More Answers from Diana Wynne Jones

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Diana Wynne Jones

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Those burning questions ...

ANSWERS FROM DIANA

This is the fifth page of Diana's answers to questions which were asked between March and late July 2001. These are all the general and miscellaneous questions. There are more pages of answers: Page 1 covers: writing; fanfiction; Fire and Hemlock; Howl's Moving Castle; Harry Potter; Dark Lord of Derkholm and The Tough Guide. Page 2 includes a film of Howl's Moving Castle; Time of the Ghost; multiverses; The Master; men; The True State of Affairs; The Ogre Downstairs. Page 3 has some of the Chrestomanci questions including: Millie; a female Chrestomanci, and Diana's inspiration for the series. Page 4 is more Chrestomanci questions.

General / Miscellaneous

From Liz Cotterell

I was just wondering why your books have been so hard to get hold of in Australia? I first read "The Homeward Bounders" (bought in the US) when I was 9 and have been hooked ever since (it is still my favourite). I managed to acquire a couple more and kept finding references to other books that I hadn't read inside the front covers - though I was unable even to order them! Through sheer persistence and several overseas trips I have managed to find and read all of your books (as I am now living in the UK, I am getting orders from my family for the back catalogue!) - and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. Unfortunately I can't seem to make them last, though I try - I devoured "The Year of the Griffin" in a couple of days. Any chance you could make them longer?

I'm 26, and still shop in the 'children's' section of bookshops! (so much more imagination) I love the way your characters always have so much personality and humour - when I read Harry Potter, it reminded me so much of your books I wondered why everyone thought it was all so new!

Diana's Reply

I'm sorry the books are so hard to get in Australia. I had hopes that HarperCollins might do better, but it seems not. But, oh yes, my latest book is a whole lot longer, about twice the usual length. The only problem here is that it takes twice as long to write and I haven't had much time lately. My agent hopes it will be out next year. Cross your fingers and wish me no further interruptions.

From Rosie Benson

Dear Diana (I hope it's OK to call you that) Ms Wynne Jones sounds so - well - formal! I wondered if you have any thoughts about the following? I love the idea of a centaur asking for sanctuary of the ladies who used to inhabit nunneries or monasteries and who were not nuns! Could it be done? Has it been done by you? Anyway, about Nunneries. I was attempting a very dull Masters of Philosophy on Women's Studies a couple of years ago and discovered much to my glea, that nunneries in the early Medieval era were often for rich women who ganged up together, took all their money that they did not want to give away in marriage to undeserving pillagers who wanted them as chattels, and set up nunneries, so that they could live in peace and quiet. They built (or took over as patrons of) existing nunneries or monasteries (who were grateful because they found people who could cook amongst the women's entourages!) and using the high walls and willing peasants who worked for them to protect them (not counting the monks who were adept at staff fighting) they survived in female communes, intact in body and soul! Your comments about the dirt, smell and general itchiness of life at that time made me think about these 'gracious ladies'. What do you think would happen? I hope the spring and summer is beautiful: we are just emerging into winter and the cold - my birthday 21/3 is no longer the first day of spring but nearly winter! Thank you for reading this. Blessed be RosieB. xx

I am a crone, a teacher and mother of many (natural and other)young ones who find sanctuary with us from time to time. ALthough I live in W. Australia I was born in Britain - and intend returning to teach at the end of 2001. I am a solitary witch, healer and comforter. I enjoy your books - they are special. Thank you.

Diana's Reply

Thank you. I knew I was not the only crone around, but I am, alas, not a healer. It's a nice idea about the centaur and the ladies who used to inhabit monasteries but were not nuns. It has not been done by me, or anyone else that I know of, though it has a familiar, right sort of feel to it. You perhaps ought to write it up. I love stories of women working around the system to get themselves a life.

From Tawen

Just wanted to say how much I love your books. It's great that you are on the web! (I still remember once burning to tell a Canadian singer how much I liked her CD and, after writing a long letter, finding out at the post office that the envelope has to be a certain size to be sent to Canada. I think the letter is still in my backpack somewhere....) Also, just out of curiosity, since someone else talked about a paper you wrote re: heroes v. heroines--where can I find the article? Do you find it easier to write about girls than about boys? I am interested because I was writing to friends of mine about what I was reading, and realized that all the authors I was reading (and actually all my favorite authors) were women. (Well, except for Garth Nix.) After thinking about it I realized that it's mostly because I very seldom like female characters written by men--I won't name names, but some of them make me want to throw the book against the wall and pull out all my hair. On the other hand, all the male characters I love are created by women. (I've been half in love with Will from Dark is Rising for years, and Miles Vorkosigan is so interesting! 'course, hands off now that he's getting married!) Also, why is it that most of the fantasies for "young adults" are so much better than most of the fantasies written for adults? (There are some really great fantasies for adults out there, but most of them are so darn predictable! And the characters and plot are not nearly so much fun!) Do you have any recommendations other than the ones you've already mentioned? (I do like most of Tanya Huff's stuff, and I really like Bujold, as you can probably tell :-) I guess what I really want is to combine the quality of the "YA" fantasies with the length of the fantasies for adults, because I really love fat books that'll occupy me for days.... Do you think the combination is possible/likely? Anyway, enough rambling. I am sorry this is so long, and turned out to be more about me than about the books. I am undoubtedly a wee bit too self-centered. :-(

