From Noah Hi Diana, After reading Fire and Hemlock for the third time, I finally got around to reading Tam Lin as well. It hightened my already huge love for and respect of the book (and for you, but that almost goes without saying--maybe, but I'll say it anyway! IT WAS GREAT, AND SO IS EVERYTHING ELSE YOU WRITE!) so much, that I just had to tell you about it! (I also recomend it to anyone who has trouble understanding the book) P.S. I'm fifteen years old and writing a story for my sister (it's my first expedition into altruistic writing, and I'm getting farther than I've ever gotten before). Is the Tough Guide still in print somewhere?

From Link Took's the name! Hello. I'm a girl realy. My name is realy Alexis. I'm a big fan of yours.I especialy love the Crestomanci, Howl, and Derkholm books. I just can't put them down. I'm wrighting books to now all about fantisy though i'm only a kid and I was wondering like so many others were you get your insperation. You are truely a great auther, I didn't think anyone could top JK Rowling untill I read youre books though I still don't think youre bedder than JRR Tolken. Thats all I have to say I hope you get to read this. Good-by.

From Tania Hi!!! I'm an 11-year-old from Singapore, and I thought JK Rowling was the best author ever and no-one could beat her, but that was BEFORE i read your books! I've read Witch Week, Charmed Life, The Lives of Christopher Chant, Archer's Goon, Mixed Magics, Howl's Moving Castle, and many more.And...erm...I sorttt of like Howl. He's very...ummm...nice.(OK, maybe a _bit_ more than nice). So, uh, anyway, I just wanted to say that your books are so AMAZING, I mean, a NORMAL author couldn't think of such AMAZING plots and twists!! Your books are unputdownable. Oh, and there's a book I think you'll like, it's called Artemis Fowl, and it's by Eoin Colfer, and it's sequel is Artemis Fowl: the Arctic Incident. And, like all other fans say, your books are the best ever!!

From Mason Sklar Dear Diana, My name is Mason Sklar. I am in the 6th Grade. I am doing an author study and by FAR you are my favorite author. I like your books because I can usually relate to at least one character. Why did you Choose the name Ingary? Thank you for your time. Unable to stop reading your books, Mason Sklar

From Kate Rigg Hello, I hope you are feeling better, although I'll bet you are very busy at the moment. I just wanted to say thanks for the new book, as usual it's brilliant. Now I can stop harrassing the local bookshop - well until the next one anyway! I've loved your books since I was a little girl and re-read them often. My favourite is probably The Homeward Bounders which has such a wistful ending, and Fire and Hemlock is haunting and memorable too! I'm so pleased as many people know about you as they do as I've always thought you were very under-rated, Cheers Kate

From Elaine Leake Hello Diana, I hope you are feeling better now. I just want to say how much I loved The Merlin Conspiracy! I've been reading your books since the late '70s. (I think Charmed Life was on Jackanory and that started it!) You can't write enough books for me, keep up the good work! I think most people want more Howl, Dalemark etc. but just more of anything will do! I think Drowned Ammet and Fire and Hemlock are still my favourites though. Take care. Elaine.

From Sydney Hi I know you don't conciously pick which series your next book is going to be from, but I was wondering if you think you'll ever write a book about Howl's niece. And also if she ever gets to visit him.

From Paige I am very excited that Howl's moving castle is being made into a movie. You have probably heard(er, read) that a lot from your fans. I have seen some studio ghibli films and I know that they are going to turn your book into a wonderful movie. Or they are going to turn your wonderful book into a movie. I am writing my own book series but I am having some trouble getting my thoughts into words. I hope my stories will be as good as yours....getting my books published wouldn't hurt either. I hope you feel better.

From Sophie Mrs. Wynne Jones (May I just call you Diana for the rest of this message? Mrs. Wynne Jones sounds all formal and stiff!), You are my absolute favorite author! You know the feeling you get when you read a book and you feel its "yours" because its so great? Well, thats exactly how I feel when I read your books! I hate seeing other people reading them, because then everyone else knows about them and their not "mine" anymore! But anyways, I think that all your books are positivly lovely, but my favorites are DARK LORD OF DERKHOLM, and YEAR OF THE GRIFFIN. Those are so good! When I got YEAR OF THE GRIFFIN from the library, I read it over and over and over again, it was so good. Ditto to DARK LORD OF DERKHOLM. Im planning on taking them to our stupid standedized test that take 30 minutes, but the school allows 4 hours for! Ok, that was a very long run on, but OK! I was wondering where you get the ideas for your characters! I think that if you ever get an idea for another DARK LORD OF DERKHOLM book, you should definitly write it ASAP! What book are you working on now, if any? Also, did you get the idea for Claudias travel jinx in YEAR OF THE GRIFFIN from your own travel jinx? Well, I must dash... Sophie P.S. One of the reasons I like your books so much, is that your characters are so believable!

From Jenna I know you've probably heard this a lot of times, but, you can't deny the truth, right? Diana, you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first book i read was Dog's Body, and since then i've been addicted to your books. The sad thing is that where i come from, it's hard to get my hands on them. I think my favourite is Black Maria, Hexwood and Dog's Body, but i don't think i get Fire and Hemlock. I feel i can connect with Sophie in Howl's Moving Castle, because i am also the eldest of two younger sisters. Right now, i'm searching for the rest of the Dalemark Quartet--i've only read Cart and Cwidder so far--Derk of Dalemark, Deep Secret and now the Merlin Conspiracy. Pray that i'll find them, will you? thanx for reading this. --DWJ junkie, Jenna.

