Catherine Jinks | - Young adults repsonses 2009

2009 Young Adult Message Board

Friday, December 4

Q Hey, I don't know if you're taking any book suggestions but maybe you could write the Bloodstone Chronicles. I think it would be pretty cool. I sure would read it. It's just a suggestion.

Also I forgot to say......I read The Reformed Vampire Support Group (No dah? How could I have known about The Bloodstone Chronicles?) But that's not the point....the point is that The Reformed Vampire Support Group (man that was a mouthful) is a realllllly good book. It actually is my favorite vampire book. Is there going to be a sequel? And when will it be out? In The Reformed Vampire Support Group why is there, instead of letters, upside down letters for some chapters? Like for chapter seventeen instead of a s there was an upside down 5. Also if there is going to be a sequel for The Reformed Vampire Support Group (man I hope there will be!!!!) what is it going to be about? And were could I get an early copy? (Like from Australia?) Thanks so much for writing awesome books!!!!!

Posted by Jamie

A I don't know if I'd be able to write the Bloodstone Chronicles because it's obviously a traditional, glamorous-type vampire series, and that's not what I do! (Maybe another writer could manage it.) But there is definitely going to be a sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group - in fact I've just finished it. It's called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group, and it's about a young guy called Toby who falls in with the vampires and werewolf from the first book - but I won't give you too many details, because I don't want to spoil the surprise. (Even in Australia the sequel won't be published until at least the second half of 2010, but after that you'll probably be able to buy it online from the publisher, Allen and Unwin.)

As for the typeface used in the American chapter headings - well, I'm not sure why some of the letters are numbers! It's just a quirky style, I guess!

Q Is there going to be a fourth book in the Cadel series (The Genius Wars)? I was hoping there was another one as they were all excellent books.

Posted by Dominic, Melbourne

A I'm really sorry, but I'm not planning to write another book in the Genius series. They were really, really hard books to write, and I don't think I have another one in me. I'm so glad you liked them, though!

Friday, November 27

Q I feel tragedy! My mom made me box up all my books and not buy any more, even with my own money; has this happened to you before? But this is not why I am writing to you. I was wondering three things: 1. When will The Genius Wars come out in Australia? 2. Will it be sold in Athens? 3. Can I buy it online?

Posted by Kate, Batesville

A No, I can't say my mum ever deprived me of my books, thankfully - but she's a mad reader herself, so it probably wouldn't have crossed her mind. To answer your questions: The Genius Wars is out in Australia right now; it's available from my Australian publishers, Allen and Unwin, and from various Australian online booksellers (like Boomerang Books); and I'm pretty sure it's not available in Athens, Greece - though I suspect that's not the Athens you're talking about? (If you're referring to an American Athens, then no - it hasn't been published in America yet.)

Q I'm Hailey and I am a 14-year-old girl. Lately I've been really into vampires and stuff and I read your book The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Well I'm just wondering if you are planning to make a sequel to it; I really really liked it. I am in the USA and have contacted a friend in Austrailia and he hasn't heard of it. I recomended it to him but I wasn't sure how much of a difference there would be between the books. I was also wondering how in the world did you come up with this? It sounds like you are telling it from experience or something, expecially at the end. You seem like a good mind and I'd like to talk - um - thank you for writing these WONDERFUL books!

I do enjoy the glamorous type thing somewhat but I have to say at the time I first read the Twilight series it was awesome. I have to say I very much prefer this book over the Twilight series right now and I am very much looking forward to the sequel. I have to say that my favorite character was Reuben and Dave. I'm a little confused: right before the last chapter Nina said then he kissed me - as in who was "he" ?

Posted by Hailey, Delphi

A Thanks, Hailey - I'm really pleased you liked The Reformed Vampire Support Group so much, especially since you're also a Twilight fan! And thanks very much, too, for promoting it in my own country, where it doesn't seem to have as much of a profile as it does in the U.S.

I'm sorry if the second-last chapter was confusing. I meant to convey that Dave was kissing Nina.

You'll be pleased to know that I just finished the sequel (yesterday, in fact) and that Reuben features prominently in this book, which is called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group. Unfortunately, however, you probably won't see it in America until 2011 some time!

Tuesday, November 24

Q I am so entranced from the books Genius Evil and Genius Squad, although it does not resemble completely my other reading. However, the tension has tied me to the books and I have read them with big interest. Now I wait on The Genius Wars. When is publication in Germany? Thank you for the first-class reading.

Posted by Anita, Frankfurt

A Thanks so much for your message, Anita; I don't often hear from Germany because of the language barrier. However I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not absolutely sure when The Genius Wars is scheduled for publication in Germany; the publisher has had my manuscript for some time now, so I suspect the book has already been translated. My guess would be that you'll see it on the shelves over there some time early next year - but I'll check and see if I can firm up the date, which I'll post on my 'news' page for you.

Q I read the other posts in here before, during the summer, and I think I found somewhere where you mentioned that Cadel had a music theme song. I just wanted to know what it was and if the other characters like Prosper have their own theme songs as well. I also wanted to ask, does Cadel like Sonja? If he does then do you think that they'll get together when they get older or something? (I just love them together and I'm a big romance fan). I can't wait for The Genius Wars too, it really sucks that the American version comes out next year, but not to worry! I forced my friend into buying me the Australian version for Christmas. Now I have to get him a really good Christmas gift to return the favor. Also I made a drawing of Cadel and Ariel, his disguise. I was wondering if you can look at them sometime. I can post it on deviant art and give you the link! But first I have to color it and make it pretty looking. Also, I really love the Evil Genius series. My favorite character would either be Prosper or Cadel. I also think that the only thing that makes Evil Genius better than Genius Squad was the fact that Prosper appears throughout Evil Genius whereas Prosper only starts to appear in part four of Genius Squad. I really really love Evil Genius, and it takes up more than 80% of my mind every day, which is bad because then I end up not listening to my English teacher, but then again, we were supposed to be talking about To Kill a Mocking Bird, but somehow he ended up discussing Global Warming and scientists all because someone mentioned the movie 2012. Anyways, I'm really thankful that you wrote the Evil Genius series. I read it every time I'm stressed about something. And reading a great book is just the thing to relieve stress, it really calms me down.

Posted by Elisha, New York

A I think I might have mentioned before that when I hear about people who use my books to feel better, because they're stressed or upset, it makes me feel fantastic. I feel as if I'm actually doing something useful in the world, like a doctor or a volunteer firefighter. So thank you very much for that warm fuzzy, Elisha! I'm not surprised that you're a bit stressed, mind you; though I ADORE New York, and hope to go there again soon, it sure is a full-on, energetic kind of place. If I had to live there for any length of time I'd start to get pretty twitchy; where I live it's very slow and green and peaceful.

The whole romance question is an interesting one; I'm not sure about that myself. Personally, I've got a bad feeling that Cadel might be led astray one day by some vibrant kind of girl (because he's such a catch, let's face it), but would possibly wander back to Sonja in the end. It's a tricky one. I'd have to give it a good deal of thought.

By all means send me a link to your drawings; I'll not only look at it, I'll post it as well, for all those other fans!

Sunday, November 15

Q I really like the Cadel series; I just finished the first two. I really wish the third book would come out sooner, though!

Posted by Carlin, Texas

A Yes, I'm sorry the wait for the U.S. edition of The Genius Wars is going to be so long. I suppose if you're really desperate, and don't mind a few Australianisms, you could always buy the Australian version directly from my Oz publisher, Allen & Unwin, which has an online service. I just hope you like number three as much as you enjoyed the first two!

Q I've seen other posts on this message board, so I know that you get this all the time, but I just wanted to tell you that you're my absolute hero! I'm 14, and in 2007 I saw a review in a magazine for Pagan's Daughter - it gave it 3 stars and claimed the characters were 'not that lovable' and the details 'a bit gory' - that sparked my interest, so I bought the book and I fell completely in love. Your characters are always so compelling, even the less than perfect ones (I think my favourite is Felix from Piggy In The Middle . . . or maybe Pagan, I think Pagan's Crusade was the book that convinced me you were to become my new hero), and your books actually inspired my love of medieval history to the point that I'm aiming to study it in university. Also, your books are so *smart*, hahah. That sounds dumb, but I can't think of another way to put it - so smart and so human, and such a diverse range of topics. Augh I don't know, my life would be made if I ever got to shake your hand and say "OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU" to your face! Oh, a question since this is a Q&A board - do you ever visit schools to talk about your books, or anything? I'm from Brisbane - Indooroopilly - and I'd *adore* for you to come visit my school!

Posted by Phoebe, Brisbane

A Wow, Phoebe! I didn't know that people were reading Piggy in The Middle any more! You really are an avid fan!

Thanks so much - I don't know how to respond to such lavish praise. It's kind of embarrassing. (I mean, they're just books. It's not like I've rescued a whole city from certain destruction.) I'm afraid I don't really get out to schools any more, unless they're very close by - it's being a mother that does it. I have to be around home a lot. Sometimes I make it to the odd literary festval, and if Brisbane Festival would ever invite me again, I'd probably go. But here's the odd thing: I accepted an invitation from the Brisbane Festival once, and had to cancel because of a family wedding, and they've never asked me back. I've heard a rumour that I was asked twice and cancelled, but it only happened once - I don't know how that rumour started. So now I seem to be persona non grata over there. It's a great pity, since I was born in Brisbane.

