Babylon 5 Lost tales, story ideas, and book questions

[Pedrith]

Dear JMS,

My name is David and this it the first time I have posted here, although years ago you did answer my questions via email (which I lost when my computer died). First off I wanted to say how much I enjoyed B5, the tv movies and Crusade. I also enjoyed the Lost Tales Dvd, but felt that there was much room for improvement. I felt that the CGI for the station was unrealistic when compared to the original series. The CGI in the original series while still a new technology gave the station that lived in quality that I felt was missing from the new dvd. I also felt the same about the sets for the corridors as they looked well too fresh, while similar corridor scenes from the tv series had that roughed up lived in look. I hope when further Lost tales dvds begin development that these points will be considered.

I also want to tell you how much I have been enjoying reading the script books and that I am using what I have learned on writing in my own works, specifically a radio drama series called the Alchemists of Time. I did hear a while back that there were some new Babylon 5 novels being produced by a company called Mongoose (I think) and am wondering if you would be able to tell me when the first book is due out (so long as it does not conflict with any NDA's that you have signed).

Lastly, I have come up with an idea for a Babylon 5 short story set during season three (Highlight to read story idea)

that would dovetail into the episode Ship of Tears. The main characters would be Bester and Morden and would follow Bester's search for Carolyn once she vanished from the Psi Corps. It would also follow Morden who through rumors learns that his daughter may still be alive and will have to decide once and for all the answer to the question "What do you want?"

I have written few short stories although none have been in the Babylon 5 universe. One was in the Doctor Who universe and was an entry for a short story contest. As you are the creator of Babylon 5 I am seeking permission to write the story and maybe even post it here for the other readers. I do not intend to sell it in any form although I do plan to have a few copies bound and given out at Christmas (if completed) to my friends that are fans of B5, and of course send you a copy as well.

Whatever your decision is in this matter I will respect it and if you do not wish for me to write this story or any story in the B5 universe I give you my word that I will not write them.

Thank you very much for taking time to read and answer my questions.

Sincerely,

David

[Jan]

David,

JMS doesn't post here and, as far as we know, he doesn't read these forums either. If you go to the FAQ, you'll find instructions on how to post to the moderated newsgroup where he does read.

That said, your post as it is will never be approved by the moderators over there. The reason for the group being moderated, besides to keep things spam-and troll-free, is to protect JMS from story ideas. For legal reasons, those are forbidden there (and, as a courtesy, also are fobidden here in case JMS does ever wants to come and play) as well as fan fiction.

Also, JMS cannot give you permission to write in the Babylon 5 universe because he doesn't own it, Warner Brothers does. If JMS himself wants to write in the B5 universe he has to get WBs permission.

Hopefully you'll hang out and join the rest of us B5 fans to talk about the show.

Jan

[Shabaz]

I did hear a while back that there were some new Babylon 5 novels being produced by a company called Mongoose (I think) and am wondering if you would be able to tell me when the first book is due out (so long as it does not conflict with any NDA's that you have signed).

That project is dead, I'm afraid.

[glindros]

That project is dead, I'm afraid.

Dead is a kind term. I believe that was the book deal, that JMS buried, and then danced on the grave, after offering to help Mongoose with the books for free.

To call the maniscripts JMS read trash is an insult to garbage around the world.

[Jan]

Sorry to nitpick but since there was quite a battle over the novels proposed by Mongoose...part of it due to money, I'll point out that we don't know if JMS offered to do anything for free.

The short version was that after a public spat, JMS did agree to look at the novels that Mongoose proposed but determined that they weren't professionally done and would only rate the term 'licensed fan fiction' that he couldn't endorse.

Mongoose still could have published the novels if they'd chosen to but they decided not to go ahead with the project.

Jan

[JoeD80]

We do know!

jms 12/12/2006:

I made it very clear that I did not want any money off the deal, no fees for myself, the purpose was to ensure the quality of the books.

[glindros]

Sorry to nitpick but since there was quite a battle over the novels proposed by Mongoose...part of it due to money, I'll point out that we don't know if JMS offered to do anything for free.
Jan

I made it very clear that I did not want any money off the deal, no
fees for myself, the purpose was to ensure the quality of the books. JMS-12/12/06
JMS

He really does care about quality.

The short version was that after a public spat, JMS did agree to look at the novels that Mongoose proposed but determined that they weren't professionally done and would only rate the term 'licensed fan fiction' that he couldn't endorse.


Mongoose still could have published the novels if they'd chosen to but they decided not to go ahead with the project.

Jan

So I've stepped back and said I really can't
be a part of this process because I can't endorse something if I don't
think the quality is going to be there. So it's between them and WB at
this point.

JMS

If it went through the WB promotion dept. They probably killed it from reflex

[glindros]

I guess I owe you a Zima Joe.

[Jan]

We do know!

Ah, I stand corrected, thanks. Originally Mongoose had asked for a lot and offered little which started the initial rift.

Thanks.

Jan