From ? Hi- I haven't read enough of your books, but you are already on my favourite authors list (consider yourself in brilliant company; there are only 5 other authors on this list- Annie Dalton, Gordon Korman, Anne Fine, P.G. Wodehouse and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). I've read Howl's Moving Castle about 20 times and I'm in absolute agony because my local library only has a few of your books! I'm about to read Power of Three for the 1st time, and I hope it like it as much as your other books. Please continue writing so I can continue reading:) It's your books that brought me back to reading after a few years of hiarus during my first years of high school. Now I'm reading hourly for HSC relief and I'm amazingly grateful that there are books of such quality as yours for me to read. And I can enjoy them without being a kid (so can my mum;) Thanks a lot, A grateful reader

From Ben, the same guy who sent you about DLD, age 10 since 3/4 I just finished The Lives of Christopher Chant, and I read the questions about it. I haven't read Charmed Life, but I had a sneaking suspicion that there was going to be a boy - girl thing beetween Christopher and Millie anyway. So I just wanted to say, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write the book filling the twenty-five years beetween The Lives of Christopher Chant and Charmed Life. P.S. I must say, it's ridiculous how all grownups are all over the Harry Potter books but when I ask, 'Have you ever read Diana Wynne Jones?' and they say something like 'Hmm, never heard of her. Does she write books like JK Rowling?' No disrespect to Ms Rowling who still wrote a wonderful series, even thouh they are overappreciated P.S.S. HOW THE HECK COULD YOU SAY THE LORD OF THE RINGS MOVIE WAS DIRE? Sorry, I wasn't trying to be snappy, but it was the best movie I have ever seen (not counting the forthcoming Howl movie).

From Donna I love your book Castle in the Air. And I hope you feel better. But if you would please send me any information about yourself I would really appreciate it.

From Matthew Will you be making a new Chrestomanci? How many books have you written? If possible, could you e-mail me? I have nearly read ten of your books and I am determined to read all of your books. Give to Dianna Wynne Jones.

From Luke Dear diana my favorite book of yours is witchweek.will you please write another book where witchcraft is illegal?well iam starting a book called "bonfires in november"where this little girl finds out she has nine lives and can cast spells.

From anjule Hello, I can't believe it took me this long to find your website as I have been a huge fan of your since I was 11 (22 now) I just want to say two things, one is thank you for writting such WONDERFUL books! they are FANTASTIC & two is, I am quite curious to see the howls moving castle movie, although I must say I am dissapointed as I was hoping they would make a real movie out of it (I was also hoping that I could be cast in it & play oppisite howl (I have always had a little thing for him :-) might I recomend stuart townsend for the part? okay okay , I think I should be quiet now ....he he thanks again for all the books :-)

From Sarah Hi, I'm Sarah. I love your books. One of my favorites is The Crown of Dalemark. I tried to convince my best friend to read them, but she just doesn't know how good they are.

From Maria C. Hi diana, i would really like to know if you will be writing a book that explains what happens between the end of The Lives of Christopher chant and before Charmed life? And if you are writing it currently when will it be in the shops? My favorite book so far is The Lives of Christopher Chant. I think you should do a poll to see who liked which book best. pleassssssseee reply.

From Polly Dear Ms. Jones! I'm a 22-year-old girl from Finland and I want to tell you that I love so much your book "Fire and Hemlock". It's my all time favourite book (and I have read many books:). I always recommend it to everybody who is willing to listen to me. :) There's some kind of magic in that book. It really touches my heart and have brought a lot of joy to me through the years. Before last autumn I had always borrowed the book from a library when I wanted to read it. I suppose that they have taken only one edition of it here in Finland, so usually we can't find it in bookstores. Anyway, I had searched it for myself many times but I never managed (before last autumn). Last autumn I moved to a new town and started to study in university. I had lived here a couple of days when I happened to find a small shop where they sold used books. Because I love books, I walked in. And guess what? Fire and Hemlock was there, as if it had been there for a long time, just waiting for me! Now it's my treasure. I can never thank you enough, Ms. Jones! I have a little wish to other bookworms: if some of you who happen to read this message, also love "Fire and Hemlock", please send an email message to Polly. It would be lovely to discuss the book and all of its wonderful characters with someone. I'm a busy student but there's always time for a good discussion. :)

From John Mozdiak You have an exceptionally fertile imagination which careers along in a headlong, childlike way, full of breathtaking energy and verve, but your best books (Ogre Downstairs, Archer's Goon, Dogsbody) have real shape and structure - they afford me the thrill of invention combined with satisfactorily shaped ideas. Not just a ride but getting somewhere as well. That's what I like best. Or is it possible that your books mimic the chaotic "structure" of life?

