Ask the Author: Jonathan French
Answered Questions (32)
Jonathan French
I'm so gratified to hear you connected with the Bastards so intensely! Thank you for reaching out to share that with me. Never gets old knowing those mongrels of mine made an impact.
And thank you for your question. It's a good one, but tricky to tackle. And my answer may seem like a cop out, but here goes: I wouldn't change anything.
First, most writers are more critical of their work than any reader ever could be, so believe me when I say, I got issues with Free Bastards as an ending. But acceptance is a huge part of grief. And I grieved hard for the Bastards and what I saw (for a while) as the disappointing end of my career. Once, I may have decried everything wrong with Free Bastards as an ending, but these days it would just be tearing open closed wounds.
Second, me doing that is, I think, an injustice to the fans. Because let's face it, most people reading a third book in a series are fans. I remember when I read that Umberto Eco ended up resenting The Name of the Rose, and that made me really sad becasue I think that book is incredible. So, I don't want to cast a pall over Free Bastards for those that love it. And I understand you weren't asking me to bash the book. It's a very good question, but I wouldn't change anything and here's the final reason:
Because I still can finish the franchise on my terms. Book 4 (and all the plans for it) are still in my head. I could write it and self publish it, which would be an interesting full circle for the series since it began as a self pub book. I have definitely toyed with the idea and my agent has also encouraged it. I'm not ready yet, though. Still healing some from the experience and the personal fallout. Plus, there are other projects in the way now. But perhaps one day.
Until then,
Live in the Saddle
And thank you for your question. It's a good one, but tricky to tackle. And my answer may seem like a cop out, but here goes: I wouldn't change anything.
First, most writers are more critical of their work than any reader ever could be, so believe me when I say, I got issues with Free Bastards as an ending. But acceptance is a huge part of grief. And I grieved hard for the Bastards and what I saw (for a while) as the disappointing end of my career. Once, I may have decried everything wrong with Free Bastards as an ending, but these days it would just be tearing open closed wounds.
Second, me doing that is, I think, an injustice to the fans. Because let's face it, most people reading a third book in a series are fans. I remember when I read that Umberto Eco ended up resenting The Name of the Rose, and that made me really sad becasue I think that book is incredible. So, I don't want to cast a pall over Free Bastards for those that love it. And I understand you weren't asking me to bash the book. It's a very good question, but I wouldn't change anything and here's the final reason:
Because I still can finish the franchise on my terms. Book 4 (and all the plans for it) are still in my head. I could write it and self publish it, which would be an interesting full circle for the series since it began as a self pub book. I have definitely toyed with the idea and my agent has also encouraged it. I'm not ready yet, though. Still healing some from the experience and the personal fallout. Plus, there are other projects in the way now. But perhaps one day.
Until then,
Live in the Saddle
Jonathan French
Graham,
Thanks so much for giving them a go and for reaching out with the kind words. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time in the Tin Isles (and beyond).
Autumn's Fall fans have been waiting a LOOOOONG time for book 3 (since 2014 when both books were still self-pubbed). The delay is entirely my fault, being unable to juggle the Grey Bastards books with the AF books. BUT, the Bastards are now done, so I have time to once again focus on AF. I will be working on AF Book 3 during this year. No idea when I will be done, but it is coming. Whether Open Road takes it or I self-pub is also TBD, but it is coming, I swear.
I have not ever had a Patreon (I'm really bad at "internetting" and modernity in general.) But it is very humbling and gratifying to know that if I did you'd be willing to show support. For now, I'll accept your patience and any word-of-mouth selling you'd be willing to do about the AF books.
Cheers!
Jonathan
Thanks so much for giving them a go and for reaching out with the kind words. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time in the Tin Isles (and beyond).
Autumn's Fall fans have been waiting a LOOOOONG time for book 3 (since 2014 when both books were still self-pubbed). The delay is entirely my fault, being unable to juggle the Grey Bastards books with the AF books. BUT, the Bastards are now done, so I have time to once again focus on AF. I will be working on AF Book 3 during this year. No idea when I will be done, but it is coming. Whether Open Road takes it or I self-pub is also TBD, but it is coming, I swear.
