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Home > Archive > Feb 14, 2008

'Fantasy' Author Visits Library
By Jen Gubler
L.E. Modesitt, Jr., author of “The Recluce Saga” and “The Corean Chronicles,” visited the Hurricane Library, Feb. 6, as part of the library’s “Meet the Author” series. He met with the public, answering questions about his current and past novels, and explaining the difficult process each author goes through when publishing a novel.
Modesitt said he began his writing career when a friend encouraged him to write short stories. His first short story was bought very quickly but he wrote several more without luck. He said he was told that he was a novelist trying to squeeze a novel into a short story and that his short stories were not going to be purchased. It was then that Modesitt began writing science fiction and fantasy novels. While many of his short stories were never published, he has published every novel he’s written.
His first story was published in 1973 and his first novel in 1982. Modesitt began writing one novel a year while working full time He became a full-time writer in 1992 and writes three books a year.
Modesitt is the best-selling author of more than 40 novels, including two science fiction series and three fantasy series. He has received many positive reviews for his works.
“This brilliant novel is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining,” Publishers Weekly stated about “Archform: Beauty.”
The Fantasy Review stated “(The Forever Hero Trilogy)…reads well, organizes its sweep of time and action with grace and economy…”
One of his most popular series “The Recluce Saga” has sold more than two million copies in the U.S. and has been published in 10 different languages.
Modesitt said his characters “have real jobs, often physically difficult ones.” The first book in the series, “The Magic of Recluce,” is a fantasy novel about a young magician who is exiled from the isle of Recluce and must face morally difficult challenges as he chooses good over evil. The series includes a total of 14 books, each as gripping and exciting as the one before.
Modesitt has recently released two more novels. “The Elysium Commission,” takes place in the city of Thurene on the world of Devanta. Devanta is ruled by secretive Sorores Civitas. Blaine Donne is a retired special operative who works as a counselor, private eye and occasionally, a commando-for-hire. When he meets a mysterious woman of power who has no past and a shielded identity, his world is torn apart. He is commissioned to discover the link between a mythical name and two individuals. His success or failure determines not only his future, but the future of all of Devanta.
“Natural Ordermage,” the latest in the “Recluce” series, tells the story of Rahl who was born in the old capital city of Recluce. As an apprentice to his father, he hopes to someday have minor talent with order-magic. Rahl finds himself in great trouble when he uses order-magic without knowing how. Order-magic that is completely forbidden in Land’s End. Rahl goes on a quest to train under the black ordermages in the city of Nylan to discover his secret power. If he fails, he will be forced into exile and live as a slave in the Hamorian quarries and ironworks.
Modesitt's newest book, “Viewpoint Critical,” is his first compilation of short stories. It will be coming out next month.
According to his biography, Modesitt has worked as a delivery boy, lifeguard, radio disc jockey, Navy pilot, real estate agent, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant and staff director for U.S. Congressmen, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a college lecturer.  His varied experiences have led to the writing of at least one of his books.
According to his biography, Modesitt spent nearly 20 years working in Washington, D.C., and finally decided to move to New Hampshire. There he met and married his wife, Carol. Together they moved to Cedar City, Utah, where she directs the opera program at Southern Utah University.
Modesitt donated many hardcover books to the Hurricane library as part of his visit. For more information on all of Modesitt’s books, what he is currently writing and the books he likes to read, his official Web site is www.lemodesittjr.com.
The Hurricane Branch Library’s “Meet the Author” series was very successful in 2007. The library will continue to bring in local authors to discuss their works, answer questions and give autographs said Connie VonSeichter, Hurricane Branch Librarian. In addition, author Linda Weaver Clarke will be giving another workshop this year designed to help those who would like to put their family histories into fun stories. Author Anita Stansfield will be coming in September, VonSeichter said.

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