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two more questions from Karen
Will the fifth book mention a little of what happens to Hawkeye out west? I know that in THE LEATHERSTOCKING TALES, Hawkeye did go west but I missed him greatly in FIRE ALONG THE SKY, just like I am going to miss Curiosity when her time comes. She is a great character and you have used her to great advantage in the telling of this saga.
I like Curiosity a lot, too, and it's a matter of great satisifaction to me that my readers are so devoted to her.
As far as Hawkeye in the west, I can't give you any promises. In fact, it's unlikely. He doesn't want to communicate with me, and unless that changes, we'll have to all imagine him hunting in the Great Tetons. And even if he did ... see the answer to the next question.
Have you ever thought of writing a prequel with the story of Hawkeye and Cora? Since you gave some of the movie's dialogue between them to Nathaniel and Elizabeth you may not wish to do that.
I get asked about a prequel quite a lot. The short answer: probably not, given the current state of the business.
At this point in time, historical fiction is considered out of vogue. The publishers are convinced that readers don't want historicals, they want contemporaries. Which is a good part of the reason that the Wilderness series is up in the air after Queen of Swords.
Sorry that I don't have more upbeat news for you, but that's the nature of the business.
August 29, 2005 10:14 AM
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Comments
Most of what I read these days is historical fiction. That's the way I learn about history. Well, should you ever find that you do want to do more on the series, you have a loyal reader in me.
Posted by: Anne at August 29, 2005 12:03 PM
Hmmm! I must have missed the memo that said historical fiction was out of style..it is still my genre of choice!
Posted by: Marg at August 30, 2005 02:34 AM
What? "Out of vogue"? I suppose this is based on sales volumes or some other such statistical evidence, but really.... I am horrified. I suspect that the truth is more likely that publishers are convinced they can make more money out of contempories at present. (But then my friends call me cynical). There are readers out here who want historical fiction - see me, putting up my hand and waving furiously?
*SIGH*
So which publisher(s) do I petition to make sure that the interests of all readers, and not just those of contempory fiction, continue to be taken into consideration?
Sorry for the rave Sara - I hope that you continue with the Wilderness series, even if publishers lose interest. If I have to wait 20 years for historical fiction to come back in vogue I know it will be worth it if you have another Wilderness novel waiting in the wings.
Posted by: Alison at August 30, 2005 02:12 PM
Sara,
Tell us again where you were in New Orleans. Have I remembered correctly? Research.... and lovely posts about old newspapers. I wonder if those archives were damaged by the hurricane? Eeerie thought, to think you were there and now those places and items might be irretrievable.....hope to God not.....poor New Orleans....how the people there are suffering
Cynthia in Florida
Posted by: Cynthia at August 30, 2005 05:46 PM
Dear Sara,
I for one love historical fictions and read them far more than I do contemporaries. I live in the present, for heaven's sake, I know what goes on here! But I love to "travel" back in time and read a good historical story, such escape from modern times. And I see all types of historical fictions on the bestseller tables, and "new in fiction" or "new in paperback" tables. Everything from biblical tales, medieval tales, and the rest. SOMEONE must be reading them, I can't be the only one!!
I do hope you get your whole story done.I've loved all the books thus far. I know it will drive me crazy if you have to stop at "Queen of Swords".
good luck,
amy
Posted by: amy at August 31, 2005 02:21 PM
you are all very kind. thanks so much for the good words of encouragement.
Posted by: sara at September 1, 2005 04:55 PM