Val Tyler

The official website of Val Tyler, author of The Time Wreccas

Home Page Sitemap Link to Val Tyler Books The Time Wreccas The Time Apprentice Old English People and Places Guardians Wreccas Val Tyler Interviews Prizes Contact Questions & Answers Fun & Games Wordsearch Greenwich Park Wrecca Speak Fun with Words Stories Teachers' Page School Visits Teaching Resources Editorial Advice Submission Guidelines Storytelling Change Style Night-time Day-time Apprentice-time

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. When you have had a look, you may want to ask your own question by clicking here.

Hi Val
How old are Sofi, Tid, Old Father Tim, Enderell and Sheldon? Karen, Luxembourg

Hi Karen
OK, now you've got me thinking. Sofi and Tid are both at primary school, but near the top of it, I think. Old Father Tim is old, grandfather age. I think that Enderell is probably in her thirties and Sheldon in his middle teens. I wonder if that is how you see them.

Hi Val
It's Rebeca again, sorry, I was so exited that you answered me! I am writing a book, and I think it's nice, but I have a problem: I really love english names, but, as you see, I'm from Portugal. Don't you thing it's a bit bad not to put portuguese names? I also read Arwen's question about Sheldon, and I think it's great that he likes Sofi! Rebeca, Lisboa, Portugal

Hi Rebeca
First let me say that your English is BRILLIANT!
What I really think would be bad would be if you didn't write from your heart. There is nothing wrong with writing a story with all English names, but, perhaps the next one might be with Portuguese names. I once wrote a full length novel for my daughter and all the names were Russian. It just felt right. I'm a big believer in taking time to get exactly the right names for characters.
Yes, Arwen was very perceptive to ask that about Sheldon and Sofi. It is rather great, isn't it?

Heya!
I read a lot & i absolutely love your books! [the greenwhich chronicles] i passed them both onto my dad and funnily enough, he liked them too! but i wish there was more to that series! anyways, where do you get your inspiration from?? i've always loved writing from a young age but i never seem to finish the stories i start!! do you have any tips that might help?? also, could you pls. visit my school?? it's Arden Anglican Primary.
PS. some of my favourite authors are: Jenny Nimmo [ the Charlie Bone series] and Pierdomenico Baccalario [the Ulysses Moore series] an you of course!! Frances, Sydney, Australia

Hey Frances
I am delighted that you and your Dad enjoyed the stories. A lot of adults do like them.
I get my inspiration from everyday things. I was inspired to write the Greenwich Chronicles walking through Greenwich Park one day with my children.
When I was young, I never finished a really long story, either. Don't worry about it. Why don't you write shorter stories? I didn't finish a full length novel until I was grown up.
I would love to visit your school but, sadly, have no plans to visit Australia in the near future. Perhaps one day I’ll get there.

Dear Val
I really love the books, they're great! My favourite character is Sheldon. What's yours? Rebeca, Lisboa, Portugal

Dear Rebeca
You are the first person to say you like Sheldon best. I am glad you do, he sort of grows on you, doesn't he? I have a soft spot for him.

Hi Val
Is Sheldon in love with Sofi in "The Time Apprentice"? Love from Arwen Arwen, London, England

Hi Arwen
You are the first person to ask me that. Very well spotted, and yes, I think he is.

Hi
its laura and alice here, we have got a questions to ask u. if u write a new book, what will it be called and what will it be about? Alice and Laura, Eccleshall, UK

Hi Laura and Alice
Well, I am working on several things at the moment. One of them is a story set in a high school with some very strange and scary teachers. It doesn't have a title yet.

hi val
my friend told me to go on valtyler.co.uk so i did and i hope you will come to my school at one point. where do you get all of ideas from to write all of your books? danniella, cotes heath, england

Hi Danniella
I would love to come to your school too. I really enjoy schools visits and I would be able to answer your question in detail.
In short, I get my ideas from everywhere. They are always coming to me. I make-up a new story just about every day. It's the way my mind works. But the majority fade away and never make it on to paper.

hi val
this is elle from walton priory you probaly can rember who i am because there is a picture on your web site of me and jac. elle, stone, staffs

Hi Elle
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Walton Priory. You recently had a visit from a good friend of mine, Mark Robson, and I know he enjoyed his time with you as well.
I was very happy to be able to put up the photos. They bring back happy memories.

I keep writing to you but it is such a pleasher to go on the computer and see a message that you have wrote back to me thank you for writing back Hannah, Cotes Heath, England

The pleasure is all mine, Hannah.

Hi Val
miss barown went to wales last week. I have a fever and was sick sunday so i could not eat for one hole day. have you another book in mind if you do can you tell me the title? bye for now. Jessica, Wellingborough, UK

Hi Jessica
I hope you are well again now. I have a manuscript, but not a title yet. Sorry!

Dear Val
what was your favorite book when you were small?????? georgie, munich, germany

Dear Georgie
I am going to have to make an admission now: I didn't read much when I was young. I missed out so much! However, I did have a favourite book and it was Now We Are Six by A A Milne. I still love the poems and still know quite a few of them off by heart.

Dear Val
thanks for replying to my other letter and am really glad you are thinking of another book! I write stories too and once I made a book with most of my stories in it and it was 106 pages long! sophie, cape town, South Africa

Hi Sophie
106 pages is a very long story. Congratulations!

