Answers on Chrestomanci from Diana Wynne Jones

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Diana Wynne Jones

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Those burning questions ...

CHRESTOMANCI ANSWERS FROM DIANA

This is Page 3 of Diana's answers to some of the latest questions - these are all about the Chrestomanci books. More answers will follow soon, but several of her recent answers are already available. Page 1 includes: writing; fanfiction; Fire and Hemlock; Howl's Moving Castle; Harry Potter; Dark Lord of Derkholm and The Tough Guide. Page 2 covers a film of Howl's Moving Castle; Time of the Ghost; multiverses; The Master; men; The True State of Affairs; The Ogre Downstairs. Page 4 is more Chrestomanci questions, and Page 5 contains all the wonderful miscellaneous and general questions, such as Diana's favourite of her books.

From Natsha Baranik

In the Lives of Christopher Chant there is the character of the Goddess. She liked the name Millie and Christopher called her that for a little bit. In Charmed Life, the Chrestomanci (Christopher) is married to Millie. Are they the same people or am I incorrect on some information and my question doesn't apply?

Age: 11 Sign: Gemini

From ?

Did Christopher Chant end up marring the Goddess? Since in the Lives of Christopher Chant the goddess is called Millie, and in Charmed Life his wife is called Mille.

I love your books, please write more in the Chrestomanci series!

From Ashi

HI! How can I write to you? I love your books so much and have so much to ask you! But one question now, is the goddess christopher's wife? Most of y friends and I have pretty much figured that out, you know, in The lives of Christopher Chant, but I just wanted to make sure.

I am 12 years old and love to write poetry and tories. Sadly, I have only finished one disorganized and jumbled book that pretty much will never see the light of day. I admire you because you have such a talent, and I hope to develope that talent some day with experience and knowledge. My favorite book of yours is Witch week, because of Nan's description with the rainbow among other things. Please get back to me!!! Email or something!!!

From Sue Marsden

Hello Diana. My questions are as follows. 1.How did Christopher Chant get to be Chrestomanci? Gabriel still had 7 lives left at the end of "Lives" so could this be the basis of another Chrestomaonci 'prequel'? (Or did they all die in quick succession of old age which would be very tame!) 2. Is the Milly who is Chrestomanci's wife in'Charmed Life' the same milly who was the Goddess in 'Lives of Christopher Chant' as her personality seems completely different, though I suppose poeple can change as they grow up! 3. How do you think up all the different names? 4. Did you get the idea for 'Dark Lord' after writing 'Tough guide to Fantasy Land'? Many thank for hours of enjoyment

I first came across your books when 'Ogre downstairs' was read on Jackanory, then went on th others. As I now work in Childrens Librarianship (School Library Service) I can call reading childrens' books "work" although in your case it is pure pleasure. However this meant that I did not know about you adult novels until a few months ago as my local branch library does not have them. I requested them all from the main library and have noe read the lot, so U am eagerly awaiting your new book. Meanwhile, I will try again to read 'Hexwood' which for some reason I was unable to get into a few years ago. I'm sure it was my fault!

From Sara Saldivar

Dear Diana Wynne Jones, I read your book The Chronicles of Crestomanci Volume 1. I would like you if you could answer my question. Is Millie, the goddess, in the Lives of Christopher Chant, his wife when he is in Charmed Life? If you could tell me, I would be very grateful.

I'am 14 years old. It hard to read but your books help.

Diana's answer
To: Natsha Baranik, cuteblackkat, Ashi, Sara Saldivar, Sue Marsden

You all wanted to know if Chrestomanci's wife Millie is the same person as the Goddess, and the answer is Yes, she is. Of course she has grown up a bit in the twenty-five years in between THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT and CHARMED LIFE - and you must remember that in the more old-fashioned ways of Chrestomanci's world, ladies were supposed to be rather quiet, so the poor girl learned to be quiet. She had learnt that sort of thing anyway being the Living Asheth. But she was always rather plump. And not a beauty, just nice. I think a lot of extra things happened before she and Christopher decided to get married, and when they did, the gold ring with Christopher's life in it became Millie's wedding ring. About the same time, Gabriel de Witt retired and Christopher became Chrestomanci. None of these things are in a book yet, but I hope they will be sometime.