Diana's Reply

DO things have to be a special size to be sent to Canada? Perhaps I just managed never to exceed whatever it is. I'm not sure which article you mean. Some are on this website, and I think there's one on the American one called Chrestomanci Castle that has very little to do with me. No, I don't find it any easier to write about girls. All human beings present challenges, particularly if you want the readers to like the person while being aware of their shortcomings. Currently I'm trying to do a book that is seen from two viewpoints, a boy's and a girl's. This is difficult, but then doing something different always is. Have you tried Robin McKinley? And an adult writer who really gives value is Paula Volsky.

From LeighAnna

Dear Diana, I've always liked your books, well, since I discovered them, which wasn't too long ago. How do you deal with being so famous? Do people stop you for your autograph all the time? Please answer! Your Number One Fan, LeighAnna

I'm twelve years old and I like to write myself. Do you have any tips for an aspiring writer?

Diana's Reply

You have to be on television a lot for people to stop you for your autograph. Most people don't know what I look like and I try to keep it that way, so that I only need do autographs at proper signing sessions. This makes things much easier.

From Faigie

Thank you so much for your answer! About the dreams, there is one I typed up, because it was so vivid and stuck out in my mind so much. It's online at http://www.geocities.com/halite.geo/dream.html ...Let me know if anything in it interests you, or if you want to hear about the other dreams. You wouldn't want to e-mail me, would you? (By the way, I'm a jeweler-in-training, that kind of shows up in the dream.) Archer's Goon is really a favorite of mine, probably because it is so unexpected and original. Hmm... This is supposed to be a question? Okay. Are you thinking of starting a new series, with totally new characters? Or another single book that can stand on its own? How long does it generally take for you to write a book? Well, I could go on and on, but I think that's enough for now. Thanks!

Diana's Reply

Being a jeweller must be a marvellous career. You must get to handle so many beautiful stones. I love buying jewellery. I go to a man whom I call Ali Baba, because he sits in a cave of dangling necklaces, and he always has some marvellous new piece to show me - Venetian glass earrings, tiaras and those kind of head-nets I always think of the Lady of Shallott wearing from Israel, local rings and strange heat-pressed glass from New York. I always tell myself I just go in there to look...! I am not exactly starting a new series with totally new characters, but almost. While I was doing a signing, a boy asked if I'd thought of writing more about Nick from DEEP SECRET, and I suddenly realised this was just what I wanted to do, only to make it quite strange and new. I am halfway to doing this at the moment. It generally takes me about six months to finish a book from starting the feverish first draft to completing the careful second writing, but this year I have had so many interruptions that poor Nick is having to wait around for at least eighteen months.

From Nozomi Murray

You were kind enough to answer a question I had posted earlier, but slightly misinterpreted part of it (not unreasonable given my long convoluted sentences): you had understood me to be mildly criticizing "Eight Days of Luke," which is far from the case, I adore it. I hope all is well with you. Just wanted to say this, please don't feel you have to answer it. :)

Diana's Reply

Thank you. I'm so sorry I misunderstood you.

From Daniel Holleb

Hi my name is Daniel and I'm 13 years old. I really enjoyed your books: Dark Lord of Derkholm, and Year of the Griffen. I have not, however, read any of your other books and I was wondering if you could give me your opinion on which of the other books you have written are most similar to those. I would also like to ask you if the next book you are writting has the same charecters as the Griffen books.You don't have to answer the second question if you don't want to but I'd like it you could at least answer the first.

I've read a lot of great fantasy books ( Tolkien, Dune, and many many more) and I'd just like to say that the two of your books are in the top five.

Diana's Reply

The trouble is that all my books are different, so any I tell you are going to strike you as not like the griffin books. If you want books about other worlds, try THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT, THE HOMEWARD BOUNDERS, HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE, CART AND CWIDDER, DROWNED AMMET, THE SPELLCOATS, THE CROWN OF DALEMARK. If you want animals, try DOGSBODY. If you want a good read, then WITCH WEEK, ARCHER'S GOON, HEXWOOD (though this one does have dragons in it), DEEP SECRET and CASTLE IN THE AIR. Anyway, I hope one of them might do.

From Katy E.

Hi Diana! My name is Katy. I'm 13 years old and in the 7th grade. I just wanted to tell you that I think your books are the best. How many more books do you plan on writing? What's it like to live in England? I'm from America. Bye, Thanks for your time, Katy E.

