Julia Golding

Mistaken Miss Dakin wrote on 27 August 2007:

Hey julia, Thanks for the help, I'll start my (short, haha) chapters with a rough outline next time... Also, I just bought Cat O'Nine Tails in Bristol (I was there on yachting holiday) along with the 'back magician' trilogy by trudi canavan (what do you think of them). Can't wait to get started on Cat... but I have forced myself to leave the best til last. Fiona..

Hi Fiona I like the Canavan trilogy very much. The situation in the second one is brilliant story telling - a bullied heroine in an impossible position between good and evil - classic. If you like that kind of story, you'll probably enjoy my Dragonfly when it comes out next year. Julia

Emma wrote on 27 August 2007:

Hi Julia, I love your Cat Royal books. I've been reading them all summer especially when I was on holiday travelling across Europe to pass the time away.I'm now on book 3, den of thieves.How did you first get the idea for Cat Royal and how do you create such a vivid images inside the readers head? When I'm told to write a story for English at school I can't get past the first sentance without getting stuck for ideas. By the way will Cat Royal ever fall in love, I know she thinks Syd loves her but will she fall in love herself.

Hi Emma If you look through the FAQs above you'll see the answer to your first question. As for creating vivid images, hmm...I think it's more that Cat has a very vivid voice and personality and it infuses the books. And yes, she'll doubtless fall in love and probably with someone very unsuitable. Julia

alex wrote on 27 August 2007:

it seems that you did not get my other message and how did layah get chimeras curse if its not out yet

Hi Alex I'm not sure. I've seen Chimera on sale at the Edinburgh Festival and in Blackwells, Oxford. Books filter in to the shops early sometimes (at least, as long as you are not JK and under an embargo). If it is any consolation, I don't have my copies yet! Julia

Amanda wrote on 26 August 2007:

Dear Miss Golding I love your books and really looking forward to the Empty Quarter. Do you do any book signings in Scotland? Your one of my favourite authors. I would love to meet you.

Hi Amanda Yes, I come up once or twice a year. I've just been up to the Edinburgh Festival and will be up again next March for a festival in Glasgow. Keep an eye on my events page. Julia

Wind Flower wrote on 26 August 2007:

How long does it take you to write ur books

Hi They take around four months spread over a year I think (not that I count that closely). Julia

Grace wrote on 25 August 2007:

Dear Julia, Hi, I really enjoy your boks ecspecial the companions quartet, and i just read Darcie Lock. Its really good anad i recomended it to my sister, and she enjoyed it alot too! I was wondering though, because your books are very different ( I cant imagen cat riding a dragon or David working as a spy!) which did you enjoy writing most and which character is it easiest to write from the point of view of? Also i am writing a book and i was inspired by quite a few things, some of which are different auters and books, did any books inspire you wen you were writing your books? Thankyou very much! Please keep writing as i really enjoy reading your books. Grace

Hi Grace I'm not sure there is such a thing as an easy book to write! Cat drives me forward with her wit and energy, Darcie stories are a bit of a holiday and great fun. Hard to choose. Dragonfly (out next year) was the quickest, smoothest to write. I'm inspired by lots of books, sometimes negatively in that I write the book I wish they had if I'm not happy with something. I loved CS Lewis, Susan Cooper, Tolkien, Frances Hodgson Burnett etc as a child and am still reading children's books now. Julia

Lucy wrote on 24 August 2007:

Hi Julia Ive just got Cat o nine tails and so far it is amazing, i love it!! well done! also i do like your little critics coments in the front of you books - i think its a nice little touch along with your glossery, character list and the way you set out the chapters as acts and scenes and even have maps too!!! Something has been betting at me though - you said the titles of the Cat books were conected in some way and i keep trying to work it out but cant so do you fancie giving another clue? lol. Thanks for being an awsome writer!!!! Lucy

Hi Lucy The pattern is every other one plays on a cat phrase so the next but one is going to be called 'Cat's Cradle' (I think). Julia

Emma wrote on 24 August 2007:

I love the spoof critics you do. It's one of my favourite parts. but being older than your intended age range I don't know if my view will count. Keep them coming as they always make me smile and are the first part of the Cat books that I read.

Fiona =] wrote on 24 August 2007:

Hi Julia, I lvoe the Cat Royal books, and am waiting until I can go into town to but Cat O' Nine Tails... The trepidation is killing me! I am currently writing (or trying to) a novel for people my age (15). I wondered if you could give me any advice? For example; Do I really need a plan? I started making one and got bored... I thought it would be just as good as long as I edited it at the end. Also my chapters seem a little short... I have gone through what I've written and don't think there's anything to be added, and I'm not a fan of long-winded descriptions... or do you think that would be alright? I've so far written a prologue and 1 and a half chapters (Im' getting there, haha) Please reply, it would be an enormous help :) Yours in admiration, Fiona Dakin (p.s I really admire how you've taken out time to answer people, even for the most frequently asked questions (will cat marry syd? etc.) and find it inspiring, as I don't think many other writers or other famous people would do this)