From Amanda I hope you plan to write another Chronicles of Chrestomanci book. Both books caused me to stay up at night reading and to fall in sleep in school! It was well worth it though...Keep up the good work! Amanda

From Sarah Diana, I am a HUGE fan of yours. I love reading your books, my favorites have been the Dalemark Quartet. loving fantasy books, I very much enjoy yours, and being able to refer them to school is wonderful. Thank you very much! ~Sarah Rouhan, 13.~

From Sophie Hello! I already sent you a message yesterday, but Oh well! I forgot a few things, so here goes: 1) My name is Sophie, like Sophie in HOWLS MOVING CASTLE, CASTLE IN THE AIR. I was ultra excited when I read that because of the similarity. Also, we (Sophie and I) are both nosy! I just found that funny. 2)You mentioned that one of your sisters made you promise to do another Griffin book. Which one, Isobel or Ursula? 3) Do you have any more funny stories about your childhood? When I read your autobiography, I especially liked when Isobel tried to hang in a harness like the fairys at the pantomime, and was effectually suffocating herself. It was funny, in a sort of grotesque way. 4) Did you name Isobel in YEAR OF THE GRIFFIN after Isobel your sister? 5) You are my absolute favorite austhor! Your stories are humerous and well written. 6) In my last letter I dont think I described myself. I am 12 years old, and I live in Austin, Tx. USA. I like to sneak out of my room thru the window when my parents fall asleep, and read your books by the street lamp outside! (Dont tell my parents!) Well, I think thats all for now, so toodles!

From Shira Dear Ms. Jones, I've enjoyed your books immensely ever since I first picked one up over 15 years ago (I'm 23 now), and having just finished "The Merlin Conspiracy", I felt compelled to write you a thank you note. I read in your latest bulletin that your favorite books as a child made you want to read them over again as soon as you finished them. I wanted to let you know that I felt that way about "The Merlin Conspiracy". It was so rich, with so many places and people and things, that reading it was a bit like standing under a waterfall (in a good way). When I finished I had to sit still for a while to let all my thoughts settle...and then realized that I absolutely had to pick it back up and read it through a second time! I'm from the States, and when I visited London three years ago (when your books weren't really available in the U.S.) the first thing I did was rush to a bookstore and buy a shelf worth of your books. I think they must have thought I was a little crazy, but it was worth it! I'm very glad to see all your books available in the States now, and look forward with great anticipation to your next book. Thank you so much for the hours and hours of enjoyment that you have given me!

From Lysithea Dear Ms Diana, I'm going to be 27 this year, and I feel a bit strange going into the young people's section in the library or the children's section in bookstores to get your books! :P Actually I've read quite a lot of your books when I was 11 or 12, and I love them so very much. I'm re-reading them again, and I've just finished Howl's Moving Castle three times since yesterday. I enjoyed reading your books very much. It makes me happy especially when right now there's so much madness going in the world again and life is so dull too. I'll be getting my hands on more of your books for the next few days. Take care! :)

From Lea scraps I'D LOVE TO WRITE A STORY BUT I KEEP GETTING STUCK FOR IDEAS PLEASE COULD U PUT ON YOUR WEBSITE SOME TIPS? Thanx xxxxxxxxxxorourke

From Joseph my favourite of your books is witch week. I read it to my son. I now have all the chrestomancie series.

From Francesca Kirk Dear Diana, I have to say that the best book i have ever read is Howl's Moving Castle. i fell madly in love with it (and i must confess, Howl too), and have been inspired to write my own book. i have tried many times to write but i have been unable to find a story line i could stick with. Last night i read Howl's M.C and inspiration came to me. My problem is this: the character who i want to marry the princess is very similar to Howl. he is called Lord Howell and he is a sorcerer, which means that if i had my book published (which is highly unlikely), then you would be at liability to sue me. therefore i am asking your permission to use this character in my book. I based my Howell on your charcter but his personality is different, the stotyline is different and the only other similarity is that he has green eyes and gold hair.

From Miss Kirk (again) Please write more books about Howl!!!!!!!!!

From Cat Hi! I loved Howl's Moving Castle. The characters and setting is wonderful. I was wondering if you ever considered making a sequel or another book set in the same place with a few of the same characters?

From Birgit, Bavaria This message might prove the following ten facts: 1. You better avoid to start your letter to a favourite author like ćDear Diana, I have already read quite a lot of your books und I love them very muchä, because the author might be bored to read that for the 945th time. 2. But I do love them nevertheless. 3. It might improve your English, if you live in Germany and want to read DWJ, but do not get her books in your language. 4. Perhaps the German publisher think so also, because they republished only a few of DWJ books the last time. 5. Itās worth to have a look in the internet, even if you think, the author have certainly no homepage 6. But itās also dangerous, because the homepage might be so full of interesting informations (which you never thought of), that you are bound on screen for some evenings 7. There is not one single pig in the story of Archers Goon, winged or not. 8. Perhaps the pigs better fly back to Derkholm?! 9. Life is unfair to elder ones - poor Archer is shoot up in the spaceship with his two nasty sisters. 10. It would be wonderful, if there would be still many, many fantastic worlds, persons, ideas in the air of Wales and in the mind of Diana Wynne Jones, which will be caught and written down.

From Magic_Girl2 Which fantasy books for 10 - adult do you suggest to read? I just love your books! Chrestomanci, Howl, and Derk were your best characters I've read so far! Which ones' are your favourite? What makes you come up with these wonderful characters? Is it people in your life mingled together with your favourite or most fun personalities? Or are they random people you would've liked to meet?

From Liv & Pearl Hi! We are both big fans of your books - except for Time of the Ghost, which was scary even before we realized the following: -there are four girls in our family -the first is a writer -the second is a piano student -I (Liv) am in art school (third child) -Pearl is a harpist, not a singer, but she has Fenella's gap between her teeth. (fourth child) Take it back! (Please) At least none of us came up with Monigan... I think. I hope. We may have nightmares, especially since reading that the things you write come true. I will never get a boyfriend with a car. When we saw the picture of "The Merlin Fantasies" on this website, we began to drool... *sigh* Can't wait to read it!

From Noelle Please make a sequel to Crown of Dalemark. I realley love the story, but it sends me hanging every time I get to the end. Luck ship and shore!

