Julia Golding

Melissa wrote on 25 August 2010:

Hello, is the novella still coming out in August or sometime in September?

August - just me holding it up now as I've got a few things to do to protect copyright.

Marie wrote on 24 August 2010:

Have you ever thought about including a Hydra in the new CQ series? It is probably my favorite Greek monster. I think it should have been killed by Perseus, though, not Hercules. But that's another story. :) Also, I think it would be neat for you to include a Sphinx (what walks on four legs in the morning, on two at midday, and on three at dusk?). Okay, thanks for doing what you do!

Hi Have you read Chimera? You get a hydra in that in a way. J

milly wrote on 23 August 2010:

Hey julia, what advice can you give on writing your own book? thanks

Have you looked at the tip for writers? j

Heather wrote on 23 August 2010:

Hi- this is for the cat royal giveaway I read your books when i saw diamonds advertised in my local book store just after it first came out. I fell in love and am now egarly awaiting the release of cats cradle. My sister recently asked me if she could borrow a book to read and I sujested diamond. she is really enjoying it :)

Angelmail wrote on 22 August 2010:

Hi Julia! I just got The Other Countess, and I'm gonna read it while I'm on holiday! It looks really good. and also, I wanna say thanks for writing the CR novella, in your own time without any extra pay, I think its cool that you care about your fans enough to do that :) Angelmail x

Saphire wrote on 21 August 2010:

Hi I was just wondering again, is the writing at the top of your website your drafts? Your website is really cool by the way! Also do you write your work by hand or do you prefer typing? Thanks Saph xx

Yes, that's from my notes. I type after making notes. J

Saphire wrote on 21 August 2010:

Hi I was wondering when you write your books, do you plan the plot in advance or do you just see where the characters/story take you? I have tried writing a little and I found that the characters suprise me with what they do next, a bit like i'm watching them on a film rather then making it up as i go along! I think that J K rowling planned all of Harry Potter books before she began but I know Cornelia Funke "goes with the flow" persay! I was just wondering what your method was! Thank you and I hope its not a secret! Saph xx

I plan a few things to start then let it unroll. J

Naomi wrote on 20 August 2010:

Hey, Just wondering, but when is the Cat Royal novella coming out online? Thanks, Naomi

Just back from Edinburgh festival and now dealing with this. Sadly don't have staff so if something is to be done it's me doing it...

Gloria wrote on 19 August 2010:

Hi! I'm a big fan! And I'm writing a book about a girl who's in a Society that protects dragons. Is this okay with you? I'm not copying your story. All I really copyed was a Society that protects a animal that for most people is only real is fantesy books. If it ever comes out please don't sue me. And like I said all I really copyed from your books was the Society thing. I hope this is okay with you. And I started reading the Cat Royal books. I think they are really good! I liked "Dimond of Dury Lane" Sorry If I spelled that wrong. And how long did it take you to get your first book published? Please replie! Gloria.

Hi Gloria Fan fiction is fun so don't worry about that. I was first published about four years after first thinking of writing for children. Julia

Corey wrote on 19 August 2010:

Hi i am a big fan of tha companions quartet and when I went on www.companionsclub.co.uk it wouldn't let me take the test I didn't no who to ask. Love the books a bit sad that the last book didn't gone on a bit more but it was still brilliant.

Did you try again?

Becca wrote on 19 August 2010:

Hello Julia. I'm on holiday too and just thought i'd do a catch up haha. Can't wait for Cat novella. Just wondering, how long is it? thanks.

Very soon. J

Philippa wrote on 18 August 2010:

Hi, When is Deadlock coming out? i LOVE the Darcie Lock series, and then the Title of this book could have two meanings, one of them I don't want to happen in the book. Thanks, Philippa :)

See FAQs. J

Alexandra wrote on 18 August 2010:

Dear Mrs. Golding, I know you're on holiday, but I didn't quite understand it, Is the Cat Royal novella really going to be uploaded on this website? And if so, when? I'm so sorry to bother you, but I am a huge fan! With Anticipation, - Alexandra

See recent reply. All done bar the number thing so in next 7 days. Julia

Rebekah wrote on 17 August 2010:

i absolutely LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE all the cat royal books i only started reading them 3 days ago and im already done the 1st 4!!! i was just wondering if there would b anothr oppourtunity 2 ask the differetn characters from the stories questions THANX!!!

Yes, in the autumn. Just working on the novella at the moment and preparing for Edinburgh Festival.

bella rodrigues wrote on 16 August 2010:

what is your home address??? i am going to send a letter to you!

HI Please send it to my publisher - address in front of the book.

Heather wrote on 16 August 2010:

Hey, I love reading your books, especially Cat Royal and Darcie Lock. I was just wondering when exactly you were releasing the Cat Novella, as I am really looking foward to the next books. Love Heather. Xx

Next 7 days I hope. See below. J

Piper wrote on 16 August 2010:

Hey, Im a fan of the Cat Royal series and have been since 'The Diamond' first came out. But i've been waiting for the next book for ages! I heard that the book release has been held back due to a relaunch? Its fine for the new fans, but old readers will have to wait longer. And what about those of us who will be reaching the age where we can legally move out of our parents house? People might lose interest or forget? And the loss of readers for a new cover, when the old one was much more a approachable as the cover seemed to appeal to both genders ? Its seems ridiculous, but i understand being an author is hard, and you have to hit the market at the right time. But why change the cover and hold the release date back when so many people are waiting to add your book to their shelves?

Hey Piper, not my fault! See the FAQs. It is a decision made by my publisher - I finished the novel ages ago. To satisfy fans I have done a free on line novella which will be out in the next week or so (on my own time for no money I might add). I can't really see what more I can do as the other decisions are not in my power and it is more than a tad annoying to be blamed for them. Julia

morgan wrote on 15 August 2010:

when is black heart of jamaica coming out in the us?

See answer just below. J

Hanna wrote on 14 August 2010:

Sorry to bother you on vacation :( but I was wondering if/when the "Black Heart of Jamaica" Cat Royal book will be available in the U.S.A.? Enjoy your summer!!!!!!- Hanna

Hi That is up to the publisher - they haven't asked for it yet. J

Olivia wrote on 13 August 2010:

hi julia, i'm entering the usborne young writers' award 2010 and i was wondering if i could use the word universal. sorry, just didn't wan't to use it if you weren't happy love olivia x

No problem. J