Questions and Answers
I hope you enjoy reading some of the questions I've been asked and my answers. The newest questions are at the top. I am sorry that I have taken so long to answer some recent emails.
When you have had a look, you may want to ask your own question by clicking here.
Hello Val
When you came to Hartshill School i was really intrested. I bought one of you books and i read it in about a week. i could not go away from it.
Daisy, Hartshill/Nuneaton, United Kingdom
Hello Daisy
I had a great day with you all and am delighted the book gripped you.
Hi Val
You came to my school on the 10th of February (Hartshill) and I really thought that the talk you gave was really good! I listened all the way through and I thought that everybody in the room was inspired by you. How you didn't like reading but wrote books, how you have to edit your books a lot.
First of all, my apolagies, I haven't been able to get my internet working so I havent sent you this message sooner. Second, You told us about a sentence, 'and time would stop for all time' and you said that the editors said that it didn't make sense. Me, I read a lot of books and I have been trying to get your book from my library at school, but it has been loaned out. I think that if you did put that sentence into your book then it WOULD make sense, it gives you the picture of time stopping FOR ALL TIME. Last, I want to thank you for being a new inspiration to me. Thanks a lot Val.
P.S I will let you know what I think of your book as soon as I have
got my hands on it (!) xx
Georgia, Nuneaton, England
Hi Georgia
Thank you so much for writing. I had such a great day at your school, and I'm very happy you enjoyed our time together. I thought the sentence would have made sense too, and that it had quite a good ring about it.
I am also delighted that you feel inspired. I find that talking with interesting and interested people like you is inspiring for me as well.
hi
when you came to harshill it was a plesure to meet you. i was so intrested in you i feel the same as you because i dont like reading storys but i like making them up. i will try and collect your books i am a big fan
Jodie, nuneaton, england
Hi Jodie
I am very picky about the books I read, which means I have to look at loads before I reading one. I read every night before going to sleep.
I hope you'll give my books a go and let me know what you think of them.
Hello Val
Sorry about the last one I sent that finished with the word But. I tripped my finger on the enter key. as I was saying, yes i would like to be on dancing on ice but I have a little stage fright and im not really that good a skater because I cant skate backwards yet. But maybe I might be a trainer to help kids skate brilliantly. As I said sorry for the last letter that ended with the word but. I hope to see you again soon
Jessica, Isham, UK
Hello Jessica
It’s always lovely to hear from you. I enjoy the Dancing on Ice program, but think it looks very difficult. If you would like to be on the program then you only have two ways, either become a champion ice skater or a celebrity!
What was your dream before you became an Auther? Do you even like being an auther? Are you married? How old are you? when was you born? sarah, bromely, United Kingdom
Hi Sarah
When I was a child I wanted to grow up, marry, have children and try to be a great mother. I know that probably doesn't sound very clever in today's world, but this was my plan. I finished my education and qualified as a teacher. Now that my four fabulous children have grown up and left home, I have the chance to do the things I couldn't do during the years I was a full-time mother and a part-time teacher. I am now 57. That must sound terribly old to you, but I don't feel any different from the way I did in my youth, I just have more experience. Recently, I found two grey hairs and my daughter congratulated me and suggested that maybe I was actually growing up!
Hi Val
My names Ellie and I go Harsthill school and I have blonde hair and small, I have read 4 chapters of your book so far and it is the best book I've ever read!!! I think you're the best author with Jacqueline Wilson, you're so lucky youve met her and Im soo... lucky ive met you!!
Ellie, Nuneaton, England
Dear Ellie
I am delighted to hear that you are enjoying the book. Let me know how it is going.
Hello Val
I saw you today at my school. I would like to ask you for some tips because i love making stories. A few weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night and started to write down a dream about a villain called the bookworm. A hero called lynn that can travel in and out of stories with her powerful imagination. And a helpful companion called connor. I called the story Diamond of ink. Please can i have some tips. thank you so much. Willow. (:
i was looking on the internet and i found these definitions. To me, Fantasy means paradise or an imajined world. But I disagree with people that say fantasy is unreal.
- The creative imagination, unrestrained fancy. See Synonyms at imagination.
- Something, such as an invention, that is a creation of the fancy.
- A capricious or fantastic idea; a conceit.
- Fiction characterized by highly fanciful or supernatural elements.
- An example of such fiction.
- An imagined event or sequence of mental images, such as a daydream,
usually fulfilling a wish or psychological need.
- An unrealistic or improbable supposition.
- Music See fantasia.
- A coin issued especially by a questionable authority and not
intended for use as currency.
Willow, Nuneaton, England
Hello Willow
First, you are very sensible to have a notebook or paper beside your bed. Just about ever writer I know does the same, including me. My tips for writing would be write what interests and excites you. Edit it as many times as it takes (15-20 times for me) and then give it to someone you trust to read it, with strict instructions that they will tell you the truth, not just be kind. Good luck!
Thanks for your research on the internet. Very interesting!
Hi Val
Thank you for coming to my school [Hartshill]. it was very nice to see You. What is your favourite part of one of your books which you wrote? many thanks
megan, nuneaton, england
Hi Megan
I had a great time at your school. I am so happy that you invited me, and very sorry I haven’t been able to reply until now.
I am not sure I have a favourite part of my books. There was one scene that I especially liked, but it had to be cut! Maybe that is why I remember it so well. It was a scene when Old Father Tim's old school friend argues with him. I particularly liked it because Old Father Tim was so important that no one ever argued with him, yet this man did because he wanted to help his old friend. In my opinion, it added loads to Old Father Tim's character, but the friend was one character too many and so the scene had to go.
Hi
you came to our school on the 10th of feb 2010, hartshill high school. you have really made me think about being a writer. i have always been told my imagination is wild so i thought that would maybe be good in writing. i also have the greatest place to use as my visual realistic part but adding the story in will be hard. i like all types of stories. especially yours adventure would be my faviourte.
I just wanted to tell you how you have inspired me and thank you loads. i can't wait till i have a good enough story to be happy with and again thank you for helping me with something i love.
breanne, nuneaton, england
Hi Breanne
Thank you so much for writing to me. To have a setting for your story is very exciting. I suppose now you have to work out the plot and the characters. I hope it all goes splendidly. If you have a wild imagination, allow your story to reflect that. Write what excites you and good luck!
Dear Emma
On the 10th of January you came to my school hartshill high. I really enjoyed it when you read a chapter of you're book. I thought you're story telling cape was funny how it was patched. I can't wait to read you're book. I have myself wrote a few storys at home but there not very good, well that's my opinion but my mum says there good.
Emma, Nuneaton, United Kingdom
Dear Emma
Emma, it's very hard to judge what you have written yourself. Very difficult indeed! The thing is, do you enjoy writing? If you do, then go for it.
Yes, my cloak is a lot of fun. I made it myself and spread all the patches over my writing room floor to work out the pattern. I had to ban the dogs from the room because I could imagine them walking through and sending everything flying.
I very much hope you enjoy the books. Let me know what you think.
Dear Val
You came to my school today (hartshill) and i thought you are amazing. You have inspired me to start to write and enjoy it. I am a bit like you, i have never really like reading but i have ordered your books as that first chapter of the time wreccas i thought was so creative and I really want to be like you. May i ask how do you get your ideas? Sometimes i have writers block even though im in year 7 but for english assignments when i have to write i cant think of any ideas. Please write back.
Casey, Nuneaton, England
Dear Casey
(Sorry, it’s been two weeks since I visited you!)
In a way, professional writing is a lot like writing assignments for school. Like you, authors have deadlines which can be daunting. I can chose my own topic, but if I want to be published, then there are rules I have to follow. Once, I spent a year writing a fantasy novel. I didn't mention it to my agent until after it was finished and she instantly said that the market was wrong for that kind of book at that time. It didn't matter in a way, I enjoyed writing it, but had to start all over again with a manuscript that was publishable.
Writer's block simply means that you are not inspired to write at that moment about that subject. I don't call is writer's block, I call it 'getting stuck'. When I am stuck, I take the dogs and walk the hills. Sometimes I thrash out my problem as I go and sometimes I forget all about it and hope that doing so will free my imagination up. It always works out in the end, although it did take eighteen months once!
