Author Jim Butcher Guest Appearance Q&A and Contest
PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion and the Q&A portion of this event is now CLOSED. The winners will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
A huge warm welcome to everybody here today and especially to our guest author Jim Butcher! Jim will be answering questions from 12pm-6pm Central time today about his new book Ghost Story and other books in his Dresden and Codex Alera series. There will probably be SPOILERS so you are now officially forewarned! 
PLEASE LIMIT your questions to 2-3 so everybody has a chance to get their question answered. If it looks like questions have tapered off, feel free to ask another question at such a time. You will need to refresh the page every few minutes to see the new answers appear. This is not a rolling chat. You leave your questions below in the blog comment box and Jim will reply to them in turn.
“When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn’t doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin.
But being dead doesn’t stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has nobody, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.
To save his friends-and his own soul-Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic…”
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Learn more about Jim Butcher below :
Read reviews of the author’s work here.
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CONTEST INFO:
Prize: Three copies of Ghost Story
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
This CONTEST lasts for TWO DAYS Ending at 11:59 pm Central on 8/9/11 at 11:59 pm CDT. Open to readers US.
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Chris Y. USA-
1. Are the Fomor around to stay for the next half of the series or will they be a ‘one (or two) shot pony’?
2. Now that Harry has used magic in this book without and tailismans, will he be a stronger/more adept wizard with his magic in the next book?
3. Can you give us any hints as to the part Denomreach will play later on in the series?
Tallying points:
RSVPed- 25 points
Questions- 3 points
Self-tally- 1 point
Total= 29
Jim, thanks for writing such awesome books! I’ve been wondering, is a magic-users longevity/ability to repair themselves due to their use of magic, or is it because they are able to access magic at all? I.E., Charity Carpenter was able to use magic at one point; will she have an extended life? And is the longevity tied to strength levels, as in do stronger wizards live longer?
Hey Jim!
How did Mac get his bar declared ‘Neutral Territory’ under the Accords?
Greetings from Las Vegas!
As a longtime Dresden Files reader and unabashed fanboy, I’ve watched the story arc grow and your writing voice become stronger with each new installment. My question is, Knowing that you can’t write what you don’t feel (much like magic!) how do you keep the characters and venues fresh and exciting?
Is the Merlin’s staff a special staff of office, like the Blackstaff, with special abilities?
– Steven M, USA
Danielle D USA
1. Other than the one split that we know about with Bob [Good Bob/Evil Bob] has he had to do a split before that we don’t know about?
2. What happen with the actaul fight with the Bob’s and will we ever see the loveable horndog again?
forgot to add in my RSVP points
just add them all up here, it is okay.
ok looks like I have 26 points
The Merlin is referred to as the most powerful wizard on the planet several times in the series. Is this just speculation, or is the Merlin position filled through some sort of test of power and skill?
– Steven M, USA
Hi Jim! Congratulations on topping the NYT charts once again! To say that Ghost Story was awesome is an understatement. You’ve outdone yourself with this one.
Thanks for doing the Q&A.
1) It’s been a while since I re-read Changes, but my last recollection of Bob’s whereabouts were hidden on the Water Beetle. How’d Butters get his hands on the skull?
2) When I was reading Curses (the new short story), I couldn’t find any internal clues to its timing in the series. Between which books does it fall?
From Murphy.
Curses takes place between, I think, Proven Guilty and White Night.
1. How did Harry explain to Molly the shelf in his basement with the skull and all those well-read steamy romance novels, and did she believe his answer?
2. Does Kincaid have the ability to “choose” like Faerie changelings (i.e Meryl/Fix/Lily)?
3. Does the DFRPG actually get published within the Dresdenverse, is it as successful as it is in the “real world”, and will it ever get a cameo appearance within the books?
“1. How did Harry explain to Molly the shelf in his basement with the skull and all those well-read steamy romance novels, and did she believe his answer?”
He didn’t. You might not have noticed this about Dresden, but he is often cryptic and unwilling to come across with random bits of information.
Molly spent years staring at the damned thing, thinking it was some kind of obscure test.
“2. Does Kincaid have the ability to
RE: Kincaid,
Oh well, there goes my theory that Kincaid had the possibility of becoming another Drakul down the line.
Thanks for the definitive answer!
What’s the range of influence for the Fallen in the coins? How far can they extend themselves away from their Denarian hosts?
– Steven M, USA
Oh, their range is very, very limited, to this one little planet.
Bloody hell, that means it could’ve been Lasciel, Anduriel, any of them! My ruse was not effective.
2 questions:
1. Why didn’t your design of Alera include Gladiators? Given CA’s roots as Lost Roman Legion Meets Pokemon? Gladiatiors would have allowed for really old school Pokemon matches with swords that are on fire.
Also, now that you have this information, any chance of Gaius Octavian instituting Gladitorial or Olympic-style games for the ultimate inter-species d*** measuring contest?
2. Bob the Skull mentioned he’s wired now, does that mean that Bob or a Familiar like Bob(Say for the RPG) could actually act like a Wizard’s TV, Computer and/or game console albeit running on Romance novels?
“1. Why didn
Thanks for answering, sir. You’re are my favorite author for several reasons, one of which is because you are very approachable and knowledgeable.
(I’m not looking for a back and forth, I’m just commenting on the responses.)
1. Oh…. I figured it was something like that.
I asked that because I had this obviously incorrect notion from something I had read that because gladiators were so expensive to train, maintain, etc that Gladitorial matches were at times done to the first wound rather than the death as they are usually portrayed(Plus it makes economic sense) and because at I think Pompei archaeologists found notes that there were Gladiators named “Lightning” and such, that the smart way to run something like that would be like professional wrestling today…only with more blood and less health insurance. Though I don’t think you’d have catch phrases like, “Lightning will STRIIIKKEEE!!!!” and I don’t know if you can refer to yourself in 3rd person in Latin.
2. True, but that won’t stop that Wizard PC internet junkie from doing it anyway.
Do the ‘Outsiders’ have True-names, (real names) like Harry’s full name?
Jim, What happened to Georgia?
Joe t, USA
Turns out you can’t turn the child of two active werewolves over to your average babysitting service.
I think this may actually have induced my favorite image from the entire series. I mean, there are a lot of great ones to choose from, like the Blampire death-by-turkey, Harry and Butters riding a zombie T-Rex through Chicago, etc.
But the image of Will or Georgia on one end of a baby blanket and a baby werewolf holding onto the other end with its teeth, while Georgia says, “Bad ___! No! Let GO of the blanket ___! We have talked about this! You are NOT to turn wolfy in the house!”
Hey Jim.
Are individual BC vamps capable of feeling affection fo those they cared about in life and could they hold back from eating them if they really tried? maybe go to the blood bank instead? i know vamps as a whole dont do this but actions of individuals fron the other courts like thomas not killing justine in BR and susan dying for maggie seen to imply its not all black and white.
Oh, it’s possible a BC vamp could feel something toward those it knew in life, but those feelings wouldn’t really motivate it toward a given behavior. If it’s hungry, it feeds, and if it happens to be eating its own child from life, it might think ‘Ah, I recognize that one. Interesting. This should probably be upsetting me, but it tastes so /good/…’
If the blampire had a rational, cynically self-centered /reason/ to keep someone alive though, it certainly would, and it is entirely possible that some blampires have enough of a sense of enlightened self-interest to preserve a few mortals that have proven useful. Until they don’t.
Sounds familiar, wonder how they make out with each other.
Ok, question silly/gross question inspired by the necrocrush jokes which seem to prevail on the fourm (if you dont know dont ask).
Are YOU jim butcher cruel enouth to ever write a harry/mavra pairing?
Richard T. USA-
Claiming my points for now, excited about this session, and I hope your internet/browser/puter is stable this time.
3. Will we be seeing more of Fitz in the future books
Danielle D
USA
I think it’s unlikely, but who knows. Supporting character have surprised me before.
That rather surprises me… I was seeing Fitz as something of a future mentor to SOMEONE. Hmmm.
Not mentor… I meant to say, apprentice.
Two questions-
First, we know now that the Carpenter clan is looking after the littlest Dresden, but we never actually heard from Micheal and Charity in the last book. Did they know about the events of Ghost Story (i.e., Harry’s returning as a shade, thus proving his ‘death’), and if so what was their reaction to it? Do they blame Harry for what happened to Molly?
And second, do you ever suffer from bouts of maniacal laughter while writing these books?
1. We’ll see.
2. Nah, I mostly only do that when answering questions from readers.
So. Very. Wrong.
Not a question as such, just wanted to say, I love your books, started reading a few years back when I joined the scifi book club. A friend of mine had said he enjoyed one of your books. I bought the first seven dresden files books, and read them all in a week! I have been a huge fan of Dresden and Alera ever since. Thanks for the years of enjoyment and look forward to more!
Joe T-USA
How many more novels do you foresee in the Dresden Files?
J.S. Wayne, Nevada, USA
20ish of the case books, like we’ve seen so far, and a big old apocalyptic trilogy to capstone the series.
This makes my bookish heart glad. Very, very glad. <3
Hi!
My question “Could you use the NeverNever to travel to other planets like Mars for example?”
You can’t get much farther out than the moon, in terms of moving through normal space–and it’s /hard/ to get that far.
By the way Jim told his friend Fred Hicks (AKA Iago the owner of the Jim Butcher forums, and the guy responsible for Evil Hat, the producers of the DFRPG) says Jim told him at last years DragonCon, “You get to the Gatekeeper’s domain by walking across the surface of the moon.”
OOh… cross the moon, huh. Nifty.
Thanks, Jim — true Dresden-Phile here!
I wanted to ask about the girl at Dresden’s grave. Was it Mab or Leah? Or was she someone else?
Also, Dresden’s pentacle necklace — can anyone besides Thomas and Harry have access to his mother’s information? Or does it have to be someone in his bloodline?
Kimberly Morgan, Tampa, FL — USA
“I wanted to ask about the girl at Dresden
D’oh! It’s all about proxies, isn’t it?
Hey there. What are the odds of Daniel picking up a sword? That would be so bad ass! =D
Chance plays no part in the selection of a bearer for a Sword.
Lisa M. – USA
1. You are great at incorporating pop culture into your stories. Does this come naturally or do you have to work at it?
2. Is it more difficult to write Molly now that she has face so much?
“1. You are great at incorporating pop culture into your stories. Does this come naturally or do you have to work at it?”
I have to work at it: I have to tone it down.
“2. Is it more difficult to write Molly now that she has face so much?”
Um, yes… sure, it’s more difficult, yeah. I mean it certainly isn’t like I cackle to myself and enjoy it a lot more or anything like that…. really. Honest. Hey, would I lie to you?
Hi Jim ~ Thanks for stopping by BBB!
I love all of your books and I am about to start reading Ghost Story. I received my copy from Dog Eared Books. Thanks for signing!
My question is regarding audio books. I devour the book so quickly that I pick up on all the little details when I relive the books on audio. Will James Marsters return to read #14? He is Harry, and I hear his voice in my head when I read the books.
Also, I just wanted to let you know that I do think about you and Harry every time I visit a Burger King. What would Harry think of the new BK minis?
Keri K ~ USA
RSVP’d
Tweeted
Total = 27
“Will James Marsters return to read #14? He is Harry, and I hear his voice in my head when I read the books.”
