Julia Golding

CoolCat wrote on 08 February 2010:

Hi, I love the Darcie Lock series and was wondering if you have read the twilight saga? I was also wondering whats your favourite book? I hope you can reply soon. P.S have you finished writing Darcie Lock 3 yet? If you have when is it most likely to come out. P.P.S.S I know on FAQs it said 2011 but it doesnt say an exact date and I cant wait that long!!!

Hi I'm fearful of puttin an 'exact' date as the publisher keeps changing it on me! But early summer 2011 is what I'm expecting. And yes, it's finished. I've browsed Twilight rather than read them. My fav book is a toss up between Lord of the Rings and Pride and Prejudice. Though I have lots of other great books on my list. Julia

Katie wrote on 08 February 2010:

For readers in america who are in need of reading blackheart: It is for sale at the U.S amazon.com- but it is the british version. I believe there are five left in stock. ttyl

Anna wrote on 08 February 2010:

Do you ever get tired of answering your readers questions?

Not really - writing is about communicating! J

Zoe, from the U.S. wrote on 08 February 2010:

What's up with the publishers? Is Cat's next book being delayed again?

Hi Zoe, In effect yes, but they had planned this phased reissued, just hadn't told me what that meant for the new one! See FAQs. That's why I'm doing a freebie to repay your patience (and let me stretch my Cat imagination a bit). J

Ange wrote on 07 February 2010:

Hi, I was reading your past responses, and wondered what other authors you know? Do you know Ali Sparkes? Her Shapeshifter books are very similar to you CQ books. And also, you said 'not yet' to the question about the Cat film, does that mean there's a chance there may be? Love Ange :)

Hi Ange I've met Ali - I think she's published by the same publisher as me for CQ. Perhaps the editor likes that sort of thing so that explains the similarities! No plans for a movie but I'm not against the idea if it came along one day. J

Tabbie + Imy wrote on 07 February 2010:

Hey! If a big name producer offered to make the companions or cat royal into a movie, would u hesitate? Because when books are made into movies - (This is just my point of view) - it appears that people dont bother reading the books and just watch the movies. But it would make u more famous and richer. Luv Tabbie = Imy. :D

Hard to say - it depends what they plan on doing to the book. I'm not so desperate for fame and fortune to allow my work to be trashed. J PS but I'm not against fame and fortune per se! ;)

Imogen wrote on 07 February 2010:

Hi. I really love your books and was wondering if you would ever consider doing an online interview for my blog? I understand if you can't as I'm sure you are very busy writing your next Cat Royal/Darcie Lock/Companions Book. I'll try and think up some original questions, instead of the ones on your F.A.Q All the Best Imogen

If there aren't too many! J

Bubs wrote on 07 February 2010:

I have just finished reading Ringmaster (meaning I have read all your book apart from Empty Quarter.) I was wondering how many Darcie Lock books there are going to be? Also are you going to write any books aimed at older children. I would love to read them.

Hi Yes, I'm writing for an older readership and have two books out this year but under other names - I'll post links when I've got the websites done. Not sure about Darcie - at least one more next year. J

liam lawrence wrote on 06 February 2010:

Hi its me liam thank you for replying to my last question. Have you got any more exciting books on the way.

Yes indeed. The Glass Swallow in May. J

SweetTooth wrote on 06 February 2010:

Hiyah. Luvin the books. Keep 'em coming please! Im really cheesed off with my local waterstones they NEVER have Cat O Nine Tails in stock! Sorry for the negatives...concentrate on the positives!

Ask and they'll order it for you, I'm sure. J

Purval Irkhede wrote on 06 February 2010:

GREETINGSSSSSS ;) ;) FROM A DARICE LOCK SEIRIES FAN!I WAS WONDERING IF I SHOULD TRY 'WOLF CRY' HOWEVER MY SCHOOL LIBRARY DOES NOT HAVE AND AS A LIBRARY MONITRESS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BREIFLY WHAT TYPE OF PUPILS SHOULD READ IT AND HOW MANY BOOKS THERE ARE GOING TO BE? FOR IN ORDER TO INFORM THE LIBRARIANS TO ORDER IT. THANKS 4 THE G8 BOOKS!! OH!! I FEEL SUCH GOOD BOOKS SHOULD GET MUCH BETTER EXPOSURE HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

It's for an 11+ reader and is a stand alone novel so you only need buy the one. Julia

sophie o'neill wrote on 06 February 2010:

dear julia golding is there a cat royel film please write back (and i love the books) yours sinserly sophie

Not yet. J

Minnie wrote on 06 February 2010:

HI, i was wonderong do you meet any other authors? I was wondering if you have met Stephanie Meyer who wrote the Twilight series. I think i might be an author when i am older as i love reading, i once read a book of 617 pages in one day! If you have met any other authors can you please tell me who you have met, i really want to know. Oh and I cant wait for darcie lock 3 deadlock to come out in the UK.

