From beth is there or are you planing to write a sequel to Year of the Griffin?

From Jonathan Dear Diana, I'm nearly 30 and I've loved your books since I was about 11 (I started with 'Charmed Life'). At the moment I'm reading 'Cart & Cwidder' again and I'm trying to draw a map of Dalemark using the four books and the 'Guide to Dalemark' at the end of 'The Crown of Dalemark'. This is proving something of a challenge. I'm wondering if there is a reason why there is no map in the Dalemark books, or if other editions contain one (I have the Mandarin versions). Anyway, I think they are fantastic stories and I'm enjoying reading them again. Best wishes, Jonathan Clark

From Chani Dear Diana, My name is Chani Bonner and I'm 12. I realy loved The Crown of Dalmark (and all the books of yours that I read). I just finished reading The Year of the Griffin. I know several people have told you this but I have to ask if you are going to write a sequel to it. I am going crazy to know what happens to Elda.

From Justis The Homeward Bounders is one of the best books that I have read in a very long time! It is probably does the best job of narration and making you feel like the main character than ANY book that I have ever read (I read a lot of books)! I just wanted to thank you for this incredible book. It leaves me empty and full similtaneously just like the His Dark Materials series, but that was thousands of pages long. This book is hard to describe in words. It has everything that a book needs, it is perfect. While I'm at it, the Chronicles of Chrestomanci are amazing too! I really loved reading them, and they are the type of series that you really get into. --Write on!

From sissi hi, I have a question are you going to make a sequel that follows on the story of the year of the griffin it was great to read it. It is not easy to find something that reads as good as this book. I' m 22 years old and i' m picky about my books and i' ve got quite a few. Thanks Sissi from belgium

From Francesa Dear Ms. Diana Wynne Jones, I want to thank you so very much for writing all these wonderful books. J.K. Rowling looks like an amateur compared to you! I have read many of your books(over 20 of them in fact!). But my favorites are: The Dark Lord of Derkholm and The Year of the Griffin. I absolutely LOVE them. I have read them both over 6 times! I was just wondering, are you writing a sequel to the Year of the Griffin? If so, when will it come out? I am in enxiety wondering about Flury and Elda, and perhaps Blade and Claudia? And of course Olga and Lukin. Please, please, please write a sequel to the YEar of the GRiffin! I just have to know what happens!!But in the meanwhile I will be reading Fire and Hemlock. Please keep writing. Your uterly devoted literary fan, Francesca Age 13.

From Louise I am doing part of my dissertation in English Literature on your work. I am having difficulty in finding critical analysis of your work and i was wondering if you could inform me on any publications. I would be extremely grateful, thank you

From Alyssa hi, i'm 14 and i absolutely love your books (especially howl's moving castle). a while back i was trying to find your web site and i saw a site that said "Calcifer's saucpan song" or something like that. now about 1 year later i'm curious--is there a saucepan song? if there is, could you please send me info? i thought it'd be neat to know.and please do another howl's moving castle--i really want to see how morgan turns out! and i think it'd be neat to do a female chrestomanci. i know authors can't usually just up and write about anything for a book, it's got to be something they like. so those are just my requests! and one more question (the last!) i've started at least 12 books and i can never even get close to finishing, they just stop. and i get all these great ideas. do you have any suggestions? thanks for taking the time, keep up the great work! Note: see http://www.suberic.net/dwj/list/msg00510.html for discussion on the saucepan song

From Patricia For years I have wanted to write to Diana Wynne Jones to say, "thank you for all the wonderful books" which have delighted us all for so long. I was fortunate to discover her writing when (in my early 30's) I picked up a book called Charmed Life and immediately was fascinated by that enchanted other world with the wicked Gwendoline & confused Cat, I thought it was one of the best books I had ever read - until I discovered all the others. Through the years I have managed to acquire all her books and when anyone asks me which is my favourite I am stumped for an answer - whichever one I am reading at the time is my favourite, in fact they are all my favourites and have given me such pleasure through the years. I mainly read detective fiction and enjoy the genre very much but good though the books are, I never feel that happy anticipation I experience when I pick up one of Diana's books and once again read the adventures of Sophie & the wicked Wizard Howel, Sirius, Rupert Venables (aka The Prat) or Luke. Many thanks for the wonderful stories - please keep writing

From Trisha Hi, I live in the Philippines, Manila to be exact. :) The first book I've read was The Darklord of Derkholm, and since then I'm hooked to all your other books as well. I'm already 23 years old and working, and can't help but smile if I find myself strolling along the Young adult section of our bookshops here. :) Your books relieves me of stress from work. Everytime I feel the pressures of the "real" world I usually look for your books. I's as if I always entered a very magical world that lets me be free everytime I read your books. :) Thank you for writing those enchanting books :) Hoping for more to come in the future! Best wishes! ~Trisha uy

From Mau Hiya! I'm Mau. I'm a big fan of your series. I really enjoy reading chronicles of chrestomanci, especially the first one. I'd really like to see more plot development with Cat and Christopher. You and JK Rowling are my favorite authors. I'm probably one of the few almost adult fans of your books. I'm almost eighteen but I quite enjoy reading them. I too like to write but I have trouble sitting down and writing something, I'll get too many ideas in my head, or I'll simply get borred or writer's block. But I love reading and writing, especially fantasy and I find your stories quite inspirational. I'd like to see a female chrestmanci. I have many questions but I don't even know where to begin. Like, do all enchanters have nine-lives? (or are born with them?) Will we see a female chrestomanci at all if they do exist, or even just a nine-lived female enchanter? Do you think you can do crossovers and such? And I'm sorry about what happened with your back. I hope you made an excellent recovery. Good luck and keep up the good work! ^_^

From ashlyn :) I'm the daughter of a librarian (lucky me!) and I get to read a lot of books. One day, I picked up Charmed life... And then all the other chrestomanci books... And then I got every other book of yours I could find! You are AMAZING! You would have to be my favorite author ever :) The only thing that bothers me is that some of your books don't make it to Canada... I can't believe Miyazaki is making a movie about Howl's moving castle!!! Miyazaki is my favorite film maker and your my favorite author so... THE PERFECT MOVIE! My favorite book of yours so far is Fire and Hemlock... I love it :0) You are a genius :) ~ashlyn~

From Rebecca To Ms. Diana Wynne Jones If anyone ever wrote a fanfiction based on your work would you ever have time to look at them if they requested you to? I think you are a wonderful author and I adore your Chrestomanci series. I keep reading them over and over and I'm getting them on tape though it is a pity that they are abridged.