That is perhaps a question better directed to James. I certainly hope that he does so.
“Also, I just wanted to let you know that I do think about you and Harry every time I visit a Burger King. What would Harry think of the new BK minis?”
He would think them something of a puzzlement. I mean, why eat a mini-hamburger when you could get an /actual/ hamburger?
Hey Jim,
So happy you decided to do this again.
My questions are 1. Now that the red court has been eradicated does that mean we’ll get to meet the jade court?
2. Demon Reach seems to have a whole lot of power and the ability to extend itself beyond its island. Mab clearly wanted Harry in part because of Demonreaches power but wouldn’t a power like that tip the balance in favor of the Winter Court in a similar way to what almost happened in Summer Knight.
Oh yeah, and will we be seeing any BC vamps in cold days? maybe one with a small book of necromancy…cough mavra cough.
1. how was peabody able to mind control luccio in turn coat if she was a few hundred years old? you mention in earlier books that after a certain age wizards are set in their ways and any tampering of the mind causes it to break.
2. how come harry never uses ventas servitas anymore?
3. harry uses fire. harry uses force. he used to use wind and though its not his forte he occasionally uses earth. how come there is no water magic in the books?
“1. how was peabody able to mind control luccio in turn coat if she was a few hundred years old? you mention in earlier books that after a certain age wizards are set in their ways and any tampering of the mind causes it to break.”
Luccio wasn’t in an aged body. Part of that resistance to tampering is the establishment of neural pathways in the physical brain. Hell, Luccio was a lot different from her previous self in a lot of ways even without tampering.
“2. how come harry never uses ventas servitas anymore?”
Hasn’t felt a need for it–wind is easy, flashy and intimidating, but it’s sloppier and not as reliable as using force in an actual dangerous situation.
“3. harry uses fire. harry uses force. he used to use wind and though its not his forte he occasionally uses earth. how come there is no water magic in the books?”
There’s water magic all /over/ the place, but part of its nature is that it flows in accord with the natural world, permeates it, and doesn’t call attention to itself. Harry uses water magic all the time without realizing it, as do the Alphas, and Listens-to-Wind is probably the premier water mage of the White Council.
i got that listens-to-wind was a water master(he is the chief healer after all) and now that you mention it the alphas transformation is also obviously water but back to my first and main question.
you say its because of neural pathways. are you saying that luccio is no longer committed to the same things she was before? that shes not as stubborn,doesnt have the same single minded defense of the white council in mind? that shes fundamentally changed?
Don’t mean to step on anybody’s toes here, but I think Jim is talking about actual, /physical/ neural pathways. Since she was in a younger body, the brain was not as developed, didn’t have as many connections as her original body would have had. I don’t think it’s a question of personality so much as anatomy.
and what im saying is that mind magic is a mental thing. so unless it actually changed the way she thinks and made her more malleable to suggestion what peabody did should still have been impossible.
I think that’s it more because the neuron pathways are not as strong inside her new body, so it’s easier for someone to, so to speak, pull the neurons off the (now poorly) beaten path and set them on a new one without causing damage to her brain. Her personality is mostly the same, but it has been in the new body too short a time too make her behaviors firmly engraved in the mind. Even so, the mental manipulation was, for the most part, really small (like it mentions that she actually felt something for Dresden, Peabody just gave it a little push).
First off, I’d just like to thank you for the character we know as Harry Dresden. As a gamer of a few years, I’ve found almost everyone loves to compromise things here and there to make things easier for him. To read a character who refuses to do that, and stick it out even while the world burns down around him? Truly a unique and inspiring experience. It’s easy to play the bad guy, to do things in the least painful way possible. But being the Good Guy is so much harder. Poor Harry.
As for my questions, I’ve got a few.
1.) Is Lasciel’s coin back in circulation?
2.) Does Molly happen to have any secrets Harry hasn’t quite caught onto yet? Any hints if she does?
3.) Where are the coins kept? Does Father Forthill keep them at St. Mary’s or are they sent to the Vatican?
“3.) Where are the coins kept? Does Father Forthill keep them at St. Mary
You cannot convince me you didn’t cackle when you typed that response.
Hey Jim,
In Death Masks, Shiro mentioned the Jade Court of Vampires. Are the going to make an apperence in any of the upcoming books?
“In Death Masks, Shiro mentioned the Jade Court of Vampires. Are the going to make an apperence in any of the upcoming books?”
It’s possible they might appear in some minor way sometime, but they’re basically isolationists. They aren’t hopping any planes to Chicago any time soon.
Pingback: Bitten By Books Q&A is LIVE! | Jim Butcher
Everyone else is going to ask plot-points I’m sure, so I’m going to ask other questions.
1. As of right now (knowing this could change), are the Dresden books on schedule for July releases from now on or are you going to go back to April releases?
2. Any “second series” in the works so we can get two Butcher novels a year, like Dresden and Alera alternated and, if so, when/what will it be?
3. I remember you saying in a con appearance that made it to YouTube that you got the Dresden license back early for TV. Any plans/discussions you can talk about regarding the future of Harry on the small (or possibly big?) screen?
Also, a personal note: YOU BASTARD! YOU’RE GOING TO LEAVE US HANGING WITH A TEASE LIKE THAT AT THE END FOR ANOTHER FRIGGIN’ YEAR!! You get off on torturing us like this knowing that we love you all the more for it, don’t you?!
“1. As of right now (knowing this could change), are the Dresden books on schedule for July releases from now on or are you going to go back to April releases?”
The next book hasn’t been scheduled yet. I don’t know the answer to that question.
“2. Any
Him Jim!
My seven words for you:
“Years ago you posted your method of developing a novel
Excellent!
I used it myself for my book coming out this fall. I blame you in the acknowledgments.
Thanks again for answering questions, Jim!
RB
congratulations
Hey there, Jim! Hope you’ve recovered from the signing tour, and congrats on the NYT #1!
At the end of FLF, it’s implied that Max and Veradis hooked up. If they did, would that make Max the High Lord of Ceres? (If the city was rebuilt, of course.)
For BBB, Garrett J. – USA
I prefer the idea of him gaining the name “High Lord Cereus Maximus,” which is even more badass-sounding than “Gaius Tavarus Magnus.”
Hey, Garrett!
“At the end of FLF, it
Thomas M, USA
Jim congratulations of Ghost Story being #1! As for my questions:
1. Is Mollys progression & endgame fairly planned out already in your notes? Or are you adapting her as the stories are written?
2. Are there any other powerful spirits in the world like Bob who could contend with his experience and council?
3. John Marcone has been on the fence for most of the series. Sometimes he does the right thing, sometimes the wrong. Will there be a book where he goes full good guy or bad guy?
“1. Is Mollys progression & endgame fairly planned out already in your notes? Or are you adapting her as the stories are written?”
I have a good idea where she’s going, though that’s subject to change if I come up with something more fun.
“2. Are there any other powerful spirits in the world like Bob who could contend with his experience and council?”
Indeed. >:)
“3. John Marcone has been on the fence for most of the series. Sometimes he does the right thing, sometimes the wrong. Will there be a book where he goes full good guy or bad guy?”
I think it’s safe to say that Harry will never get a clear read on Marcone. Sharks aren’t good or evil. They’re /sharks/.
I say this, of course, only because I miss the recently departed Shark Week.
Deb W. USA (sent RSVP)
Great series!! I love the characters and snarky sense of humor. I’m not caught up with all the books though. I did hear that this new book could also be enjoyed as a “stand alone”. I hate to read out of order but am really looking forward to this one. Would I be better off to continue the series or can I read (and understand) Ghost Story now?
Thanks for visiting!!
Oh, I think this is the LEAST stand-aloney book of the series. Skipping ahead to it will get you a lot of stuff that is inexplicable.
Loved Ghost Story. One spoilery question:
*SPOILER*
It was mentioned that a “Parasite” had been helping to keep Harry’s body alive during the months of his ghostlike existence. Is this a Clue that there is still a part of Lash around in his head, which will play a part in his future?
First off, thank you, Jim, for being such a wonderful author, and such a great guy, and for putting in all those unappreciated years of effort to develop your skills!
Okay, enough gushing. On to the interrogation!
1. Is there any similarity (beyond the obvious) between the red gemstone that Harry received from Lea in Changes and the red gemstones that Lord Raith and Lara Raith have been seen wearing in the past, and if so, can you elaborate at all?
2. Given Bob’s comment in the latest book about Spider Man being real somewhere, along with your generous Creative Commons policy on derivative fiction set in the worlds you’ve developed, I’m sure you realize that you’ve opened the floodgates for absolutely any imaginable combination of crossover fanfic. So my question is: What is the most ridiculous, strange, worrisome or unlikely crossover you can imagine with Harry?
3. Who the heck is Air?
LML
P.S. One of these years, I will buy you dinner!
“1. Is there any similarity (beyond the obvious) between the red gemstone that Harry received from Lea in Changes and the red gemstones that Lord Raith and Lara Raith have been seen wearing in the past, and if so, can you elaborate at all?”
They’re rubies. The Raiths like rubies because they think they go with the dark hair and silver eyes to make them look stylin’. Maggie the Elder used a ruby because she wanted to create something that could only be used by someone with her blood.
“2. Given Bob
Lash was apparently able to gain free will from harry, a mortal. Can mortals potentially grant free will to other supernaturals like vampires and faries?
“Lash was apparently able to gain free will from harry, a mortal. Can mortals potentially grant free will to other supernaturals like vampires and faries?”
That’s… a spectacularly complicated question, really.
Lash didn’t gain free will, per se. Lash gained individuality, became a singular entity, self-motivated and distinct from the personality of Lasciel the Fallen. That personality was strongly influenced by Dresden, who believes very strongly in individual choice and responsibility, but doesn’t necessarily equate to free will in the sense of what mortals possess.
You might note that Lash essentially committed suicide with her “free will.” A choice which rather strongly resembles another choice a few books later in the series.
I started reading your books a couple of years ago. Got waylaid. Started reading again this spring. Summer happened. I plan to catch up on the remaining Dresden books this fall. I am looking forward to Ghost Story.
What twist has the series taken that even surprised you? I am constantly surprised by the twists and turns.
Jen B. – USA
+ RSVP points
“What twist has the series taken that even surprised you? I am constantly surprised by the twists and turns.”
The whole Lasciel’s coin plot was something I instigated on the spur of the moment back in book 5, and which isn’t over yet. Lots of things happen that aren’t specifically spelled out, but which can be woven into the overstory plot that I’ve been pursuing. I expect new stuff will continue seeping out of my subconscious and prove to fit pretty smoothly into the outline.
BROVO!
That one is a Winner too!
“1. Are the Fomor around to stay for the next half of the series or will they be a
And the unicorn hair cuffs?
hello sean m from the usa
one of the first books that brought me to the dresden files was small favor. my question is will we be seeing any of the denarians make a return.
my second question is that we saw what happened to molly during harrys six month absence in ghost story is there a chance of a short story/s of the charecters time during harrys absence
That WOULD make a great short story!
Yeah, the Denarians are going to be around a while longer.
Not sure about stories with Molly in them, during the “dead time.” We’ll have to see what happens in the future, but I’m becoming more and more heavily taxed, timewise, and I would prefer to focus on the novels.
I don’t have an exact quote, but at this year’s DC signing (videos here) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wKr8UERpto&list=PLFF8F27DDF9528A35 Jim basically said that Nic has been showing up in the books on schedule and will continue to.