Diana's Reply

I'm so glad you like my books. How many more books do I plan to write? As many as I can fit in before I'm too decrepit to operate a computer. There are so many things I still want to do. As to what it's like to live in England, well, everything is smaller - roads,cars, houses,fields - and the climate doesn't vary so much, but otherwise it's not so different. Oh, TV is better.

From jane h-k

Dear Diana, Are you going to write another book about Vivian from a Tale of Time City?

I am 11 years old and my friend Madeleine(she has already written to you)and I have read all the books by you that we can get our hands on.

Diana's Reply

I hadn't thought of writing another book about Vivian. A TALE OF TIME CITY seemed to finish the matter when I wrote it, with Time City started on a new circuit of history, but it's always possible. I don't plan to write books, you see. I have to wait to see what comes into my head.

From Karissa Smith

My name is Karissa. Do you have an address? Can You give it to me please.It is for a school project.

I am 11.I read Witch Week. I liked it. ButIt had a Questional ending. it could have been better. Also, I want to be an author someday too.

Diana's Reply

If you want to write to me, write c/o HarperCollins Children's Books and they will send the letter on to me. Perhaps when you are a writer, you might rewrite the ending of WITCH WEEK and make it more like what you want it to be.

From Nadine Oelschlager

Dear Diana, Where in all the worlds do you get your ideas from?! You certanly have a lot of them. I have read both the Chronicles of Chrestomanci volumes one and two and "Cart and Cwidder", book one in the Delemark Quartet (witch, really which, you probobly already know, the book one part, that is). My very favorite book that I've ever read is "Cart and Cwidder". I think it's really good. Now I'm going to tell you a little bit about myself. First of all, my name is Nadine. I am 10 years old, and I am in fourth grade in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Please take the time to write back, it really means a lot to me. P.S. Are you going to write any more books? I hope you will.

Diana's Reply

I'm so glad you like CART AND CWIDDER. Did you know that there are three more books in that series? They are DROWNED AMMET, THE SPELLCOATS and THE CROWN OF DALEMARK. They have just been reissued in your country, so you should be able to find them. Thank you for telling me about yourself. You are almost the same age as my younger granddaughter. Her name is Ruth. She has just started reading my books and she would tell you that THE SPELLCOATS is her favourite ever. And your cat Midnight has the same name as the cat in my book CASTLE IN THE AIR. I have a cat too. Her name is Dorabella and she is chestnut-coloured with white socks.

From Irene

WHY IS THERE NOTHING ON THE INTERNET ABOUT YOUR BOOK POWER OF THREE I READ IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER

Diana's Reply

My family would agree with you. They think POWER OF THREE is the best book I ever wrote. It wasn't on the internet because it hasn't been reprinted since about 1980, but fear not. It is just being reissued later this year. I spent hours last week discussing the illustrations with my editor - we both wanted to get the Dorig exactly right, and the artist hadn't a clue. He'd done them as midgets in Norman armour.

From mooey:-]

diana how come most of your books are fantasy and adventure? Are you coming to vic in the next 2 years pleas come to bendigo?????

im 11 years old i go to school in Australia vic bendigo I have almost finished Castle in the Air. i love it

Diana's Reply

My books are all fantasy and adventure because those were the kind I never had when I was a child. The books we had were all boring moral tales about How to be Good. Or History. So every book I write now is the opposite of those. I have visited Australia, quite a while back now, but I never went to Bendigo. I was in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. I loved what I saw.

From Maria Lourdes

When is your birthday? What are your parents names? What was your birth city and state? Who was your hero or role model in you life? Would you ever think of doing presentation about your self for a high school? perhaps mine? You don't have to consider this tought. It would be great to have you there even though I don't think you'll be in San Antonio on 5/17/01. Thank You, for taking your time in reading this!

I'm a high school student doing a final exam on an english paper on Mrs. Diana Wynne Jones and found it to be intresting that I would actually be writing to my author!

Diana's Reply

My birthday is next month, making me a Leo. Why do you want to know the names of my parents? That is their secret. I was born in London, England, and I don't think I did have much of a hero or role model, except when I was nearly grown up and read an old poem about a female warrior called Britomart, and even she struck me as a bit uptight for my taste. I'm afraid I don't travel much these days, so, as I live in England, it wouldn't be very easy for me to do a presentation at your school. I used to come to your country a lot, to conferences, conventions and signings, but I have had a lot of surgery and can't do that any more. I'm sorry.

From monique

where in wales did you live? and was it the lake district

could you please send me the answer asap as it is for a book review

Diana's Reply

I hope this answer is not too late. I lived for a while just outside Swansea in Wales, and then later in the Lake District, near Coniston.

From Ven

I suspect this is unanswerable but "Are you or have you ever been a magid?" And to make up for being awkward, "What question do you wish readers would ask you?"

The first question came to me last time I was reading Deep Secret and I just couldn't resist asking.