From Patty S. Dear diana, I was a little disappointed to see that the contest to win your new book only applies to American residents. Seeing as i live in the Philippines, i was discouraged, especially since it was an autographed copy! Oh well... i hope the movie on Howl's Moving Castle will reach here. i really want to watch it. Please cofirm if the movie will be showing internationally.

From Joseph ( Big Fan) This isn't so much a question as a plea. I know loads of people have asked you this alteady but I would just like to ask. PLEASE, PLEASE do another book set in the same world as Year of the Griffin and Dark Lord of Derkholm. Because you said u will, when will it be out, have u started writing it and will Blade and Kit to be main characters because I really like them. I thought Year of the Griffin and Dark Lord of Derkholm were brilliant, amazing superb. I hope you recover from your operation soon and I can hardly wait till the book comes out. Please please reply, but not if it will hurt your back. From a really big fan.

From Eilidh I think your books are the best!!! especially Howls mooving castle, that was my faveourite! i really likeed it when they went to Wales it was cool!!! i keep telling all my freinds to read them but many of them have never heard of you althugh now i've told them they say that they will tell all their freinds too!! which is great! keep up the good work!!! shooz rule!! A-lee xxx

From Jordan Hey! I just finished Crown of Dalemark while I was at the beach (i love reading on the beach all day under an umbrella-very relaxing) and now it's all I can think about. Do you think there might be a chance of another Dalemark book, or even some short stories like Mixed Magics just to give us an idea of what happened to Maewen and Mitt? We know what happenes to Mitt eventually because Maewen knows her history facts pretty well. But what about right after she left? The Lives of CC and The Crown of Dalemark are my favorites so far, but I'm about to start Howl's Moving Castle and from the reviews and comments about it here on this website I bet it will be the best. Also, i think www.dianawynnejones.com is really cool and well done- did Harper Collins do that? Is it new? Well I hope you feel well and keep on writing!!!

From Brendan I am a big fan of your book titled ŅThe Merlin ConspiracyÓ. I think it is better than the Harry Potter books. I am a young author and I need some advice on how to write good books like you. I like how you express your ideas so well. My name is Brennan and I am eleven years old. I like reading and writing fantasy books. Please could you recommend some good books that might stimulate my ideas? The Merlin Conspiracy gave me a gigantic boost in thought.

From Alexandra I have just read "The Merlin Conspiracy." It is so great! I really liked the characters, because they're zany and unusual but still believable (especially Mini and Helga!! Romonov rocks too) and the situations. DWJ is one of the few authors who deals with multiple worlds, and in such a fascinating way. This book is also good coz it's longer than some of the others so it lasted longer. It is now sitting on my shelf with all the other DWJ books that weren't consfiscated (I read them when I'm meant to be doing other things and my parents got annoyed). Thanks DWJ!!!

From Cie Dear Ms. Wynne-Jones: I am always impressed when I read neat, tight writing. I am 37 years old and have read voraciously all of my life. I find it amazing that I have never come across your work until now; however that is remedied. I read FIRE AND HEMLOCK; it was recommended by a bookseller at Barnes & Noble. Her comment to me was that it is better than Harry. I neither agree nor disagree with that comment; I do not believe it is fair for great authors to be compared with each other. Each author has a style all their own and to my mind should not be compared. It is the voice and message of the story that matters most. I am reading DARK LORD OF DERKHOLM right now. I find it as excellent as FIRE AND HEMLOCK. I am impressed with the use of nonsense characters in a darkly serious plot. A good metaphor for our world at this time. I am especially impressed with the talking griffins; they are mysterious creatures to get on with and to have them speaking lends even more mystery to them, at least to my thinking. I send you blessings for all your endeavors, whatever they may be!

From Dusty Jones What a thrill to find this website! I'm a grownup now (sort of) but I've been a fan of your books since I first began to find them in the 1970s. They've been unheard of in bookstores here in the US (or at least they used to be), although you could find Dogsbody, The Homeward Bounders, Charmed Life, Witch Week, Archer's Goon, and The Spellcoats (without the preceding books of that series, no less, which I didn't discover existed until the 1990s) were available in the public library. Ah...then one incredible day I ran across a mass-paper edition of Dogsbody with the most amazing cover depicting a green, glowing Sirius morphing into Leo. Now, I know Leo was white with red ears, but my own childhood dog was a rather uncanny black Labrador named Regulus (the brightest star in Leo as opposed to Sirius, the brightest star in Canis Major). So, when friends who've read the book (yeah, I force the more intelligent of my associates to read it--but they thank me later!) ask if "Reggie" was the model for Leo and whether I wrote the book under another, similar name (what a compliment!), I have to demur--but point them on to other of your books. I haven't been able to get my hands on all of them yet, but they're starting to appear (magically, I'm sure) on bookstore shelves in the Washington, DC area. I have more than a half- dozen copies of Dogsbody in various editions (including hardcover and paper from the UK, as well as a public library-bound volume from a local sale), which I purchased with the intention of giving them away, but I never can, and so have to find additional copies in editions I already own to use as gifts instead. Marvelous to hear about the "Howl" movie but annoying to hear about the delays, especially with the HP flicks being released one after another. No offense to Rowling, but I was amazed at all the excitement over those books when you had done it years ago and better. Enlightening adults are one thing, but one day I'm going to be arrested for sidling up to unattended children at Barnes and Noble and whispering, "Psst! Hey, kid! You wanna read something wonderful...?" Good luck with your back, and thanks for your terrific stories. After reading some of the discussion on this website, I must check out Chrestomanci now from an adult perspective...

