Chatting With Nutts - Episode #18 ft Steven Erikson

Chatting With Nutts - Episode #18 ft Steven Erikson
#booktube #malazan #stevenerikson
Welcome to the 18th episode of Chatting with Nutts! My guest this episode of Chatting With Nutts is one of the most renown and respected authors to ever publish in the fantasy genre, Steven Erikson. Steven Erikson is the author of the Malazan Book of the Fallen among many other works. It is a true honor to sit down and have the opportunity to speak to Steven Erikson about writing, reading, fantasy, sci-fi, Malazan and more. I hope you enjoy this conversation on Chatting with Nutts.
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/ thefantasynuttwork

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Intro was edited to remove some audio feedback that occurred, appreciate you all!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you all so much. I couldn't have had this opportunity without your support.

[@thatsci-firogue]

That's what I love about Erikson, he's so upfront and honest about the writing process. Can't wait to resume Malazan BotF and the Malazan Universe as a whole. Its what I didn't know I needed out of Fantasy.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's one of a kind!

[@milom5030]

Haven't read Malazan yet, but still, this chat was fascinating! Steven Erikson seems like a great, chill guy and an amazing mind. And Jimmy, you can talk about everything with everyone and always ask great questions while also being very natural about it. Thank you both so much for this episode

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I appreciate that Milo, Erikson was a world class guest and I'm so lucky to have had the opportunity.

[@ACriticalDragon]

This was a great discussion, Jimmy. I am so sorry that I missed it live. Sorry about that.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks AP and don't worry, we made sure to talk about how amazing you are 😁

[@ACriticalDragon]

@@thefantasynuttwork You have no idea how uncomfortable I felt hearing that part.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@ACriticalDragon I'm glad to hear it 😂

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

@@ACriticalDragon Steve was not incorrect, I can say personally you have changed the way I look at reading. And that has zero bearing on the cataclysmic death of professor Fireballs 😂😂😂

[@Vinnie2501]

@@ACriticalDragon The bestseller bit? I loved that. Good quote. Might be a blurb one day.

[@thebluejay1593]

This interview is probably my favourite Erikson interview ever!! Loved all the topics you discussed, you bounced off each other so well - with every interview I fall more and more in love with Erikson's writing... Enjoy your rest of the journey with Malazan. Im finishing Dust of Dreams and this is the most epic, emotional, devastating and hopeful ride I have ever embarked upon. Enjoy and thanks for this!!!!!!!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you for the kind words. I have loved hearing and reading Erikson interviews/blogs preparing for this. He's such a well spoken person with very deep thoughts.

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

@@thefantasynuttwork The next time you talk, ask him about his swedish chef story. 😉

[@IskarJarak]

You are a god-can’t wait to watch, sorry I missed the live!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I am now ascended to Nutt God status hahahaha Glad you get to check it out now man, appreciate you!

[@giannimanzano9266]

Jimmy, thank you so much. I truly enjoyed this and love having the opportunity to listen to Stephen share his brilliance. Though I am about another year away due to my TBR from starting Malazan Book Of The Fallen, 2023 will be solely dedicated to it. 2022 will be dedicated to tying up any loose ends and only The Winds of Winter ❄️ can throw a wrench into those plans. Thanks again 🤓

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My pleasure and thanks for watching!

[@fantazmal9416]

This was brilliant, once again! Erikson is such an interesting human being. I always learn something new from these interviews. I could listen to him hours and hours...

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's a tremendous mind and person

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

Wow Jimmy, Steven was so open and talkative in this interview. You guys had great rapport.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's such a great guy

[@RJTriesToRead]

What a show! I could listen to Erikson talk for days about anything, such a smart guy. I remember finding you through the FATF reviews and it’s been amazing watching you grow from then. Really proud of you mate 👍

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you RJ, couldn't be here without you and everyone supporting me. Erikson is the man!

[@Vinnie2501]

Forgot to thank you both for this. Was one of the best SE interviews I've seen. Nice to see SE just talking with no worry of spoilers. You bounced well off each other. His wrestler idea for marines made me think of my really old kitchen team. So doable. So happy he shares like that. It's opened my mind so much

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much! I'm so fortunate Steve decided to come on and share his knowledge

[@believer773]

Thanks again Jimmy for this awesome talk, you get better and better every time you host. It's awesome that a few shorts months ago you hesitantly read Gardens of the Moon, now your interviewing the Master of Literature himself. Keep on rockin Rockstar!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

It's pretty surreal for me, I am so fortunate. Thank you for watching 😊

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

Loved the conversation! I loved the focus on writing, and I was sad it ended, I could have listened to you two talking for more hours. Thanks for this, it was truly great. I'd still say to read TGINW after TtH, just to be on the safe side :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much!