I have not ever had a Patreon (I'm really bad at "internetting" and modernity in general.) But it is very humbling and gratifying to know that if I did you'd be willing to show support. For now, I'll accept your patience and any word-of-mouth selling you'd be willing to do about the AF books.
Cheers!
Jonathan
Jonathan French
Sorry to take so long to answer. This question slipped through the cracks.
I would have liked to have done more, but the publishers were not interested. In the years since I have come to terms with the fact that the Lot Lands are over for me. Too much heartbreak to ever return.
I would have liked to have done more, but the publishers were not interested. In the years since I have come to terms with the fact that the Lot Lands are over for me. Too much heartbreak to ever return.
Jonathan French
That's kind of you to say. It's been a difficult road professionally, but will hopefully be able to share news of my next project soon.
Jonathan French
Hey Heidi! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
As for me, it's really complicated, but the late, great Tanith Lee was asked that exact question in 1998 and her answer sums it up:
''If anyone ever wonders why there's nothing coming from me, it's not my fault. I'm doing the work. No, I haven't deteriorated or gone insane. Suddenly, I just can't get anything into print. And apparently I'm not alone in this. There are people of very high standing, authors who are having problems. So I have been told. In my own case, the more disturbing element is the editor-in-chief who said to me, 'I think this book is terrific. It ought to be in print. I can't publish it � I've been told I mustn't.' The indication is that I'm not writing what people want to read, but I never did."
It sucks, but it's not a new or unique situation in this business, I'm afraid.
As for me, it's really complicated, but the late, great Tanith Lee was asked that exact question in 1998 and her answer sums it up:
''If anyone ever wonders why there's nothing coming from me, it's not my fault. I'm doing the work. No, I haven't deteriorated or gone insane. Suddenly, I just can't get anything into print. And apparently I'm not alone in this. There are people of very high standing, authors who are having problems. So I have been told. In my own case, the more disturbing element is the editor-in-chief who said to me, 'I think this book is terrific. It ought to be in print. I can't publish it � I've been told I mustn't.' The indication is that I'm not writing what people want to read, but I never did."
It sucks, but it's not a new or unique situation in this business, I'm afraid.
Jonathan French
Well, thank that lark for me! I'm glad you enjoyed the book (two more to go!) and that you got to improve your German. I can order a beer (or ten) in German, but that's it, I'm afraid. I'm a typical American who wished they knew a second language, but never does buckle down and learn one.
Jonathan French
Not in the foreseeable future, I'm afraid. The series didn't sell well enough for my publishers to be interested in continuing. I do have more stories I want to tell in that world (at least 4 books worth), but it's just not in the cards at the moment. Maybe one day...
Jonathan French
Yeah, it sucks. Took me a long time to come to terms with it myself. Not sure if there is anything that can be done. Bastards had more than a fair shake in many respects: self-pub contest winner, 6-figure deal with major publisher, chance at a TV series for a brief time. Ultimately, it just didn't hit that critical mass of readers necessary to go further. I think Bastards fans are much like the Bastards themselves: loyal but few. It would shock you how few people have finished the series. And it doesn't help that the author has no patience or talent for online promotion. Hence why I have not considered crowdfunding. Me and the internet are not on the best of terms ;) Anyway, thanks for being one of the stalwart few mongrels. You are a rare but fierce breed.
Jonathan French
Sarah,
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your ride through the Lot Lands! But I'm sorry to say there will be no new books for the foreseeable future. My publishers chose not to continue the series. I do have other mongrel tales to tell, so perhaps one day a way will present itself. Until then...
Live in the saddle
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your ride through the Lot Lands! But I'm sorry to say there will be no new books for the foreseeable future. My publishers chose not to continue the series. I do have other mongrel tales to tell, so perhaps one day a way will present itself. Until then...
Live in the saddle
Jonathan French
Thanks for the kind words! Glad to hear you enjoyed your ride through the Lots!