From Claire Eliza Hi-- I really enjoy all the books you wrote. (Although, I can only speek of the ones I've read, which isn't quite all of the ones you've written.) Anyway, although I love the Chrestomanci series, the Dalemark Quartet was great and Eight Days of Luck is practlicly begging for a sequal, my favorite books and the ones that I would most like a sequal to are The Dark Lord of Derkholm and The Year of the Griffin. What's going on on the other side of the world? Is the griffin Lydda's marrying a likeable griffin? And what about Shona? What about her? These are all questions you could answer (in the wonderfuly funny and enjoyable way that you tell stories) in another book about the best (in my opinion) place you have come up with so far and the wonderful people you've put in it. Thank you for all the wonderful days I've spent reading!

From Rebecca To Ms. Diana Wynne Jones. I think my first ever message was very hasty and going straight into a question wasn't exactly very polite of me. I apologise. It wasn't until after I posted my message that I realised that you had suffered a serious injury and I do hope you get better. As I said before, you are an absolutely wonderful author and your Chrestomanci series is fantastic and imaginative and so well written. I envy your talent to come up with such ideas. I love to write but now I seem to be suffering from a serious writer's block that makes it difficult to come up with my own ideas so I end up writing fanfiction. I am currently working on two based on your Chrestomanci books - a proper story and its prequal - which are set after Carol Oneir's Hundreth Dream. You are my inspiration in my writing and I hope you continue to create wonderful books.

From Kriss Hello. First of all, I, of course, love your books. My absolute favorite is the Dalemark Quartet. I just recently finished the series and it seems that the way the fourth book ends, there should be another series. A second Quartet following the Dalemark Quartet. Or just another book, a special book, following The Crown Of Dalemark. I would love to know what happens to Mayelbridwen, Mitt, Kankredin and everyone else. Thanks. P.S. I just want to compliment you on the way you give your characters so much of their own personality. It's utterly magnificent!

From Uttara Hi Diana, Hope you are feeling better and your ribs aren't aching too much. I am now 25 but have been a fan since I was 12 and somebody in India (where I lived) found Charmed Life and gave it to me as a present. My boyfriend read a tattered copy of Charmed Life when he was eight in boarding school in India. We were only able to find and read your other books after coming to the UK to study. I know your fans place many demands on you. So please take this as a plea rather than a demand. Please, please write other Chrestomanci books and more to follow the Merlin Conspiracy. I've just finished the Merlin Cnnspiracy and think its one of your finest. Finally may I thank you for all the hours of pleasurabel reading you have provided us with?

From Maria Hi, Diana! I recently finished the Crown of Dalemark and I absolutely loved it! One of my favorite characters was Kialan and I wanted to know what happened with him especially after the Great Uprising??

From Theresa The first time I read your books was when my friend told me abot the Chrestomanci Chronicles. I have since then gone on to read several of your books, and the one I absolutley love is Year of the Griffen. I am begging you to write a sequel, since I am dying to know what happens next.

From Rebecca To Ms. Diana Wynne Jones. It's me, again. This is my third post. I was actually looking back on the old question and answer section and actually found the answers to alot of questions I would have asked myself, like whether or not there was a female Chrestomanci. I discovered that a lot of people seem to have a crush on either Howl or Chrestomanci. I don't. However, I do have a crush on one of your characters and that is Cat. I adore him. This is strange as I am definately older than him, being 14 and he must be younger than 12.

From Amy Congratulations on getting your book made into a Ghibli film--a Miyazaki one, no less! I'm sure many Japanese authors would just love to have Miyazaki make a movie for their books. Incidentally I am a Miyazaki fan and have also happened to have read your Howl's Moving Castle, and I must say that it's rather just like something Miyazaki would have come up with himself. Strange fantastical man, he is. Anyways, get better with your spine, and I wish you all sorts of luck with that movie. I'll bet you anything that it'll sit on top of the box office in Japan for a couple of weeks at least, just like Miyazaki's previous works always do. With any luck, maybe it'll win an Oscar too like Spirited Away did. Don't hold your breath, though. Americans are weird and there's no telling if they'll choose another silly Disney movie over a Miyazaki film.

From Corey In Year of the Griffin, I do not understand why Olga was so upset when Lukin "bought" Ruskin. Elda and the others seemed to know, but they would not tell him. THey told him to think about it. He did, and figured it out, but you never told us what made Olga so sad and mad. Can you tell me why?

From Alyra I've decided to risk disappointment by sending you a message. I have been reading, (and rereading) your books since age seven, and have loved every one. I particularly love Dlemark, for reasons I can't explain, and would really reallą love another book in Dalemark. Though ideas usually don't come just because you want them. I'm waiting eagerly for the next book by you, I hope it won't take too long. I would also really like an autograph, which isn't something I usually want, and I'm wondering if you are giving any particular talks or signings this year in England, or Wales? Thanks!

