Chris Wooding Header

New Gollancz Blog

Just a quickie to let you know that the publisher of the ever so fine Tales Of The Ketty Jay have a newly revamped website to go with all those shiny new SF Gateway books I told you about earlier. It’s still in its early stages – which is presumably why I DO NOT HAVE AN ENTRY IN THE AUTHOR SECTION YET ARE YOU LISTENING GOLLANCZ CAN YOU HEAR ME? –  but good for all things Gollanczy ;)

General news: been working on one of my secret movie projects for a while, tap-tapping along with Silver, rather disappointed that it gets dark by 5 now although it does make me feel better about wrapping up in an impenetrable mound of blankies with a tiny hole for my eyes.

51 Comments

  1. Jord says:

    ANOTHER MOVIE IDEA! what is it this time? the fade? anyway I feel the same as you do about it getting dark so early. i finished my judo lesson after school today & one minute its light (or a little bit rainy if you live in lincoln like me) & then five minutes later it’s so dark that i couldnt even see the road when i was driven home. i dread to think what the early snow will bring…BRRR! i got a shiver even thinking about it.

  2. Jord says:

    just noticed that the area above my previous comment says that I sent the other one at 10:24. that is wrong as I sent it at 9:24 (not that i keep track of when i send things because that would be a bit sad). does the website change the rime automatically when the clocks go back/forward, or is it done manually?

  3. Jord says:

    time sorry, not rime (im writing this on my ipod touch. it’s flipping rubbish at typing!)

  4. Zachary Traver says:

    That’s exactly how I look when I read, and or, write! Especially as it begins to get darker.

    And on the movie note, I think that if you could get James Cameron to make The Braided Path Trilogy into a movie, I would die, just sayin’. :D

  5. Zachary Traver says:

    Even though, any of your books turned into movies would be spectacular no matter who produced it.

  6. Katya says:

    It wouls be awesome to see the movie of any of your books. Although I think I might be disappointed at the same time as that will ruin my personal view of their world(s).

    Also, wrapped in blanket with just holes for your eyes is a completely awesome thing. You can pretend that you’re a Mitchelin Man Ninja hybrid and try to steal monster cookies from the kiddies. Because that will make you a hero.

  7. Katya says:

    -would*.

    Seems like I’ve jumped onto the ‘typing badly’ bandwagon on this post :D

  8. @ Jord – No, the movie is nothing to do with any of my books. As to the time, we just don’t know. Another of the universe’s eternal mysteries.

    @ Zach – James Cameron Aliens-era, yes. Avatar-era, no. I like my darks dark.

    @ Katya – I already AM a hero ;)

    Let’s face it, no movie is ever gonna be much like the book; it’s just one interpretation of it. Even Lord Of The Rings, which is the best fantasy adap I can think of, was not at all like the book for me. It was still ace, just nothing like the way I’d imagined it when I was reading. The important thing is, if they ever make a movie of one of my books, I’ll finally be able to buy that gold mecha suit I always wanted with the destructonium-tipped missiles and I’ll be able to lay waste to civilisation. Because in the end, isn’t that what we ALL want? Hmm?

