Julia Golding

Rosie wrote on 14 July 2010:

Hello Cat! To start - I love your books! They describe your surroundings and what is happening around you in rich detail. You seem to travel a lot - far more than me (Stuck at home in Scotland all summer!) Someday I would love to be an author and, like you, I find the stuff you write about is far more exciting than the average lovey dovey stuff. I have a question for you - Which do you prefer - Boys cap and breeches, the fine ballgown you wore in the begginning of Cat O Nine Tails, or Kanawha's soft comfy clothes? Please reply! Rosie :) PS Can you ask Syd if he can let me into his gang, even if I am a girl?

Oh, that is so hard to say. I did not like being taken for a boy - it was very rough at times - but I did like the comfortable clothes. On balance,I think Kanawha has it right. Rosie, I think Syd would object to you on the strength of your name. Can you imagine - 'Ere Rosie smash 'im in the cannister' You see what I mean? Cat

Naomi wrote on 14 July 2010:

Dear Cat, I was researching the theatre's (theatre royal, of course) history and i found out that the theatre royal was on Catherine St. Perhaps that is why you were named Catherine? -Naomi

I think it might well have been in Mr Sheridan's mind. Cat

Janiey-ran wrote on 13 July 2010:

Miss Catherine Royal, I would like to have some advice from you on writing a novel. I would like to know where did you get your inspiration from? How you knew exactly what perspective to go from? Also, if you have any advice for me, that would be splendid. ~ Lady Janiey Ran

I draw on my own life and I am my only perspective! I advise you to keep your eyes open, your ears sharp and your curiosity insatiable. Cat

Kate wrote on 13 July 2010:

Oh sorry. Well, it was an ex you see. He must've followed me about 753 times or thereabouts. I might've added it up wrong, but it's a lot. But I'd only give him second place in the scariness stakes; his friend gets the first. Kate

It is hard to judge these things from a distance so I would talk to someone you trust (a parent or teacher perhaps) who knows you and the boy. You should not be in a situation where you feel scared and some kind of intervention might be required to stop this behaviour.

Megan wrote on 13 July 2010:

I'm 17, and I adore the Cat Royal adventures, I know they're meant for younger readers but I can't help it, I love them! I've currently just finsihed Cat O'Nine Tails, and have just finished the Prologue to Black Heart of Jamaica. What I was wondering was, if there is going to be another one realsed after Black Heart of Jamaica? xx

Yes indeed - see FAQs. J

Aria wrote on 12 July 2010:

To J-F I'm sure You know that Syd really like, likes Cat. what would you do If you met him, do you think you'd like him, do you like cats tattoo? Can you ask Ms. Golding to post a picture/drawing of it. If any one can you can with your ... um... razor sharp wit. Thanks! P.S. As you are the only person who has not kissed Cat... besides Pedro, who I think will never think of her that way or is too shy to ruin their relationship, and Frank, which I think if that happened it would be way too wierd! when are you going to make your move if you are going to THANKS!!! You're one of my FAVE characters!!

JF is in France and not answering questions at the moment. There is an archive of his answers though (look to the right). Cat

Mangisi wrote on 12 July 2010:

Hey Cat! I've been reading all these messages and noticed you really like Mr. Wiberforce and the other men involved with getting rid of the slave trade in britian. I know a movie you would LOVE!!!!! It's called Amazing Grace and it's all about that. Maybe you can ask Mrs.Golding if she can rent it for you! It's all about the slave trade and that whole movement and how the song amazing grace was tied into it. It was really cool. I thought I wouldn't like it but it was really inspiring that Wilberforce would stand against all those odds and win. Really good you'll love it.

What is a movie? Cat

Molly wrote on 12 July 2010:

What did you think about the story from sally on july 6th?

I cannot comment on readers's stories.

Kate wrote on 11 July 2010:

He stood watching when I was on the beach. Then he went whizzing past me, up the road. What would you do? Best, Kate

Hmm. Any more details? I have forgotten what this is about.

Senorita Sara wrote on 11 July 2010:

Hello, Cat! How are you? I have a question for you: after all that Billy has done, as well as you know him, do you think there is still hope for him- when it comes to being a decent person? I'm not asking whether or not you like him, just, do you think he could be a decent person if he wanted?