Jim,
I’m a huge fan of all of your books.
After Harry defeated He Who Walks Behind, how did he make contact with the Leanandsidhe to bargain for the power to face Justin DuMorne? I think that’s the only part of that story you haven’t covered yet.
Justin G., USA
“After Harry defeated He Who Walks Behind, how did he make contact with the Leanandsidhe to bargain for the power to face Justin DuMorne? I think that
Nichole A, USA
Thank you for creating such an interesting and vivid world in the Dresden series.
1. Will Thomas and Harry come to a better understanding of each other and be able to accept each other for who and what they each have become?
2. So far you have done short stories/ short novellas focusing on Marcone & Thomas, Will you do any other short stories on other characters of the book? and which ones?
“2. So far you have done short stories/ short novellas focusing on Marcone & Thomas, Will you do any other short stories on other characters of the book? and which ones?”
We’ll have to see what kind of time I have available. All the short stories have been the absolute bane of my writing schedule. Seriously. Novels are /far/ less taxing.
Just wanted to point out that Jim has also written a novelette from Murphy’s POV, “Aftermath,” which kicks off about an hour after the events of “Changes.” It can be found in the “Side Jobs” short story collection.
I absolutely love this series! I’d probably be throwing questions at you from the latter half of it if I hadn’t started a re-read before Ghost Story came out. My mind is stuck back in the pre-Mouse but just post-Susan era so I’m half afraid any question I ask would have an answer later in the series. I’ve read them all, but not recently.
Guess I’ll just stick to the ‘you’re an amazing author, thank you for Dresden’ course of action.
Mr. Butcher: I have devoured every Dresden Files and Codex Alera book and thank you for sharing your imagination and talent with the rest of us!
1. SPOILER ALERT! With the lovely farewell check-ins on so many dear characters at the end of Ghost Story, does this mean Harry is going to be on a completely different tangent with his new “job” in future books? Or will we still get to see our beloved Thomas, Molly, the Carpenters, Maggie, Karrin, Kinkaid, The Archive, Mouse, Mister, Bob et. al. in the next book?
2. PLEASE don’t interrupt your Dresden writing, but do you have any plans to delve into another sword-and-horses fantasy series in the future since you say that is your first love and Codex Alera did so well? Thanks for doing the Q&A!
“2. PLEASE don
The “Farewell” scene reminded me an awful lot of the *DOCTOR WHO SPOILER SERIES 4* Tenth Doctor’s farewell scene. That’s IT! Harry’s going to become a Time Lord!
“1. SPOILER ALERT! With the lovely farewell check-ins on so many dear characters at the end of Ghost Story, does this mean Harry is going to be on a completely different tangent with his new
Nichole A, USA (sent RSVP)
3. Have you decided when you will end Dresden Files? If so, will there be a character that you would likely spin-off from the series?
“3. Have you decided when you will end Dresden Files? If so, will there be a character that you would likely spin-off from the series?”
The series will end after 20ish books and a big old apocalyptic capstone trilogy. I have no plans to continue after that, or to spin-off from the Dresden stories, unless I have to… I dunno, pay my gambling debt or something.
Stories end. Or they aren’t stories.
And I already have enough story ideas in my head to keep me working until I’m approximately 135.
im watching a suvudu interview where jim gives the old gambling debt answer.
and another time at a q&a in nyc on youtube
hey jim, kincaid has been one of my favourite characters since he first appeared in deathmasks? so i was wondering why did you chose him to be harrys shooter,
2. also i was wondering if you ever play any free to play mmorpgs?
Harry chose Kincaid because he needed someone he could trust to get the job done. Not so much because Kincaid is /good/ as because Kincaid is /ruthless/ and reliable. If he said he’d do it, Harry knew he would.
I don’t play any MMORPG regularly, these days, though I occasionally show up on City of Heroes just to beat up pseudo-Nazis as Harry Dresden.
i just always thought that it would be fun to play one with you but i only plaqy free to play
Hey, Jim, it’s Pamela (red-headed sidekick for you and Shannon at Dragon*Con last year).Thank you so much for being nice to my friend Dennis in Cambridge. He said you were gracious and charming despite the fact he knows me.
You know I’m a big fan of everything you’ve written; I am also a big fan of Batman. Would you ever want to write another superhero book and, if so, what hero would you want to write and why?
“Would you ever want to write another superhero book and, if so, what hero would you want to write and why?”
Hi, Pam!
I’d love to write more Spider-Man and, lately, some Captain America, because I just love the characters and because I think I could tell a good story with them.
Alas, I think it’s unlikely to happen, both because of pay issues and because I wouldn’t have the freedom to do what I wanted to with the materials. That’s the great part about writing your own ideas. No one can come along and censor them for the sake of the ongoing value of the property.
I saw on the Forum you’ve written the first sentence of the next book. Have you gotten a few chapters along in it, already?
George B., USA
Nah. Working on a fantasy novel. But once I know the first sentence, the rest is just basically typing. Really. Honest.
Jim,
Thanks for taking out time to answer our obsessive fan questions.
1) What kind of magic does Martha Liberty specialize in?
2) Is the musky, stale smell that Harry detects every time Cowl opens a Gate to the Nevernever relevent?
3) Will we be seeing Drakul at any point?
“1) What kind of magic does Martha Liberty specialize in?”
Thaumaturgy, specifically information-gathering. She’s got legions of contacts in the Nevernever and the mortal world alike.
“2) Is the musky, stale smell that Harry detects every time Cowl opens a Gate to the Nevernever relevent?”
Probably not. Pay it no mind. >:)
“3) Will we be seeing Drakul at any point?”
Indeed.
“The Merlin is referred to as the most powerful wizard on the planet several times in the series. Is this just speculation, or is the Merlin position filled through some sort of test of power and skill?”
The Merlin is a wizard who can give an order that probably 80 or 85 percent of the other wizards in the world will follow, including most of the Wardens. He’s also the CEO of the White Council’s financial holdings. He /is/ the most powerful wizard in the world, based on THAT if nothing else.
You don’t get to be the Merlin without also being the guy that the rest of the Senior Council thinks can take them out, if it came down to a conflict–they’re the ones who select a new Merlin from among themselves. Langtry regards direct, open conflict as a failure to use all his other options, when it comes down to it, and when he does fight he does it fast and hard and is utterly without fear–see the end battle with Peabody’s pet in Turn Coat.
Thanks for answering, Jim.
I got two more for you:
Will Charity ever use her blacksmithing skills to help Harry out?
Is SilverCo (the company Victor Sells worked for) related to Silverlight Studios, owned by the Raiths?
Stay awesome, and enjoy your writer’s heroin today!
Guys, I hope you understand that there are some questions I’m simply not going to answer except in the books–all the questions of the “what is going to happen next” nature. I’m going to skip them in favor of answering them the fun way.
Guys, I hope you understand that there are some questions I
For all your “I’m not gonna tell you” singing needs, a direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8zwCMZ4P3Q#t=00m35s
Use it with great wisdom.
And great responsibility.
Hey again, another question:
A home has occupants that can grant invitations if their considered family of sorts. if for some twisted reason a red court vamp was considered family and lived with a mortal could said vamp be able to invite other supernaterals in? what about a jade of black court vamp?
Jim,
Is there any pop-culture that specifically doesn’t exist in the Dresdenverse, aside from the books themselves? For instance, does Harry curl up at night with the latest Anita Blake novel and then leave them for Bob when he’s done?
Andy
P.S. I LOVE the books in a nearly unhealthy way.
“Is there any pop-culture that specifically doesn
Hello Jim
I was wondering at the end of the book it was a little unclear to me who kept Dresden alive. I think it was just Mab but was it the connection with the spirit of the island that kept his body alive until Mab arrived?
It was Mab, /plus/ Demonreach, /plus/ the parasite.
“/plus/ the parasite.”
You are a bad, bad man. It’s lucky you’re also a good, good novelist.
1. Considering that in Fool Moon, Harry was telling a demon minion pieces of his Name in exchange for information, how do the angels Harry meets in Ghost Story know his full Name?
2. Did Margaret LeFay plan for Thomas to be born on Feb. 14?
3. Is Kincaid’s separation from Dracul permanent, or is his working for Ivy just a vacation?
Lynn W, USA
RSVP’d
“1. Considering that in Fool Moon, Harry was telling a demon minion pieces of his Name in exchange for information, how do the angels Harry meets in Ghost Story know his full Name?”
The Archangel of Black Ops has considerably more access to information than some poor schmuck from Hell’s Accounts Receivable department.
And intellectus, to boot.
“2. Did Margaret LeFay plan for Thomas to be born on Feb. 14?”
Nah that was just the natural tendency of the universe toward irony.
“3. Is Kincaid
Do Mouses litter mates also have the same Foo Dog abilities and will we ever see them again?
Indeed. Even the ones Harry /didn’t/ rescue…
Jim
On my behalf and that of my son and daughter I wanted to say thanks very much for the Dresden series. You’ve kept us eagerly awaiting each book and discussing who get’s to read it first.
Edward
Harry entered Michael Carpenter’s house at the end of Ghost Story without an invitation. Was this because he was running around naked in his soul or because he previously had had invitations into the home? We note that Harry couldn’t enter other homes earlier in the book but was that because he truly believed he was a ghost and knowing that a ghost can’t cross a threshold his belief stopped him cold? (Extrapolating from the Leanansidhe’s information that the only limits on Harry at this point are the ones he places on himself)
The presence of an Archangel, essentially an executive VP of Creation, probably had something to do with it.
First, congrats on Ghost Story being #1. I loved the book, pure awesomness.
I have two questions:
1. I am a huge Star Wars fan so would you ever consider writing a Star Wars novel?(And the Star Wars references in Ghost Story made me laugh so many times, thank you for that)
2. Would you tell us how a person gets choosen to be The Blackstaff of the White Council?
Ivan, Croatia
“1. I am a huge Star Wars fan so would you ever consider writing a Star Wars novel?(And the Star Wars references in Ghost Story made me laugh so many times, thank you for that)”
I don’t know if I’d be able to do what I wanted with a Star Wars novel. Other people’s intellectual property, especially something as monolithic as Star Wars, tends to place sharp limits on anyone writing it. It also tends not to pay as well. But with reasonable freedom to write and a standard author’s royalty, I’d love to, sure.
“2. Would you tell us how a person gets choosen to be The Blackstaff of the White Council?”
Heh. He picks up the Blackstaff with full knowledge of what he’s in for if he does. If you can find someone crazy enough to do that, and reliable enough to be trusted with it, he gets the job.
Hi, Jim!
Love reading the Dresden books and listening to them on audio. I noticed that James Marsters is not narrating Ghost Story.
1. Why the change in narrator?
2. Did you have any say in the selection process?
RSVP’d
“1. Why the change in narrator?”
After several scheduling issues that pushed the recording date to the absolute last moment, Mr. Marsters had personal issues that prevented him from doing the recording. I don’t know what they were, but it seems likely that it had to do with family. James has always been very clear that his family had priority over his career. He’s a great guy and I hope that it was nothing truly terrible that prevented him from being there.
“2. Did you have any say in the selection process?”
Yes, after a fashion. We had to find someone with links to the SFF field, who was willing to work on short notice, in New York, over Memorial Day weekend, who could be found in under 18 hours.
