Belinda Lewis
asked
Scott Hawkins:
Mostly I just want to say that I read it twice in a row. It was that good. So thank you. Also thanks for the Afrikaans, that doesn't happen often. So that I have a question: Do you have a particular interest in languages? (Over and above obviously being an author). Choice of carolyn's category + the language of the hunt + invented language + being a programmer seems to indicate that's a possibility.
Scott Hawkins
Hi Belinda,
Thanks! Glad you liked it, and I'm doubly glad you read it twice. I tend to read stuff 2-3x myself, so I tried to write some of the the dialogue in such a way that you could hear it slightly differently when you knew what was really going on.
As far as languages -- I do indeed! Waaay back in the day (1991-93) I did graduate work in natural language processing. I spent a lot of time navel-gazing and thinking about the nature of thought, and what language is. I suspect that the field has moved on since then (he said dryly) but I still love that stuff.
Also, do you speak Afrikaans? If so, how'd I do? I'll confess that I got most of the foreign language stuff off google translate. (The Japanese was mine, my copy editor corrected my French, and a buddy from work translated the Chinese for me.)
Scott
Thanks! Glad you liked it, and I'm doubly glad you read it twice. I tend to read stuff 2-3x myself, so I tried to write some of the the dialogue in such a way that you could hear it slightly differently when you knew what was really going on.
As far as languages -- I do indeed! Waaay back in the day (1991-93) I did graduate work in natural language processing. I spent a lot of time navel-gazing and thinking about the nature of thought, and what language is. I suspect that the field has moved on since then (he said dryly) but I still love that stuff.
Also, do you speak Afrikaans? If so, how'd I do? I'll confess that I got most of the foreign language stuff off google translate. (The Japanese was mine, my copy editor corrected my French, and a buddy from work translated the Chinese for me.)
Scott
More Answered Questions
Naomi
asked
Scott Hawkins:
Thanks for answering! I agree about the David/Carolyn scene, and I think it was handled really well. I actually felt that the bull scene was a lot more shocking. I also think the book is more dark fantasy than horror. How did you know when to make the switch from writing books for 'the drawer' to writing one that you felt was good enough to try and get published? Thanks!
James Spencer
asked
Scott Hawkins:
Just a quick query: will there be a new batch of librarians, will they be children, how might they be raised, is the next POTUS also hostile, how about those other demigods, are blackholes related to yet another realm of spiritual connection? Please answer in the form of a sequel or Trilogy or Saga whichever is required. Thanks!
Jeannette
asked
Scott Hawkins:
First of all, the dork in me can't help but express how amazed and impressed I was with The Library at Mount Char. It's all I've talked about and I feel like no rebound book will be enough. The characters are all so fleshed out and different; I was wondering which characters are based off of or influenced by people you know. And if I can ask another question that is overly personal, which librarian would you be?
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