I am sceptical as to whether he would become truly decent - he would have ulterior motives if that were so. Cat

Aaleyah wrote on 11 July 2010:

Hi Cat! Just wanted to say that I think you are awesome!! I feel like we are like sisters we are so alike. Except I'm black. I have some questions for you though. What do you think was one of your stupidest decisions? If you had to be alone with someone the rest of your life who would it be? Do I sound annoying? What advice would you give to me as a writer? What do you wish you could change most about your appearance? Well thats all. I hope you answer some of my questions. PS. Tell Syd to let you in his gang. Me too! We could start up the world of trouble! :)

My stupidest decision? Hard to say as there have been so many. You cannot be alone with someone but that aside, I would be happy to share my life with any of my friends. No, not particularly -why, do you think you are? I have written advice recently - see below. I would change my sunburnt nose. Cat

Janiey-ran wrote on 11 July 2010:

Miss Catherine Royal, the answer to your question of loving the exhilaration of adventure is yes. I would absolutely love to be in your shoes. Traveling the whole globe basically! Also not knowing what to expect around the corner is just breath taking! It must be fascinating to be traveling with friends that care for you. I admire your charisma and your bravery. ~ Lady Janiey Ran

farhana wrote on 10 July 2010:

hi cat! you are so clever. i want to read everything you say. just picking up your book sends me shivers of excitment! who's your hero cat? and whats your best color?

Dear Farhana My hero is Mr Equiano and my favourite colour is green. Cat

Sally wrote on 09 July 2010:

What did you think about the story?

Which story?

sarah wrote on 09 July 2010:

dearest Catherine, i was just wondering if you could tell me how has your feelings for Syd change from diamond of Drury lane to your most current book. sincerely, lady Sarah of new york

Dear Lady Darah, I have got to know him much better as we spent time together on board the Courageous. He is honorable and brave and a good friend. Cat

molly wrote on 09 July 2010:

what is your pavorite fencing move (dont say u dont no i read cat among the pigeons)also what year were u born and what year is it there?

I am not an expert as you will remember - anything where I do not get hurt. See Dr Golding's FAQs for the other answer. Cat

Molly wrote on 09 July 2010:

Dear Cat, I have 2 questions for you. Would you every like to come to Australia ? I would so much love to live in England as Australia hasn't got the lovely fields of green and the old castles and towns of England. Australia is nice in it's own way thou. It's done pretty good seeing it was a dumping place for convicts! Next question. I have 8 brothers and I have always been much of a tom boy seeing i've been around my brothers all my life with no other sister until lately. I know a girl that thinks i'm strange and said no one likes a dirty faced girl with her brothers jeans on, is that right? I wish I knew you in person. Could we be friends any way? I've read all your book's!!!! Sorry for keeping you so long! Love Molly xxx

Dear Molly I am not sure that my welcome in Australia in 1793 (or 1794 by the time the ship gets there!). As for your 'friend' who is such a snob, I would take no notice. Her comment says more about her than it does you. I envy you for all those wonderful brothers! Cat

Robert wrote on 08 July 2010:

Dear Cat, just wondering, if you could meet absolutely anyone, who would it be and why? Thanks and you are a great writer =D

I would like to meet Mr Wilberforce - he is an inspiration. I'd like to tell him to keep up his good work. Cat

Becca wrote on 07 July 2010:

Hello Cat. To start off - Your brilliant! i love your adventures. i'm only up to Den of Thieves, but i still love them. Anyway, i find myself alot like you! i love theatre - who wouldn't?, i like writing, i get into tough areas and finally we both have red hair! Anyway, could you give me some tips about writing? - i'm kind of struggling at the minute! thanks for your time Cat. Becca! :) x

Dear Becca Do you have a notebook for your ideas? After that a room to write in, plenty of fuel for those cold nights writing, and an endless supply of paper and ink - these are all you require. Cat

Sally wrote on 06 July 2010:

Hello! I'm Paris, and I just came up with this as a little spur of the moment thing. We'll see how it turns out! It's a Cay/Syd story. Disclaimer: sadly, I can claim nothing except the plot. I'd have a bit more money if I owned Cat Royal. O u t O f M y L e a g u e No, no, no! I thought frantically. This is not how it's supposed to happen! I opened my mouth to scream, to stop him, but no sound came out. The handsome blonde giant in front of me kept walking, not sparing me a backwards glance. I attempted to run after him, but to no avail. My legs, or any other limbs, I discovered, would not move. Cat dung! In my terror, insults flew about my head, unable to escape my lips. I will not lose him again! I won't! Be damned by the wrong end of a cow, I won't! I felt as if I was frozen in time, quickly losing hold on my last bit of sanity. His last words echoed in my head as he faded into the darkness. "You don't care. I'm nothink to you. G'bye, Cat Royal, and 'ave a nice life with the 'igh an' mighty people, you 'ear?" My lips finally let loose my scream from their hold. "SYD!Syd, no, no, come back! Syd! SYD!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's when I woke up. Tears were streaming down my face, and it felt like my thin blanket was suffocating me. I was curled into a ball, trembling with grief. Just a dream, Cat, it was just a silly 'ole dream, I tried to comfort myself. But no. I knew better. It was the fear that I felt every waking day now. Syd may think that I was worth waiting for, but I can read him as well as any play now. I saw the sorrow when he looked at me, and that everlasting patience. I don't know which hurt me more. He didn't understand. I knew where my heart lay. But I was afraid, so scared. I knew that eventually he'd move on, tired of waiting. Even his solid wall of patience would eventually crumble. He didn't see it in my eyes. I was in love with Syd Fletcher. But I was not worthy of him. "Cat?" came a soft voice from the shadows. I barely lifted my head, still unable to stop my tears. "Come on, Kitten, I know you're awake." Syd stepped out of the shadows, his giant six-foot-something frame silhouetted against the moonlit sky. The ship rocked gently in the breeze. I'd chosen to sleep on the deck of the Renegade, preferring the cool, open air to the stuffy cabin. Besides, it wasn't right for me to sleep in the cabin and the boys sleep on the deck, seeing as they worked hard all day, not letting me do a thing, and would have to lose the comfort of the softer pallets and hammocks. Frank was loathe to let me, as was Syd, but I convinced Pedro, who in turn helped convince them. Within two days time I'd be holding my little goddaughter in my arms again, and be in the company of two of my best friends. Syd looked at me, gentleness reflecting in his big green-blue eyes. His longish messy blond hair fell into them. He knelt down beside me, then gathered me in his strong arms. I struggled feebly, but he situated us comfortably in a sitting position against the wall of the ship, paying no notice to my attempts. I relished in the feel of his comforting arms around me, not failing to notice how perfectly I fit. "Come now, Kitten, wat's all this?" He lifted a thumb to my face and wiped away my tears. I turned my face, unable to look at him, too ashamed for him to see my face. I hate crying. "Nothing,'"I lied in a whisper. He sighed in exasperation. "Cat, I may not be no scientist or nothink, but even I know that when you wake up in the middle 'a the night, screamin' my name an' cryin', somethink ain't right," his soft voice held the tiniest amount of hurt, no doubt at seeing me crying and not knowing the problem. Yes, I did indeed love him. "Oh, Syd," I sighed, or hiccuped, rather, through my tears. "Look a' me, Cat," he ordered. I slowly turned my head back to face him, but refused to look him in the eye. "Wat's wrong wit' you these days? You should be excited, wat with goin' to see Li'l Cat an' all, but you're walkin' 'round all depressed. This ain't like you, Cat." I took a deep breath, partly because of what I was about to say, and partly because his close proximity was slightly scrambling my brain. "Syd, I..." I trailed off, looking at him uncertainly. He waited for me to go on. "I'm a street urchin. I have no home, nothing to my name, and no family to speak of. I'm not even a respectable lady. I've relied on my friends all of my life, and here you all are growing up and moving on all around me. Frank's off at college most of the time, Pedro's a famed musician now, and your boxing career is soaring! And it seems all I'm capable of doing is sitting around in a house that's not mine and feeling sorry for myself! I'm almost 16, Syd, I should be making something of my life!" He started to interrupt. He looked slightly angry at my harsh self-accusations. "Now Cat, 'at's not true. You-" "No, Syd, listen!" I interrupted my interrupter. "What I'm getting at is that..." Here it was... "Is that I don't deserve you, Syd!" Confusion passed over his handsome face like a cloud. "Wat...?Deserve me, Cat? Of course you deserve me, Cat, I'm your best friend!" This really was all too much. I looked sharply up and met his eyes. "No, Syd! Not as a friend! Syd, don't you get it?" He looked hurt. "Cat, I know I'm slow an' all, but-" "Syd, I love you!" There. I'd said it. Confusion passed across his face again. But it was immediately followed by such raw joy-no, scratch that, reader-ecstasy, that my heart lightened. His handsome mouth stretched into a grin. He stood up, dragging me along with him. He searched my face with brilliant, beautiful eyes. "You mean it, Kitten? Truly?" "Yes, Syd, truly." And so it was. I loved the giant in front of me. I loved his enormous muscular frame, his beautiful eyes, his gorgeous face. I loved his street slang, and his patience. I loved him. He cupped his large hands around my little face. "You 'ave no idea 'ow long I bin waitin' to 'ear that." And with that, he bent down to my level and kissed me. Not a peck, like the last time. A real kiss. I regretted ever comparing Billy Sheperd's kissing to Syd's. Of course, that was before I got so caught up that I forgot to think. And there we have it! Just a short little piece of work, not much. I may or may not do a second chapter. Lemme know watcha think! :) -¤Paris I found this on a website- tell me what you think!