To: Sue Marsdon

Yes, I did get the idea for writing DARK LORD after doing the Tough Guide. it seemed to me that the people who were having to put up with the tours ought to have their point of view put forward.

From Charlotte Lombardi

What was your inspiration for the Chrestomanci series of books? Is the character based on a real life person?

I am a big fan of your books; fantasy and science fiction are my favourites. I am going to be a famous author when I grow up. I am 8 years old.

From Christopher Pilgrim

How on earth can you create such characters as Chrestomanci? Seems very hard. How do you create the atmosphere???????

I'm nearly 10 and I've just finished your fabulous book, 'Charmed Life'and I think you're a genius!!!!!!!

From Francesca

Dear Diana, My name is Francesca Barrow and i am 11 years old (a very hard part of life!), I love the Chrestomanci series, i believe my element is most probably earth , I was wondering how you got the general idea for Chrestomanci? I mean the name and the whole thing is very hard to think of, although people who read it don't genenrally think of that, did you ever think of yourself of a enchantress like Millie, or a witch? Life is so strange that sometimes I think things can be quite magic! Please reply, I would love to read your answer! Your greatest fan.

P.s I've told all my friends and we play games with Chrestomanci!

Diana's answer

To: Christopher Pilgrim, Francesca Barrow and Charlotte Lombardi

The idea for CHARMED LIFE and the world it was set in came to me in a flash in the middle of one very bad morning when my children were being about as hard to live with as children could be and I had a virus. In the end, I went to bed, saying I would probably die and then they would be sorry, but I had hardly been there five minutes when I saw and heard - just as if I was there - the scene where Cat comes to find gwendolen in the morning and finds Janet instead. So I got up and asked what the kids had done with the pens and the paper. They could only find three sheets of paper that the dog had walked on and nobody wanted, and the only pen had a thin, thin nib and was supposed to be used for drawing maps. I started the book with those. Even then, I hadn't any idea what the enchanter that Mrs Sharp was so afraid of was like. It was a complete surprise to me when this elegant stranger appeared in the kitchen.

From Kenna

I have just finished Charmed Life for the third time (One of my favorites!) and I was wondering if it is possible to have a female Chrestomanci. He (Chrestomanci) says that they are nine-lived enchanters, but could there be a witch powerful enough with nine lives, or a female enchanter? Thanks! My other question has to do with the ranks of magic workers in the world of Chrestomanci. It seems witches and warlocks are the least powerful; enchanters are obviously the most. Where to wizards and magicians fit in? Whihc one is stronger? Are there female magicians or is a female magic worker just generically a "witch"? I would also like to know whether you are thinking of writing any more about Cat and Janet. I am dying to know what happens when Cat becomes Chrestomanci, and how Janet, Julia and Roger fit into the picture. I adore your books. It always make me happy to read them; they cheer me up somehow. Your characters are some of the most interesting and realistic characters I've ever read about, and your plots are always interesting. Your word choice and descriptions are amazing, too; the one that comes to mind is Chrestomanci sweeping out of the room "like a very long procession of one person." Wonderful! Thank you so much for writing these books. P.S. The way Cat signs his papers, with Europe/The World/The Universe is how I do it sometimes too!

15 yrs. Seattle, Wa, USA, The World, The Universe. (please, please, please come over to the States!)...I have been charmed by your books ever since "Dark Lord of Derkholm" and am now on a campaign to read and own every single one.

From Elizabeth Nelson

I've been reading along your most recent answers, and here's what I'm wondering: has there ever been a girl Chrestomanci? What would happen if there was? If I could write fanfic of your books, I would attempt this plot... sadly, your style is impossible to imitate. But I thought I'd leave my words of foolishness with you.

