Blog
10 April 2009
As a little Easter treat for all you faithful readers out there, here's a sneak peek at the Wolf Cry trailer and page (soon to be seen on the main site). Let me know if you like this approach to bringing the books to you.
Posted by Julia Golding on 10 April 2009
5 April 2009
I'm out and about with my children for the next few days so won't be getting to my computer to deal with your questions so quickly - please bear with the delay! But good news is that Webman John, he say this week end for new look new elements site (hooray!). Will include the long awaited Wolf Cry pages and much more. Julia
Posted by Julia Golding on 05 April 2009
31 March 2009
My webguy John is still running into problems with the new look site - he is doing his own coding rather than buying stuff off the peg to make me a unique website which I'm sure will be fab but we have to wait for the launch. I hate waiting, don't you? In the meanwhile, US readers (and other interested parties) might like the glimpse the cover of Dragonfly - completely different from UK version and will be shiny and sleek with the face and jewel picked out.
Posted by Julia Golding on 31 March 2009
20 March 2009
I've just created a new poll for Cat's Questions - all women this time. You have until Easter to vote. My Elizabethan book continues to take me in to fascinating new areas for me, though very often grisly (worse than anything Darren Shan could think up). I'm very thankful I wasn't a religious martyr in those days - the courage on both sides of the religious divide is still breathtaking. I live in a city where 3 bishops were burnt at the stake for their beliefs near to my favourite bookshop and cafe - I cycle by their memorial every day. I can't imagine being that certain or that strong, can you?
Posted by Julia Golding on 20 March 2009
17 March 2009
Syd has now dictated his replies to Cat. Let me know who you would like to see on the next poll. About time we heard from a woman, don't you think? I may do an all girls one. I'm carrying on being cheerful (despite recent important birthday reminding me of the ticking years!). I'm currently planning my youngest's birthday party for later this week and trying to work out how to run a football theme through everything in between writing my Elizabethan story. Mind you, they did play a form of football even then.
Posted by Julia Golding on 17 March 2009
11 March 2009
I'm aware some of you are waiting for Syd's replies. My excuse is that it has been world book day and I've been going out and about a lot and still trying to fit in that pesky writing thing I'm supposed to be doing. I'll get to it soon! I'm relaunching my website at the end of the month to celebrate turning a significant birthday (and no, I'm not letting on which it is!). I should be able to do much more, including video and sound, so fingers crossed I don't get tripped up by my technological shortcomings!
Posted by Julia Golding on 11 March 2009
2 March 2009
Lots of you have been emailing me about the Cat covers. I think it might be useful for you to know that authors don't actually decide these things! I know it's my book (or Cat's) but the publisher has the final say about what goes on the front. I'd prefer to get the book out (it's finished) but Egmont is having a think (difficult market at the moment with the world recession) so they won't be rushed on this. So please, don't blame me. You can read a sneak preview in the paperback of Black Heart if you want to find out what happens to Cat on return from the Caribbean. (You can of course email Egmont!!)
Posted by Julia Golding on 02 March 2009
13 February 2009
A reader has asked me to keep on blogging so here I am. I'm still thinking of reasons to be cheerful so I guess this is part III. My reason? I've just written a new book - completely off the usual menu and not like anything else. It was a sweet write, went really smoothly. I hope to persuade one of my publishers to take it and when/if they do I'll spill the beans about it. It was written to satisfy my Twilight fan daughter but I promise you it does not contain any vampires. Very annoying for those of you waiting for more of the other series but when I get inspiration I have to write it out. Things don't always go to order. And I'm loving writing another historical book I've undertaken which has given me an excuse to research all things Elizabethan, particularly Shakespeare. I don't know if you've been put off him at school (I hope not) but looking at his work now, I find endless interest and amazing insights - truly a first class, remarkable brain. He is even better than Cat Royal at insults, though I think she might have to use his 'mad mustachio purple-hued maltworm'! I now have to think of a character who deserves it to be lobbed at them. Another reason for happiness - we're thinking of getting a dog ;). I have a problem in that many breeds make me sneeze so we are trying to find one that works for us. West Highland terriers are the front runners at the moment (which is funny as they have very short legs and don't go that fast). I will keep those of you who like pets updated on this dog saga as it unfolds...
Posted by Julia Golding on 13 February 2009
2 February 2009
Reasons to be cheerful part 2: One reader, Jenna, points out it is nearly the February holidays. And the snow looks lovely (my children were sent home from school early). And Syd is going to answer Cat fans questions (no lovey dovey stuff please!)
Posted by Julia Golding on 02 February 2009
29 January 2009
Are you as fed up as me with the doom and gloom in the news? I saw the front page of the Times this morning with a picture of blitzed London inferring that things are as bad. Where's their sense of proportion? Um, guys, I thought the really bad news about 1940s London were the civilian deaths and general horror of WWII, not rationing and economic woes. Journalists seem to delight in spinning things in the worst possible ways. So I've decided to fight back. Recession is partly a state of mind (lack of confidence and general happiness leading to a downward spiral) so I'm collecting 'reasons to be cheerful'. This is part one. Send in your ideas and I'll include them in what will be a 'sunny' blog to counteract the gloom. - on the recession - as the Chinese said at Davos yesterday (this isn't a Dr Who villain but an economic summit) a recession is risk tied up with opportunity. When things go off track we can get on another one. Maybe in fifty years time, the fact that the world economy went wobbly meant we salvaged a new greener future?? - friends and family - President Obama (so far) - books - I love writing them and reading them - and something small - the blue tits feeding on the old seed heads that I can see from my study window. Feeling happier? End of Part I - to be continued...
