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Posted by david
August 25th 2010I was also wondering if there were copies of "Crash" available for amateur groups overseas yet as it sounds great all the best
William Nicholson responded:
Not yet. We have to get this first production launched. Then, if it's a success...
Posted by David Attrill
August 25th 2010Hi again Just getting to that terrifying pre-performance period of having almost learned Henry's lines in KH I wonder what you might think of these thoughts. Firstly I love the sunrise/.darkness/ candlelight through line for Katherine , Henry and Culpeper - plus other great sleepers like the opening line - "will you do it for me" sort of questions The God references - Henry is really thinking himself God by the end of that last speech? Henry really does catch her eye and believe her before he changes tack - with "what does it matter" after her interrogation? The nocturnal emissions scene when Katherine enters - would you mind if I repeated - that's the beauty of the nocturnal emissions referring to KH - as the postioning of this scene just after his first rebuttal by her seems to imply she has caused the emissions Henry is reported to cry more for himself than for KH after her demise - so do you think he could be crying early in the play at his loss of youth - being the defiling monster, being unable to slough off the old body etc. I will keep it brief and not burden you with dozens of more thoughts I take it that you are more unlikely to make it to Australia than Essex but thanks again for a great opportunity to terrify myself trying to do justice to a great role in a great play - David
William Nicholson responded:
I back all of your thoughts, which seem to me to show a really wonderful insight into the character, and into my play. It's a while since I wrote it, but all you say rings true to me. Anyway, you are creating your character afresh in your production, and if it works it's right. Alas, I won't be making it to Essex to see for myself, but I wish you all power on the night.
Posted by Bre
August 24th 2010Finished Firelight last week and was convinced that the movie must have been based on a book. I have yet to come across such a book, and if it truly does not exist, then you must write one. Please. pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease The movie was wonderful, but a book! A book could fill in the details; draw out the tension, elaborate on motivations! There is so much I wanted to know! Pretty please? Meanwhile, I'm going to read your other novels, and continue my search for "Firelight: A Novel Based on the Screenplay". I have great hopes that I will come upon it someday. Oh. p.s. I'm on the hunt for a U.S. version of the DVD. I noticed that Netflix had the movie, and in an answer to a earlier question here you mentioned trying to get a copy from them; did you have any luck?
William Nicholson responded:
No, Firelight wasn't based on a novel. I made it up as a film. I'm not planning to write a novel version - though I do agree with you that it would be possible to go so much deeper - but I feel I've been there and don't want to go back. I'm deep into other kinds of novels now. Do take a look at one or two of them if you can.
Posted by Alex Busch
August 23rd 2010Hello, I'm a big fan of The Wind on Fire trilogy. It's by far been my favorite book series since I was in middle school, and to this day I still get swept back into it. I've become a very creative person myself, and I actually want to try making the voice of the wind singer, but I was having trouble understanding exactly how it looks. I know the "S" shape it's in is identical to the artwork in the second book, not perfectly circular like on the covers, a bit more tall than wide with thick edges. What I don't understand are the wires. It says the go along the curve fo the "S" shape pulled taut. How far along the curve do they go? Are the horizontal and parallel like a harp or do the criss cross? I want to make as faithful of a reproduction as possible, anything less wouldn't do my favorite series justice, and I also want to better udnerstand it's design being such a big fan. If you could provide me any clarity, I would really appreciate it and I would really love to hear from you. Thanks!
William Nicholson responded:
This is something you can decide for yourself. I imagine the wires in parallel, like harp strings, at the widest point of the curve. But go with whatever looks right to you.
Posted by Ryan Trevino
August 19th 2010Dear Mr. Nicholson, In the movie: "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" What influenced you and gave you motivation to write about the "Virgin Queen"? What were the steps you and your fellow co-writer followed to make your invision come true? It is a truly remarkable movie. Much Thanks, Ryan Trevino
William Nicholson responded:
I was hired to rewrite the film by the producer, if you can call that motivation. I never met the first writer. My contribution, my inspiration if you will, was to see in the story a powerful emotional triangle - a man loved by two women - resolved in an unusual way. Elizabeth decides to let the man she adores have a lover for the sex she can't give, while retaining his love. And of course learns she can't handle this after all. For me this generosity, self-delusion, and eventual tragedy were the heart of my story.
Posted by Bethany Hill
August 18th 2010Hi William Nicholson, I have recently read your book 'Rich and Mad', which I also saw you talking about at the Hay Festival in May this year and I thought it was a fantastic read and really enjoyed it! I thought that the plot was really interesting and raised some awareness of issues which teenagers are affected by (eg sexual abuse and family issues) whilst maintaining a very strong story line. I felt that although it was quite explicit it was very heartfelt and down to earth and not like reading a biology text book! The emotions of both Rich and Maddy were obvious and easy for someone of my age (13) to relate to but the story remained poignant and sophisticated. So, I just want to say Thank you for writing such a fantastic book for teenage girls and boys alike and I hope there will be more to come...! Bethany Hill
William Nicholson responded:
Tell your friends! A lot of teachers and booksellers seem to be nervous of this book, so your response is really valuable. Thank you.
