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Realms of Adventure: An Interview with Ed Greenwood

Friday, April 22, 2011

As we get closer to PaizoCon we'll be showcasing some interviews with the various guests we'll have at the show. We kick off this series with an interview with Ed Greenwood, one of the most influential people in the RPG industry.

We're incredibly honored to have Ed as our Guest of Honor at PaizoCon 2011. I've been reading Ed's work since I was in Jr. High and reading about, and playing in, the Realms since the grey box debuted in 1987 for 1st Edition. I can't wait to hang out with Ed at PaizoCon this year and a lucky few PaizoCon guests will get the chance to play in a game run by the "Sage of Shadowdale" himself, so keep an eye out for the PaizoCon lottery coming soon.

And without further ado, here's the interview with Ed!

1. Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you started in the industry?

I'm Canadian, was born and raised in what is now Toronto. I have a degree in journalism but have always worked in public libraries, from age 14 onwards (still working in a public library, and I'm 51 now). I have always written fantasy, sf, and other fiction, and started creating the Realms when I was 6 years old (8 years before D&D was created, and 9 years before the wider world saw it). I started reading The Dragon (as it was then called) around issue #8, started writing for it in 1979 (an article on the Divine Right game was my first submission, but wasn't published until issue #34, after two of my D&D monster creations had seen print: the Curst in #30, and the Crawling Claw in #32). I happily buried the editors under submission after submission, and as a result they soon named me a Contributing Editor; some years later, when TSR was looking for a new campaign "world" for the game, they contacted me and purchased the Realms. I have never been on staff at any game company, but have written literally hundreds of novels and short stories, adventures, articles, sourcebooks, and other game products over the years, for all sorts of game systems. I still love creating stuff, and try to do something every day.

2. When did you discover your creative talents?

I've written poetry and lyrics for as long as I can remember (making up new words to songs I heard sung around me when I was a toddler, apparently). As a kid of 3 years old and for the next 6 years—apparently I was one of those "child prodigies"—I apparently often pestered my father by excitedly bringing him various books I'd read in his den and demanding to know "what happened next." He often gravely told me that the author was long dead, and if I wanted sequels I'd have to write them myself.

So I did. They were mostly dreadful, but I kept at it, and have written or co-written around 140 books, thus far. I'm not sure how talented I am, but I am persistent.

3. What inspires you?

Everything. Everything at all. "Life" would be the flippant answer. Pretty sunsets and animals, flirtatious repartee, real-life pratfalls and moments of cleverness, improbable coincidences, rumors, smiles from strangers... you name it.

4. How would you describe your style?

Chameleon 101. Though I like humor and have a weakness for smart-mouthed first person narrators, I try to tailor my style to the project at hand. I've written torrid romances and instruction manuals, pastiches of many different writers, and adopted all sorts of styles. In my game writing, I do try to build nuance, color, and "tone" into my writing that constantly hints at things I don't have sufficient word count to come right out and say. (Which no doubt drives some editors nuts.) So I don't have a distinctive style (though I do have a fairly consistent "voice" for most of my Realms fiction; contrast it with my "Guns of Alkenstar" Pathfinder Tales story).

5. Do you have a favorite story or character?

No. I have literally dozens of favorite stories and characters, which I'm afraid means I don't have lone, specific "favorites" of either. Really.

6. Who are your favorite writers and influences?

Hooboy! Here we go, knowing I'll inevitably miss some...

Living: Guy Gavriel Kay, Terry Pratchett, Spider Robinson, Patricia McKillip, Robin McKinley, Jack Vance, Julian May, Ursula LeGuin, Dana Stabenow, J. V. Jones

Dead: Lord Dunsany, Rudyard Kipling, P. G. Wodehouse, Roger Zelazny, Fritz Leiber, Leslie Charteris, E. E. "Doc" Smith, John Dickson Carr, Ellis Peters, Clark Ashton Smith, J. R. R. Tolkien, H. P. Lovecraft

7. How do you juggle freelance work and life?

They're two separate things?

Seriously, writing/designing is my life. It's why I breathe. I value friendship and camaraderie, books, and creating (both alone and with friends). I live to do these things and enjoy these things, and share them with those I love. (Which is, I suppose, a grand way of saying I dream and make up lies for a living.)

8. Describe yourself in 5 words.

Whimsical, jovial, kind, widely-interested.

9. What's the best thing to happen to you recently?

I've been able to help (in small ways) launch or better the careers of some friends who are going to be great writers. We'll all get to read the results, in years to come. No, I'm not going to name names. My reward will be the reading, the hugs, and laughter together.

10. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Nothing strikingly original.

These, above all: Read, read, read (widely, not just in your chosen field) and write, write, write (you can and will improve your craft, the more you keep at it).