[@rawer8365]

I kind of had to slug through deadhouse gates, not that I think it was bad, but I struggled a bit. I bought Memories of Ice at the same time as deadhouse gates so it was just laying there. After a long break, I decided to give it a shot and it is FANTASTIC! I really like it. People talk so much about Malazan and how difficult it is and so on, but what people don't tell you is how freaking amazing the pros are. The pros seem underrated in a way.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I agree, and Erikson gets better and better as it goes. MOI is indeed fantastic

[@mattbennett3589]

Great session. Working through House of Chains and I think it’s my favorite so far.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Witness!

[@Scotty-BK]

I’m only 25 min in so far, but have found some excellent writing advice from Mr Erikson. You guys have great conversational chemistry. Can’t believe I missed the CWN episode before but what a pleasant way to have an off weekend from your talks. Thinking of you, Jimmy, and sending a big ol hug with double underhooks your way! Hope you’re making progress on healing. Know we all are cheering for you and understand that you need to take your own time back here.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much, it means a lot to me. Loved this opportunity to speak with such a brilliant person.

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

Had to leave about halfway through, but had a great time being there in the moment with you two and everyone else. You’re a great conversationalist and pulled out another side of Erikson. When you two were talking about life, it was hitting me good. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series, and that you get to experience the next 4 books. It’s quite the journey.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you for that, I felt like taking with an old friend there. It was really fun, I'm glad you caught most of it 💪

[@patchesglass1030]

What a great discussion. It is fascinating to hear from Erikson on any topic. I suspect his insights into the writing process will be helpful to many beginning writers. Thanks so much Jimmy and Steve

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks for watching. Steve is a great guy to converse with. We are lucky to have him

[@geordiejones5618]

I'm an amateur writer exploring middlebrow new weird fiction and hearing major writers talk craftwork really helps put it all into context. Great listen from both of you.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks!

[@rich_i_feynman9551]

Great Interview. Thank you and Steve for the amazing content!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@billyalarie929]

I haven’t fully dived into malazan just yet, and I just only now realized I wasn’t subscribed to your channel. I’m now subscribed, and I’m more motivated by this convo than perhaps ever to start this series, but also to go full bore into the writing of my own universe.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That is the best thing to hear. All about lifting each other up! Thanks for the sub and watching 😁

[@Jedidiah13]

Fantastic conversion. Erickson is one of my favorite authors I really value his answers to your questions about his story and on writing. I will be eagerly waiting for the next interview.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you! His transparency into the process is invaluable to readers and writers alike

[@Jedidiah13]

I agree. Much like you I have stories that I have held back on writing, because I didn’t feel that I was good enough. Then his answer (paraphrased) “Why, just write it.” Was huge.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@Jedidiah13 yeah it's simple but effective

[@TheBlueOwlX]

Thanks for this. Really enjoyed it!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My pleasure, so glad you enjoyed 😃

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

I downloaded this to my phone to listen to, and took the cat to the vet for her check-up, and the only time she wasn't meowing her fool head off was when you two were talking. So you and SE can add cat whisperer to your résumés. And thankyou thankyou thankyou!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I am glad!!

[@alexanderwill8781]

Just listened to this talk for the first time and wow Jimmy, what an inspiring chat! So pumped to finally pick up the Malazan books that have been sitting on my shelf for years now

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad you enjoyed friend. I'm so thankful for how open Steve was in this conversation

[@alexanderwill8781]

@@thefantasynuttwork absolutely, so great to hear this much genuine authenticity from a very very successful author

[@fluffypenguins]

Congrats Jimmy it was great to watch live

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you 🙏

[@combativeroboguy2490]

I have been working on the same writing project for about a year now- little progress because I keep going back to outlining and making my world building document, but you know what? Fuck it! This just reinvigorated my entire writing spirit. Time to look into that abyss which linger within my soul, weaving the threads of darkness into tales. Thank you, also I am even more excited to get through Malazan now with those Broken Binding Editions.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Best of luck!