Diana's Reply

Not officially a magid, ever. But - you know how this sometimes happens - there are times when I have felt called on to do or say something out of the ordinary, which felt as if it was being part of a larger pattern I couldn't see. Possibly this is the way it really works and we all function as temporary magids from time to time. And I have no idea what question I would like readers to ask. I know what NOT, and that is 'Where do you get your ideas or do you think of them for yourself?' as if there was a secret bank of ideas that writers draw on, and the questioner wants an account there himself.

From kate n alex

Hi this is kate and alex, kate first got into Diana Wynne Jones as a child (7?) because her big sister was borrowing lots of DWJ books from the local library. Her first favourite was The Power of Three. Kate recently got Alex into Diana Wynne Jones. alex had been a housemate of kate's a year previously, and all he knew of dwj at that stage was that kate would disapear into her bedroom for weeks on end whenever she had an essay due, and dwj was the excuse. then earlier this year alex had too much work to do. luckily, kate gave him witch week. he then graduated to howl's moving castle, castle in the air. after that alex went back to study but suffered a relapse a week later - archers goon, hexwood, fire and hemlock, and just last night finished sudden wild magic. alex's burning question: i'm intrigued by the re-occurrence of gnostic themes in yr work. wisdom forgetting the task it was sent into this world to perform, forgetting one's true identity etc. i wonder: is this something you self-consciously 'work', or does it just come about of its own volition? kate's burning question: people have said that your work isn't exactly fantasy per se. Fantasy has a bit of a cheesy element (i.e. dungeons and dragons sort of stuff) how should we describe your books when we describe it to people? it's not exactly fantasy, it's not sci-fi, it's not 'everyday life'. it's also not indoctrinated with an element of moralism, like CS Lewis for example. what is the best way to describe it from your perspective?

australia

Diana's Reply

Oh dear, I hope the various relapses didn't cause a telltale lack of work. Alex particularly seems in danger of doing nothing else. Difficult to answer Alex. It is a constant theme, I know, this of wisdom forgetting the task, forgetting identity, and I don't really know why, except that I sometimes think I have a task myself and haven't performed it yet. I keep writing, hoping to get it performed. But I don't consciously put this in. Fantasy is a huge umbrella. It covers horror and swords n sorcery and all sorts of romantic stuff. If what I write isn't fantasy - and I know what you mean - I'm not sure there is a word for it. if you can think of a term, I'd be grateful.

From Shanleigh Wilson

Hi, I'm a huge fan of your writing. I adore Dark Lord of Derkholm as well as the follow-up, Year of the Griffin. I also very greatly enjoyed reading The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (my first taste of your wondeful writing). In consideration of the fact that these are my all time favorite books in the world, I was wondering if you might have a recomindation for another of your books that I might also enjoy.

I am 13 (14 on July 20). DWJ is my favorite author ever. Before I could even read I used invent the most absurd stories, usualy consisting of charictors that, as I reflect on it, were all reflections of my friends and family. By the time I could read and write, you couldn't find me without a book in hand, or writing some comedy tinged story about what ever I felt strongly for. Eventualy I grew a strong love for stories about magic of some kind. When I read The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (both I and II) I knew I had just discovered my favorite books. This turned out not to be the case though, for when I read Dark Lord of Derkholm I discovered that I loved it, if possible, even more. Anyway, before I get too carried away relating m Thank you so, so much for giving the world such Excellent stories! Please answer as this took me a fair amount of time to compose and type out

Diana's Reply

You could try BLACK MARIA, A TALE OF TIME CITY, ARCHER'S GOON, HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE... I don't think you'd be disappointed in any of those. And for seconds, you could try the Dalemark quartet (CART AND CWIDDER, DROWNED AMMET, THE SPELLCOATS, THE CROWN OF DALEMARK) and THE HOMEWARD BOUNDERS and THE TIME OF THE GHOST. Then have a go at DEEP SECRET. Happy reading.

From Katie

Is there going to be a sequel to "Hexwood"!?

I love your bookS!!!!

Diana's Reply

I wasn't planning a sequel to HEXWOOD. But I never plan books, so you never know. It may come along when I've promised someone I'd write a completely different book. It often happens that I then find I'm writing a book I simply didn't expect.

From Adele Mariadass

I've been doing some research on famous people's IQ, and I was wondering, what was yours? If you wouldn't mind to tell, that is. And I was also wondering, why do you name some of your characters so weirdly (Flower-in-the-night, Awful..etc..)?

Someone who keeps all her Diana Wynne Jones books dearly in a glass case. ^_^ Someone who is also very proud to be her favourite author's first fan from Malaysia! Woo-hoo! =)

Diana's Reply

I've never known my exact IQ, but I do know it's quite high from way back when at the time I took an exam at the age of eleven. I could see my parents were stunned at the result, but they refused to tell me the figure. I don't name my characters. They come with their names. As soon as I visualise (and this includes hearing and even smelling) a new character, the name is also present, sometimes simply as a blurred grunt, which becomes clearer and clearer as I concentrate on the person. Once ot twice this has been a nuisance, because a character will emerge with a name very like that of another person in the same book, and though this happens a lot in life, it's muddling in a book. Then I change the name at a very late stage, sort of apologising to the character.