From FoxDemon Your Fantasy books have been some of the best I've read. After finishing the Merlin's Conspiracy I've got a few question. I was trying to convinced my mom this is the sequal to Deep Magic(One of my favorite books)and she didn't belive me until she got to Nick's part but she was surprised. In the whole book she never mentioned Marie Mallory! Why was that???? I hope life is well for her. Also the book ends leaving you wondering about Nick and Roddy... so does that mean you might write a another book about them?? Will Nick ever find his panther again and will he become the next Romanov? I don't mind if you don't answer # 2 and 3. One of your many fans out there FoxDemon

From Henrietta Hi, I'm a 12 year old girl from Australia. I wish to inform that "A Tale of Time City" wasn't on the booklist. I encourage you to put it on the booklist so that other children may get as much joy from reading this excellent book as I have. Best Regards Henrietta

From Sarah I really enjoyed reading the series of the Dalemark Quartet. I thought it was a wonderful series and when I finished it I was so sad because I wanted it to continue.It was such a great story.I tried to savor every word, but I ended up fininshing it. It was so inticing and so exciting and mysterious. I really got to know the characters;that's why I was facinated with it. Please, please write a fith book, because I want to know what happens.

From Miranda Hello! I would just like to say that I love all the books of yours I've read which include: Fire and Hemlock (which i just finnished today.. but i don't really understand the ending!!) Charmed life, the lives of christopher chant, the magicians of caprona (which i have sadly misplaced), witch week, Howl's moving castle, the time of the ghost, and mixed magics. I really hope you can write a sequel to charmed life! It was one of my favourites. And I was wondering... is Castle in the air a sequel to haowl's moving castle? i read the excerpt and it doesn't seem to relate at all! But I bet it's a great book and I'm planning on reading it soon. You're a great writer! Miranda

From Nancy Burn Hi, I've just finished Merlin Conspiracy, which was superb. So I really just wanted to say 'thank you' for writing such wonderful books. I started reading them when I was about 8ish and am now 29, and still check the shelves of book shops and libraries and rate them according to how many DWJ titles they have... I'm looking forward to my son being old enough to enjoy them for him self Please keep writing it's such a pleasure to read them! Thanks again

From Natalie Umm...this could be considered a question probably, but i was wondering if you would be writing a sequel to Year of the Griffin. I absolutely love that book and i really want to read more about Blade, Elda, Claudia, and Flury (and Kit too). The ending just makes the book seem so unfinished, and it keeps me craving more. Please write a sequel!

From Lawrence Pham You books are the so great...I wish there were more...I loved the Castle in the Air and Howl's Moving Castle...I only wish there was a sequel to the two.

From Sabrina Dear Miss Jones, I love the way you describe things in your stories. I thought of an idea that possibly, because of all the references to magic and mystery in your books, that you might be able to form an encyclopaedia of the worlds of chrestomanci or something.

From Katherine I loved your one book called The Merlin Conspiracy, it was great! I really think they should make a movie out of it or something, like Harry Potter. Well thanks for reading my message! Also, Do you think there will be a sequel to The Merlin Conspiracy?

From rahayu Dear Diana, i know you don't know me at all,but after reading ALL the books i feel like your my sister or something(im 13+ and live in malaysia).i have read all your books that i have at least 5 time each.i hope you'll never stop your work.love,ayu. p.s you are the best

From ? Your son is a very good English teacher! We love him to bits! I am sure that his natural talent for teaching English must've been highly influenced by you. P.S. Your books are fairy interesting :)

From Luana Hi Diana, I love your books! My fave is Drowned Ammet, I've read it so many times. My question is, how do you prefer to write beginnings to stories? I find it very hard to do so, and I'm stuck on a story because of it. Thank you very much, my friends and I are great fans of your books!

From Alexis I love your books!!!!!!! I don't think you've ever made a bad book though I havn't read them all. I'm going to be an author! Of young adult books! I'm making some books right now! Onesin a series and one I know is going to be great! I'm realy sirius about this! I can finish things that I start! And I am a dreamer! A daydreamer that is! I daydream about my books every minute I have free! And sometimes when I'm not soposed to! I live in a place where I can be alone in the wilderness on a lot of land with alot of animals! A perfect place to daydream! My family says I have a wonderfull way with words, though I can tell it doesn't show here! Like I said I love your books! And you have such a wonderful writing stile! Better than J.K Rowling's! I love it when it's been a while in a book and the author says what the person looks like without saying the persons name! I don't know why but I do! And I hate it when people BEAM in books. I realy don't know why. I sometimes love alot of details but there is such thing as to much detail. But I like it when authors don't explain about everything all at a time and let it flow out till you know it! I have a real apreciation for beautiful words, and can notice when a word is ugly and I would replace it with a beautiful word! This is a pretty long message so I'm going to end it now! Chao for now!

From Lauren I really love your books and there originality. I know that we are not supposed to ask questions so if I do not get an answer I will not be dissapointed in any way. I was on EBay and I saw that they were selling a book called Wizard's castle, supposedly a new book by you! When I checked Amazon.com and the Harper Collins site I could find no trace of this book. I just wanted to let you know in case someone was stealing your writings ahead of time. P.S. You are the person who inspired me to try to get into St.Anne's college of Oxford..Thanks!!

