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Posted by casey

July 5th 2010

are u going to rite eny more books for kids about 13-15

William Nicholson responded:

My latest is Rich and Mad - this website has details. After that, yes, I'm sure I'll be writing more, though not for a year or so.

Posted by Laura Resnick

July 3rd 2010

Dear Mr. Nicholson, I read The Wind on Fire Trilogy in my early teens, and have re-read it several times since. I just finished another re-read-- I'm now 21! I continue to find deeper meaning in its pages. It both comforts and inspires me, and reminds me that love for those around me is the greatest gift. How do you come up with your characters? I am always struck by how rich each character is, particularly Kestrel and Hanno Hath. Do you remember the characters you've created every day, like they're close friends or family? Thank you so much for your writing and imagination. With gratitude, Laura

William Nicholson responded:

My characters come out of my own life, of course, and from my own conviction that all people are fundamentally good. I'm so glad you've found more to the books on re-reading. I've put so much into them. Yes, the characters are like friends to me. The ones most present are the ones I've written about most recently - my website tells you what I'm up to these days. You may like to try another of my books - maybe my second fantasy trilogy, The Noble Warriors. Or my young love story, Rich and Mad. There's all my love in all of them.

Posted by Claire Margerison

June 30th 2010

Dear William Nicholson, I just wanted to tell you how much I adored your book 'Rich and Mad' before I asked my question. There is nothing like it available to read and I think it adresses such a truthful and typically teenage issue. Even though I'm 15, have no boyfriend and don't plan to have a serious relationship in the near future, I did love the knowledge it gave me. It made me see that boys are similar to girls -- they want to be loved and they want to experience things. It made me feel normal too, I could really relate to some of the happenings in 'Rich and Mad' and I thought the sensitivity and cleverness of it was amazing. So I wanted to thank you for writing it! My question is: how did you gain knowledge of your girl perspective in 'Rich and Mad'? Did you ask people, or take your own experiences and imagine it from another angle? I'm interested to know since I think writing from the P.O.V of someone of the opposite gender is very interesting to do. I get on very well with boys and I enjoy their less 'bitchy' sides and their more carefree manner (though, their immaturity is a downside sometimes, but funny others). One of my best friend's Michael, is someone I can talk to a lot and we discuss situations from our views, it's really interesting! Sorry that my message is so long, I just wanted to thank you and to let you know that you are a fantastic writer! 'Rich and Mad' is inspirational, knowledgable and amazing! I don't know if you do send out autographs, but if you did.. could I maybe have an autograph please (sorry if I sound cheeky or rude!)? Best Wishes, Claire Margerison (15, UK)

William Nicholson responded:

Not cheeky or rude at all - I'm so pleased by what you write. As you can imagine, on the face of it I'm hardly qualified to write about teenage love and sex (I'm 62); but the truth is, human nature stays pretty much the same. I remember my own youth. As for the girl's side of it, I have teenage daughters, and I talk to them and their friends; I read a lot; and I use that strange thing called empathy, which is in the end a writer's only real guide: I imagine for myself what it must be like to be someone who is not myself. This is not only the basis for writing fiction, it's a whole way of life. Over the years I've developed this instinct to such a degree that I see other people's point of view automatically, and so have a much happier life, largely free of the anger, envy, mistrust and fear that come from ignorance of all that is not oneself. As for autographs, if you could either post your address via this site, or if you'd rather not, write to my publisher, Egmont, I will respond through the mail.

Posted by Lisa

June 29th 2010

I wrote to you in the early spring and was pleased by your prompt reply which indicated that you thought your book, The Wind Singer, is still in print. I am a 6th grade teacher in the United States and my principal has spent the past week trying to locate copies of the book for Fall 2010. Hyperion indicated that it is out of print with no plans to reprint. Does this sound accurate to you? I have so enjoyed teaching the book and the students have enjoyed it too. I would be delighted to be able to keep in on the syllabus. Looking forward to your response!

William Nicholson responded:

I didn't know this about Hyperion. If it's true, you can still get the English edition (through Amazon) which is published by Egmont Books.

Posted by Rhys

June 28th 2010

You may remember that I requested a review copy of Rich and Mad for my website (ThirstforFiction.com). I just thought I'd let you know that the Rich and Mad review has been posted a while, and I recently read Seeker and reviewed that too. Rich and Mad review: http://bit.ly/beB0Ix Seeker review: http://bit.ly/aLMyEd

William Nicholson responded:

Thanks - I'll check it out.

Posted by Jodie

June 28th 2010

Hello. This is not so much a question as a thanks. I'm nineteen and have just rediscovered your wind on fire trilogy. I am in love all over again, it brings back memories of when I was little and found a series where I could identify with not one or two of the characters but almost all as they are so well written and have such a loud voice all to them selves. I have quite a good memory for story lines but found myself delighted all over again with the unexpected twist and turns the plot takes. So thank you for making some happy memories and I am looking into your other books in hopes of finding some more!

William Nicholson responded:

You may like my other fantasy trilogy, The Noble Warriors. Or if you enjoy what I suppose you could call philosophical novels, try my The Society of Others. I love it when readers return to my work at older ages. It makes me feel very proud.