From Jeremy Dear Diana I just want to thank you for touching my life - back in the early 1980's you visited my school in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and talked to a small group of us about your work, and the copy of Charmed Life that you signed for me has been re-read many times and sits in pride of place on my bookshelf, and only a select few make it to that special shelf. I may be a bit (well, a lot) older now, but I still remember that afternoon so well, which inspired me to read voraciously, to try writing a little, and instilled the great love of literature which I now have the privilege to enjoy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jeremy

From Daniel Ms. Jones, My name is Danny , and I am absolutely in love with the way your characters are so real! I love to write, and am working on a book currently that is descriptive, yet lacking in personal detail. That is, until I finished Howl's moving castle. You have such a great way around words, and I'd like to tell you that you inspired me to go back through, and be more personal with my characters. On another topic of Howl's Moving Castle, I hear that Hayao Miyazaki is animating your book! I love your work, and his as well. I'm sure it will be fantastic. I was also wondering if you knew anything about how to get in contact with the company, Ghiblii I think, because I also want to get an acting career started and I might as well take a shot at something I admire from both sides. Please recover quickly, -Daniel Montooth

From Rebecca Dear Diana, My best wishes on getting well soon. I was very sorry to hear of your accident. I mostly just want to thank you for all of the wonderful books you have written. There is not a single one I have not gone back to read, and to enjoy, many times.

From Kim Zerio i really love you chrestomanci cronicle. they are really unique. but i have one question for you. in volume 2(The magicians of caprona and witch week) who is the Chrstomanci in both? is it Cristopher Chant or is Eric Chant? thank you for writing such exciting books!!! Hopefully there will be another one coming out soon!

From Brad Kurz I have been doing a project on you in my English class for the last two months. As I searched and searched for different information about you, I decided that my job was very easy. This is because you put everything about yourself on this site and www.dianawynnejones.com. Reading about all the obsticles you overcome and all the fun you have while writing books, you have inspired me. I have always been interested in writing and reading your storie has just hightened that interest. Thank you for all the encouraging words on your sites. Your fan, Brad. P.S. In the short stories I have written, I can never finish them. I have a plan and I want to finish, but I just can't. Do you have any suggestions for getting over this block?

From Brad K. Hi, again. I sent the message forgot what I wanted to say in the first place. I love your books!!!!! (The ones that I read anyway) I finished the Dalemark Quartet a week ago and I loved it. Why don't you write more in that series? When I picked up the first one and started reading, I wasn't impressed. It was too slow for me. But near the end I kinda liked it. The second one was awsome. The third was great. The forth was the best of all. After I finished reading I found one problem... The Books were too short!!!!! Thanks again for writing, I'll write again.

From Maria Hi. I have read The Chronicles of Chrestomanci Volumes one and two. I could not believe how good they were! I want to be a writer, and I've decided that if my books are half as good as yours, I'll be happy. I'm only eleven, but I've written and finished one story. I've written a little in a few, then put them away for a while. I don't really like those stories that much. I've started a new one, though, called "A Witch in the Family". This is my favorite out of all of my stories. I might change the title because it doesn't really fit. In school, my teacher always has contests for the best poem, story, song, etc. The bad part is, you could write something as good as Shakespeare(sorry if I misspelled that)and the winner would be someone who wrote something like "The cat ran" on pretty paper. I've only won once because I was in a silly mood and wrote a ridiculous story. How did you come up with the idea for The Chronicles of Chrestomanci? All of my ideas either pop into my head when I least expect it, or come to me in a dream. Did you have to think really hard or did it just come to you? Thanks for the great books! P.S. Sorry the message was so long. P.P.S. The Chronicles of Chrestomanci must be one my favorite book series. Keep up the good work! P.P.P.S. I hope you feel better soon!

From Sheena I just wanted to add my name to the huge list of people thanking you for all the inspiration you've given us through what must be some of the most wonderful books ever written. I was given The Lives of Christopher Chant aged 10, and spent the next several years of my life hunting down every book of yours I could lay my hands on (on occasion travelling to the nearest city specifically for a book-hunt). I took Eight Days of Luke out of my local library and re-read it every other month for 18 months until I finally found a copy for myself (only every other month as it seemed a bit unfair to deprive anyone else in my town from ever reading it). Some 15 years later, Howl's Moving Castle still makes me laugh out loud despite having read it many many times before. (A bit taboo when on the Tube, but I'm sure that the other commuters will forgive me for it). I've noticed you say that books find you, rather than the other way around. Perhaps sometime you'll write a story as to how books find people, and effectively write themselves inside out... (or perhaps that is one of great secrets of it all - that and why, just when you think you're onto a good idea for something, the computer crashes, and by the time you've re-booted, you can't quite remember what it was any more - or is that just me?) Anyway, whether you're writing another 50 Chrestomanci books or the Times Crossword, I hope that you get as much pleasure from writing as we do from reading what you write.

From Brett Hi Ms. W Jones, I am 29 and a school teacher. I have just returned from Japan and as I finished my novel while I was there, I picked up a favourite from the book store (from their limited range) and took home (for the 3rd time) a copy of Howl's Moving Castle. I have read it so often that the covers of the last two versions have become tatty and it needed replacing anyways (I have all three different covers!) I have read most of your works and this is my favourite, followed by Chistopher Chant. I was wonderfully surprised to find that your book is being made into a movie by Miyazaki - again, I have most of his works and almost fell over backwards when I found out! One question - in Howl's Moving Castle, at then end, the time when Howl and Michael are dismantling a listening spell, I don't feel prepared for it and although I have read it a number of times are not sure how long the listening spell has been around - was it around when Sophie was talking about the curse she is under? I am not sure how long it was there? (Big brother strikes again! - Sophie, would you please come to the diary room?!!!) I love the bit about Sophie yelling at the flowers to be daffodils and then all of a sudden you refer to them as daffodils! It does make the reader do a double take (again when at the end her hair keeps on getting in the way!). Well done on an excetional book and I will read it forever again and again. Regards Brett

From Alexander Hello, I've read many of your books and I loved them all, and I just finished The Merlin Conspiracy and I thought it was absolutley great, except that the ending disapointed me a bit. I felt it ended a little abruptly. I was disapointed when it was simply stated that Nick said goodbye to Roddy. It seemed like your book was building up some sort of relationship between the two. I always feel so depressed at the endings of good books because all I do for a day or two is read the book, and when it ends I feel lost. I usually just mope about for a few hours. Perhaps you have had similar problems or have solutions? Your books are great! You are wonderful at including comedy throughout the stories! Many authors have good ideas and write well, but their books are so serious it is hard to enjoy them. Thank you for spending the time to read my message. -Alexander P.S.(Rowling is just an amateur compared to you!)