Of those who fit that description, John Glover was the clear standout. He’s got a great voice and he played Lucifer in the series Brimstone, my very favorite rendition of the Prince of Darkness ever.
1. The thing I like most about your series is the combination of mythologies. Are there going to be more Norse mythology elements brought in besides Odin. (Norse mythology being my favorite).
2. In “Ghost Stories” you made a gajillion references to star wars and half a gajillion to x-men and the justice league (I don’t mean to complain but they seemed to get in the way of Harries other fun sayings, like his fun spins on nursery rhymes or other fun stuff). Are those really the only things Harry likes? What about “Doctor Who”! The revival of that series has been amazing! Maybe Harry ought to get out of his shell a little.
3. Why is the next book called “Cold Days”? Didn’t you originally have it called “Winter Knight”? What was wrong with that?
(Have you seen the “Planet of the Apes” movie? Really Awesome! )
“1. The thing I like most about your series is the combination of mythologies. Are there going to be more Norse mythology elements brought in besides Odin. (Norse mythology being my favorite).”
Yes.
“2. In
Jimbo, I’m guessing by “mythology other than Odin” you mean other deities, because I think of Gard as being the #1 representative from that mythology. And if you haven’t read “Last Call,” you should.
The fact that Marcone has his own Valkyrie working for him and the fact she arrived at the Demonreach fight playing “Ride of the Valkyries” on the helicopter’s speakers is a reason I love Gard like nobody’s business. She and Murphy are like the blonde Mutt and Jeff a**kickers of the Dresdenverse.
yeah, I kinda meant other norse deities (Thor?) but also just more Norse stuff. (like more Gard too!)
I’ve always been more of the Greek mythos sort of girl, but I have to admit I’ve been digging on the way Jim uses Norse mythology in TDF. Thor would be awesome. Scary, but awesome.
LOKI would be ridiculously scary.
PS – If you’d like to read my (very complimentary) review of Ghost Story…
Are we ever going to learn more about Harry’s father? As a magician myself I have been courus about him.
Hi Jim,
Ever since I finished Changes I wondered what you were going to do with Harry’s being killed…I never came up with the twist you did
I absolutely loved it! Ghost Story was totally awesome, thank you for working so hard on this series so that we can devour the books as they come out.
Are you going to incorporate Harry’s daughter into the story, or are you going to keep her pretty much out of it? She’ll need a tutor…
Is Harry going to send her back to the farm with McCoy, is he going to be her teacher or are you as of yet undecided?
I am definitely waiting with bated breath for your next installment of this series.
Hello Jim. Anything that I would like an answer to based off GS is just going to get me your famous sing song voice. Though I would love to see how you are able to pull that off in text, I do have a an observation with questions.
I have noticed you mention Star Wars very often in the Dresden files. My Questions are:
1) Are you a huge Star Wars fan?
2) Are you gonna be playing Bioware’s Star Wars The Old Republic?
“1) Are you a huge Star Wars fan?”
The first movie I remember going to see was Star Wars. When Empire came out, my sisters checked me out of school, claiming I had a doctor’s appointment, blindfolded me, and took me to see it at the giant old opera-house theater in downtown KC. I had memorized Star Wars, word for word, BEFORE it was available on video tape.
So really, only a medium-sized fan.
“2) Are you gonna be playing Bioware
PPS – My 8-year-old daughter (you met her in Williamsburg) keeps asking when she can read The Dresden Files…
)
i would say since she has already met jim at least read the books to her or something
You might want to skip the part in book 1 with the dead hooker’s heart splodied all over the room though
that could be the main point to reading it out loud makem it less graphic for her
Dude, really, I can’t see Dresden being good for kids. The language is adult, the situations are adult…I wouldn’t want to tak to my 8-year-old about Harry getting excited when standing in the Circle with a lusty, love-potioned Susan groping him.
1) How old were Eb and Maggie Sr when they first manifested a talent?
2) How can Kusanagi be a Sword of the Cross when it predates the crucifixion?
3) How many sisters does Thomas have?
“1) How old were Eb and Maggie Sr when they first manifested a talent?”
Same age as Harry–around 12 or 13.
“2) How can Kusanagi be a Sword of the Cross when it predates the crucifixion?”
Because the Swords are ideas and symbols as much as they are physical objects–maybe even more so. Kusanagi isn’t the original Kusanagi, Exaclibur isn’t the original Excalibur, etc. But their title, their /idea/ has been passed down from one generation to the next, much as the names of warships are passed down to the next generation of ships, with the new ship inheriting the titles, victories, and traditions of its forbears. The nails are passed on from one sword to the next, bringing bits of the metal of each sword that came before.
“3) How many sisters does Thomas have?”
I can’t find that notebook, grr. I think it’s nine. Papa Raith’s bodyguards minus one who is utterly bonkers and kept more or less in the attic, and Inari, the one who got away.
Anastasia S., USA
Thank you so much Jim for doing this Q&A!
1) Would you suggest to other authors that they kill off some “good” guys (not necessarily the main character) to keep their series popular with fans?
2) Would you consider writing a spin-off series with Molly, Maggie (grown-up), or Ebenezer (younger days) as the main character?
3) Is Harry still considered a Warden of the White Council now that he is the Winter Knight?
Thanks so much Jim!!! I love your books!!!
“1) Would you suggest to other authors that they kill off some
French and Indian war dresden book would be awesome.
Again, thank you for answering my questions! If you ever find yourself in Texas (especially signing in Dallas or Austin), I’ll cook you a crab/shrimp boil or BBQ or King Ranch Chicken. Whatever you like!
Points tally for contest:
25pts – RSVP
3pts – 3questions
(1pt – Facebook shared event if that counts instead of twitter)
1pt – RSVP to Kat Richardson
1pt – left meaningful comment on this week’s screen bites
1pt – tallied my points
——————————–
31 points (32 if Facebook counts)
Ok, so like making promises and signing contracts is a bigger deal for wizards than pure mortals, is this why we have’nt seen any married wizards in the series?
Oh and changing over of the stone table from winter-summer/summer-winter , well there are two hemispheres, are there two tables?
“Ok, so like making promises and signing contracts is a bigger deal for wizards than pure mortals, is this why we have
1) So what’s Maggie Jr’s full official Name?
2) Did Eb know that Justin had Harry? Or that Malcolm had died?
Jim,
I’ve been to your signing for Turn Coat and for Ghost Story in Beavercreek OH. I’m also a member of the forums and just want to thank you for being so gracious to your readers. I would like to give you a few words, and get your reaction to those words if you would be so kind.
Dresden.
Joss Wheadon.
HBO.
Okay…..go.
I don’t think my fangirl heart could handle that combination.
I think my mind just imploded…which is a very strong endorsement to those three words.
Also, I RSVPed as well.
We’ve a lot of folks interested in your thoughts on this one!!!
1) Have you ever considered or been propositioned to have the Dresden Files become a movie?
2) Who would YOU like to see cast as Harry and Murphy in the big-screen version?
I absolutely love your writing, and the Dresden Files is one of only /three/ series I’ve ever read all the way through!
Erin J., USA
Lisa R smalltown, USA
While I’m always much more inclined to love the books (as I’m an avid reader) I did enjoy the television show of the Dresdan Files. I always felt like this show and Moonlight were before the paranormal phase hit non-readers and were essentially shows that would be major hits if introduced today.
If you were to make the newspaper front page, what would the headline read?
You are reincarnated as a tennis shoe, describe yourself.
If you were stuck in an elevator with any 4 people you could choose– living, dead, real, fictional
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/100747546238009344
+15 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/100747643633934337
total= 63
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/100795017139986432
+15 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/100794923808325632
total= 79
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/101051429610987521
+15 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/100794923808325632
total= 95
Lisa R smalltown, USA
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/101105169978245120
+15 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/101105300244938752
total= 111
I love to listen to your stories on audiobooks! Do you enjoy reading for audio or does someone else do them? Thanks!
Hi Darlene, FYI that Jim does have an incredible voice and you really need to hear him sometime in person. in the meantime, you can click on an interesting vid link on his jim-butcher.com page. Lots of fun on there! I remember making a comment once on the jim-butcher forum that Jim could read his own work and I’d be thrilled. On the other hand…’write’ or ‘read’–no brainer that one…
The books, until this last one were all read by the incredible James Marsters (Spike in the Buffy/Angel series), but this last one was read by John Glover.
Hey Jim,
Love Harry and the gang, but am still curious about what else you’re working on. Any hints in the offing?
LA in NC
How big is the white court?
will we be seeing the other 4 “mosquito” vampire courts?
Hey Jim,
Love the series. Re readable each year for me, I am on the hunt for the h/c copies now.
Two questions:
1 will we see more of Fitz and his deadpan humor?
2 It was insinuated that Harry was possibly a relation to Merlin as he had Micheal’s sword. Is that an avenue you will be looking at for further storylines?
Actually, I think it’s been more than insinuated that Harry’s the descendent of the original Merlin. Ebenezar’s journals, passed from master to apprentice, begin with the diary of the Merlin himself. Soooo… either someone got tutored by the Merlin, or, more likely, this is a family heirloom!
Boy, do I have some catching up to do! I love the Dresden files, but I ran out of money and couldn’t keep up.
Will you be guesting at any Chicago area or Midwest sci-fi cons anytime soon?
I think I’ll leave it at that since the last book I read was Small Favors or White Knight, and I’m reading about splitting Bobs and Harry dying. I did read a collection of short stories from Murphy’s POV in which Harry died, but I refused to believe he was really gone.
Many thanks,
Rochelle Weber
http://www.rochelleweber.com
Oh wow! What fun you are going to have to catch up. I almost envy you.
The good news is that Jim’s books and the audiobooks are all available at the public libraries these days. So no drain on your pocket book!
Please tell me Harry’s vintage Star Wars poster somehow survived the apartment fire.
Off page he just had the premonition to roll it up and put it in storage a couple of weeks before the fire, right?
It was cool to see Inez Clarke visit Harry while he was hanging out at Graceland. I almost expected Capone or Dillinger to show up as some of Morty’s followers. Though, I wondered, were the Lecter twins based off of a Chicago ghost story?
Hmm, though, now I can’t remember if the poster survived the zombie attack…that’d be such a shame!
Yeah, it did. He mentions it in Changes.
…but I fear that it did not escape the explosion. I also had my stomach roll at that one. (Jim can be so mean to us.) That and the Mickey Mouse alarm clock–I will miss.
Thanks for the great books! I finished Ghost Story last week, and I just finished re-reading Storm Front this morning as I get ready to do another read-through of the series.
1. When Uri shows Harry his blocked memory illuminated, we see a fallen angel whispering into Harry’s ear. If supernatural nasties are barred from entering hallowed ground like St. Mary’s, how could it have been there? Or is that its own story for a later book?
2. Will we be seeing Jenny or Monica Sells, or any of the Astor family again?
3. I haven’t picked up the RPG yet, but I’ve heard fabulous things about it. Are all the details and backstories given in the RPG cannon?
Thanks!
Out of curiosity, was it the Nightmare (the ghost of the sorcerer) that crossed over from the never never and tried to get into Tue church, or something else?
How long has Justine been living with Thomas since Harry last saw them?