From Mia Hi, my name is mia and i'm twelve years old. I read The Chrestomanci volumes and lOVED them. I thoroughly enjoyed Charmed Life and I fell in love with your strong characters in every book of yours that i have read do far. I also liked Dark Lord of Derholm. The problem is that its sooooooooooooo hard to find since i live in u.s.a.

From Hayley Hi Diana! For my birthday, i got all of the Chrestomanci series! I'm reading The lives of Christopher Chant, and next I will read mixed magics! I loved Charmed Life, because it was really good, I really like Chrestomanci in that one. The one i read after Charmed Life, was The magicians of Caprona, which was really good too, I've just finished Witch Week, which was really good, but i didn't like it as much as the first two because it didn't have much Chrestomanci in it, but I did enjoy it. The lives of Christopher Chant is Good so far, but knowing how good the other books are, I'm sure this will be good all the way through. The other day was world book day, and I bought the special Chrestomanci book as soon as I got my £1 token. I will read that book after Mixed Magics. I don't know whether you reply to these messages, but I just wanted to tell you how much I love your books! Lots of love Your biggest fan Hayley Cox. P.S I think Chrestomanci is a lot better than Harry Potter.

From ~Brittany~ Hello Diana! I've read just about all your books and I love them all!! Though I have to say that the Dalemark Quartet is my favorite!! Especially the 4th book! I love it!! However, I was just curious to know if you were going to wright a fifth book to that series. I know what I want to happen but I suppose that seeing it written down just makes it more exciting. I want to know if Maewen actually saw Correnth back at her home town when she got off the train or if her and Mitt (excuse me Amil) ever got together and what happened in the mean time? I know I ask a lot of questions but I guess thats what happens when you have only one other friend thats into the same author as you : )! I love fantisy and I wish that the places I go to in my imagination were real, though they are real to me,I guess. some day I hope to write a story, a novel for say. I'm in the middle (not actually the middle but go with me here) of one right now though only on the third chapter but it's comming along. Yet, if you are planning to or the thought just came to you to write anothe book to that series let me know becuase I'm sure I'll be the first to put one on hold at my near by book store. Just incase you're wondering Ii'm 15, alost 16. I know some poeple think that fantisy is a thing for children, however, I find it harder as I grow up to forget it because my imagination is what makes me who I am today. I wouldn't have it any other way either. Maybe someday I'll be like you and have a whole list of books I've written and maybe not. My stories may forever remaine on my laptop. Well thanks for your time.

From Sarah Dear Diana, Thank you for writing your books. I've read them all so many times that my copies are tattered and yet, even when I buy a newer copy, I can't get rid of the old ones that I've loved so much. Very few books stand up to many readings the way yours do. I really can't thank you enough or properly tell you what these people and worlds that you have written mean to me. They are old friends and as real to me as anything in this world. You are a wonderful person and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My best wishes for your recovery. Love, Sarah

From sabrina hello! gosh i heard about the howl's moving castle thing and i was amazed! i saw about that in a book store. I live in japan and it said things about it. I also told my friend that your books were great and that she should buy it . I really love the chrestomanci books, and the fourth book of the dalemark quartet. they are really great! well, i wanted to ask who is doing the animating thing? I really would love it if the chrestomanci books will become a movie(not animated but a real person doing it).

From Monica A friend of mine sent me "Howl's Moving Castle" with a glowing recommendation. I'm now halfway done, and I adore it. I can't wait to read more of your books and I just wanted to say that your imagination and skill are wonderful!

From Alex Hi! I live in Brisbane, Australia. I like your autobiography. I quite pleased to find I'm not the only person living in a crazy world. I've never understood it at all, and when I was in primary school I used to do mad things like dancing on the school roof, because I wasn't supposed to and nobody else did it. I write lots of stories at home, and my family loves them. I want to be a writer when I grow up, if I ever grow up. I don't think I will, because I'm in high school now and I still do wacky things. I was also very smug to learn you never plan your stories. Teachers always insist on it, and I've always thought it was very stupid. I love your books. I have read lots and lots, and own lots and lots. I like the fact everything is crazy in them and upside down, while being logical. I hate authors who write true to life. It's so boring. If I wanted to read true life I would read national geographic. I do read national geographic, but not when I'm reading fiction. I know this probably sounds vey higgledy piggledy and dazzy, but that seems to be the way my mind works. It is very disorganised, all over the place, and absent minded. For example, I can easily remember that the Irish Potato Famine was from 1845-1847, but can't remember useful things like homework and multiplication tables. Anyhow, I have to go, but will come back later. Bye!