From Dani Hi Diana, Last week I got chicken pox... and you know... I was stuck in bed for the next few weeks! So I decided to read The Worlds Of Chrestomanci series. As soon as I started Charmed Life I couldn't put it down. I just finished Mixed Magics and wanted to thank you for writing those books! If I didn't have them to read I don't know what I would have done all week! So thanks again! I haven't read any of your other books yet but I'm defiantly going to start them straight away! I think your books are the best ever!!!!!!! Your biggest fan, Dani

From nemk Dear Diana, When I was 12 years old, my friend recommended 'The Lives of Christopher Chant' to me. Having read it and loved it I was desperate for more but it took me about 2 years to find the other books in the series. I can't think why it was so difficult. Once I found them I wasted no time but bought them all and read them straight away. I've been hooked on your books ever since. My favourites being 'Howl's moving castle' and the Chrestomanci series partly due to the fact that i haboured a secret crush for the leading men! I bought 'The Merlin Conspiracy' in the summer and thought it was fantastic. I later found a copy of 'Dark Secret' so that I could read about Nick's history and understand all the references made in 'The Merlin Conspiracy'. I realised the ending of 'Dark Secret' suggested that there might be a sequel to finish Nick's story, which of course was 'The Merlin Conspiracy'. The ending of 'The Merlin Conspiracy' also seems to me to hint that his story is not quite finished and so to finally get to my question: I was wondering if there is going to be another book about Nick and Roddy. If so I can't wait for the next installment. Thank you, nemk

From Zoe Dear Diana - I don't know if you'll get around to reading this, but I felt I needed to write and tell you how much you and your work have inspired me. I'm in my early twenties now, and I've just finished my first story. A publisher solicited it recently (your current publisher, as a matter of fact!) and they're considering it. Fingers crossed! I'm working on my second one at the moment and it's going well. I have so many of your books and I love them - I've read them so many times and they often help me see things in a different way that helps me to work something out. Thank you for helping me get through some difficult times in my life.

From Adam Thoume Hi, I first started reading your books when I was about 14 and they just blew me away! They helped me get through a difficult time in my life, both by offering a way to escape and by seeing how your characters dealt with situations they got into. I'm now 20, and I look forward eagerly to any new books written by you (or recommended by you, or even remotely connected to you in any way!). Anyway, I just thought I'd write you a quick note to wish you well and ask you to keep up the good work. I think my favourite book/series (so far) is probably The Ogre Downstairs or the Dalemark Quartet, although it is very hard to choose a favourite when I love practically everything you've ever had published. Wow, this message got a bit longer than I expected... if you read this, thank you for taking the time out of your hectic schedule - how do you fit everything in?! Luck ship and shore :-) -Adam

From sophie Dear Diana, For a while, I would read the book list on this site and moan about my local Barnes and Noble not carrying them. Guess what? The last time I was there, my friend made me look in the childrens section for a book. All the books I had been longing to read for a year were there!!! I got so angry and complained to the manager about not keeping all the books by the same author in one place. The Ogre Downstairs and Aunt Maria certainly look like "Young Adult Fiction" dont you think? Oh well, Im done with my rant now. On another happier note, I love your books! Im sure you hear that all the time, but its true! I cant wait for the Howls Moving Castle movie to come out. I hope they show it in Austin, TX, which is where I live. My friend Sami (who introduced me to your wonderful books) are going to go see it together. I just hope they dont mangle it, like many books are when made into movies. Well, I will stop bothering you now, and I hope you write many more books! xoxo, Sophie p.s. I think a good place that you would find a "spark" for a new book would be where they had that fairy thing....aargh...Ive forgotten the name. There was a movie about it and these girls took photos of fairys, which really turned out to be a hoax. GAH. I hate hate HATE forgetting things! Especially since I just know that as soon as I click "Send to Message Board" I will remember again. Oh well, maybe you will find sense in my ramblings and know what I'm talking about.

From E. Sharp Can you please, please, please create another Griffin book (series of Dark Lord of Derkholm, and Year of the Griffin). You left me hanging, and I've been a fan for a while. Thanks

From Guinevive I sure hope you're quite on your way to getting well.I've been writing and writing, but I've had to make time for my friends and band.Unfortunately we're not having great progress on any songs at the moment, but we're getting somewhere...not really, but that's ok.I'm still in my second chapter of my book, hard times bring much homework, so I've been working on it best as I can.I can't wait until you're recovered from the sickness, and I will always have your books near me.(They sit next to me where ever I go, basically)

From Sarah May you please write another Dalemark Quartet series. i cried at the end of the book.

From Helen Aver Dear Mrs Wynne-Jones, I just wanted to leave you a brief message, thanking you for all the pleasure your books have given me over the years. When I've had a terrible day, I can always end it sweetly by relaxing with Charmed Life, or The Magicians of Caprona, or whichever volume looks good to me at the time. Congratulations on The Chrestomanci Conspiracy- a fantastic book, and nice and long, too. Thanks again, Yours, helen aver

From Maire Smith Dear Diana I am writing to tell you what you hopefully already know, which is that your books are wonderful. I was first read "The Ogre Downstairs" as a child, sitting by a riverbank in the misty Urewera hills (New Zealand). I found you again at 13, with "Eight Days of Luke" (still one of the coolest books I have ever read) - my first introduction to playing "spot the myth" in a book. I'm now 29, and, on average, I reread one of your books every couple of weeks. I have made friends with people over shared enjoyment of your work - especially the Dalemark books, and the more difficult to read, but rewarding, "Time of the Ghost", "Hexwood", and "Fire and Hemlock". I am also writing to say thank you. Thank you for the work you have done in developing your ideas into such complex, compassionate, and, above all, enjoyable stories. You've cheered me up when I was unhappy, and you've given me company when I was lonely. Thank you. Maire PS Your bulletin notes that you don't read your own works for relaxation - have you discovered "The Stones Are Hatching" by Geraldine McCaughrean? It's good. PPS Please note that this message does not request or expect a reply. I know you get lots and lots of messages. I just want to make sure you know what you have done. PPPS I loved "The Merlin Conspiracy".

From cathy i just wanted you to know how much i have enjoyed reading your books. I am 53 and have just discovered you. Your sence of humor is wonderful and very creative. Thanks for your books and keep writing!