Hi Val
i am a huuuggge fan of yours!!!!! ever since i read both your books, the time wreccas & the time apprentice i have written books of my own; i haven't got em published seeng as i'm only 11. how long do it take u to rite one book? what inspired u? my teacher always said my inspiration (u) is must be real fabtastic!! wich u r.

me again! read yor book even more now can't resist riting again!!! wondering if in u can visit my school, "st edmud". i mayn't not be there after september, in yr 6 so will be leaving to go to high school. my teacher says i was a good writer starting from the age of 8. cant get published too nervous; how did u ever do it? your books are totally excellant!!!!! jazz, london, uk

Hi Jazz
How lovely to hear from you. I am delighted that you enjoy the books and that they inspire you to write. Fantastic! You could ask your teacher to look at my website and then she might want to invite me to your school. I love visiting schools.

Getting published takes a long time. How many times have you edited your story? Editing is crucial for me. I edit each of my books between fifteen and twenty times before it is finally ready. Good luck with yours!

Hi Val
I've loved your books. Are you writing any other books other than the Greenwich Chronicles? . Will you come to Australia some time this year? I hope you do because there are some writers that are really good down under. Hope to hear from you soon. Matt, Gosford, Australia

Hi Matt
Thank you for writing to me. I'd love to come to Australia, but am not sure it is likely to happen for some time.

hi there
you visted my school a very long time ago(walton priory)you were very good Hannah, Cotes Heath, England

Thank you, Hannah
I enjoyed my visit.

Hi
Its Ell I just wanted to say that you're my favourite author ever and I was devastated when I found out that you were not writing another book about Tid, Sofi and all the others please do! Please! I think that it is such a good story line and the books themselves are begging for a follow-up. Where did you think of the story?-it's amazing! I'd love to here from you. Oh-by the way I am 11 yrs old. Hope to here from you soon. Ellie, Colwyn Bay, North Wales

Hi Ellie
I am sorry there is no immediate follow-up book for you, but it is not ruled out. I'm just doing other things at the moment.
I thought of the story as I was walking through Greenwich Park. People were rushing around, like they always do in London, even on a Sunday and I wondered what would happen if time stopped. It just sort of grew from there.
It's particularly lovely that next summer (2009) The Time Wreccas should be returning to the park in the form of a play. That should be great fun. I am very much looking forward to it. I'll let you all know as soon as I have any definite information.

Dear Val
I would appreciate a little advice from you if you would be so kind. My manuscript of a Children's fiction book is at this time nearly finished. I did have a young women doing the editing for me-As you can see my punctuation and grammar are not up to scratch. I had written the sories as individual stories but was advised to put them all together. But I now think there are so many that it may be enough for more then one book. I am sorry to be so pushy but I am 62 years old and time is running out for me/ Honestly I realy think the children aged between 4years and 7years would like the stories. Thank you for your valuable time it realy is much appreciated. Gloria, Whimple, England

Dear Gloria
Perhaps you would send me your email address (it will not appear on the site) so that we can discuss your work in detail.

When are you making another book in the Greenwich series? I've read the first two books and they are soo good! pls pls pleeeeeeease write another one cos your books reli rock! on the other question message thingys you said you might write another one-but when? thanks loads. xxx Lola, London, England

Hi Lola
I do have another idea, Lola, but it is so far unwritten. I think the time has come when I'd quite like to start writing it again. Perhaps I should just get on with it.

Dear Val
I am 10 years old and think that the two books I read by you:"THE TIME WRECCAS" and "THE TIME APPRENTICE" are among the best books I have ever read. Your style is so nice and I love the characters, they are so nice. are you going to write a third one? I hope you do. Sophie, Cape Town, South Africa

Dear Sophie
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me how much you enjoyed the books. They are travelling all over the world and it's great to hear from people who read them. I enjoyed writing the characters. I wonder who is your favourite.

I have a third story in my head but, so far it’s not written down. I hope to publish it one day.

Hi Val
How are you doing i hope you come back to my school again so that i can give you the present and the next time i go to New York i will take you with me i promise but you you have to pay for yourself and we will stay in a hotel for the half term we will go in the swimming pool and the spa and go in the hot tub and get a make over it will be fun and we will come back and show off i am only joking bye till next time Shomari, Wellingborough, England

Hi Shomari
Good to hear from you. Hope all's well with you.

Hi Val
iv'e still not finished your book (the time wreccas) but the school have had a week off and i havn't read since iv'e come back so i need to get into the fase of reading again. what have you been up to? have you wrote any more books yet? oh no here comes mom its home work time see ya. Sophie, Eccleshall, England

Hi Sophie
I hope you didn't get into trouble from your mum. Definitely best to finish your homework first!

Hi Val
My name is Daniela, I am 7 years old, I am on 1st grade in Casady School, I love your books, I read both of them and I loved them. I want you to make more of them. Daniela, Oklahoma City, USA

Hi Daniela
So good to hear from you and to know that the books are being enjoyed in the USA as it has not been published there yet. You are not the only person in America to have enjoyed them, but I think you are the first from Oklahoma.I think that for your age you must be a very good reader.

Hiya Val
How you doing? it's me shomari again. i got your message. do you have msn and can you give it to me when you send me the message so that i can e-mail you? and other people can if they have msn. do you know that i went new york for Christmas? and i brought you somthing so the next time you come to the school i will give it to you. shomari, wellingborough, england

Hi Shomari
A trip to New York. How exciting. Thank you for thinking of me.

This is the best address for contacting me. I check it as often as possible and love reading all your messages.

