Interviev with Peter V. Brett – author of the Demon Cycle

We would like to invite you to read the interview with Peter V. Brett – author of the Demon Cycle, in which we for example mention his last visit in Poland, and also ask about the emotions accompanying the premiere of the final book in the series, which, however, as we already know, does not end our adventure in the world created by the author.

After 10 years it’s time for the final part of the Demon Cycle. How do you feel about that?

It’s a little bit like climbing a mountain. The view is fantastic and I know how hard I worked to get here, but I am already looking at other mountains.

The Demon Cycle has been with me so long, and has in many ways defined the course of my real-world life, that it was a little sad to type “The End”. But the beauty of storytelling is that I can always tell more stories.

But let’s go back for a moment to the beginning of the Cycle. Could you tell us where did the idea for the series come from?

I always wanted to write a book about demons since I read The Elfstones of Shannaraby Terry Brooks when I was a teenager. In my story, demons are magical creatures, but also part of nature. They evolved to adapt to different elements, making each type unique. The fire demons spit on fire, the wind blows, the marsh are amphibians, etc.

But the story truly came to life in a Fantasy Writing class I was taking at New York University in 1999, when I wrote a short little story about a boy named Arlen who felt trapped at home by the demons that stalked the night. You can read that original story here:
http://www.petervbrett.com/excisions/prologue/

Did you expect that it would meet with such great interest among readers? Your books have become a kind of phenomenon.

No, not at all. I never even expected to get published, much less be interacting with readers and publishers from all over the world. The last decade has been so awesome it borders the surreal.

I try hard to be worthy of all the attention. My readers have given me an incredible gift, not only sharing in the story that I poured so much of myself into, but in opportunities to travel, make friends, and learn more about the world.

Some of the transition was difficult. I was drawn to writing in because I am an introvert, but writing as a professional career has demanded I overcome that in order to speak before large groups and be an ambassador to my work and for my publishers.

It’s taken me a while to adapt, but I am much more comfortable in a crowd than I used to be, and meeting readers in person is well worth it.

You are very active on social media, you clearly value contact with your readers. That’s why I would like to ask you what was the nicest thing that happened to you thanks to your fans?

I could never choose just one. So many amazing readers have responded to my work with creativity of their own, and that is a sublime joy. Fantastic Demon Cycle tattoos, fan art, even people naming children after my characters. I have a whole photo album on Facebook of cosplayers bringing my characters to life. Interacting with fans is amazing and I get emotional when I think about how many meaningful interactions there have been.

Occasionally a reader will reach out to tell me how my work helped them through a difficult time in their life, and these are so precious to me. My readers are an online family to me.

The Demon Cycle has already appeared in many countries. I would like to ask which edition of your books you like the most. Personally, I think that the Japanese and German editions are very impressive.

I agree the Japanese and German editions are beautiful! I love seeing how different countries design their cover art, sometimes a spin off the US/UK editions, and other times something totally new. The Polish editions have a special place in my heart because they are the only illustrated editions, but I think the version with the highest production value is the Brazilian edition from Darkside Books. Their editions are works of art.

And what do you think about the Polish edition and Dominik Broniek’s illustrations decorating them?

I think Dominik did an amazing job of capturing the look and feel of my demons, which is something many artists have struggled with. His depictions of many of the characters, as well, do an impressive job of capturing their spirit. Many artists never even read the stories they illustrate, but it is clear that Dominik not only read the books, but also thought about them deeply before applying his own talent and creativity to the job.

I am also very pleased with FabrykaSłow for commissioning the illustrations in the first place. Many modern publishers have stopped including illustrations in their books, which makes me sad. Some people claim that including illustrations can stifle the imagination of the reader, but I don’t think that’s so. I see good illustrations as a springboard for the imagination rather than shackles, and it is comforting to know that my publisher agrees.

Which of the characters of the Demon Cycle is your favourite?

