Ursula Le Guin discusses Earthsea

We join famed fantasy and science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin in her home to talk about the Earthsea series and all things Earthsea, including her initial hesitation to write YA novels.

After considering writing YA fantasy books, Ursula K. Le Guin realized how rabid and invested readers of YA novels truly are, and how all she needed to start was a young protagonist. As she describes, she had already written in the YA Novels format with short stories similar in concept to "A Wizard of Earthsea", and all that was missing was a full map of the Earthsea World (which she has since used for all six books). The interview goes on to reference conversations Ursuala had with fans who at a young age read her works like "A Wizard of Earthsea", and expressed the help it offered them, connecting with her characters.

[Dorian_sapiens]

Ursula K. LeGuin is a modern myth-maker and a national treasure.

[.]

Part of the inspiration of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Le Guin is truly an omnipresent and legendary author.

[jacksmith]

An absolute genius. And a true inspiration for any sci-fi/fantasy fan

[djmikio]

When I was growing up in the 60s most of the heroic male characters were physically imposing and it was hard for a skinny little kid to see themselves reflected in them. Ursula K Le Guin's Ged was the first nerdy, young protagonist I'd come across and he really helped me start defining an idea of masculinity I could grow into. Ironic that this came from a female author, but Ms. Le Guin's characters have consistently seemed very alive and real to me.

[gustavramirez]

Just finished book 1 today and I concur - really inspired me to get less arrogant about my goals :)

[jofox]

Books have been my friends for many years.

[pagancenturion]

Wow, I didn't even know there is two Earthsea trilogies, I read the first 1 when I was a kid & loved it, I'll have to track down the 2nd trilogy :)

[Marcusy]

Di tutte le interviste che ci sono di Ursula Le Guin su youtube, NON sono riuscito a trovarne UNA CON I SOTTOTITOLI IN ITALIANO. Potete metterli almeno in questa???

[klapacjuszanimomon]

Thats the greatest books i ever Read.

My favorite

[thib]

Pouvez vous nous donner traduction en français

[anthonywritesfantasy]

"The first thing I did with the book is... I made a map."

Sick.

[CurlyFromTheSwirly]

I saw A Wizard Of Earthsea in the college book store. I didn't need it for a class, but it looked cool.

I was highly impressed by the story and characters.

Later I would read RA Salvatore and his Drizzt saga was as compelling, with action and purpose.

Unfortunately, this book was a 1 shot of joy. The rest of the series was boring.