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The Black Fortress

BONUS EXTRAS

The Dark Master

10/25/2019

12 Comments

 
PictureBy Franz Richter (User:FRZ) - https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=5793301
Knowing how to describe our characters' physical appearance in a way that makes them easy to imagine from the moment they first walk onto the stage, that, my friends, is one of the trickiest parts of writing, especially when you have such a large cast. So many people to describe! And it's important to make each one unique and distinct. From wardrobe, voice and style of talking, their way of moving and walking, their face shape, eye color, complexion, body type, etc. there are a lot of moving parts to juggle to make a character come alive.

But one technique that makes it soooo much easier is to sort of model the look and sound of our imaginary people after real ones out there in the world.

For inspiration, and to get the creative juices flowing, we keep a binder and a Pinterest board that's full of famous and not-so-famous faces ~ models and actors who we think most resemble our characters. It's fun to scour the internet looking for images. As you no doubt will have noticed, in THE BLACK FORTRESS, we significantly expanded the depth and breadth of the villains. There are over a dozen bad guys. Muahaha!!! And Zolond (or "Big Z," as Gael has dubbed him) is the boss of them all. (Well, the mortal ones, anyway.)

Our model for Zolond, the leader of the Dark Druids, was none other than the famous English actor, ​Terence Stamp. In particular, his performances in The Haunted Mansion and Bowfinger were perfect for the deadpan yet surprisingly intense and intimidating Dark Master. This guy is just awesome!

Check out the 2 clips below and let us know if this is how YOU pictured Zolond. Did the unusual casting of an old-man super-villain work for you? We enjoyed developing his off-the-wall character in this book ~ and his retinue of trusty reptilians. :>

12 Comments
Sharri Williams
10/25/2019 03:17:42 pm

I loved him in Haunted Mansion! His voice would be perfect fpr the Dark Master#

Reply
Gael
10/25/2019 05:28:36 pm

I second that! :)

Reply
Kristin
10/25/2019 03:20:51 pm

I loved the Haunted Mansion clip. That is completely how I imagined Zolond!

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Gael
10/25/2019 05:28:12 pm

Yay! LOL. (What a great movie, huh? I love watching that this time of year, especially!) Have a good weekend! :)

Reply
Mia
10/25/2019 03:23:22 pm

Yes, this is pretty close to how I pictured Zolond! When I clicked on the post and saw the picture my first thought was that it must be him!

Reply
Gaelen Foley
10/25/2019 05:25:20 pm

That's great to know that it seemed accurate, then! Thanks, Mia!

Reply
Aleena Grosjean
10/25/2019 03:35:09 pm

I loved Zolond because he seems real. The fact that he is OLD just makes it more believable, to me. We see his history - his story. He chose the "dark" side, but after centuries is questioning his choice. He was young, in love, and made a foolish mistake. I can't wait to see how he develops in the next book. I always pictured Saruman when I read the parts where Zolond was involved.

Reply
Gael
10/25/2019 05:26:35 pm

Wonderful comment, spot on. :) I can see Saruman as another great possible Zolond inspiration, though, now that you mention it!!

Reply
Pam C
10/25/2019 04:40:44 pm

I can’t help it but while I am reading Big Z, my mind hears the voice of James Earl Jones....too many movies I guess....

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Gael
10/25/2019 05:27:25 pm

He DOES have an amazing voice! Hmm, interesting...! Is he still alive?? He's been around forever. I believe he was Darth Vader, right? :)

Reply
Theresa Geider
10/26/2019 02:02:17 am

He is a good choice & so is Christopher Lee, but I had imagined Sir Ian McKellen as Zolond. He played a Magneto in the X-Men films, Sir Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci Code & did a wonderful job as Gandalf’ in "The Lord of the Ring." Sir Ian McKellen allows the audience to see a little of his humanity come through with his portrayal of villians.

Reply
Gael
10/26/2019 08:36:35 am

Great choice! Hadn't thought of Ian Mckellen for Zolond. :)

Reply



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  • Home
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