Hi Val
remember me Shomari from Oakway junior school in 4RB? the best class in school and i have the best teacher in the whole school and i do hope that you do get round every school in England and i do hope were your best you have ever been to. see you soon shomari, wellingborough, england

Hi Shomari
Yes I remember your school. I had a wonderful time with you all. We talked about the possibility of me getting around every school in England, didn't we? I haven't managed it yet, but am still trying. Perhaps one day! I hope to see you again soon, too.

Hi Val
are u gunna rite anuther book in the creez plz plz plz plz plz wiv a cheri on top. rite a nuther 1 plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz pl zzzzzzzzzzzzz pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ginger, banchory, aberdeenshire

Hi Ginger
Have you read both The Time Wreccas and The Time Apprentice? If you have, then I am afraid that is all there is in that series for the moment. I have another story planned, but it is so far unwritten.

hey Val
hows it going!! u once came to my school cottingham and i am now in year 7 and I am checking to see if you have written a new book!!??? catch you later. abbie, corby, united kingdom

Hey Abbie
I'm still waiting on the publisher for the new book. Sorry I can't give you anything more concrete. I'll let you know via the site as soon as anything is properly settled. Have a good time at your new school.

Hi Val
i havent read the time wreccas since last YEAR!!!!!!!!. i will go back to it later in the mounth but i will go back it i promise. when did you start writing?. i hope my cousin(oliva) hurries up to finish the time apprentice. When was you old enogh to write? bye bye. your big fan jessica, wellingborough, england

Hi Jessica
I hope your cousin hurries up too so that you can read The Time Apprentice. You could always get it out of the library. If they don't have it in your library, you can always order it for free and they will send it over from another library.

I have written stories all my life, but completed nothing full length until I was grown up.

Dear Val
I was just wondering, are you writing another book? If you are will it be another one in the Greenwich Chronicles? I really want to read more about Tid and Sofi. I love your books. They are one of my favourite series of books. Thank you very much for your time. Lilly, Glasgow, Scotland

Dear Lilly
I do have another idea for a Greenwich Chronicles story, but it is not yet written. In the meantime I am waiting on a couple of projects and will announce it on this site as soon as anything it confirmed.

However, it looks as if the play of the Time Wreccas will be taking place in the summer of '09. I am very excited about that.

I loved The Time Wreccas and The Time Apprentice and I want to know if You'll be writing any more brilliant books. Katie, Yarnfield, England

Hello Katie
Thank you for writing and yes, I am writing another book as well as other things. I will announce news of any further projects on the site when I have something definite to tell you.

Hi Val
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!.
REMEMBER ME JESSICA FROM OAKWAY JUINOR? I STILL HAVE NO TIME APPRENTICE COS MY COSION STILL HAS IT.
CAN YOU TELL ME HOW YOU BECOME AN ATHOR. Jessica, Wellingborough, England

Hi Jessica
Yes, I remember you! I hope your cousin hurries up!

I became an author by working hard, I suppose. I spent a tremendous amount of time perfecting The Time Wreccas. Then I found an agent who liked the story and she found me a publisher.

How old were you when you first started writing books? Anna, Bath, England

Hi Anna
I have been writing stories since I was old enough to write, but I didn't even try to get my first book published until I was fifty! I think I was a little slow there!
I was excited to receive a message from someone in Bath. I will be there in February for the Book Festival, visiting some schools. Maybe I will meet you. That would be fun!

Hi Val
I was just wondering if you are going to be writing any more books about the Wreccas. Any Change plsplsplsplsplsplspls write 1 more. Sachin, Croydon, England

Hi Sachin
I have not written any more Wrecca books yet. I do have another story in my mind, but am busy with other projects right now. I would love to come back to them in the future.

Hi Val
I REALLY hope you can come to our school again, I really enjoyed it last time you came. After reading your last message I asked my Mum if she'd like to read one of your books; she's halfway through The Time Wreccas now! I hope you carry on writing books FOREVER!!! Kerrie, Eccleshall, UK

Hi Kerrie
Isn't it fun to share books with your mum! I like to share books with my daughter. Write and tell me what your mum thinks of The Time Wreccas when she's finished.

I also hope to carry on writing books forever!

Hi Val
I love the books you wrote and I hope you come to Oakway junior school again. Will you make some more books and bring some to every school in england? Did you have a good Christmas? I've read both the books and i'm loving them sooo much and hope you do some more books. I hope to get another one of your books. see you soon. shomari, wellingborough, england

Hi Shomari
I had a wonderful Christmas, thank you. I think it would take many years to get around every school in England. But that would be a fine target!

Hi Val
Remember coming to our school? Bishop Lonsdale? Hope you had a great Christmas and I LOVE your books, they are SOOO good. I bought the time wreccas when you came to our school, but I had to find out what happened to Sofi so my Mum bought me the time apprentice for Christmas. I think your books are great. Kerrie, Eccleshall, UK

Hi Kerrie
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your school and very much hope to visit you all again one day.

Delighted to hear that you enjoyed the books. Lots of adults are enjoying them too. I wonder if your mum would like them.

Thank you so much for writing and telling me.

Hi Val
my cousin has the time apprentice because she is in hospitol poorly so i thought she would like it. i so love the time wreccas. what gave you the idea to put in old english in the books? see you soon Jessica Jessica, Wellingborough, UK

Hi Jessica
I hope that your cousin gets well soon.

