Andrzej Sapkowski, the acclaimed author behind The Witcher saga, has expressed openness to expanding the franchise with further novels, short stories, and unconventional adaptations. His latest novel, "Crossroads of Ravens," which delves into Geralt of Rivia's early years as a monster hunter, recently received its English translation. Sapkowski shared his thoughts on the series' future and the creative process in a recent interview.
Exploring Geralt's Formative Years
"Crossroads of Ravens" marks a return to Geralt's origins, presenting a younger, less experienced monster slayer. Sapkowski noted the challenge and reward in revisiting this period, stating, "It's not easy for an author nearly 80 years old to step into the shoes of an eighteen-year-old teenager. Fortunately, I still remember a thing or two from my youth." He aimed to portray Geralt not as an infallible superman, but as a character with relatable flaws and susceptibility to error, making him more narratively engaging.
The author views the younger Geralt's journey as a classic "rite of passage," characterized by a lack of experience and the "harsh lessons from life associated with it." This developmental arc, he explained, is a canonical trope within the fantasy genre. The dynamic between Geralt and his mentor figure, Preston Holt, in the novel was explored as a variation of the archetypal surrogate father, though Sapkowski cautioned that Holt is a "rather deceitful mentor" unlike figures such as Gandalf or Vesemir.
Sapkowski acknowledged his own evolution as a writer, stating, "I evolve—or strive to evolve—on daily basis. Incessantly. And in every possible aspect." This ongoing development influences his approach to incorporating fables and folklore, allowing for a continuous exploration and subversion of established tropes.
The Craft of Writing and Adaptation
Regarding his writing process, Sapkowski described dialogue construction as a delicate balance of natural flow and meticulous effort. "Ease of writing is... a feature of everyone who works with a pen," he remarked, "but ease alone is not enough. Without effort and painstaking work, one will not achieve good results."
When asked about elements that don't fit into his plots, Sapkowski explained that ideas for "monsters, characters and/or concepts" must serve the storyline. If they cease to do so or become narratively detrimental, they are removed and stored for potential future use. He also shared his perspective on short stories, comparing them to novels using Isaac Asimov's analogy of a straight line versus a plane, and noted that writing a compelling short story is a significant challenge.
While Sapkowski himself doesn't feel qualified to offer advice to aspiring writers, he noted that his own writing career began later in life, with his debut story written as he neared 40. "I had many ultimate goals before I became a writer," he stated.
The Expanding Witcher Universe
Looking ahead, Sapkowski confirmed his consideration of writing more short stories for The Witcher, stating, "It is not an easy thing to create a good short story... But if one succeeds, it is proof of writing mastery." He also indicated a strong possibility for future prequel books, suggesting that for exploring Geralt's early years, "Room? Sky is the limit."
Sapkowski remains open to exploring unconventional formats for The Witcher franchise, beyond the established games, television series, and comics. He even mused about the possibility of musicals, noting that two have already been produced. "I am open to suggestions. Even unconventional ones," he said.
He believes Geralt's enduring appeal across different media stems from the character and stories resonating with a global audience, though he humbly leaves definitive judgment to others. When writing dialogue, Sapkowski prioritizes ensuring each character's unique voice is captured, a fundamental aspect of his craft, and remains unaffected by famous screen or game performances.
Translator's Perspective
David French, the English translator for "Crossroads of Ravens," discussed the challenges of rendering Sapkowski's distinctive prose into English. He strives to maintain the author's blend of lyrical writing, modern slang, dry irony, and occasional vulgarity. French noted that Sapkowski himself adjusts vocabulary and prose cadence to reflect Geralt's age in "Crossroads of Ravens," a lead he followed in translation. Preserving the sharp comic timing and dry wit requires careful attention to word choice and rhythm, often involving collaboration with editors.
French also endeavors to retain Sapkowski's "linguistic snobbery" by including less common or archaic words, mirroring Sapkowski's use of such expressions in Polish. While he collaborates with Sapkowski on translations, he often makes independent decisions, sometimes receiving surprising responses from the author regarding the etymology of certain terms. French emphasized that external adaptations, including game performances, do not influence his translation process, which remains strictly focused on Sapkowski's original Polish text.
"Crossroads of Ravens" is available in paperback. The Witcher franchise continues to thrive across various media, including games, television, comics, manga, and even a cookbook.