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Posted by Christa
February 24th 2010Hi, William! I like ur book, The Wind SInger. By the way, i'm doing project on Wind Singer's character. And I'm focusing on Maslo Inch. How actually does he look Like? I can't get a clear picture from the book. Thanks a Lot ^^
William Nicholson responded:
There are some clues in the book. For the rest, you can imagine him any way you like. That's what makes books so much more personal than films. You do some of the creating yourself. Have fun. Maybe he's like one of your teachers?
Posted by Maddy
February 22nd 2010Hi William, Firstly, I'd just like to say that as a child, I was in love with your 'Wind on Fire' trilogy! It was these books that made me think for the first time, I want to do that! I'm now 18 years old and I've spent the last year or so working on my own fantasy novel. I am well aware how many unpublished novels end up on the slush pile and am determined for mine not to be one of them. After quite a few rejections, it is difficult not to become disheartened and without feedback, to know what it is that is wrong with my writing. I was just wondering what you think the best route is- through literary agents? Your advice would be really invaluable to me. Very best wishes Maddy
William Nicholson responded:
It is very hard, I'm afraid. Yes, literary agents are invaluable, but you'll find it's even hard to get accepted by an agent. Your best route meanwhile is to find readers for your work among people you know - they don't have to be professional, they only have to give an honest response to what they read. It's hard hearing people's criticisms, but it is the only way. Next, you have to keep writing. Don't wait to sell your first book. Finish it, and start on the next. And third, don't think that if you're not published, you've failed. All the time you're getting better. It's a long game. I was first published in my late twenties, and that book failed. I had no real success with books till my forties. But over all those years I was getting better. So - patience, stamina, discipline, and joy. Writing is thrilling in itself, whatever the end result.
Posted by Lacey Wilkerson
February 20th 2010William, what a fantastic start to a new series! I'm a huge fan of series as I am able to get to know the characters much better with each read. I've had the best read in awhile from reading the first book of the Noble Warriros trilogy. Unfortunately, I am unable to get books 2 and 3 as they have yet to be released here in the States. When will the books come out? I hate hanging without knowing the rest of the series.
William Nicholson responded:
The second book, Jango, has been published in the US. The third book, Noman, is either published or is about to be, as far as I know. Sorry you've had trouble. Alternatively you can always get on to Amazon and order the UK versions.
Posted by Sophie
February 20th 2010Hi, im Sophie and i'd like to tell you that im a huge fan of your work! Im in year seven and only recently our class have started reading your amazing book, the Windinger. I have always wanted to be a author and your books give me inspiration and ideas. I cant wait to read the rest of your outstanding collection, many thanks! Sophie, 11
William Nicholson responded:
I hope as well as wanting to be an author you've already started writing. It's the most exciting thing you can do.
Posted by Teri Stevens
February 18th 2010Dear Mr Nicholson, Our amateur dramatic group in Goring on Thames is putting on your play ‘Map of the Heart’ at the end of March. We all think that the play is beautifully written, very profound and very relevant. We are looking forward immensely to performing it, none less than myself as I will be playing Albie. We have had lots of discussion about the characters and themes in the play – which has added to the enjoyment enormously – and I have some questions which I would be grateful to hear your views on. Firstly, when Albie makes his ‘execution’ speech, he ends with “I love you but I don’t know you [something becomes clear to him. His agitation leaves him]. Of course, of course. Take it. Take it.” I have been puzzling over this and can only think that what he realises at this (very) late juncture is that he has never really offered his love to Ruth. He has loved her after a fashion and their marriage has drifted along for twenty-plus years, but love has been taken for granted and he has never really forcefully expressed it to Ruth. This is what has become clear to him and is why he is now offering his love to Ruth. Is this anywhere near the truth? Another question concerns the broader issue of what is the play all about. Some people feel that the whole thrust of the play is about disintegration. I don’t think it is. I think that it is about ordinary people’s lives and their emotions and how they look upon themselves and their life situation. The events in the play then disrupt their world and force them to reappraise everything from a changed viewpoint but also from a more realistic one. Albie and Ruth reflect more truthfully on their feelings towards one another and realise that, despite the imperfections in their relationship, they have something solid to build on. It is on this note that the play ends, with the prospect of a rekindled love between them. If you could share with us your thoughts on these points, and any other themes, it would help us in our understanding and portrayal of your play. Thanks, Teri Stevens
William Nicholson responded:
It's a long time since I wrote the play, and my mind has a way of jettisoning work as I go along, making room for new creation, but I do recall wanting to write a play about a man who does not know how to value his marriage and home until circumstances take both from him. So your instinct is correct. On the speech in question, he means his love: he's realised the key act is to give his love, whether or not he understands himself or Ruth. The act of will comes first in loving. However, if you and your colleagues have a different better way to play the lines, go with it. All plays are recreated by their performers.
Posted by Paul Beech
February 18th 2010William, hi. As an avid reader of crime fiction, I might not have found ‘The Secret Intensity of Everyday Life’ had a copy not been misplaced in the Crime Fiction section at my local library. I enjoyed your novel immensely. No big central drama such as I’m used to, but a big central theme as expressed in the title and brilliantly illustrated through your characters, whose interlocking stories are told with great insight in splendidly crisp style. I was rather reminded of a remark made by crime writer Sophie Hannah at an event in Ormskirk I attended recently. She said that even when people have all their needs met, as with the comfortably off middle classes – big house, swanky car, etc – they still find ways of putting themselves through the wringer: this was what interested her. Which brings me to my question: given that the modern crime novel provides scope for the dramatic exploration of such themes, would you consider contributing to the genre some day? Afterall, no less a figure than John Banville has done so, writing as Benjamin Black.
William Nicholson responded:
What an intriguing accident. I'm amazed you didn't bin the book at once. It shows real breadth of mind that, looking for crime, you were willing to give my book a go. I feel the least I can do in return is write a crime novel - I certainly agree with you that the best crime fiction is as subtle and potent as any literary fiction. The trouble is, I'm a wuss about violence, and I'm most turned on by love stories. However, in the third novel in the series that starts with Secret Intensity (the second, All the Hopeful Lovers, comes out this September) I am writing about, among other characters, a burglar. So it's one tiny step towards your idea.