  9. Kira says:

    Hi, Chris Wooding
    excuse me for my English, it isn’t good because I’m Italian. Excuse me for this off-topik mail, too. I’m a your fan.. I’m not a writer, but I can write here, can’t I?
    For first, I tell you that I love read.
    I read a lot of book, I love them and I know that a book can help you when you are in out moment. A book is with you when you are alone, a book is always a good friend.
    So, I think that a book must give an emoction to readers. But there aren’t a lot of books that can to do this.
    I have got only one your book,(for now…) and it’s Malice.
    I was… I was without words while I read…
    How long didn’t I read a book like this? I don’t remember..
    It’s… It’s so… so wonderful, the story is complicated and exiting!
    Between terrible comics and magic words, it isn’t a book.
    It’s a dream.
    Yes, a dream… Malice, by the way, is this, right? It’s a dream.
    Everyone, once in his life, wishes to go in a place like Malice… a world away from serviles and responsabilities… (mybe not esactly dangerous like Malice).
    But is it a dream or a nightmare? Is it an Hell or an Heaven?
    I can’t answer, maybe you are the only person who can answer… or maybe neither you, I don’t know. ;)
    I can just say that Malice is really a masterpiece!!
    Bacause, I repeat, it is something of absolutely perfect and incredible!
    Chris Wooding, may I ask you a question?… How did you create this story?
    Yes, I know, sometimes a story comes and stop, there isn’t a reason. So, if you don’t want to answer, don’t worry. I understand.
    By the way, I’m here enspecially because I want to tell you that you are a very good writer…
    you write dreams, your words are alive.
    Do you know what I say? THE TIMES is really right: you are a shiver’s genie!
    I really hope to write magic stories like yours, a day( my dream is to become a writer)… and, for now, I hope that you will read this mail.
    Excuse me, I posted this mail here because it was the only way I had to write you.
    It has been an Honour, for me, to write here.
    Finally, what can I say? Oh, yes… can you tall tall jack I’m waiting him?
    HEY! I’M ONLY JOCKING!! Or it is too late?;) ;) ;)
    Thank you, if you have read this mail, and excuse me again for my bad English.
    Answer if you want
    Goodbye and good lucky for your next book :)

    Kira, your fan who is waiting an italian version of HAVOC

  10. Zach Traver says:

    Agreed Chris, although I liked avatar very much, I think that would not do so hot, but I have to agree with Katya in that I think if any of your books are made into movies it would ruin my own interpretation of the world’s you created. Even if it would be absolutely magical to see in a motion picture other than the one in my head.

    And why is that that no matter what movie comes out that was previously a book can be exactly similar to the book? I mean personally I can sit and watch a six hour long movie so I would love to have all the details the book has. I blame all the people who can’t stay awake during a movie to save their lives. Lord of the Rings marathon it is tonight. Some of my favorite movies in the world, the books even more so although I still second them to your Chris. :)

  11. Zach Traver says:

    Man, again with the errors (although I liked “Avatar”*)

  12. Zach Traver says:

    yours* Chris

  13. Jord says:

    @ Kira il tuo ingelse e brillante. posso solo dire che io uso per vivere a napoli. l’italia e bella. spero che ti piace tanto quanto faccio. (sorry chris, hope you don’t mind this) hey, could i be part of the movie (that is if you have a 13/14 year old
    boy on it (if you do im your 13 year old)).

  14. Kira says:

    Thanks Jord, you are a very kind boy…:-) Yes, I love Italy, I live here…! Me too, I live near Napoli… Are you an actor or are you just jocking?
    Bye
    Kira

    P.s. Excuse me for this off topik…
    I Really hope that Chris Wooding will answers, but he has already written a new topik.
    Unfortunate.
    :(

  15. Haha, I’m still here. Thanks for your message, Kira. Your English is great, and far better than my non-Italian.

    As to your question, how did I create the story? Um, I don’t know ;) I don’t know how I create any of my stories, it’s just normal to me. Actually, for me it’s hard to imagine how some people CAN’T create stories, if that makes sense. That’s just the way my brain works, I guess…

  16. Kira says:

    Hi Chris Wooding,
    Thanks for your answer… :) I understand you. Mee too, I think that people can’t live without stories and without dreams… but there are a lot of people that do this. They live their cold life without dreams, with a board and a computer… and a lot of numbers. Numbers, work, stop.
    But you are a writer, to dream is your job, isn’t it?;)
    Excuse me, but may I ask you a new question? If someone asks you “why a writer writes? ” what do you say? I suppose it’s enspecially for passion … :)
    But what does a true writer say?
    I make strange questions… excuse me, I’m too curious. Sometimes. ;)
    But, I repeat, to become a writer is my drem (I will write italian, don’t worry! Excuse me again for my English… I don’t think it’s gook like you say! XD ) and, for me, is an honour to speak with a writer like you!
    Bye
    Kira

  17. Jord says:

    @ Kira ho vissuto cinque minuti di auto dal vesuvio (non ricordo il nome del luogo che ho usato per vivere, perche ha cambiato il suo nome). per rispondere alla tua domanda, no io non sono, ma ho seriamente vuole fare l’attore. grazie il per complimento. :-)