From Nicole Hey* I love your books soo much. i myself am in 8th grade and im an artist. i draw mostly fantasy drawings and am in a gifted art program. I have been reading your books for quiet a while now and i love them only i havnt been able to get my hands on any rare editions. My favorites are Howls Moving Castle and Fire and Hemlock. The many worlds you create have inspired me to write (*only poetry and nothing compared to you*) and to draw. I was wondering if you were coming out with any more chrestomanci books or and books about Howl. Even though i highly doubt that i will get a responce from this letter i am still writing in hopes to. But i would just like to thank you soo much for writing and i hope you continue doing so for a long time

From Chris Hello diana, my name is Christopher, and i waould like to thank you for inspiring me and bringing me to the world of reading. I have already read Howls Moving castle, Castle in the air and Power Of Three i found the first two books amazing but Power Of Three is by far the best book ive ever read and is the best book ever. This book actually brought me into the world and made me want to read, i felt like i wished i lived in such a place and got to know the characters. I wish that you would make a sequel to this book or even a continuation. I thank you so much and admire your gifted talent. Sincerly, Christopher

From Kathleen .E Hi Diana! I absolutely love your books, (especially the Chrestomanci ones!). I have just finished reading The Merlin Conspiracy and it was brilliant - but I want to know more about Toby - he also seemed to be sort of in the background, and for some reason this has made me extremely curious about him. I hope you get a chance to reply, but its ok if you don't have time :)

From Patty S. Dear Diana, i am one of your biggest fans! as you might have guessed, im not a computer junkie. that's probably why i didn't know about this site. let me just say that i'm very sorry to hear about your spine operation. But i'm thrilled to be able to contact you. other authors aren't very active with their fans. i would just like to say that, judging from the copyrite of your site, i started reading you're books way before you had a fan site. for the record, i live in makati Philippines, which proves that your reputation has been going far. i hope that your career is going well!!! after telling my friends about how great the "Chronicles of Chrestomanci", i can honestly say that i have contributed to your success. they started buying your books the second they stepped into Power Books. i think that i was the first one in our whole school to buy your books. As a 13 year- old young adult, i would have to say that you have one of the most active imaginations for an adult. I'm looking forward to "The Merlin Conspiracy".I'm buying the "Howl's Moving Castle" soon. I would have bought it at the same time that i bought "The Time of the Ghost" but my sister was only going to buy me one.

From Patty S. Dear Diana, Hi! It's me again... I had nothing better to do so i decided to leave you another message... I have a great idea!!! I'll leave you a message as much as possible as an offering to your recovery. Hope you get well soon from your operation!!!!ŸŸŸ From, Patty S.ŸŸŸ

From lysiithea Hi! Please don't bonk my head, but I think Keanu Reeves makes a rather good Chrestomanci as in Christopher Chant. ;P

From Hazel Weddle Dear Diana: I was so sorry to hear of your back problems- and hope they are treatable. I have to tell you I absolutely love your books - and hope to obtain copies of all of them eventually. I just wanted to ask- will there ever be any more Dalemark books? I can't believe you mean to leave us hanging without knowing for sure that Maewen and Mitt get together again! Please say it isn't so!!

From Lysithea Dear Diana, I wrote to you sometime last month when I was so excited after re-reading Howl's Moving Castle and finding a webpage all about you here. From then, I've been looking for your books and realised that you have actually written quite a number of them! I've read a few more since, a few which I've read when I was very young, and quite a lot I've not read before. I still find Howl's Moving Castle my favourite, followed by The Lives of Christopher Chant and Charmed Life. Today is my birthday and I've decided to buy for myself those books mentioned because I believe that I really want to read them again and again next time. Right now I get most of your books from the school library. It requires some sneaking but I'm on good terms with the librarian. I feel a bit silly if my students see their teacher reading such books. Perhaps I'm just being silly, since there are so many more people older than me reading your books. I like reading your books because they are very funny and every one of them is different and some are based on your real experiences like The Time of the Ghost. - Which of the sisters are you? I cannot decide if you are the eldest or the ghost? And I always thought that the three sisters in Howl's Moving Castle seems to be yourself and your sisters. I've read many fantasy stories - from Tolkien to Dragonlance to many others I can't even think of right now, and yes, I've read Harry Potter as well. Honestly speaking, I thought HP's rather like one of those books about boarding school - like The Naughtiest Girl in School or some kind of that sort which I've read a lot when I was a kid, only instead of the usually pranks, there is magic involved and one big bad guy to dispose of at the end. It's rather predictable and a bit dull. However, I must say yours is different. Your books make me feel as if I'm on an adventure where I'm being brought into a strange world and to discover what happens to these characters. I'm looking forward to the animation of Howl's Moving Castle. At the same time I somehow wished that your books are not made into films. I 'see' the characters, the scenery, the story unfold before me in my mind and it's more fun to live in one's imagination rather than have it dictated to you. I have also been making up stories using your characters - well, just in my imagination, and nothing concrete. Like what happens before and after each story. I do wish you would write more about what happens before and after, yet I understand that sometimes one must say goodbye for a while and there's always other characters to read about. Oh yes, I've also read Hexwood, and I really felt that you had touched on a very interesting idea where the characters don't know who they are or what is happening and it's all very confusing until towards the end where everything makes sense. It's kinda like losing one's memories and I always wonder what life is like when one does not have any memories? My apologies if what I'm writing sounds very messy, I'm just writing what comes into my head right now. I always wanted to write but I only ended up telling myself stories in my imagination and forgetting about them afterwards. Thank you for reading my message, I do wish you all the best and take care. ... yours - Lys.