It is hard for me to pick a favorite character. It is like asking a parent which of their children is their favorite. I spend most of my life with these fictional people, and I don’t think I could do that if I didn’t love them all.

Elona Paper is a blast, though.

What is your favorite moment from the whole story?

It’s the emotional moments I most love, but there are to many to pick a favorite. Just to name a few:Arlen cripples One Arm in Warded Man. Jardir and Arlen fighting together as brothers in the Maze in Desert Spear. Arlen and Renna’s wedding in Daylight War. Leesha fighting her way through the demon ambush on the road in Skull Throne. The birth of Olive in The Core. I could go on and on.

When you are looking at the Demon Cycle as a whole now, and especially at the first books of the series, would you change something in their content with your current experience?

No. I started work on the Demon Cycle in 1999, nearly twenty years ago. Over that time, my writing has evolved. The series and characters grew in complexity as my skill increased and my experiences broadened, but everything in the series happened the way I meant it to, even when the story needed to go to dark places. I don’t have regrets as I look back at my early work.

The world created by you is very impressive.  However, I would like to ask if there is any element in it that you are particularly proud of?

I could talk about the magic system and worldbuilding, which I spent years developing, but the truth is all that work is just a backdrop to the characters. It is in their relationships that the story takes place, they are why we care about what happens. One thing I love is how supporting characters, like Gared and Wonda Cutter or Abban, took on lives of their own. Another is the ongoing debate of religion vs atheism Arlen and Jardir maintain through the entire series, until the bitter end.

It’s probably no secret for anyone that you announced that the second Demon Cycle will be created. The action is to take place 15 years after the end of the events in The Core. The first volume is to be called The Desert Prince. Can you tell us something more about the new series? Do you already know how many books it will have?

The contract currently goes through three books, and the story is laid out on that length, but it may grow in the telling. The series will have two main POV characters, Olive Paper and Darin Bales, and a supporting cast of mostly new characters, though many familiar, if older, faces will cameo throughout the series. The books will start in familiar lands, but quickly go beyond the borders of the maps we have seen so far, exploring new lands, and how different cultures have evolved to survive against the demons.

Aside from the announced continuation of books in Arlen’s world, do you intend to write any additional stories similar to The Great Bazaarand Brayan’s Gold?

I already have!It’s called Barren and takes place in Tibbet’s Brook. The narrated events play in parallel with those of The Core. This is a story I’ve been waiting to tell since the beginning, and I think people may soon come to see Selia Barren as their favorite Demon Cycle character.

Leaving the topic of Demon Cycle for a moment, do you have any plans of writing a series or individual books from outside this world? Perhaps you would like to try writing in other genre?

I will almost certainly do something new down the line, but for the time being, I still have many, many stories to tell on the Demon Cycle world.

This isn’t your first visit in Poland, so I can’t stop myself from asking you how do you like it in our country? Do you already have any favorite place in Poland, or perhaps some kind of special memory related to Poland?

I have been to Poland three times now, and it continues to be a jewel amidst my international tours. There has never been a place I have felt more welcome. My Polish readers are amazing, and I absolutely love meeting them in person. So many have shown me beautiful fan art, cosplayed as my characters, or shared heartfelt feelings about their experience with my work. It’s an honor to come visit and thank readers face to face.

Do you have a favorite Polish dish?

I do! Hot zurek in a hollowed bread bowl. I crave it in cold weather, now. Thankfully, I found a Polish restaurant in New York that makes it almost as good as it is in Poland.

Polish language is not easy, but maybe you know any words in Polish?

I learn a little more about the language on every visit. I have not mastered much more than please, thank you, and sorry, but my pronunciation has improved vastly, allowing me to read words more clearly, and match them to sounds, which has helped immensely with Polish names. I feel if someone is going to take the time to wait on line to meet me, the least I can do is say and spell their name correctly when I sign their books.

Are you planning another visit in Poland in the future?

Absolutely.