Making the spells Old English was one of the last changes I made before Time Wreccas was printed. I originally wrote all the spells in English and then asked a Latin teacher to translate them into Latin. She did this for me, but it didn't sound right. I wanted the language to be more relevant to Britain and that was then I thought of Old English. My son was at Cambridge University at the time and he found a professor there who could translate the spells for me and I was very happy with the result.

Hi Val
I have been reading all of your books. Well I'v just finished The Time Wreccas. I am going to get the next book soon. Niamh, Stone, England

Hi Niamh
What was your favourite thing about the Time Wreccas?

Hi Val
I don't know if you remember me, I go to Oakway School. I just wanted to say your books are great. I am reading The Time Wreccas at the moment. It is fab. Eleanor, Wellingborough, England

Hi Eleanor
I remember my visit to Oakway very well. I had a marvellous time. Thank you so much for telling me that you like The Time Wreccas. Let me know what you think when you have finished.

Hi Val
i Love all your books i can't stop reading them! Can you come back to our school, Walton Middle School?? Milaina, Yarnfield, England

Hi Milaina
I'd love to come back to your school. In the meantime, you have friend of mind coming to see you this month. His name is Mark Robson and he is just great.

Dear Val
did you have a nice christmas? i told you i would get the time wreccas & the time apprentice.
do you think the garden wish is a good title, and can you also give me a few story tips. thank you!!!! jessica, wellingborough, england

Hiya Jessica
Yes thank you, I had a wonderful Christmas. All my family was here and we had a marvellous time. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas too. I look forward to hearing what you think of Time Wreccas and Time Apprentice.

The Garden Wish is a good title. The best tips I can give you are to write the sort of story that you enjoy reading, and to cut out anything that does not develop either the plot or a character. Good luck!

Hi Val
Thank you for the advice. i hope you can come back to my school Walton Priory Middle School. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!! Milaina, Yarnfield, England

Hi Milaina
You are very welcome, and I hope that you had a magical Christmas.

Hi Val
I think that if time stopped every one BUT you would stop (that would be really R-E-A-L-L-Y fun!) lucy, uttoxeter, uk

Hi Lucy
I don't think I'd like to be the only one for whom time didn't stop, I think I might get a bit lonely!

hi val
i wish you could come back to our school which is walton. since you have been i have writen a book i was told i will be published. michael, stone, england

Hi Michael
Congratulations on finishing your story. Now the hard work really begins! Do you remember me telling you how often I edit my stories? If you want your story to be published you will probably need to do a lot of editing. Good luck!

Dear Val
Did you enjoy visiting my school walton priory middle school? Hannah, Cotes Heath, England

Dear Hannah
I had a marvellous time at your school. Thank you for inviting me. I hope to come back one day.

Hi Val
i take in what you said and pass the book on when i finished. Thank you for keeping in touch. seeya. Sophie, Eccleshall, England

It's a pleasure, Sophie.

Hi Val
It's Sarah from Walton Priory Middle School( you visited us on our book week). I was just writing to say thank you for the tips, I've got a great story start already. I wondered weather you had any more tips on writing a good story? Please Write Back to…. Sarah, Stone, England

Hi Sarah
I am delighted that my tips have been useful. I have many ideas on how to write a better story, but, unfortunately, no foolproof method. Do you have any specific queries?
I am sorry, but I am unable to write back to private email addresses. I hope you pick up my answer here.

hiya val
i just say to myself evry now and again how do you get an agent? can you also tell me how you write when you are so bizy, and can you tell me were you live, and how i write on paper and have you got a choclate calinder or a book callinder???? see you soon jessica, wellingborough, england

Hiya Jessica
It's good to hear from you. I found my agent through the Writer's Handbook, but your story has to be the very best you can make it before you send it off. You will need to edit it again and again. Then give it to someone whose opinion you trust, to read. Then edit it several more times before you even think of an agent.

I live in the middle of a sheep farm in Wales. It is very beautiful up here, if a little wet at the moment! It can sometimes be difficult to find the time to write, but I love writing so much that I tend to put off dull things like the housework so that I can fit the writing in!

I made our advent calendar myself many years ago. I embroidered 24 different Christmas pictures that are covered with embroidered numbers. We take it in turns to remove the correct number each day. I love Christmas. Happy Christmas!

Hiya Val
You came to my school. i was just wondring, i am planning to write a book and don't know what my plot could be. thank you. Milaina, Yarnfield, England

Hi Milaina
That's a tricky one. The plots take me for ever. I suggest you look around the room where you are sitting right now and see if there is anything that is out of place. Try and work out how it might have got that way. Perhaps you have some cheeky but harmless magical creatures living under the carpet or behind the radiators.

Hiya val
its snot wanabe here. you came to my school a week ago and you signed my book and you said that i could ordition to be snot. You relly inspierd me to write so i am writing orphan child .got to go for lunch back in a min.

ive got a question for you. why is old killjoy called old killjoy? why dosnt he have a name begining with s like all the other wreccas? Love, your biggest fan pip, stone, england

Hiya Pip
Writing about an orphan child is an interesting idea. I hope your story is going well.