From Alex I'm a "new comer" when it comes to your works. To tell you the truth, I'm in the middle of reading Howl's Moving Castle, and I'm loving it! You see, i'm a huge Hayao Miyazaki fan, and I was inspired to read the book when I heard about his next film. The questions I have actually deal with the comming movie. I understand that you would have had to talk with Miyazaki, and I was wondering if you could give some heads up. What changes will he be doing to the story? Does he hold to your orrigional piece? And if there are any extra random info that you're allowed to give would be greate. I am really enjoying you're story "Howl's Moving Castle", and I will definately read more of your works. P.S. I represent a Club at my school that is dedicated to Studio Ghibli. Thats why I asked the questions. So that I could give the members small tid-bits of info on the movie.

From Kerri K I have been reading your books for years and recommend them to everyone (since I was a kid, and I'm 30 now). First, I want to thank you for writing such wonderful stories for us to enjoy. I wanted to share your books with my husband, but unfortunately he is visually impaired and can only read audio books. I was disappointed to find that very few of the books are available in that format, and those are abridged. I realize you may not have much control over this, but I'd like to encourage your publishers to release unabridged audiobooks of all your books so everyone can enjoy them, no matter what their abilities. I have gone to audible.com, which is where he downloads many of his audio books, and requested your books to be available from their site. I hope in the future they are available in all formats. Looking forward to the next book! Take care, Kerri K

From Leah I really like the Howl and Sophie books but I disagree with everyone saying you should write further books that take place directly after Castle in the Air. If you would write some more about them, what I would enjoy is if you wrote something about Morgan maybe as an older child or if you explained Howl's earlier life, how did he get to the other world anywy? Anyway, I hope you consider my request, I'd really be grateful.

From Neal I've always loved Diana's books. Recently on a Wiccan Message board we had a moan about Harry Potter taking over the universe and the fact that try as might dangle other books in front of our children they all wanted to read Potter. I asked my daughter why this is and apparently it is because (a)everyone else in school is reading them (b)they are cool (presumably because everyone else in school is reading them!) Ho hum! Anyway, back to the messageboard. Someone suggested that we should suggest books that we thought were better than Potter. Almost overwhelmingly everyone suggested Diana Wynne Jones. Which just goes to show that Wiccans and Witches love her even though she did create that darn Chrestomanci to make sure we don't get out of hand! I've dug out all my old copies and I'm going to read them to my daughter. Hopefully I will win a convert from the rabid potter camp. much love Neal x

From Emilie The Merlin Conspiracy is a great book! I read it in 1 day! I've read all you're books and you're my favorite author! I've read Philip Pullman but he isn't nearly as good! ALL YOUR BOOK ARE AWESOME!!!

From Paul Dear Diana, I thought you might be interested to know that I actually spotted a copy of Howl's Moving Castle at a convenience store here in Tokyo (Japanese Translation of course). It was a chain that has a tie-up deal with Studio Ghibli so I suppose the presence of the book there wasn't so surprising (Although it was one more convenience store than I've ever a Harry Potter book in ;) ). However since the announcement of the movie, your books, previously unobtainable, are now all over the place. So what ever the creative outcome of the movie it looks like you will have a bumper crop of new Japanese fans, and I hope that we will get to see you out here sometime. Thank you very much for all of your wonderful works, and my best wishes for success and satisfaction in the writing of future ones, Yours Sincerely, Paul Barnier P.S. I have seen one "shot" from the Howl film as displayed on the 2004 Studio Ghibli Calendar now on sale and yes the scenery does look a lot like Alsace Lorraine.

From Lizzy I know u cannot reply to every user individualy Diana but i just wrote to say i love ur books... they r very imaginative and i think they are, in a way, too good coz i chose them ova my homework - i hope u cud rite a second book to the merlin conspiracy coz thats a great book luv lizzyx

From Monique S Hi Diana! I've only read one of the books you've writen (how'ls moving castle) and i wanted to tell you that it was awsome!!! I'm not the type of girl who usually reads books and likes them. I'd much rather spend my time shopping or talking on the phone but when I read your book it was so awsome I couldnt put it down. Even my teacher asked me about the book I was reading because I didnt even notice I was reading while the rest of the class was doing socials! my friends were all so surprised that I was acually reading without being forced by my teacher or my parents and it also inspired me to write and now im getting a b+ instead of a c in english and writing. You write in a way that engages the reader and takes them into a whole different world were anything is possible and their imagination can run wild. I love that. Thanks so much for teaching me that reading isnt bad at all! *~*Monique S.*~*

From Nozomi ... I Love your Chrestomanci books!!! I just hope there were more!!! They are so fascinating and I love the idea of the Chrestomanci and the multiple worlds and how some people have all those hidden talents and powers!! I read through them so fast! They are so good! ...:need more Chrestomanci books:...

From Catherine ......THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!x Infinity

From ? I LOVE your books! I enjoyed Dark Lord of Derkholm the best! It was also the first one I read. I didn't particularly enjoy Howl's Moving Castle but maybe I should try reading it again. I thoroughly enjoy reading your books and hope that the authors of this next generation are half as good as you!

From Ahmed Omar I would like to know if see has any information about the release date of the animated version of Howl's Moving Castle outside of Japan because I have read that it will be shown in Canada.

