just thinking about this, an, to be honest, no matter if you read Malloreon or Belgariad first, it doesn't really matter as they are the same story.
Damn looking snazzy
And they didn't look half bad either.
26:42 is the most emotive i've ever seen steve get!
That is that famous Canadian reserve.
Oh, this is going to be fun. l'll just have to put on some make-up, so i can watch this video in style.
I hope that you enjoyed it.
@@ACriticalDragon absolutely!
Can’t believe you spoiled Titanic like that... Please put a big spoiler warning in the beginning next time.
The film Dune has sand in it.
@@ACriticalDragon 🤣
@@ACriticalDragon STOP!!! Next you will tell me there are wars taking place among the stars in Star Wars!!😡
@@uhm3487 Jaws has a shark in it... With big jaws.
In the Avengers something bad happens that has to be avenged.
OMG, I'm laughing so much
I am very glad that we brought a bit of laughter into your day.
how unprofessional, they are still wearing their morning tux... come on guys, serious talks needs the serious tux!
more seriously and even more off topic, has cam looked into starlink? seems like something he and his family might find useful :D
I know, the morning tux is so 2019. For shame.
Divine slap of reason
😂
How much do we wish this were part of our political atmosphere?
Hi John, if only.. If only.
I swear to God, one time a friend got pissed at me because I was talking about how Christ died at the end of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ". At first I thought she was joking but nope... She was pissed because I had spoiled it for her.
What is common knowledge to one is not necessarily common knowledge to all... but... there comes a point... when the issue is not you spoiling stuff but the other person not knowing enough... that point varies depending on context.
@@ACriticalDragon worst part of the story? She is Catholic! I told her "who do you think is nailed to that cross in church!"l. In her defense, she said that she didn't want to know what was in the movie until she watched it herself.
And I liked the Toblakai tiny dancer joke.
So did I... they just don't appreciate my comedic genius... I was crushed... crushed...
A Toblakai giving Dancer a hug, telling him "hold me closer, tiny Dancer?" :))) I would say that Urko came pretty close though.
This video made my day! I am working with a big smile on my face, despite the fact that I just got a burst of workload to have me drowning for the rest of the week. Just when I thought the crisis had ended :)))
Think you're the only person, at least that I'm aware of, that doesn't look like he just shit his pants, when those 2 other cameras are turned on! :D
On a serious note - another amazing video!
I am very glad that you enjoyed it.
They are so much fun to talk to and I can't imagine why anyone would be uncomfortable chatting to them.
@@ACriticalDragon I might be a minority, but it looks to me that the level of respect their presence demands is too much for all of the interviewers I've watched so far (No disrespect to anyone, I'd swallow my tongue worse than all :D ).
You on the other hand are like the little brother they like to tease, which creates an entirely different dynamic within the conversation and it's tone.
It sounds cliché, I know, but I/we're all truelly greatful for the sudden burst of content that's on another level!
I am a pretty terrible interviewer. But I do have fun chatting about books and writing. So maybe it balances out.
Oh, god, the divine slap of reason! :))) You are making it hard for me to work today :))) I am going to steal that one. My husband will enjoy it so, going forward :))) And he will have you three knights to thank for.
The Divine Slap of Reason was hilarious. I remember when Erikson first told me about it and I just had to laugh. I think more games could use that as a concept.
Sign me up now for a novel about the Bridge Burners in Blackdog Forrest/Mott Wood!!
Classy as fuck
is this spoiler free
I think that it is minor spoilers Gardens of the Moon.
And major spoilers Titanic.
@@ACriticalDragon okay I've gotten far enough in the video that your reply is hilarious
Let me know what level of spoilers there are and I will update the description.
@@ACriticalDragon Thirty minutes left and it's basically no spoilers but I'll lyk if that changes in the last half hour
@@ACriticalDragon RIP Jodorowsky's Dune
Does this mean Erikson has turned around on his decision to no longer interact with people on youtube?
I believe that he is still doing requested interviews.
Depends on the spoiler. Reading GotM and knowing about Kellanved or that Tayschrenn is actually helping would SUCK. It was so cool to go back and think about the unreliable narrative in gotm when you read Moi. Edit: About movie trailers. I nearly stopped watching movies, at least mainstream ones, because most feel the same and are soooo predictable that I wouldn't care about spoilers anyway ^^
Hi Monarch of the Sink Unblocker, Spoilers are a tough one and they are really an individual issue. So it is personal preference in a world in which the availability of information is widespread.
This is especially tough when you have books that are 10 or 20 years old, linked to other books and series... it is almost impossible to talk about the broader implications when you cannot have a sense of what order people have read the books.
Thanks for watching, I hope that you enjoyed it.
@@ACriticalDragon That name is pretty great, I am going to write that down ! I had a couple of things spoiled in malazan, but even things like an individual characters death don't annoy me a lot tbh. But being robbed of reading a whole book in a way that an unreliable narrative provides is something I would get angry about. I am close to finishing toll the hounds and stonewielder (I read Ians and Eriksons books more or less together) and I still think back on the slow realization that the first book's events were totally different from what I thought ! I haven't finished watching yet (online lectures interrupted it), but I will soon. I have watched some interviews and discussions in the past, but getting Ian or Ian AND Erikson on at the same time alone makes these videos stand out ! I never saw a discussion with Ian about his books before until your video 2 months ago and then again with night of knives and now this. Very cool stuff !
@@kingplunger1 I am very pleased that you have enjoyed them. Don't skip the lectures though. The videos aren't going anywhere.
the fact that you are all in black tie attire makes me very happy haha
for spoilers: sometimes spoilers make me WANT to read a book/series lol
Spoilers are a really difficult issue. Everyone has a different opinion of what is and is not a big or little spoiler, or even a spoiler at all, and some people don't mind them, others are really upset at them. Ultimately it is impossible to cater to everyone because it involves a personal approach. If you then add in the difficulty that there are 20 odd books published over a 20 year publishing history, and every reader is at a different stage... I do my best, but ultimately I have to trust that if people don't want to be 'spoiled' they can decide for themselves whether or not to watch t a video.
Ahahaha amazing!
I hope you enjoyed the video.
Hope you turn your 45 minute harry potter rant into a video essay.
That wouldn't be fun for anyone. But I will think if I can reframe it into something slightly more positive or worthwhile. There is little merit in posting something that is just a negative video. It adds nothing to the conversation.
They say Malazan and I say Malazan.
Exactly.