From Lorelei Chant

Do you believe that there are other worlds and anywheres out there for real that people could get to? And is it possible, do you think, for a person, highly intending to do so, to travel to the worlds?

My name isn't really Lorelei Chant. But I wish it was. i fell in love with te series of Chrestomanci books, much the way the Goddess fell in love with the "Millie goes to School" books. I am desperately hoping that you will write another Chrestomanci book. If you do write another, and it pleases you, if you could used the name "Lorelei Chant" I think it would fit well. Thank you for your time, and for your brilliant literature. Yrs ever, Lorelei Chant

Diana's Reply

It's certainly a nice name to have chosen and now I have your permission I will think about who a character might be of that name. But I don't promise anything, because I never can sit down and plan to write a book. I have to wait for them to come to me.

From Crystal Roberts

Every time I go into a new library or bookstore I go straight to science fiction or young adult. But there are some books that are never there and some books that are always there. I was wondering how I could get my hands on some of the books that I can never find. Thanks: Crystal

I'm 12 years old. I first descovered your books around last fall at a local bookstore. The only books I could find there by you were the chronicles of chrestomonci series. I loved both of the books and since then I have searched all over for your books.

Diana's Reply

My books are all being reissued, so they should be findable. Why don't you have a serious talk with the librarian at your library? That's what librarians are there for - to find people the books they want. The books may simply have been borrowed - or sold, if you look in a shop - or they may have been stolen. People steal my books a lot. A shop can order you any book you ask for, however. Why not ask?

From Emily Sparapani

Diana, I am so, so sorry to bother you, if that is how you may take it, but I was wondering...What do you think of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books? (They're personnaly my favorite.) What do you think of Americans? Do you practice witchcraft, or do you just write about it? What I personaly think of English people are proper, well-mannered people who happen to drink tea. A lot of us drink coffee, but I like tea. So does my mom. I've read some of your books. The only one I wasn't really fond of was Time of the Ghost, too much freaky witchcraft if you ask me. Please don't take it personal, because you have many other wonderful books. My ex-friend is into yours, too. Please answer my questions. What are your nationalities? Where did you originate from? Have a good day!

I live in Niagara, Wisconsin, USA. I have two sisters, my parents never split-up, and I have a good family and a good dog, a westie. She originated from scotland. I originated from France, Italy, England, Ireland, French-Canada, those are the main ones (oh, and Germany) other than that, bits of European countries.

Diana's Reply

You will be surprised to learn that I don't like tea. I always drink coffee. And I don't think English people are terribly proper or well-mannered, or only the same way that Americans are. We certainly all drive a LOT faster. My nationalities are Welsh, Scottish, English and Spanish. I used to have a dog - I put him in a book - but now I have a cat, one of the prettiest cats in the world and sweet with it.

From Tram Nguyen

How can i get intouch with you if i want to write

I'm twelve and a really big fan of yours when it comes to books, So i really hope you would reply to this

Diana's Reply

You could write a letter in this website and it will get forwarded to me. Or you can write to my publishers and they will send it on.

From Kerrie L.

Dear Diana Wynne Jones, Thank you very much for giving me permission to quote from your article on 'Heroes' in my thesis--though I'm afraid it looks like I won't be getting to that chapter, or the 'heroines' paper, for quite a while now! So much to write, only one and three-quarter years left to do it in...Thanks for your good wishes, too; I hope they 'take'.

The first book of yours that I read was Power of Three. That and Michael de Larrabeiti's Borribles books got me onto fantasy for life. I'm thrilled that PoT is being reprinted along with the Chrestomanci books and other well-known ones, because it's great, but no-one I speak to seems to have read it!

Diana's Reply

My pleasure. And don't panic about the thesis. Once it's all there with you, it will take a surprisingly short time to write.

From Caroline Milne

This is not a question nor does it require a reply. I read as many of your books as I could find when I was about 12 - I am now 36, and they still stand out in my mind as being some of the best reads of all time - this from a confirmed bibliophile. I just want to say thanks. Actually, they were libray books - I would like to know where your old titles are available for purchase.

Diana's Reply

All my books have been reissued in the last year and a half. You should have no trouble getting copies - but the covers are all new and may not be at all like the ones you had from the library.

From Cindy Sechrest

I was wondering if you have given any thought to re-printing your Chrestomanci series. I think it would be a HUGE hit with everyone who likes the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Chrestomance could be on the best seller list right along side Harry Potter if you would re-print them. I know I would buy the whole new series, I just love them. Cindy Sechrest. From Texas.

