The Woods prof hits mark with ‘Elfhunter’ book

By Lindsey Richardt/St. Mary-of-the-Woods College

As a child, Chris Marks loved exploring Middle Earth – in her mind, that is.

Introduced to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien at age 12, Marks’ active imagination allowed her to dive even deeper into the characters she encountered in Tolkien’s novels.

How would they interact in different situations? Do they have mysterious stories and exciting journeys in their pasts? What kind of adventures would they have in the future?

And while Marks may not remember all the creative stories and images she created in her mind as a child, her new book “Elfhunter,” will certainly give readers a vivid glimpse into the imagination she still possesses today.

“Elfhunter,” which was released in November, is the first of the tales of Alterra, the World that Is. It concerns the adventures of an unlikely pair of heroines, Gaelen and Nelwyn, who are wood-elves of the Greatwood Forest. They are drawn into a quest to defend all the Elves of Alterra as they seek to destroy the Elfhunter, a monstrous entity intent on exterminating the Elves until none remain.

“The world of Alterra was inspired by [J.R.R.] Tolkien’s writings, which I have been very well-versed in since the age of 12,” Marks said. “The story just sort of took itself; there are aspects of it that are based on some of my life experiences as well.”

Marks, a professor of equine studies at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, discovered her love of words through her father, who was a professor of literature. She learned to read at a very early age and grew up on classic novels, inspiring her to write her own book.

Writing “Elfhunter” was a yearlong process, but what is unique about the book is not the world of Alterra, which is similar to many other Middle-earth inspired worlds, but the characters.

Marks said she actually began her creative work by establishing characters and then she formed the story around them, in particular the strong heroines and the complex, frightening but occasionally sympathetic villain.

“I love to tell stories,” Marks said. “I have had a love of words since I was a child, and I use them to paint pictures in people’s imaginations. It is fun to escape to the world of Alterra and not come out until I am ready. I think if more people had a world like Alterra to escape to, they would have less stress.”

But Marks’ talent does not just lie in storytelling. She also is an artist, and her work can be found throughout “Elfhunter.”

All the artwork and illustrations featured, including the cover art, were created by Marks. The only piece that Marks did not create was the map, which was designed by Carie Nixon, an Illinois-based illustrator.

While “Elfhunter” has only been on shelves for a few months, the overall response to the book has been very positive.

“Marks creates an entire land with groups of people and their interaction,” said Joanne Golding, Sisters of Providence, of Terre Haute. “I do not like fantasy, but I could not put ‘Elfhunter’ down. It’s definitely well worth the reading time for any age group.”

Many readers have shared their thoughts about the book with Marks, and she has been surprised to discover that young adults, male and female, ages 11 to 19, are proving to be some of the biggest “Elfhunter” enthusiasts.

Fifteen-year-old Kristin Bergquist is one of the teenage “Elfhunter” fans.

The cover art initially caught her eye, but the characters and the story line kept her attention. “I loved everything about the book,” Bergquist said. “I felt like I really got to know the characters without [the author] having to explain about each one. It was like setting out on the journey with them and learning about them as the book went on. It was so suspenseful; I probably could have finished it all in one day!” An impressive notion, considering “Elfhunter” is more than 500 pages in length.

Marks said Tolkien experienced a similar response from his younger readers, and he was equally surprised because, truthfully, the books were not really written for them.

“It was written for adults, but these bright kids apparently love it,” Marks said. “In ‘Elfhunter,’ readers appreciate the strong female characters that are often missing from books in this genre. That pleases me. The young ones always ask me when the movie will be coming out. I have to smile then.”

While no movie plans are being made, Marks is working on the next book in the series, “Fire-heart.” That book is being edited and should be on shelves in the summer of 2006.

The third book should hit the shelves at the end of 2006 or early in 2007.

Meet the author

Who: Chris Marks

When: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22

Where: Waldenbooks in Honey Creek Mall

What: Free event includes book-signing, live music and door prizes. Costumes are welcome!

More info: E-mail ironelf_llc@yahoo.com

Text Only | Photo Reprints