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Posted by El Peek
January 5th 2010What inspired you to write the Wind Singer? I am a student at Northgate High School Dereham and are reading your book. I have planned a presentation and thought it would be good to include a quote from you, Many thanks,, El x x
William Nicholson responded:
You'll find more on the Q&A on this website. The start point for the Wind Singer was anger at the over-testing of children in our schools, and a wish to write something with no limits to my imagination...
Posted by Carole Richmond
January 3rd 2010Dear William, I haven't got a question but I wanted to thank you very much for The Secret Intensity of Everyday Life. I picked it up in Bognor Regis library yesterday (Greg Mosse had recommended it at a creative writing course I attended earlier this year). I got home at 4pm, started reading your novel at 4.30pm and finished it just before midnight. It's wonderful and a great way to start my 2010 reading. I liked so many things about it but perhaps my favourite scene was Laura shopping in Browns. I'm thrilled that a man can write about fashion passion/panic so well. But now I've typed that I've begun to think that my truly favourite scene was the dog funeral, I could feel the repercussions building but was still upset when the inevitable happened to the lovely Reverend Miles Salmon. And last night I lay awake thinking about Liz and how much I liked her. So I don't really have a favourite bit but now I have a new favourite book for 2010. I'm currently working with another good writer who has struggled to find a publisher. I'm helping her self-publish with style and aplomb and a significant marketing budget. Part of our marketing campaign will involve the creation of the Campaign for Good Books (CARB). I will be using The Secret Intensity of Everyday Life as the benchmark "good book". I want as many people to read it as possible. Kind regards Carole
William Nicholson responded:
I really appreciate your kind words. My novel comes out in paperback in the spring, but until then its progress has been slow, which means every reader's response has great value to me. I've now completed a successor novel, set among the same people eight years later, in 2008, called All the Hopeful Lovers, which is to be published in September. I hope your writer friend makes it in the end. I think persistence is one of the key virtues for all of us.
Posted by LUCI
January 1st 2010Mr Nicholson, I am very much interested in becoming a screenwriter or a director in the future. I know that it is the hardest industry to get into, but I have had this dream since I was 13 years old, I will be going to college this September and my subject choices are: English Language, Film Studies and a BTEC National in Media Studies. I was wondering from a professionals point of view if you thought this was good for me to do? And also recently I heard that anyone who wants to get into film must go to University and study further there, is this true? I would really appreciate your reply, thank you and a happy new year.
William Nicholson responded:
Your choices are all good - the more you can immerse yourself in films, the better. There's no obligation to go to university. The best way to make a career as a screenwriter or director is to do it. Nowadays you can start small and cheap, with your own video camera and a gang of friends. Grab every opportunity to make your own short films. This will become your ticket to the hard-to-get film courses, or, if you show real talent, to the producers who hire writers and directors. It is competitive, but in the end if you've got the talent, and the determination, you can do it.
Posted by David P. Hoadley
December 31st 2009Dear Sir; Do you at least accept my premise that a certain amount of the negative critics didn't EVEN bother to watch the film, but relied on previously prepared synopsis? As for sabotage, could there have been certain parties that backed the rival film 'The Governess' that saw your film as a threat to its box office success? On a different note, I see that you've stated that you see no prospect of writing a novelized version of Firelight. However, I and others would be very interested if you could recompile your screenplay in book form with annotated notes as per each scene, and possibly with screen shots to illustrate each sceen, and physically see what you were striving to create. If such a volume could also include a DVD of your movie, so that they could both watch the movie, and follow the dialogue in its original script form, you'd create a powerful inducement for the re-emergence of this film. This could be a wonder aid to students of film and theater. Yours truly, David P. Hoadley
William Nicholson responded:
Maybe - but I'm always reluctant to blame critics. There's a lot of chance in life, and I've had my share of excellent luck, so I don't complain. As for the novelisation - it's a very interesting idea. At present I'm too preoccupied with my current books, but maybe one day...
Posted by Erik Schark
December 31st 2009I'm a composer, and I'm interested in adapting your beautiful play "Shadowlands" into a musical. I was wondering if the rights are available and if you'd be open to the idea.
William Nicholson responded:
The rights are available. Obviously I am protective of my plays, and would need to hear see and hear what you do before making a decision. Maybe approach my agent?
Posted by Brian Kerr
December 31st 2009Dear Mr. Nicholson, I had my first opportunity to see "Firelight" yesterday on VHS. The film is so difficult to find in America. I was so overwhelmed after viewing it, that I immediately went on line and bought the Asian release DVD. I am an avid film watcher, but as an artist, I particularly examine films with my eye in mind. Words absolutely cannot describe the richness, beauty and tenderness of your work. I went onto IMDB and saw that you were primarily a writer and was overjoyed to see that I own a great majority of the films for which you wrote the screenplay ("Shadowlands" being a particular favorite!). Forgive me for never seeing your nmae or paying attention. You have it now! I noticed that "Firelight" is your only film which you have written and directed. For God's Sake, Man.... DO MORE!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely, Brian Kerr Baltimore, Maryland. USA
William Nicholson responded:
It's true that when I directed Firelight I became obsessed with the look, as much as with the words and the action. In some ways framing each scene became my greatest delight. I was proud of the result, but the truth is the film failed, both critically and at the box office. I did receive other offers to direct after Firelight's release, but that film took three years of my life, and it was so disheartening to see it go nowhere that I've not returned to directing. I haven't ruled the possibility out for the future, but as you'll see from this site I am at heart a writer, and the writing continues to fill my mind and my life. Thanks for your encouragement.
