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Submitted by visitors to this website

Posted by Anthony

February 8th 2010

Hi William, I emailed you before and was happily surprised to receive an answer, thank you ! I am in the process of preparing to audition your play "Katherine Howard" and wondered if there was anything you may suggest I do. Also, why is it that Katherine is sometimes spelt Catherine in history ?

William Nicholson responded:

There are endless variants of the spelling of Katherine, as you know; and historically spelling has been fast and loose. I follow the most commonly used spelling of her name. I hope you have fun with the play. I've no suggestions - each production of a play is a new creation, which is the glory of theatre.

Posted by Gabrielle Fergusson

February 6th 2010

What kind of person would you feel could make the wind on fire triollys into books? I love those books i read them 3 years ago and am quite obessed. I live in new zealand and can see these being made here. I'm not saying that i would be at all the right choice but my whole life is about films. and I would love to see them made into films.

William Nicholson responded:

I think the books could be set in an NZ background, if a director so decided. All depends on the director, as you know. For my part I'd be happy with anyone who really understood the books, because I'd be sure then they'd do a good job. The problem, however, is getting the finance to make any films. They'd be expensive. At present that offer is not happening.

Posted by Joseph Conrad

January 31st 2010

Having read all your children's books, possibly more times then i can count, they all seem to share a deep faith in humanity and the actions that humans do both good and evil, particularly the sacrifice of the singer people. Is this representative of a personal faith as well as aspects of your catholic upbringing?

William Nicholson responded:

Yes, it is all very much part of my personal faith, and does stem from my Catholic upbringing, but to confuse matters, I no longer believe in God or in the religious doctrines with which I was raised. Much respect, no assent. I don't believe in original sin, or the essential badness of people; quite the reverse. I grow more compassionate the older I get.

Posted by Lisa Smith

January 28th 2010

As a descendant of William the Conqueror, I'm so excited to hear about the movie 1066 coming out. Even more exciting, you will be writing it. Just hope they have some great actors to go along with the great screenplay. If so, it should be a fantastic movie. Thanks for all the great films. Your work stands out from the crowd. Best regards, Lisa

William Nicholson responded:

A descendant! Wonderful. It will be a terrific movie, But I must warn you, I'm writing the screenplay, but there's never any certainty an actual movie will get made until shooting begins, and we're a long way off that. It will be very expensive, as you can imagine.

Posted by Josh Christiansen

January 28th 2010

In your book, Jango, you presented a very interesting idea. You suggested that humans have the potential of apotheosis or the ability to rise to the state of godhood. Where did this I idea come from? Is it personal or do you share this belief with a specific group? I ask only because I find the idea very intriqueing.

William Nicholson responded:

The idea is no more than an imaginative speculation, not a personal belief, and not drawn from any group. However, as you know, such notions are widespread in many philosophies, so I can't claim originality. I use fantasy fiction to explore possibilities that excite me. And, I hope, my readers. Have you got to the end of the trilogy, Noman? Things get even stranger...

Posted by Ponmathi

January 27th 2010

Mr. Nicholson, I am a young reader. Your books have inspired me to be an author. If I say so myself, I'm actually pretty good at it. I am trying to start writing a novel of my own. My only problem is that my handwriting skills are awful. So my question is: Do your handwriting skills affect your writing?

William Nicholson responded:

No, not in the slightest. Your handwriting only affects others who need to read what you write. Also of course you can use a computer and type. If it bothers you that your handwriting is poor, it is actually possible to get better at it. It's tedious, because it involves going slowly and practising, but it works.