Q I'm all the way in America and I'm really happy my history teacher made me pick someone to be from Australia. I picked you and I was really excited to learn about someone with so many great and notable books. I am going to get your books tomorrow and I can't wait to read them. Im especially excited to read The Reformed Vampire Support Group. It seems interesting. I love reading vampire books. A series you might be interested in reading yourself is Cirque du freak by Darre Shan. They are such good books. Anyway onto my question. I love writing and hope to be as successful as you. What tips do you have for me and what other books of yours would you suggest to me or books from other Australian or any other countries authors. I'm so excited to be you for my project. You are someone I would look up to for help in reaching my writing goals. Please write back.

Posted by Grace, Jacksonville, Florida

A Well, Grace, I'm not sure exactly what books to recommend, since I don't know how old you are, but I haven't had a whole lot of teenage books published in America in any case. Apart from The Reformed Vampire Support Group, there's only the Genius series (Evil Genius and Genius Squad) as well as the Pagan series (Pagan's Crusade, Pagan in Exile, Pagan's Vows, Pagan's Scribe, and Babylonne). There's also a younger readers series called Allie's Ghost Hunters (Eglantine, Eustace, Eloise and Elysium), but I don't think they're widely available in the U.S, and you might have trouble finding them.

My one piece of advice to you, if you want to write, is to improve your punctuation. Your message to me read like a text message - I had to capitalise a lot of words and correct your punctuation before I could post it because I was worried that some people might not bother reading it otherwise. Contractions and so forth are all very well on text messages, but if you're really, really serious about writing, you should avoid them like the plague. You have to get your grammar and syntax and punctuation right before anyone's going to take you seriously in the world of professional publishing!

Q Just thought I would add my thoughts in with the rest of the good words about your books. Here is my little story: I was just out one day and thought "I want a book to read" (because I don't actually read a lot) and I was searching through the book store and found The Reformed Vampire Support Group and thought yeah this sounds good. I was amazed at what a different light it puts on the whole 'typical' vampire look. I just loved the book a lot and cuz I live in little old New Zealand I was happy when I realised it was set in Sydney! And then NZ being mentioned - it made me laugh! So I read the other comments left about the book and was happy to know that a 2nd book was being released and wanted to know if it was out in NZ yet or when is it out? Thanks for being a good writer and keeping me glued to the book. :]

Posted by Amanda, Auckland

A To tell you the truth, Amanda, I'm still just finishing the sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group now - though my Australian publisher is so keen to release it that even though the manuscript hasn't been submitted yet, there's talk about bringing it out mid-to-late 2010. The good news is that you'll see it in the shops over there just as soon as it hits the shelves over there, because the Australian and New Zealand publishing industries share the same rights and distibution networks; my agent talks about 'ANZ rights' when I sell a book.

Thanks for your message: I don't seem to get many comments from New Zealand, and that's a shame, because I'm a big fan of NZ, what with Peter Jackson and Neil Finn and Jane Campion and The Whale Rider - I mean, what's not to like?

Sunday, November 8

Q I just finished Evil Genius and Genius Squad and I have to say...they are pure genius. Haha. Bet you've never heard that one before! I can't wait for the next book to be released, already have it marked on my calendar. Now I just have to wait a whole year! Darn! I have to say I think you are one of the best young adult writers in the business - your characters are wonderfully realistic. I can't imagine many writers would be brave enough to include a character like Sonja, who is not your typical female lead - but such a great character because of the honesty and realism you used in creating her. Thanks for so many GREAT reads!

Posted by Jammie, North Carolina

A And thank you for support, Jammie. I'm so glad you liked the books. But I should warn you that the message below this one is full of Genius Wars spoilers from an Australian fan: please don't read it, or you might regret you ever did. (It's such a shame that the novel couldn't have come out at the same time in different countries, the way The Reformed Vampire Support Group did. I feel really guilty now and it's not even my fault!)

WARNING: THIS MESSAGE CONTAINS GENIUS WARS SPOILERS!!

Q So I just finished The Genius Wars. And it was worth every pain stakingly slow day of waiting! I loved it, though Evil Genius first and foremost will always be my fave. I almost cried at the end. (A rare feat for me since not even HP mad me flinch.) I think my only qualm with it is that it is the inevitable end of something wonderful. I've adored your characters for so long now and now they'll never be anything new to divulge! "Thrilling conclusion" is such a final phrase. Admittedly I wish a certain someone beginning with P had had more of a part, it being the end and all, but I guess you can't do much on the run from the law, even when you are a criminal mastermind. Which reminds me, the pop tarts: Prosper's or Rex's? I haven't looked at cherry pop tarts in the same way since Genius Squad. One thing I did love was the scene with the cement. I could barely stop my heart beating so fast! It was so suspenseful, you're an amazing writer. I loved how you pointed out how Prosper like Cadel was acting, I'd noticed it earlier but for someone to finally point it out to Cadel was exactly what I'd been waiting for. Poor Gazo, he's treated a bit like Cadel's own hired goon in this one isn't he? Finally, I've got to ask, do you plan to maybe write a spin off one day? I really do wish it didn't have to end here and even a book featuring some of the minor characters would be a tantalizing read. Like...what was happening between Niobe and Zapp? Or more on what Lexi had been up to. It's probably not going to happen but I can wish. Of course while I'm wishing I can always add that the story never did directly say "And then everyone lived happily ever after." In my mind there can't be a world in which Prosper doesn't (fictionally) exist. I've grown too attached for such a hasty farewell in those final chapters. Anyways, thanks for writing such a superb series. I shall be watching the shelves for your name from now on. I hope I haven't written any obvious spoilers to those yet to read the third instalment, please take them out if I have as I'd hate to ruin this for anyone!

Posted by April, Brisbane

A I had the choice of eviscerating your message or warning the uninitiated that they shouldn't read it - and I took the latter course. I hope it was the right one! But I liked your comments so much that I felt they deserved an airing ...

I was in Dymocks today and saw my first 'Genius' series dump bin (they're the big cardboard stands that you put important books in), so I'm feeling very chuffed - and your message is the icing on the cake.

Q You are my idol. Reading what you have so far on the Evil Genius series, I feel like our ideas of genre and choice of actions are a lot alike. Not only is the story excellent beyond belief, but the way you wrote it is perfect through my eyes, and I want to write my stories just like yours. My creative writing teacher doesn't really like how I tell my stories using similes and stretching the dialogue, but I think you'd understand that it's the essence of the story that really count. I can't wait until I read the third part of the series, the suspense is killing me. Hopefully one day I'll be as good as you or that one day I'd actually get to meet you. P.S. Are the books sold in Australia in English?

Posted by Cienna, Northridge, California

A Yes, the Australian editions certainly are in English, and are perfectly intelligible to your average English-speaking American reader, though Australian and American English is slightly different: you say sidewalk, we say pavement; you say pick-up truck, we say ute ... etc, etc.

I'm very flattered that you like my style so much. I do work hard over it, and put a lot of effort into things like avoiding repetition, especially when it comes to repetitive vowel sounds. People normally don't pay attention to things like that, which is good because I've always thought nice style is one which readers don't actually notice because they're so busy following the story. However, it's pleasing when the odd reader does appreciate it! Thanks!

Saturday, October 31

Q I'm 14. I recently read some of your books like Genius Squad and sequel and Pagan's Crusade. I like all of them (although addmitedly the latter was my favorite). I love the way you know how a native of Jerusalem thinks (being from Israel myself) about the pilgrims and such ( btw did you know they now sell cans filled with "air of the holy land" ?). And where did you find all the details about the city (many of which had not changed)? I'd also like to know how you manage to get into your characters' heads - do you have a degree in psychology or somthing like it? And lastly will you be doing any visits to Hartford CT anytime? It's right between NYC and Boston, MA ps: when is The Genius Wars coming out in the U.S.?

Posted by Erez, West Hartford, Connecticut

A Gosh, Erez, that's quite a compliment; I've never been to Israel, so I'm awfully pleased that I've somehow managed to imagine it properly! ('Air of the Holy Land', eh? Yep - that sounds like something out of Pagan's Crusade, all right.) I've never done a psychology degree either- only history - but I guess you don't need a psychology degree to understand people, right? And I'm hoping that I might be in the United States next October, when The Genius Wars is released there, but I don't know whether I'll be coming to Hartford at all. It depends on what my publisher thinks I should do. It's possible that I will get to Connecticut, though, since I'll certainly visit New York if I do go to the States. And I hear that Connecticut is an awfully pretty place ...

Q I'd just like to tell you that my Monday this week was made a little bit better because of you. It was shaping up to be a typical Monday (I'm assuming you know the feeling) when I remembered it was the 26th, the day that The Genius Wars came out. After that, I felt happier, and my day got better. And now when I need to go to my "happy place" during school, it usually involves a lot of mental fanfiction for The Genius Wars. You have definitely made an impact. :D

Posted by Many, Lake Forest, California

A Now this is the kind of message I like to get, because it makes me feel as if I'm doing some good in the world. Since I'm not a heart surgeon or a brilliant environmental engineer or a social worker or anything really useful like that, I have to comfort myself with the thought that every so often, somewhere in the world, I enable some very stressed person to escape into their imagination for a little while. Thanks so much for telling me!

Q Would you be willing to autograph one of your books for the Ted Hipple Special Collection of Autographed First-Edition and Out-of-Print YA Books that is housed at my university? I have a first edition of Pagan's Vows that I'd like to donate to this very special collection. Please let me know. Thanks.