From stephanie rose hi ummmm....... i am 16 years old and my friend introduced me to your books i read both of the chronicles of the crestomanci and thought they were wonderful and i would like to know if you have written more or if your are thinking about writing more of them that would be a great series to keep going. they make me feel like i can get rid of all the stress in my life. also i am doing a magazine article for my six week school project and the feature article is on those two books and i would like to know if mayby you can write to me and answer a few questions how did you get started writing books ? was your book cover based on your kitten? how old were you when you started? was your family supportive? well if you get the chance to write me your interview would make me so happy and i would have the best article.thanks any way if you dont want to, i just want to let you know your books were great and made me want to read more :)

From Mac Message Your books are a wonderful read for fantasy fans. I especially enjoyed your book Howl's Moving Castle! I can't wait for Hayao Miyazaki's interpretation of the book. I hope that I could do a character in the English dubb. (I am 14) Your fan, Mac

From Helen I hope you are feeling better after your operation, please take care of yourself. I love your books so much, I read two of them when I was young and now I'm quite old (!!) I'm reading my way through all of them! I recently finished The Merlin Conspiracy and it was absolutely amazing (I was sort of hoping you might write a sequel to that one...!!) My favourite so far has been Fire and Hemlock, I love the kind of fantasy that takes place in the real world with some twists that show that something very strange is happening beneath "normality". Reading your books has taught me a great many sensible things about writing. Thank you!! Helen Message I hope you are feeling better after your operation, please take care of yourself. I love your books so much, I read two of them when I was young and now I'm quite old (!!) I'm reading my way through all of them! I recently finished The Merlin Conspiracy and it was absolutely amazing (I was sort of hoping you might write a sequel to that one...!!) My favourite so far has been Fire and Hemlock, I love the kind of fantasy that takes place in the real world with some twists that show that something very strange is happening beneath "normality". Reading your books has taught me a great many sensible things about writing. Thank you!!

From Betsy In one of the interviews posted on this site, you mentioned that you have a tough time with the American publishers who feel that your language must be "fixed." I am an American citizen, and I must tell you that when I purchased a copy of Hexwood from Amazon.co.uk, I almost died laughing when Reigner Four was interrupted in his search for the bannus by someone from "Layner Hexwood Japan" whose "oliental patience" was "lewarded." I simply could not believe that I had read (and subsequently forgotten) that in the library copy I had read before, and so I double checked the library's copy . . . and I was right! Evidently accents are not politically correct anymore . . . poor Mark Twain would never be able to publish Huck Finn now if he tried - someone might be offended by Twain;s (reportedly) very accurate transcription of various Southern accents. How deprived I am doomed to be, simply by virtue of being an American who is subject to the mangling of your work that is done by American publishers! Thank you for the glorious stories you tell, and for the even more glorious language you use to tell them.

From Brendan Hello, I'm Brendan out in Boonville - California - USA. I have some general questions about " Howl's Moving Castle " ( hereafter HMC ) * Which came first - the concept of the story around the ' metafictional breakout ' of Chapter 11 - or was the story constructed around that Chapter in fact ? * What is HMC about ? What's going on in the ' real ' world that's paralleled in the Ingray world ? And, what are the actual realtionship of the characters - if that was ever worked out ? * Why does the castle move ?

From Janos Hello; I just read The Merlin Conspiracy when Roddy raised the land, and was wondering, was that the same thing that they did in the Dalemark Quartet? I haven't read those in a long time, but it occured to me they did something similar to that when Mitt went to the islands, near the end... sorry if this is too vague, but I can't seem to get ahold of the books at the library anymore, and I don't exactly remember what happened. Also, before I send this, I want to say that I love all of your books, especially The Dark Lord of Derkholm, and am currently trying to find the rest of them. I think there are about five or so that I haven't been able to find. I just thought of another question, is the book Wilkin's Tooth in Canada the same as Witch's Business in the UK? I need to know this so I can be sure and cross it off of my list of books to read. Thank you very much for your time, and it would be much appreciated if you could respond to this message. I am a great fan of yours, and I would really love it if I could hear from you! Thanks again. -Janos Papagia

From Melanie I just finished reading the Crown of Dalemark and there is definitely room for a sequel. 8-) I have a deep desire to know if Maewen and Mitt ever got together again. Thanks for any information.

From Margery I'm 15 and American andaAfter re-reading "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Castle in the Air" for the bajillionth time, I have a couple of questions. Where does the line start to get your very own Howl? Do Howl and Sophie have any more children after Morgan? (My cousin Morgan, who is a girl, thinks that they should have a girl named Morgan, but that's just her...) And does Martha get her ten children?

From Zoe Dear Diana, This is the only the second message I've left for you, because I know you get dozens and you don't really need another person to tell you that they worship at your feet (though I do). However, I felt I just had to express my disbelief and outrage that that NONE of your books got into the Top British 100 Reads! It's madness I tell you, madness. I went online and voted (rather fairly I thought) for a book from each of my favorite authors, and sure enough Terry Pratchett, Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens appeared - Dickens and Pratchett got 5 BOOKS EACH - and yet you did not nab a single place. PAH! A pox on all those lazy DWJ fans who did not vote! How on EARTH did Roald Dahl manage to get mulitple entries? Just because his books got made into films that's why - the shallowness of the media-minded children of today, may acne be upon them with swift wings. In any case this is not just a reassuring, 'I still love you'message from me, but also my call to arms for all faithful fans to get on the BBC website RIGHT NOW and vote like mad. I expect results from this Diana, so don't you worry. When the new count comes out in September, we'll make sure you're on it. Love Zoe.

From Isabel I absolutely loved the Chrestomanci books. Is there anyway that you could wrote some more, pretty please? I would be eternally grateful, and so would many of your other fans. One of your biggest fans, Isabel Amadaun

From sneakers hi. my name really isn't sneakers. i'm really yvonne. well, i just found your website today and i was hoping you would be able to read this, even though you probably won't because i have seen all of the other letters to you. well here it goes... I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!! my most most most favorite is HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. i just checked out CASTLE IN THE AIR from the library. i can't put it down! how do you do it all. every time i try to write a story, no one in my class likes it because i use too many "big words" in fact... no one at all reads the books write. well, i think they're good... isn't that all that counts? this is probably going to be the longest letter you read but i hope you read it anyways. i truly LOVE your books and i hope you write more. you are even better that J.K. Rowling! you are a wonderfully gifted author. thanx for all your attention... sneakers PS please please write me!

From Taylor Hi! I am 13 years old and I started reading your books about a year ago. They're awesome! They are filled with fantastic twists and turns. Some authors put out maybe one or two good books and thats it but all of your books are fantastic! I can keep re-reading them because I always find new things every time. You are an awesome writer! Keep up the good work!