Jim’s little tantalizing bits of information that he hints, but doesn’t explain. I suggest a writing campaign for another Jim Butcher novella on Thomas like the one he did called Back Up. Of course, I’m still waiting for the Murphy/Kinkaid in Hawaii story.
Jim,
I was wondering why James Marsters didn’t read Ghost Story on audiobook. He was my Dresdan “voice”, lol. Also thank you for your time, and dedication to making so many lives brighter!!!
Jim already answered this, FYI, above in response #63.
Any chance we might see ‘Faith’ from your short story “Restoration of Faith”? I think it would be cool to see what impact her encounter with Harry and the troll Gogoth.
Had on her life, if any.
Jim,
Your biggest fan in Mexico here. I wanted to ask: what’s your thing with orphans? I mean, I couldn’t help but notice that Dresden, Elaine, Tavi, Phrygys and many, many people in both the DF & CA novels are orphans.
1) Did Bob have any ‘outside line’ he could communicate with while he was in Harry’s possession and stuck in the skull like he does under Butters?
2) a) Am I imagining the various homages to Zelazny in your last several books?
b) I know you played a lot of AmberMUSH in your time. Other than the Amber books, which Zelazny stories had an impact on you?
Thanks!
1. They had rigged up a phone/speaker arrangement. It was also referenced in GS. Old enough to be low tech, but probably still wasn’t reliable in the Dresden blowing tech up world.
Lauri J Owen
United States
First: I love your books – love love love! Please don’t stop writing them.
Second: How many Dresden books do you expect there to be when all is said and done?
Third: <3
He has said that he plans to write 20ish case books and an apocalyptic trilogy to end the series after those are done.
1) Since we have seen half-fey runing around in the series already, do Nephilim exist in the Dresdenverse? (you know, the guys introduced in the book of genisis i the bible as the children of fallen angels and mortal folk?)
2)If so, what would be their characteristics? Like, would they be giants as described?
Has Thomas been helping Murphy keep Chicago in order since Harry died?
Also I RSVP’d
Where do you get your insperation for Harrys wise-assness. I love his quirky attitude and his sarcasm,
Erin J
USA
Jim,
As someone who has gone from long hair, to short myself, I wonder if you ever miss it? I know I do, but every time I start to grow it back out I give up and cut it again. That “in between” stage sucks
Thanks for years of great entertainment, and here’s hoping for many more to come!
I heard this rumor that his wife Shannon didn’t know he was going to cut it. I suspect that getting her to tell us that story sometime would be worth it. Shannon K Butcher is an author as well and has her own website for writing. You can find her on facebook too. Send her a note and she’ll probably share it!
The different nations of the magical world are divided by big bold lines and there’s not a whole lot of room for overlap. My question is – Are you allowed to have dual citizenship. For instance if Thomas had become the winter knight as mab said he could, would he still be a member of the white court and winter?
The shadows of denarians are separate from the actual fallen angels they come from. My question is are the denarians still aware of what their shadows are doing. So for example does Lasciel know everything that Lash did?
Plus RSVP points
Is it possible for Harry to deliver some pizza to the Mothers? They kinda seem like they’re stuck in that cottage. They may never have even tried pizza before. And as the Pizza Lord, isn’t it sort of Harry’s responsibility to make the offer?
That is an AWESOME question. You, sir, have my respect.
Ten thousand thanks to you, sir! May your local bookstore have a clerical error and sell you a copy of “Cold Days” a week early!
I love this one! Come to think of it, how come Harry has never knocked on the big bad guys door with a Dominos pizza in hand and a cheesy ball cap on his head. Wait, it would be funnier to see Thomas use it.
1. Since Mab and Demonreach kept Harry’s body alive is Kincaid going to kill harry later or since harry produced a shade is he safe?
when are we going to see the goblin king again? will he come up in the next book?
HI! I RSVP’d and will continue to facebook and tweet through out the day.
We are all big Jim Butcher fans in our house, and my daughter would be here if she could get away. Thanks for the Hours of enjoyment Dresden and Codex Brings us!
Q1 Some authors see an end to their series Do you see an end to Harry’s story?
Q2 Being from Missouri have you ever attended Archon? (35 is right around the corner)
Q3 Do you ever do any book signings in the St. Louis area?
Alexx Miller Missouri USA
He answered Q1 up there ^
Thank you ! I have been unable to read everything as I am popping in in between clients at work.
i got that listens-to-wind was a water master(he is the chief healer after all) and now that you mention it the alphas transformation is also obviously water but back to my first and main question.
you say its because of neural pathways. are you saying that luccio is no longer committed to the same things she was before? that shes not as stubborn,doesnt have the same single minded defense of the white council in mind? that shes fundamentally changed?
what im saying is that mind magic is a mental thing. so unless it actually changed the way she thinks and made her more malleable to suggestion what peabody did should still have been impossible.
What are you currently reading?
At KC signing he indicated that he’s reading some of Harry Connolly. There is also a standout debut that he said was incredible, but I don’t know the name. Perhaps the moderator can let us know, if Jim doesn’t get to this question? It’s new one out by Jim’s publisher. It’s not due out for a while yet.
1. Clarification about the Fomor, pls: they do not appear to have signed the Accords. Were they around and paying attention to the vanilla mortal world back when Bram Stoker’s book was published and the Black Court was taken down?
2. Does necro-Bob have enough Kemmler-type knowledge to manifest in the real world as other than a ghostly presence?
According to the short story “Even Hand” in the anthology Dark and Stormy Knights, the Fomor are in fact signatories of the accords.
Dear Jim;
My Husband and I love your books; we are looking forward to playing the RPG and we wondered if there was any thought to Dresden miniatures; Harry, Bob, Molly, Mouse, etc. ?
Hi Jim,
Will you be visiting the UK on a book signing tour? Ghost Story is another great book.
He has to come to New Zealand first!
I’m thinking world tour….possibly using the ways it should only take a day or two :0)
Hey there Jim. I met you back at the Beavercreek signing and made an utter fool of myself by being star-struck
. I just wanted to say thanks for inspiring me to try my hand at writing. It’s always seemed an impossible dream, but after hearing it took someone as good as you nine years of writing to break out and get published I’m willing to risk it.
1. Just wondering if we will every see Chauncey again?
2. What did you think of The Way of Kings? I’m just about done with it myself
.
Dear Mr. Butcher,
First, a comment: I loved GS. Changes seriously disturbed me, as it seemed Harry went off the rails, motivated by fear and terror, which is something I never expected to see from him. He’s handled a lot of pain and terror before! But for his kid, this makes sense, and adding in a demonic lie… makes it understandable. I love how GS gives Harry the chance to think through his actions, and realize his mistakes. His ‘come to Uriel’ moment (I would use ‘come to Jesus’ but I think Harry would wig out) was exactly what he needed. So, kudos! I think this redemption story was the most satisfying book of the series.
Second, a request: You mention at one point, earlier on in the series, that Harry had done a job in Minnesota. That job hasn’t appeared in any short stories. I would love to see it. (Hint: if you think winters in Chicago are brutal… Welcome to the place where car companies test their vehicles to destruction.)
And third, a question: You have mentioned, several times, that angels do not have free will. If so, then how did the Fallen angels fall? Were they created flawed? But that seems troublesome. A good God creating evil? But if they weren’t created flawed… either they tripped and fell into evil by accident, or they chose it. Evil by accident isn’t evil. So tripping and falling is out. Which leaves only choice…
Thanks so much for the series. God bless your work!
Jonathan
due to the second question you must be from minnesota also? what part?
Welcome Jim
First I just want to say that Ghost Story was well worth the wait and this is still my favorite series. Sad though that this year broke my streak of 7 book signings in a row. I had to have my L-4 & L-5 discs removed on July 21st which put me on bedrest during your book tour. Well I guess next year I will have to start a new streak. I did get to meet Patrick Rothfuss in St. Louis in March & had him sign his first novel that you had signed I hate Patrick Rothfuss in 2 years ago in Lexington Kentucky. He had a good laugh about that. I had him sign my Changes that he hated you back
Thank you for great storytelling & all Missourians are proud to have you!
Rocky Shields
Cape Girardeau Mo
Donuts/frosting/etc… showed up in Harry’s battle with He Who Walks Behind. They’ve been a recurring theme in the books (when Harry meets w/ Odin, the Eldest Gruff, etc…). Are the donuts used to signify something (or does Harry just like them)?
I haven’t read you but wanted to say your books sound wonderful. When I bring down my TBR pile I’ll try you out.
RSVP’d +25
Viki S. USA
total = 27
What? What? What?
You’ve no idea what you are missing. You must move them to the top of your list. Jim has these crazy fans that will slip one of the books into your book bag when you aren’t looking. They might even remove the others…
LOL!
Carolyn S., Canada
First of all, I love your books. I can’t read them in public because I start manically laughing and crying and squealing over all the fun parts, and while I’m used to getting weird looks, I’d kind of prefer to avoid the nice EMTs with the pretty white jackets… anyways…
1. What are the origins of the Leanansidhe, and do they differ from those of most fae?
2. In ‘Summer Knight’, it is mentioned that the Knight has different duties towards each of the Queens. What are the duties the Knight owes respectively to the Mother, the Queen, and the Lady?
3. Harry Carpenter is the seventh of Michael Carpenter’s children–the seventh son, in a way, which suggests some extraordinary aptitude (or, at least it does in Card’s ‘Alvin Maker’ series). Will Harry Carpenter have any supernatural abilities?
Hi Jim,
I just a couple of practical questions about Maggie the daughter that have been bugging me. This is no doubt due to my child social worker background.
What is Maggie’s first language? Given that she was raised in South America, presumably by a South American family, does that mean her native language is Spanish (or Portuguese if she lived in Brazil)?
Having witnessed the destruction of her adopted family, the ordeal of being kidnapped, and the abrupt relocation to an entirely new family in a new country, the poor girl must be incredibly traumatized. Contrary to popular notion, it takes more than just being re-adopted into a loving home to compensate for past trauma that children experience–especially given the extreme case of Maggie’s story.
I felt heartbroken for her and her difficulties would be 100 times worse if she didn’t have any language skills to communicate or to have someone explain to her what had happened.
Look how badly Molly was damaged in the rescue attempt–at least she was an adult with an adult’s awareness of events. Maggie was just a child victim with no control over her environment or circumstances. Are Michael and Charity are at least taking her to see a good child therapist?
Sorry for the long post. I like Harry Dresden a lot, but so often it’s the children who get overlooked in our society and I’ve been troubled about Maggie since Changes.
–Jenna E., USA
Where’s Titania and why haven’t we seen her? Is she Harry’s grandmother? If not, who was Ebenezar’s wife/lover? What’s Mac’s story? What’s Kincaid’s story? Why didn’t Mavra make an appearance in GS?
Hey Jim, thank you so much for answering some of these questions. I’ve got three for you: who was Ebenezar talking about when he mentioned Maggie LeFay killed someone with magic? How did the Council connect Maggie LeFay with Justin DuMorne? Are the lycanthrope spirits of rage something that enters as birth due to bloodlines, or do they call a creature from the NeverNever into them?
Mia C., USA
Hello Mr. #1. Not going to ask about the books. I enjoy discovering the wicked details on my own and besides — you won’t tell me what I want to know anyway! So I’ll ask you about author-related things instead.
Who would you love to discover is a fan of your books — i.e. pulls his/her hair out and screams in joy/pain at the end of your books?