All I can suggest is do the best you can for your assignments, but when writing for pleasure do just that. Write what excites and thrills you. I get ideas all the time from what I see on walks and car or train rides, things people say and from the radio. I don't know where they come from, they just seem to hang in the air and wait for me to pick them.
Let me know what you think of the books.
Dear Val
we do a projekt about our lovely book and theyre autors and i´ve got
some questions about you. how old are you? how many books did you written and how they´re names are? and were do you live? thank´s
why do you write books?
anja, schwangau, germany
Dear Anja
I am 57. I don’t feel as old as that! I have had three books published so far, but have a few in my computer waiting for a final edit. The names of my books are on the website.
I live in Wales, near the border with England, on a sheep farm that also has horses and cattle. There are deer over the other side of the valley. From my windows I see hills and mountains and a couple of farm houses in the distance. At night I hear owls hooting and other animal noises. We are not near any road. It is idyllic and great for writing.
I hope your project is a great success.
Dear Val
Was wondering if you were working on anything new that might be coming out soon? thanks!
john, redmond wa, u.s.a.
Hi John
Have you read the books? Officially, they are not out in USA yet. I think American publishers need a bit of a helping hand in making up their minds! I am working on four stories at the moment and am very close to finishing one of the manuscripts, but will have to wait to see if my agent thinks it's any good before we see if a publisher is interested. I will keep you posted via the site.
Hello
Just a quick message to say how wonderful I thought your book was. I
stumbled across it in a bookshop in Greenwich [ironically] and read it
straight away. I then decided to purchase The Time Apprentice which I
have just finished.
What I loved most about the books is the way you have brought magic to
Greenwich Park. I went for a walk across the park yesterday, and
found myself looking at the squirrels in a completely different way!
As a Primary teacher, I decided to use the book as my class novel. I
did think that the children would struggle to remember all the names,
but as children so often do, they completely surprised me as to how
engaged they were with the book.... and the names, well they were
'Fab! Miss Bettesworth!..... what funny names they have....!"
We have also just decided to convert our book corner into Old Father
Tim's workshop. We are currently making an old clock, and using the
description from the book to make an honest replication of his little
work abode.
I shall send some pictures once it is complete, I hope they will be of
some interest.
Sorry for the long posting, but it is always lovely to hear 'nice'
things about one's work. Many thanks for the magic.
Sophi Bettesworth, Greenwich, England
Dear Sophi
I’m delighted to hear that your class enjoyed the book and very much look forward to seeing pictures of Old Father Tim's workshop. Would it be possible to for you to give me a contact address to your school?
Great name, by the way!
Hi Val
there is a further book of the greenwich
chronicals? I love it
Anna, Reinfeld, Germany
Dear Anna
There are two books in the Greenwich Chronicles so far. Die Zeitdiebe (The Time Wreccas) and Zeitenwirbel (The Time Apprentice). I hope you enjoy the second book as much as the first.
Hi Val
I saw Lucy messaged you, Yes i am very good at Ice Skating. in fact i
can skate with one leg in the air! Lucy wants to read your books so
she could read mine. Hope i see you soon!.
Jessica, Isham, UK
Hi Jessica
Good to hear from you. Skating on only one leg? Wow! I think I would fall over. Maybe we’ll see you one day on Dancing on Ice.
Dear Val
I really liked your book about Time Wreccas. I'm just starting the Time
Apprentice next. I bet it's great!
Charlie, Blackpool, UK
Dear Charlie
Delighted to hear that you liked The Time Wreccas. I hope you enjoy The Time Apprentice too. By coincidence, I am writing a story at the moment about someone called Charlie.
Hello
How Are You ??? xxx Did You Enjoy Your Christmas ? xxx I Did xxx In
The Time Wreccas Book We Are Up To Chapter 17 The Plan ... All The
Characters In Your Book Are Fantastic And Unique x
Did You Have Any Snow ? Believe It Or Not In Blackpool We Had Quite
A lot Of Snow It Got Really Dangerous At Times With The Ice ... Hope It
Wasn`t Dangerous Where You Lived xxx
Lots Of Love
Bethany, Blackpool, England
Hello Bethany
Oh, you have some exciting moments to come in the book!
Yes, thanks, we had a marvellous Christmas. You will see on the website a picture of me in the snow. Well, it got deeper. We had 30 cms up here, drifting to over a metre in places. We were snowed in for two weeks! We dug the car out and managed to get off the farm for the first time just a few days ago. We went shopping, the first shop I'd seen since new year's eve!
We had a lot of fun sledging. When the surface of the snow froze we went very fast. We have the hillsides to ourselves out here, if you don't count a few startled sheep! Unfortunately, our elder dog suffered with her paws. After about a week, she just couldn't cope with it any longer with the cold and we had to ration her walks. She is better now. I was feeding the birds twice a day, poor little things. Don't forget to feed the birds this weather and to make sure that water is available. I was having to melt the water in our bird bath several times a day.
Hi Val
im from oakway junior school im jessica's sister from isham she said you know her i went ice skating with my family yesterday it was funny beacuase i fell over and my baby sister rosie fell over as well but jessica' really good and she didn't fsll over bye from lucy
lucy, isham, england
Hi Lucy
Ice skating is a lot of fun. We have a lot of snow here and so we've been sledging.
Happy New Year!
Dear Val
I am so happy to hear from you i was worried that you wouldn`t
reply! Is this 100% You ? I would like to wish you a very merry
Christams . Love from Beth (me).
P.S I still love your book ! lol x
Bethany, Blackpool, England
Dear Bethany
I promise you this is 100% me. Happy new year!
Dear Val
How are you? I hope you are well. I just look outside and
think i cant belive its been a whole year since last christmas came. I
just have something to say...... MERRY CHRISTMAS VAL!
Jessica, Isham, UK
Dear Amy
I am fine, thanks, and looking forward to Christmas. I hope you have a great Christmas and a very happy new year.
Hi!
I am doing a work about your book "The Time Apprentice" and I am
worried because I can´t found your biography. Can you tell where I can found it. Thanks a lot!!!
Bruno, Oporto, Portugal
Hi Bruno
There is something about me on the 'Val Tyler' part of this website, plus a few pictures and some interviews. If you'd like to know more, I would be happy to answer any questions.
I would love to come to your school. Maybe a tour could be planned some time in the future. I suppose we would have to talk to the publisher about that.
Happy Christmas!
Dear Val
How are you ? I would like to let you know how interested i am to read your books. We read them every day in the mornings in school in english and i could sit there all day listening to them. If i was you i would be very proud! xxx
Bethany, Blackpool, England
Dear Bethany
I'm delighted to hear this. How fortunate you are to have a teacher who makes it possible for you to share a book this way. I hope you continue to enjoy it. Happy Christmas!
Hi Val
Do you remember me? Im Jessica from oakway junior school and i am
working on a new book called Christmas In The Sky. I want to see you
again. I hope you wanna see me to. See you again sometime.
Jessica, Isham, England
Hi Jessica
Oh yes, I'd love to see you all again. Happy Christmas!
HI :-)
Excuse me that I write so much but I have a little guestion, would you
send me an autograph? when yes, I were happy :-D Write back please, than if I should give the address.
Marien, Waiblingen, Germany
Dear Marien
I do not normally send autographs, but as your class enjoyed your presentation so much I think you deserve one! Please send me your school address so that I can send something to you and your class.
MERRY CHRISTMAS XXX Hannah, cotes heath, GB
Hi Hannah
Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you too!
Dear Val
Our class are reading your fantastic Time Wrecca book.
Bailey, Blackpool, England
Dear Bailey
Delighted to hear that you are reading the book. Are you enjoying it?
Dear Mrs. Tyler
the book presentation was very good. My classmates liked your book a lot. Many of them want to read it now. Thank you for answering my question, the class and I read it after the presentation. Thank you for the compliment :-)
Marien, Waiblingen, Germany
Dear Marien
I am delighted that your book presentation went so well. Thank you for writing to tell me. I hope you enjoy The Time Apprentice too.
Who inspired you to become an author? David, Plumstead, England
Hi David
It may sound odd, but the answer is that the inspiration comes simply from within myself. There are several writers I admire, like Jane Austen and Willy Russell, but I don't think the inspiration really came from them. I inspired myself to become an author because I have always had this amazing need to write my stories down. Being published just seemed a logical step to take.