Almost 14 and have been reading your books since last year, when I ran across them by chance after having looked at them and shaken my head "no" for several years... when I was young and stupid... Love every one of them and encountered some problems when I couldn't put HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE down. Have you ever noticed that whenever you want a book from the library, someone has JUST checked it out, and it won't be in for 3 weeks? I'm too cheap to buy every book published (sorry -- don't have untold riches).

Diana's answer

To: Kenna, Elizabeth Nelson

You wanted to know whether there has ever been a female Chrestomanci, and the answer is no, not yet, not in that world. It is a much more old fashioned world than ours and Chrestomanci is a government appointment. No government in that world would give the post to a woman. Pure prejudice, because I am sure there are female nine-lifed enchanters too. However there must come a day when a female is the only enchanter available - nine-lifed enchanters are very rare - and then the government would be forced to appoint her. Females can be enchanters. The Goddess is one. One of the staff in Chrestomanci castle is a sorceress. And I think you get female wizards too.

From Ven

Hello again, I've just read all the Chrestomanci questions and I have one no one has asked yet: What will become of all the babies from Stealer of Souls? (I'm going to try not to spoil the ending but please stop reading if you are afraid that I might.) There seem to be some interesting possibilties, like was it one or both of the twins? And some of the babies may have their own magic and some may have it but not seem to and vice versa. By the time they are about ten years old and going for testing at the castle it will be mayhem I'm sure. And will they suffer the same restrictions as those they, you know, got their magic from? I just thought of another question, just a little one -- is Caprona based on any Italian city in particular. it reminds me of Siena, but that's the only one I know at all well.

I've read the Chrestomanci books in order and the paperback of Charmed Life has now absolutely fallen to pieces, from reading it so often. Kate S said your books were "so thick and heavy with small happenings that result in changing the outcome of everything else." That's exactly how it is, your books are just so rich I can read them again and again and it's different every time, and i still laugh at the jokes. I've left questions before, I'm female, over forty and the proud possessor of a grand ginger cat, who could play Throgmorton in the film!

Diana's Reply

It IS an interesting question about all those babies in Stealer of Souls. I've been wondering about them too, for quite a while. I hope eventually Imight write about it, but so far nothing has happened.Caprona IS like Siena, isn't it? I had only been to Rome and Florence whenI wrote the book and I didn't get to Siena for YEARS after, and then I hadthat strange feeling of having been there before!

From ?

DEAR DIANA, IN YOUR BOOK IM READING(ITS A CHARMED LIFE) WHY IS THE BEGINNING THE BEGINNING I KNOW THAT SOUNDS WEIRD BUT WHAT I MEAN IS WHY DID U PUT THE STORY ABOUT CAT IN THE BACK PART OF THE BOOK IF IT HAPPENED LATER ON IN THE BOOK? I WAS JUST WONDERING.

Diana's Reply

To: the person who wanted to know why is the beginning the beginning The fact is, I wanted to put the story of Cat first, but the publishers had already put them in the wrong order and they didn't want to scrap the copies they had printed.

From Meredith Lalande

Dear DWJ, I know this isn't a question but I've simply GOT to ask you. Could you please write more about Chrestomanci as a boy, mabe his adventures with Elizabeth,Millie and the other young enchanters? Please,please,PLEASE! Did you get the idea of Chrestomanci from Howl or visa versa? Because I notice simalaritys & I'm sure they both spend at least an hour on their hair.I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!

Age:13 (born on the 13th of July - Julius Caesar's birthday - at hours 13.13!)

Diana's Reply

The idea for Chrestomanci came many years before the idea for Howl. And to do the great enchanter justice, I don't think he is nearly as vain as Howl. He spends the first part of the morning sipping tea with lemon and doesn't do more to his hair than make the curls lie flat. But I admit he likes fancy clothes, like Howl, though in Chrestomanci's case it isn't vanity, more a need to feel splendid.