Do you seek out reviews of your books? What’s the greatest compliment you’ve received? The most negative but reasonable/constructive criticism? The most unreasonable criticism?
Thanks for reading/answering. Can’t wait to read the next Dresden. I’ve adequately recovered from the pain of GS and the masochistic reader in me needs the next fix.
You’ve stated in several interviews that you have the basic plots to the 20 “case file” books already written up.
From that same source, it sounds like your original description of “Changes” was “Harry goes out to rescue his daughter, even if it kills him, and it does”. I’m guessing “Ghost Story” might have started off as a sentence something like “Harry has to solve his own murder”.
Have these summaries from Back In The Day changed over time?
May we see the ones you used for the books you’ve already published?
Mark S, USA
PS: presumably, there isn’t one for Storm Front, simply because you were already writing it when you came up with the other 19 case file summaries?
Once again Jim, you make us neglect our children.
Regretfully I must go because my youngest has an appt with his occupational therapist. But I will be back and have lots to read afterwards and I get him down for his nap.
Does an “of the cross” weapon have to be a sword?
Does it have to be a melee weapon?
I realize you’re not going to say if Karin is going to take up an “of the cross”, but consider how epic “Fullautomacchius, P-90 of the Cross” would be. Not quite “Zombie Dinosaur” epic, but pretty damn close.
1. Do you purposely put red herrings into your writing, Jade Court and Ferrovax, or are they used to add depth and mystery to the world you’ve built?
2. You’re notorious for getting books out on schedule, I’m mildly curious if Ghost Story’s push back was your decision completely and how did you make that decision?
P.S. August releases now or back to April!?!?
1. Did Uriel lie to Harry at any point during ghost story? He did get his seven whispered words in, but those seem to be truth, so were those really what balanced the scales from the original cheating lie?
2. When Harry was getting his private viewing of the fate of his friends, was that all conveniently taking place just when he happened to look, or was Uriel showing him a recording/ skipping around in time?
Eva D, NC, USA
RSVP’d
Huge fan jim, just about to finish changes then its on to ghost stories. I have a couple questions and hopefully you can get to them.
1: Pretty much just wondering how much more you have for dresden? Its one of my favorite series and im hoping you have enough for alot more books.
2: What was the deal with James Marsders not reading for Ghost Stories, (im into audiobooks) a friend told me its some new guy…much to my dismay, are there talks for james to do a ghost stories cover?
Other then that…keep up the fantastic work!
give butters his sword already. with every book it seems to me like your just building him up to get a sword
I think Butters is the most amazing character yet. He’s the fan-in-disquise that just seems to get better and better. Who the heck saw this role for the little guy coming? I didn’t! And I NEVER would have paired him with Bob. They were the perfect little comedy team. His personality does change with each owner, (even before Good/Bad Bob) but to see him as the better half of Butters & Bob was precious.
Is “He Who Walks Behind” going to play a part in future events/evil schemes?
Hi! I’d really love to know some things. First of all, in Summer Knight (I think) Mab tried to get Harry to sire a child on her handmaiden. Will Harry father children by any of Mab’s court in the future, or be encouraged to do so?
Second,they’re really running so low on wizards thanks to the White Court’s genocide project in White Night and the mass killings by the Red Court. Will the wizards ever be proactive about increasing their numbers? I mean, like, they could switch wizard ova with the other stuff at fertility clinics, or like, give wizard girls benefits for getting knocked up. For a group facing the elimination of their subspecies, they’re not being very smart about this
Third, will Karrin and Mort hook up? I mean, he’s not exactly good looking, but he knows how to comfort people who are experiencing loss, and her first husband was ancient, so she’s into older guys. He could like, stay at home and look after the kids while she gives evil an ass-kicking!
I love you Jim!!!
I really enjoy the short stories that happen in between the big stories. Do you have any more lined up in the near future? I like to read in the order the author intended but I will admit that I have already read all of the shorts. And, what makes you decide to add the little in between stories? They are always such a perfect compliment to the big stories and then I wonder why they are broken out. Thanks for participating in this chat today.
Jen B. – USA
Points total (from comment #40 & #124):
+25 RSVP
+3 Questions
+1 Tally Points
+1 RSVP Kat Richardson
+400 Amazon
+430 TOTAL POINTS
Jen B. – USA
1. I thought the faeries unable to lie, yet Uriel states that Mab was lying at the end of Ghost Story. Was Uriel lying, has Mab gone insane enough that she is no longer held by that fact, or was she just unaware that she was lying?
2. Names have power and the names of humans can change over time. If someone were given a nickname for long enough, could that become their Name? What about people who marry and take their spouse’s name?
RSVP’d
Ooh, was this clue that I missed? Going to have to re-read that part. Good catch!
First I have to say that I LOVE the series! You may be interested to know that my 16 yr. old grandaughter is also a big fan. My question : Would being a vampire keep Thomas from taking up one of thre swords? Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us.
I suggested to Mr Butcher the last time he did this forum that he give Thomas the Sword of Love, so he could become the Raith of God. Mr Butcher replied that Thomas already had a Sword of Love……
1) You mentioned the parasite helped keep Harry alive on DR. Does that have any relevance to what on the Nevernever side of DR?
2) Does Uriel have something special planned for Harry in the future?
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell – US
RSVP 25
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/RaonaidLuckwell 1
RSVP for Kat Richardson event 1
Tallying 1
Never read the books but have seen the series on hulu. My question is….Have you ever wanted to write something non-Harry related?
Ever consider writing with your wife? (Yes I read Burning Alive and I did enjoy it from her)
Total – 30
>Have you ever wanted to write something non-Harry related?
He has. See “Codex Alera”. High fantasy “Lost Roman Legion” meets “Pokemon” stuff. Seriously.
>Ever consider writing with your wife? (Yes I read Burning Alive and I did enjoy it from her)
Jim has stated in other interviews that they can’t write at the same time OR place. So long as that stays true, there’s no way they’ll work together.
Hmmm…pokemon stuff. lol I like Pokemon…hmm I think im going to check it out lol
But how related to Pokemon is it exactly?
Is it possible to give free will to supernaturals who dont have it? maybe from a minor god or archangel or capital G god?
Are the rumors I have heard that the Dresden Files are coming to an end true?
Jim answered earlier that there would be 20-ish “case books” and then a big apocalyptic trilogy after that.
Not as long as his son is in school he has said. May we hope for that possible future medical degree, followed by a related post-doctorate, and then… well maybe another?
Nikki M. USA
I RSVPed yesterday!!
I liked the dreden Files…I have a copy
Do you base any of your characters off of traits represented in you or others that you know?
Alright, first off, i am a massive fan. Seriously, you’re pretty much my favorite author at this point.
Now on to my questions. I wish I could ask more than three, but well, you’ve already got like 80 more questions above mine, so I’ll get over it.
1. Is there anything, anything at all you’d be willing to share about Demonreach that hasn’t been revealed in the books yet? I can’t stop thinking that Harry’s gonna start living there when he inevitably gets out of Mab’s service.
2. When Malcolm Dresden was alive, was there anything supernatural or magical about him other than the fact that he fell in love with a Wizardess and had a Wizard child with her?
3. Is there an in-universe explanation for the First person narrative? Is he telling other people these stories or is he writing them down to go into that line of journals Ebenezer contributes to? (You’re answer on this will probably affect something i’m doing).
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions. I really appreciate it.
Magic Theory Question: Circles
(echoing a thread I started on the J-B forums)
Q1) Can magic circles be magic spheres?
Q2) Can said magic spheres be solid?
Effects of yes:
Beads that cannot be affected by magic have a Wide Variety of applications:
Anti-Magic Buckshot/bullets. Wizards who are ready for it can still die to a bullet, just like vanilla mortals.
Interesting plot twists: The white council is quite aware of this information and has suppressed it.
Further Twist: Said suppression is part of The Accords. Harry and Marcone get in all kinds of Deep Poo when they start using said weapons. Hilarity Ensues. (in other words: Harry’s life sucks more)
With sufficiently tiny spheres, you could embed them in something like a plastic sheet that would prevent all magic from crossing it (once the spheres were charged, depending on how long they stayed charged). Bead curtains would dampen but not remove magic.
Anti-magic paint. (tack on some of Mort’s ghost dust for bonus points)
Given anti-magic sheets:
* Wrap those sheets around a hot water heater, and Dresden (and all the other WC wizards) can have hot showers. If you can make said sheets clear, Dresden (& co) could own a TV/computer. Either way, he could have a radio.
* Make clothing out of it (and socks, and gloves, and a hat, and BVDs), and Harry can visit his friend in the ER without fear of killing them (until something rips his clothing >:). Such cloth might help some against a magic attack, but probably wouldn’t hold up nearly as well as dedicated armor. Would also interfere with the ability to draw IN magic. But his soulfire is already on the inside.
The “embedded in something” could use “kevlar” for the something… The Carpenters’ Armor gets that much better. Or just add it as an extra layer between the plates and chain & kevlar.
Those car-sun-block-collapsing-disk-thingies. Us a thin copper/silver/etc spring instead of some plastic and you’ve got easily field-deployable magic circles. Circles a mortal can create. Portable Magic Cover.
How much would Marcone pay to give his every soldier (or hand-picked, or whatever) magic barriers, anti-magic armor, and bullets that can ignore magic protection? So Marcone pays the JusLeaChi through the nose for this sort of gear, and they turn around and all but give it away to folks on the ParaNet, along with plans for making their own for even cheaper. Marcone does Not Approve, hilarity ensues. Or maybe he does.
Mark S (derp) USA. Still.
The answer to this question will HINT (but not provide anything solid) as to whether or not Harry’s chain of teachers is also his Family. It could still go either way with a minor flexing of The Author’s writing-muscles:
Is it common for wizards to take their own children/descendants as apprentices?
Let me rephrase that: Is it PERMISSIBLE for wizards to train their own children/descendents?
Hi again, Jim.
Just so you know, the main reason you’re my favorite author is because your writing style and sensibilities resonant with me, your books are like Literary Cocaine without the life destroying side-effects. I have finished every book since White Night the day I got them and afterword find myself tapping a vein going, “Give me more!!!”. That’s a good thing….
It should also comfort you to know that I got a date because of the Dresden Files and that your writing advice on LJ allowed me to finish a screenplay I had been treading water on for 3 years. Thank you, sir!
I got another question for you:
Given that he’s a police consultant(for most of the series anyway) does Harry ever have to testify in court for cases he consults on and if so, what does that look like? I would guess not, because especially that Loup Garou incident at S.I. must have been a nightmare.
“Exhibit A: One Snoopy Doll, covered in blood…”
Megan H, USA
First, thank you for your time in answering these questions.
Two questions, one about the book, one about writing. The book question is one I’m not sure you’ll be able to answer, mainly because it might come into play in later books. In the fight between the two Bobs, can you tell us who won? Mainly, will we be seeing Good!Bob again, or did Evil!Bob kill him off?
Then a question on writing. As a beginning author, I find I have a lot of trouble writing action and fight scenes. Do you have any advice to get through them, and to make them actually work besides “act it out”? And are there any particular types of scenes you still struggle with, and how do you push through them?
Once again, thank you for your time!
Savannah H. USA
Afternoon Mr. Butcher! I love all your books!