Dear Val
We found your books by sheer accident while on an impromptu visit to
the observatory where they were stocked, forget the kids, i loved the
books, oh and obviously my two sons 9 and 10 were very impressed.
The lovely thing about your books was reading through and knowing some
of the places you wrote about. Even went in search of the tree,
thanks to your website we now know which one you based it on.
I am originally from Wales myself, the whole place is steeped in myth
and mystery, Carmarthen holds Merlins Tree, maybe you might like to
consider writing something about Wales, theres a lot to choose from.
Looking forward to your next adults, sorry i mean childrens book.
Samantha, Plumstead, United Kingdom
Dear Samantha, Sachin and Rohan
Thank you so much for writing and telling me, Samantha. You are not alone. Both books have been very successful among adults.
I'm so glad you all found Old Father Tim's tree. Isn't it beautiful. I have a bit of a thing about trees, as you may have noticed. They usually find their way into my stories and, yes, you are right, I am in the right part of the world for mystery and legend. I did plan a Welsh story, but no one was interested in it and so it remains unwritten. Maybe one day!
did The Time Wreccas win the Inaugural Ottakars Children Book Prize or was it just nominated? thanks heaps youve helped me heaps on my assignment Maya, Dulwich Hill, Australia
It was just nominated, Maya, and I was happy with that. I didn't need to win, but it’s lovely to have people tell you how clever you are!
hiya val
i have just got the internet back (its great)lol. Any way i was at
walton priory middle school last year and i remember you coming in it
was great i mean i cant belive that i am talking to a famose person
(that is soooooooooooooooo cool lol)any way i just wanted to ask if
you (val) really reply to these (in person)anyway i just want to say
that i think that the advise that you give to people is really good i
wish i could give advise like that to my friends(i am uslas)lol any
way hope to talk to you soon x x x x
Hannah, Cotes Heath, GB
Dear Hannah
Sorry it’s so long since you wrote to me.
Yes, this is 100% me! I write the replies and a very kind man puts them on the website for me.
Happy Halloween Val! Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Thank you, and a happy halloween to you too! Sorry that I’m a bit late with my reply!
Hey
Its Maya again, does your son Henry's band the Hoodlums
have its own website or can you only see them on myspace
thanks
Maya, Dulwich Hill, Australia
Hey Maya
I think that this MySpace page page is good because you can hear some of their music and watch several videos.
But HoodlumsBand.com will link you to all of Hoodlums' web activities.
Do you like their music?
Dear Val
i'm enjoying the time apprentice. i had thought it was going to be hard understanding it, because i have not read the time wreccas.(i hoping to!) my dad helped me choose this book from a nearby bookstore. im glad i
did not deny buying this book.
nicole, fort worth, usa
Dear Nicole
In some ways, it's even more fun to read Time Apprentice first because then, when you read The Time Wreccas, you will understand all the little bits and pieces I did not explain until the second book.
It’s lovely to hear from one of my American friends!
Hi
Mrs. Tyler your book The Time Wreccas is very interest and maybe
funny. Sorry for the mistakes in the text. I learn english at school.
I will present your bock in the school. I have a question: Have the
name in the book The Time Wreccas a special meaning?
Marien, Waiblingen, Germany
Dear Marien
First let me say that your English is terrific!
Yes, all the names of the Guardians mean “time” in their own language. The name "Wreccas" also has a special meaning. It is an Old English word that means 'outcast' or 'to cause chaos'. I felt both definitions described the Wreccas perfectly and so that is why I gave them that name.
I hope that your presentation goes well.
Hi Mrs Tyler
Thank you so much for helping us with our harvest festival. I am going to read all your books again as I can hardly remember some parts. I might even buy them with my Christmas money!
Lily, Hay-On-Wye, Wales
Hi Lily
It was an absolute pleasure. I hope you enjoy the books again and, by the way, you made a splendid Old Killjoy!
Dear Val
i bought the time wreccas for my grand daughter sophie, turns out it was an uncorrected proof copy. i got it at a charity shop in the lake district
liz, sunderland, great britain
Dear Liz
…and when they say 'uncorrected' they mean uncorrected! There are a few bloopers in there. It was produced before the final edit to give away to people who needed to see it way back in 2004. I hope your granddaughter enjoys it.
No, he is a new type of character called a spooker. It is all to the theme of Halloween. Lily, Hay on Wye, Wales
Sounds fascinating, Lily!
My idea for the story is- It is called The Time Multiplier. There is a new character called Thebu who is a baddie. Thebu wants to steal the Tick and will do anything to get it including teasing the Wreccas! Lily, Hay-On-Wye, Wales
Hey Lily
That sounds absolutely terrific! I look forward to hearing more. Is Thebu a Wrecca?
Shomari wrote from Oaklands Junior School in Wellingborough to say hi.
Hi Shomari
I hope you enjoyed the book. Sorry, but I don’t reply to private email addresses. I love to talk on this board though!
Hi Val
It's my first time on here and I find your books brilliant. They
fascinate me because I love these kind of books. My personal
collection of books are very widely ranged from vampires(twilight
series) to dragons(dragonology chronicles). I wish I had a talent to
write but my stories never come out very good or long, the longest I
can manage is 4 pages. I need help with that, do you have any
suggestions that could help?
leticia, london, england
Dear Leticia
I am so happy that you enjoyed the books. Thank you for taking the trouble to tell me.
There is nothing wrong with a four page story. I very much like a 366 word story that I wrote. I have recently finished one that is 2,500 words. Some people make careers out of short stories, maybe you will too. Or some people just have to take time to grow into being a writer of long stories. I didn't write a full-length novel until I was an adult.
My suggestion would be let the story itself decide how long it is going to be. Your job is the write down your ideas to the best of your ability. Once it is written, you will want to edit it. The Time Wreccas began as a 12,500 word story. Then, during an edit, the name Sheldon Croe popped into my head and with him came a whole new story line. Pretty soon the story was 70,000 words long.
I suggest that you keep all the stories you write neatly in a folder. You never know when you might want to return to one of them or when the small idea is going to pop into your head that will turn your short story into a full-length novel.
Hello Val
I read the "Wreccas and Time" and "Apprentice of Time" and I loved
both, but what I liked most was the "Apprentice of Time!
I wonder if you are planning on writing more books to the collection
"The Chronicles of Greenwich", because these were the books I liked to
read.
Ana, Lisbon, Portugal
Hello Ana
I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the books. I do have another story planned in the Greenwich Chronicles series, but it is not yet written.
Hello!
I was reading The Time Apprentice the other day, and when I got to the
part where Tid finds an anagram for Sheldon Croe, I thought of
something: Did you get Sheldon's name because of his anagram? And were
you thinking of putting it when you wrote the first book?
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hello Rebeca
No one has ever asked me that before. When I was writing The Time Wreccas the name just sprung into my head and with it an image of a gangly youth. I had no thought of anagrams. When I was writing The Time Apprentice it came as something of a surprise to see that the anagram of his name fitted so well.
Dear Val
What is your husbands name and does he live with your children in
London? What do you think of the time wreccas and what do you think I
could do when I design a new book cover for my assignment? Thanx. I appreciate your help
Maya, Dulwich Hill, Australia
Dear Maya
My husband is Joe and he lives with me. I enjoy The Time Wreccas and feel happy that it is well written. When I wrote it, I wanted to create a story that was interesting all the way through. I think I have done that.
When we were designing the book cover, we were thinking of having the new Time Piece on the front cover and a picture of Old Father Tim on the back. Perhaps you could look at the descriptions of both in chapter one and use them for your book cover.
I hope the project is going well.
Hey Val
just Maya again
I just want to know what your husbands, sons and daughters name is
because I already know you have a dog called Teg and as you know I
need to do a biography on you oh and could you tell me a couple of
things my teacher would think is good for a biography so i can put it
in thanks I really appreciate what you're doing
Thanx
Maya, Dulwich Hill, Australia
Dear Maya
You can see the names of my children at the front of The Time Wreccas, because it is dedicated to them. They are all grown up now and live in London while I live in the middle of nowhere on the Welsh border, but we see each other often. I am not sure what to tell you about them other than I think they are just brilliant and I'm very proud of them all. We are a very close family. You might be interested to hear about my third son, Henry. He is a drummer for a band called Hoodlums. You can listen to their music here http://www.myspace.com/hoodlumsband
Yes, I have two dogs called Teg and Kato. They are loads of fun and take me for lots of walks over the hills.
