Blog
24 September 2008
I've not updated my blog much recently because I am so busy writing. I think I have three stories on the go at the moment. I know I should focus on one of them but I do find September a really creative time and I keep on getting new ideas. I thank Sasha and co for their campaign for a new Companions series. The good news is that it does look quite likely so please hang on in there. Also I wish to state that I do not have favourites among my books (this is for Henrik who thought I was neglecting the Companions fans). Keep on reading. Best wishes Julia
Posted by Julia Golding on 24 September 2008
14 September 2008
JF has now posted his answers so do go and see what he has to say to you on the Cat Royal pages.
Posted by Julia Golding on 14 September 2008
8 September 2008
Questions for JF are now closed and he is pondering his answers. I have however added a new poll to keep you thinking. I know many of you are waiting for Cat's Cradle but strangely enough today was the day I started Cat 7 (as yet no title). You won't see this until 2010, but us authors have to be at least a year ahead of publication - makes it odd when I answer questions as I have to remember not to give away too many secrets. Good to see some of you at Witney. MG (Harris) and I enjoyed sharing croissants with you.
Posted by Julia Golding on 08 September 2008
2 September 2008
I hope any readers local to Witney in Oxfordshire will come along and see me on Saturday (10am) at the Corn Exchange as part of the Witney literary festival. I'm appearing with MG Harris (Joshua Files) so you are guaranteed to have an adventure.
Posted by Julia Golding on 02 September 2008
24 August 2008
Coming to the end of the holidays and realized I've not updated my blog for a while. Thank you to everyone who came to see me in Edinburgh, especially to the threesome (you know who you are!) and to the lovely fan who wrote me a special poem - it made my day. As much as I love being with my children, I'm also itching to get back to work. There is so much to do: Vikings to revise, Cat to research, Darcie to save from her next adventure... Oh yes, and quite a few schools to visit in the autumn. Julia
Posted by Julia Golding on 25 August 2008
4 August 08
JF has agreed to answer your questions on the Cat section of this site so send them in to Cat's page. Please make sure they aren't all about what he feels about Cat - he had a short temper and might not like the intrusion!
Posted by Julia Golding on 04 August 2008
23 July 2008
I've completed the first draft of my Viking book so have been dabbling with a few Cat things before I start on the next Cat book (the one after next as far as you are concerned). I decided it would be fun to adapt Diamond as a stage play so have worked up a first draft - it's been fun as I've not visited that book for a while. All I need now is a professional theatre, a director, a cast...
Posted by Julia Golding on 23 July 2008
1 July 08
I've created a new poll to see who you want to guest on the 18th century Q&As - so get voting!
Posted by Julia Golding on 01 July 2008
30 June 2008
I've been doing my map research for Cat's Cradle, which involves going in to the Bodleian Library and searching old atlases. I had to go in to one reading room called the Duke Humphrey's library which, incidentally, they use in the Harry Potter films for the library at Hogwarts. It is a really beautiful place for bibliophiles like me - ancient books chained to the wall, stained glass windows, dark wood shelving and a balcony. It would have already been old in Cat's day - quite a thought.
Posted by Julia Golding on 30 June 2008
15 June 2008
Calling all Cat Q&A fans, Frank is sharpening his quill even as I write, so if you want to sneak in any last minute questions, please get them to me by the end of Tuesday.
Posted by Julia Golding on 15 June 2008
2 June 2008
Some of my answers to readers' questions recently were written while on a steam train in the Yorkshire Moors - the wonders of G3 technology. It's always good to hear from you but if you can refrain from asking WHO CAT IS GOING TO MARRY!!!! both she and I would feel much saner. The thing is, guys, I actually don't plan Cat's life that far ahead so there really isn't an answer. We kind of live it together she and I and so far we are only at the end of 1792 (the time frame of Cat's Cradle). Some of you have been asking for hints. You need to brush up on your Scottish dialect to appreciate her latest adventure in full. Ever read any Robbie Burns? I won't make it that difficult for non-Scottish readers, but Cat has been enjoying a whole new linguistic area. Also be prepared for an explosive new Darcie Lock book out in July. Many of your favourite characters are back (anyone like Stingo for example?) but there are plenty of new ones to keep you entertained.
Posted by Julia Golding on 02 June 2008
21 May 2008
Just watched my children dancing round a Maypole - summer really is here. Mind you, it their least favourite day of the year as both of the boys hate dancing. I imagine Cat and friends would have seen this kind of thing going on around England on this day 200 years ago - a nice thought. Birmingham dares tomorrow...
Posted by Julia Golding on 21 May 2008
6 May 2008
Hi guys Billy has finally spoken - see his new page on this site. Also, I've put up a new poll to find out who you want to guest as the agony aunt next month so get voting! I'm looking out on a beautiful May day here in Oxford and trying to get round to Viking thoughts, but Cat keeps creeping up on me... Julia
Posted by Julia Golding on 06 May 2008
24 April 2008
I have just spent the last two week in Italy and am off on a cruise to Norway tomorrow, so sorry if you have had to wait for replies to your emails. The cruise is because I'm researching a book about the Vikings and I wanted to see it from the sea, though I imagine I'll be travelling in somewhat greater comfort than those early explorers. Cat fans might be amused to look up the different cover to the American edition to Diamond (Roaring Brook is the publisher). Sorry for those of you who have had to wait for Dragonfly - it was out later than I expected. Do let me know what you think of it.
Posted by Julia Golding on 24 April 2008
28th March 2008
My thoughts have turned back to Vikings for a book I've been mulling over for some time. I can't quite get it straight in my mind what the story is going to be - I'm still in the 'dreaming' phase of planning, which can be fun if it all falls in to place. It's a fascinating period - only half glimpsed thanks to lack of records - so you have freedom to invent to some extent. Very different to writing a Cat book where even the names of the shops are known.
Posted by Julia Golding on 28 March 2008
17 March 2008
A few new things on the site - Empty Quarter page is now up and there's a new poll for Cat fans. I'm hoping the 'who should Cat end up with?' discussion can now relocate to that page!
Posted by Julia Golding on 17 March 2008
7 March 2008
I've been travelling the country recently. A definite highlight was the event at the Georgian Theatre in Bury St Edmunds - the perfect venue for Cat! I'd love to go back again. It's been fun meeting so many of you. One fan had impressive pictures of her army training assault course birthday party - see Ringmaster is based on more truth than I realized!
Posted by Julia Golding on 07 March 2008
24 February 2008
If you want to hear Cat and me in conversation with Barney and three Go4Iters on the Go 4 It programme for the next week you can listen again on the BBC Radio 4 website.
Posted by Julia Golding on 24 February 2008
20 February 2008
Cat dropped in to a BBC radio 4 studio the other day to record Sunday's Go 4 It programme, so if you want to hear what she had about job opportunities in 18th century London or how to treat malaria, tune in on Sunday 7 pm. Check the BBC website because these days it might also come as a podcast (though that's way too technical for Cat and me).
Posted by Julia Golding on 20 February 2008
15 February 2008
Cat is now well established in her role as agony aunt, corresponding with me via a time-travelling carrier's cart from the 18th century (see her Q&A page). She would welcome you to raise your concerns with her but begs to be relieved of further enquiries about her lovelife.
Posted by Julia Golding on 15 February 2008