Ah, yes. The cover you're referring to is the original self-published edition with artwork by the incomparable Raymond Swanland. Sadly, when the series was acquired by Penguin/Random House they decided not to use that design, and I had to take that edition off sale when they bought the rights. It was only available from Fall 2015 to early 2017 and was a print on demand paperback, so the only copies in existence are those ordered by folks during that brief time. Occasionally, copies show up on eBay or Abebooks, but the prices are often quite high.
Ah, yes. The cover you're referring to is the original self-published edition with artwork by the incomparable Raymond Swanland. Sadly, when the series was acquired by Penguin/Random House they decided not to use that design, and I had to take that edition off sale when they bought the rights. It was only available from Fall 2015 to early 2017 and was a print on demand paperback, so the only copies in existence are those ordered by folks during that brief time. Occasionally, copies show up on eBay or Abebooks, but the prices are often quite high.
Jonathan French
I'm a big proponent of casting unknown actors. Always better to have a new face that can really own the role rather than a celebrity combating public perceptions of them and the legacies of previous previous roles.
That said, Hollywood doesn't work that way usually. They want someone big to draw an audience so they can make a return on their investment. Knowing that (and in the spirit of the question) I'll give the following answers:
In a dream world it would be Andy Whitfield. He died much too young, but I still think he would have been an amazing Jackal.
If I have to go with someone living and contemporary, I'll say Michael B Jordan. During the very exciting (and very brief) period where Bastards was being eyed for a TV show, Mr. Jordan expressed some interest in the project, so there were a few months where I was picturing him and I'd still like to see that happen.
Ultimately, though, my desire is more about the cast as whole. The chemistry and brotherhood. It is a rare cast that isn't marred by ego and creative differences. But with Bastards my dream would be a dynamic akin to what the Lord of the Rings Fellowship and Avengers casts experienced, where they all became very close and formed a bond onscreen as well as off. If the actors playing Jackal, Oats, and Fetch don't get along the whole thing is shot. That triad really has to be solid and drama free.
I've heard that Jon Bernthal has a tendency to act as bonding a agent among his castmates, so maybe the key is having him play Hobnail and everything else will fall into place.
That said, Hollywood doesn't work that way usually. They want someone big to draw an audience so they can make a return on their investment. Knowing that (and in the spirit of the question) I'll give the following answers:
In a dream world it would be Andy Whitfield. He died much too young, but I still think he would have been an amazing Jackal.
If I have to go with someone living and contemporary, I'll say Michael B Jordan. During the very exciting (and very brief) period where Bastards was being eyed for a TV show, Mr. Jordan expressed some interest in the project, so there were a few months where I was picturing him and I'd still like to see that happen.
Ultimately, though, my desire is more about the cast as whole. The chemistry and brotherhood. It is a rare cast that isn't marred by ego and creative differences. But with Bastards my dream would be a dynamic akin to what the Lord of the Rings Fellowship and Avengers casts experienced, where they all became very close and formed a bond onscreen as well as off. If the actors playing Jackal, Oats, and Fetch don't get along the whole thing is shot. That triad really has to be solid and drama free.
I've heard that Jon Bernthal has a tendency to act as bonding a agent among his castmates, so maybe the key is having him play Hobnail and everything else will fall into place.
Jonathan French
It's always so bittersweet to hear when someone enjoyed the AF books. They have definitely been on hiatus far longer than I intended. The honest answer to your question is, sadly: no, it won't be soon. I'm still at the point in my career when I have to write what pays the bills. But the moment, the very moment, I can get back to Airlann, I will.
Jonathan French
Rob,
Thanks so much! Will Damron and Lisa Flanagan do a wonderful job with the audio narrations.
As far as Lot Lands wiki, there isn't one as far as I know. Those kinds of things are usually the work of fans, and I don't think the Bastards have reached enough readers yet to merit that type of love.
Thanks so much! Will Damron and Lisa Flanagan do a wonderful job with the audio narrations.
