- "I'm writing the first full length novel about another lovable rogue... Jack Sparrow. After reading the Han Solo books, the Disney editor in charge of finding an author to write a Jack Sparrow backstory novel called my agent. Funny old world, isn't it?"
- ―A. C. Crispin
Ann Carol Crispin (April 5, 1950 – September 6, 2013) was an American science fiction writer, the author of twenty-three published novels. She wrote several Star Trek and Star Wars novelizations and created an original science fiction series called StarBridge. Because of her work on The Han Solo Trilogy, which focused on Han Solo's backstory, A. C. Crispin was approached to write a backstory novel for Jack Sparrow. A. C. Crispin was the author of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom, the first full-length adult novel set in the Pirates of the Caribbean world.
Biography[]
Life and Career[]
Ann Crispin's writing career began in 1983. Among her published works, Crispin wrote several Star Trek and Star Wars novelizations, and created her own original science fiction series called Starbridge. Crispin also served as Eastern Regional Director, and then Vice President, of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. She wrote the novelizations for the TV series V and the film Alien Resurrection.
Her best-known Star Wars work, The Han Solo Trilogy, chronicles the life of Han Solo prior to Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.[1] Regarding her work on The Han Solo Trilogy, Crispin was privileged to write the scene where Han first beheld—and fell for—the Millennium Falcon. She assured fans it was a thrill.[2]
She was married to science-fiction author Michael Capobianco.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom[]
When an editor working for Disney was seeking an author to write a novel dealing with the backstory of Captain Jack Sparrow, a major character from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, they contacted A. C. Crispin's agent and contracted her to write the book after reading The Han Solo Trilogy.[3] By the time Disney had approached Crispin for the book, the script for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End been written, the film was in production, and it was finishing up. Crispin was able to read the script and use it to write the story.[4]
When releasing the fifth excerpt, Crispin spoke how she was privileged to write the scene where Han Solo first beheld—and fell for—the Millennium Falcon in The Han Solo Trilogy. She assured fans it every bit as much of a thrill to write the scene with Jack Sparrow and the Wicked Wench.[2]
The instructions for A. C. Crispin in writing Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom were to "stick to historical fact, unless it conflicts with established Pirates of the Caribbean continuity." Crispin made a faithful effort to do this, having done plenty of research, with Under the Black Flag by David Cordingly being one of the four pirate-related books she found herself using the most consistently. The Price of Freedom published on May 17, 2011.
Death[]
On September 3, 2013, Ann Crispin posted on Facebook that her prolonged battle with cancer deteriorated and became terminal. In the message Crispin said, "I want to thank you all for your good wishes and prayers. I fear my condition is deteriorating. I am doing the best I can to be positive but I probably don't have an awful lot of time left. I want you all to know that I am receiving excellent care and am surrounded by family and friends." Crispin invited people to post messages for her on her Facebook, which would be read to her by her husband, Michael.[5][6][7]
She passed away three days later, at the age of 63.[8]
Trivia[]
- A. C. Crispin had her own user page on the Pirates of the Caribbean Wiki.[9] While promoting The Price of Freedom, she released 6 excerpts from the novel as well as created various accounts, such as GoodReads and KeepToTheCode, to keep in touch with fans.
External links[]
- Official website
- Ann Crispin on Facebook
- Ann C. Crispin on Wikipedia
- A. C. Crispin on Wookieepedia
- A.C. Crispin on Memory Alpha
- A. C. Crispin interview - The Price of Freedom - Fast Forward: Contemporary Science Fiction - YouTube
- An Interview with A. C. Crispin - Dragon Con
Notes and references[]
- ↑ A.C. Crispin dies at 63; author of sci-fi and tie-in novels - The Washington Post
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Price of Freedom excerpt 05.pdf - Chapter 6
- ↑ The JC Lit Forum Reviews RETROSPECTIVE Special: Han Solo Trilogy III: Rebel Dawn on the Jedi Council Forums (backup link)
- ↑ A. C. Crispin interview - The Price of Freedom - Fast Forward: Contemporary Science Fiction - YouTube
- ↑ Ann Crispin - Facebook
- ↑ A.C. Crispin says goodbye to fans and colleagues - Club Jade
- ↑ Ann Crispin Says Goodbye - StarTrek.com
- ↑ Remembering Trek Author Ann Crispin, 1950-2013 - StarTrek.com
- ↑ User:A.C. Crispin | Pirates of the Caribbean Wiki | Fandom