From Janet

I see you have a lot of other questions to answer but if you have time please please answer mine too???? I just read Witch Week and I love it it was so funny!!!!! There are two things I want to know. 1. When you wrote the part about Charles burning his finger did you stick your finger in a candle too so you would know what to write? 2. I think the world for rescued witches is the same as our world and at the end of the book all the magic gets put back into it so why didn't Charles and Nan keep on being witches in the new world because all the magic was back in that world now??? from Janet

You are my favourite writer.

Diana's Reply

In answer to your questions, when I was a kid we knew an old man who could actually stick his fingers into the fire and not get burnt. I thought a fire would certainly burn me, but maybe a candle wouldn't, so I tried a candle. That is how I know how it feels. Yes, the world for rescued witches is our world here, but as soon as anyone gets here, they lose the gift of witchcraft and become good at something else. Chrestomanci explains this to Nan.

From Kenna

Hello! My first question has to do with Janet's expletives in "Charmed Life"--they're wonderful, and they make me laugh all the time. For example, 'creeping antimacassars'; do people you know actually say that (England is so much more interesting to me than America!) or did you make them up just for Janet, or what? Speaking of which, I adore Janet, she's my favorite, although it's ever so hard to decide! I also wanted to know whether you have listened to the 1992 recording of "Charmed Life" by Chivers Audio (read by Tony Robinson)? I'm actually listening to it right now, as I do whenever I'm feeling bad(which is rather often, I'm afraid, because of the dreary weather). Your books always make me feel better. One more question. I'm always hearing about people finding magic things--to tie it to you, the times I read about on this site when you drove somewhere with the witch who fiddled with time, or the enchanter named Cat, or your travel jinx. It seems that nothing like that ever happens to me, and I wish it would! Anyhow, to ge to the point--is it better to seek magic, or wait for it, or what? Thank you! I love your writing!

15, loved your books ever since Dark Lord of Derkholm. I'm on a campaign to read and own all your books (guess where all my babysitting money goes...:)

Diana's Reply

To some extent Janet's expletives were modelled on my own, from when I used to exercise my dog, who was very strong-minded, so that I tended to swear at him and then look up to find a row of highly respectable elderly ladies, each with a well behaved poodle on a leash, staring at me in outrage. So I started to invent ways of swearing without swearing, if you follow. Like 'Bed Language' - 'Oh blanket!' and 'You pillow!' and so forth. Yes, I love the way Tony Robinson reads. I wish they'd used him for the tapes they have just made at HarperCollins, but they used other actors instead. Tony used to live just across the way from me. He's nice, even if he did give very noisy parties that went on until four in the morning. About magic happenings, I read a story the other day in which the author points out that magic actually happens ALL THE TIME and it's only if you THINK of events as mundane that you don't notice. For instance, he said - it was a vampire story - NO ONE can really see themselves in a mirror, or even appear there for other people to see, because the part which is actually YOU is hidden inside your head. If you start thinking about all life this way, I think you'll find you've been missing a lot of magic that was there under your nose.

From Claire Meador

When my mom And I bought the two books of Chronicles of Chrestomanci it said that there was third one. I've looked all over and I can't seen to fine one. Was I mistaken that there is a third one?? Thanks for you time.

I am 12 years old I and I enjoy reading your books very much! I hope you have the time to write more.

Diana's Reply

I think the publicity people put things in a misleading way. There is not really a third volume of the Chronicles of Chrestomanci. What they were probably talking about is the collection of stories called MIXED MAGICS, which does tell you a lot more things about the worlds of Chrestomanci, and Cat and Tonino.

From Mary Sturtevant

I am writing a report on you and your series, (mainly Charmed Life) and my teacher wanted us to send an e-mail to the author is the author was still living. Do you have any information which is not posted at this website that would help me make my report on you and your book Charmed Life more interesting and enjoyable for my teacher and my classmates? If you could send me an email back as soon as possible, I would appreciate it very much, thank you!

I am 28, female. a mother and a college student. Biology major.