As far as Lot Lands wiki, there isn't one as far as I know. Those kinds of things are usually the work of fans, and I don't think the Bastards have reached enough readers yet to merit that type of love.
Jonathan French
David,
SO glad to hear you're enjoying the books. Thanks for the questions!
As a character-driven writer most of my process is creating/developing the cast of the books, so it's tough to narrow down specific influences. I try to layer them as much as I can, even if most of it doesn't land on the page it helps inform who they, how they react/speak, etc. The initial inspiration can come from anywhere. Claymaster, for instance, was inspired by a Reaper gaming miniature; this big, misshapen warrior covered in bandages,. He was initially called the Paymaster and was more of shadowy mercenary puppet master. As the world developed and the notion that the Bastards began as sappers hit the page I changed his name to Claymaster (plus, I really like comics and Clayface is a personal favorite villain in the Batman rogues gallery). And every character is, to varying degrees, distilled through the lens of a Spaghetti Western, so that shapes them a bit, too. In the end (hopefully) they all gain their own spark and gain more layers as they walk & talk. I also pull from people I've known or historical folks I've read about. Characters from film/TV, as well. Oats (originally named Wagon) was put in because of a desire to have a character similar to the character of Jayne Cobb from Firefly/Serenity. But I think ultimately he developed into something very different, which is great.
As for my writing influences, my main inspiration is Robert E Howard. In 2008 I read the Del Rey reprints of the Conan/Kull/Solomon Kane stories where they removed all the pastiche writers and got back to pure Howard. Something clicked while I was reading those and I went from a hobbyist writer to someone who wanted to make a go as a professional writer. While I can't claim to be anything like them in ability, I do enjoy: Elmore Leonard, Tanith Lee, Jesse Bullington, Jacqueline Carey, CJ Cherryh, Samuel Shellabarger, to name a few.
SO glad to hear you're enjoying the books. Thanks for the questions!
As a character-driven writer most of my process is creating/developing the cast of the books, so it's tough to narrow down specific influences. I try to layer them as much as I can, even if most of it doesn't land on the page it helps inform who they, how they react/speak, etc. The initial inspiration can come from anywhere. Claymaster, for instance, was inspired by a Reaper gaming miniature; this big, misshapen warrior covered in bandages,. He was initially called the Paymaster and was more of shadowy mercenary puppet master. As the world developed and the notion that the Bastards began as sappers hit the page I changed his name to Claymaster (plus, I really like comics and Clayface is a personal favorite villain in the Batman rogues gallery). And every character is, to varying degrees, distilled through the lens of a Spaghetti Western, so that shapes them a bit, too. In the end (hopefully) they all gain their own spark and gain more layers as they walk & talk. I also pull from people I've known or historical folks I've read about. Characters from film/TV, as well. Oats (originally named Wagon) was put in because of a desire to have a character similar to the character of Jayne Cobb from Firefly/Serenity. But I think ultimately he developed into something very different, which is great.
As for my writing influences, my main inspiration is Robert E Howard. In 2008 I read the Del Rey reprints of the Conan/Kull/Solomon Kane stories where they removed all the pastiche writers and got back to pure Howard. Something clicked while I was reading those and I went from a hobbyist writer to someone who wanted to make a go as a professional writer. While I can't claim to be anything like them in ability, I do enjoy: Elmore Leonard, Tanith Lee, Jesse Bullington, Jacqueline Carey, CJ Cherryh, Samuel Shellabarger, to name a few.
Jonathan French
Thanks so much for the kind words and the question! If you've just finished EH there's no need to wait as The Errantry of Bantam Flyn (Autumn's Fall Book 2) is available to purchase from Amazon. However, after that I would recommend Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft, Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams, The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander, We Ride The Storm by Devin Madsen, and anything by Tanith Lee.
