Why I Write about Elves: Terry Brooks at TEDxRainier

Prolific bestselling author of epic fantasy literature, Terry Brooks shares what inspires him to write, discusses what writers and readers bring to written works, and explores how fantasy literature can be a domain for resolving challenging questions and issues.

Terry Brooks has been a writer since the age of ten. His first novel, The Sword of Shannara, became the first work of fiction to appear on the New York Times Trade Paperback Bestseller List. He has written thirty bestselling novels, the most recent published in August 2012, as well as a book adaptation of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

This talk was given at TEDxRainier in Seattle on November 10, 2012. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[annwarneka]

I adore Mr. Brooks. His books saved my sanity growing up in a chaotic household with violence. His talent pulls you into a fantasy world and excitement of heroism. If you have not read his books read Elfstones of Shannara. Sword Of Shannara. I am part elf because of his books.

[KajsaBernhardina]

This is why I write fantasy as well. I can't seem to write anything that isn't either fantasy or set in another time period, because it helps me to get perspective on real life issues, just by changing the context in this way. And why wouldn't you want to write about incredible magical stuff? Writing is creating and in our minds we are unlimited! I found this speech inspiring, because I usually think as I become older (although I am still very young) that I am alone in writing fantasy, which of course is not true, but feels very lonely, especially when in short story competitions the jury always chose the realistic stories over and over again. I actually got a prize for a realistic short story I wrote. It was fun, but what I really wanted to write was elves and fantasy! So that's what I am doing now. I am a world-builder. I have been working on my world since I was ten years old. It really doesn't matter if my books are ever published because I enjoy writing them and I love building this world sooo much! It's strange but I can't explain it :) best of luck to all aspiring fantasy-writers out there!!

[niccoarcadia]

Sometime in the early 70s I walked into a suburban mall bookstore. Being a young teen male I went directly to the sci-fi section and picked out the one with the best cover art on the dust jacket. It was of course the Sword of Shannara. I've been an elf fan ever since.

[lullabi]

Terry Brooks is a *MASTER* World Builder and Maestro of the Imagination!!!
A LEGEND!
💖💖💖
I am Empowered by Shannara!

[fearlesslystaystrong]

"...you need to go outside" .haha!! My mom used to say stuff like that too! :) I was a reader and a writer too. I still am :) Always will be.

[TheAndroidNextDoor]

Fortunately for me, years of ear infections as a child has left me with the ability to unpop my right ear for built in volume control.

[jeremysnowdenz]

His books are among the best, and have aided me during the dark days of my divorce journey.

[midoribishithegamer]

The first of his books that got me to fall in love with his epic stories and brillaint storytelling, was Scions of Shannaara. I mean it captured my attention and has never let go - all these years later! What's more, I felt so honored to have met him at one of his many book signings!

[agilemonk]

Terry Brooks is and always has been amazing.

[MrPitbull]

‘Loved this video!
I’ve met Mr. Brooks a couple of times now and I’ve got to say that the wisdom that comes from this man is truly profound, even though casual conversation (not just scripted presentations).
The first fantasy novel I ever read was The Sword of Shannara and I’ve read every book he’s written since. He’s one of the best authors of our time, in any genre, and I’m so glad he’s shared the worlds he’s created with our world. :)

[ainathiel]

If I didn't see him at the Borders Bookstore in the year 2000, reading a few pages from his new book series the Jerle Shannara series, I would have never been interested.  The way he talks about writing got me interested in his work.  Now I own over 20 audiobooks and a compilation of the World of Shannara.  One of the most fascinating worlds ever created.

[BriarCrawford]

Oh wow I can so relate. As a kid, my friend and I made swords out of broken hockey sticks(Canada) and duct tape!

For me, what got me into fantasy was the movie "Dragon Heart." I used to rent it on VHS when my older sister was getting "Follow that Bird." Then, when my grandpa from Scotland started telling me about real castles and the stories from them, I was done. From then on, I adored fantasy.

[jlandelf]

First book I read was in 6th grade, The Elfstones of Shannara from the school library. I then proceeded to read Wishsong, then Sword finally, and then First King. Then I read the all of the following books from The Scions all the way to Gypsy Morph. Oh and all the Paladins of Shannara short stories. Loved the one about Garet Jax :) What an amazing literary journey that was!

[aylbdrmadison]

I'm a musician who until recently never thought much about writing words, and instead wrote melodies and chord structures etc. A few years back however, I found myself writing poetry. The biggest question I've had since my early childhood: _"why am I me?"_ Was something I never thought could be the basis for a fantasy novel, until now. Most likely I will never write one, but it just became more likely it will enter into my music as both musical passages and lyrics. Certainly it had already entered my poetry unnoticed by myself.

[obvijectivious]

I too remember adapting stories into play as a kid, both with toys and with friends using fence posts as swords or a stick as a sword or staff. I am 25, at that time I read books, but more than that there were movies and games, so most of what I can remember playing was based on movies I saw and videogames I played. Even seeing a good looking game being played was enough to set my imagination in motion. I believe I was around 12 when I first found Shannara. A friend of mine that I recently found out is a big fan was also 12.

[PolarJoMcKay]

Good to hear from you Terry Brooks. Love your writing rhythm. Adventure and relationship development is such addiction. I am intrigued by prolific writers - I can not finish anything - so it was cool to hear about the time it took for the first books. It has to feel great to 'be' the storyteller! Thank you for the long nights :).

[rashadb]

This is why I want to get into writing as well. Explore big issues with characters that are larger than life. Maybe get to the bottom of things or inspire others towards a solution.

[davidemery]

Still the only author that made me shed tears from the death of a main character. I will always cherish that memory and his stories. Full disclosure, I was also listening to the Cranberries during that scene so it may have contributed;)

[jackhammer]

This was really good. And I love how his primary motivation was reading one author and thinking he can do better. I've been there. LOL

[emanueledes]

I read "The Sword of Shannara" in Italian translation at the age of 14, and 3-4 other Shannara books around the age of 15. It was one of my favorite readings at that time.