From jessica i started reading your books two or one or maybe three years ago i love time of the ghost and fire and hemlock i don't care if you don't replie to this message. fire and hemlock i just finished reading it to day and i was thinking what happen nexts or what happen to tom and polly it would be fun to know. it would start right after tom said now, that is impossible in fire and hemlock sort of like a sequel i guess and did they go to polly's granny's house just as polly was thinking to that could be the sequel or should i say Continuation off the end of the story. i was thinking to read it a second time and then i thought i'll send you a message and then read it a second time. yours sincerely, jessica

From Julie Dear Diana-- I have been reading your books since I was 10; I am now 26. The first book I read was "Witch Week". In addition to being captivated by the fantasy element (which I loved as a child), I also have to say how funny I found the characters and dialogue to be. I think the humor of your books is partly why I enjoy rereading them so much. In one interview of yours that I read you mention that Americans don't tend to find "The Ogre Downstairs" very funny--it's a book that I (and all the family members I've recommended it to) find very, very, very funny. Yes, we are American! I read quite a bit, and have read lots of fantasy books--I wonder if you have any favorite authors you enjoy or would recommend? I'm also curious if you have read the Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper, a vastly different type of fantasy --much more serious--and if so, what you think of it. I would list many of your books, especially "Howl's Moving Castle" and the Chrestomanci books (of course) as some of my all time favorites. (On my top ten list of favorite authors, you rank there along with other female authors such as George Eliot, the Bronte sisters, and Edith Wharton--you see I enjoy a variety of genres!) All the best, and hoping you write many more fun novels--Julie from Baltimore, Maryland

From Yael I have read almost all of your books and I was wondering whether you are going to write a sequel to Archers Goon. I am 12 yrs old and I have all the Crestomanci books, Howl's Moving Castle, The Merlin Conspiracy and Dogsbody(my favourite).

From Luci I. Dear Ms. Jones, you are a genius. I just finished reading Hexwood, a moment ago, and I was compelled to go to my computer and find some sort of fansite or e-mail address so that I could tell you that this book is magical, not just the story, but the composition of it. I love all of your books; those that I have read so far, anyway. I first discovered them in the States, where I read about Chrestomanci in the public library, and since I moved to London five months ago, I have been thrilled to discover a treasure trove of your books in my school library. Sadly, I'm almost finished with them; I hope to find more somewhere else. I've read the Dalemark quartet, and Howl's moving castle, and Witch Week and Castle in the Air and the Chronicles of Chrestomanci 1 & 2, and Dogsbody and The Lives of Christopher Chant and . . . But I wanted to tell you about Hexwood. I started the book thinking I would not like it; I think the cover is kind of tacky and the beginning of the story was completely confusing. I struggled all day yesterday trying to read between classes while keeping all the parts straight in my head. But as each chapter unfolded, more and more pieces fit together and I started to understand what was going on and I loved it! The ending brought every loose, disconnected end together and matched it up with all the others to paint a picture every bit as vivid and delightful as your other stories. Even halfway through, I could never have guessed the outcome, but in retrospect, I can see exactly all the details that led up to the ending and berate myself for not seeing who was who sooner. I cannot imagine how you could take such a perfect, clear plot and distort it as well as you did at the beginning, giving nothing away but drawing the reader further and further in with every line, so that the book becomes even more amazing because it was so confused at the beginning. I feel like a character, as lost in the Bannus and the Wood as anyone else. This is a masterful, magical book and it will be my favorite for a long, long time.

From Roy Dear Diana, I think you are a great author,because I'm reading one of your books. I'm in the 5th grade.I'm 10 years old. I live in Perkensville.I hope you make another book.Here's an idea,"Slaying Dragons".

From Lucesi Books, books, books. I've read many books but you, Tamora Pierce, Robert Jordan and Garth Nix remain my absolute favorites. I hope that you continue to write and fill my imagination with many new hopes and dreams. Arigato.

From Matt S Do u know in Shrek 2 theres a character called puss in boots?

From lisa As an long time fan of fantasy novels i have to rate your book "the merlin conspiracy" in my top ten, which includes the lord of the rings and ann mc caffreys "heavan and hive"books. I have to admit it is the first of your books i have read but i will be going on to read more of them. I have 2 young boys (8&4) who are in to harry potter, my 8 year old has just started your book after i raved about it so much. he is really enjoying it. I would just like to say what a great book, i will be advizing all my friends to read it. and i hope there is going to be more books about these people and this theme.

From AMY OR COLLEEN I hope that you had a happy new yaer! I was reading your book THE WORDS OF CHRISTOMANCI. It was very interesting and I'm doing a book talk on it. I love your books, I would like to read them all. \ I HOPE TO TALK TO YOU ANOTHER TIME! I also hope that you came write to me sooner or later. BYE FOR NOW!

From Christabel To Diana, I really love your books,except from the fact that I don't know if there is a sequel to Year of The Griffin.Is there one?Ooops,I'm not supposed to ask questions,am I? Sorry.I think you are a truly AMAZING author,and please never stop writing.I think that my favourite is probably The Dark Lord of Derkholm. Hope your spine gets better. Christabel, 10

From Christabel To Diana, sorry I am writing again,but my last letter was quite short,so I decided to write again.My first ambition in life is to become a fashion designer, and I get loads of ideas from your books. I have decided to use the dress Mara is wearing on the front cover of The Dark Lord Of Derkholm (hardback) as the base for my next dress design. In The Dark Lord,I like the way that when Derk is under pressure,he calms himself down by thinking of more animals to invent.I thought the idea of vegetarion eagles with pouches for messages was really interesting. From Christabel, 10

From Leah If you read this Diana, I have an idea for you. If you are planning to do a third Howl book, you could do it from the point of view of Valerie. It would be very interesting that way. I love your books.