I used the name Old Killjoy because when I was a child, if my mother ever came across anyone who was a bit of an misery, she used to call him or her an old killjoy, because they killed all joy. It just seemed the perfect name for the leader of the Wreccas. Their leaders always have names that are slightly different from the other Wreccas. I think it is because they like to feel important. I also wanted something of a link between Old Killjoy and Old Father Tim because they are both leaders of their own group.

hi val
i dont know if u remember me, i am a friend of pips(snot wanna be). u came to my school last week, Walton Priory Middle. i really love ur books they are ace. u are my favourite auther. i really apreacheate u signing my book, it means a lot. i really hope that u write more books like The Time Wreccas, and The Time Apprentice. u are a really good auther. i do have a couple of questions. why do all of the wreccas names begin with S, and Killjoys doesnt, and why dont the people on the topside have their names starting with a particular letter? i still love ur books.
one of ur biggest fans, Romani, Stone, England

Hi again Romani
The names of my characters are very important to me. I spend ages (sometimes weeks) trying to find the perfect name. The Wreccas all have names that start with S because I think that S can be a sinister sound. Ssssnakes hisssss. I wanted to start all names with the one letter and S worked for me, but I wanted the leader to sound a little different. The Guardians got their names for quite a different reason. If you look at the author's notes at the front of The Time Wreccas or Time Apprentice, you will see that the Guardians all have names that mean 'time' in their language. For instance, Zeit means 'time' in German and so the Guardian who came from Germany is called Zeit.

hi val
its chloe again. thanks for the infortshion. i have came up with an good thing i might call a book the dream because i had a dream about me and this big lift took me everywhere, but how do i write it? What do i do? chloe, stowe by chartley, england

Hi Chloe
I think it is impossible for anyone to tell you how to write your story. That has to come from you, but here are a few tips. Think about it for a while. Remember to invent strong characters. Spend some time working out exactly what each of them looks like and how they feel. It is often a good idea to work out a back story for each character too. The setting for your story is also important. Try and use somewhere that you know. Concentrating on those things might help you to get going.

I love the idea of a big lift that takes you to different places.

hi Val
i really want to write a book and i have an idea what to write about, but i dont know were to start. i would really appreciate it if u could give me some advice. thanks. Romani, Stone, England

Hi Romani
I usually just write down my ideas to start with. Later on, I edit the story and one of the things I try to improve is the beginning. It is often a good idea to start with a bit of mystery.
Good luck with the story!

Hi Val
You came to my school not long a go. It called Walton priory middle school. I love your books!

I am writing a book. It is about a boy who goes in to the demon world by acident. I have almost finnished it. i need some advise on how to get it published. Please help me! Thank you! Stephanie, Stone, England

Hi Stephanie
You can see that I combined the three messages you sent me. I’m sorry I didn’t have time to answer each one as it arrived.

I am delighted to hear that you are going so well with your story, but finishing it for the first time probably does not mean that it is ready to be published. Do you remember that I told you that I edited each of my books about twenty times before they were finally published? I suggest that you edit yours several times and then ask someone you trust, like your teacher, to read it for you and comment. Then you will have to edit it a few more times after that. Writing books takes a very long time, but it's a lot of fun. Good luck!

Hi
remember me from Walton Priory Middle School? I was wondering if you could someday comer back to my school? My main question is if you were start a novel/story how many chapters would you include? Elinor, Swynnerton, England

Hi Elinor
I never know how many chapters there will be in any of my books. I just keep writing until the story is finished. Perhaps that is the best way for you too.

Hi Val
thanks for writing back to me. i remember you saying about writing a book on how to make teddy bears when you came in to my school, Bishop Lonsdale Primary. I'm loving the book The Time Wreccas. i havn't got very far because i have a lot on at the moment but i still find a little bit of time each day to read a couple of pages or mabe more.

I hope you continue to write more about the Time Wreccas and The Time Apprentice in other books because its great. I can't wate to move on to The Time Apprentice. i'm so looking forward to it, i will be loking forward to finding out what happens next! nearlly every one in my class has got one of your books, every morning when school starts we all go in to our class room and sit reading your books. i go now so you can read and reply to other people. Sophie, Eccelshall, England

Hi Sophie
I had such a wonderful time at Bishops Lonsdale and am very happy that you are all enjoying my books. When you have finished Time Wreccas, perhaps you will be able to lend it to someone who was not able to buy it.

Dear Val
i was ill the day u came to our class and i was ill for the rest of the week so i didnt have a chance to ask for some advice. i keep writing stories but i never have a chance to finish them or i dont know how to end it. can u help me? thanks loads val. love the time wreccas and on the time appretice now. cya rose, stone, england

Dear Rose
I am so sorry that you were unwell when I was in your school. Did someone bring your books in to be signed?

When I was your age, I was always beginning stories and not finishing them. I didn't finish a full length novel until I had grown up. I think that was partly because I didn't have a computer to work on. Writing by hand is very slow. I find I can write much better on a computer because I am a touch -typist. (That means that I can type without looking at the keys.) It makes writing a full length story, and the editing, very much quicker.

So this is one bit of advice to you. Learn to touch-type and write your stories on a computer. If you would like help with the touch-typing ask someone in your school, I told them how to learn. There are also free programs on the internet.
Good luck.

Hi Val
Have you ever won a prize? If you have please tell me. You are my fave Author, i really enjoyed meeting you at Walton Priory Middle. I hope you and your family have a merry christmas. P.S. Sorry i keep messaging you. I hope too see you soon. See ya. Loran, Stone, England

Hi Loran
I was nominated for the first ever Ottakar's Book Prize with The Time Wreccas. I didn't win, but to be nominated for my first novel was very exciting.

Hi Val
I am glad to find a powerful linguistic, Val.
I am a Kenyan lady, married with one child 3yrs. 2 years now i write my book , but not published. I have written children stories too, 4, none is published. How did you make it?