Posted by Joan, Tampa, Florida

A Certainly; if you need to send me any mail, the address is Catherine Jinks, c/o Margaret Connolly and Associates, P.O. Box 945, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia.

Monday, October 26

Q I have found some of my favorite books by skimming titles at my local book store. If the title's good enough, I usually can tell I'll buy the book before I even read the description, because titles tell you a lot about how an author writes. So you can imagine that when I found The Reformed Vampire Support Group, well, it was pretty much a done deal. I had given up on the idea of an original vampire novel, something really different that would make me love the genre. You completely delivered just that. I loved The Reformed Vampire Support Group. I loved Nina, who was whiney enough to be real and in such a tough spot all around. I loved - well, all of the other characters. Rueben, and how you made him being a werewolf take a back seat in his character to him being a severely abused kid. I loved how you ended it, with them all sort of critiquing their portrayal in the novel...the whole thing was great. I admit that as I came to the last pages I desperately wished there was more. I will be reading your other books - all of which also have great titles -and recommending this book to all of my friends. Thanks for a great read!

Posted by Jammie, North Carolina

A What a great endorsement! Thank you so much. I hope my other books meet with your approval; The Reformed Vampire Support Group is one of my funnier efforts, but I do try to insert a bit of humour into most of my stories, so with any luck you'll find something else of mine to enjoy. (I'm afraid the sequel to Reformed Vampire won't be out in the U.S. for at least eighteen months.)

Saturday, October 24

Q More on Roland's early years would be good. Perhaps it could be taken from the book Pagan eventually writes about his life? Roland says he has been killing men since he was 12; that's something I'd like to read more about.

PS I was in Carcassonne in August :o

Posted by Greg, Andover, UK

A Well I envy you, Greg, because I've never been to Carcassonne. Can you believe it? The closest I ever got was Avignon. But maybe one of these days ...

You know, a book about teenage Roland might just work. It's a very good idea. Maybe one of these days, when I've got the energy for that kind of research (I'm getting so ancient now) ...

Q I was walking by Barnes and Noble on Saturday when I saw your book, The Reformed Vampire Support Group, in the window display. I loved the cover art and was instantly intrigued by the title! I went inside and had to find a copy. Since I had never read one of your books, I did not know where to look for The Reformed Vampire Support Group. So I asked and was referred to Teen Fiction. Yet, when I looked through the stacks, I could not find the book. Once again I had to ask an employee, but he couldn't find it either so he got yet another employee - the official window display person. Together, we exited the store to look at the display. I pointed to the copy I wanted and watched as the third employee went back into the store and climbed through the display in order to fetch it for me. It was quite the adventure. I have since named the episode as The Day of The Store Wide Barnes and Noble Book Hunt. I must say, after having just finished the book, it was certainly worth the effort! I wanted to thank you for writing this book. It was wonderful to witness your re-imagining of the vampire genre. I found the book refreshing, charming, and hilarious. I couldn't put it down and read the whole book in one sitting! I plan to start re-reading it tomorrow so I can catch all the details I may have missed in my initial read through. It was snarky, it was fresh, and I LOVED it. I intend to tell all my friends to read it ASAP. I especially enjoyed Dave's character and was soooooo happy that he "got the girl." He's the hero in the blue hatchback. I enjoyed the rest of the vampires as well, Nina obviously, but Bridget too. The idea of an elderly vampire nun with hip problems was sheer genius. However I especially loved Nina's mother. She was formidable, but supportive and strong. Truly a great character, particularly when armed with a Guiness! Please, please tell me you are writing a sequel! And then, please please please tell me when I might expect to buy it! I need more reformed vampires in my life!

Posted by Jenna, Valparaiso, Indiana

A Thank you SO much, Jenna - what a lovely message. And what a relief that you liked the book, after all that trouble! I am in fact writing the penultimate chapter of the sequel, which is to be called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group; the reformed vampires do appear again, several times, but most of the action involves werewolves (namely Reuben and a few brand-new characters). However, I'm afraid it probably won't appear in America until 2011 some time, because next year I'm publishing two other books in the U.S.! (Living Hell and The Genius Wars.) I suppose if you're really desperate, you can always get hold of the Australian edition, which should be out in the second half of 2010.

Incidentally, you're a pretty good writer yourself.

Q I am 10 years old, and I am a BIG fan of the Evil Genius books. I think that the books are pure genius! They are absolutely my favorite books. I think my favorite character is Lexi, from Genius Squad. I like her because she is spunky, and still manages to annoy people, even when there is a dire situation going on. I am not the biggest techy, but the Evil Genius books were fairly easy to comprehend. For an assignment, my teacher told me to write to one of my favorite authors, and of course, you were my first choice. I am waiting in suspense for The Genius Wars to come out in the U.S. By the way, are you coming to Chicago any time soon? That would be great if you were! Also, is Catherine Jinks your real name? When I heard about the Evil Genius books, I begged my parents to go to the bookstore and get the Evil Genius books. I know that you are busy, but it would mean a lot to me if you replied to this letter. Please keep writing!

Posted by Cecila, Chicago

A Do you know what, Cecila? The Genius Wars will be delivered to Australian bookshops the day after tomorrow - October 26th. So if you're super, super desperate, you might be able to order a copy over the Internet (though it might be a little expensive for you, with the American dollar the way it is). If you're interested, though, you should go to the website of my Australian publisher, Allen and Unwin. Oh - and you'll be pleased to know that Lexi makes an appearance in the book, though she doesn't play as big a role as she did in Genius Squad.

As far as coming to Chicago goes, I'm in the very early stages of looking into a possible American visit in October 2010, when The Genius Wars is released in the U.S. But I don't know if it will actually happen, and even if it does, I don't know if my publishers will be sending me to Chicago. I sure hope so, because I'd love to meet you!

Saturday, October 3

Q Would like your autograph for Pagan's Vows to add to a Special Collection at USF's Library.

Posted by Joan, Tampa, Florida

A I'd have to mail it, Joan - can you send me a full address, please?

Q I'm Heather Grigsby and I'm 13 years old. I'm in the 8th grade and I go to Jennings County Middle School. I just read The Reformed Vampire Support Group, and I have some questions about the book itself and about the writing process. The Reformed Vampire Support Group, I thought it was a very interesting book and that it was a modern, down to earth fairytale (if that makes any sense at all). Because it was very descriptive, it made me think logically and it was just awesome in general (probably because I love vampire books, but that's beside the point). Here are some questions about the book, Why were there so many vampires in the support group? Why did you make the characters without super powers? Why didn't the support group just kill Casimir Kucynski themselves? I love how you used your dialogue and description to its full extent, I felt like I was in the book myself. Here are some questions regarding the writing process you used, Would you have wanted to put in more dialogue if you could've? How many rough drafts did you make? Approximately, how many steps were there in your writing process? Did you research anything before you wrote the book? How long did it take, from beginning to end, to finish and publish the book? Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Posted by Heather, North Vernon, indiana

A To answer your questions, Heather:

(1) There aren't really so many vampires in the group when you consider that Casimir was at large for a little while when he first arrived in Australia, and the people he bit could have gone out and bit loads of other people. In fact I was a bit worried that there weren't enough vampires!

(2) I didn't give the vampires any super powers because I wanted to make a point about media stereotypes, and about the demonizing of chronic illness, and about how certain people are never as superhumanly glamorous as they might look from a distance (like actresses, for example).

(3) The group didn't kill Casimir because they're not monsters - they're mostly decent, normal people who are struggling to live life as best they can, and people like that don't deliberately plan to go out and kill other people (as a rule). If they do kill other people, it's in highly stressful and exceptional circumstances. Besides, they're against violence. That's why they're reformed.

(4) To be honest, I would have loved to include more dialogue from the group meetings, but there's really too much dialogue in this book already, because that's what these vampires are like: they sit around and yak-yak-yak instead of getting off their backsides and actually doing something.

(5) It's usually my third draft that I give to the publishers as a finished manuscript, but in this case it was my fourth, because I started the whole book again after writing the first six chapters.

(6) I usually have the idea, then do a bit of research, then write out a synopsis of the plot, then write the first draft, then read it through and fix it up into the second draft, then read that through and correct whatever mistakes are still in there.

(7) I researched quite a bit about werewolves, and checked the Internet to see if anyone else had come up with the idea of sickly, slacker vampires.

(8) It generally takes between one and two years to get a book published from the time you give it to the publishers to the time it hits the bookshops. Add to that the time it takes to write the book (in this case, I think it was about nine months), and you've got about a two to three year process.

Monday, September 28

Q I loved your book Evil Genius and it's sequel. I was wondering what made you start writing, and how you write for so many age groups.

Posted by Kate, Batesville

A Thanks, Kate. I guess I started writing because I wanted to escape from the real world, into another world where I was in charge (typical geek loner behaviour, I'm afraid.) And I suppose I write for so many age groups because that's the way ideas come to me: I have an idea, and then I have to work out which age group it suits. Most of my ideas seem to suit teenagers, though; for that reason, I can't help thinking that I've never quite grown up.

Q I want to know If there is a sequel to Genius Squad because I loved it. It was terrific and I want to read more.

Posted by Dominic, Dexter, Michigan

A There will be a sequel, Dexter - The Genius Wars - but it won't be published in the U.S. until late next year. (Sorry about that!) It will, however, be available in Australia at the end of this year, from publishers Allen and Unwin.