From Sam 'Wolf Tooth' I've got an idea for a Howl's sequal. A sorserer named Erick (do you like that name, I like it;) invades Howl's home and Wales for killing the 'woman he loved, but never loved him.' Were talking about the Which of the Waist of corse. Howl's sister discovers that he's a wizzer from another world ("So what are you going to do about it, tell mum on me!" I can see Howl saying it). And the most hororing part of the sory, Fanny always coming over to barge into Howl's, Sophie's personal lives ("When are you going to make me a grand mother?", *shivers*, in-laws). It's just a sudgeshten

From Dana Dear Mrs. Jones, I have been researching for a short story author project, and, after reading several of your stories and novels, have decided to research and write about you. What would you say is the most life-changing experience in your entire life? Just a question from an avid reader and huge fan. Thank you very much, Dana

From anonymous i find your books unappealing.. you should put more feelings into them some of your books don't get to the point therefore making it rather boring and not interesting. Some of your books maybe should relate to real life situations and not all fantasy so that people may relate to the books. Maybe you should take time off to think about your books, and what to write. I hope I am not offending you in anyway..I'm just trying to give you helpful tips. And don't get me wrong I do like reading your books. anonymous

From Laura Diana Wynne Jones, you are awesome beyond all reckoning, and I am so pleased to see that you have evoked the same extreme emotions and joy in others that you have in me. Your stories are the closest fiction I've ever found to the dreams I have, which I wake from in tears at losing my 'hardened team of assassins who met along the route'-type companions! It's brilliant to have someone articulate my personal fantasies so perfectly. Thank you. I wish I could return the joy! Now I realise this isn't a questions for Diana page so I was wondering if anyone reading this could help me. I have read the Crown of Dalemark time and time again for the last 8 years or so, and it is one of my favourites [the others being Drowned Ammet, Fire and Hemlock and Hexwood...and maybe a Tale of Time City]. >>>However I *still* don't understand the end message Maewen gets from Mitt via Wend, when he asks Maewen to 'make it 4 years, not 2, to allow for inflation' - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?? I know I'm probably being really dense here but I need to know! Please get in touch if you can explain! Love and Peace Laura [19 year old lady of London UK]

From H. Mahon Dear Ms. Jones: I do not, unfortunately, have time to read through all the posted emails to discover if what I want to say has already been said, so I apologize if that is the case. 1) My humble thanks for innumerable beguiling hours of reading pleasure! Itās always a joy to settle down with a book by an author who combines imagination, a sense of humor, clever plotting, deft characterization and mastery of the language (the latter being the most difficult to come by, for some reason). And, most of your books are eminently re-readable ö the epitome of good writing. I hope your books are as rewarding to you as they are to me (although I expect you are vastly under-compensated; I do try to help by giving your books as presents). 2) I would like to read some more about a couple of your intriguing worlds. Might you consider writing another book about Tod, Josh and Philo (and perhaps Marcus, if heās old enough to talk clearly)? I dimly perceive some mystery and adventure surrounding them. Surely the problems caused by all those alien ideas werenāt instantly cured by the banishment of the ex-High Head? There must have been a need for some mop-up operations. And Josh and Philo needed to learn to use their own talents, didnāt they? Not to mention Todās problem · I would also like VERY MUCH to read more about Derkās people: Iāve been wondering what will happen when an unrepentant Mr. Chesney gets free and seeks his revenge ö and has to be defeated by his great-grandchildren. (I keep working out the genealogies in lieu of counting sheep: the son of King Lukin marries the daughter of Blade, and the son of Emperor Titus weds the daughter of Shona, and the son of Reville [King of Thieves] marries the daughter of King Lukin ö and so on!) 3) In case these are read by publishers: I am trying to find a copy of ćA Sudden Wild Magic,ä which I read on Interlibrary Loan. I have been told it is out of print (in the U.S.), but perhaps a new paperback edition is being considered · Iāll continue to eagerly await your forthcoming books ö whatever they may be. And thank you again!

From Claire Frewin shameless flattery though it may be but i've been reading your books since i was a small child of seven and i still am of the opinion yon write better books then most other childrens authors; i felt like i was passing on great words of wisdom when i gave my friends 8 year old brother one of the Chrestomanci books for Christmas!

From Katie I absolutly LOVE your books! They are so inspiring and original! You are my favorite author and inspire me to write books of my own. I have ideas but they are hard to complete on paper. With so many succesful books you inspire me to be the best I can be. I heard there will be a movie on Howl's Moving Castle (great book). I am 15 and very interested in becoming an acress and/or author. Is there any way an ordinary girl like me can get a part in a movie of one of your wonderful books? Mabe you could have an add put on the fan site for people to send in entries and the people who seem most qualified get chosen. I want to be in a movie of any of your wonderful books, but have no idea on how to go about doing that.

From Ashly First i wanna say how much i like your books but i was very curious in the last book of the dalemark quartet mitt leaves a message for maewen wait 4 years instead of 2 can you please explain this to me

From Zara Moorman Hi, I was just writing to say a hearty thanks! It's all your fault that I started to read. If I hadn't had to do a book report, hadn't seen the Chronicles of Chrestomanci, and if it hadn't been so good, then I would still be a boring old normal person THANK YOU! I never read much until that fateful happening and I have your writings to thank for it. Now I read more than anything else and I own quite a few of your books (though not nearly as many as I want to!) and I am always on the search for more. The way you write has made me adapt to differnt types and levels of thinking. I can honestly say that I am more open minded now. I just can't thank you enough. I have gone on and read at least a million books since then and even scrawled a few short stories. I have to admit that my constant reading gets me into trouble a lot because it is my first priority at times. I just finished reading the Dalemark Quartet and WOW! I love it, can't wait to start it again. The Crown of Dalemark is my favorite. I want to say thank you(again!) for having a character named Zara in The Spellcoats, though I didn't enjoy her particualy! I have never heard of anyone other than myself with that name. The Merlin Conspiracy was so suspensful! I was practically jigging in my seat the entire time! I will leave you here since I know you have many many a great load of fans! Please keep writing!You're an inspiration to us all. A devoted reader, Zara Moorman

Read another group of messages or send a message