I'm 32 years old and simply love these books. I was never a reader growing up. Now I'm reading books daily. My husband is a HUGE fan of sci fi and fantasy books and got me into them. Between the two of us we have over 1000 books in our collection. I would love to see the Chrestomance series re-printed.

Diana's Reply
Nice of you to ask. Actually all my books have been reprinted these last two years, on both sides of the Atlantic. It's not something I get much say in really. But you'll be glad to know that people are falling upon them eagerly.

From Rob

Have you ever thought of making Chrestomanci into a computer game? It's the sort of thing people would love - adventure, action and... magic! Well - I would anyway.

I love your books - but I haven't read any others than Chrestomanci at the moment.

Diana's Reply

Writers don't usually have much choice about having things made into computer games, or films, or anything like that. But I do know at least two groups of people who have made up their own games with my books - role-playing games, these are. Why not try that?

From Catherine T.

I just wanted to tell you I love The Chronicles Of Chrestomanci Books. Even if I'm only on page 194 out of 598 in the 1st book and I still have to read the 2nd book.I really like Eric or Cat! I like the twist when Gwendolen gets her magic taken away but still go to another world by magic! I really do love you're books a lot!

I'm 12

Diana's Reply
I'm glad you're enjoying the books. There are plenty more when you've finished with Chrestomanci.

From Mary Beth Cubberly

Dear Diana, I have read the Chronicles of Chrestomanci and am wondering what to read next of your books. You write the best books! Things actually happen and have a real end, unlike Harry Potter books. You make a great plot and wonderful charecters. I don't know which Chrestomanci book is the best, but I love Volume 1. Thanks for relpling to my question! Good luck on any future books and series!!!:)

I started reading your books last year when I was 10. Now 11/F/US OH

Diana's Reply
Try A TALE OF TIME CITY, HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE and AUNT MARIA. You may also enjoy ARCHER'S GOON. Then wait a year and read FIRE AND HEMLOCK - this one is for slightly older people.

From Kyla Tornheim

Having just reread Charmed Life (comfort book, much better than doing work), I found myself wondering how old Cat, Janet/Gwendolen, Julia, and Roger were. Is there a particular age group that you tend to put your characters in? I think I'm having trouble determining character ages because so many of your characters became familiar to me when I was about 8, and are even more familiar now that I'm 21. (However, I *could* determine ages in "Hexwood," and was quite amused to discover how it could happen that I was correct in thinking that Ann was two years older than her brother even though both of them seemed to be 12.)

My entire family has been reading and discussing your books for years (we talk about them over the dinner table, except when we've decided we need to be reading, in which case we read them over the dinner table), and has multiple copies of most "just in case." They get the place of honor in our house, in the easily accessible bookcase at the end of the hall.

Diana's Reply

I'd love to be a fly on the wall at your family dinners! It is usually my deliberate policy NOT to give the ages of characters in my books. It is so humiliating if you are a mature 11-year-old and you find that the person you have been eagerly identifying with is only nine. But I try to make sure that the age can be deduced by those determined to know. I'm glad I got it right in HEXWOOD.

From Jack

Sorry to bother you, but I need to know the following for a school report: What comments do you have about your book, Dogsbody? Thank you for your consideration.

Diana's Reply
I think you have to read the book

From Milly Lapikens

Do you have any more information on TIBBLES, such as what kind of things she has done in the past. AS I am doing an English project on her. Thank You very much. Milly

I am 12 years old and love all of your books is there going to be another Dogsbody type book?

Diana's Reply

No, I really don't know much more about Tibbles than there is in the book. Sorry. But I was hoping to write a book about different cats at some time.

From jenny

In 'Hints on Writing' you mention that you start planning stories with a beginning, an end and a clear image of a 'scene' somewhere in the middle. If you remember, I'd love it if you could describe the central images in the Lives of C. C. (my favourite) and maybe some others. Thanks!

i've gone through a crazed re-reading of your books every year since i was twelve. Now at 21, i pick up Lives of Christopher Chant whenever i can to combat the nasty effects of required texts and the Heiddeger/Chomsky/blahblah-analysis of university. i'm also known to recommend your books to children in bookstores, (who seem lately to gravitate towards horrible series full of sleepovers, and horses and boys) but unfortunately, they've been trained to ignore strangers.

Diana's Reply

The central scene in THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT is not really central, but in a way it is, completely. It is The Place Between, and someone climbing through this formless place. Actually, now I think, that book had TWO central scenes, because the other was the scene with the Goddess when Christopher tries to steal a cat. For literally years, I couldn't see the connection between the two and worried about it ceaselessly. Then I wrote a story called The Hundredth Dream of Carol Oneir, in which Carol's father says he caused Christopher to lose his first life. That helped, because I began thinking, No, it wasn't quite the first, was it?...

From Eleanor Gilbert

Hi my name is Eleanor Gilbert I live in New Zealand .Do you have a email or an address you could give me.I am a really good fan of yours my favourite books are the Qreastomanci ones so Iwas really excited when the libary got all of them. Well got to go now. Thanks Eleanor

My age is 10!