Monday, September 21

Q Wow! You probably hear this all the time but your Genius series is amazing! Evil Genius is my favourite book! It was so powerful that it even got my dad into reading again! Myself and my friends dream of November (the apparent release of The Genius Wars)! I could go on all day how great it is and how awesome it is to see kids around the world apreciate it. But I have just one question (currently) on page 137 of Evil Genius, Vee mentions a computer wiz by the name of Sally, who is she? Have you planned her for The Genius Wars?

Posted by Ashleigh, Maryborough, Queensland

A To be honest, Ashleigh, I just included Sally after I realised that I didn't have any female computer whizzes in the class - and this was before I dreamed up Lexi or Dot, from Genius Squad. So I just slung the name in without thinking about it much, and haven't mentioned her since. She's not a character you'll be encountering in The Genius Wars.

Thanks for being such an enthuiastic reader, though, and I hope The Genius Wars lives up to your expecations. (It's kind of scary, when people are looking forward to something so much - makes me nervous that I won't deliver!)

Q I just read Genius Squad and it was the greatest book I've ever read. Really. I was so fascinated by Cadel and the other guys in the team. Unfortunately, I've started with the second part, but I'm going to read the first book very soon. As I said it already, your book is great! The book was my motivation to start to learn computer application (and I'm very glad I have started it, because I love it). So, I'm very interested in the third book! :)

Posted by Lena, Germany

A Well that's great news, Lena! I'm going to tell my friend Richard Buckland that I've got someone interested in computer applications, because he teaches computer security and cryptography at university, here in Australia, and he'll be delighted to know that I'm spreading the word. Richard, in fact, will be making a couple of appearances in the final Genius book - The Genius Wars - which will soon be published in Germany, though I'm not sure exactly when. So if you read that, you'll see why Richard is going to be so pleased to hear about you.

Monday, September 14

Q I was wondering where you got the idea for this book? I can NOT wait for your next book - they are really well written.

Posted by Adele, Victoria

A I'm not sure which book you're talking about, Adele. But if it's Evil Genius, I got the idea from my nephew's Professor Gangrene action figure; my husband picked it up and said, "Where do these baddies get their degrees from?" And my brother replied, "From the University of Evil, where else?"

I've written a lot of books, though, so if you're interested in one of the others, you'd better tell me!

Q I feel the need to thank you for the wonderful stories that you have written which me and my fellow teens can read. I have read only two of your books, Evil Genius and The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Evil Genius was a true work of art, it took me a while to read but that was only because it was so well written. It was a absolutely fantastic book, better than Stephen Kings rubbish! TRVG wasn't bad but I did like the other one more. Thought the ending was a little dull but other than that the book was great. And that's all I really have time to say. Hopefully I will hear back from you.

Posted by Kaitlin, Townsville, Queensland

A Thanks, Kaitlin. A work of art! Wow! Well, you'll be pleased to know that Evil Genius has a sequel called Genius Squad, and that the third (and final) book in the trilogy, The Genius Wars, will be published in Australia at the end of this year. So you can keeping reading about Cadel for a little while yet.

Q Well, thanks for the advice. I guess that's something I have to beat myself into doing XD. Indeed I am talking about MBTI. To make a long story a less long story, the four-letter code is only shorthand and a way of identifying personality types, while the actual type has do with thinking functions. The reason I mentioned INTJ in particular was that Cadel stood out clearly in my mind when I read different stuff about it. Typing fictional characters is typically frowned upon, as typing real people is hard enough. In fact, I'd never seen such a someone match real or fictional match up to an mbti as well as Cadel. There is a correlation between asperger's and INTJ/INTP (though the specifics are still unresolved). That combined with how well Cadel matches the INTJ description and the fact that Prosper is a psychologist (there's a number of reasons why HE would want that profession, but regardless it's a common pattern I've observed in writers to give their own interests to their characters) is what made me suspect that. Anyway, I ramble on about this but I do have to control myself so that this post doesn't end up three pages long, so instead I'll give you a couple of links you can check out if you're really interested and you have the time: http://www.typelogic.com/intj.html http://www.intj.org/articles/typing-fictional-characters/

Posted by Colby, Central, LA

A Gosh, Colby, you sound like a bit of an expert. I might look up that link sometime; thanks. And thanks for taking the time to explain in more detail. (I just wish I could remember what my letters were ...!)

Friday, September 4

Q I have enjoyed reading Evil Genius and look forward to reading your next book. I'm a eight grader and have been assigned a project on Evil Genius. My project requires me to write a song about this book. Can you lend me any ideas?

Posted by Bailey, Brandon, Mississippi

A Gosh, Bailey, that's a hard one! If there's one thing I couldn't do to save my life, it's write a song! I guess the only thing I can tell you is that I always use other people's music to imagine scenes when I'm writing, and that when I was writing Evil Genius I listened to Boys of Summer, by Don Henley, quite a lot because it was slightly ominous and lonely-sounding at the same time. That was Cadel's theme, if you will. (Maybe you should write something that incorporates the Table of Elements code ...?)

Q I read the Genius series over the Summer, and I was very impressed (especially by the first book). There was ample evidence in Evil Genius that you were well-researched in Psychology, though I do wonder how much of it was researched and how much of it came purely from your ability to build a character. Are you familiar with the term "INTJ"? (yes, I have INTJ preference myself). Also, do you have any advice for an aspiring young writer?

Posted by Colby, Central, LA

A Are you talking about those Myers-Briggs personality type things? I once did an assessment when I was working for a bank, and I came back extremely introverted - probably because I was brand new on the job (and to the workforce). But apart from that, I've not done any psychology. I guess I just have an intuitive sense of how it is to be in other people's shoes (which makes it kind of hard to have a firm opinion on anything.)

My advice to asiring young writers is to practise, practise, practise - the way you would if you were learning the piano. It's what I did (especially when I was working as a journalist) and it's the only way.

Q My first question is why does it take so long to publish the book in America (it gets published almost a year later then Aus. I think)? My second question is: Do you stop at schools ever? And if you do (not meant to be a joke, I live there ) will you ever go to China?

Posted by Daniel, Shanghai

A Genius Wars is going to be released by a different publisher in each country, and these publishers have different publishing schedules. (Also, American publishers prefer a longer pre-publication lead time, probably because they have to publicise the book in a much larger market.)

Unfortunately, I've never had any schools or publishers offer to pay my way to China on a promotional tour, or I would certainly consider visiting your school!

Wednesday, August 26

Q I was totally amazed about Evil Genius and Genius Squad, and I am desperate to read The Genuis Wars. About when will it come into US stores?

Posted by David, Munich

A I'm flattered that you're so keen to read The Genius Wars! As far as I know, it's slated to appear in the U.S. during Fall of 2010, which will probably mean September or October.

Q I'm sorry. I didn't realize you've replied so quickly. I've been looking around for art competitions and so far I haven't had much luck. If I find any interesting art competitions, I'll post it on this board. I'm not sure if most contests allow 3-d models. Thank you! :) By the way I just finished my copy of The Reformed Vampire Support Group, and I loved it. I'm looking forward to its sequel!

Posted by Jun X., Albany, NY

A Okay, well, keep me posted on your efforts. I'll be interested to see what happens. And I'll try to finish the sequel as quickly as I can!

Thursday, August 14

Q I absolutely L O V E the Genius series!! They're spectacular! And I know the Australian version of The Genius Wars will hopefully come out in November of this year, and the USA version in 2010. I can't wait until 2010, is there a way for me to order a copy in Australia when it comes out?

Posted by Andrea, Los Angeles

A I Thanks very much for your thumbs-up! And I'm sure that you'll be able to order from Australia - either through my publisher, Allen & Unwin, or through an Australian online bookseller such as Booktopia.

Monday, August 10

Q I just got home last Friday, and my showed my mom the model of Thaddeus Roth. She liked it so much she wanted me to possibly send it to some competitions. I liked the idea, but since I don't own Prosper English or any of your wonderful characters, I want to ask for permission. I had other pictures too like the profile and the full-body one with a supposed tweed jacket on him on the web before, but if you do allow me to send this in for any kind of art competition, I thought it would be good idea to have as few people see it as possible. As for the picture, you can't quite see it with the picture I've sent you, but his beak-like nose is my favorite thing to model in Maya. I didn't have enough time to uv and texture him, but I hope you like my interpretation even if he's colorless. I don't think Prosper would mind.

Posted by Jun X., Albany, NY

A I agree with your mum - it's a very good model. And noses were always my favourite starting point, when I was drawing cartoons; somehow a nose seems to hold the face together. Personally, I always imagined Thaddeus/Prosper with a little more hair - a kind of modest lion's mane - but the face is very impressive.

I've asked my agent about giving permission, and she wants to know a little more about the competitions you're planning to enter it for. Can you give me a few details?

Q Really enjoyed The Reformed Vampire Support Group, are you planning to write a sequel or spin-off with the werewolves? Would there be any plans to make a film?

Posted by Kelly, Dundee, Scotland

A I'm writing a sequel at the moment - called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group - but no one's optioned the books for a film, just yet!

Tuesday, August 4

Q I know I've written in before but I looked back at the front cover of Genius Squad and was wondering if my predictions of who the characters were was correct or not, so my question for you is who are the characters on the cover of Genius Squad, thanks. ^^ p.s. I can't wait to read The Genius Wars! I know it's going to be awesome!

