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Submitted by visitors to this website

Posted by Nafees Ahmed

December 1st 2009

I got your website from Google search engine,I'm a screenwriter, but struggling,have written one feature and seven short film screenplays, I want to write something different and acceptable,blockbuster type. But you know I'm new comer,inexperience so I need help and collaboration, I've ideas and plans mean I've body without "dress" and you or someone else 'll dress up it and it will like a "Miss Universe". I believe that I've but as told that I'm new comer so no welcome for me,I need a "spotter",sorry I'm a "spotter" and I need a "shooter"(I'm really inspired by "Shooter" and "Point of Impact"), so what you think,would you collaborate with me?

William Nicholson responded:

Sorry, I don't work that way. If you stop and think about it, there's no reason I should, really, is there? I'd end up doing nothing but helping other people write their screenplays and I'd never write my own. You're going to have to do this yourself. Please believe me, you can do it. Just don't be put off by the times when it isn't working. Think hard about why it isn't working, check out movies that get it right, and get back in there and put the clothes on your gorgeous beauty contest winner.

Posted by Katie B.

November 29th 2009

Hello! I love the telling of the "Shadowlands" story. 39 years ago I spoke to a boy on the beach and never saw him again. We have always lived 700 miles apart but recently reconnected. Although we treasure the story, we are wondering if you think there is someone that could do better justice to the telling of it?

William Nicholson responded:

I don't understand what you're asking me. This is your story, whatever it is - you give so little detail - and it's significant in your own life. Are you wondering whether it would make a play or a film? If so, I can't tell, from the little you give. If that is your question, I think I would say, Why not try developing it on paper yourself? You may be the best person of all to tell your own story.

Posted by Sian

November 28th 2009

I found the Wind on Fire books fantastic when I first read them a few years ago. Now coming back to them after a while I still find them just as relevant and engaging as I did before. If you did decide to accept an offer for a film screenplay would you write this yourself or would you look to someone else writing this? I would love to see the characters I really enjoy coming to life on the big screen at some point!

William Nicholson responded:

I would write the screenplay myself, I think. I too would like to see a film - but it's not under my control.

Posted by Lian Wilde

November 26th 2009

Dear William, I am an English teacher at a Secondary School in Hampshire and I am currently reading the Wind Singer as our class text for Contemporary Fiction. The pupils are really enjoying the novel and we have had so many debates comparing Aramanth to the way we live. Is there anything you could share with me about your motivations for writing the text? Where did you find your inspiration, how do you felt about the characters and the world you created and brought to life. I think it would be excellent for the pupils to hear from you, they are really engaging in your text (and find Kestrel hilarious – especially screaming ‘PONGO’ from the top of the Wind Singer). Is there anything you are happy to share with us and any tips for budding writers in the making! It would be wonderful to hear from you and any response will be gratefully and appreciatively received. Many thanks - we shall continue to enjoy your book. Regards, Lian Wilde and 7S2.

William Nicholson responded:

Absurd though it sounds, I started writing the Wind Singer in a rage about excessive exam pressure in schools today. As the world, and the characters, grew in my mind it turned into something much more, something to do with family love and my belief that there are no evil people, only frightened or abused people. (This makes more sense if you read on into the next two books of the trilogy, and learn about the Morah.) Also as I was writing it I found myself having fun with what I suppose are social parodies - the use by males of alcohol/drugs in mudworld, the two wheeled cities that want war but not the pain of war, the gorgeous teenagers who are smiling killers. So without ever quite intending it, all sorts of views I hold about our world today came creeping in. That's the wonder of fantasy. Anything can find a place. Tips for budding writers: you'll have told them already, but - read books - then just start having a go at writing. Don't expect to complete a whole book. Just have fun with letting your inner devil romp about in story form. If writing (and reading) isn't fun, it's a waste of time. Of course, those who have real ambitions to write will have to learn discipline, and an ability to see clearly what's going on round them. But that can come later. Writing is for life, not just for Christmas.

Posted by Bex

November 26th 2009

Dear Mr Nicholson Sorry to bother you again. As you may remember, I have a desire to either write screenplays or books and that I'm currently doing a course at college involving a task to ask someone that inspires us. I wanted to know If I could ask you a few questions to help backup my coursework? Many Thanks, Bex

William Nicholson responded:

Send the questions along.

Posted by 8R1 @ Grace Academy

November 26th 2009

Hello Mr Nicholson, My name is Miss Pike, an English teacher at Grace Academy. We are in our final lesson on the Wind Singer and we looked at your website in preparation for an essay question that I am setting. My class were interested in the questions and wanted to say hello and "how good your book is". They are interested to know whether the Rich and Mad book will be suitable for them to read at school in year 9 (aged 14)? They really loved reading your book and I found it excellent to teach. Thank you, Miss Pike and 8R1

William Nicholson responded:

I would be happier if you were to read it yourself first. The main characters are 17 years old, and full of insecurity and self-doubt. They want to love and be loved, they make mistakes and get hurt, but they end up deeply in love. The controversial element is that I don't skate over the sexual side of growing up. The book ends - happily, and very tenderly - with their first experience of sex. My own conviction is that teenagers are left adrift in this area, and gain their knowledge of love and sex from sources that lie to them - our celebrity-mad culture, and the pornography industry. So I believe my book will prove to be enormously valuable to your 14-year-olds, and would stimulate wonderful discussions in class. Also it is, I hope, a really enjoyable read. But I must let you, as their teacher, decide what is and is not suitable in school.