Jonathan French
Diana,
Thanks so much for reading all the books! It's always a bit bittersweet to hear when someone enjoys the AF books since it's been so long since I've been able to return to that world. That series is near and dear to my heart and I ache to continue it, but right now the Bastards books occupy my time and attention because they pay the bills. Bastards 3 is in the works now and should come out early next year. After that, my writing future is uncertain. Could be a Bastards 4, but that's up to the publishers. If not, I will have to see what's next. I can't say when AF3 will happen, sadly, but know that I fully intend to finish that saga with at least 6 books (possibly 8). I'm a slow writer which doesn't help.
Thanks so much for reading all the books! It's always a bit bittersweet to hear when someone enjoys the AF books since it's been so long since I've been able to return to that world. That series is near and dear to my heart and I ache to continue it, but right now the Bastards books occupy my time and attention because they pay the bills. Bastards 3 is in the works now and should come out early next year. After that, my writing future is uncertain. Could be a Bastards 4, but that's up to the publishers. If not, I will have to see what's next. I can't say when AF3 will happen, sadly, but know that I fully intend to finish that saga with at least 6 books (possibly 8). I'm a slow writer which doesn't help.
Jonathan French
Hey, Sean! Thanks for the question. Yes, I am writing Bastards 3 now, but don't have a release date yet. There will be four books in this first series.
Jonathan French
Sorry for the slow reply! The notification for this question slipped by me.
So, I'm hoping Bastards goes to 4 books. We will see if the publishers agree...
And, yes, the James Silke DD books are amazing! I am still trying to figure out who he actually was since he's written nothing else and I'm fairly sure it was a pen name used by a talented author that did not want to risk their real name on books that might be viewed as licensed sword&sorcery drivel.
So, I'm hoping Bastards goes to 4 books. We will see if the publishers agree...
And, yes, the James Silke DD books are amazing! I am still trying to figure out who he actually was since he's written nothing else and I'm fairly sure it was a pen name used by a talented author that did not want to risk their real name on books that might be viewed as licensed sword&sorcery drivel.
Jonathan French
Martin,
First, you and your brother are awesome!
Second, thanks for the great question.
At the risk that you've read all these already, here's what I got:
The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (his in-your-face grit was what I tried to emulate, plus The Named Men were a huge inspiration for the Bastards' close-knit fighting unit)
The original Conan the Cimmerian stories by Robert E Howard (to me, the pinnacle of sword & sorcery and the inspiration for the spirit of the Bastards. I recommend the Del Rey editions of the collected Conan)
The Black Company by Glen Cook (these are a bit "trippy", but still a classic fantasy about a mercenary group)
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames (another close-knit group of fighters story, this one using retro Rock n' Roll culture as inspiration)
The "Jesse Bullington tri-fecta" (that's just what I call it. The actual books are The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart, The Enterprise of Death, and The Folly of the World. They are all stand-alones and don't need to be read in any type of order, but for f*ed-up fantasy/horror/pseudo-historical awesomeness you can't do better)
Anything by Mark Lawrence (because without him it's very possible you wouldn't have heard of the Bastards)
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madsen (mounted warriors that cut off a lot of heads! Came out after Bastards so not an inspiration, but should help scratch the itch)
And lastly--if you can find them--The Death Dealer series by James Silke starting with Prisoner of the Horned Helmet. These are four books based off the famous Frank Frazetta paintings and are just pure, violent, barbaric fun! They're out of print, so kinda hard to get a hold of, but worth it if you can.
I hope that helps! And thanks for hanging on until the True Bastards ride!
Cheers,
Jonathan
First, you and your brother are awesome!
Second, thanks for the great question.