[@combativeroboguy2490]

@@thefantasynuttwork thank you, I wish you too the best of luck in any writing ventures you explore as well!

[@jarrodcourtemanche1444]

Jimmy, new to your channel and just catching up with stuff. Loved this interview so much! Thank you

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’m thankful you’re enjoying the videos!

[@benofavalon7121]

Very good interview here! 😊 With some very helpful advice as well! I’ve always written little things here and there, but 2021 marked the year, where I decided to realise a life-long dream of actually trying to approach it in a more professional manner. I’ve taken the year off my regular work, and actually managed to finish my first manuscript, a short-story collection, earlier this year. I definitely recognise the feeling of the first couple of pages of each short story being the easiest to write. After that, the ‘real work’ began 😉 but I also agree that those were the times where I learned the most. My work is now submitted to a couple of publishers, so now I play the waiting game. And preparing myself for the rejections! 😉 I have already thought of some other literary ideas I want to work on, next year. The most important thing beginning this project, was not necessarily getting published, actually. But mainly to prove to myself that I can actually finish or realise my ideas 😊 Going forward, I will probably return to my regular work as a psychologist, maybe next year, since I still have a great interest in doing therapy-work. But writing (and completing!) my own stories is also something I’d like to continue, simultaneously. Both professions are creative endeavours in their own right. I actually don’t know if I’m actually good enough of a writer to be considered for publishing. But I’ll never know if I don’t try, right? 😉 So, thank you both, Jimmy, and Mr. Erikson, for this inspiring conversation! 😊 And I'm so glad you talked about the cover of The God is Not Willing; maybe my favourite cover so far in regards to a Malazan-related book 😊

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's awesome you went for it, I wish you all the best in the process!

[@verosnotebook]

Great discussion! Only makes me want to read Gardens of the Moon even more.

[@Danny_Matson]

You're big time now Jimmy! You're such a natural conversationalist and not phased at all by having a big name guest. Let's keep this up!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks my dude, doing my best to improve each time out 😎

[@cacballs]

Took me a few sittings to finish. Good conversation man 👍

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@ves138]

Post apocalyptic medieval settings are my favorite thing actually, and what you said about Dark Tower makes me REALLY want to read it now. My favorite series, The Broken Empire and Red Queens War (there is a "magical gun" in there!) have this similar setting and it was my favorite world building ever. This type of setting is just insanely fun, interesting and humbling to explore because of what you and Erikson said, the idea of our civilization turning to dust with no evidence of it existing in 20 million years is so humbling.

[@ves138]

Also this discussion reminds me of some things about climate change that are a hot topic now. We talk about how we are destroying life on Earth with our industries and pollution in general and how it will "destroy the planet" but in reality no, the Earth will be fine, some/ a lot of life will adapt but we, humans, will die because of it. It is not about saving the planet as much as it is about saving THIS VERSION of the planet that gives us life, and when fantasy books play with these ideas and incorporate them into the worldbuilding I always find it scuh a humbling and fascinating experience. It is one of those ideas that hit at the core of human self-destructivness which was caused by our own selfishness.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@ves138 well said my friend. It is very much about saving our version of earth, not the actual planet. Also anything post apocalyptic is generally gonna be my jam. I may have to give Lawrence a shot! I appreciate you being there so late btw, you're a trooper!

[@ves138]

@@thefantasynuttwork one simply bows to the NUTTGOD thanks jimmy! Amazing content as always

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@ves138 appreciate you!

[@Dwish305]

Congrats on being able to talk to the man himself! Hype man!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you so much, it was a blast!