Posted by Mandi, Centennial

A Well, I sure hope it doesn't disappoint, Mandi – and to answer your question: from left to right, the characters on the cover of Genius Squad are Lexi, Hamish, Cadel, Devin and Sonja.

Sunday, August 2

Q I love your novels Genius Squad, Evil Genius and The Reformed Vampire Support Group. They were both AMAZING! I noticed earlier in the FAQ message boards someone mentioned fanfic.net getting an Evil Genius section and I was wondering, if I wrote something...if you ever got the time, would you read it and let me know if it's true at all to characters? That's one thing I really hate about fanfics and it'd be great if you could skim and give me any tips...I also wanted to see if I could draw mini comics for said fanfic and was wondering if you have access to clearer pics of your characters? Or at least if I could get more detailed descriptions. Mostly of Prosper, Cadel, Gazo ( without his suit ) and Gemini. I've looked at the Australian covers but the art style ( while good ) doesn't show very accurate or to proportion images which makes it kind of hard ^^;; Not to mention most of the characters I'm looking for aren't there. ^^;;

Posted by Sarah, Florida

A To be honest with you, Sarah, I tend not to read fanfic because it interferes with my own mental projections of the characters and plots. Not that I mind other people doing their own thing with my characters on the Net (as long as they aren't making money off something that I put a lot of work into creating); I just want to keep my inner vision clear, if you know what I mean. Writing novels isn't like writing screenplays – it's not a cooperative venture. Even though your work might end up being read by thousands of people, it's not written with those people in mind. When I create a world, I do it for me, and I have to be careful of outside influences affecting what I do. So I prefer to work in a vacuum, not knowing what my characters are doing on a dozen different blogs around the world. The whole idea kind of gives me vertigo.

It's different when people draw pictures, though – because none of my books are graphic novels. I always get a kick out of seeing different pictorial representations of my characters, since I've never tried to draw them myself. And though I have a fairly clear idea of what most of them look like, it's not always a very detailed view. So I'm not super-particular when it comes to appearances – especially when I haven't provided thorough descriptions in the books.

What I'm trying to say is – I'd love to check out your comic strip, just to see what my characters look like. But I'm not keen to read any fanfic; it's going to be hard enough coping if someone decides to make a film out of one of my books, since that film is bound to affect my view of the book from that point on.

Q I luv these books! I cant wait to get the next book in the Evil Genius series. :) i might even order the next one from Australia!!! :)

Posted by Kyle, Carmel

A By all means order The Genius Wars from Australia, Kyle; just make sure it doesn't affect your spelling (because Australian and American spelling can be quite different, and I don't want to mess up your English homework!) I only hope you enjoy the last book as much as you seem to have enjoyed the first two. Thanks!

Q I just read The Reformed Vampire Support Group and first of all, I thought it was a very refreshing break from the insane Twilight mania, thanks. I'd like to know if you plan to write more stories about Nina and the support group. I thank you again for the experience! I plan to pick up more of your books at the library ASAP.

Posted by Riley, Franklin, TN

A Thank you for your encouraging message, Riley! As a matter of fact, I am writing a sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group, though I have to admit Nina won't be the main character in the next book; she'll be one of the support players, and the narrator will be a young werewolf called Toby. (You haven't met him yet.) However, Reuben and Estelle and Father Ramon and Sanford and the rest will all pop up in The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group, so you'll be able to catch up on their activities –when the book is finally published.

Monday, July 27

Q I just finished The Reformed Vampire Support Group & I fell in love with it!! & I was wondering if there's any chance that there might be a Reformed Vampire Support Group movie? Your an amazing writer!! :}

Posted by Allie, Pelham

A I only wish there was going to be a movie, Allie, but no one's shown any interest in making one yet! Fingers crossed, though. And I'm glad you enjoyed my book so much.

Q I have a question about the Axis Institute in Evil Genius. On the first page of chapter fourteen (page 129 in my copy), it says that the university was "founded by Dr. Phineas Darkkon, five years ago, because he had a vision." However, on page 431, it says that the dormitory wing "had been shoved onto the back of the seminary building sometime in the nineteen sixties." My assumption was that the book took place during more recent years, the book having been originally published in 2005 and the technology reflecting that. It is stated several times that Axis was created specifically for Cadel, so was the 1960s reference an error, or is there something I've missed here? I have the American edition, so something might have been edited for it.

Posted by Stephanie, Tennessee

A The Axis Institute was originally a nineteenth-century seminary, which was then turned into a college of some sort and renovated (with additions) during the nineteen-sixties. Phineas Darkkon only took it over after the dormitory wing had already been built. (Sorry if this wasn't made clear enough in the book.)

Q I'm a huge fan of all your books, especially the Evil Genius series. Like a lot of people, I'm also a fan of Prosper English. For a 3-d modeling camp, I actually decided to model Thaddeus Roth. If it turns out well I might even use it as part of my portfolio for college. I was wondering if you had the time, could I show you the model after I'm done? I could post it on the web and give you the url. I would love it for you to see it when I'm done.

Posted by Jun X., Albany, NY

A I would LOVE to see a computer model of Prosper; apart from anything else, I'm very interested in computer graphics, thanks to a friend of mine who owns a CG company. He'll actually be making an appearance in The Genius Wars, which has a computer-graphics sub-plot in it. So stay tuned!

Q Two questions. 1. When is The Genius Wars coming out? 2. Is there going to be a movie made for all three books? Thankx.

Posted by Abdul, Oxon Hill

A Alas, no one has yet optioned the film rights to any of the Genius books – I guess I can only hope. But The Genius Wars will be published soon; in Australia it's due out at the end of this year, and in the U.S. it will hit the shops in the Fall of 2010.

Wednesday, July 15

Q Any updates on when The Genius Wars is going to be published? Sorry, you've probably been hearing this question a lot lately. Oh, and thanks so much for your last response! A lot of writers have some kind of FAQ/etc. page on their website, but most of the questions submitted go unanswered. So, thanks!

Posted by Riina, Louisville

A Well, I have to admit I've taken a while to answer you this time, but I'm away from home at the moment, and it's hard to get to a computer. With regards to The Genius Wars, it's still due to be published in America during fall 2010, but I'm not sure which month. In Australia, it will be out later this year – probably in November.

Q Q When is The Genius Wars coming out? I read the first two already and enjoyed them and am waiting anxiously. Thank You.

Posted by Gayle, Mission Hills, California

A I really think I should get off my butt and post the latest reported publication dates under my 'news' section, because your Genius Wars question is the one people always ask! The answer is that in Australia it will be out later this year, but in the U.S. it probably won't be available until fall next year. (Sorry – not my fault!)

Q Are you planning on writing a sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group?? I finished reading it yesterday and I LOVED it. I'm a fairly big Twilight fan, and I swear this book is almost as (if not as good as) Twilight. You're a superb writer! Please continue the story...! (p.s. I kept thinking there was a chance Reuben and Nina were gonna get together.)

Posted by Melinda, Canberra

A Thanks so much, Melinda. Yep, I'm writing a sequel at the moment – it's going to be called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group, and I hope you'll end up enjoying it as much as the first one. But it will be the only sequel; I'm not planning to write a trilogy, or anything. As for Nina and Reuben . . . I dunno if werewolves and vampires are really very compatible, all things considered . . .

Q I love you! I know I might be coming on a bit strong but seriously, you are my favorite author! Up until I started to read Evil Genius I barely ever read but after only a year I've read Evil Genius, Genius Squad, and The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Also, I've started to write something of my own, thanks for the inspiration, though it probably won't be as good as any of your books. Oh yeah, I don't mean to rush you but I wanted to ask when The Genius Wars was going to be released in the U.S.

Posted by Mandi, Centennial

A Wow, Mandi, that's such a compliment! To know that you've got someone interested in reading – it's the best news a writer can get. Writers like me don't normally do socially useful things like curing diseases or rescuing people, so when I receive a message like yours I feel as if I'm finally making a concrete and practical contibution to the wellbeing of the global community. Thanks or that! (P.S. The Genius Wars will be published in Australia at the end of the year, and in the U.S sometime during fall 2010.)

Q I really liked the way you wrote The Reformed Vampire Support Group. I am writing a book and I would like some tips on how you keep a plot so tantalizing going for 362 pages. Is there some trick to it? Also, when you create your characters, I noticed they all have such a mysterious history to them, yet you feel like they are right in front of your face, saying, "If that's what the killer's mind is like, then we are in trouble." I can never do that. I have a great plot, but I can never quite fit the right character with the right history. I have always gotten strait A's in Literature Theory, English Literature, Reading, and Writing, but I always have so many things bopping around in my head, I can never quite get the right things to fit together. P.S I know you most likely get this a lot, but you rock!

Posted by Lilly, Salem

A One thing you should always remember about your characters is that, while it's important to know all about them yourself, it's not necessary to include every background detail in the book. When I write historical novels, although I do a lot of research about the period and place in which I'm setting a story, I don't mention even half of that background material when I'm writing. The main thing is that YOU feel comfortable and in control; if you do, then that will translate into what you're putting on paper. So when you prepare your characters, you should probably do the same amount of 'research' – I always take copious notes on the appearance, history and motivations of my characters, so that I can tell instinctively how they'll respond to any event, both physically and emotionally. You really have to spend a bit of time with them before you start writing. And you'll know that your character is fully rounded and ready to stand on its own two feet when it starts hijacking the story a little. (Not a lot; just a little. Sometimes you come to a pre-planned scene and realise that your character isn't going to act in a certain way after all, because he's just not that sort of person.)