I'm the bread winner to my 12 brothers and sisters, mum and dad in Kenya. I wish this Christmas that you assist me find an agent to read my work and get published! Joan, PERTH, Australia

Hello Joan
It is not easy to find an agent, but worth the trouble. In England we have a Writer's Handbook. I am certain there will be a similar publication in Australia. I suggest you get hold of a copy and look for agents to approach from there. That is how I found mine. Good luck.

hi val
you came to my school walton middle . I really enjoyed it .I wish I could do it again and meet you. I love your books. My story is looking good .I will send you it if you like. betsy, stone, england

Hi Betsy
It is great to know that you are writing. Keep up the good work! I enjoyed my visit to your school as well. It was great fun.

Dear Val
I have started to write my book. As soon as i get it ready i will send and give you a copy. Hope you enjoy. John, Stone, England

Dear John
Keep up the good work and enjoy your writing. Remember to edit, edit, edit, edit and then edit some more.

I have got a new title but i was wondering if it was a good one. Its called The Hidden Talents. Please reply back to my email…. John, Stone, England

Hello John
I think The Hidden Talents is great title. (I am sorry but I cannot reply to private email addresses.)

whats your best book ? lucy, stone, england

Hi Lucy
Well, I like The Time Wreccas best, and it was nominated for the Ottakar's book prize. But my daughter likes The Time Apprentice best and that was named in the Independent newspaper as one of the six best books of the year. And so, I really don't know which one is better.

Hi Val
you came to my school yesterday, oldfields.
mm..welll.. i cant waite to read your next book. My wish is 2 become a writer but how? the problem is i dont have an imagination. i have told you i want to become a writer cuz you are the best. chloe, stowe by chartley, england

Hi Chloe
If you want to become a writer, you will have to practise. I suggest you write as many stories as you can. Make sure you keep them all tidily in a folder and date them. You never know when one of the ideas in your folder will be useful. The more you write, the better you will become. You will have to practise using your imagination!

Hi Val
i have read both of your books and they are the best i have read. i cant belive i am writing to a famous auther. you have only recently left our school. my school is bishop lonsdale primary school, does it ring a bell? hope you'll get back in touch with me. laura, eccleshall, uk

Hi Laura
Thank you for writing and telling me how much you enjoyed the books. I remember Bishops Lonsdale very well, having very much enjoyed my time with you.

yes and I am still writing my story and i am still trying to develop my story tyreece, wellingborough, england

Hi again Tyreece
Good for you! I hope your story is going well.

Hi Val
i have read the time wreccas already also i have read the time apprentice. the question I would like to ask you is what your next book is and when it is coming out? I come from bishop lonsdale primary school. write back. bye Laura, Eccleshall, UK

Hi Laura
I had a great time at Lonsdale. It was lovely meeting you all. I have no idea when my next book will be published., but probably not for at least a year. It is not in the Greenwich Chronicles series but it is still an exciting adventure story. When I know what is happening, I shall announce it on this site.

Hi Val
Are you ok? can we be pen pals, in this case Computor pals! Laura, Eccleshall, Staffordshire

Hi Laura
I would enjoy hearing from you whenever you feel like writing.

what do you think would happen if time stopped? lucy, uttoxeter, uk

Hi Lucy
I remember spending a fair amount of time with one of the groups from your school talking about what we thought would happen if time stopped for all eternity. There were so many different ideas. I have a few ideas of my own, but the more important question is what do you think would happen?

Hello Val
it’s Patrick. i love the front cover of your books. i havent read any yet but im looking foward to reading your books. i will see you soon. Patrick, UK

Hello Patrick
I love the front covers too. They are designed by a very talented artist called David Wyatt. I think he has done a fine job. When you have read the book look back at the covers and you will understand them and probably like them even more!

Hi Val
i hope you can remember me. i love your book and i have nearly finished it and love it sooooooooooo much. i love the way you call snot Sofi. what gave u the idea to call her sofi with just an i at the end? Rhiannon, Stone, England

Hi Rhiannon
I find it very important to have the right name for a character. Originally, Sofi was called Sarah, but the name did not fit her. Then I spent days scouring baby-name books and all sorts of places to find the right name. None of them fitted. The name had to start with 's' because she is a Wrecca, but I wanted it to be a normal sounding name because she didn't want to be a Wrecca any more. It also had to be different. I am not totally sure how I came up with Sofi, but I know it took a long time.

Hi Val
i have started a book. it is called the big fake. when i wrote it i thorgt its dull so i am going to write a better one. i hope i hear from u again see u soon hopefully jessica, wellingborough, England

Hi Jessica
Sometimes when I read something that I have written, I find it is dull too. Sometimes I leave it and read it again a few weeks later and often I like it better then. It can be hard to assess your own work accurately.

its lucy from Lonsdale, i have read the first 5 chapters of your book already and love it. thanks for coming in. i really enjoyed it lucy, eccleshall, england

My word, Lucy, you are reading The Time Wreccas quickly. I very much enjoyed spending time with you all at Lonsdale too.

Hi Val
its me, Jessica. Thank you for the reply. i hope u come again. u konw i will ask my mummy and daddy to get me the time wreccas i hope u come and visit yr4 again many thanks jessica, wellingborough, England

It was lovely to meet you and all your friends, Jessica, and I hope to come to your school again some time.