From Sarah DI just raed my first book by you - "Castle in the Air" and I LOVED it. I love to read and have now discoverd a FANTASTIC new author. from Sarah age 11 1/2

From Ali Hi. I know that you hear this all the time but aI really do love your books. My best one is Howls moving castle. I heard there is going to be a film of it but that it's not going to be shown in the UK. Why not? I really want to see it and am very upset. By the way I found your writing hints very helpfull. Thanks.

From Nina I've loved your books forever it seems, although I'm only twenty, so maybe not that long. I started with Howl's Moving Castle and Time of the Ghost, moved on to Chrestomanci and my favourites Fire and Hemlock and Hexwood and now I read the ones I find in the fantasy section every so often. Whenever I feel depressed or ill I read one of your stories so I suppose actually I want to thank you for writing things that make me feel happy. Thanks, Nina

From Katelind Ms.Jones, I'll try and make this a short letter.My mom out of the blue gave me ur book(Howl's Moving Castle)and every day it seams i'm going back 2 reading it.I got my best friends hanging on it's every word when I had first finished reading it.My friend Emily has gone on 2 other books you have written,but I want to know if you'll do a second Howl/sophie book?That would be the best.

From Heather Hello Diana, would it be possible, one day to see a map of Dalemark? A thumbnail sketch would do!

From J-Kid Dear Diana, I love your books! I have been reading ever since I found "Charmed Life". I especially like your newest book for adults, but I have just read "Empty Crown" by Rosmary Edghill and noticed quite a few similarities-- Jeleila/Jassandura, the con, Rob/Mac, Beth/Maree, the Babylon rhyme . . . (By the way, who really wrote that?) I can't wait until the next book! I keep looking in the children's section to see if they've republished any of your old ones. I still have not found "Power of Three", which I will devour when I finally find it.

From Shawn L. Landreth Mrs. Jones, Sorry to hear that you are dow with your back. Hope you get better soon. Be praying for you. I just heard about the movie of Howel's Moving Castle coming out next year. Let me ask, will it be coming to the states? Hope so very much. Hope you get to feeling well.

From Jon Weather I have read the "Year of the Griffin." I think it is very fascinatng! I am wondering if a thrid book is coming out. If so , can you e-mail me.

From Alex Last night I had a very strange dream. I was in a wood, and I met this servant person. As I had nothing to do, I offered to help him. He asked if I could go wake up his employer, who was asleep in a tent. So I went, just as wizard Howl stepped from it. He stopped dead, a look of horror on his face. "Oh no! Not you!" he said, because we'd met on a previous adventure. "Yes, it's me!" I told him happily. Just then the servant came along, and Howl gave him a tongue-lashing for letting me near him. In the end, I went on the adventure, and we annoyed each other to bits! Date: 15th April, 2002

From Sam Hello. I Hope you're back's better? I just wanted to say thanks for all the pleasure your books have given me over the years. I've been reading them avidly since I was quite small, I'm now 26, and I still enjoy re-reading them. I really like the way myths/legends are entwined in so many of your stories. (Though she wasn't a myth, I like Fenella in Time of the Ghost!) Are there any new stories on their way?

From Charlotte Hi! I've just been rediscovering your books, and then searching the internet for more stuff to fuel my newfound Diana Wynne Jones obsession. I must have read some of them when I was younger, but didn't appreciate them properly then. What stikes me most about them is the way you understand how children think (like in LoCC, when Christopher assumes his mother wants him to be a missionary), and that your characters are likeable and flawed at the same time. Also, your use of magic seems so much more original than in Harry Potter, say (despite my love of that series, none of the magical things in it are as memorable as the toffee bars coming alive in 'The Ogre Downstairs'). Some bits of your books have made me literally cry with laughter, earning me strange looks from members of the public when this happened on public transport. However, if I fail my AS levels, it'll all be your fault. :) I was going to revise yesterday, but then I got sucked into 'Howl's Moving Castle, after promising myself I'd only read one chapter. (By the way, is it actually possible to read that book as a female of my age and *not* fall for Howl?) But thank you anyway.