There is a sequel to Time Wreccas called The Time Apprentice which I am sure will be in bookshops. If not, it is on Amazon. I hope you will read it and let me know what you think.
What can I tell you about myself? I am not very good at spelling and, because of that, my teachers at school would return my English essays with one word, 'careless', scrawled at the bottom. This used to upset me because it wasn't that I didn't care, I just couldn't see how to spell. Because of my poor spelling no one gave me any credit for being able to write imaginative stories, they just gave me a low mark because there were lots of spelling mistakes. It wasn't until I was 16 that a teacher told my mother (not me!) that I could write. This was later confirmed at college when I was twenty years old, but I didn't believe them. I loved writing, but I thought I wasn't any good. For the next twenty years I wrote as a hobby and loved it. Eventually, my family started reading my work and they began to believe in me. They insisted I should be published and, with their encouragement, I went ahead and tried. Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot do something that you love!
I will put some pictures on the website which you can print off if they would help you with your project. I will have to create a new page, so you’ll need to look in the menu on the left of the page.
Hi
your my fave autor and Im doing a school project on your book-The Time Wreccas and I need to do a biography on your life so how old were you when you started school?
Maya, Dulwich Hill, Australia
Hi Maya
I started school at the age of five. These days children start a lot younger. I went to a state Infants school and at seven transferred to a state junior school. When I was eleven, I passed an exam and went to a state grammar school until I was 18.
I am delighted you enjoyed The Time Wreccas and I hope the school project goes well.
Hi Val
do you remeber me? i've already read the first book of the greenwich chronicles ... and the other one too. the both are wonderful but i prefer the second one. I think my english is evolving and i hope i'll can writte like you. I saw in this website that someone prefer Sheldon Croe in your stories and i believed that was a stupid choise. but now i think my favourite character is Sheldon Croe too and Scamp. are u thinking in writting a new book?
Kiko, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Kiko
I love Sheldon too. He did start off as thoroughly unpleasant, but he learned to overcome his awful background and became something of a hero. I think that Sofi has a soft spot for him too. And, yes, I like Scamp too.
hiya val
it's the summer i love the summer holidays because i like to go places with my friends and have fun! it's a shame about the weather though!
jess, southport, uk
Hi Jess
The sun is shining as I write this and I long to get outside, but have work to do. I hope you are having a good day today.
Hello Val
I just though I could pass here and say hi... so, hi! I was going to England this year but after all I can't because of the flu. It's really bad, I was hoping I could go to Greenwich... We're on holiday now and I haven't got anything to read. Any suggestions? Love from
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hello Rebeca
So sorry you didn't get to England. I haven't had swine flu yet, but know many people who have and it's rather like having a cold.
I am the wrong person to ask for reading suggestions as I really don't read children's literature very much.
Hello Mrs. Tyler
My English is not that good but i will try it anyway.
I was googling my name "Tim Mossel" and i found your book "the time
wreccas". I was surprised to see my name in an book, its not a common
name even in the Netherlands. My question is: How did you get this name for one of your characters
in youre book?
When this book is translated to Dutch i will buy it, however, i am not
a reader. May be after reading your book it will all change. Best of luck,
Tim Mossel, Stitswerd, Netherlands
Hello Tim
I am so sorry not to have answered your message sooner.
What an exciting thing to hear from a real Mossell. The hero in our story is called Tid Mossell, but his grandfather is Tim Mossell. It never occurred to me it could be real name. I used it because it sounded comfortable to me.
Unfortunately my books have not been translated into Dutch, although there are versions in several other European languages.
Hi Val
im not in a new school because my mum went to see them to see if they
had any spaces but they didnt so im still at oakway with all my
friends :) see ya soon
Jessica, Isham, uk
Hi Jessica
Does this mean to you have a long way to travel?
heyya Val
i love your books and the way you write. can you
remember coming to walton priory middle school in stone? i was one of
the pupils who bought your book. i still have it and i have read it
about a thousand times it brilliant. i bought the time wreccas.
Emma, Eccleshall, England
Hey Emma
Yes I remember my time at Walton Priory with great affection.
I am delighted you have read The Time Wreccas so many times. Have you read The Time Apprentice yet?
Yes … they were the only books and the only film that
some times made people not love Harry Potter That said in the
newspaper, in Web sites, in youtube and in many ... now is vampires
against witches The movie is cald Twilight and the books are cald:
1.Twilight
2.New Moon
3.Eclipse
4.Breaking Dawn
Now is to tips of fan of books the HP fans or the Twilight saga
fans...
I once was a HP fan but now i am a Twilight fan... And a big fan of
your books... I think you do not have as many fans as Jk rowling or
Stephenie Meyer(Twilight) because your books are not movies... I have
read your books like 5/6 times i love
xxx Bye Bye xxx
nicole, machico, madeira|Portugal
You are so right, Nicole. A film would make a lot of difference to my books. Let's hope that someone who can make it happen agrees with us!
Vampires against witches... sounds scary!
Hi Val
ive not been on here a lot cos weve moved house. i hope you remember me from oakway junior school. see you again some day. happy easter.
Jessica, Isham, UK
Hi Jessica
Yes, I remember you! How do you like your new school?
Hey Val
Just wondering, would you be able to read the prologue of my story? I
just traduced it to english because I had nothing to do, and I would
love you to give your opinion. It's not very big so it wouldn't take a
long to read. If you could read it, how should I show you? (I can't
send a letter to England, my parents won't let me.) Thanks!
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hey Rebeca
Oh, that is so kind of you. Quite a lot of people have asked me to read things for them and I have had to make a rule to say no. Otherwise I would have no time to do anything else! I am very sorry because I love reading your messages and I am sure it would be very good. Perhaps your English teacher could read it for you.
Hi
Are you ever going to write more of the Greenwich Chronicles? They are
one of the best books I've ever read! You are a brilliant auther!!!
Katie, United Kingdom
Hi Katie
Sorry I haven’t replied a bit quicker! Delighted you enjoyed the books. Thank you for telling me. I have another story in my head, but it is not written yet.
have you ever read the bocks of twilight?? And the movie? nicole, machico, madeira|Portugal
Hi Nicole
No, I haven't. Are they good?
I love your book The Time Apprentice which i'm reading now. Its amazing. Tarisai, Dublin, Ireland
Hi Tarisai
Thank you so much for telling me. I hope you will be able to get hold of The Time Wreccas too. It should be in your library system.
Hi
It has dificult but i did it i have now new and good friends and them
are the best!!!!!!!!!
Thaxs
nicole, machico, madeira/portugal
Brilliant, Nicole! Well done.
Val
I really enjoyed your first book The Time Wreccas. I also enjoy
drawing so I was wondering, will there be any illustrations of
Sofi(snot),Seth(snivel),Tid, Old father Tim, The Bushytails and all the
Wreccas?
Leonie, Bournemouth, England
Hi Leonie
There are no official pictures of any of the characters and so, I'm guessing, it's down to you!
Hi Val
Thanks for the information, it will help me a lot. And thanks for tell
me about the Hoodlums, because I just heard them and I loved the song!
I mainly listen to alternative rock and indie and my favourite band is
Coldplay, but their sound makes just my type! Actually I always try to
listen to music while I'm writing but when I really like the song and
it's stuck in my head I end up singing it.
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
I get songs stuck in my head too and they go round and round and round and....
I'm glad you liked Hoodlums. I've seen them live and they are fantastic!
hiya val
because its mothers day my nan and my cousin are
coming 4 tea wer havin chinese! i no its a weird question but wots ur
faveorite food
faye, southport, uk
Hi Faye
Sorry my reply is a bit late. That's not a weird question at all. I love Chinese too, but my favourite would have to be a full Sunday roast followed by stodge and custard. Stodge is the word we used to use when I was at school for steamed pudding. Yummy!
ok... am going to do that Nicole, Machico, Madeira/Portugal
Dear Nicole
Good for you! Let me know how it goes.
Hey Val
I've got a question: Do you listen to music while you're writing?