[@Cieges]

This was good I liked how the wide range of topics, even boxing lol. I’m going to a workshop now with that mindset thank you Steven.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad you enjoyed

[@kifonis]

man, this flew by, great stuff! hope to see a rematch

[@thefantasynuttwork]

There def will be 😎

[@Plexsusmax]

Mr Lundin is such a cool guy. It's so hard to imagine that he actually wrote all that stuff

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's a tremendous person

[@mistersoul7900]

Erikson é un crack. Segue así meu

[@thatsci-firogue]

I was going to mention Mark Lawrence, fantastic Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy. Both his Broken Empire and Red Queen's War trilogies are some of my favourite series of all-time! Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles is a great example of Dark Age Britain with the cultural memory of the Roman Empire still looming large generations later.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Definitely gonna read Warlord Chronicles soon

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@thefantasynuttwork Gwynne fans will eat it up

[@FallenAdam]

Since you said you like the idea of multiple short stories making up a single story, I just have to reiterate how much I think you would enjoy David Mitchell's books. He's a master at this kind of writing. And furthermore, making each short story feel like a distinct thing with a unique voice. So good actually, that it's hard to pick out the authorial voice from there, as the character's and the story's voices are the loudest, by far.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I love the sound of that

[@saeedajaib]

When Steven was talking about describing modern tech from a POV that doesn't have the knowledge we do, i immediately thought of The Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence. Five seconds later he mentions him :) Definitely check out his work.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Will do, thanks!

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

You should have a playlist of outtakes for that intro. 😁

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hahaha

[@crystalsingh7325]

How awesome 😄 I can't believe I missed this live 😭 God forbid u have a discussion with Hobb and I miss that! 😳🥺😭

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hopefully I can get her on the show 😉

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hopefully I can get her on the show 😉

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hopefully I can get her on the show 😉

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

Wow, finally finished listening to this. Well done man, can't wait for the next chat. Myself I enjoy a good short story and you could do worse than to read Harlan Ellison, because that's pretty much all he wrote, and even Ray Bradbury, especially something like "The Veldt" which has that nice ending. 😈. And in keeping with your like of the theme of the old warrior having a last stand, I linked the Discworld film "Troll Bridge" on my channel, give it a watch if you have half an hour, TP kinda takes the piss out of the trope there, quite literally, in the first scene too. 😁. And the song in the credits is great.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you for the recommendations!

[@mraduldubey9614]

This was great.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks ☺️

[@mraduldubey9614]

@@thefantasynuttwork When are you coming to AEW ?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@mraduldubey9614 I'm retired haha

[@mraduldubey9614]

@@thefantasynuttwork Dang ! You will always be a wrestler though. Wrestler, youtuber, writer. You're great man. Thanks for the video

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@mraduldubey9614 hahah thanks 😊

[@mitch8948]

1:55:30 - the Broken Empire series by Mark Lawrence explores this idea a bit. There’s definitely a lot more that could be done with this kind of setting though

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Looks like I gotta read them

[@rhahnabunaid]

Does anyone have any advice for an aspiring Malazan reader? I finished Garden of the Moon not having any idea what I had just read, then I DNF'd Deadhouse Gates at around page 200 because I still didn't have a clue. Any advice on how to push through?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’d say checkout Philip chase and critical dragons KZbin channels

[@MultiWar22]

I agree with Jimmy's advice and, being on my first readthrough myself right now (I'm starting The Bonehunters soon), I think one big thing is accepting that you won't understand things. Try to not get hung up on it. Sure, read for the first time trying to understand, because a lot can be inferred, specially starting from Deadhouse Gates. But also don't stress about it if you aren't sure of what's happening. Eventually it will clear up, probably. It has cleared up a lot to me, so far. Watching the group discussions after the books can be interesting, too. I've found that the ones hosted by Jimmy have been great, so far, but he didn't do Deadhouse Gates or Memories of Ice in that format. I think Philip and A.P. (A Critical Dragon) have done discussions on all the 10 main SE books, though In short: try to embrace the confusion and just roll with it. Deadhouse Gates gets much more grounded after a while, too (even though some things I still don't understand, specially with Heboric, but I know I will uderstand shortly), so that will probably help

[@Kyle-mc2nb]

You should add some green screen graphics on Eriksons walls and ceiling.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Haha I did like the green!

[@joshramirez7]

What a great chat! By the way, I have never read the series Emberverse by S.M Sterling based on poor reviews, but it seems similar to the story you are contemplating writing. All I know is that technology and guns stop working someday, and the world reverts back to medieval times. But hope you can think of a great way to tell that story, and I like the idea of it happening over a long period of time like Erikson recommended. Best of luck and new subscriber here!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks so much!

[@boombox750]

53:25 wow

[@heathmotley9675]

Definitely the greatest author of our time. Literally no debate. 🙏

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's beyond talented

[@heathmotley9675]

@@thefantasynuttwork I'm on Toll the Hounds and I'm blown away Jimmy. Just amazing stuff. I talked my older brother into GOTM and he's hooked.

