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Submitted by visitors to this website

Posted by Andrew

June 27th 2010

Hi William, I need some advice, please... i'm currently working on a script that is based on a manga anime. Whilst I don't own the rights to the story and didn't like the original very much, I loved the basic premise of the story and the central character, and in the spirit of attempting to be a better writer thought that it would be a good writing exercise to adapt the material into film form. I have basically taken those two facets and worked up a completely new story with a totally different timeline with just a few elements from the original incorporated into the work. After doing some research I found out about two separate producers who once optioned the property and my question is this: Do you think it is worth contacting them about my work, considering i'm unrepresented? My thoughts are to try and find out if their interest in the material still exists, and if so, try and get them to look at my take. I've shifted the story's timelines, added characters, some backstory and history for story context and really overhauled the original piece into something I think would be much more exciting and entertaining. What would you do in my position, please? Many thanks Andrew

William Nicholson responded:

Whatever the legal position, you were inspired by the anime, you've used its story and main character, and you can't cut out the creator. Options often don't last long, and it may be that the original creator now owns the rights. Whoever it is, you have no choice really but to go to them and offer your version and hope it excites them. For the future, it's wiser not to embark on adaptations until you've cleared the rights.

Posted by Carrie

June 26th 2010

Mr. Nicholson, I don't really have a question, just wanted to say how much I love your Wind on Fire Trilogy! Every once in a while I pop over to this site to see if there's any news on a new book or possibly a film coming out, and I always find that you take the time to answer all the questions pouring in. If just sharing your wonderful stories wasn't enough, you've also inspired us with insights on how to be better writers and imagine new worlds and possibilities. I'm just out of college, and sometimes the real world tries to dampen my spirits, but a dose of a book like the Windsinger reminds me there's more out there. Just thought I would add to the stream of compliments to make sure you keep those stories coming! -Carrie

William Nicholson responded:

Please don't let the real world get you down. It's a long game we're playing, and with stamina and a good heart you'll do what you want to do. Remember, most people give up: so the ones who keep going win.

Posted by Mary Genthner

June 25th 2010

Hi William, I am interested in receiving an ARC of Rich and Mad for review purposes. I currently write reviews for the following : Swaptree.com, The Waldo Independent and the Republican Journal. If this sounds feasible I can be contacted at this email address or at the below info. I would be more than happy to supply you and your publishers with a link to my review. Thank You Mary Genthner 83 Marsh Rd. Belfast, ME 04915 585.773.5199

William Nicholson responded:

I'll pass your details on to the publisher.

Posted by SHARON

June 22nd 2010

Is there a fourth book in the Noble Warriors series (another after Noman)?

William Nicholson responded:

No, that's the last one.

Posted by Sara Grochowski

June 21st 2010

I just wanted to let you know that I'm extremely excited about your novel RICH AND MAD. I live in the the US, so I'll have to wait until September to read it, but it looks fabulous. After snooping around your website, I stumbled across your "Why I wrote it" section, which has even further piqued my interest. This week on my book blog (The Hiding Spot) I featured RICH AND MAD as the Cover of the Week. If you're interested, the post can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/34jkaws. September can't come soon enough!

William Nicholson responded:

Thanks for spreading the word. Let me know what you think when you read it.

Posted by jan castillo

June 20th 2010

where'd you get the morah's name?

William Nicholson responded:

I don't really know. Maybe it comes from one of my pet themes, which is that our consumer society makes us always want more, and that in itself causes most of our ills. But there was no conscious process - it just felt right.