Ok here are my questions:
1. Which character (Dresden Files and Codex Alera) do you identify with the most?
2. How do you go about building your characters? They are so complex, where do you start?
3.Okay, okay this one has probably has gotten asked before: If you had to choose a major and minor furycraft, what would it be and why
?
Hi Jim, my daughter and I loved Ghost Story so much. I drove her crazy because I wouldn’t give her any hints.
My questions are these:
1. How do you see the White Council reacting to Harry’s new job as Winter Knight?
2. Will Harry forgive his grandfather for keeping their relationship a secret or do you see this causing a rift? Considering after the Red Court was destroyed, there was an opportunity to discuss it and then Harry was shot.
3. Everyone (White Council & Chicago police) thinks Molly has gone to the darkside, do you see her continuing as a fugitive?
Okay guys, three hours of constant typing has only gotten me through about half the questions. I’m sorry I didn’t get to more of them, but y’all have me a wee bit outnumbered.
Thank you for caring enough to ask! I hope that you got some answers to some questions, at least, and we’ll have to do this again sometime!
Jim
Augh!
That came across all “how dare Jim have a real life, I’m a FAN!” outraged. And it pretty much was.
Apologies.
Thank you for every answer you gave. Thank you for the wonderful books.
Moarmoarmoar.
You sir, are a word pusher, and I need me another fix. I may have to go by the other DFRPG book just for the short story. >twitch<
Good books are like bad medicine,
Bad medicine is what I need
Thanks for taking the time Jim, I truly appreciate it as does everyone else I’m sure. And thanks for inspiring me to take a chance at writing. Good luck on your future work.
Thank you again for answering our questions, sir. Being unable to make it to NorWesCon this year(it was during SakuraCon) this is the only way I could ask you those pressing questions.
I look forward to the next book and to that long awaited Bigfoot trilogy (B is for Bigfoot, I Was a Teenage Bigfoot and Bigfoot on Campus)!
But thats cause we have so many questions to ask the mighty one!
thank you Jim!
Hello Jim, Congratulations on a terrific book.
I have four questions at the moment, three from me and one from a friend.
1) (from my friend) Bob appears in NeverNeverNormandy fairly silently and with little fanfare. When did he enter the fray?
2) (From Me) At the end, Harry seemed to have royally pissed Uriel off by omitting the “-iel”. Harry did the same thing for Lasciel/Lash, and I would think as well as Archive/Ivy. As “iel” is a common suffix for most Angels and usually means something-something “of God”, does this mean Harry is essentially addressing them as creatures of free will like him and not creatures of function as most of the Higher Beings seem to be? (long winded, I know, sorry)
2) The way you’ve characterized Demonreach is interesting. What startled me the most is that Mab seems to be treating It as something close to an equal. With Harry as the servitor of one and the custodian of the other, will this play out in future stories?
3) Have we met the Shadow who whispered to Harry before?
Hi Jim,
Just one request – write more and do it quickly!
1. I’m assuming that since good Bob is now stuck in the Nevernever, he and Harry will be resuming their working relationship, true?
2. Will Harry get to interact with his daughter – and what exactly is HER name?
3. Does Harry’s quasi-resurrection create a difficulty for Kinkaid (as in the job that wasn’t completed)?
FYI, a friend went to the local library to read one of your books. Everyone of the Codex Alera books was checked out! Congrats on making the top sci/fi fantasy list!
Hugs from IA for you and Shannon!
Will James Marsters be back to read the audiobooks in the future?
**SPOILER**
Jim,
I was wondering about a couple of things, and hope you can help me out.
1) When Dresdan awakes naked on Deamon Reach, does that mean his necklace (that contains all the paths of the ways) was taken by Mab? It played such a large part in the former stories, just wondering what happened to it.
2) In Codex Alera(Furies of Calderon)I was wondering why its kind of a know as you go on the entities, unlike Dresdan files, where they are pretty mapped out at the beginning… making it easier to keep pace.
I think you for your time! I love all your books, and thank God everyday we can have intelligent, and sarcastic people like yourself give us some great entertainment! Thank you!
Hey Jim! I love the books and can’t wait to read more of them.
Question – you’ve said before that Ferrovax would make mincemeat of Lea and Eldest Brother Gruff if they came to blows. However, what was such a powerful being (Mr. Ferro) doing, acting as Lea’s bodyguard in Grave Peril?
JIM! i am such a gigantic fan! I love the Dresden files more than words can say. I cant thank you enough for every book you’ve released. Ive made so many people fans of yours, and continue to.
How do feel about not having James Marsters read this book? Would you consider re-releasing the book with him reading it?
Forever Dresdens,
Serena D.
As a biblioholic who is “just wild about Harry,” I thank you for all you have contributed to my reading pleasure. I look forward to reading Ghost Story, and hope you keep these (and your graphic novels) coming!
I first found you in my Santa Paula, CA library, and can’t get enough! Thanks again.
Hi Jim!
1. Will there ever be an encyclopedia detailing Dresden’s world?
2. Do you spend a lot of time scoping out Chicago to find all the cool scenery?
3. Who is your favorite female character to write? I heard before that you thought Murphy was the most difficult.
1. On the jim-butcher.com forum is an exhaustive time line that Prescellie, along with others, compiled. He jokingly referred to the fact that his beta readers and wiki prove to be excellent sources. If Prescellie had the time, if Jim gave her permission, there might be someday, but wouldn’t it be better when the series is complete?
2. At KC signing, Jim told a funny story about visiting the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He apparently asked a lot of questions, such as “What would happen if someone blew out or shot out those thick windows?” That was followed by even more and more suspicious terrorist type queries. He said that he finally figured out how they were making him sound and he had to explain it was for professional reasons.
Thanks for letting me know! I love that story about the aquarium, that’s hilarious!
So I’ve had but one question that has really been bothering me ever since Proven Guilty. Who messed with little Chicago??? I assume it must have been a future illegally time-traveling Harry, since no-one else knew enough about it to make any significant changes. But even so, I assume Chicago changed a significant amount even just in the 6 months between Changes and Ghost Story. How would Harry even remember it well enough to accurately fix it? I’m worried that you wont address it since, after Changes, little C. doesn’t exist anymore.
BTW I’m a huge fan. To date I’ve turned 30+ of my closest friends and relations into independent Dresdenphiles, which should tell you how good your writing has gotten. The series just keeps getting better. I for one hope you take as much time as you need for Cold Days to make sure it comes out just as awesome as the rest of the series. Thanks for writing!
Jim: I love the Dresden books! I have read all of them & I want to ask, is Harry going to “level up” soon? He reminds me a lot of Neo at the tail end of the original Matrix movie. He is starting to believe, but is not quite ready yet. I love the books, but it seems like he talks out both sides of his mouth a lot. He talks about magic being will and intent, & then he falls back onto using the staff & bracelet all the time. Will he be moving onward & upward, as Molly seems to have done with her abilities?
So I’m still (for shame) a couple books behind. But at least I don’t have to wait until the next year to read the next book
Of course I’ll still be hurting for more story when I do reach this book. So I’m trying to stay away from any spoilers up there.
But as is seen today, you get lots of questions.
So now I’m curious, What’s one the weirdest questions you’ve been asked?
Thanks!
Rae M. USA
RSVP’d +25
Commented on Screen Bites +1
RSVP for Kat Richardson +1
Ask Question +1
Tally Points +1
Total = 29
W. Adam R. – USA
Jim Butcher, Congrats (again!) on another great Dresden Files book. The only downside now is having to wait for the next one to come out. In addition to being a fan of the novels, I’m also a fan of the Dresden Files RPG put out by Fred Hicks & co. at Evil Hat.
1. Are the Venatori Umbrorum every make a significant appearance, or otherwise have more information about them released?
So far they have been described someone as being like “Masons with flamethrowers’ and that they are aware of the supernatural, and the organization have some degree of ‘talent’ for supernatural countermeasures, they are not as significant as the White Council, the White Court, or other major supernatural powers.
2. Are all the signatories of the Unseelie Accords going to make an appearance any one point or another during the series?
3. During the series, are you ever planning on having significant portions of a novel take place somewhere other than around Chicago?
Of course there have been some things beneath the Auld Rock in Edinburgh, and a trip to the Yucatan and Norway, just looking to see what (if any) other areas are going to be mentioned or developed.
* Cally B. from Maryland
* I RSVP’d!
* tweeted about today: http://twitter.com/#!/eldestmuse/status/100676943061585920
* I already own Ghost Story — I would have considered getting the audiobook but, alas. It’s not one of the options.
* Tweeted the code: http://twitter.com/#!/eldestmuse/status/100677356880019456
* RSVP’d to the Kat Richardson event
Questions:
1. Will James Marsters be back for the next book?
2. Can you explain more about the White Court “growing up” process? If they kill-while-feeding first young, will they continue to age? It’s indicated that they’re immortal in Ghost Story but somewhere along the line I got the impression that they could age in appearance. Is that so?
3. We know that Lara captured little fae and used them as lights, could you explain how the White Court managed to confine them?
“Indeed. In the Dresden Files universe, magic is the essence of creation itself. Constant exposure to it through use changes the person who uses it in a number of ways, not all of them as obvious as physical recovery and longevity. The more exposure, the more dramatic the changes.”
So, is this how Rashid is able to be old enough to be the Wizard to take down Abdul Al-Hazred (which supposedly happened in…what? The 900s CE by Lovecraft’s timeline for the Cthulhu Mythos?)?
Yet another fine job, Mr. Butcher. Keep writing them how you like to write them, and do try to get some rest.
1) Cristos: Evil or stupid?
2) Uriel Vs Mab: Who’s the more powerful?
3) Does Mab act as Enforcer World Police for the Unseelie Accords, or simply in cases where she has an interest and stake in the matter?
2. Super question! I’ll see if it can get added to someone’s list who will be seeing him sometime in the future! You could also ask Jim directly as he does stop in occasionally on the jim-butcher.com forum to answer them. There is a thread “Questions for Jim”
First off, thanks for amazing books, and as an aspiring author, the Q&A is much appreciated!
I was wondering how you thought up the new perspective for Harry, and as you were writing, did it change how you had to picture these scenes?
Lastly, how long have you been planning for Harry to basically suicide, and was it always Molly and Kincaid as cohorts?
Thanks!
Would you ever consider writing a Dresden Files book with shifting point of views? That way if Dresden is running all around the Never Never, we can still check in on our favorite characters back in Chicago.
What would you say to an author who wanted to write a story within your Dresdenverse – like a legitimized fan-fiction that doesn’t intersect with the actual plot of your series?
Initially Jim had to be very strict on fan fiction, but apparently the rules have slackened and it is more acceptable. Jim says that he can’t read them, but you can post and read fan fic on his website: jim-butcher.com
Yeah, I sound like a broken record, but stop in and say hello to everyone!
Thanks for answering my question and all the others Jim! You gave us an amazing amount of information. Now I have to get back to my reading and catch up on the series!
Whoops!
Deb W. USA
What age should we expect Harry to be by the end of the apocolyptic trilogy. is he 10 years out or 200?
Does Harry’s mother’s amulet give knowledge of only the ways that she traveled in her life or can it predict when and how they fluctuate?
Will we see the return of subconscious Harry? Is there any significance to the fact that he can fight with himself or is that something a normal vanilla might be able to do.
