!!!David Gemmell!!! - An insight into his life.

[Lacedaemonian]

I found this amaizing story about David Gemmell's childhood. Please, please all David Gemmell fans read this:

http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/davidgemmell/home.htm

The main story continues half way down the page, where David discusses his mother's prostitution, his vampires and basis for his character Druss.

Have you read it? Now go and read Ravenheart, and let the tears flow.....

 

[dwndrgn]

I don't believe I've read anything by him, I might have and just not known it. I'll have to see what the library has. Thanks for the link.

 

[Lacedaemonian]

Did you read the link? If you read his works this link will have a more powerful affect on you. The Drenai Tales contain stories about Druss, and the Rigante series contains the character Jace who features mainly in Ravenheart.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I haven't read Ravenheart, but I remember David Gemmell telling the stories at a book signing, when I went around asking published authors for advice on publishing. He also made calim to being a clinically certified psychopath (if I remember my psychology studies, that loosely means that he has difficulty empathising with others and their feelings, rather than actually has a desire to want to kill people).

When I mentioned about being an aspirant he spoke very supportingly - I later sent him a letter via his UK publisher and heactually replied. I class him as one of the good guys.

 

[Lacedaemonian]

Did you read the link Brian? I loved it. If he is a certified psychopath then that would explain characters like Decado. He was signing at my local Waterstones one year but I could not get the day off. Bummer. I enjoy his works much more these days, so if he came again, it is safe to say that sick note would be winging its way to work. He sounds like a great bloke, and I would love to meet him. A letter from David would be framed on my wall. Unless it said somehing along the lines of "Stop harassing my publisher!"

 

[Hypes]

'We are not normally this frank, but when someone has no idea of plot construction, characterisation, or narrative drive we feel it is appropriate to advise you to rethink your career plans. You mention in your resume that you are working as a lorry driver's mate for Pepsi Cola. This is an occupation not without merit. Good luck with it'.

Greatest. Rejection. Letter. Ever.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Yes, he introduced the signing with his original rejection letter - think it was for a "Miami Vice"-style thriller. Apparently, he wrote about one of the characters having a revolver - but loaded it with a magazine like an automatic. That was one of the flaws picked up on.

As for the letter - a lot of authors' ears prick up when you say you're writing. They've been there - they know how tough it is. So a lot are very sympathetic and will try to make a little helpful comment. I think that's precisely why David Gemmell carries that letter around - to show exactly how far he's brought himself as a person and writer.

 

[Lacedaemonian]

He keeps getting better as a writer, as all writers should.

 

[Seth God Of Chaos]

Thank you so much for that link it was a really good story.

Bill Woodford was a veteran of world war two -a fighter- something david gemmells father was not
but have you noticed how druss was a better man than jaim. while jaim spent his time stealing, drinking, whoring and fighting druss merely spent his time fighting drinking and annoying the crap out of people. Also Druss killed more easily.

Connovar also abandoned his son bane yet they met again and bane forgave him. some kind of childhood dream perhaps?

 

[Brian G Turner]

Perhaps, but it's always dangerous to read specific biographical actions. Still, an interesting speculation.

 

[Silk]

I haven't read much David Gemmell, actually I’ve only read Legend, but since reading this piece I have much more of a fascination to read more; however I have a slight problem.

I’m a bit of a stickler for reading books from a series in the correct order (not really that illogical if you think about it) and as he has such a large back catalog I having difficulty finding out which book comes after Legend; is it The King Beyond the Gate or Waylander or neither of these?

A pointer in the right direction would be greatly appreciated

 

[dwndrgn]

Look here: http://www.gemmellmania.co.uk/content.php?article=6

 

[Brian G Turner]

So the Drenai Tales apparently go in this order:

* Legend
* The King Beyond The Gate
* Quest For Lost Heroes
* Waylander
* Waylander II - In the Realm of the Wolf
* The First Chronicles Of Druss The Legend
* The Legend Of Deathwalker
* Winter Warriors
* Hero in the Shadows
* White Wolf
* Swords of Night and Day

 

[Silk]

Cheers guys thats great

 

[cymric]

sorry brian but this is the correct order:

Waylander 1-3
White wolf
Legend
King Beyond the gate
The quest for lost heroes
Winter Warriors
The swords of night and day

 

[Seth God Of Chaos]

Ithink that brian posted them in the order they were written while cymric showed them in chronological

 

[clareabella]

I think Jaim was great! And the link was lovley, I throughly enjoyed the Rigante series a lot, especially Ravenheart. Sword in the Storm and Ravenheart are my favourates. I just didn't get to like Bane as much as I loved Connovar and Kaylin (sp?).

I'm starting off on Legend, haven't got into it yet but I'm sure I will. Well, I hope I will!

 

[Seth God Of Chaos]

If you dont we may have to kill you.

 

[ArkeL]

Well I only have left the sowrd of night and day to read from a drenai series,Then I was planning o read the Rigante series after, seems like they GREAT, can't wait to start em!

 

[Seth God Of Chaos]

The swords of night and day RULES