Take all writing advice with a grain of salt, because everyone's slightly different, and what worked for me or for Stephen King might not work for you. However, pay attention to editors and guidelines and formats and the nitty-gritty of daily work, because those who don't are often not heard from again.

And keep at it. Most "overnight successes" have been years in the making. Don't tell me or anyone about the book you're going to write—instead, save your time and breath and sit down and write it. I'm a greedy reader; I want the fruits of your labors, not the signal of your intent to one day undertake them.

Oh, and one more thing: Don't tell me you don't have time to write your great novel or design your new game. I have been writing professionally for 45 years (yes, I got paid for some of the stuff I did when I was six), and during that time went through school and university, held down a full-time job for more than twenty years (including a dozen years of commuting 120 miles to work and 120 miles home, six days a week), have worked part time for more than a decade when I wasn't full time... and "on the side" have managed to write or co-write (and co-writing takes longer) about 140 books (not to mention contributing to dozens more, and turning out hundreds of articles and columns and newspaper stories, poems and a play and script or three). So the "I don't have time" argument cuts little ice with me. I don't expect you to produce 140 books—just impress me with one. To begin with. ;}

Hyrum Savage
Marketing and Organized Play Manager

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Dark Archive

You didn't ask him the most important question: when's he gonna write a mod for Pathfinder ^_^
Contributor

Great advice here, and a huge thanks to Ed for his insight and inspiring words!

Very cool to see him mention J.V. Jones among his favorite authors. Her Sword of Shadows series is really fantastic.
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Nice interview. I'm glad to see him call out Julian May as one of his favorites.
Grand Lodge
Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
joela wrote:
You didn't ask him the most important question: when's he gonna write a mod for Pathfinder ^_^

When WOTC stops giving him work perhaps? I imagine there might be some noncompetitive clauses in his contract.

Excellent interview. I'm looking forward to hearing from him in person at PaizoCon!
Liberty's Edge

I am REALLY looking forward to meeting Ed in person at PaizoCon!!!

Great interview, by the way :)

If first met Ed when I was 15 years old at my first GenCon and he talked about his problem with people who said "I don't have time to write" and then talked about his daily schedule. Its what inspired me to get writing.

Steve Russell
Today's Blog wrote:

1. Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you started in the industry?

I'm Canadian

This is where I stopped reading. :-)

Silver Crusade

A great interview! I still have fond memories of purchasing the old FR Grey Box! Ed Greenwood is one of those authors I always look back on as influential in my early gaming.

I'm pleased to see another Leslie Charteris fan, although I suppose that if sirrah Greenwood has worked in libraries for that long he must have been there at a time when Charteris was quite popular (and a living author) still... :)

Thanks for the interview, Ed and Hyrum. Ed is such an inspiring guy, I love listening to his advice and reflections.
Liberty's Edge

If Garry and Dave were the ones who built the stage, Ed is the craftsman who built the sets where all your favorit plays are based in or inspired from.
Contributor

Great interview with a lovely guy.

I remember Ed taking an interest in the Styes many years ago and writing to me, it was awesome to think that someone like him would take the time to write and be encouraging to someone who'd only had a couple of adventures out there.

'I still love creating stuff, and try to do something every day.'

...scuttles away, inspired to do more.

More Ed please!
Contributor
LazarX wrote:
When WOTC stops giving him work perhaps? I imagine there might be some noncompetitive clauses in his contract.

It hasn't been a problem in the past. Aside from his "Guns of Alkenstar" series, Ed created and introduced monsters for every volume of Kingmaker and took a first stab at the outline for that campaign, kick starting that whole process. But, I believe by his own admission as well, Ed is more a story guy than a hardcore rules guy, and I'd much prefer match up people with their strengths and what they're excited about writing than shoehorning them into weird assignments.

That said, if Ed ever rang us and said he'd be interested in writing adventures, we'd be excited to listen.
Dark Archive
F. Wesley Schneider wrote:
LazarX wrote:
When WOTC stops giving him work perhaps? I imagine there might be some noncompetitive clauses in his contract.

It hasn't been a problem in the past. Aside from his "Guns of Alkenstar" series, Ed created and introduced monsters for every volume of Kingmaker and took a first stab at the outline for that campaign, kick starting that whole process. But, I believe by his own admission as well, Ed is more a story guy than a hardcore rules guy, and I'd much prefer match up people with their strengths and what they're excited about writing than shoehorning them into weird assignments.

That said, if Ed ever rang us and said he'd be interested in writing adventures, we'd be excited to listen.

+1!

Liberty's Edge
F. Wesley Schneider wrote:
LazarX wrote:
When WOTC stops giving him work perhaps? I imagine there might be some noncompetitive clauses in his contract.

It hasn't been a problem in the past. Aside from his "Guns of Alkenstar" series, Ed created and introduced monsters for every volume of Kingmaker and took a first stab at the outline for that campaign, kick starting that whole process. But, I believe by his own admission as well, Ed is more a story guy than a hardcore rules guy, and I'd much prefer match up people with their strengths and what they're excited about writing than shoehorning them into weird assignments.