Diana's Reply

I'm so sorry. I can't give you an email address at the moment.

From jegs

My freshman english class has just finished reading Romeo and Juliet. As we were reading, I noticed a couple similaritites between that and Magicians of Caprona. The first is obviously the family fued in both stories. The second is that Magicians of Caprona was almost centered around the gloden statue guarding the city. In Romeo and Juliet, Montegue promised to make a golden statue of Juliet and place it in the city. I also noticed that some names sounded alike: like Verona and Caprona, and Benvolio and Benvenuto. Are these observations a coincidence or was Magicians of Caprona based on ROmeo and Juliet?

Diana's Reply

Yes, I was deliberately using Romeo and Juliet in The Magicians of Caprona. I must say, you ask me much more plainly than the last person who noticed. This was a lady in Sydney, Australia, who asked 'Is your intertextuality intentional?' and I went 'You WHAT?' But yes it is.

From Brittany Chant (again)

do you know were i can get Mixed magics from? love your books and can not keep away from them read all of them exep for mixed magics about 4 times.

Diana's Reply

MIXED MAGICS is only out in hardback at the moment, but there should be a British and an American edition to hunt for. Get your bookshop or your local library looking for it.

From Alison

I have finished reading reading volume 1 chronicles of chrestomanci. I was wondering if any of your other chrestomanci books had strange creatures in them like Throgmorten?

I am age 8.

Diana's Reply
Yes, lots more cats, some dogs and even a dragon.

From Hope Weaver (11)

Hi. I have only just dicovered your books an I like to read books that follow on from each other. Is the CHRESTOMANCI series the only one you have done? Also my local library is having great trouble finding out the order that the books should be read could you clear this up please? Thanks from a new fan

Diana's Reply

If you want another series you should try my Dalemark Quartet - CART AND CWIDDER, DROWNED AMMET, THE SPELLCOATS, THE CROWN OF DALEMARK - or HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE and CASTLE IN THE AIR. But there are lots and lots of single books by me too. Please tell your library people that the only important thing about the Chrestomanci series is that you should read CHARMED LIFE first. The others can go in any order.

From Kate C.

I guess wanted to say that I absoluely adore your books! I have just finished reading The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume One. I enjoyed reading CHarmed Life because it had a realistic but magical twist to it. I could see everything happening in my own head. I must say that I disliked harry potter because the description wasen't interesting, and there wasen't much suspence at all When I was at the climax of Charmed life, I satyed up late at night reading it! I hope that your books keep coming to the USA! Thanks for giving me something to read, and be sure that I will tell all my friends about your books!

Age: 13 Location: Massachusetts, Usa Webpage: http://fly.to/fluffer

Diana's Reply
Thank you. You are not the only one to stay up all night. My youngest sister always says, whenever I give her a new book, 'Here goes another night's sleep!' She says she simply can't stop reading until the end.

From Bill

Can You write more Chrestomanci Books And More about the moving castle?

Diana's Reply

All I can say is that I'll TRY. Books don't come just to order with me.

From Candice (also known as Clarice from Silence of the Lambs)

How are you? I was wondering what books you read as a child? How about now? Have you read Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials? JK Rowling's Harry Potter series? Diane Duane's Wizardy series? The Mists of Avalon(recently made into a TV movie in TNT in America)? Applegate's Everworld series(I think you'ld like it)? Oh!, and how do you write such imaginative stories? I must have started at least 12 stories, wrote 1/2, and then didn't like where they were heading and saw no other way for them, and gave the trash can a lovely feast. Can you tell me a bit more about hoe Vierran looks? So far I'm a match!Please do write more about...well...everything! Thank you for giving me another way to forget all the humdrum that is everyday life.

15 and an avid Rocky Horror Picture Show fan. I also love Sir Antony Hopkins, The Goo Goo Dolls, cats(espacially black ones), the Powerpuff Girls, the show Dark Angel, my friends, and all of your books! Mordion, Mitt,and Crestomanci are by far the most swoon~worthy ::SIGH::

Diana's Reply
I think from the sound of things you can imagine Vierran as looking exactly like you do. I have read all the things you mention - and particularly admire the Philip Pullman - except Applegate's Everworld series. I must see what friends of mine can do about getting me those. (I have a friend who runs a bookshop who can obtain ANYTHING). As for writing imaginative stuff, I know just how you feel because I was exactly the same at your age. I used to think there was something wrong with my imagination. It takes a while to learn how. What you do, is you let a scene come into your head from somewhere near the middle of the story - and if it's baffling and peculiar, so much the better. Then you set yourself to work out logically how it could have come about. Before you know where you are, simple logic is leading you into the most extraordinary places and situations. You have the right idea. When you talk about the way your stories were heading, I can see you know that you have to let a story do its own thing and not try to strongarm it into doing something different.