Diana's Reply

If your teacher wants to email me for anything but the frivolous reason he/she made you do it, he/she is welcome to do it, but I would like you to convey to him/her that I regard this sort of command as an imposition. I am not the only writer who resents being pestered in this thoughtless way. I have made all the information a student might need available. You use that, and tell your teacher what I think of her/him, please.

From Brittany

What is the order of these books that I should read? I have these books and I would like to read them in the proper order. The books are: Charmed Life, Castle in the air, Howl's moving castle, the magicians of caprona, Mixed magics, Witch week, Eight days of luke, and the lives of christopher chant. Please reply.

I'm 11 years old and I love your books. I'm really a big fan.

Diana's Reply

You will find that HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE comes before CASTLE IN THE AIR and that CHARMED LIFE comes before THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT. The order of the other books doesn't matter really

From Cheyenne Brown

Diana, how are you? when you wrote Witch Week how come no magic was alowed in the world they lived in? And what world did they live in? This is just an idea, but you could write a book about a guy who ran away from a house that noboby loved him and the book would be his adventure (just an idea).

i have 12 cats, 3 chickins, 1 dog, and 1 pig. i an 11 years of age and i am your #1 fan of chrestomanci.

Diana's Reply

You must spend a lot of your day looking after animals! 12 cats. Wow! I find one cat a full time occupation. Magic was illegal in the WITCH WEEK world because it was dangerous and people were afraid of it. Think what it would be like if someone who disliked you simply had to wave a hand and make all your cats ill. You'd want magic banned.

From Alison

Hello, I just wanted to say I LOVE your books. I was going to ask about female Chrestomancis but then I saw that two other people had already done that. Oh, but I DO have a question. In "Lives of Christopher Chant" Christopher discovers some books by someone named Angela Brazil that come from world XIIB (a.k.a. us) Do those books really exist in our universe? I've never heard of her but then I live in the US and was only 2 when LoCC was written (though I did read a LOT of trashy books when I was younger). I think it's really cool and strange this stuff about your books coming true (all the interesting things happen to other people, of course) as it's never happened to me -- though once I did meet this guy who could have been one of my fictional characters, however that's another story. I am beginning to feel really bad about wasting your valuable writing time but that's the way I am so I'll keep on jabbering. I am one of the many people who have gotten crushes on Chrestomanci and Howl (and to a lesser degree Tom Lynn) but I think I'll pass up marrying either. Though I do know this guy who is like very Howl-ish in a way but I don't care for him as it's not like his heart is hidden... you know where (I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't read) I really want to hear about a teenage Chrestomanci -- I hope the idea for a book about that seizes you. And I find it hard to believe that Chrestomanci actually ended up marrying Asheth/Millie (they are the same, aren't they?) I wish this guy I was friends with as a kid would do that... but no. (I must sound VERY guy-obsessed but I'm really not. I just happen to know a lot of guys one way or another.) But anyhow I'll stop and get back to rereading Witch Week (cool book). How did you get the ideas for all the related worlds, and the serieses, and all?, anyhow

I turn 15 end of the month (April 30) and I've been a fan for almost a year. My favorite is Fire and Hemlock which I don't quite understand despite having read it three times (and rereading the ending more than that) but it's really cool.

Diana's Reply

Those books by Angela Brazil really do exist. I read quite a lot of them when I was a kid, even though they were pretty old fashioned even then. She is rather a good writer and makes you feel you really are in the schools she writes about. I want to know about a teenage Chrestomanci too. I've made several attempts to get a book written about this, but it just WON'T seem to go right. Actually people very seldom go on and marry people they knew as kids. That's why I want so badly to know about the teenage Christopher - what made him end up marrying Millie. I reckon it was something quite strange, but I still don't know what.

From Brian Huh

Dear Diana, When are THE CHRONICLES OD CHRESTOMANCI: volume 2 going to come out into the United States? Thank you. Sincerely, Brian Huh

Diana's Reply

The 2nd volume of 'The Chronicles of Chrestomanci' came out at the same time as the first, or so they told me. You should be able to get it by now.