Because I do that a lot and I stay much more concentrated when I do
it. What do you do to get concentrated? And I'd also like to know what
kind of music do you like to listen because I'm studying about the
relations between music and reading/writing.
Thanks for your help!
PS: Thanks Kiko it's very kind of you saying that and I know you'll
speak English much better in the future!
PS2: I need help with this school work so if anyone could help me,
just send me an email to rebeca_rsg@hotmail.com and tell me if you
like to write, what are your favourite books and what type of music do
you listen to (what are your favourite bands or singers, etc.) Thanks.
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
There are times when I am so deeply into my writing that I wouldn't hear music if it was playing. However, there are times when I edit when I enjoy music. I listen to all sorts but recently have started listening to Hoodlums. They are a great young Indie band with a completely new sound. You can hear their music at
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=68491270
Good luck with the work. It sounds fascinating.
I love your book... bye bye John, Cardiff, Wales
Hi John
Delighted you like the book. Always nice to hear from Wales!
yo Val
i followed your advice about those bullies! and i
stood up 4 myself and now everythings fine thank u x
faye, southport, uk
Hi Faye
Well done! I am glad everything is OK now. Thanks for telling me.
Hi Val
I did your help... i whont to have good nots but i gest cant i dont
like school and i miss same class hive my friends... I do all the
contrary of that my family and my teachers say... I like to do thing
that is not right... I cant say wat but is true and i not no if i xud
be happy and bad or be ahappy and be good and do my parents happy? Nid
your help... Bye Bye
Nicole, Machico, Portugal
Dear Nicole
It is so hard! Doing wrong usually does not work out in the long run and then everyone is miserable. I can see that it is not making you happy. Perhaps you could make some new friends who do not want to do things wrong.
Hi Val
Is there going to be a book after the Time Apprentice and
are there going to be any films???
Shaun, Southwater, Horsham, United Kingdom
Hi Shaun
So far, the third story is just in my head. I'll keep you posted. Also, no films at the moment. Even the play is having to go on 'hold' until the recession is over. It's a difficult time for everyone.
Hi rebeca congratulations by your english i hope i can
talk english in the same way like you... because i want to study in
england.
Val i've a problem. i'm trying to write a book but i think
i'm so young. And when i try to do it a few days after i finshed to
read a book my history will gain the same words and It will be so
based in the book that i read a few days ago. the last time i tried to
write a book it was so based in yours and in Eragon ( the last two
books which i read)
Kiko, Lisbon, Portugal
Dear Kiko
It's easily done and please don't worry about it. Right now, you are still finding your own style and so you will have to dip into other people's for a while before your own develops. Just keep writing, because the more you do the better you will become.
Hey Val
I need your help, you know when u wer younger, wer you clever? Because
i am not that bright but i want to be like you! U are my idol. Becoz
every 1 has a famous persn to look up to like paris hilton and Justion
timberlake, and Micheal Jackson. Well i have to say you are the one
for me! Bye, with love!
Emily, Southport, England
Hey Emily
You don't have to be clever to be an excellent writer. You just have to yearn to write and then practise. I am a very bad speller and my punctuation used to be terrible. It improved through practice, using the spell and punctuation checkers on my computer and by listening to my editor. You can use your teacher as your editor or anyone you know who has the skills you need.
Good luck Emily. Writing is very exciting. Shall I tell you what I am about to do? I have been yearning to take a walk in a copse down the valley. I am not sure why, but I think there may be a story waiting for me down there. I am going there now with my notebook to see what happens. Good ideas are always just waiting to be discovered!
Hi Val
Hi Kiko, thanks...
Val when is your birthday?
Nicole, Machico, Madeira/Portugal
Hi Nicole
My birthday is not until September.
Hi Val!
You won't believe what happened! Yesterday me and
a friend went to a FNAC (I don't know if there are any FNACS in
England, but it's a shop that sells tecnological stuff like TVs,
mobile phones and cameras and also books and CDs). We were at the CD
zone. I was looking for my favourite band's CDs, but when I found
them, I got a bit sad because there were all of their albums except
the one I wanted. We were about to leave the shop when I went to the
children's book's zone to find something good to read. I went to the
english books and guess what I found: WOW 366! in English! I quickly
read your story because we were in a hurry. I really liked it. It's
kind of sad but the end made me smile. You're very imaginative to
write such a good story with only 366 words. Congratulations!
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebecca
I am very impressed that your English is so good that you could read Granddad's slippers 'quickly'! Yes it is a sad story, but I am glad it made you smile at the end. Writing a story in so few words is not easy, but I very much enjoyed trying.
hi
nicole happy birthday to you and ... val... i already
read your first book and now i'm reading the other one
kiko, lisboa, portugal
Hi Kiko
I hope you enjoy it!
my birthday is on Valentine's Day *-* Nicole, Machico, Madeira/Portugal
Happy Birthday, Nicole! I hope you are thoroughly spoiled today!
I dont know any film directors... is a pity because I think the film would have many fans ... I think it would have as many fans as Harry Potter ... Nicole, Machico, Madeira/Portugal
I agree, Nicole. I think it would make a great film. We just have to convince the right person!
Hi
i really want to becum a singer or dancer also im american and hav moved here to southport but people say that my familys fat becoz in america theres delightful treats like burgers and stuff so i get bullied. did u get bullied wen u were young?
faye, southport, uk
Hi Faye
It can be really difficult moving to a new place. No, I wasn't bullied as a child, but one of my children was. It was a very difficult time. But we came through and so will you. If you are happy with the way you are, then what has it got to do with anyone else?
Hello Val
i am a 13-year-old-boy and i don't speak english very well , but my teacher said that in England everyone speak a different english...i'm portuguese, i'm reading the first book of the greenwich chronicles again and next , i'll read the other one. I want to know why the name of every wreccas start with "S". it's a coriousity please answer my question...
Kiko, Lisbon, Portugal
Hello Kiko
I think your teacher means that we have different accents and some different ways of talking in different places. People in Scotland sounds different to people in London. Sometimes accents are so strong, it might be difficult for someone from a different region to understand every word they are saying. Do people in Portugal have different accents?
I wanted the Wrecca’s names to be linked in some way. I think that the sound 's' can be a very sinister sound. For example, snakes go sssssss.
Hi Val
i was just wondering coz im drinkin a cup of tea here and a ginger nut i was wondering did u drink tea at my age coz im 9
Emma, Planet Zog
Hi Emma
No I didn't start enjoying tea until I was an adult. Earl Grey is my favourite.
hiya Val
did u ever want to become somet else than a
writer coz i really want to become a singer or a model but i dont no
how?
Aimee, southport, uk
Hi Aimee
My main ambition as a child was to be a mother. I had four children and always find that being a mum is both rewarding and loads of fun. Although I wrote all the time, being published was not something I expected. It wasn't until my sister read The Time Wreccas and said, 'You have got to get this published,' that it occurred to me that I might have written something that was publishable. I have always written because it is in my heart, not for a glamorous lifestyle. I didn't know how to be a writer, just as you don't know how to be the things you want to be. I did lots of research, listened to advice from my family and friends and worked hard to reach my goal.
Dear Val
Gostei mesmo muito do seu livro.
Mario, Almada, Portugal
Dear Mario
I am very happy that you liked my book. Thank you for writing to tell me.
I was just passing here to say Hi and I saw Nicole's message saying that she also prefers Sheldon. I think it's funny because I'm also portuguese and Sheldon is also my FAVOURITE! And Fred's favourite too. And my friend's Rita favourite too. It's very weird because he's supposed to be "mean" but people naturally like him. I think it's because we feel sad for his past. PS: I'm sorry I sent you a incomplete message. I also wanted to say thanks because of your answer to my last message, but I still can't decide the name! Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
Isn't it strange how much we all like Sheldon? I didn't like him when I started writing him, but he grew on me. I am very happy that he is your favourite too. You might be right. It could be that we understand some of his awful behaviour because of his horrible past.
As for the name of your character, I think you should go for Chris. Not only do I love the name, but I have never come across Chris as the hero in a book. It would help to make your character original.
