The Open Chat

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From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Welcome to the Virtual Booktour! In case you've just joined us, this is part four of the VBT's talk with LeVar Burton. As most of you may know, LeVar Burton was(is) Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge from "Star Trek: The Next Generation", as well as the producer for "Reading Rainbow" on public television. Tonight's session is an open Q&A with the actor/director/producer/writer--who's also promoting his debut novel, AFTERMATH. LeVar, are you here?

MsgId: example(9)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:03:07 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

I am!

MsgId: example(10)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:04:42 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Great! Since this is an open chat, as well as a new week, it would be great if you could give a brief summary about your book, AFTERMATH....

MsgId: example(11)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:06:55 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

AFTERMATH is a post-apocalyptic look at the future. A very *near* future, in fact, and the apocalypse in question is the race war that destroys America. What we are talking about is the fall of this nation -- the last, best hope on Earth -- due to a series of circumstances including the collapse of the economy and a major natural catastrophe, an earthquake on the New Madrid fault in southern Missouri, as well as other societal upheavals. However, the straw that really breaks the camel's back is indeed the race war. (cont)

MsgId: example(12)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:08:23 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

America's inability, or unwillingness, to successfully heal the issue of race ultimately causes her downfall. And that's just the first two pages! The story is how our heroes pick up the pieces in the aftermath of these events and forge a new way of being, a new way of relating to each other. That's it in a nutshell. /ga

MsgId: example(13)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:10:58 EST 1997
From: zefram
At: 208.130.68.93

I'm convinced! I'm going out tomorrow to buy the book. Is
there any way I could have some inside information on if
next generation will be coming back in a few years?
Thank you

MsgId: example(14)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:11:34 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Excellent! And this is a question I wished I could've asked earlier: You have a very positive onscreen personality, and your own life seems very positive. Why such a dark book--and why did you decide to write AFTERMATH, as opposed to a book about your life on "Star Trek"?

MsgId: example(15)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:13:40 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

By the way, questions from the audience tonight will be greatly appreciated--and I hope LeVar will be able to answer most of them.

MsgId: example(16)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:14:39 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

Well, I don't believe that AFTERMATH is such a dark vision at all, in fact, those events that I just described serve only as ground zero for the adventure presented in the book. I am, at the very core of my being, an optimist. You see, I'm betting on *us*. I'm betting on the human being and our ultimate ability to rise to the highest expression. My vision of the future is *absolutely* one of hope. And, I believe it important to acknowledge where we are. And as I sit and observe the world I live in today, the events I describe in AFTERMATH are not so far-fetched. (cont)

MsgId: example(17)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:17:08 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

My point is, the choice is ours. The future is indeed made in our own image. Listen, I believe that we create the reality that we experience, each and every one of us, consciously and unconsciously. Everything that happens to me, I know I have called to myself through either thought or word or direct action. And so, it is impossible for me to be a victim in my life, operating from this place. So the future is one that we continuously create -- every moment of every day, waking, sleeping, dreaming, daydreaming, we are constantly creating the world in which we live. (cont)

MsgId: example(18)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:19:05 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

So, again, I stress, that I believe our destiny is for all of us to come into an alignment with this truth about ourselves. And in so doing, avoid a future like the one I present in the prologue to AFTERMATH. As for why I didn't write a book about my life on "Star Trek," I really wanted to address myself to issues and ideas that *I* find infinitely more interesting than that. /ga

MsgId: example(19)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:21:50 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

There's one question that others have been asking during the VBT sessions: Will there be another "TNG" movie--and will "TNG" return to the airwaves with new shows?

MsgId: example(20)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:22:08 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

I think it was this inspiration in you that made this such an excellent story, after I read it I felt like perhaps no matter what happens mankind (and probably only the best of) will persivere. Thanks for a great time, I really enjoyed it!!

MsgId: example(21)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:23:27 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

As FIRST CONTACT turned out so well, it seems an almost sure thing that we will do this again. That is to say, make another movie. It is unlikely that Next Generation will ever return to its TV incarnation. It looks as if, from here on in, it's movies or bust. /ga

MsgId: example(22)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:24:07 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

Yes, please let us in on the TNG events.

MsgId: example(23)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:25:13 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

Glad to hear that at least its still going to be on the movies!

MsgId: example(24)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:26:53 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Compliments from a reader to you, LeVar! AFTERMATH really does offer a vision of the future that other writers on the apocalypse haven't yet explored--that of the race question in this country. I happen to know, however, that you're a big fan of numerology and astrology--and many stories about the Apocalypse deal with numbers, configurations, and the like. Is there any numerology in AFTERMATH?

MsgId: example(25)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:27:24 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

I have to ask, have you got another book in the works?

MsgId: example(26)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:28:56 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

No. There was no conscious effort on my part to incorporate those particular esoteric truths. I do, however, deal with, as you know, some indiginous prophecy and point of view, specifically Native American/Hopi prophecy regarding the end of time as we know it. /ga

MsgId: example(27)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:31:24 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

How was the writing process for you, as a first-time novelist? As you studied to become an actor, did you do any research in order to write AFTERMATH? Did you speak to other sci-fi novelists of color about writing your book?