From Katie

Hi, I just have to say i love your books. I just bought "HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE"(my favorite of the two books) and "CASTLE IN THE AIR" a few days ago and I am already finished both. I was wondering if you were going to write another book with Howl, Sophie, and Morgan? I hope you do write more books with them as more of the main characters. Another question I have for you is what book is your favorite and which one are you mast proud of?

I am 13 years old and live in Winnipeg, Canada. I do hope you write another book with Sophie and Howl(I love how strong minded Sophie is and how Howl is so full of himself)

Diana's Reply
So far, after lots of tries, I have not yet succeeded in finding how to make another book about Sophie and Howl, but I keep trying. It is very difficult to say which book is my favourite because I am fond of them all - they all took a lot of trouble to write and some of them made me laugh and some had me on the edge of my seat - but if you really press me, I'd have to say FIRE AND HEMLOCK because that was the ONLY one that turned out as I imagined it when I first started to write it. Most of them take the bit between their teeth and run away with me, so they turn out quite different from the way I thought.

From Nikita Alexandria Nicolson

To understand what is happening do you need to read the books in order to which they are placed inside the cover?

Hi I am 15 years old and I just love to read your books and other books that has magic somewhere inside it's cover.

Diana's Reply
I'm not sure which books you mean. If we're talking about the Chrestomanci ones, read CHARMED LIFE first. If you mean the Dalemark books, go with the numbers on the covers 1CART AND CWIDDER, 2 DROWNED AMMET, 3SPELLCOATS, 4THE CROWN OF DALEMARK. If HOWL, read the moving castle first. All my other books are singles so far, but they ALL contain magic, so read on and enjoy!

From Carol Marsh

Its not so much as a question but a thank you. I was introduced to charmed life in my early teens, after a visit to the local library. Since then I have collected every book i can lay my hand on to this day, and have still got the collection ready to hand over to my young son when he's ready. Hope there are many great stories to come. Everyone's mad on Harry Potter at the min, naturally, and i've bought the books but not got round to them, what i always say to Potter fans is, read your books, they were around a lot earlier.....

35 years old, from Nottinghamshire, living in Belfast, the books came with me :)

Diana's Reply

How splendid. I hope your son turns out to be a reader. Boys often take a while.

From Elle Groch

I'm doing a school progect and I was wondering if you could please tell me your nationality, were you live(if you dont mind), previouse occupations and your age. and anything else you think is important and would make my project better. thank you from Elle P.S i love your chrestomanci books i think they're great

im 12 but i cant thik of any thing else to say. so bye

Diana's Reply

Projects are the bane of life. My goddaughter is presently in the next room watching The Simpsons while doing an Art project. She must have four eyes. my nationality is British, I live in Bristol, in England and I was born in 1934. I started writing when I was your age.

From Dorothy Cleary

I don't have a question, but I was delighted to see in a local bookstore that you had recently been republished with fancy covers, and that you are enjoying a richly deserved wave of publicity. Although I have nothing agianst the ubiquitous Harry Potter, my first thought on reading him was that Diana Wynne Jones had been around for ages beforehand, and was MUCH better, so why wasn't she also a multi- millionaire? My family (now 20 and 18) LOVED your books, read them avidly, and my husband and I really enjoyed reading them out loud - the first one I found was the one about the new stepfather - The Ogre Downstairs? - which I still remember with pleasure. So, more power to you! Dorothy Cleary

Diana's Reply

How nice of you! I was highly delighted when HarperCollins decided to reissue my books - on both sides of the Atlantic too - and so was my family. They had been demanding a reissue of POWER OF THREE particularly, for decades. Naturally this is the last one to reappear.

From austin (from Tulsa)

Hi, I just want to let you know you should consider making your books into movies. Also, I would like to know if you are considering making a 3rd book, if so then when should I look for it? I also want to know a little more about the GUY FAWKES thing, and if part of your new book (if your making one!)will be about Guy. Finally,(a question I've ALWAYS wanted to ask), HOW do you come up with all the NAMES and personalities?????? Well, any way, gotta go!

I'm 11 years old and I live in Tulsa Oklahoma. I LOVE your books! Thank you soooo much for writing them.

Diana's Reply

I have written a great many more than three books. There is a list on this page, if you click on the right bit. They are all availabe in the USA too, mostly in paperback. Of course you don't have Guy Fawkes in America. He tried to blow up the English parliament, but they caught him before he did. Ever since then we have made bonfires on November 5th - the bonfires actually go way back to prehistoric religion, just like Halloween does - and kids collect money for fireworks in the weeks before by wheeling their stuffed figure about and chanting 'Please to remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot..' The names and personalities - some of the people just walk into my head, usually with their names too, and wait about there for the right book to go into, but I do quite often put real people into my books. Charles in WITCH WEEK was a real boy. He used to come to my house and teach me Dungeons and Dragons.

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