Hi I've nto met Stephanie (I'm based in the UK) but I do know quite a few authors as we meet each other at festivals and so on. Julia

Donavynn Sandusky wrote on 03 February 2010:

If I submit a fan fiction story, could you ever use it for a real book? Or the inspiration.

No. I like to think up my own ideas! Julia

Leilah wrote on 03 February 2010:

Hi! On your FAQ's page it says that there will be 9 Cat Royal books. Does that include Cat's novella - or is it separate from the series? Thanks. Leilah

That's not included. J

Sugamouse wrote on 02 February 2010:

Hiya I luv ur books. They r all fab. i have read them all. I can't wait 4 the new 1's. While i've been waiting 4 them i have been writing my own story. i'm on the sequel now. i was wondering how you make a book long enough. Is it something about the plot or the writing or something else? My 1st book, RUN, was about 70 A4 pages. I know lots of people say it's quality not quantity. Also i am confused about all Cat Royal book problems. Why r they comin out in 2's. Is it only Glass Swallow comin out this year. My favourite books by u r Darcie Lock tho, and i wondered if you could reviel a teeny bit of the plot... if u can't i understand as it could spoil the surprise. Also, do you reccomend any books as i have read all ur books. The books I have tried out recently are loads of Michael Morpurgo books and Flyaway by Lucy Christopher (a change - but good) and 2 of my favs, Frozen in Time by Ali Sparkes and the Sequel to shark island, Se Wolf, by David Miller. Soz about the lenghth - i am known 4 talking! Happy writing, Sugamouse

Hi Sugamouse (great online name!) Length is to do with the need for plot development. I'd say that most young writers either spend too much or too little time on description, as if it is a separate thing from plot or character - it should work as one really, ie how a character sees a place reveals what they are like. Publbishing in twos is to do with bookshop space - think of them like the Ark - with only so much space so the books have to march in in twos then wait a few months before the next are loaded on board. I have probably another two books as well as The Glass Swallow this year, but under other pen names and aimed at teens. When I've created websites for them I will give the links so my older fans can seek them out. Darcie gets to meet an old character from Ringmaster in Deadlock - intrigued? Julia

Angad wrote on 01 February 2010:

Hey I'm back-Are you working on the new companions quartet book?

Yes, among other projects! J

Frankie, Alice, Salli, Laurie, Ollie, Jake and Mogsy :{xxx wrote on 01 February 2010:

Hello, Julia, Hi I was wondering ...:{ I pre-ordered the Darcie Lock (Book Three) and Cat Royal (The New One!) Of Amazon of My Dads Computer, last Year ('09) when I thought that the books were coming out in '09, but then it turned out that they were coming out this year ('10) ...{err would they still be pre-ordered on the Amazon account, or would we get money-back or summat, and then have to pre-order them nearer the time?? <3 :{ Thank You Very Much For Your Timme...Luvv YoU ...Ok....Thank You!!!!!!!!! Best Wishes for the New Yearr....<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 :{xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Annoying for you. I don't have any power over Amazon sadly but the delaying decisions are ones taken by my publisher (see FAQs. Amazon are going on their best knowledge for publication date at the time you ordered. I imagine what will happen if you do nothing is that you will get the books as soon as they are out, but you'll need to contact Amazon if you want to get your money back and then buy nearer the time. (Rest assured that Amazon will not have parted with a penny to the publisher Egmont yet so have your money 'on hold' as it were. I'm really sorry but if I had my way the books would have been out last year! Julia

Anna wrote on 01 February 2010:

What is a novella? Have you read "The Undrowned Child" and the "Starvaganza" series?

I've read the first Stravaganza I think but not the other you mention. A novella is a short novel but longer than a short story. Julia

Jackie wrote on 01 February 2010:

Hi Julia, Sorry to be a pain but I have students asking me when the next Cat Royal book is coming out from Year 7 to Year 13 plus me as they are my all time favourites, I recommend them to all the students who come into the Learning Centre. Having read on your faqs page that there is an issue with it being published, I am quite distressed, I predict tears before bedtime and a riot. Not sure How I am going to explain this one to those waiting. I shall continue to log on to find out what the lastest is. One very sad school librarian of to get a box of tissues!!!!!!!!

Hi You could give them the reason given to Cat by my editor (see Q&A page). As you will know, the recession is affecting everyone, even Cat. Her relaunch has to be phased to cope with what the shops are prepared to stock in a sluggish market. Putting all of them out (ie 6 - the 5 old plus the new one) would've meant no table space on the High Street for them. The author is innocent of any part in the delay! Julia P.S. I do school visits if you think I should mop tears myself.