Heyya
i am from the school walton priory from stone. i have
moved but i am stil enjoying ya books. i think you are a perfect
roll-model. i want to be just like you i love your books although i hate
reading. thank-you for getting me to read.
emma, eccleshall, england
Hi Emma
Thank you so much to writing to tell me this. I think you have made my day! I didn't enjoy reading when I was young. I am certain it was because I failed to find the right books. I mainly write for people like you who wouldn't necessarily put reading down as their favourite thing. It wasn't mine, but it is definitely one of my favourites now. Keep reading, there are lots of good books out there; the trick is to find them.
Hello Val
Ever thought of making the books into movies? ... I think it would be
very good.
Nicole, Machico, Madeira/Portugal
Hello Nicole
I would love to but, unfortunately, that is up to film directors, not me. Do you know any film directors?
Hi Val
Ok...Thanks for responding... Sheldon is my favorite of all I do not
now why.
Nicole, Machico, Madeira/Portugal
Hi Nicole
I have a really soft spot for him too.
Hi Val
I need your help. Finally I finished the first chapter of my story. It
took a long time because I was always restarting it but now it's pretty
good, but I have a problem. There is a really important character in
the second chapter (it is as important as Tid in your story) he's a
british boy and he's 12/14 years old, I dind't decide it yet. My
problem is that I need a name for him! It can't be too... unusual
because most of the characters have very unusual names, or even made
up by me. I have thought in my favourite names: Will, Chris and
Jonathan (because you can short it to Jonny). I really like those
names and I would like one of them, but the name Will is very used in
books. So I was thinking in Chris or Jonny, but I can't choose between
one of them! Can you give your sugestion please? (ps: I'm sooo sorry
if written so much, but I really needed to explain)
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
Chris is short for Christopher, my eldest son's name, and I think it is a great name. But so is Jonny. I like both, but as I never called a son Jonathan, I am guessing that I like Chris better!
Hi Val
I would like to ask you if you are putting The Time Wreccas or Time
Aprentice in to a play.
Libby, Mansfield, United Kingdom
Hi Libby
The short answer to that is yes. I am reading a script for The Time Wreccas at the moment. But these things can take several years and so it might be a while before we see it on the stage.
Hi Val
Happy new year! I hope 2009 will be a wonderful year for you.
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
Thank you, and I hope that 2009 will be a terrific year for you too!
Val hello
I am Marco, Nicole´s boyfriend of Portugal/Madeira, she is here with
mi, Nicole told me of this site, but I had never been here this is my
first time. Is all very cool. Your books are really good I have not
read the second, but now I am finishing the first and I love it.
Marco, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hi Marco
Delighted to hear that you are enjoying The Time Wreccas. I hope that you will enjoy The Time Apprentice too.
Hello Val
I just wanted to give my opinion. And I also think that they do not
nid to be to old they can have 13 or 14 years old. How old is
Sheldon, Sofi and Tid?
Nicole, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hello again, Nicole
Please forgive my late reply to some of these emails. I have been away and have newly arrived home to read your lovely messages.
You ask how old Sheldon, Sofi and Tid are. I think that Sheldon is in his early to mid teens while Sofi and Tid are probably ten or eleven.
Hello Val
I got my boyfriend Marco to read the stories and he loved the problem
is dat he did not want to go for a ride.
But I will go to his house and we read together, when his parents not
there, they do not like dating because they think we are very young, I
dot think i am 12 and he is 13. Do you think dat we are very young?
Now he has to say to parents that ended dating with me and is awful
because his parents working in our school and we have to be hidden.
This last year has been a terrible year : (
Nicole, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hello Nicole
I am sorry 2008 was a bad year for you. I hope that 2009 will be fantastic!
Val hello
I already finished the second book (The apprentice of the time) is
very good, better than the first (The Wreccas and Time) is not the
first that is not good, the contrary is magnificent but the second is
even more magnificent.
I do not know about you, but I like to give some suggestions for the
continuation of this story...
Nicole, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hello Nicole
It's very interesting how some people prefer The Time Wreccas and some prefer The Time Apprentice. Thank you so much for writing to tell me.
I loved you ideas for the third story, but I’ve not put them up on the site so that no one can copy them! Thank you for giving me your plot, but I doubt that Tid and Sofi will be that old. I enjoyed reading your story.
Hi Val
When is your next book out and what is the title going to be?
Aamir, Blackburn, UK
Hi Aamir
At the moment, I am not sure what my next book will be. But I will announce it on the website as soon as I know.
Hi Val
I have translated both your books here in Portugal and I am very happy
with the success they have achieved.
Only here, reading the messages everybody sends to you, I had the
pleasure to know how Portuguese readers have enjoyed reading your
books.
I think my mission was fulfilled.
I don't know if you have ever
translated a book but I can tell you that it is a big responsibility
because you can ruin a great story with the words you choose. But it is
that challenge that makes me love what I do.
I just want you to know that translating your books was my favourite
translation because they are fantastic.
I wish you all the best and I am waiting for the third one as anyone
else.
Patracia Mota, Leiria, Portugal
Hi Patracia
How very kind of you to write. I am so happy that you enjoyed the books and I am very grateful to you for having done such an excellent job with the translations. I think you are incredibly clever. I only speak English. Isn't that dreadful!
I wish you the very best with future translations.
Hi Val
I am loving the book!!!!!!
Nicole, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hi Nicole
I am so pleased!
Hello Val
I read what Nicole said about Madeira and I have to say that she's
absolutely right: Madeira is one of the most beautiful places on the
whole world! I never went there, but I went to Porto Santo, a small
island next to Madeira and I saw pictures. Another beautiful thing to
see in Portugal is the Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands. I
went there and I loved it.
I'm reading the Winnie-the-Pooh book by A.A.Milne.. It's so funny! I'm
loving it (not as much as your books). My friend Ana Rita read The
Time Wreccas and she (also) loved it. I think all of my friends would
like to read it.
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hello Rebeca
Winnie-the-Pooh is one of my favourites too. Have you read any of AA Milne's poetry? In England they are in two books called 'When We Were Very Young' and 'Now We are Six'. They are such fun. I love them! I hope you get the chance to read them too.
Dear Val
I'm so happy! I was the second best note in portuguese, and although I had 75 in 100%, the teacher wrote "Muito bem!"(very good!) in my essay, and that was really important for me. We had to imagine that we were a famous singer, writer, painter, actor, (etc) and write a critic to our newest work. I was a writer and the critic was about my second book (the sequel from the book I'm actually writing) and the teacher loved it! I'm thinking that it might be a
good story!
Lisbon, Portugal
Hi
Congratulations on your good marks! How exciting that you are writing a book. Good luck!
Hello Val!
I hope that one day you can come to Portugal especially to Madeira, is one
of the most beautiful place in the world, Madeira is an island and is
very beautiful. Is hot in summer and so I go to beach with my friends
and my boyfriend is really good! :) In the winter we go to the movies,
coffee and to the house of another, Madeira is a very safe place so
our parents do not care that we get out with our friends.
i love the book, it is a pity i am in time of tests this week. i have 2 and for the next week i have 3 and also to the other i have 1 too:(even my notes are not very good because now I have a boyfriend and I dot have much time to study or to read books). I love books, one of my favorites is the 7th Harry
Potter book but still prefer yours, don’t know why but I like much more
read your than read the Harry Potter. when I finish reading the Book 2 I'll tell you like it or not. the name of the book in Portuguese, The Time Apprentice is in Portuguese (O Aprendiz Do tempo)
xxxxxxxxxx write back plese
Nicole, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hello Nicole
I would love to come to Madeira. It does sound like a lovely place and perhaps one day I will be able to visit.
I enjoy the Harry Potter books too, and I am very happy that you like The Time Wreccas so much and think it is even better. I shall look forward to hearing your thoughts on The Time Apprentice. O Aprendiz Do Tempo! The title sounds wonderful!
Hello Val
I love you!!
I have not started to read the second book but I have read the first
and it is wonderful, I am so happy because my parents will buy me the
second book tomorrow. :)
I wanted to know if the story will end in the second or if you are
going to continue the story? Please answer me xxx from your biggest fan in Portugal
ps:sorry the errors I do not speak English
Nicole, Machico, Portugal/Madeira
Hello Nicole
How lovely to hear from you and I am so happy that you enjoyed The Time Wreccas. I had a lot of fun writing it. Don't forget to write and tell me what you think of The Time Apprentice once you have read it. I have a copy of The Time Wreccas in Portuguese (Os Wreccas e o tempo), but not The Time Apprentice yet. I am glad to know that it is in the shops.