From Barbara Diana, I've just read your autobiography and am exhausted, but thank you so much for sharing all those interesting particulars. I'm a 44 year old kid who loves reading your books and would have been in double and triple heaven had I done so when I was somewhat younger. Honestly they're so fun and imaginative and I can understand completely why you're not as happy when you aren't writing. Thank you for providing me with such wonderful imaginative vehicles- even as I get older. I look forward to more. Sincerly, Barbara (in San Francisco, CA) www.barbosart.com

From Amber i was re-reading Charmed Life (which is one of my all-time favorite books!) and i noticed that the dragon talks a lot about how Chrestomanci saved him, all his special jobs, and how special Chrestomanci is. And i was wondering how Chrestomanci saved him? Why he needs to do all those special finding jobs for Chrestomanci? And how is Chrestomanci able to do his job with only two lives? if you can answer these questions, thanks; if you can't, thanks anyway!

From Val Greetings, Diana! I've very much always wanted to say that your books are uplifting. Whenever I come home from a hard day at school (which isn't often, thankfully), I plunk down on the couch and start rereading one of your novels. In a way, they're sort of like painkillers; as you're sucked into their world, you forget quickly why you were frustrated in the first place. Sorry for the poor anology. I hope that your back recovery is going well and that you'll soon be thriving will new ideas.

From Kathryn Diana...First of all, let me compliment you on your writing. You are very good. I never would have discovered your books if it wasn't for those Chrestomanci novels. We were in Barnes&Noble and my dad told me to pick out a few books and he would buy them for me. The Chrestomanci books caught my eye, and I was hooked. A friend of mine introduced me to The Dark Lord Of Derkholm...and I loved it. I'm not hear begging you to write another sequel though. I just would like to know if you even plan on ever writing a third book? Thanks, Kathryn.

From T. Samples Hi Diana, I just picked up a copy of "Howl's Moving Castle" on a whim a couple of weeks ago as a way to properly spend my time slacking off. (I just graduated from college. One needs to slack while one can, right?) At any rate, I was completely taken with it and have managed to read The Chronicles of Chrestomanci Volume I in the two weeks since. I really look forward to reading the rest of your books, since such a delightful read seems to be so hard to come by. And I also look forward to seeing Hayao Miyazaki's adaptation of "Howl's Moving Castle" whenever it is released here in the U.S. (by none other than Disney, who will charge an exorbitant price for the DVD). I love all his other movies so I think this will be great... a great author meets a great animator. Anyway, keep up the good work! All the best, Tracy T. Samples Message Hi Diana, I just picked up a copy of "Howl's Moving Castle" on a whim a couple of weeks ago as a way to properly spend my time slacking off. (I just graduated from college. One needs to slack while one can, right?) At any rate, I was completely taken with it and have managed to read The Chronicles of Chrestomanci Volume I in the two weeks since. I really look forward to reading the rest of your books, since such a delightful read seems to be so hard to come by. And I also look forward to seeing Hayao Miyazaki's adaptation of "Howl's Moving Castle" whenever it is released here in the U.S. (by none other than Disney, who will charge an exorbitant price for the DVD). I love all his other movies so I think this will be great... a great author meets a great animator. Anyway, keep up the good work! All the best, Tracy

From Shelagh I have been meaning to write to you for some time. I discovered children's books as an adult, as I came from an "unbookish" household. (I am 55 years old and an art teacher) I wanted to tell you how much pleasure you have given me and my two daughters (Age 19 and 24! The older one is an architect.) You are most decididly our favourite author. Thank you! Thank you for writing! Best wishes from Shelagh Scholes Johannesburg, South Africa.

From Molly Dear Diana, My parents recently got a divorce it destroyed me as a person.I am 13 years old now and am very mature for I had to grow up at 8.I battled depression and went on and off of medications right and left.I was failing out of school and didnt care what happened to me but i still continued to read.One dayas I was in Barnes and nobles i saw your book HOWLS MOVING CASTLE.i was immediatley entranced by the summary and begged my mom to buy it for me. She did and i read it in an hour.im a very fast reader so i told my mom how much i enjoyed it and told her i was interested in reading your other books.So I did and thats all I will read over and over again.i wanted to thankyou because your books held an escape for me to go to without actually leaving my room! It has helped me realize that my life is not so bad right now i have passed the 7th grade with flying colors and am no longer a state of depression.I owe it all to that one wonderful book hOWLS MOVING CASTLE withch to this day remains my favorite.I want to say thankyou so much. Sincerely, Molly

From Kat Hi! Wow, this is so cool. Anyway, I've read all the Chrestomanci books, both the Howl books and several of the others and loved them all, and am eagerly awaiting the movie, since I trust the director. Anyway, I have a question about The Tough Guide to Fantasyland. It took me THREE YEARS to find the book (which I fortunately have now), and now my friends are begging me for their own copies. Is there anyplace I could get it that doesn't take quite so long?

From Bonnie Hi Diana! Just to let you know that I just finished 'Merlin' and found it to be as brilliant as all your other books. You are by far one of the most creative writers I have ever had the pleasure to read- I re-read your books all the time because they are so stimulating and well written. Thank you so much! Bonnie

From Mr Hale and Class 6T We wanted to say how much we have enjoyed the Fantasy Stories published by Kingfisher, which you edited. The class has studied a selection from the anthology and been inspired to write their own. Thank you from all in 6T Colmore Junior School Kings Heath Birmingham.