From brie you are a very good author...i had to say that...the only book I've read so far of yours is HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE and i fell in love with the book when i read it and finished i was soo happy that it ended that way and i had to read it again. the second time i read it all the things i didnt understand made sense perfectly and you wrote it so well that everything fit in the way it should...but i have a question...um i want to read CASTLE IN THE AIR...and i know its the sequal but does it have howl and sophie in it? Sincerly, brie

From matty i've always been obsessed by books. when i was eleven i was looking for something to read in my school library and my friend recommended 'the lives of christopher chant'.i absolutely loved it and it will always be my favourite just because it was the first book by you that i read and of couse that ii is ingenious. can you believe it took around 3 years to realise that you had written not only other books in the chrestomanci series but many other fantastic books as well! on asking my friend whether she knew she replied 'of course didn't you?'!!i'm still collecting all of them and have read the ones i have at least three times each. i know its said a lot but my favourites are the chrestomanci series and howl's moving castle books. anyway my question. i've just been reading about the film that is being made of howl's movuing castle. why is it not being shown in britain? i think this is seriously unfair and know many people who would feel the same way! thanks for writing such great books!!

From A.K.A. Daedalus From an inspired Writer, I am currently working on a computer game with some of my friends, and i am in charge of writing a script to the 'In-Game' movies which are triggered throughout the game. but thats not important. i read your two books: Dark Lord of Derkholm and Year of The Griffin. your book, Dark Lord of Derkholm alone inspired me greatly for my art of writing. You see, i've learned some writing techniques that helped my story along emensly, such as evening out dialogue with description. Your book, Year of the Griffin reminded me that ideas can be used for everything (in other words, from that point on, i wrote down ALL my ideas. and it helped!) I have two questions really: 1. have you written any books similar to Dark lord of Derkholm & Year of the Griffin? 2. do you have any tips on sci-fi/action story writing? I also have a suggestion: Dark Lord of Derkholm & Year of the Griffin would be perfect for an animated movie! i mean the story line, the characters, and everything! i just love those two books! they are the two best books i've read so far out of all the books i have read and own TOGETHER! well, please send me a message if you have tips for writing, and similar books to Dark Lord of Derkholm. Sincerely, ONE OF MANY INSPIRED WRITERS/FANS ;)

From A.K.A. Daedalus Hello, I am the anonamous 'inspired writer'. From my previous message i forgot to add a few things to it that slipped my mind before. Well, i was woundering, have you traveled to many places around the world while or before writing your books? If so, is that one of the things that inspired you to write some of your books? Having memories of places beutiful and new to people most of the time inspires them (like me for example) to write books. I have been to many places around the world while i was young, such as Scotland, England, Tunesia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. all of them are so beutiful when you have seen it for the first time. the grassy plains, the sandy dunes, the rocky cliffs over vast beutiful lakes. all of them have inspired me as well as your books. If traveling is not what helped inspire you to write books, i would love to know what has inspired you. by the way, if you were woundering, i was born in Switzerland and now live in San Diego California. i am 16 years of age and going to Highschool. i would like to write more, but i know that with all the fans' letters you must get per day, it must get tiering. P.S. London is a lovely place to live, i have a cousin in london and visited him once, my it was magnificent. Sincerely, ONE OF MANY INSPIRED WRITERS/FANS

From Katie Dear Diana, I loved "Howl's Moving Castle", and "The Dark Lord of Derkholm", as well as "Year of The Griffin, they are some of my favorite books and i'm looking forward to reading any sequels there might be. Thank you for the great literature, keep up the good work. Katie, Ohio

From Jordan Does Millie have multiple lives? After reading what Gabriel(in The Lives of Christopher Chant) said a couple of times it would make perfect sense to me for her to have more than one even if she hasn't seemed to lose any. I have concluded this because the books never mention anything about the shift of her doubles like with Gwendolen. Also Gabriel said that she didn't need any help because she was an enchantress. Since you need at least another life to leave behind she must have more than one.

From Sarah Osborn Thanks for the info about the merlin book i'm just upset that i've got a year to wait before i can read it. But you will be very glad to hear that my orginal copy of howl's had to be replaced as it had been read to many times and had split in two! thanks for your wonderful books Sarah

From Chesney Evans Hi Diana, I first started reading your books when my mum bought me Charmed Life at Christmas. I have nearly read all your books and am always looking for the ones I haven't read. I just can't put them down. Out of the many I have read my favourites are Howl's Moving Castle and Fire and Hemlock. I thought that Howl's Moving Castle had a wonderful ending and Fire and Hemlock was wonderful all the way through. I loved it!The only problem with it was that I didn't really understand the ending. Please write more books like Fire and Hemlock and any other of your books because I just love reading them whenever I can. Thanx Love Chesney xxxxxxxxxxxx