[@debrachambers1304]

I think The Wire is a big exception to what he was saying about TV writing. (though not the only one) When I heard it was "novelistic", I thought people meant that it had a continuing story and/or that they had some shame about television and wanted to indicate it was superior, but each season actually is structured like a novel. There are lots of little scenes and minor plotlines that aren't that important in terms of plot development but flesh out the characters and themes.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's very true

[@R1glet]

need more authors on your podcast

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'll try 😁 appreciate you being here. Sorry I didn't get to ask your chain of dogs question but he did have an answer for his inspiration on his latest AMA on Reddit about it

[@R1glet]

@@thefantasynuttwork it’s alright thanks for giving us this podcast this one was definitely special. enjoy the last 4 malazan books 🔥

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@R1glet thanks I will!

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

Oh this was fantastic. Superb interview . That bit about the inner critic and eriksons ama. Do u have that quote link ? It reminds me of ' get behind me Satan' putting your fear on your heels driving u forward instead of in front if you as an obstacle .

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you!! Here's that quote “I sacrificed the inner critic to the god of ambition and shouted down its ghost at every turn. I loose the hounds of failure and had them baying at my heels every moment of every day. The inner critic has a place and a role. The inner critic is there to make your work better, not shut it down. If it shuts you down, kill it.”

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

@@thefantasynuttwork fantastic . Thanks

[@demidrek-heyward]

So from what I understand Malazan came from a role playing game? What I'd like to know is if there were any events/deaths that were determined by a die roll. That would be wild!!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

They in fact were lol

[@thelakai7960]

One of the deaths in the later books was indeed decided with a dice roll

[@darmokandjalad7786]

Does someone have a transcript of the original “inner critic” quote?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

“I sacrificed the inner critic to the god of ambition and shouted down its ghost at every turn. I loose the hounds of failure and had them baying at my heels every moment of every day. The inner critic has a place and a role. The inner critic is there to make your work better, not shut it down. If it shuts you down, kill it.”

[@darmokandjalad7786]

@@thefantasynuttwork Words to live by, thanks Jimmy.

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

I hadno idea you were a wrestler! Do u have video of that online ?

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

A google image search will scare the pants off you. 🤣🤣

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Here on my channel yes, go back to some of the very first videos

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

@@thefantasynuttwork just watched em. Man that's wild . What an interesting career path. U ever see that Brett Hart documentary?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I've seen a few yep, was on a show with Bret back in the day. Very nice guy, quiet and private.

[@SpitfireStoryboards]

@@thefantasynuttwork the whole story there with Vince etc and Brett's integrity . Very compeling story

[@danjamin905]

Again please?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Would love to reprise this conversation

[@tuffguy0134]

If Erikson or Esselmont can't be story editor, A.P. would be the only other one to trust with that task.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Definitely

[@lewstherinteletubby50]

Who's AP? I keep hearing that name on booktube

[@thefantasynuttwork]

He's a critical dragon on KZbin

[@SnakebearerMaria]

Who is A.P like what's his full name

[@thefantasynuttwork]

His channel is A Critical Dragon

[@VinnyMickeyRickeyDickeyEddy]

Who is AP?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

A Critical Job on KZbin

[@Vinnie2501]

Second Rejoice Novel please Sir

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'll definitely be reading that

[@avengedslipknot1000]

Who is Ap?

[@saeedajaib]

He runs the channel A critical dragon. If i am not mistaken he and Steven Erikson go a ways back and he is also the beta reader (i think) for the Malazan world among other things.

[@avengedslipknot1000]

@@saeedajaib ohh okay. I'll have to check out his channel. Sounds like great content. I'm a relative newb to malazan, but enjoying every bit so far. Minus two deaths in deadhouse gates that were very hard to read 😞

[@willforlife_]

he's a fake irishman i heard

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

@@willforlife_ 🤣

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

@@avengedslipknot1000 He does more analytical things than reviews, very informative stuff.

[@Edog1337]

“Polishing a novel for 10 years…” a trap?? Looking at Pat and GRRM.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

😂

[@GabrielRodriguesYT]

Kind of a schizophrenic opening 😂😂😂

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yeah editing it out now so people with headphones don't hate me haha