As for the whole pace of a story – well, that's more difficult to master. Pace is something you learn with experience. I have to admit, there were parts of The Reformed Vampire Support Group that I worried about, because they involved lots of sitting around and talking (which is what vampires do, of course). That's why the characters and humour were so important – and why people who aren't on the same comic wavelength don't seem to like the book. They probably felt a bit of sag during those long conversations, because they weren't laughing.
I suppose my advice is that if you have a great plot, don't try to stretch it out. Just tell it as it falls, and remember that readers don't always like a breathless, headlong narrative; you have to give them a bit of breathing-room, occasionally.

Thursday, July 2

Q Your Genius books are most definitely the greatest books of all time. I wanted to know if I buy The Genius Wars from Australia, will the differences between it and the American version be really big? I'm worried it'll be like reading a foeriegn language?

Posted by John, San Mateo

A No, I wouldn't worry about that, John ─ American and Australian versions of English are VERY similar; the differences are in the spelling of some words (but not many) and a few dozen words like 'jumper' for 'sweater' and 'ute' for 'pick-up truck' ─ stuff like that. Believe me, whenever I'm in America, no one ever has trouble understanding me, despite my accent!

Q Will there be any more books after Genius Squad and Evil Genius because I have really enjoyed your books and I want to know more about Prosper English and Cadel and all the other characters?

Posted by Jed, Dubbo, NSW

A Good news, Jed; there's going to be one more book in the series ─ called The Genius Wars ─ and it will be published in Australia towards the end of the year (probably November).

Q I was wondering . . . So, the main characters in Babylonne aren't speaking French or English right? You said they speak lang d'oc. Can you tell me more about that language? Were there other dialects in medieval Europe that have now died out?

Posted by Morgan, Sacramento, California

A I'm afraid it's a very long time since I did any research into langue d'oc, so I can't remember much of what I once knew about it; I think it might have a Catalan and even Basque elements to it, but you'd be better off doing a bit of research on the Internet. As far as I know, though, it's not completely extinct (I believe there are people around the Pyrenees who still employ the odd word). And there are lots of European dialects or languages around ─ like Basque and Gaelic and Flemish and all kinds of Italian dialects ─ which, though not widely known, are still being used. I guess Latin was certainly a language that isn't spoken any more! But as for the more obscure, ancient languages, I'm not a good person to ask about them (though I have to say, it's a very good question). Maybe if you Google 'extinct European languages', or something ...?

Q Just wondering because you're quite a prolific author: do you ever write more than one book at a time? e.g. writing a longer YA novel at the same time as writing a shorter children's book?

Posted by V, Melbourne

A No, I can't say I've ever actually written two books at once, though I've certainly found myself thinking about the next book and turning the plot over in my mind while I'm writing another one. I've even produced a synopsis for an unwritten book while writing another one. But I couldn't keep two books going at once; it would be too hard for me.

Wednesday, June 24

Q Will there be a sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group?

Posted by Cat, Nelson

A There certainly will! I'm about halfway through it right now ─ it's going to be called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group.

Q That was one of the more unique and certainly enjoyable reads I've had in a while. Sometimes I feel kinda silly poking around in the teens section (I'm 24) but It's so worth it sometimes! Thanks for the read I thought it was great.

Posted by Alex, Toronto

A Thanks, Alex ─ I just wish I knew what book you were talking about! But I don't suppose it matters, really; I'll take all the compliments I can get for anything I've written!

Monday, June 15

Q I just got The Reformed Vampire Support Group as a present and I LOVED it. I'm really into Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer) at the moment and reading about a different type of vampires. Thanks so much for writing a great book!

Posted by Gaby, Hobart

A My pleasure, Gaby; how could it not be a pleasure when I get messages like yours to cheer me up? I have to admit, I'm very encouraged by the number of people who like both Twilight and The Reformed Vampire Support Group. It just goes to show how open-minded young readers can be. I had a feeling that Twilight fanicers would object to my book because it debunks the whole 'glamour-vampire' genre, but clearly I was wrong. Often the Twilight fanciers enjoy my book even more because they get all the jokes!

Q You are officially one of my all time favourite authors! ─ and you have probably heard that millions of times, am I right? After reading Evil Genius, Genius Squad and The Reformed Vampire Support Group (which is a perfect refreshment from all the romance vampire novels I've read) I have just got to say it myself; you are an oustanding writer! I'm proud that Australia has a writer like yourself. Why, just the other day my friend was saying how there is no Australian writer who was good at writing books ─ I strongly believe that if he read any of your books, he'd change his view on Australian writers completely :) . Because of those three books, I am now trying to get my hands on any other books of yours ─ starting with the Pagan Chronicles. ;) Keep up the fantastic work!!

Posted by Vanessa, Brisbane

A Gosh, Vanessa, you have to sit that boy down and give him a good talking-to! No good Australian writers? There are heaps of good Australian writers! It just depends on what he likes, I guess; maybe he's being steered in the wrong direction. Maybe he just doesn't like Melina Marchetta or Ursula Dubosarsky because they're a bit too 'girly' for him. But there's John Marsden and Garth Nix and Emily Rodda and Phillip Gwynne and Marcus Zusack ... all of them are becoming famous overseas because they're so good! And they're all different too, so there's bound to be someone in there he'll like.

But I'm glad that you know better, and I'm glad you've been enjoying my books so much. I just hope the Pagan Chronicles live up to your expectations; they're very different from the other three books, though they have a lot of humour in them too.

Q At the moment I am reading Evil Genius and I want to implore you on your amazing book. It may be big, but us geeks love big novels like this. Good job!!

Posted by Taiya, Oregon

A Yes, thankfully Harry Potter has opened up a whole new world for young adult writers. Once upon a time we were told, "kids won't read big books". But now kids have demonstrated, beyond all doubt, that they do read big books ─ as long as those books are interesting enough. So the publishing world is now ready for Evil Genius and its sequels. (Though I have to admit, number three will be the shortest of the lot; reading big books might be a cinch, but writing them isn't!)

I'm pleased that you're a geek, Taiya; I love geeks. I'm a bit geeky myself, though I have next to no computer skills (believe it or not). Thanks so much for your kind words!

Friday, June 12

Q Though it may not be the greatest or most insightful question about your book, I'm interested in knowing which character is which on the cover of your book (aside from Nina and Gladys). Something about knowing the character's identities gives me an idea as to why they are viewed the way they are. Thanks for your time, and I loved the book. Two thumbs up!

Posted by Miguel, New York City

A The hairy guy crouching on the ground is Reuben, the hairy guy standing behind Nina is Dave, the vampiric-looking character with slicked-back hair is Horace, and the guy with the guinea-pig on his shoulder is Sanford. The little old lady is Bridget and the girl in the middle is Nina ─ Gladys and George don't appear on the cover because we couldn't fit everyone in, and they're the two most minor players in the book.

I'm so glad you liked the story, because it doesn't appeal to everyone. The people who like it seem to have an extremely well developed sense of humour ─ so I guess that includes you!

Q Thank you for writing The Reformed Vampire Support Group! Thank you so much! I love vampires and werewolves and that stuff but I absolutely hate all the disgusting romance stories out there. Your book was just really creative. I couldn't put it down, even thought I was dead tired this morning! It's just addicting, and I have a whole list of new books to read from you. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for more books like that? If that's not too confusing!

Posted by Kaitlin, Loveland

A Thank you so much for being so enthusiastic! I'm afraid I haven't written any other vampire/werewolf stories (though I'm writing a sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group right now), but if you're looking for another humorous-type vampire book, I've heard there's one called Life Sucks (I think) which is supposed to be pretty good. As you say, a lot of vampire novels are fairly serious ─ maybe what you should do is see what Amazon recommends to people who enjoyed The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Or maybe google "vampire", "humorous", and "young adult fiction".

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Q I've been a fan of your Pagan books for years, and I just finished reading Babylonne. I love how your books accurately portray medieval life. They also provide a glamourless portrayal of warfare and fighting that is hard to find in fiction. Thank you for being such an entertaining, didactic author!

Posted by Morgan, Sacramento, California

A I've certainly tried to be as accurate as possible, over the years, because of my history training ─ so I'm glad someone appreciates what an effort it can be! It certainly isn't easy, finding medieval reference material all the way out here in Australia, I can tell you. As for glamourless ─ well, let's face it: glamourless is my specialty. I've written about glamourless vampires, glamourless witches, glamourless ghosts... in fact somebody once called me the great debunker. I can't even impose any glamour onto my everyday life, I'm afraid. (You only have to look at me to see that!)

Thanks, Morgan; it's nice to know that Babylonne's finding an audience out there, even though it isn't as flashy as some of my other books.

Saturday, June 6

Q I just finished The Reformed Vampire Support Group. It was very funny; it was the first book of yours I have read. I got it at Borders and my mom said "Why don't you just stay here and read it ─ it will only take you an hour or two!" But I said, "Mom I like to reread stuff ". And she said, "I can't see how fast you read!" So wait ─ what was I talking about? Oh yeah ─ after reading the reformed vamps book I said: hey, I am going to look at the website. So the next time I go to the library I am getting Evil Genius!!! P.S. Sorry for grammar and capitalization and stuff; I am just not really good at typing ─ it messes me up....

