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Posted by wendy

June 2nd 2009

Hi, I posted another question very early on Sunday morning about the Society of Others and I'm glad you haven't had time to respond, as I'm feeling very sheepish. I've just finished re-reading the book and realise that everything I needed to know is in the paragraph toward the end that starts "Et incarnatus est ..." It's probably because the book works so well on the level of a thriller that I romped through it and missed the most important points. Especially the true meaning of Leon Vicino's name. However, I had suspected that I had rushed things and so I slowed right down and even researched the paintings before my re-reading. I'd recommend this to anyone, as it gave so much more depth to the whole story. It seemed to help me to appreciate the layers of symbolism that you had introduced. I particularly like the inscription over the doorway of the house in Delft - it was perfect. I'd like to share this book with my friends at our book club - I can already imagine turning up with prints of all the pictures and recordings of the classical music that features in the novel. It could be a true multimedia experience. I wondered whether you had ever considered producing the book as a film, but only the French make films like that!

William Nicholson responded:

I don't often have the privilege of a reader re-reading my books, so I'm deeply appreciative. There's a lot more in there than most people ever get. Maybe you're now my perfect reader. Do try and get your book club going on it: there's plenty to disagree about. (Also get them onto my new novel, The Secret Intensity of Everyday Life, which is very different but has the same sensibility running through it.) As for a film of Society of Others, no one's come offering so far.

Posted by JACQUELINE

June 1st 2009

Hi William, I attended Hay on wye festival this year and saw you on Hay on sky. Will you be making any more personnel appearances this year?

William Nicholson responded:

I do show up at bookshops and festivals from time to time. My next is at Cambridge, at the Women's Word Festival on June 13. You may not be able to get to that, so is there anything I can help you with online?

Posted by Seth

June 1st 2009

Hi William, This is not so much a question, but a note of thanks. I have just opened a production of "The Retreat From Moscow". I'm playing Jaime. I've had a difficult time in the last year or so committing to the roles I've been doing. I haven't felt the ease and room to explore that I had always felt before. This play is written so beautifully and truthfully that I again am able to enjoy the experience and feel like we are creating something fresh every night. Also, the true rhythm and nature of this play really came out for us when it was finally put in front of an audience. I just wanted to say Thank you.

William Nicholson responded:

My thanks for your thanks. Jamie the character is of course very close to me personally, so I'm glad you've enjoyed your time being me.

Posted by Adam Walsh

June 1st 2009

Dear Mr Nicholson I am a final year student studying 3D Design at Cleveland College of Art and Design in Middlesbrough England. As you may remember I wrote to you earlier this year regarding my A2 controlled test were I had to design a set for your book the Wind Singer I was wondering if you would like to see my final proposal if you do could you please tell me how to send you some photos as I can not attach them on your current E-Mail System. Yours Sincerely Adam Walsh

William Nicholson responded:

I'd love to see them, if you can be bothered. Send them to my publisher, Egmont. The address is in the front of all the books.

Posted by Sim Shattuck

May 30th 2009

My publisher (dreamcatcherpublishing.org) and I are trying to market my novels but we don't do screenwriting, nor do we have much in the way of Hollywood contacts. How can I find out if my novels would be worth turning into movies? Is there some marketplace of novels that screenwriters could see and then contact the publisher if they're interested? Thank you.

William Nicholson responded:

No, there isn't. On the whole it doesn't work like that. Producers or studios have scouts looking all the time for novels to buy for films, which they then send to their chosen screenwriters. I suspect they're looking mostly at the output of mainstream publishers. Sometimes self-published books break through - I think that's what happened to Christopher Paolini's Eragon books.

Posted by Sian (shan)

May 29th 2009

Hello, ive read both of your fantasy trilogies and i loved them! they are really well written. I was wondering if you are going to bring out any more fantasy novels? ^_^

William Nicholson responded:

Maybe one day, but right now I'm working in contemporary stories. My next book, Rich and Mad, is about first love and first sex. A bit of a change. It'll be coming out next spring.