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Submitted by visitors to this website

Posted by Hannah

September 11th 2009

Hi, I'm Hannah a friend of Rachel; reading the Wind Singer with class and my teacher Mr Circuirt, but we only have got to chapter two thats "slow" reading, I was tempted to read on, so i did. At first the Arabic at the front on the Map, I thought was strange and when Mr Circuit offered a prize to who ever could work it out. I took the liberty of buying the book from the local libary and am now on chapter Ten and the Arabic is easy, i would say my favourite part but i wouldn't like to spoil it for my friends. I hope you enjoyed hearing from me, i'm sure many other pupils from my class shall write to you also. P.S. I can't wait to read the next book!!! I have written a book but am to scare to read it to my friends i'm scared the will laugh, they already think i'm a boff. What should i do?

William Nicholson responded:

It's great that you've written a book yourself. Don't show it to your friends, show it to your parents or teachers. They won't laugh. And as for being a boff - you'll get the last laugh. It's the smart ones who read and write who end up running the world, while all those so-called cool kids who never learned anything end up in dead-end jobs. So don't join them gawping and twittering over celebrities, drive your own life. Be a creator not a spectator. It's a whole lot more fun.

Posted by Rachel

September 10th 2009

Hi, I am currently reading The Wind Singer in my English class. Although we are only now at Chapter 2, your book has already grabbed me and I love it! My homework is to research you and the novels you have produced. So, I would like to ask you a few questions. When did you first realise that you loved to write? I really like writing but not so much stories. I'm more of a poetry person. What advice would you give to somebody who wanted to write but not sure that their work is good enough? Finally, what is your favourite book and film? Thankyou for your time and I look forward to reading the rest of your book, The Wind Singer! Rachel x

William Nicholson responded:

I started writing when I was very young, maybe five years old, though it was all very silly, of course. But my mother encouraged me. I was about 14 when I really got hooked. As for your concern that you might not be good enough, I'd say, Good enough for what? At the start of any learning process you'll be not so good, but the more you do it, and the more you learn, the better you get. So by definition you won't be 'good enough' yet. The question is, do you enjoy it? If you do, get on with it and have fun. Writing well requires a great deal of understanding of yourself, other people, and the world. That takes living for a while. So be patient. Favourite book and film? I hate answering this, because it really means very little. Any one book or film limits me so much. I'll give you some authors I love - Tolstoy, George Eliot, Jane Austen - I reread all of them. Films? There's not a single film I'd want to see again and again the way I reread War and Peace or Emma, but I do love Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. Good luck with your own writing.

Posted by Digby Stephenson

September 8th 2009

Dear Mr Nicholson, I am currently undergoing the quite remarkable experience of attempting to assume the persona and words of Jack, as I take on the role in our production of "Shadowlands" (just up the road from you in Henfield). The play is remarkable. Each time I read through it something new appears, or a character I had thought to be an ally suddenly seems to be less amiable. Though I am getting to grips with most of the subtleties and embedded messages, I confess to be struggling a little with the dialogue between Joy and Jack at the foot of page 10. "The mirror that separates a being from the real world, and how real art breaks through that separateness". Are we arguing here, or are we both correct in our interpretation? Any word(s) of advice would be much appreciated. Good luck with "Rich and Mad".

William Nicholson responded:

Yes, you are arguing, and could be said to be both correct. But Joy's approach is more human, and is part of her attack on Jack's over-intellectualised approach to life. I'm delighted you're having fun with the part. All the best for the production.

Posted by Dorisa

September 5th 2009

I just read the comment by bunny: I'll be glad to send you and her a copy of the DVD if I knew where to.

William Nicholson responded:

A very kind offer. I feel unable to pass on Bunny's contact details direct, but Bunny, if you see this, let me know if it's okay with you and I'll put you in contact.

Posted by dorisa

September 5th 2009

"Firelight" is still stupendous after many viewings. Have you ever visited IMDb ? I am sending you 4 URLs: there are comments and also Youtube Videos of the movie which artists have created. Just sharing ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4yFxljvlKU http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119125/usercomments?start=10 http://www.amazon.ca/Firelight-William-Nicholson/dp/B00004RW1O http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeK3s7u1NNk

William Nicholson responded:

I had no idea there were so many good responses to my film. Thank you for guiding me to find them. How extraordinary the internet is! Firelight lives on.

Posted by bunny

September 2nd 2009

Mr. Nicholson, I watched "Firelight" last week on Encore Love. Thank you for a beautiful work. Where might I buy a copy?

William Nicholson responded:

I think it can be found via Amazon. But it's always been a mystery to me where if anywhere it's sold. I don't have a DVD copy myself.