Blog
11 September 2006
Now the website has been running for a few weeks, I've enjoyed hearing from readers who've found their way to it, including people from Canada and Bermuda - I'm impressed. I've been writing very intensively the past two weeks on a new story, nothing to do with either the Quartet or Cat, though I'll be back with them soon because more of both series are due out in 2007. But I don't like to be tied down to one kind of tale. You'll get variety from me if nothing else!
Posted by Julia Golding on 11 September 2006
4 September 2006
I've been writing about a circus and then the St Giles Fair rolled up into the city where I live to give me a real live example. What I like best about the fair is the fact that the main road is closed and you can walk down the centre looking at all the stalls. I also like the carousel and the helter-skelter - they appeal to my romantic side. However, I can't stand most of the rides - really garish and loud. There's something a bit scary about fairs, as though the glitter and fun is very shallow. Good stuff for the imagination though.
Posted by Julia Golding on 04 September 2006
29 August 2006
Thank you to all those who took the time to come to hear my talk at the Edinburgh Festival on Sunday. I was impressed that many of you had already read the new books and could answer all the questions on mythical creatures. It particularly nice to see some familiar faces from the schools I met in January (St George's and Springfield). Luckily, I had changed my talk so you got to hear something new - the slave trade and the gorgon in one 50 minute session.
Posted by Julia Golding on 29 August 2006
24 August 2006
Walking back by the park today, I got to thinking about taking criticism as an author. Strange thing is that while people may write ten good things about you, you tend to remember the one negative. I've had a sprinkling of such comments on both series of books and usually spend far too long undergoing an imaginary argument with my critic, defending my authorial choices. It does no good. Far better to try and see it from their point of view (they may be right after all!) and move on. It's hard though because books are a bit of yourself out there for all to see. I wonder if I'll ever take my own advice?
Posted by Julia Golding on 24 August 2006
17 August 2006
I am in that exciting stage of just having had an idea for a new story. Pen poised over notebook, the possibilities sprout like heads from a hydra. You have to fight one at a time or risk losing the initial idea. That's why a notebook is essential - it makes you concentrate, rather than stay in the dreamtime of endless avenues.
Posted by Julia Golding on 17 August 2006
10 August 2006
I often get asked for tips for young writers. Strangely enough, today I had to remind myself of my own advice while floundering in a story. It is always a good idea to finish a first draft before worrying about the shape of the whole. Once it is all down, no matter in what crude form, you can see it all - a bit like a map to the terrain of the story. Now you can sort out your route through.
Posted by Julia Golding on 10 August 2006
7 August 2006
My poor family. Every time we go on holiday I take them on detours to visit places I think Cat might be interested in. We have just spent the day at Bowood House - the kind of pile Frank and his family would own - and I've come back fired up with ideas. Mind you, the family did not suffer as it now has a brilliant adventure playground; well worth the detour in itself if you are 12 and under.
Posted by Julia Golding on 07 August 2006
3 August 2006
Welcome to my new site, out in time for the publication of Cat among the Pigeons (or Cat 2). Please let me know if you have trouble reading any of it.
Posted by Julia Golding on 03 August 2006