David Weber

www.davidweber.net

Big Man, Big Dreams

by Jane Lindskold

Don't ask David Weber what his plans are for the immediate future -- not if you hope to get a quick answer. This isn't just because Weber is a chatty fellow, though he is one of the warmest, friendliest people you're ever likely to meet. It's because where most of us plan a project or two ahead, Weber plans in entire, sweeping epics

If you ask me what I'm doing next, I'll tell you I'm going to finish my current novel, write a couple of short stories, then move on to another novel. Ask Weber the same question and you'll hear not about the next novel or story he plans to write, but about the several series he's working on, solo and in collaboration.

Weber's best known books are the science fiction novels featuring Honor Harrington, but he has also written several in a series which begins with Mutineer's Moon -- and which reveal the true and disturbing history of Earth's major satellite. If you're not into SF, Weber has also written three books in an engaging fantasy series (Oath of Swords, War God's Own, and Windrider's Oath). If you're not sure you're ready to tackle an entire series, you should try his stand-alone novel, Path of the Fury. It remains one of my favorites. Weber has also written in collaboration with Steve White, Eric Flint, and John Ringo -- as well as contributing shorter works to various anthologies.

About the only person who can keep Weber's life and projects straight is his wife Sharon. I've never been certain exactly how she manages to ride herd on him, but she manages. And she and their three kids -- Morgan, Megan, and Michael -- are the one subject which handily trumps Weber's interest even in his books. She's also the one who reminds him to do little things like eating and sleeping at conventions. Which is handy, since otherwise his enthusiasm would probably see to it that he did neither.

So ask Weber what he's planning next, but be prepared to listen. He's a big guy with an imagination that, if anything, dwarfs his massive frame.