That said, if Ed ever rang us and said he'd be interested in writing adventures, we'd be excited to listen.

What about Ed for a Pathfinder Tales novel?????

Yet the most important question of all remains unasked about Greenwood.

WILL HE EVER TRIM HIS BEARD?
Liberty's Edge
Marc Radle wrote:
F. Wesley Schneider wrote:
LazarX wrote:
When WOTC stops giving him work perhaps? I imagine there might be some noncompetitive clauses in his contract.

It hasn't been a problem in the past. Aside from his "Guns of Alkenstar" series, Ed created and introduced monsters for every volume of Kingmaker and took a first stab at the outline for that campaign, kick starting that whole process. But, I believe by his own admission as well, Ed is more a story guy than a hardcore rules guy, and I'd much prefer match up people with their strengths and what they're excited about writing than shoehorning them into weird assignments.

That said, if Ed ever rang us and said he'd be interested in writing adventures, we'd be excited to listen.

What about Ed for a Pathfinder Tales novel?????

+1.

Can't wait for PaizoCon.

Fun to see this interview, thank you.

"I have never been on staff at any game company..."

I have seen Mr. Greenwood state this before. To me, the natural follow up question would be "Why?" yet I never hear an interviewer ask. Is it taboo or is the answer just so simple that no one bothers to ask?

Why would he NOT want to work for the company that he voluntarily sold his masterpiece to? I never understood this. I assume the purchase of the Forgotten Realms by TSR did not make Mr. Greenwood so wealthy that he no longer has to work at all, if it did then I understand not going on staff. Otherwise, if he saw fit to hand over his entire creation to TSR I would think that his next step would be to follow it over and into a position that would allow him to continue to have creative control or input while being paid a (probably generous) salary. I would call this "having his cake and eating it". So what's the deal?
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

Just wanted to add...

I met Mr. Greenwood (call me old fashioned, I hold Mister for people whom I respect and who awe me.) at Origins a few years ago. Donna and I sat and listened to him talk about his realms and his stories. The time flew by in a flash, and I think everyone in that room could have listened to him for another hour easily.

I'd love to see his take on Taldor.
The Exchange
Kyle Baird wrote:
Today's Blog wrote:

1. Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you started in the industry?

I'm Canadian

This is where I stopped reading. :-)

That's because it told you all you needed to know - Canadians are awesome :D

The Exchange
Berselius wrote:

Yet the most important question of all remains unasked about Greenwood.

WILL HE EVER TRIM HIS BEARD?

Would Samson? Maybe that awesome beard is the source of his creative strength? I bet he had it when he was 6...

cibet44 wrote:

Fun to see this interview, thank you.

"I have never been on staff at any game company..."

I have seen Mr. Greenwood state this before. To me, the natural follow up question would be "Why?" yet I never hear an interviewer ask. Is it taboo or is the answer just so simple that no one bothers to ask?

Why would he NOT want to work for the company that he voluntarily sold his masterpiece to? I never understood this. I assume the purchase of the Forgotten Realms by TSR did not make Mr. Greenwood so wealthy that he no longer has to work at all, if it did then I understand not going on staff. Otherwise, if he saw fit to hand over his entire creation to TSR I would think that his next step would be to follow it over and into a position that would allow him to continue to have creative control or input while being paid a (probably generous) salary. I would call this "having his cake and eating it". So what's the deal?

If I remember correctly, he's been working first full-time, and then half-time as a librarian for most of his career simultaneously with writing enough novels and rulebooks as to be downright staggering. But if you really want to know, why don't you ask him?.

Kajehase wrote:
But if you really want to know, why don't you ask him?.

Nah, not really a Forgotten Realms person at all so I'd rather not waste his time. If he's going to be kind enough to spend his personal time answering questions from devoted fans of his work I'd rather not bog him down with queries just to satisfy my curiosity.

I was just wondering if there was an obvious answer to, what seems to me, an obvious question and if so someone could share it.

Nice interview!

Btw. I doubt that he got much for selling the FR :-/
cibet44 wrote:


I was just wondering if there was an obvious answer to, what seems to me, an obvious question and if so someone could share it.

Coming to this late because it popped up on Facebook. Ed's mentioned over at Candlekeep that coming on staff for TSR was floated a few times but he turned it down for several reasons. I remember they included that he doesn't want to give up the Canadian health care system and he likes living out in the Ontario countryside.

I am not much in being a fan of people. Sure I like some people's works and such...but never understood the whole big thing about meeting them....or getting their autograph...etc. Except everytime I hear about Ed Greenwood I think wow that is a guy I want to meet.

It would probably be the only reason why I would even go to a Con.
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