Posted by Julia Golding on 29 January 2009
21 January 2009
I was in Stamford station yesterday (hi folks at Stamford Girls High School) and the royal train approached the platform. Unfortunately it was for Prince Charles and not me. I've enjoyed seeing the coverage of President Obama - bit of bright news in a diet of gloom. Sometimes it would be useful to be able to fast forward life to easier times. But let's celebrate this historic day - well done America for rising above race. Let's hope a line is drawn under the stupid prejudices people have nursed over the centuries.
Posted by Julia Golding on 21 January 2009
9 January 2009
Bad news guys - Egmont want to relaunch Cat and Darcie with a new cover approach for both series - but this means yet more delays! I know this is very frustrating for you all and I now don't have a firm publication date for either Cat's Cradle or Deadlock. I apologize to you all. Aaargh! (sound made by frustrated author)
Posted by Julia Golding on 09 January 2009
28 December 2008
Charlie has now sent in his replies - lovely handwriting, much better than Frank. You can find them on his own page in the Cat Q&A section. I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas. Did anyone get any books by any chance? Let me know what you thought if you are reading a Golding... I got a book about Shakespeare by Jonathan Bate - a big fat book which will keep me going on these dark evenings.
Posted by Julia Golding on 28 December 2008
16 December 2008
Something serious... After reading disturbing facts about how rapidly the Arctic is melting (way ahead of what scientists predicted and could be ice free during the summer in a year or two) I was cheered to see the next president of the USA has appointed some decent environmentalists to key roles in his government. Maybe that means there is a glimmer of hope that the world will have an outbreak of common sense and do something real about global warming. I'm rooting for these guys and all green-thinkers in positions of influence. Let's get behind them! And something silly... I was very amused when I received the Swedish translation of Diamond the other day to discover the odd things which come up when my work is put in to a language I do not know. My favourite is that one chapter head which is in English 'Billy 'Boil' Shepherd' turns out as 'Billy 'Bums' Shepherd' - this is no lie. I think Cat will be laughing her head off at that.
Posted by Julia Golding on 16 December 2008
1 December 08
A little early Christmas present to you Charlie Hengrave fans (you must have been voting a lot to make him win!): you can now send in your questions for Frank's best friend.
Posted by Julia Golding on 01 December 2008
29 November 08
Where has this year gone? I'm doing my Christmas cards now and I'm trying to work out what I've done in 08. Three books in the UK (others abroad) is one way of looking at it. I hope Cat is enjoying herself in the States - it's really nice to hear from readers over there. Thanks to those asking for more Companions. This now looks likely but I'll have to wait until I get to writing them so it will be a while before you all see the next chapters in the life of the SPMC. I've been thinking a lot about writing this week for a lecture I did on Thursday - I'll probably post it on this site when I've tidied it up. It's a real privilege to be paid for telling stories - so thanks to you all for buying my books and allowing me to do this! I really do appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement. Last few days for voting on the Cat poll for the next guest...
Posted by Julia Golding on 29 November 2008
11 November 2008
I was really moved today to hear about the 3 WWI veterans at the Remembrance service in London - all well over 100 and representing the 3 services, army, navy and RAF. What amazing and terrible things they must've seen. Makes me think about my own relatives, some of whom were in the navy in WWI and II. It's not that long ago when you stop and realize that these people were your great-grandmothers and fathers. My own father told me he was held as a baby by someone born at the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign. Not much further back to Cat's time once you get there. I had a complaint that I didn't write much about Companions stuff anymore. So here goes. I was thrilled by the Obama victory because I think it gives our world a chance to get to grips with the environment. I didn't think President Bush understood just how urgent the problem is. I've certainly been sleeping better - I wish the incoming president well and hope he has green issues on the top of his intray. The mythical creatures will be pleased.
Posted by Julia Golding on 11 November 2008
31 October 2008
Fresh from pumpkin carving with my kids and I've come up with a new poll for Cat fans. There'll be another guest on the question page for the Christmas season so get voting!
Posted by Julia Golding on 31 October 2008
27 October 2008
Not updated my blog for a bit because I've been busy and ill (all at the same time which is a rotten combination!). I've got loads of ideas for books at the moment - the only problem is finding the space to write. I'm working on the follow up to Dragonfly when I do get a space and I'm really enjoying it. Lots of new characters and cultures to plan which is the best thing about writing fantasy for me. Cat 7 is on ice for the moment but the ideas are still bubbling away.
Posted by Julia Golding on 27 October 2008
6 October 2008
Some of you have asked me about fan sites for Cat. Well, I know of two that are running: one on piczo organized by a regular visitor to this site, and another on fanfiction.net where you can put up your own stories. So if you can't wait for the next installment from me, why not post your ideas there?
Posted by Julia Golding on 06 October 2008