Page Burners: Steven Erikson Interview

In this episode of Page Burners, the group engage in a deep conversation with author Steven Erikson about the Malazan series. They explore various themes such as character motivations, the role of humor, the complexity of long-lived characters, and the relationship between gods and mortals. Erikson shares insights into his writing process, the significance of naming conventions, and how reader interpretation shapes the understanding of his work. The discussion highlights the balance of darkness and humor in storytelling, as well as the memorable imagery that resonates with readers. In this engaging conversation, Steven Erikson discusses the intricate themes of humor, character development, and the writing process within his Malazan series. He reflects on the legacy of his work, the challenges of free will versus prophecy, and the role of memory in shaping identity. Erikson also shares insights into his writing process, including the importance of feedback and the impact of historical context on narrative structure. The discussion culminates in a look at his upcoming projects, including a new novel and a writing guide. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Page Burners and Guest Steven Erikson 02:22 Exploring the Massacre in Gardens of the Moon 06:43 Character Motivations and the Role of Gods 08:20 The Impact of Reader Interpretation on Writing 11:20 The Complexity of Character Perspectives 14:40 Refugees and the Narrative Perspective in Dead House Gates 18:42 Icarium: Symbolism and Themes of Humanity 25:51 Naming Conventions and Character Creation 29:36 Unraveling Civilization: The Fluidity of Cultures 32:22 Exploring Perspectives: The Challenge of Long-lived Characters 36:24 Divinity and Governance: The Secular Nature of Empires 40:12 The Role of Gods: Perspectives on Worship and Society 46:18 Humor in Darkness: The Role of Comedy in Storytelling 58:05 Crafting Memorable Imagery: The Visual Writing Process 01:05:19 The Role of Humor in Writing 01:06:47 Character Development: Ischioropus and CRUP 01:10:17 Feedback and the Writing Process 01:19:30 Legacy and Reader Perception 01:25:54 Myth-Making and Narrative Intentions 01:34:26 Emotional Attachment to Characters 01:35:31 Writing Against Hero Worship 01:38:31 Free Will vs. Prophecy 01:42:07 Symbolism and Narrative Structure 01:51:34 Memory and Identity 01:52:36 Character Ages and Perceptions 01:59:23 Terrorism and Moral Ambiguity 02:03:13 Upcoming Works and Future Projects Send us a message Support the show Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l