Posted by Lilly, Roxbury

A Never mind, Lilly ─ I fixed it up for you! And I'm glad you enjoyed The Reformed Vampire Support Group enough to want to read Evil Genius. (I'm sorry it took so long to reply, by the way; I've been frantic over here, because I'm getting ready for a visit to Canada and the U.S.)

Saturday, May 30

Q I wrote after reading The Reformed Vampire Support Group to tell you how much I enjoyed it ─ now I need to let you know that I loved Evil Genius. I feel sort of silly though ─ I am an educator so I feel justified in reading young adult fiction but at the same time I struggle with the need to explain WHY I read it instead of just enjoying it. I have a hard time with the distinction between young adult and regular adult fiction. How do you distinguish between the two?

Posted by Catherine, St. Louis

A Good question. I suppose what distinguishes young adult from adult fiction is that most young adult fiction has a youthful main character and a brisk plot. What's more, young adult fiction can't be too depressing; there has to be a modicum of hope in a kids' book, because it's not fair to deprive kids of hope. And the style can't be too complex or tortuous, with too many really long or obscure words.

Personally, I've written for both adults and young adults, and I've found that while you can get away with almost any farfetched idea in a kids' book (adults are much more cautious about accepting strange or fantastical set-ups), what you can't get away with is a sluggish or gently drifting kind of pace. Kids like plot-driven stories, no matter how interesting the characters might be. I also tend to avoid too much sex or violence in my kids' books ─ and when I do portray violence, I try to ensure that it has deeply unpleasant, emotionally traumatic consequences; that it's serious and not fun. I can't speak for other authors, but I often wonder if the popularity of young adult fiction among many adults stems from these general features ─ that many adults aren't finding such qualities in adult fiction, and are looking for them elsewhere.

Q I attend the "Marian College" high school. Every year they give you the option of entering a competition where you read as many books as you can in a certain period of time (Premiers Reading Challenge). Well I decided to give it a go and the first book I read was Pagan's Crusade; I absolutely loved it, in fact I ended up reading the rest of the series and loved it even more! I was pretty sad when I finished Pagan's Daughter (which had a perfect end) because I wanted to see more, so instead I started to read some of your other books. Only today I was given the full cassette of your book Eye to Eye; I was also given a bag with the title of another of your books, The Reformed Vampire Support Group. All this came from the nice ladies from my school Library because I seem to be the one who reads your books one after another. Well anyway, I should thank you for writing such terrific books and I hope to be seeing some more too. By the way, I think you should write an epilogue to the first Pagan book, except base it on Roland's life at Castle Bram before he joined the Templars.

Posted by Rhys, Sydney

A Aha! So you got one of my publisher's special 'Reformed Vampire' bags! Excellent! I'm glad it went to a true fan. I'm also glad that you're enjoying my books; you might find that you also like Living Hell and the Genius series, if they happen to be in your school library.

I think a story about Roland's early life might be a prologue rather than an epilogue, since it happened before Pagan's Crusade. The trouble is, it would also be before Pagan entered Roland's life, and I'm not sure if I could write about Roland without Pagan. Maybe someone else could, but I couldn't. They're just indelibly connected in my mind.

Still, I'm glad you like the books so much that you actually want more of them!

Q So, I just finished reading The Reformed Vampire Support Group, and I LOVED IT! It was SO much better than the ridiculous Twilight series! Thank you so much for tackling a new and delightful side of fantasy! I cannot wait to make everyone read this book! So much better than Stephenie Meyer! It was wonderful! Thanks for writing it!!!

Posted by KMurphy, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

A And thank you so much for your enthusiastic endorsement! It's nice to know that someone prefers my book to the Twilight series; I figure Stephenie Meyer has so many fans, she could probably spare me one or two!

Friday, May 22

Q I'm just going to start by saying I finished The Reformed Vampire Support Group and found it a refreshing break from the constant push of beautiful and superhuman vampire romance stories which have recently swamped the shelves, thanks so much for such a new take on an age old legend. I'd also like to take the chance to say good on ya for showing the world you don't need an American or European setting to get a good story! Kudos for being such a recognisable Australian writer, I find it unimaginably inspirational. Anyways like many I'm a fan of Evil Genius and Genius Squad, I haven't enjoyed books that good for a while now and I'm glad I finally picked yours up! I'm thinking of doing my own writing and was wondering if you could give me a little advice on character development. Yours seem to mature and interact so well within their worlds and relationships. How did you manage to create such memorable personas? Is there a process? A profile? Or was it just instinct and thought that made you sit down and go 'Hmm well such and such would obviously say this and then that person would do this and from that he/she would form this opinion.'

Posted by April, Townsville, Queensland

A Hmmm. Character development. To be honest, April, it's become second nature to me, and I find it a bit hard to analyse exactly what I do, but I guess the point to remember about characters is that they don't live in isolation; no man is an island, and all that. Though your story might deal with your character's future, he or she also has a past, and the more you think about that past, the better your character will be. Because a character's past, to a great extent, dictates behaviours and emotional responses.

What's more, you have to consider your character in relation to the other two (or three or four or five) characters that he or she spends the most time with. It's the interraction between them that actually moulds your character throughout the story. And the more different they all are, the more exciting their exchanges will be, because it will be a continuous tug-of-war. That's ESPECIALLY important if you have a lot of characters, the way I do sometimes. Wherever you're writing about a whole crowd of people, there needs to be a great deal of character contrast, right down to their immensely different physical characteristics. Otherwise they become all muddled up in the reader's mind.

My last piece of advice is to take copious notes before you start writing. Make sure you know your characer back to front, even though you're not necessarily going to include all his likes and dislikes and hobbies and school records etc etc in the book. You'll feel more confident if you know the person really well, and that will mean you can fall easily into imagining how he would respond to things.

Q Evil Genius and Genius Squad are my two favourite books of all time and I'm wondering if you can please recommend any other books that are in the same sort of category as the Genius series. Also I'm wondering when the release date will be for Australia! Thanks and keep up the good writing!

Posted by Chris, Melbourne

A Gee, Chris, that's quite a compliment. Favourite books of all time! Thanks very much! I'm afraid I'm not a very good person to ask for reading advice (you'd be better off asking a children's librarian) but I guess I can point you in the same direction as online bookstores like Amazon; you might want to try the Artemis Fowl series (if you haven't already, which seems unlikely) and the book H.I.V.E, by Mark Walden. As for the Australian release date for The Genius Wars, I think it's going to be November or December, but that will kind of depend on my publishers.

Q Firstly let me just so I'm just GIDDY with excitement at the prospect of getting a possible reply to you. I love your Evil Genius series and am counting down the days until The Genius Wars. I've got to say I almost cried when I found out that Prosper wasn't Cadel's father. I came up with about 1000 theories as to why it might be false...heh heh I suppose you can't at the moment confirm if any would be true or not because if they were it'd be a major spoiler. Though I have to ask, will Prosper have the same sort of feelings for Cadel or will it be simply an 'out to kill the kid who knows too much' attitude from everyone's favorite villain? Anyways Prosper/Thad is my favorite character. I've noticed he has a rather large fanbase, did his popularity surprise you at all? I wonder how he'd react to all the admirers/fans/support he has...Lastly I've heard you, like me, live in Brisbane and was wondering if you have any plans for book signings or such around these parts. Have you ever heard of the supernova pop culture festival or the recent Gencon? Both have large turn outs and, while aimed at a more gaming/comics/anime & manga community your addition to a panel would be wonderful! Once again I adore your books, can't wait until November!

Posted by Alice, Brisbane

A To tell the truth, Alice, though I was certainly born in Brisbane, I haven't lived there since I was a toddler. Sorry. Nowadays I live in the Blue Mountains, outside Sydney. As for the Prosper/Thaddeus situation ... well, I can't talk about paternity at all, but let me just say that the feelings between Cadel and Prosper are way too complicated to be reduced to a mere 'kill the kid who knows too much' attitude. And I wasn't really thinking about other people's reactions when I first wrote Evil Genius ─ I created Prosper for me, not for anyone else ─ but I'm not entirely surprised that he's developed a fanbase. Because he's certainly my favourite character. (At least, he's the most fun to write about.) What's more, it's my opinion that he'd have the same attitude as me: he wouldn't be at all surprised at his own fanbase, since I don't think he suffers from low self-esteem.

It's funny you should have mentioned those big pop-culture gatherings like Gencon because the one thing I'd really, really like to do is go to Comicon, in the U.S. I reckon that would be fantastic. Maybe one day I will ...

Q If The Genius Wars comes out in November 2009 in Australia can we still get it in America? And will the Australian "version" be different in some way?

Posted by David, Boston

A As far as buying it goes, I feel sure that you'd be able to order it over the Internet, either from my Australian publisher ─ Allen and Unwin ─ or from an Australian-based online bookstore, like Booktopia. But it will be slightly different from the eventual American version, though I'm not sure how different because I haven't done my American edit just yet. Certainly the spelling will be Australian, and some of the words will be Australian: you don't seem to have things like terrace houses or nature strips in the U.S.; you have parking lots instead of carparks, garbage cans instead of rubbish bins ... that kind of thing. I would, however, be quite surprised if there were any big structural changes.

