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Posted by Todd VanderMolen

April 5th 2010

Recently, I re-watched First Knight and I am moved by the quote etched upon the round table: "By serving each other, we become free." May I ask if this is an original quote? If not, please edify me as to its origins. Thank you for your good works and inspiring scripts (I've actually watched Gladiator over 10 times, and it moves me every time). When I view a film I truly enjoy and re-watch, I know it is the crafting of the script that makes it so (and not the special effects, or the acting).

William Nicholson responded:

Yes, the line was made up by me.

Posted by lucy

April 2nd 2010

Hi William, this isn't really a question, I just wanted to say that I got given an early copy of Rich & Mad through my college and have just finished and really enjoyed it. The Wind On Fire Trilogy left a very strong impression on me when i was younger, and I have re-read them multiple times since (they are some of my childrens books). Now that I'm seventeen, I really glad you've written this book as its like I've grown up with your stories in a way. I wanted to congratulate you for writing another book that I couldn't put down and inspires me in my own writing. thanks :)

William Nicholson responded:

One of my first readers of Rich and Mad! Thanks for your response, and may your own writing give you as much joy as mine gives me.

Posted by Jessica

April 1st 2010

I am writing because I am ever so excited! Your newest book 'Rich and Mad' has just arrived in the post even though it is yet to be published in shops. I feel so lucky to have a copy of it! I can't wait to start reading it, it looks fantastic! Write more books William!

William Nicholson responded:

Let me know what you make of it.

Posted by Alistair Johnson

March 31st 2010

Dear Mr Nicholson, I don't have a question at all more of just a thank you. I first read The Wind Singer whilst teaching at Somerhill school in Brighton in 2004 (you came to visit us there after a book signing in Brighton Library). I have since moved schools (out into Cornwall to a village called Dobwalls) and decided this year to do another project with my class all based upon your book. On behalf of myself and Class 6 at Dobwalls, I would just like to say thank you for writing such a fantastic book. We have had a wonderful term reading the adventures of Bowman, Kestrel and Mumpo. We have all thoroughly enjoyed your writing as a stimulus to our own work and the insightful discussions that have resulted from the issues you write about. Mumpo was by far our most favourite character - I think we all have a little Mumpo in us somewhere or at least appreciate his honest 'say what you see' attitude. As a teacher I always know when I've struck gold with a text, when the lunch bell rings and I hear a collective groan across the room (this was a daily occurence with The Wind Singer) it is usually followed by the request "Oh please Sir, just one more page!" Thank you again for making the last term so magical and for inspiring the writing of another class of Year 6 children. Yours faithfully Alistair Johnson and Class 6

William Nicholson responded:

And a thank you from me to Class 6 for the collective groan. I'm honoured.

Posted by Zeb Lamb

March 31st 2010

I am writing to enquire whether you have any need for a writer's assistant? I am currently a Screenwriting MA student, and have worked as a PA for ICM literary agency and as a director's assistant. I am aware that the practice of hiring writing assistants is more common in the US, but I thought it might be worth enquiring nonetheless.

William Nicholson responded:

To be honest I've never heard of this role. I think it's a good idea because the assistant would learn a lot, and no doubt be useful to the writer, but it's not how I work. I have no secretary or anything, I hand-write then type all my own screenplays, and in general function as my own mopper-up. But thanks for the enquiry.

Posted by Jessica

March 29th 2010

I now see that asking you the question of whether you will develop the Wind on Fire trilogy into a series of films was a silly question as you have answered it numerous times. I just wish it would happen, and I DO hope the right offer comes up. I'm sure you realise that your fan base would be of epic proportions due to the companssionate nature your fans hold for your books. Anyway everyone seems to prefer the other series to WOF so mabye I should stop dwelling on WOF and read one of your other books. Thanks again

William Nicholson responded:

It's not a silly question. I'd love to see the Wind on Fire on screen. I will do all I can to make it happen. Alas, my power is not as great as I would wish. But I do believe one day - perhaps when you're too old to care - it will happen.