Is it at all possible that Mab is Pregnant? We have so far no indication of what Fey gestation is like, but we know there can be half-fey…
Holy you-know-what! That’s something that I never imagined–and who knows. It’s sort of scary, isn’t it? Like setting up Maggie the good vs Baby the Fae. Well, assuming Maggie comes out good. Being with the Carpenter’s I think the odds are excellent. What would Harry do? How would he handle that? It’s too juicy not to use. I’m going to keep my fingers crossed.
Thank you so much for so many facinating, sad and joyful hours in Harry’s world.
Okay – checking back in because I have two much more important questions than any of the small ones I see here.
1. Why aren’t you on twitter? It isn’t really that time-consuming. One tweet a day is all it takes. (You know you want to. The first one’s on me.)
– - please!
2. Once you find yourself single – and that’s pretty much inevitable in these times, not that I’m wishing – I’ll propose.
– - Now don’t freak out. I’m flirting, for god’s sake. I’m a lawyer! I know where the line is! Stop looking at me like that!
- – oh for Mary’s sake. All right. I’m going back to work.
Jim is on twitter.
I’ll make you go to jim-butcher.com and you’ll probably find it somewhere.
As to his relationship with Shannon? Dream on. Jim and Shannon were not only high school sweethearts, but they are life long soul mates. You just have to see them together to understand that Jim is as constant as Harry. How Shannon puts up with him? That I can’t answer, but no way, no how, do you have a chance. That’s the thread that spins through all of his stories and that is why we are drawn to them. It is possible to have it all, be happy, and stay married to the gal you initially fell in love with. Yes. Now where are the other guys like him? *sighing in IA*
He’s @longshotauthor on Twitter. He doesn’t tweet much, but he’s predictably entertaining when he does.
Hi Jim,
Firstly just wanted to say, love both your series, and congratulations on making it to number 1 on the NYT Bestsellers list again. So here are the questions:
1. Will we be seeing Agent Tilly again, or is he a throw away character? I know, that before you usually don’t create a character unless you are going to use them, and to me it seems that he didn’t see much use in Changes.
2. Sandra Martling just disappeared in Proven Guilty…was she a throw away character, a cats paw or will we see her again. It seemed she kept pointing Molly towards the things that led her down the wrong path, and then went poof.
Thanks again for your time and the books!!
James G. USA
Sorry if someone may have already asked, but what ever happened to the jade court?
Will there ever be anouther dragon apperance?
At KC signing, Jim indicated that the Jade Court would make another appearance, but not until late in the series.
Not to contradict Meg but, above Jim said:
“It
Thanks laidies good info
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Hi Jim! Love your books! Couple of quick questions:
1. I know there are tons of insanely strong powers in the Dresdenverse. Will Dresden ever face off a Big Bad on the level of, say, Lucifer and/or God?
2. Kemmler is over-the-top evil necromancer guy. Such a guy seems to be a prime candidate to return as an adversary of Harry. Is he alive? Have we already seen him?
3. Finally, how many years (in the book) will there be between right now and the end of the series/Apocalyptic Trilogy?
Peter W.
America
Hey Jim,
Thanks for answering questions today.
I was curious, I’ve heard that you said before that there are actually a total of seven vampire courts (well, I guess six now). Would it be a spoiler to reveal the other three courts, or are they so insignificant that it doesn’t really matter.
Hey, Jim! Pam here! *Waves*
Is there a love interest up ahead for Waldo Butters?
BLAZE! Jim signed off around 3:30PM, right before I signed in. I’m at work.
Miranda dropped off sometime after that. Still I tried to answer some of the questions that he’s given us before. Can you pitch in? I’m heading home.
I referenced the forum quite a bit…
Hugs lady! Stay well. I hope the hot weather the Midwest sent your way didn’t leave you in agony… I was thinking about you. Meg
RSVP
Paula D.
Thanks for answering all those questions! I just got home from work and am saddened to have missed the chat but excited to read Jim’s answers – and super excited to read the latest book in the Dresden series.
Mare S, USA
RSVP’d ahead +25
tweeted code – http://twitter.com/#!/tommygirl/status/100700126967898115 +15
RSVP’d For the Kat Richardson event and contest + 1
commented on this week
Can anyone tell me how Michael and Harry met? I was hoping this would be one of his good memories.
1. Why didn’t Mab tell Harry that his body was still around?
2 Will Harry ever get a wizard’s hat?
I’m just going to ask this quick cuz I’m coming late to the party, but how do you feel about audiobooks? Do you listen to them, and are you happy with yours? I listen to them, not all done yet, and I love them!
Joani S
Joani S from USA
I rsvp’d
rsvp’d for richardson
tally points=29
Hey Jim! (I have two uncles and a father all named Jim! crazy story!)
I actually personally haven’t read any of your books (please rabid fans, no killing me lol) but my quick question was do you have any books you consider Paranormal? I don’t know much about the series and I tried to gleam the information from reading but its a completely new world that I know nothing about so I was a bit lost.. however, I did see someone post something about 7 courts of Vampires? 
I was just wondering because I have a paranormal book check listing website and if you do have paranormal I would be sure to include those books on the site as well 
Anyways your books do look interesting and though I’m a huge fan of Paranormal I’ve been known to get sucked into the Fantasy genre here and there (Eragon anyone?) lol XD so I’m adding you to own personal list either way
+25 RSVPed
+1 question
+1 tallying them up
Total points:27
Christine H USA
Hi from near St. Louis, Mo.
I checked out your books and can’t believe my husband has not read them. His only excuse is he use to read a lot and doesn’t have as much time anymore. But I did purchase the first three books in the series. They sound amazing! I was reading on Amazon about you and we have something in common. (if what I read is true) I was read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in 3rd grade and it was fantastic! My imagination created a even better version than the movie. That book/series is one I’ll never forgot. My first question is:
1. Did you see the Movie of “The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe” and if you did how did the picture match up with what you had in your mind when you were 7yrs old?
2. I read some reviews. I was trying to get an idea if these books would be right for my husband. One person said they were like Harry Potter, which in our house would be a good thing, but I don’t get that from what I’ve seen and read. How would you describe your books to me or someone else who has not read them yet?
Thank you!
+2 questions
+3 tweets
+15 special tweet
+1500, puchased 3 of Jim Butcher books 1-3, sending in reciept
+1 RSVP For the Kat Richardson event
+1 totaling
TOTAL- 1522
+25 for RSVP
I finished Ghost Story in 4 hours! By the end I was crying in relief. Is there going to be more? How many books are you planning for Harry? (last question) Is there a person you garner inspiration from for his sarcasm and banter?
Darlene G. USA
Points 27
sean m usa
i have one final question for the day. have you ever considered making the dresden files into an animated series
OMG. I love Dresden!
My question for you is how did the writing of the Dresden Files change you?
Aori H.
aorihanazari(@)gmail(.)com
USA
I RSVPed
1. Does Maggie know Harry is her dad, and Susan is her mom?
2. Will Maggie ever be able to fight in the series or will Harry be way too overprotective of her (I’m assuming she’ll be an adult by the apocaliptic trilogy)
Wah. I was too late *sobs* Oh well. I guess I will have more time to spend with Harry. *goes to read Ghost Story*
So points tally:
25 RSVP
1 Question
1 Tally
= 27 points
I really loved the tv show. I love your books also but the lead actor just
played him was fantastic. Did you have any say so in the tv version?
Would you like it if they would do a movie of one of your Dresdan books?
Do you have any animals and what are thier names?
I RSVP’d for this event and Kat Richardson event
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/100742735144816640
I tweeted URL and code at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/100743345042759680
I commented in Screen Bites
Lisa D. USA
Total points = 47
I missed the chat. I would have liked to ask wher Harry gets his titles from
25 rsvp
1 question
total = 27
Sorry I missed that chat but love the glimpse into Jim’s head.
25 – RSVP for Jim
1 – RSVP for Kat
1 – Self total
27 = TOTAL
Hi Jim
Sorry almost forgot to be here.
* I RSVPed to be here with jim +25
* I Tweeted about this and here is the link http://twitter.com/#!/sasluvbooks/status/100857639466041344 +1
* I RSVPed for Kat Richardson +1
* I Tallyed my Points +1=28
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/100925592282738688
I tweeted URL and code at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/100926010903629824
Lisa D. USA
New total = 54
Jim, you rock and so does BK but 5 Guys is better.
1. Any chance you’ll ever revisit Alera?
2. Is it just me or is Marcone the Lex Luthor to Harry’s Superman?
3. What would be the real world equivalent to Mac’s brew? St. Bernardus Abt. 12 (that stuff is cash money)?
No question..just wanted to say that my husband & I LOVE the Dresden Files…we’re on Turn Coat right now; we’re REALLY liking it ..one of the best…thanks so much for writing these..
I reread all the books in a 2 week time frame in preparation for Ghost Story, and doing that just proves how tightly plotted the entire series has been so far! Thanks for sharing these stories with us!
1. We got a very brief glimpse of Thomas at the end of Ghost Story. Can you shed a little more light on what he’s been up to (did he ditch Lara?), or how he found out news of Harry’s death?
2. Of all the published Dresden books so far, which has been YOUR favorite?
3. What’s the one question that you’re surprised fans have never asked you, which is extremely significant to the plot development? (You don’t have to share the answer! You’ll just fuel months of speculation on the forums! Wait, I take it back…please give us the answer too!)
My Birthday is in July and all my friends and family know that all I want is the newest Dresden novel. Thanks from me and my son for many hours of laughter and anxiety!
When you write your books, do you weave two or three different event streams into one time line or do you create a starting point and goal and just start throwing stuff in the characters way to keep him from getting there? When you think up an obstacle for Harry do you refrain from committing to it until you can see Harry’s solution to it or as an author, am I over-thinking this?
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/101018127541874690
I tweeted URL and code at http://twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55/status/101019155880353792
Lisa D. USA
New total = 71
Jim,
Love your Dresden books! I really appreciate the detailed development of Harry’s character over the course of the story so far. I’m reading Ghost Story now.
Will Harry’s daughter play a role in the end books?
Will there be new additions to the Knights of the Cross?
Will Harry & Thomas ever have contact with their Mom’s spirit?
Jim, I just want to say I love your books, they helped me through my surgey… Now I have a few questions,
1.) Are you allowed to tell us the title of future, and if so what are some….
2) What ever happened to Bob at the end of Ghost Story?
3) What will you do after the Dresden Files is over?
Nina B. – KS-USA
I’m reading Changes and Ghost Stories simultaneously. Maybe I missed it, but does Laura still have Thomas’ beau?
You created a huge universe for this series. I love it. Have you considered taking the universe and using it to embellish on the stories of secondary characters?
So sad I missed this, but if I could ask Jim anything about the Dresden series, I’m dying to know why Harry initially could not ride the elevator in his office building in the first book but later rode it without a problem. I have read every Dresden book in order just since February or March of this year, so maybe people who read them with the year or two between books wouldn’t have noticed this discrepancy. I’m 1/2 way through Ghost Story and loving it as always! Keep up the great work, Jim!
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I have read both the Codex Allera series and all of the Dresden series, and loved both of them. They both bring out very strong emotions in me when it comes to the characters. Thank you for that. My question is, is it the same for you when you write them? Also did you need a box of tissues when you wrote Ghost Story? I needed them when I read it.
know i missed the party but just wanted to say great read!
I really love the books. Will you ever agree to another tv series based on them?
Forgot to say I rsvp’d