From Alice, Perth, Australia ! Dear Diana, I am now reading 'Deep Secret' for the sixth time within 14 months. This story is wonderfully enchanting - and I encourage all sci-fantasy readers I meet to consume your work. The details in the descrption of characters makes Maree, Rupert, and Rob really jump off the page. I am constantly amazed at how many Janine-style jumpers are polluting the cityscape around me, and everytime I see one I turn a funny shade trying not to laugh out loud ( eggyolks and rabbit bits! ). Well back to Babylon :-)

From Dayvid Bradshaw Hi Diana My sister came to visit me the other week and we were chatting about when we were children. She reminded me about the time when I was twelve and I had to have my appendix removed. She said that when she came to visit me in hospital that despite being ill all that I had been able to talk about was a book that I was reading. That book was 'Howl's Moving Castle'. So this week I read it for a second time and even though I am now twenty-seven years old I still think that it is one of the most enchanting and charming stories that I have ever read. Thank you.

From Emma My name is Emma and I just loved Dark Lord of Derkholm and Year of the Griffin.I also want to read your other books,but I was wondering if you are going to write another book to go with Dark Lord of Derkholm and Year of the Griffin. Thank you very much for being an author!

From Hindy Dear Diana, Hi! Umm...I just wanted to say that I really love your books! I know that some of your books have been out for ages (Like Howl's moving Castle) But I really only got into them a few months ago when a friend lent me the Chronicles of Chrestomanci (Where did you come up with that name?) I just finished reading the Dalemark Quartet and I loved them but I'm dying to know if TanNoreth (I can't spell her real name)actually meets up with Mitt! After I read it, I was so upset, I went moping around my house for days! Could you please tell me what you think would happen if you added a book to the quartet? Even though that wouldn't make sense? I need to know what happened and wht Mitt didn't go over to her at the end and how come if Wend is one of the Undying and Noreth was his daughter. then how come he didn't know that she wasn't supposed to walk the green roads and so on and so forth. I 'm so confused! Anywho, just wanted to let you know that your books are whats keeping me going until Harry Potter #5 (That's a good thing) Got to go now, Hindy

From Danny B. Dear Diana, I love your stories. I read alomost everything. what I am want to know is that if a 3rd part of " year of the griffin." I like that story do much, i read it 3 times!!So please , Please , tell me if a third story is coming out or not. from your book fan , Danny

From emma I happened to see a repeat of a tv show called green claws that i really liked when i was little, and i saw it was written by an ursula jones. is that the same person as your sister? (the show was about a big green monster who lived in a green-house and had famous ancestors who he liked to talk about a LOT. he had a friend who was an impossibly cheerful entusiasctic childrens-tv-presenter type of woman and they would always plant a seed at the end of the show and it would grow into something wonderful) ps. the ogre downstairs was always my favourite favourite book when i was little, and i begged and begged for a chemistry set, but was never allowed one because my older sister had made a brown carpet get green spots and made a mysterious yellow but singed at the same time mark on the kitchen ceiling and various other things like that with hers. she actually did used to have the smells competition with my brother, but he was like douglas with his, and kept it neat and proper (yet another reason to dislike him, if you have something with potentially explosive and interesting chemicals in you should at least do something dramatic with it) i longed to outdo my sister, but never got the chance.

From Ellen MacGregor Daer Diana, I just finished Year of the Griffin, and it was wonderful!!! I recently bought the book Howls Moving Castle, and will read that next. I was so excited when I saw the recommendation on the back cover of Year of the Griffin by Robin McKinley. She is another one of my favorite authors that nobody I know has heard about. I'm surprised, because both of you are great authors! I get so frustated looking for fantasy and/or fiction books at my level. When you read like someone five years older than you, an interesting selection is somewhat slim. Thank you for sharing your books with the world!!! Tootles! Ellen

From Alex Pollard Heylo! Alex again! I've written about living in Brisbane and my Wizard Howl dream. I know people are going to find this annoying, but I'm writing again. I am writing some books. They are called 'Seamead Potter' 'Bobbie Andora' and I have a few others. I hope to get them published. Lots of people I know love them, and my sister likes them a lot. I absolutely love the books by Diana, I have heaps, about $200 worth or more. Thet are the most interesting books around, and the only dependable fantasy books. Well, the Enchanted Kingdom books featuring Princess Cimorene and dragons are too, but that's all. It is really sad, because fantasy is the best. Anne McCaffery kind of has fantasy, but more Scifi. I am only 13, but I read any fantasy I can get, even Tolkien. Who does this email thing go to, by the way? I'm never sure who to address it to, so I just babble on and on and on and on... Seeya!

