Alan Dean Foster is a great writer.

However, the bloom came of the rose the first time I understood, as a young teen, that in one of his books Foster did not understand that in space a rocket doesn’t need to “push” against something. I’m sure it was a just one of those stupid mistakes that he wouldn’t have made if he was paying attention, but it was annoyingly not caught by an editor.

Lately I picked up some ADF and, though enjoying the story, thought it was lacking in a couple of key ways:
http://sparkplug9.com/on-alan-dean-foster/

Alan Dean Foster is an amazing storyteller – there is no doubt. But he could benefit from MUCH better editing.

I like your question. I’ve often thought the same: Where does this all come from? Especially with the “Carnivores of Light and Darkness” series. The various habitats Ehomba traveled through on his question. I love the quote on Amazon that said he had “an unshakable belief that every question has an answer.” I felt so connected to that character through the series, I realized that I’d also been on a quest of my own. That’s writing talent and skill!

Thanks for being a fellow fan and thanks for sharing so much!

From there, I had to read everything, as you did. Wow! I thought I was one of the few!

His books inspired me to go to some Cons, and there I met other scific and Foster fans. It’s wild how some hook onto a specific series and swear by them, and say they don’t like the rest. Some only go for the Star Wars and Star Trek books, while ignoring his original work. Others are so hooked into the Humanx world – like me – I expect there should be a Commonwealth/Humanx Con soon. Others are totally into his original stuff, hating the “movie rips” as I heard someone say. Me, I love it all.

So what would I ask? I have so many questions but if I could pick like one, it would be where does he find his creative inspiration and imagination? I know some of it comes from nature and his travels, but a lot of of it is like totally insane thinking. What does a bug think like? What would a fish say if it could talk? I loved Carnivores, and all the creatures in the book as well as the lands they lived in – how does he think all this stuff up?

I haven’t stopped to think about your last question as I just barrell through life, but you’re making me think, as usual. So I’d have to say that my parent’s culture (Japanese) stops me from doing the things I really want to do. I came from an old school family who brought their lifestyle when they immigrated. As second gen, I often feel trapped. Wow! I can’t believe I thought of that, but that just goes to show.

Anyway, have a great time with one of my favs. I think this is so cool. Can’t wait for you to blog more about your meeting. I’ll be waiting on you.

@Antti Kokkonen: LOL! I didn’t know who Alan Dean Foster was when I read my first exposure to his work, the Flinx novels. I was in college and loved exchanging books with a friend totally into scifi books. I told her that while scifi movies were great, books were for “losers” and those geeks. We traded trash romance novels instead, and I thought I was expanding her literary culture. She found out that I loved “youth” books and collected some very old WWII and earlier books, and begged me to try the Flinx novels. I was so enchanted (and hoodwinked) that I headed right for Half Price Books to buy more of this incredible author, and found that he had written the books for my favorite movies! I bought ALL of them, movies and others, and have been hooked every since. I’m so glad I got to introduce my favorite author to you! Maybe you will read a few to find out what I find entrancing in his writing style and character development.

@Colin: Too funny. I’ll remind him of the pinball.

@Robyn Seaton: I can’t believe that all of this has motivated you to finally get your first blog post done. You are the best of the best and thank you for having more courage than I did. You are my inspiration. Thank you so much!!!

As to what is stoping me, I wish I had your courage, Lorelle. I’d love to travel. I think it would help me learn more about the world and other people, but I just don’t have the time. And I have family to worry about. So I love reading Foster’s books as they take me on the road without leaving home.