From sarah er...hello! the usual next sentence would be: I love your books. Which is of course true, but i don't feel like being boring...but i probably will be anyway. i absolutely love Hexwood, and how wonderfully you make your characters. their weaknesses are so simple and ordinary, and their strengths are believable. yours are my favorite kinds of books -- the ones where you make up a name for yourself, plop down into that world, and start daydreaming about what you would do. and make yourself fit. you have discovered the key to believable fantasy...but its still escaping me...care to share? anywho, i can't wait to read the Merlin Conspiracy, but i'm not sure i want to see the Howl's Moving Castle movie...cuz its anime...and i hate anime! well, i'll stop rambling now. i appreciate so much what you do. --lil me

From Alexis Hello, I'm twelve years old and I'm wrighting fantesy books, actual bublishable books mind you. And I have two guestions, the first one is do you ever lose you're work? And the second is, How do you make it so you don't lose you're work? I have two brother's and a sister and nobody bothers to ask before they throw a peace of paper with my work on it away. I do write my books on the conputer and print up the pages than pute them in a folder but they still get lost. I can't always get on the conputer when I have an insperation or when I need to make notes so I just grab a peace of paper and write than I don't remember to put the paper away. I'm not the kind of person to carry a note pad and pencil around, hey, most of my clothes don't even have pockets. Do they have clip on not pads? Oops that was more than two questions. Whate! I have one more question. Is it realy hard to get published? Good Day! And Good By! From Alexis

From Jill Hello Diana! I've just finished reading DEEP SECRET and the tie-in with Babylon (is that your poem or did you find it?) really intrigues me. I was wondering what information you used to base the Babylon poem ("How many miles to Babylon...") off of, and if there's a place where I might be able to find more about it. Thank you! ~Jill Yotz

From Moggit I diddnt know that the movie for Howl's Moving Castle was going to be anamated, by Miyazaki no less! I am now shure that this will be the best book/movie EVER!!! Miyazaki is one of the best anamators in Japan not to mention the world, and he is one of my favorite directors of anime ( japanise cartooning) And guess what Diana is one of my favorite athors!!! Check out Miyazaki's other films: oscar winning Spirited Away, Castle In The Sky, My Naighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Servace,and my favorite, Princess Mononoki. ( There's probably more but these were the ones i could remember) And if you like those you should also wach Motropolos (its by the same person who did Astro Boy but i can't rember his name at the moment.) ^_~, Moggit

From Bushra I'm a 12 year old girl living in Canada. I just finished reading Fire and Hemlock. My favourite character would have to be Thomas Lynn. I was wondering, if you wrote the Chrestomanci (August Personage) Chronicles, can you please consider writing a series of chronicles relating to Mr. Lynn. He's truly a magical and wonderful person. If I could get one thing or person to become real (who wasn't real), I swear it would be him! Thank you.

From sarah rachel (more commonly known as maewen) Message i love dalemark! i re-read it every month and always find something new, the terrible thing is i really want more, im forever annoying people by saying the writers i love shouldnt do trilogies and quartets(dont know the name for four books) because i always want to know more, please will there be anymore dalemark? mitt and maewen ? please? if not i will just have to re-read them over and over, yours ,melanie rawns and robin hobbs books are the only ones i can re-read. i am seriously thinking of becoming a writer, how do you reccomend i start? i have about 10 story ideas locked up in boks dotting my room.

From sara rachel (more commonly known as maewen) sorry another message! i entered one of my poems (based on a story idea) to poetry.com and they are publishing it in a book of about 1500 or so! wow! i so want to be a writer now , even more than before!

From Samudhya S. I love the books because they are written in a really unusual style, different from most other authors. I often wonder where the ideas come from, and what is your favorite book that you've written? My favorite one is 'Howl's Moving Castle' and I can't wait till the movie is out!And anyway, I'd just like to wish good luck in the future, and again, I love the books!! From a HUGE fan.

From Sam' Wolf Tooth" What was your first reaction when Miyazaki-san was going to make a move on Howl's Moving Castle? Also, do you think he will do a good job on transfuring the book into the movie?

From Jessica HELLO,I AM 12 AND I LOVE WRITING BOOKS TOO.I HAVE GOT THE COLLECTONS OF THE WORLDS OF CHRESTOMANCI AND THE DALEMARK QUARTET AND I HOPE YOU WRITE MORE I ALSO HAVE HEXWOOD,THE TIME OF THE GHOST,DOGS BODY AND 2 OTHERS.I INTEND TO GET MORE BECAUSE YOU ARE MY FAVOURITE WRITER. I LIKE YOUR BOOKS MORE THAN HARRY POTTER.

From Lina Greetings from Sweden. Hello Diana, my name is Lina and Iām 18 years old and I live in Sweden. Iām sorry my English isnāt so good I hope you understand. I really want become a fantasy writer like you. Itās my biggest dream. I have an idea for some books but I donāt have time just now, but I hope I can manage to make people love them. I have some questions for you. I wondering how you became a writer and that you think is the loveliest book you have written? My favourite is Howls Moving Castle and the Chrestomanci books in Swedish šJ One more thing: Iām going to write about fantasy in school and I hope you can help me and tell me about your multiple worlds and characters, what fantasy is for you and other things you will share. I hope you can do it. Bye or Hej dŒ in Swedish and thanks for you help. You can answer on my mail if you what:

From Sam 'Wolf Tooth' Yes it's me again. Just to tell you I just read Howl's Moving Castle and I just love it! I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day! That never happened to me because I'm a slow reader (please, don't spare me the sympathy). I'm going to read more of your books now! Oh why do I like children stories and entertaners? Cuz I"m 14 1/2 and my older sister says I should move on to more 'mature' things in life. Heck. I say: Growing old is irevertable, growing up is optional.

From Bredna After reading "The Eight Days of Luke" this question has been buzzing though my head. If Luke had siblings what would they be like, would all their names come form the Bible, would they deal with other elements, not just fire, and is David going to know them too???

From Lisa V I am in the process of reading the Chrestomanci series of books to my 6 year old daughter. I read Charmed Life as a child. The books are still wonderful as an adult full of magic and inspiration. So I just want to thank you for writing such beautiful gems. Ruby loves them also. She says she is going to write some more Chrestomanci books. I wish you well.I read you have recently had a back operation so I wish you a speedy comfortable recovery. Have you tried acupuncture? I have found it extremely effective. Lots of love, Lisa and Ruby.

From jose aguilera osorio cuando van a sacar todos sus libros en espa–a y en espa–ol?