From Fliss As I missed you in Heffers in Cambridge (where I'm from) on World Book Day, I just wanted to say that I've been completely addicted to your books ever since my teacher read an extract of 'Charmed Life' in class to us when I was 8. I've been reading them ever since. I'm now 25, and I STILL love to read 'The Lives of Christopher Chant', 'Howl's moving castle', 'The Magicians of Caprona', 'Archers Goon', 'Power of Three' and 'Deep Secret' in particular. I always know that they will make me feel good, and completely transport me away from everyday life. I've invented all sorts of follow in stories in my dreams ever since. There are only a few other books (let alone authors) that I could say this of (one of whom is Neil Gaiman - and I agree about American Gods. Neverwhere is fantastic too). I've grown up with your books. Just as I was finally growing out of Charmed Life (although I will always have a very soft spot for it), I found The Time of the Ghost, and Fire and Hemlock (which has to one of the few I don't own, and now I can't find it anywhere, although I'd love to reread it) - and I couldn't believe it when I was lacking things to read a few years ago, and I found Deep Secret in the adult book section of our library. This has turned into a bit of an essay, but what it is really saying is please don't ever stop writing!

From Jessica Whitmore I just finished reading Howl's Moving Castle and I thought it was amazing. I am hoping to read ALL your books and I can't wait for more to arrive on the book store's shelves. Whenever I see a book with the glittering name DIANA WYNNE JONES at the top, I quickly snatch it off the shelve and start reading sporadicly. I also really enjoyed your probably more recent book, THE HOMEWARD BOUNDERS. I love how you always add atleast a pint of adventure in each book. I especially love the ones with the more larger servings of a spoon full like in THE HOMEWARD BOUNDERS. I would really like to ask if you are writing a new deliciously exciting, gaping and gasping book.I don't mean to overwhelm, but I propose that your stories are even more thrilling and fantastic than the Harry Potter books. I entirely look forward to your next book to be seen on the shelves of any book store, library or swap I might encounter. Your Most Anxious Reader, Jessica Whitmore, age 13

From Gidgetgirl Dear Diana, I really enjoy your books. I am an aspiring writer and they have become my role model, almost. I recently discovered the Chronicles of Chrestomanci (I can even pronounce it right: CREST-oh-man-SEE) and I finished the first volume on a vacation and proceeded to buy the second in a bookstore. This was in a very far-away place and I wuold swear I saw many volumes, but if there is more than two, they aren't at my local library or bookstore, which I am sorely disappointed about. But anyway, PLEASE KEEEP WRITING! I am not the only one I know who enjoys your books (far from it!), and you have this whole, big blooming fan site all about you, so you can, for sure, see how much we love your writing. Oh, and if you ever get writer's cramp (we've all been there!) I've heard that chocolate ice cream is really good for that. Hey, just passing along tips to a fellow writer, even if I am quite a bit less of a writer than you. I will be back soon to see if you have enlightened me, and also to see the website of my favorite book's author, so, I beg of you, make it worth everyone's while(although we all love your books enough to come here even if you didn't answer messages, I'm sure)! Wishing you the best of luck, A fan from America the Beautiful P.S. D you have trouble doing anything? Like typing?

From Shayan Moftizadeh Dear Diana, My teacher got me into your books and i think that you are a very talented author. I just have one question to ask you: In time of the ghost, who actually is the ghost? Because i 've tried to understand, but i really don't get who the ghost is. Is it Sally, or is it Imogen? From your lovinfg fan, Shayan

From Tahrima Khanom I really like the book "Howl's Moving castle." Even though this is the first book I have read by you, I think that you are a great author. I hope you get well soon!! If you have the time, please reply. Thank You

From Tuesday Are you going to let your books be movies? I don't act but want to and I'm curious, because I'd want to audition(maybe) for 'Maewen' from 'The Dalemark Quartet:The Crown'.

From Caroline Warner Hello Diana, I love your books and have reread them so many times that I can't count them. You have inspired me to write my own stories, I hope to become an author when I grow up. Thank you for writing such marvelous books. I can't wait for another.