The story could finish at the end of The Time Apprentice, but I have an idea for another story, although it is not written yet.
hi Val
are there any more new books that u are thinking of
publishing?
tyreece, wellingborough, england
Hi Tyreece
I have three stories I am working on at the moment, but nothing definite as yet. I'll let you know.
hi Val
i love you and your books and when i read
them they make me want to read more and more of your books so i am
going to read all the books i can of yours...ps write back please...i
love your books
lily, paris, france
Hi Lily
I only have the two novels out at the moment, but I am working on the next. I am very happy to know that you enjoy reading my books.
Dear Ms Tyler
I am now translating your Time Wreccas into Japanese. I have a
question about the Greenwich Guardian, Is she Bryn's younger sister or
elder sister?
Yuko Kondo, Tokyo, Japan
Dear Yuko
The Greenwich Guardian is Bryn's younger sister. If you have any more questions please contact me again. I look forward to seeing The Time Wreccas in Japanese.
Hiya Val!
I bet you get lots of questions like this and i hope you will reply,
but i was wondering what gave you the inspiration to write a book
because i love books and i think i am very good at writing. but hwen
the teacher asks me to read my writing to the class every one calls me
a Geek! but inside i know im not a geek! But if you love writing are you
a geek? xxx Thank you!
Aimee, Southport, UK
Dear Aimee
I am inspired to write by all sorts of things around me. Old buildings often get me thinking, or perhaps a character I see in the street.
Some people use the word ‘geek’ as if it was a bad thing to be, but it is not! I am proud to be a geek! Some of the coolest people I know are geeks. It means that we are passionate about something and good at it. Wear your geekness with pride! In fact, May 25th is Geek Pride Day! We have a day all to ourselves! Don't worry about what anyone else says. If you are happy as you are, then don't change. You never know, they might be trying to put you down because they secretly wish they could write like you.
Hi Val
I just want to know if you have written any other books besides the
Wreccas and Apprentice?
Amanda, Bangkok, Thailand
Hi Amanda
I have also written a book about how to make teddy bears, but that was a long time ago. The Time Wreccas and The Time Apprentice are the only two novels I have out so far. I hope it won't be too long before the next one appears.
hi Val
i really would like to say that i like your
books they are a magical dream to me and i would love to be a writer
like you but i am not that good at writing books .... i love your
books.... ps write back please
katie, southport, england
Hi Katie
'A magical dream' - what a lovely way to describe the books. You say you are not that good at writing, but that was very well put. I never thought I was any good either. It wasn't until I was sixteen that a teacher mentioned that I could write, and she told my mother and not me! If you enjoy writing, then just do it and blow what anyone else thinks!
Good luck!
hi Val
i like your books they are great and i would
like to write books too...
lola, southport, england
Hi Lola
If you would like to write books, Lola, then there's no time to start like the present! Good luck!
hi Val
i love the books that you write and i would
love to write things like you do, and i adore you and your books, they
are great ad so are you...aka i love your books...ps write back please
amy, paris, france
Hi Emily
Delighted to hear that you enjoy the books. I very much enjoyed writing them.
Hiya Val
i was just wondering. What inspired you to
become a writer? Was it that you enjoyed writing books or sommet? Coz
there has to be a reason... i really want to become something BIG.
Like earn lots of money so i become a $$$$RICH GIRL$$$$$$$
i wud love that! are you rich?
I LEFT NORWOOD AND PROUD MEOLS COP IS BETTER. NORWOOD IS TOO CROWDED N
SMALL. cyaa ur roundd!
Emily, southport, uk
Hiya Emily
If you really want to earn lots of money, I suggest you don't become a writer! There are very, very few writers who earn a great deal, like JK Rowling, but the vast majority find it difficult to earn a proper living. Enjoy writing, but don’t expect to make a lot of money doing it.
as i sed i really love your books can u tell me how u make these books please i would love to have a book like yours abbi, southport, england
Hello again Abbi
It takes a long time to write lengthy stories like mine. Basically, I get an idea, work it through, write a long outline (about 12,000 words) and then edit it something like 20 times until it is about 70,000 words long. It takes about a year and I really have fun. I hope you will write a long story too, but you might not write one quite as long as mine until you are a bit older.
hi val
i cant believe i am actually in touch with
you. i love your books they are great i love to read them they
make me want to read on and on an on...... aka i LOVE your BOOKS
please text me back.
abbi, southport, england
Hi Abbi
Great to hear from you! I am delighted that you want to read more and more. I used to teach a boy called Sean who disliked reading, and part of the reason I write is to interest people like him. I hope you read lots and lots of books.
hi
you are a big inspiration to me
bianca, southport, uk
Hi Bianca
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
why do you write books? amy, paris, france
Dear Amy
It’s lovely to hear from someone in France.
I write books because I just can’t stop myself! Even if I was never published again, I'd keep going because I love the process. Being published is the icing on the cake!
hi Val
your so cool when r u going to write another book emily, southport, uk
Hi Emily
One story is with a publisher and two ideas out there with my agent.
Hiyah!
How are you? I love your books. But I wanted to
know how you felt when you were writing a book! xxx Thank YOU
Lisa, Southport, England
Hiyah Lisa
What an interesting question. How do I feel when I am writing my books? I guess the easy answer is happy. I love writing. I get right inside my story and see it all unfolding in my head.
Sometimes it can be a bit daunting to start a new story, the computer screen is blank and I know I have to fill it with something like 70,000 words. It seems such a huge task. But as I get going, the more I get into my characters. Then, when I start editing, I read what I write and find I am quite exited by the improvements I make. I can spend forty minutes on one paragraph until I get it right, and the time just flies by. It is no exaggeration to say that six hours can seem like one!
Hi Val
In my school you can have Drama at lunch time. There's eleven of us
there, from 7th and 8th grade. We have a lot of fun and this year
we're making a play based on the game "Cluedo". I think it's a great
idea! Today, we choosed our characters: we could use one from the game
or imagine by ourselves. My character is by me. In the play, I'm
called Holly Macaulay and I am a writer. I used to be a teacher but
I'm a full time writer right now, and I live in a farm (guess who
inspired me?)
Fred's there too, and he's Professor Plum (an old friend of mine).
There's a girl from Fred's class called Rita that plays my niece, and
she's reading The Time Wreccas. Guess what name she choose for her
character? Sofi!(She wanted to be called Snot but when Fred told her
what did it mean, she changed her mind!)
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
Your production of Cluedo sounds fantastic. I used to be a drama teacher and so I love hearing about such things. Do tell me how it goes. Yes, Holly Macaulay does sound familiar!
It's a good thing Fred told Rita what Snot means. The Wrecca's names must be very confusing when you read the book in Portuguese, if you don't know what they mean, and they all start with 's' and are very short.
Dear Val
i am from prince albert you came and met us only year
six. i want one of your books. and i want to write a story to you and
how shall i sent it to you so can i have all your details
saifur, birmingham, england
Hi Saifur
The details for contacting me are exactly what you have used. If you send to me via the website address, I will reply to you on the website. If you would like to buy a book, The Time Apprentice is available in all good bookshops and on Amazon. Both it and the Time Wreccas are available through your local library.
Thank you for offering to send me a story, but I am very sorry to say I will probably not have time to read it. There are just not enough hours in a day to read everything! Good luck with your writing!
Hello Val
i remeber you comming to our school on
Wednesday 22nd
Rahinur, Aston, Birmingham
Hello Rahinur
I had a lovely time meeting you all on Wednesday.
Hi Val
i luv my high school its brill
Aimee, southport, uk
Hi Aimee
I am delighted to hear you are still enjoying your school.
To Val
Could you list most of your books.
sohnia, birmingham, england
Hi Sohnia
It's a very short list at the moment as I am in the early days of my career.
-How to Make Character Bears
-Time Wreccas
-Time Apprentice.
Hello
can you help me to write a good beginning?
sharjil, birmigham, englnd
Hi Sharjil
A good story beginning has to grab the attention of the reader instantly, and so it is a good idea to start at an exciting point in the story. Jump straight in without any scene setting. That can come later.