  18. Kira says:

    Jord, so your dream is to become an actor? Good lucky, that’s a great dream… Study much and believe in you. Always. You can to realize your dream, if you want. :)
    Oh,really? You saw the Vesuvio? Good for you. Ehm… I just want to say a chose about me… I’m not like a tipic Italian, ok? I live in a small clean city. Remember it, and we can be friends. I’m just a Chris Wooding’s fan.
    Bye
    Kira :-)

    P.s. If you want, we can speak Italian, but I understand English, too

  19. Jord says:

    @ Kira no, thats bene. voglio solo vedere se riesco a ricordare il mio italiano, ma lo si puo utilizzare se si vuole. ho molta voglia di essere un attore come sono stato complimentato dal mio insegnante per esso.

  20. Kira says:

    Ah… E così frequenti una scuola di recitazione.. Sei molto fortunato, lo sai vero? Hai un grande sogno e i mezzi per realizzarlo… :) L’importante è non arrendersi mai, e lottare per ciò che si vuole. Alla fine, se sarai davvero bravo, gli occhi degli altri smetteranno di essere ciechi al tuo talento!
    Scusami,ma forse non dovremmo parlare qui di queste cose, a Chris Wooding potrebbe non far piacere.
    Bye
    Kira

    P.s. A te è piaciuto Malice? Io lo adoro! Quali altri libri hai di quelli che ha scritto? :)

  21. Jord says:

    @ Kira No, non vado ad una scuola di recitazione, ma è insegnata lì. E io amo lanciando Malice! Questo è il film che ho disperatamente vogliono essere dentro, ma non posso dire chi a giocare come perché io, personalmente, pensate che io loo come Seth, ma hanno la personalità di Giustino. A chi devo giocare come (Se ricevo una parte che è)! Jord post scriptum Se ricevo il tuo indirizzo e-mail, quindi potremmo essere amici di penna!

  22. Kira says:

    Scusa il ritardo jord,ma per privacy non credo di poter pubblicare qui il mio indirizzo e-mail… E se ci parliamo su un altro sito?

  23. Jord says:

    @ Kira ciao ti preghiamo di p210062@prioryacademies.co.uk mail che e il mio indirizzo di posta electtronica personals per la scuola. potremmo prendere da li.

  24. Kira says:

    Per la scuola? Credi che si possa fare?

  25. Jord says:

    @ Kira si e possibile, basta andare avanti.

  26. Kira says:

    Ma il problema è che io non ho una mia vera casella e-mail.. E se continuassimo a parlare qui?

  27. Jord says:

    crearne uno poi se potete.

  28. Kira says:

    Certo, Al più presto! Hey havoc l’hai già letto?

  29. Jord says:

    si. e geniale! se volete un suggerimento su cio che accade alla fin (letteralmente!) del libro, basta chiedere.

  30. Kira says:

    Nono non voglio togliermi la sorpresa…. Ma spero che luke non sia davvero morto

  31. Guys, would you mind sorting out a way to email each other directly? I’m getting pounded by Italian emails whenever you post.

    Ta.

  32. Kira says:

    Excuse us….
    I hope you aren’t too hungry. I’m so sorry. Apologies… Excuse me, really. I’m really embarassed. Sorry again

    P.s. You are the best

  33. No need to apologise, I’m not angry – I assume that’s what you meant, although I do get pretty cranky when I’m hungry ;) – I’m just sayin’.

  34. Kira says:

    Oh. Ok…. By the way, do you know if there is an italian version of STORM THIEF?
    I really would to read it. Excuse me again. I won’t do this in the future
    By
    Kira, your fan

  35. I don’t think Storm Thief ever got translated into Italian. Sorry :(

  36. Kira says:

    Sometimes to be italian is a problem… ;) uff.. So, you can tell me what of your books are there in Italy, please?

  37. As far as I know, apart from Malice and Havoc there’s only Poison (Veleno) and Broken Sky (Cielo di fuoco) although I think you’d have a hard time finding Broken Sky nowadays.