From Kate I recently rediscovered your books (having reached the age where my friends are having children & I'm already plotting how to fill their heads with good books & important myths & the capacity for independent thought) & just wanted to thank you - presumably you *know* how good your books are, but figured it's always nice to hear it... Very glad that you are still writing & your work is still in print, as I'm looking forward to offering it to the friends' offspring, and wishing they would get bigger faster. Also, it was very strange & wonderful to reread your books, as many of them I picked up last year thinking it was for the first time, & discovered I'd been carrying vague ideas and images from them around in my head for years - the only title I'd remembered was the eight days of luke, but actually I'd read most of them between 10 & 14 - and been cherishing these pictures as if they were dreams, or something no-one else would remember. So it was tremendous & slightly spooky to pick them up again. Then I came to the website, was impressed with your generosity in taking time to read & reply to readers questions, and when I saw what you had to say about JK Rowling, was more impressed - that you were perceptive enough to realise how she might have come to pinch your stories, and kind enough not to attack her for it. Although I think by now she really must have been made aware of the debt she owes to you & many other authors, and ought to acknowledge it and make her apologies - hopefully if she keeps writing she will actually find her own voice eventually, and become as good as you! Many thanks - good luck with your next book and healing thoughts to your poor back - Kate.

From Leenie I just finished reading Charmed Life a couple of minutes ago and I absolutely LOVED it! Tomorrow I'm going to the library to see if I can borrow some of your other books and if I can't I'm going to the bookstore to buy them, because I have some money left over from my birthday last week. I'm also planning to re-read Charmed life again tonight! I've also read Year of the Griffin, which I really enjoyed, you're one of my favourite authors! I'm hoping to become an author one day myself, and i find your books so inspiring, where do you get your ideas from?!

From Janice Dear Diana, I first picked up The Lives of Christopher Chant when I was about 10, and it has remained my favorite ever since (I am now 22). I can't express how happy I am that all your books (hopefully?) are being reprinted in the U.S. It was ponderous to order Howl's Moving Castle in the Library Text Edition from the Bookstore. I have just re-read Fire and Hemlock and The Homeward Bounders (the two most recent releases in the States), and I must say again, you are a superb author! Due to chronic insomnia, I read voraciously, and I have to say that only your books can engross me the entire night and make me try to stay awake so as to get to the ending! Thank you again and again for your clever ideas, humor, and constantly re-readable books. Take Care, Janice from Southern CA, USA P.S. Is anything in the pipeline from the Land of Ingary?

From Janice Dear Diana, Sorry but I forgot to include this in my last message. I have to say that I have been trying to convert people here from this Harry Potter mania to see that your books were the originals for the ideas that are in those books, and that yours are infinitely better written, more intricate, more fully developed, and so on. I'm glad that some of this Harry Potter mania has re-ignited the sale of fantasy novels, but I want you to know that we know you are the original and the first!

From Victoria McLeod Hello I am a big fan of your books! I love how you do fantasy stories! For my english class I picked you for my favorite author! got to go now. Victoria

From Camilla Hi! I just wanted to tell you how much I love your books! My sister told me to read one of them ( can't remember which one! :o) and after that I was hooked!I'm from Sweden and I've read many of your books in English since not all of them have been translated. Plus, when the book is in the original language it's often better. I've read a lot of your books and I really like all of them! I hope you continue writing a lot of books! What's really nice about your books is that you never know what's going to happen next, they are completely hilarious and amazing! Thank you for writing such wonderful stories and being such an inspiration!

From Jennifer H. George Dear Diana, I first found Charmed Life in fifth grade. I felt as if I was taken into a world of my own. Since then I just may have read all of your books. I am in the process of rereading all of them now. My favorite book of yours has to be Fire and Hemlock. If you can get back to me about how I can find an original copy of the novel I would appreciate it very much. You have been the most influential author in my life. I hope it makes you happy when you hear that I have been reading for ten years now. Good luck on the movie!! Jennifer

From melanie hey!! im 16 and from asia (i wont tell you where in particular) and, well, i'll admit i never really heard of diana wynne jones until a couple of years ago. i was just walking in the bookstore one day figuring out how could i get the harry potter book when its out of stock..and i saw the chrestomanci book and fell in love with it!anyway, the chrestomanci books are REALLY REALLY great!!! how in the world did she came with the idea of the related worlds and the other neat stuffs in the book? dont answer that... ^_^

From Shelly How does the poem from 'Deep Secret' go? The one about the 'way to Babylon'? I'm able to find the nursery rhyme part online but not the part which (I assume) you made up.

From BEN I realy like your books (thanks to my teacher Anne ) and I think that charmed life is the best book in the world.My faverote bookes are charmed life, the lives of christophet chant, witch week and the stealer of soles. Anne lent me witch week.Im going to buy the rest of your bookes as soon as I posably can. I think you have the most amout of fans in the world.I've read charmed life 10 times, the lives of christopher chant 20 tomes , witch week 1 time, and stealer of soles 10 times. nearly everybody in my class reads your bookes.

