A Goodreads user
asked
Brent Weeks:
Hi Mr. Weeks! Thank you for taking our questions! I appreciate the work and creativity in your books. I get keeping things real/true to the nature of the characters/settings; in retrospect, do you think the amount of f-bombs & sex was necessary? Unfortunately I can't recommend your books to some because of that content. I've noticed it's not as prevalent in the Lightbringer series and really appreciate it.
Brent Weeks
Hi Jarred,
I think you answer your own question: if I'm going to be true to the nature of characters, they're going to act according to their own nature. People willing to kill or to prostitute themselves are generally pretty willing to use the F-word. The characters in Lightbringer are a different set; more educated, more cultured, and wealthier. I guess it comes down to how I see reality. I think when people are at the scariest, most stressful points in their life and they get surprised or scared, some people will say, "Shucks!" But not many. This world isn't Mayberry.
With the swearing, and with the sex, I apply the same test that I apply to the violence. Is this really what the characters would do, and do I portray the fallout of that (both internally and externally) correctly?
I understand that that means these stories aren't for everyone.
I think you answer your own question: if I'm going to be true to the nature of characters, they're going to act according to their own nature. People willing to kill or to prostitute themselves are generally pretty willing to use the F-word. The characters in Lightbringer are a different set; more educated, more cultured, and wealthier. I guess it comes down to how I see reality. I think when people are at the scariest, most stressful points in their life and they get surprised or scared, some people will say, "Shucks!" But not many. This world isn't Mayberry.
With the swearing, and with the sex, I apply the same test that I apply to the violence. Is this really what the characters would do, and do I portray the fallout of that (both internally and externally) correctly?
I understand that that means these stories aren't for everyone.
More Answered Questions
Evgeni Kirilov
asked
Brent Weeks:
#1. Would you classify paryl as microwave, terahertz, or something else entirely? #2. Drafting and color perception outside the visible spectrum seems pretty well researched - can you talk about your research & creation process relevant to those things, and whether there is some small detail you don't expect fans to notice, but are proud you got right?
Bethany Cahours
asked
Brent Weeks:
Just finished The Broken Eye - now I'm plagued with waking dreams about the possible repercussions for each character and can't think about much else or get any work done. So thank you for that! Questions: Is there a release date for the 4th book yet? Could it get large enough to need to be split out into a 5th book? (I hate waiting but that would be amazing!) Lastly, how do you suggest I fill my time while I wait?
James
asked
Brent Weeks:
My girlfriend and I both enjoy your books immensely, so well done for that! She would like to know if you laugh as much as she does when you are writing your Lightbringer books. As you have no knowledge of the quantity of laughs that she was riddled with I greatly doubt you can give an accurate answer, but please try. She would like to know. Much love!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more