MsgId: example(28)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:33:19 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

Isn't the belief of in the Native American culture that man himself is going to destroy the world as we know it by turning away from the needs of "Mother Earth" to a more materialistic life instead of listening to nature? I know a little about this, but would like to hear more.

MsgId: example(29)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:36:07 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

The writing process for me was very complex. I experienced it as fun, exciting, engaging, frightening, frustrating, maddening, and ultimately, especially when I was finished, incredibly rewarding. And I must say, all along the way, very cathartic. It was a real opportunity to not only get in touch with deeply-held beliefs and ideas I hold very dear in my own heart, but also a great relief in finding new ways to express these aspects of myself. There was a considerable amount of research that went into AFTERMATH, especially in terms of the science and medicine discussed in the book. The information on Parkinson's Disease and how the brain functions, as well as some of the scientific information as regards Leon's work as an atmospheric scientist. I actually didn't have occasion to speak with any writers, African-American or otherwise, prior to embarking on the project, but I would like to go on record as saying I'm a huge Octavia Butler fan, and her work certainly has been a major source of inspiration./ga

MsgId: example(30)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:38:20 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

What are some things you learned from writing that you would like to get into more depth with--say, like studying Parkinson's disease? Or do you think you're already doing enough things lately? :-) And IndyGirl's question about Native American beliefs is a good point.

MsgId: example(31)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:42:48 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

One of the things I find most fascinating about life's journey is that with the commitment to show up, all things are possible. What I mean by that is, when I began AFTERMATH I had no idea that I would need to do some of the research that was eventually necessary in order to complete those early chapters, so that was a surprise to me. The information I acquired on how the brain works, how the brain functions in the process of healing. So my continuing commitment is just to show up and see what happens. And that way, I'm continually surprised by the gifts that life constantly brings me. I'd like to formally respond to IndyGirl's comments about Native American prophecy as it relates to man's choice and destruction of the world. I too have heard a similar accounting and my interpretation is that the end result is not immutable. That is to say, nothing is pre-ordained, except the fact that we choose our own outcomes. /ga

MsgId: example(32)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:45:25 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Which actor/actress do you most admire? Who are you a fan of today? Octavia Butler is one--but what about within your own field?

MsgId: example(33)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:47:28 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

Sidney Poitier has had a major impact and influence on me as an actor. In terms of my directing career, boy, there are a lot of influences. I actually look at both Ron Howard and Rob Reiner as perfect models for where I see myself heading as a producer/director. Both men have been very successful at creating companies that surround and support their creative vision and that's certainly my intention for my company, Eagle Nation Films. They're also both actors who became directors and producers. /ga

MsgId: example(34)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:49:13 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

From what I understand of the books I have read that delved (not deeply) into Native American prophecy, the world was not actually destroyed, (I didn;t mean to imply that) simply changed drastically from what it now is. I always believed it meant that the earth would simply be trying to heal itself. If that happened, mankind would have to learn to understand nature as the Native Americans did and still do. I think it might not be as bad as some would think.

MsgId: example(35)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:50:24 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Both are also incredibly positive in their outlook creatively, too! Where does the name "Eagle Nation" come from, by the way? It seems to fit with the strong energy of your Native American character in AFTERMATH. Do you have strong ties to AmerIndian culture?

MsgId: example(36)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:54:23 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

My great-grandmother was a full-blooded Creek Indian and the Native American point of view, in terms of man's relationship to Earth, and the universe at large is one that makes great sense to me. As a black man, I wanted my company to reflect not only who I am, but also my point of view. Eagle Nation is euphemistic for America. America is the Eagle Nation. In Native American cosmology, the eagle is a powerful symbol. The eagle is the messenger between the world of spirit and the world of human beings. The eagle is the symbol for excellence. It's on our dollar bill. The eagle flies highest in the sky and as such, has the broadest perspective. I have, in my own life, been the recipient of lots of eagle-energy. The eagle is a very powerful personal totem for me. /ga

MsgId: example(37)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:57:24 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Last question for the night: Which cause would you be willing to give up acting for--if you had to choose between solving problems related to that issue and being an actor/producer/director/writer?

MsgId: example(38)
Date: Mon Mar 10 21:57:56 EST 1997
From: IndyGirl
At: 207.155.217.19

Thank you OMNI and Mr. Burton for letting us interact. Mr. Burton, I respect you immensely and wish the best in all you do. Please keep writing, your book is great!! I will now quit monopolizing and sit quietly ;-) There is just so much I would like to talk to you about!! Thank You!

MsgId: example(39)
Date: Mon Mar 10 22:01:43 EST 1997
From: LeVar_Burton
At: 152.172.112.74

The great thing about my job is that I don't have to choose. I actually believe whole-heartedly that this is my contribution. That through the television program and then movie that I create, I have an opportunity to affect the world in which I live in a positive way. That's my desire. That is my intention. And I believe this to be the reason I am here. Thanks for hanging out! I'll see y'all Wednesday night! /ga

MsgId: example(40)
Date: Mon Mar 10 22:03:37 EST 1997
From: OMNI_Moderator
At: 204.30.67.142

Thank you, LeVar, for being on tonight. Part Five of the Virtual Book Tour with LeVar Burton is Wednesday night, from 9-10pm EST. Please join the actor and author of AFTERMATH as he discusses the millennium and the future of mankind! Have a good night!

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