Hello
I met you today at Walton Priory and there was something I wanted to ask you, but I didnt have the guts, well I was a bit scared. I have started my own book but I carnt make a title up and I was wondering if you could help me. Email me back at ##(address deleted for security)##
Your book is amazing and I hope the third is as good or better than the first and second. John, Stone, England

Hello John
I am so sorry you didn't feel you could ask me a question. It's sometimes difficult when there are so many people there.

Titles are very difficult. I am very bad at them. Puffin came up with The Time Wreccas and my daughter suggested The Time Apprentice and so I am probably not the person to ask! The important thing is to finish the story first and edit it a few times without worrying what to call it. Often a title will come. If not, then ask a friend to read it and discuss it with him.

I am sorry but I am not able to reply to individual email addresses.

Hi Val
i love your books.
Val i just wounderd if you have published any more books than The Time Wreccas and The Time Apprentice, have you? Sophie, Eccleshall, England

Hi Sophie
I have also written a craft book on how to make teddy bears. Even though I love making teddy bears I didn't really enjoy the process and so I decided that I wouldn't write another. I prefer writing stories.

hiya val
i love your book the time wraccas. can you give me some advice on how to write my own book? emily, stone, england

Hiya Emily
Write about things that interest you. If you entertain yourself, then it's a fair chance that you will entertain your reader!

Hi
im from walton priory middle school. you came to my school today. i was wondering how do you come up with such good ideas and grip the reader? izaak, stone, england

Hi Izaak
I come up with ideas all the time. Only the best ones are written down. Perhaps that is the key, to work only on the best ones. I try to write in a way that creates suspense so that the story grips a reader. I am glad my books grip you.

Dear Val
I have not finshed your book yet but it is a very cool book. Elle and Jac, STONE, England

Thank you, Elle and Jac. Enjoy the rest of it.

Hi
Im from walton priory middle school, i love your ideas in books. They are great. Emma, STONE, England

Thank you, Emma. I got some new ideas while I was at your school. I wonder whether they will make their way into a book!

Hi
im from walton prioy middle. i love your books. They are amazing. Emma, Eccleshall, England

Hi Emma
Thank you, Emma. I had a great time at your school this week.

i love the time wreccas. its a wondourful story Emma, Eccleshall, United Kingdom

Thank you, Emma. I’m glad you are enjoying the book.

Hi Val
I am reading your books now and they are really interesting, i just cant put it down. You are visiting ourschool now for book week,(Walton Primary Middle School). Thank you for a great day. I really enjoyed lisening to you talk and answer lots of guestions. Please reply to me on ##(address deleted for security)## Bethany, Stone, England

Hi Bethany
I had such a great time in your school. I think I must have enjoyed it as much as you did! Sadly, I cannot reply to personal email addresses. I hope that you pick up this reply on the site.

I think that you are a really good writer. Why did you do a story about time and the wreccas and guardians? Hannah, Swynnerton, England

Hi Hannah
I think that I wrote a story about time because I was in Greenwich Park when the idea came to me and Greenwich is a place that is a very much associated with time because of Greenwich Mean Time. The Wreccas and the Guardians came into the story because I wanted an adventure story with baddies as well as goodies.

Hiya Val
You came to our school today and i forgot to ask you do you know Lauren Child? Sophie, Stone, England

Hiya, Sophie
I met more than one Lauren this week, but don't know any surnames and so maybe I did meet her. Is she your friend?

Hi Val
you visited my school: Walton Priory Middle School!
I was wondering if you and I could write a book together but i have no ideas for it yet but please think!
PS. I absoulty love both of your books. They are Fab!
PS. Do you remember signing my book? Tallulah-Mae, Stone, England

Hi
How could I not remember you, Tallulah-Mae? How very nice that you would like to write a story with me. I tried writing a story with another person just once, my daughter, and it didn't work very well. We both wrote at different rates. In the end, I finished it alone. Perhaps it would work better for you and you could think of an idea with a friend and write it with her. I am so glad that you love both books.

You where great when you came to my school. phoebe, stafford, England

Thank you Phoebe! I had a marvellous time!

Hi Val
i go to walton priory middle school i cant wait to get your signeture the time wreccas is the best book ive ever read. Michael, Stone, England

Hi Michael
Michael, I am sure that you will have my signature in your book by now. I am very happy that you are enjoying it so much.

Hi Val
remeber me, mollie? you came to my school on Tuesday i have started to read you book and i think it is so COOL. I have desided that because i din't have a favourite auther be for but now , i do and geuse who that is, it is YOU. i particuarely love the time wreccas . After i have read the time wreccas i , am going to get the second book the time apprentice. I am so looking forward to reading the time apprentice. When i got the time wreccas it was so intresting seeing you plus getting your signitur and i don't see why you think you arn't good at playing the Gitare because i think you are great at it and the singing as well, and the song you sang i LOVED it . I have one question to ask you. did you make that song up or did you ask a compozer to make one up that is something to do wiht te time wreckers, well itwas nice to send a mssage to you but i don't have time to write any more so i better go nice talking to you. Bye. Mollie, Stone, England

Hi Loran
How lovely to be your favourite author! I wrote the words to my Time Wrecca song, and my eldest son wrote the music. As I told you, I am not very musical and so writing the music would be beyond me! I am so happy that you enjoyed the song. I wonder if you can still remember it.

Hi Val
i am going to buy your book soon. I was wondering, i know u have described the wreccas but could you describe them a little bit more than in the book. P.S i go to walton priory middle school. You came on Monday 26th November 2007 are you really staying till thursday? If you are.....YEY!!!!! Loran, Stone, Staffs

Hi Loran
I've just returned home and picked up your message. I think I have already answered your query in person, but thanks for writing. It's good to hear from you. I had great fun being at your school all week.