At the risk that you've read all these already, here's what I got:
The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (his in-your-face grit was what I tried to emulate, plus The Named Men were a huge inspiration for the Bastards' close-knit fighting unit)
The original Conan the Cimmerian stories by Robert E Howard (to me, the pinnacle of sword & sorcery and the inspiration for the spirit of the Bastards. I recommend the Del Rey editions of the collected Conan)
The Black Company by Glen Cook (these are a bit "trippy", but still a classic fantasy about a mercenary group)
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames (another close-knit group of fighters story, this one using retro Rock n' Roll culture as inspiration)
The "Jesse Bullington tri-fecta" (that's just what I call it. The actual books are The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart, The Enterprise of Death, and The Folly of the World. They are all stand-alones and don't need to be read in any type of order, but for f*ed-up fantasy/horror/pseudo-historical awesomeness you can't do better)
Anything by Mark Lawrence (because without him it's very possible you wouldn't have heard of the Bastards)
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madsen (mounted warriors that cut off a lot of heads! Came out after Bastards so not an inspiration, but should help scratch the itch)
And lastly--if you can find them--The Death Dealer series by James Silke starting with Prisoner of the Horned Helmet. These are four books based off the famous Frank Frazetta paintings and are just pure, violent, barbaric fun! They're out of print, so kinda hard to get a hold of, but worth it if you can.
I hope that helps! And thanks for hanging on until the True Bastards ride!
Cheers,
Jonathan
Jonathan French
Elaine,
Thank you for your question!
The Grey Bastards was originally conceived as a DnD game, not a novel, so the initial concept was half-orcs in a mounted gang of mercenaries employed by a shadowy figure called The Paymaster. That was pretty much the entire idea and had two main inspirations, Sons of Anarchy and Spaghetti Westerns. Horses were to be the mode of transportation since they were easier to adjudicate in the game rules and fit with the Western theme. It was my wife that made two suggestions: 1) make it a novel not a game 2) have them ride hogs
Admittedly, I was hesitant in the beginning because hog/boars as mounts have been seen before in fantasy (mostly in miniature wargaming and usually bearing either orcs or dwarves into battle). Also, I felt it might be a little too obvious and ran the risk of causing the whole concept to jump the shark right out of the gate.
However, my wife's input/insight has greatly improved every book I've ever written, so I trusted that and pursued both the novel and the hogs.
As I researched breeds of swine and began putting together the physical necessities for a fantasy breed capable of being a war steed, I began to be encouraged. By the time I settled on the name "great bearded deer hog" (and the connected slang of "barbarian"), I was confident it was now integral to the world and that allowed me to stretch into further terminology like "swine-yanker", "skull-suckling", "straddle the razor". The hogs became the vehicle (pardon the pun) for the entirety of the hoofs' culture. And that was just the broadstrokes, Drilling down to the individual hogs gave me the chance to make them characters in their own right which only increased the connection to the story and worldbuilding.
So, short answer: they were included from the very start, but with some reluctance and quickly became central to the story. :)
Thank you for your question!
The Grey Bastards was originally conceived as a DnD game, not a novel, so the initial concept was half-orcs in a mounted gang of mercenaries employed by a shadowy figure called The Paymaster. That was pretty much the entire idea and had two main inspirations, Sons of Anarchy and Spaghetti Westerns. Horses were to be the mode of transportation since they were easier to adjudicate in the game rules and fit with the Western theme. It was my wife that made two suggestions: 1) make it a novel not a game 2) have them ride hogs
Admittedly, I was hesitant in the beginning because hog/boars as mounts have been seen before in fantasy (mostly in miniature wargaming and usually bearing either orcs or dwarves into battle). Also, I felt it might be a little too obvious and ran the risk of causing the whole concept to jump the shark right out of the gate.
However, my wife's input/insight has greatly improved every book I've ever written, so I trusted that and pursued both the novel and the hogs.
As I researched breeds of swine and began putting together the physical necessities for a fantasy breed capable of being a war steed, I began to be encouraged. By the time I settled on the name "great bearded deer hog" (and the connected slang of "barbarian"), I was confident it was now integral to the world and that allowed me to stretch into further terminology like "swine-yanker", "skull-suckling", "straddle the razor". The hogs became the vehicle (pardon the pun) for the entirety of the hoofs' culture. And that was just the broadstrokes, Drilling down to the individual hogs gave me the chance to make them characters in their own right which only increased the connection to the story and worldbuilding.
So, short answer: they were included from the very start, but with some reluctance and quickly became central to the story. :)
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Apr 30, 2025 02:41PM · flag