From POLARGIRL38@AOL.COM

DeAR DIANA THIS ISNT NOT A QUESTION ACTUALLY BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY IM READING THE FIRST BOOK I'VE READ BY U AND I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 22 MORE PAGES AND I LOVE IT SO FAR THE BOOKS TITLE IS THE CHRONICLES OF CHRESTOMANCI VOLUME 1 ITS A CHARMED LIFE. MY DAD THINKS ITS CONFUSING BUT I UNDERSTAND IT SO I JUST WANTED TO SAY I LOVE YOUR BOOK AND LOOKING FORWARD TO READING VOLUME 2 VERY SOON! :) kEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! (ONE OF YOUR READERS)

IM A MIDDLE SCHOOLER AND IVE SEEN ALOT MORE PEOPLE READING YOUR BOOKS TOO GREAT JOB!

Diana's Reply

Dads have given up using their brains when they read, I'm afraid. I'm glad you understood the book and even gladder you enjoyed it. Enjoy Vol 2 as well!

From Sasha

Hi! My name is Sasha and I am 11 years old. I love the books on the Chronicles of Chrestomanci (I'm sure I will love your other books too). I can't wait till the book ''Mixed Magic'' comes out. I have a couple of questions. My first one is where did you come up with the name Chrestomanci? Was it easy? My second question is how to do pronce the name Chrestomanci? I also have to tell you how munch I loved how you had cats featured in some of your stories in the book the ''Chronicles of Chrestomanci''. I thought Benvenuto was the best. When I read the ''Chronicles of Chrestomanci'', in my mind I could see the whole scene happening infront of my eyes. It was like I was there but I was not. I really want to read another one of your books but I don't know which one to read. They all sound good! Could you suggest one for me? I thought the book the Chronicles of Chrestomanci volume 1 and 2 were so great that I thought they were better than the Harry Potter books. Thankyou for your time. - Sasha

Diana's Reply

To: Sasha I am not sure how I came up with the name Chrestomanci. It just came with the book, when I first got the idea. You pronounce it KREST - O - MAN - SEE. I am so glad you like the cats.

From Carly

In 'Charmed life', i was told that Gwendolen was spelt with a 'y' instead of 'e'. I checked and it was true. Which way is the right way???? I would spell it with a 'y', but it is only that on the back.

Diana's Reply

Names can always be spelled in a number of ways. In Britain, where I live, 'Gwendolen' is the most common spelling.

From Carl Roloff

My name is Carl and I've got charmed life and the lives of christopher chant and I would like to now if the godess(living Astheth) if the same person as Millie the Chrestomanci's wife in charmed life. Thank you

Diana's Reply

Yes, the Goddess is the same as Millie in CHARMED LIFE.

From Kaylie

In the american version of the chronicles of Chrestomanci two stories are in one book so 2 books plus the short storys. Why did you choose to change it? Also why are the covers diffrent? I would enjoy seeing the characters of the cover instead of the cats.

Diana's Reply

I didn't choose to change the books. The publishers were the ones who had the idea of putting them into two volumes and I had no say in what went on the front. I agree that people would be better than cats.

From Jenny Preston

Firstly - is the misprint in the Manchester Guardian (Carol Oneir's Hundreth Dream) a Gruaniad reference, or are my dad and I imagining that? Secondly - does 'Oosung Oyo' actually mean anything or is it just 'Seeing Eye' misprinted? My dad thinks it is and I think it isn't... Thirdly - is there any chance of any more of Carol Oneir? I liked the possibilities of more interesting dreams, hopefully starring Melville, who seems to be becoming one of my favourite characters. Oh, and I'd love to see Chrestomanci annoying Carol's Mama ('"Mrs... er... O'Dear"') again :o).