Hi Val
I loved your books so much and i hope you make loads more books. I’m at oakway junior school. tyreece, wellingborough, england

Hey Tyreece
I had such a great time at Oakway. What a lovely school! I am delighted that you enjoyed my books. I hope you are writing some good stories yourself.

Hi Val
remember me from when you visited my school? i love your book the time wreccas and for cristmas i'm getting the time apprentice. are you ever doing another book about them. You helped me write a grate beggining of my story Sophie, Kettering, England

Hi Sophie
Yes, I remember you. How can I forget someone with the name of Sophie? I am so happy that you like The Time Wreccas and hope that you enjoy The Time Apprentice as much. Yes, I do have another story planned in the Greenwich Chronicles series, but so far it is unwritten. I am rather busy with other projects at the moment, but hope to get back to it in the not too distance future.

I hope that your story writing is coming along well. The beginning is really important and so I’m glad to have been some help.

Hi Val
u came to my school today and i just want to ask how u turnd to be a super writer. JESSICA, WELLINGBOROUGH, ENGLAND

Hi Jessica
Well, thank you! I suppose I just write what interests me and am lucky that it interests other people too.

hi val
I love your books how many books have you wrote? Many Thanks. Ellie, Kettering, UK

Hello Ellie
I have had three books published. The first was about how to make Teddy Bears, but I found the whole process pretty dull and so I turned to novels. I have had two published so far and hope that the next will soon be on the way.

hi val
this is tommy just to say thank you for a great day and the books at the end. of the day. tommy, kettering, uk

Hi Tommy
I had a wonderful time meeting your school. I’m glad you enjoyed it too.

This isn't really a question, but I wanted to complement you on your writing skills. I loved The Time Wreccas so much that i could not put it down. I finished it within 1 day and was sad that there wasn't more. I hope to get The Time Apprentice soon. I am an avid reader and i can finish over 500 page books by the end of the day. Everybody says that I read to fast. I was so drawn into your book that I skipped dinner and when it was my bed time I didn't put it down. I will send you a letter through the mail. McKayla, Middletown, Ohio, USA

Hi McKayla
Thank you so much for writing to me. I must apologise for not replying sooner, but I have only just returned from a book tour. You certainly are a fast reader, much faster than I am. I hope that you enjoy the Time Apprentice too and I shall look forward to receiving your letter.

Hello Val
Don't know if you remember me. I used to babysit for you a long time ago! I now live with my husband and son, Ben (age 11) in Northampton. I found your books in the library and read them aloud to Ben (not something we do much now but I didn't want to miss out!) We have both enjoyed them so much and many times Ben pleaded for me to carry on reading! I could hardly finish the last few pages through my tears. I found the spirit of the books so wonderful and gave the first book to a friend who is going through a time of inner healing at the moment from an abusive childhood. She could identify with Sofi. I just wanted to let you know that I think the books are wonderful. The love of Old Father Tim and the description of the cottage touched me in a special way. Thank you!
With love and best wishes, Louise, Northampton, England

Dear Louise
How lovely to hear from you and yes of course I remember you! I am thrilled that you and Ben enjoyed the books so much, and am delighted that they might be helpful to your friend in some way. Thank you so much for telling me. I will be in Northampton the week beginning 12th November and would love to visit Ben's school, but I think it is unlikely that we will be able to arrange such a thing at short notice.
Louise, would you be kind enough to send me your email address so that we can write properly?

Hi!
I have read your book 'Time Apprentice' but unfortunately not the 'Time Wreccas'! I really enjoyed reading it and have made a presentation for my class about the book! I really wish you could visit my school which is 'Latymer' because i was really inspired by the way you write and I think loads of others will be too!

I bought the book in Spain and I thought its probably the best book i've read. How do you come up with all the names of the women (and wreccas) and the wreccas language? Are you going to make the book into a movie? Also, when you were younger, did you aspire to be a writer? How did you come up with the idea of the whole thing? I've really enjoyed the book and i'm looking out for the first one!(Do you think it matters if I read the books in the wrong order?) Pascale, London, England

Hi Pascale,
Did your class enjoy your presentation? I'm very excited that you used The Time Apprentice. I hope you enjoy The Time Wreccas too. Some people prefer one book and some the other. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. I was careful to make sure that The Time Apprentice stood up on its own and so it was not necessary to know the first one to enjoy the second. When you read The Time Wreccas I think you will find it interesting to discover the back stories of some of the characters.

I would love to come to your school. I am just back from doing a couple of London schools and will be going to London again in November. Let's see what we can do about this. I thoroughly enjoy talking with students and am delighted to hear that you were inspired by the way I write. Inspiring others is one of the things I most enjoy doing.

When I was young, I was never told by anyone that I was any good at story writing, and so the thought that I might be good enough to be published never entered my head. It wasn't until I was 16 that the first teacher told my mother (not me) that I could write good stories.

Greenwich Park is one of my favourite places. When my children were young we used to take them there on a Sunday. Everyone rushes around in Greenwich Park, even on a Sunday, and I started wondering what would happen if time stopped. That was the original idea for The Time Wreccas. The Time Apprentice just grew out of that.

Yes, I think that both books would make great films. In fact, The Time Wreccas is currently being made into a play and, recently, Hollywood enquired about both books. However, nothing concrete has happened yet. These things take ages.

You can see more messages on the archive page.