Does it hurt your hands when you are typing or writing? How many years have you been a author? Zeenat, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Hi Zeenat
When I type non-stop for eight hours, my hands do get a little stiff, yes. But as I type every day, they are pretty much used to it by now. I was first published in 1998, but my first novel wasn't published until 2005.
Hi Val
Today it was Fred's birthday. I gave him a chocolate bar. It wasn't a
very good gift, but he liked it. I don't think any of the charatcters
would give a friend such a gift as a candy bar!
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRED!
I think that a chocolate bar is a terrific gift, Rebeca. I am sure that all the Wreccas would have been thrilled with such a present, and the Guardians would have been extremely happy with it too.
Hi Val
its divine you are coming to my school today 20th
october in st albans ce church of englend.
see you love to meetyou today val.
divine, birmingham, UK
Hi Divine
It was lovely meeting you on Monday. I very much enjoyed my day with you.
Hi Val
i dont know if u remember coming to norwood, but
you did n i enjoyed learning with you... i love ur cloak its really
cool, i want to become a vet because i love animals Emily, Southport, England
Hi Emily
You would have to work very hard at school and get some very good exam results to become a vet. But if that is your dream, go for it! My dream as a child was much less academic. I wanted to be a mother and a good mother at that. I have four children who are now grown up and I am very proud of them. Thus, I fulfilled my main ambition. Writing became a later ambition and, I am afraid, it changes. Originally, I just wanted to be published once. Now I want to be published again and again!
Hi Val
I know you might of thought this already, but have
you thought of making your books into a cartoon/film. They would be a
big hit you know... you would get loads of money for it too but it
would cost quite a lot wouldnt it..??
Emily, Southport, England
Hi Emily
Unfortunately, this decision isn't up to me! Several Hollywood producers have looked at the books and talked about it, but nothing official has happened. I would be reluctant to see it made into a cartoon as I think the Wreccas might be portrayed as clowns, and I don't see them as that. But I would love to see it as a film.
Dear Val
This is Sarah, and I've brought my two friends here. They've probably sent you a couple of messages already! We LOVE your books!!!!!!!!!! I just need to know a few more characters that you are going to put in your next book. And quickly!
Sarah, Erin and Rebecca, Bangkok, Thailand
Hello Sarah, Erin and Rebecca
I am sorry, I cannot give you any details about the next Wrecca book. Top secret!
Dear Val
you came to my school on tuesday 14th october and you read part of a
book. Do shops sell your book
Mollie, Cirencester, England
Dear Mollie
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all on Tuesday. You are able to buy The Time Apprentice in any good book shop or follow this link to Amazon.
Hi Val
In the holidays, me and Fred had a lot of fun trying to guess who was
the Time Apprentice. We liked to imagine it was Sheldon's Grandma.
Today, we decided it would be Sheldon's Grandma's birthday (in our
imagination)! So, Happy Birthday Ma Croe! (14/10/2008)
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
Ha, ha! You’ll have to read the Time Apprentice to find out! I don’t know when Ma Croe’s birthday is, but I will join you and say, ‘Happy Birthday!’ just in case you are right.
Hi Val
I'm writing a report about Hazel. Can you please give me some info?
Sarah, Bangkok, Thailand
Hi Sarah
I have no background information on Hazel other than that she is Cob's cousin. It’s not much, but I hope it helps.
Dear Val
Sarah and Amanda are really spreading the love of time wreccas around
the school!! Our fav author is you!!!
Christy and Rebecca, Bangkok, Thailand
Dear Christy and Rebecca
I am thrilled to hear that Sarah and Amanda are helping everyone else to discover the Wreccas. I am planning a competition that you could all enter. I am working out a competition and will post the details as soon as they are all worked out, so keep looking at the website!
Dear Val
We are Sarah and Amanda's friends. We love your books too and hope you can publish another one!!!!!!!
Erin and Serri, Bangkok, Thailand
Dear Erin and Serri
How good to hear from you. I am delighted that you are enjoying the books. I have lots of people asking me to write another one. I promise I will think very seriously about putting the next story down on paper.
Hi Val
School started in September and we are very busy! I had my English
test yesterday and it went very well! Maybe I will have "very good"!
We have something cool in our school: the school library. We bring two
books to the school and people can bring them home and read them. I
didn't bring The Greenwich Chronicles because someone could lost them,
but Fred did. However, he's not on my class! He's a year younger. I am
on the 8th Grade this year, and we are selling food and keeping money
for our 9th grade travel! I think we're going to London, and maybe we
could go to Greenwich then.
Rebeca, Lisbon, Portugal
Hi Rebeca
Is it good to be back at school? How exciting that the books are in your school, but I do understand that you don’t want anyone to lose your copies. I have some very special books that I'd hate to lend out.
It would be fantastic if your school trip was to London. I am sure it would be possible to go to Greenwich. There is so much to see there. Sadly, the Great Ship has been burned down! Everyone is very upset about this. It seems to have been an accident. Now they are trying to repair it. I think Sofi and Tid must be very upset about it.
Hi Val (again!)
Me and my friend, Amanda, just love your books, so when is your next
book gonna' come out? and what is it going to be called?
We are doing activities based on the Time Wreccas and the Time
Apprentice! We are going to keep on sending messages so watch out!!
Sarah, Bangkok, Thailand
Hi Sarah
I do have a third story in my head, but it's not on paper yet. I'll let you know when the next one is out. Publishing is in a very difficult phase right now and many books are being delayed. I do have a short story in an anthology called WOW 366, which you might want to look at. It is in aid of a UK children's charity. You can read about it on my site.
What sort of activities are you doing on the books?
Hi Val
I really like your books. My favourite character is Sheldon, and I
prefer The Time Apprentice because Sheldon is more important.
I'm doing a work for my school about your favourite character in the
book you read in holidays, and I would like if you told me more about
him (how does he looks like, his age, his birthday...) I would really
appreciate that!
Philippa, London, GB
Hi Philippa
I have a soft spot for Sheldon too. A lot about his past is written in the books and so I won't repeat it here. He is in his middle teens and is growing rapidly which makes him a bit lanky, but he will fill out in a few years. He was born in November.
I hope this helps. Good luck with the work. It would be great to see it when your have written it.
Hi Val
I am writing a report about Cob. Could you tell me his birth date and the date when he is last seen in the book, and some things about him. Thanks.
(I’ve changed some of Amanda’s wording so that her message doesn’t give away anything in the plot. Sorry, Amanda! - Val)
Amanda, Bangkok, Thailand
Hi Amanda
Cob was born in the month of the Hawthorn. To you and me, that is May and Cob was born early in the month, somewhere around the 10th. Bushytails are a bit vague on exact dates!
Cob appears last near the end of the month of the Holly Berry or, in our time, on 28th December.
You can find lots of information about Cob in the text. One thing that is not in the story is that Cob's favourite place for hiding nuts is at the base of Sofi's tree, which you can read about in The Time Apprentice.
I hope that helps. I'd be very interested in seeing your report after you've written it.
Hi Val
I would like to know how is Walnut related to Cob?
Sarah, Bangkok, Thailand
Hi Sarah
It’s lovely to hear from someone in Thailand.
Cob and Walnut were cousins.
Dear Val
I'm writing a questionnaire on your book 'The Time Wreccas'
and I was wondering, how long did it take you to think up all the
names?
How old where you when you wrote the time wreccas? Maisie, Dunstable, England
Hi Maisie
The Time Wreccas took about seven years to write, but I was a mother and working as a teacher at the same time. I am sorry, but I don't know how long it took me to make up the names. I always spend a long time deciding what to call people and find that I cannot write a character until he or she has exactly the right name. Sometimes it takes days to decide on just one!
Emily, from Southport, very kindly sent me a message to explain why I suddenly received a big bunch of very odd emails!
Thanks, Emily. I really appreciated your message. I hope you’re enjoying your new school.
Hi Val
i love your books. they are really good. i would love
to be a writer so i would like to know how you became such an amazing
writer. jack, southport, england
Hi Jack
I am glad you enjoy the books. How did I become a writer? Well, I suppose I just kept on writing and editing my stories until I had something that was worth sending off. It took a lot of years and a great deal of hard work, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish you luck with your ambition to be a writer. Don't forget to keep and date all you write. You never know where t