From Rebecca H. It was a few years back that I randomly picked up The Lives of Cristopher Chant off a bookshelf(I remember being proud because this was a THICK book- Oh, I was only seven or eight) and from that moment on my life was changed forever. One of my goals these past years has been to get everyone I know equally obsessed with your books as I am, starting with my friends, then my aquaintances, and finally the entire seventh grade! I have been only partially successful in this attempt. It works with some people, but others think I'm a bit crazy...Anyway, I've lent Christopher Chant to so many and read it so many times that finally the poor cover just came off. One of the pages in The Crown of Dalemark had to be taped back in and I was miserable when my friend returned Howl's Moving Castle with tomato sauce all over its precious pages. If that wasn't enough, one informed me that she couldn't return Cart and Cwidder just yet because her older sister had stolen it and was reading it. Anyway, the important thing is that a few more people know that your excellent books exist.I would like you you to know that I have read every book of yours I can get my hands on(which is more than some people have read) and I intend to eventually own them all. I reread them whenever I'm bored or unhappy, and I think they effect me so much because they aren't all drab and discription-y like a lot of books, but are filled with appealing and strong characters who really move the story forward. My only problem is I can't seem to properly read anything else now(other books are so second-rate after I've read yours!)I also am determined to be a writer when I get older.I meant to say a lot more, but I've stayed up VERY late writing this massage and I want to wake up tomorrow, so I'll have to wrap up now. Perhaps I'll return some other time. I just want to thank you for everything. Thank you for the inspiration, the books, and for giving me something to love. You're most loyal and devoted fan,Rebecca.

From Maria A. Hello, my name is Maria and I just love your books. How did you come up with the last names in your books? It always takes me a long time to think one up. I was also wondering if you get your ideas from any other books. I do, sometimes. It seems to me that you can sort of tell a little bit of someone's personality or a few of their dreams by what they write. For instance, most of my stories have other worlds, great adventures and magic in them. I think if you knew me well enough and you read everything I wrote you could tell that I would love to go on an adventure and have some magical abilities. With Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew mysteries, I think the author would like to travel to different places, meet a lot of people and help them out, but I'm just guessing. What do you think?

From ghostie i just wanted to say tht i love ur books and have since i first read one, and i no i will always love them. thank you for giving our socitiy a gift that shows love courage and many other quailities tht we are sorely missing. thank you

From Sarbani Dear Diana I'm afraid I don't have an original message but wanted to say thank you for the pleasure each re-reading of your stories gives. Like many people I first read your books when I was at school, and have come back to them more often others. Reaching my thirties I don't read much fantasy fiction but never fail to find something new in your stories, something that has resonance. Having moved to Bristol from Cheshire recently it made me smile to re-read Fire and Hemlock (again!) and to find out that many of the books I read as a 12 year old were written there. I do wish you well with your getting better. Kind regards, Sarbani

From Guinevive Hallo. I'm from Barre Vermont, United States. I have currently been reading your books and seemed to have found Tonino Montana in your chronicles of chrestomanci books my favorite character. This maybe because I'm naturally attracted to anything Italian...my brother-in-law happens to be 3/4 Italian. I'm 13 years old...and since I'm currently working on books myself that I WILL later publish as the series of Renesance...I would like to ask you a personal kind of question...it may not be the best, since you don't know me that well, but I would like to thread your Chrestomanci books into my own...if that's ok with you.I could continue the series and give you updates, whenever you like. -Guinevive(you can call me Guin[it's french])

From Guinevive hey hey!Hope your on your way to getting well!My mom just bought me the Dalemark Quartet!It's awesome!Your a REALLY good writer!I was drawn right in!I was wondering if you ever thought of making a movie out of the Dalemark Quartet, I'm very interested to know!

From Katherine You're one of my favorite writers. You books and your style intrigue me. I know they are some of my favorites because I can read them many times in a row and never get bored with them. I also love the hiyo miyazaki films. I think that Howl's Moving Castle would make a great anime film. I have one important(or at least for me it is). How do you deal with writers block and who are some of your favorite writers? If you would answer these (two) questions I would appreciate but I know that you are very busy each day so I will not expect anything. Arigatoo!^-^

From Nick what are your favourite colours? What is your favourite song or piece of music

From Robin Dear Diana- I have been reading your books since I was 7 (I am now 15) and I love them and your characters more every time I pick up one of your books. But it has taken me AGES to track all of them down- I think you should complain to your publishers- they can't be giving you a fair deal (the most odd one is that Deep secret is out of print in England even though Merlin Conspiracy has just come out.) I was also wondering why you chose to make merlin a 'childrens' book while secret is an 'adults' book. (and by the way, I love 'a sudden wild magic'. you seem to make every book absolutely different but totally engrossing. The purpose of this message is to request another book (sorry!), but i'm not going to ask for another derkholm or dalemark (and even though i'd love another dalemark I feel as though you've told mitt's story as fully as you can.) I would love another story about Nick! I love him and I was so glad he got his own story after deep secret- although i was surprised that neither Maree not Rupert got a mention in merlin- I dont think that nick's selfish enough to forget about them. Anyway , I think there is still more to say about nick. He hasn't yet fulfilled his potential- he sells himself short. And what about Nick and Roddy! what an anticlimax! This is a little random, but I have a feeling that nick might be someone you know, or several someones put together.His narration is so much more individual than Roddy's. Finally (this has gotten very long- sorry) I read Homeward Bounders about a year ago and also liked Jamie very much. I always thought that it was a pity that there was never a sequel. How about a book about Jamie and Nick? If that's a stupid idea i'm sorry, but I think that that combination works better than, say, jamie and Chrestomanci. What do you think?

From Alice Dear diana, There's something really puzzling me about hexwood. See i was searching for other cover's of hexwood on the net, and i came upon a cover with a man that seem's to be the character in your book Mordion Agenos and a picture of Hume or Ann i'm not sure. At first i thought it must be another book but it had the title hexwood on it. Hope i'm not confusing u. But i feel dead tired. My doctor said i should'nt stay up on the computer alot but i cant help it i need to find out if hexwood was made a movie i'm the kind of person who has to get to the bottom of things and i can't help it i feel as if i'm going to blow up with all these websites in mind. p.s: The only reason i look for diffrent covers for ure books is cause i collect everything to do with u so can you plzz tell me if there is a movie 'bout hexwood cause i really want to have it LOVE, from you'r biggest fan Alice

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