Diana's Reply

Yes, I was having Grauniad fun and your dad is right, it was meant to be 'Seeing Eye'. Typos always make me laugh. I had more fun with them in a story called 'Nad and Dan adn Quaffee' in another collection (Minor Arcana). And, yes, I do so agree with you. I fell in love with Melville as soon as he appeared in the 'dream'. I was always hoping that the Carol Oneir material would make a proper long book, but so far it hasn't.

From alison

Dear Diana How Did you come up with the idea for other world with doubles and how did you think of the name Chreatomanci?I am a lttle confused about wicth week my sister once read it and said a man wrote it!I hope she read that wrong.

age 8 3grade

Diana's Reply
Yes, I think your sister must have got it wrong. I have never been a man. But there is nothing to stop two books having the same title, so it might have been another book entirely. The idea for other worlds and doubles followed quite logically as soon as I knew that Janet had come from somewhere else entirely and was otherwise a copy of Gwendolen. That is often a way to get ideas. You get a situation and then you try to work out what led up to it.

From Brittany Chant

This is not really a question but I got Charmed Life a week ago and it freaked me out becouse my dads name is Eric and our last name is Chant. I also have a second cousin whos name is Gwendolen. She is not really a Chant but she has Chant blood in her. I also know a Mrs Sharp. So I do have a question for you, where did you get the name Chant from? Anyway I love your books and I read Charmed Life in half a day. My mum is getting a bit annoyed with me becouse I have been begging and begging her to get me the rest of the Worlds of Chrestomanci books.

I am 11 years old and live in Werrington (it is about 2 hours away from Sydney) NSW in Australia.

Diana's Reply

Well, how about that! This is another instance of the way my books seem to come true in the end. When I wrote CHARMED LIFE your father must have been about Cat's age! But of course I didn't know he existed. I got the name Chant because it came into my head with the rest of the book. Then I checked in several telephone directories and discovered there were one or two Chants in most - making it not a very common name, but not unheard-of either. This is almost as peculiar as what happened with THE MAGICIANS OF CAPRONA. Caprona is an Italian state that I thought I had made up. Then I got a stately letter from the Count of Caprona and discovered he really existed.

From Iszy

O.k. What is your next book coming out (if you're writing one) If so what's it about? I really want to read another book about the Series and worlds, and stuff like that. Is the world that Witch Week took place in our world? Do you believe in magic

I reeeeeaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllyyyyyyyyyy looooooove your Chrestomanci books.

Diana's Reply

I AM writing a book as it happens, but there have been many interruptions and it won't be out until next year. Oddly enough, there are two people in this book called Izzy! I'm not sure of the title yet. But it is about multiple worlds. Yes, I am forced to believe in magic. A lot of it has happened to me.

From Lorelei Chant

Actually I'm not certain that this will end up as a question (that's the way I write, I start out with one thing and end up on one thing that is totally another and quite often belongs to another thought or place altogether) but it is also an appology. You see, i wrote you another question before, as you probably remember, and I'm pretty sure that somewhere in it I pleaded to you to write another Chrestomanci book (and if I didn't I meant to.) Then I read other people's questions to see what others were asking you, and I realized that SO many other people wanted you to write another Chrestomanci book that you (I'm sure) would begin to get frustrated!! And here I am , appologizing for asking you to write another WONDERFUL Chrestomanci book! But i still am hoping you will, as are you from what i gather. Oh, a question has struck me. Do you write one or two of your characters like yourself? With a little bit of you in them? Or the way you wish you were?? That is the way that i write. And if you do to, what character do you put most of you into?( If they are not from the Chrestomanci books, please explain them, althogh i have high intentions to read the other ones I have only started reading them a few weeks ago and the Chrestomanci books are the only ones i've read)

i think i've said quite a lot. but i do have some suggestions for other Chrestomanci books if you might need a bit of help to get over a writers block. also, if i do become an author someday, i owe you quite a lot. thank you yet again

Diana's Reply

No, on the whole I don't put people in my books who are like myself. This is because I am inside, looking out, and I have no idea what people see when they are on the outside, looking at me. You are lucky to know what you are like.

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