Hi Fiona Everyone finds their own way of course but I plan on an ongoing basis. I don't have it all fleshed out before starting, just a rough idea, then later on I go back to my notes and fill out the rest of the plot. The really hard part is carrying on after the initial inspiration has faded. Nothing wrong with short chapters if you've said all you need to say - same for short descriptions. Making every word count is better than lots of padding. Julia

Natalie wrote on 24 August 2007:

Hi Julia, I was just wondering when the badge for the companions club will arrive. And is it free of charge? Thanks. Natalie

Hi Natalie Yes, it is free. It can take a while dePEN at what point you apply in the cycle. Give me a shout if you don't here in a couple of months or so. Julia

Mischa wrote on 23 August 2007:

Hi Julia did you get my previous post? Anyway, on the subject of the spoof critics at the beginning of the Cat books - I understood them perfectly well, and so did my friends who have read the series! It's obvious that they aren't real - just a creative little quirk for the books, and I find them quite amusing to muse over. Make sure you keep on including them in the books, Julia! Mischa xxx

Hi Mischa Yes, I did thanks and am going to visit your site asap - then I'll post it. Thanks for the comment re critics. Julia

Arnet wrote on 23 August 2007:

Ha, yes, my friend said the same thing when he saw the quote. Great stuff. I'm enjoying Cat's protofeminist outlook.

Ellie wrote on 23 August 2007:

Hi Julia sorry for writing again but i have finally got the book its great!!!! i love it so far i love how syd and cat have the fight on the ship poor syd.And just to try and change your mind about coming sooner its still a place for tatoos!!!! little black cats with green eyes cya

Arnet wrote on 22 August 2007:

Well, to make up for the missed opportunity and to avoid boredom on the way back from Edinburgh today I eschewed working or re-reading Woolf in favour of getting a copy of The Diamond of Drury Lane. I love it so far (halfway through), Cat is really fantastic. My little sister’s birthday is coming up; I think I will by her the series. I hope you enjoyed the festival and had a more interesting trip home Arnet

Hi Arnet Happy birthday to your sister. As you were reading a fearsome tome on feminist literary theory or some such on the way up, I imagine Diamond is a light relief! Perhaps you especially will appreciate the Wollstonecraft quote at the front... Julia

layah (again) wrote on 22 August 2007:

hi julia, it lived up to more than what i expected it to be it was completly better than what i imagined the last sentence made my eyes widen it was really good to know that connie was not alone thanks again layah

Mischa wrote on 22 August 2007:

Hi Julia sorry I didn't manage to come to Edinburgh in the end! We were busy that day unfortunately..... : ( oh well there's plenty of other opportunities to meet you! Anyway, I think the Cat website is just about ready! It has a few friends already, but people from here might want to start up an account themselves and become a friend of the Cat Royal website! This is the address: www.catroyalseries.piczo.com Please take a look at it when you have the time! Bye, Mischa xxx

Hi Mischa You've done really well with your site. I hope you get lots of people visiting and taking part (tell me how the polls go!). Note for other readers, Mischa and I worked on an 'exclusive' interview with Cat that features on this site - take a look if your interested to find out what Cat has to say for herself. Julia

Becci wrote on 22 August 2007:

Hi julia it me again :) I was just wondering wether cat will ever return to drury lane when it has been re-built ???? Also i have read ship between the world and i thought it was great . Do you think that there will be a sequal?? Thanks xx Becci XD

Hi Becci Cat's return is still an open question. A lot can happen over the next few years. No plans to do sequel to Ship, but neither have I ruled it out. Julia

Ellie wrote on 22 August 2007:

hi julia i orded cot o nine tails over the internet but it still hasnt come ahhhh i might go crazy with the wait. it sounds so good!!!!! is there any chance that you could come to Australia????? hahaha. i havent read the book yet but from what ive heard Frank and Cat MUST get together!!!!!! bye

Hi Ellie I'd love to come at some point but I try not to do too much air travel because of the environmental impact. Maybe in the future. I hope you don't have to wait too long for Cat O Nine Tails. Julia

latoya wrote on 21 August 2007:

i love your books and as i want to be a author when im older you are a great INSPIRATION! i just hope i will be as good as you julia1 Just keep on writing the cat royal books and i will be happy as gold! :)

Lewis Price wrote on 21 August 2007:

Hi Julia, :-D Me AGAIN! I just thought i'd tell you that i've gotten Ship Between the Worlds from the library! Im also going to start and write my own novel, but im nt sure what about...Anyway, i've gotten lots of books out about writing novels, making characters (minor and major) and all that jazz but i need to ask you a question. How do you actually get a book PUBLISHED?

Hi Lewis Good to here from you again. You need to look at something like The Children's Writers and Artists Year Book, published each year. This gives you advice on how to go about it. Before you get to that point, however, you might like to try your hand at one of the writing competitions that are run locally to you. It's good practice and will get your work read and evaluated. Also make sure you are writing because you like it, not to be published, as this last step is very hit or miss. Good luck! Julia