  38. Jord says:

    kira, hai facebook? sa si fa ricerca per il giorno jordan e cecare il profilo con un uomo a 8-bit con un top rosso e sfondo verde

  39. Kira says:

    Non ho facebook, ma sono iscritta in molti siti web.. Mi chiamo sempre Dolce kira o kira.
    Chris, I will buy veleno, sure :)

  40. red snow says:

    I can’t help but think “werewolves” when a screenplay is going by the name of “silver”.
    I’m enyoying the heck out of Iron Jackal and i’m only 150 pages in.

  41. Nope, no werewolves there! Silver is the name of the YA book I’m writing at the mo, which I need to do before I can get on with Ketty Jay 4. It probably won’t end up with that title, to be honest, but we’ll see…

    Glad you like IJ.

  42. red snow says:

    I’ll cross my fingers there aren’t any serious cliffhangers at the end of book 3 if we have to wait a while for book 4.
    You must be pretty busy with all the different projects you have running.

  43. Nah, you’re safe. Part of the mission statement of the Ketty Jay books was that I would never end on a cliffhanger.

    I am perma-busy with lots of projects, which is why it’s a bit harder for me to keep to a steady one-book-per-year rate with the KJ series than if I was solely writing about Frey & co. Juggling film work, YA books and adult books (and now graphic novels) does result in some scheduling nightmares but if I hadn’t been doing that all these years I would never have been able to support myself as a professional writer, and then I’d have had to get a real job or something. Unfortunately the extra time I took doing the Iron Jackal has knocked everything back a bit, plus I have lots of exciting filmy stuff on the go, and when that comes in it can’t just be put in a queue like I can do with books; it has to be done right away. But don’t worry, I’ll be back on KJ as soon as I humanly can, I’m probably more eager to write it than you guys are to read it ;)

  44. red snow says:

    That’s a relief on the cliffhanger! It’s also great to hear you’re enthusuiastic about getting back to KJ when time allows.

    Although you sound chaotically busy I’m sure it’s a great way to keep the creative juices flowing (as well as the all important income) and it seems you’ve been at it long enough to keep all the balls up in the air.

    I’m sure the film stuff can pay dividends when they go through. It also may mean one day you might get to do a treatment of the KJ series – fingers crossed.

  45. Yeah, I think I’d go insane if I was only writing in one style & one story for year after year. I need the variety to keep me fresh.

    When I get to Bk4, it should (hopefully) get written quicker than IJ because I already have a very good idea of a lot of the things that happen in it, as they were planned out originally to be part of Bk3 (plus I’ve already written a few chapters that got excised from IJ). But anyway, I’ll keep you updated.

    Gollancz Christmas party tonight. Farewell, liver! Adieu! ;)

  46. Carlito Bigante says:

    Chris

    Just finished reading the Iron Jackal, I must take my hat off to you. Having picked up the 1st Kitty Jay novel, as was at a loss to read on a train journey one day, I am now hooked. And have now called my cat “slag” as they seem to be the 1 in the same!!!!

    Great to hear about the graphic novel, cant wait to have a peek at that.

    As someone who is trying to write their 1st manuscript, what would be the best bit of advise you could give me??

    Look forward to the return of Captain Frey and the repubates of his crew…..

    Manythanks

  47. Haha. Nice to know there’s a real life Slag out there somewhere now ;)

    Best advice I can give is: finish it. Once it’s done you can either fix it up or put it away and start on a whole new one, but the thing that kills a lot of potential writers is that they get stuck on their first manuscript and spend years revising it as they go, trying to make it perfect. And since no book is ever perfect, they never finish it. So just write it, get it done, and worry about the rest once you’re over the first hurdle…

  48. Alexander says:

    Just want to say that I love the Ketty Jay books, I am impatiently waiting the US release… Why so slow?!!?!!?

    Another commenter had mentioned illustrations on another topic. I would love to see some kind of illustrated world book(Raphael Lacoste could be roped in). From maps to different models of airship and out flier. I would even buy it if it was a pen and paper RPG, just so I could read all about the world.

    I am working my way through a pint of porter, so cheers, to book 4… AND, books 5 through 7, just teasing.

    Seriously, keep the great books coming.

  49. Thanks Alexander, enjoy the porter ;)

    Still no word on the US release of Iron Jackal. Best thing to do is order it from http://www.Bookdepository.co.uk, it costs the same or less anyways.

  50. seo says:

    Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.

Leave a Reply