From Nicki Thomas Yet another thank you, but felt that I couldn't not, having had so much pleasure from your books over the years. They are all part of my 'Special Collection' (SC) - books that I know I will re-read again and again. For me the main joy of reading is being taken right into another world, and a book that does that effortlessly goes into the SC, and all the DJW books are there. Other readers may be interested in other authors in my SC (although I realise that does not necessarily follow for others); they include Sheri S Tepper, Robin McKinley, Guy Gavriel Kay and, from other genres, Jane Duncan and Gorgette Heyer. If the aforementioned other readers have got as far as reading this, you should know that I am not the youngest of Diana's fans and I would guess that not all of those authors have the same appeal to all ages... Oh all right then, I'll tell - I'm 40! Looking forward to 'the Merlin Conspiracy', best wishes and thanks again.

From amanda Dear Diana, I love to write but, I can never get past the first chapter in my storys, what should I do?

From Ranya Dear Diana, i really luv ur books, i've just got done reading howl's moving castle the second time thru and it is definitely one of my favorites. I was wondering though where u came up with the names for characters and places. Also, what was the first book you published and how'd u get it published? I have a lot of questions but i dont think i could fit em all here... ranya

From Sarah Willams I first read Fire and Hemlock about 5 years ago and I never, ever forgot it. My biggest memory was always slight confusion, infact going through a notebook I had when I was 10 I found an unfinished letter to you full with questions about the storyline and characters! So until recently Fire and Hemlock was a book that was wonderful but I never fully understood. I decided I should change that and I am so glad I tried. I had forgotten the sheer brilliance of the plot, the depth of the characters and how you got so wrapped up in it you went round like a ghost the next day due to of lack of sleep. Alas, I never will understand all of it but I think that is part of its charm. However I will always believe that Tom and Polly belong together, forever.

From Liberty, Fire Gal Yo Diana! I am one of ure biggest fans, but i can't read all your books cause i can't keep up with u! slow down Dian! :P

From Clare Casey I corresponded with you as a child and I wanted to thank you for always acknowledging the questions and musings of a young fan across the Atlantic. I gained a confidence that I still feel at 26 yrs old. And of course, thanks for all the great stories!

From Claire de Steiger Dear Diana i have only read a couple of your books but i thought they were both fantastic. I think that you have a spectacular imagination and that you should continue working wonders. The two books i read (Fire and Hemlock and A Tale of Time City) were so complex, unnervingally realistic and just simply wonderful. i wonder how many tries it took you to get the description of Tan Coul exactly right. Well i have to go, your ever loving fan, Claire (from Australia) PS My friend Poppy loves you too!

From E. Hi. I'm a Ph.D. student in English literature, and I just wanted to say how much I love your books. I have loved them since I ran across them at the library when I was young and considered stealing "The Lives of Christopher Chant." Luckily, you didn't lead me to a life of crime but I just ended up checking out that book over and over for many, many weeks (months?). I am so glad that some of your books are being reprinted, as I was on the verge of paying thirty to forty dollars for a used paperback edition of "Archer's Goon." My friend and I considered that pretty reasonable for a Diana Wynne Jones book! My obsession with your books has gotten to the point that I'm very wary of recommending your books to people I don't like and become extremely nervous that I will have to start disliking people who don't appreciate you fully! Okay, hope I haven't scared you but your books are fabulous and I would rather re-read your books than read practically anything else. They're so complex, and I really do discover new things every time I read them. I need to buy extra copies now since they're getting so worn!

From Tani Sapirstein Hello, I'm a really big fan of your books. I just finished reading Fire and Hemlock, I loved the book but I didn't get the ending. Who was Laurel?? Why did Mr. Leroy want to keep Polly from seeing Tom? How did Tom use Polly? How come whatever Tom said came true? If you could please answer these questions I would be forever grateful. Thanks Tani

From Stephanie Hello Mrs. Jones. I really appreciate the books that you've written over the years. I'm very surprised that not many people comment about Hexwood or Fire and Hemlock or The Dalemark Quartet! They're my absolute favorites! If I was only allowed to choose one of them to love, I think Hexwood would be it. It's so interesting and complicated. I love the way you set it up! How DID you do that? Did you write the overall story first and then go back and mix the order of the story up? I have to admit that I've read that book about a million times and that each time I read it, I find something new that I never noticed before that is an essential part of the plot. I'm 17 years old right now and I have explored several different books and authors over the years, including Anne Rice, David Brin, Ray Bradbury, and Grace Chetwin (all my favorites), but your books continue to remain in my collection of favorites. I'm glad that you began writing and shared your stories with the rest of the world. Thank you.

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