Tuesday, May 19

Q I've already said this, but I'm going to say it again. You Rock at writing! =] I love the Genius series and am patiently, as in banging my head against an invisible wall, awaiting The Genius Wars. Just one more year!! Ok, this message thing isn't completely pointless. -haha- I was actually seeking writing advice. Or in other terms constructive criticism. I know you are probably really busy and all, but it would be so wonderful if you could check out my book-in-progress (cross my fingers). If not, then that's completely ok! I will just put the link below this message. Once again, You Rock!! Keep up your writing!! http://www.quizilla.com/stories/9191124/chap1after-i-survive-this-remind-me-to-hate-you

Posted by Nicole, Brooklyn, IA

A Well, Nicole, I checked out the link you posted, and was very impressed by your writing style. You have a terrific flow to your sentences, and an almost perfect grasp of punctuation ─ almost. If I were you, though, I'd proof-read the text a little more carefully; for instance, you should always refer to a person (ie. the mother) as 'who', not 'that'.

Since you're not finished the book, it's hard to say any more; I certainly found it a surprising read, because I was well on the way to expecting some kind of creepy horror story and then suddenly it turned into a kind of fantasy Marvel-comic-type plot. I'm not sure how old you are (a teenager?), but my honest opinion is this: I think you're a born writer who needs to mature a little more. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if, by the time you finish this book, you might have matured so much that you want to go back and rework it a little. And if you don't end up finishing it, that's nothing to be ashamed of either ─ because not finishing stories is a part of growing up. When you are maturing, the process is often so rapid that you grow out of a story before you complete it. I was like that myself.

The title, by the way, is brilliant. I do think you've got an enormous amount of talent, but it's still a bit raw. You just need a touch more practice.

Q I love The Reformed Vampire Support Group, and I was wondering if you were planning to turn that into a book series?

Posted by Dustin, Elsinore, California

A As a matter of fact, Dustin, I am planning a series! But only a very short one. I'm currently writing a sequel called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group, which will probably be published in Australia some time next year. (I'm not sure when it will appear in the U.S., England or Germany.) There's only going to be one sequel, however.

Q I just finished reading your book The Reformed Vampire Support Group, and I wanted to know if you planned on making a sequel to it? Thanks!

Posted by Alexis, Chicago

A I'm very glad there's already so much interest in a sequel to The Reformed Vampire Support Group! It's most encouraging! As you can see from the above reply, Alexis, I am writing a sequel, called The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group. And once I have some idea of the U.S. publication date, I'll certainly post it.

Tuesday, May 12

Q Can you tell me when your new book The Genius Wars is going to come out? I'm in love with the series and I would love to know when it comes out! I really would like to know, so please reply to this message even if you can't tell me when exactly.

Posted by Tristan, Orem, Utah

A Well, Tristan, I'm afraid it's not going to come out in the U.S. until 2010 some time, though in Australia it may be published towards the end of this year. So I guess you'll have a long wait uless you get hold of an Australian copy, somehow. I'm sorry about that, but I'm glad you like the series so much.

Q I am a 40 year-old mom who works with at risk kids in urban youth programs and I just discovered The Reformed Vampire Support Group. What an awesome book! I have been troubled by the Twilight books and the message they may send to young women, and your book is the perfect response!!! It is smart, funny, well written....I am just loving it! I am not opposed to Ms. Meyer's work ─ I just think that you offer a perfect alternative. I look forward to reading your other books.

Posted by Catherine, St. Louis

A Well, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it, Catherine, and that you appreciate what it's about. I've noticed that some people love the book and some don't, and the ones who love it always talk about how funny it is, and the ones who don't never mention humour at all. Which suggests to me that my fans are people with a certain comedic sensibility; unless you laugh at certain things, you're not going to get this one.

Never mind. As you say, the important thing is that there's a whole spectrum of vampire experiences out there ─ including a book for an audience comprised (as one blog has put it) of readers who spend all night playing computer games with leg-warmers on their arms.

Q I just read The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Why??? are your vampires so unlike the strong and glamourous Anne Rice vampires, or Christopher Moore's somewhat goofy but still super-human undead? I am intrigued but disturbed.

Posted by Mari, Ukiah, California

A I guess the simple answer is that I was sick of reading about people with special powers. I think it's much more interesting when people overcome serious problems, rather than starting out with superhuman abilities. Mind you, I hadn't even heard of Stephanie Meyer when I first had the idea of a miserable group of couch-potato vampires in therapy; her name was only added to the book when I was proof-reading it, so the book wasn't written in response to Twilight. It was just written as a response to the genre

Also, I've found that inverting stereotypes can be very funny. And this book is meant to be funny. (For a fuller discussion of my motivations, there's an interview I did with the Australian website Booktopia ─ you can view it here.)

Friday, May 8

Q I love your books. Evil Genius and Genius Squad are my two favorite books and I am dying to read The Genius Wars! I live in Peru and I want to know when it will be available in Peru, but I would like to read it in the English version and I want to know when I can buy it. Thanks, keep writing and make The Genius Wars exciting.

Posted by Juan, Lima, Peru

A Wow, Juan! Peru! I sure don't get many messages from your part of the world ─ thanks for making contact!

Well, at this point I believe that The Genius Wars will be published in Australia towards the end of this year, and in the U.S. around the middle of next year. I'm not sure where your English-language books generally come from, in Peru, but my guess would be the U.S. So you may have a bit of a wait. (Sorry.)

Q I must say that Evil Genius and Genius Squad are some very good books. I am currently re-reading Genius Squad and finished Evil Genius about two weeks ago. The plot is brillant and the characters are AWESOME. I am counting down the days until The Genius Wars comes out! I hoping it will be just as good as your first two!

Posted by Brett, Missouri

A It's good to hear from you, Brett, and I'm so glad you enjoyed my books. I'm afraid you'll have a bit of a wait for The Genius Wars (unless you order it from Australia), but I've got another book that's just come out in the U.S. called The Reformed Vampire Support Group. It's not terrifically techno, but it's got a large cast of peculiar characters, just like the Genius books so . . . who knows? You might like it. (Only thing is, the main character's a girl . . . )

Sunday, April 26

Q I LOVE Evil Genius and Genius Squad. This question has been bugging me for weeks: Will we be seeing more of Com and/or Dot in The Genius Wars? I can't wait for the book to come out!

Posted by Riina, Louisville

A The good news is that both Dot and Com play a big role in The Genius Wars, but that's all I'm going to say about them because I don't want to spoil things for anyone! Thanks very much for your interest, though; I'm sorry the book won't be out in America until next year.

Q I was interested to know, as a professor of education who specializes in image literacies (and a fan of Jinks' works), if she has ever considered having her young adult novels adapted into graphic novel format??? Thanks so much! :)

Posted by Kate, Jacksonville, Florida

A I've never considered this because no one's ever asked me if they can do it. My Australian publisher knows what it takes to get a graphic novel into print and when I mentioned your question to her she kind of rolled her eyes. "I suppose if someone had about twelve years to spare ..." she said. But she was talking about the 'Genius' books, which are all very big. I think something like Living Hell (which will be published in America towards the end of the year and which is pretty much all hard action) might be an easier candidate for a graphic novel.

Sunday, April 19

Q I'm a fan of the Genius series and a writer myself, but I was wondering why you made Cadel so indecisive. I love his character but those moments of indecisiveness only cause him pain and, not trying to sound conceited, pain me (or whoever else caught this, I repeat not trying to sound conceited). So I was just wondering.

Posted by Jeremy, Fayetteville, Georgia

A I don't know if I make many conscious decisions regarding a character's emotional reactions while I'm writing; I just try to think myself into the character's head, then respond appropriately. So I guess that means Cadel is indecisive because I am!

Q My name is Perla and I work at a library in San Diego and I'm a huge fan of The Reformed Vampire Support Group. Once read it I immediately fell in love with your amazing story and it's compelling characters. I want my teens to get better acquainted with you and this fantastic book.

Posted by Perla, Imperial Beach, California

A Thanks so much, Perla. It's nice to know that my vampire book is getting out to the public libraries already!

Q I finished Genius Squad today and I have to say I loved the ending. Very happy! I'm glad the sequel won't take as long as Genius Squad did! I just saw the book trailer for America, I didn't like it much. My question is will there be a movie? If so, you should make Cadel look younger than he is.

Posted by Art, Launceston, Tasmania

A I'm so glad you enjoyed Genius Squad, Art. At present no one seems inclined to make a movie out of it, and if they ever do I'm sure to have zero input into the casting. But I agree; Cadel should be made to look younger than he is (and not as tall as the kid in the trailer).

Q When can I read The Genius Wars at Germany?? I can't live without it! Please!

Posted by Marie, Manchen, Germany

A Oh dear. You sound a bit desperate. The problem is that my publishers in Australia have only just begun to edit The Genius Wars, and my German publishers will only get the book to translate when that edit is finished. So the text won't reach Germany until mid-year, and then it has to be translated into German.

Realistically, I don't think you'll get The Genius Wars over there until at least mid-2010, though you might be lucky. Sorry, Marie! I wish the news was better.

Wednesday, April 1

Q I know this isn't a question, but Evil Genius made it into Fanfiction.net (www.fanfiction.net/book/Evil_Genius/). Just thought you might want to know. It was only added a few days ago, and is rather empty.

Posted by Madeline, USA

A Wow! Thanks for telling me, Madeline. And I hope everyone reading this will immediately go and remedy the 'emptiness' situation over there. Otherwise I might have to do something really crass, like fill it up myself (under pseudonyms).

Q Why do you like to write?

Posted by Olivia, Maryland

A The sad truth is, I like to write because my life isn't enough for me. I want to be other people, and escape the real world. You'll find that a lot of writers are like that. If they were happy being themselves, they wouldn't be writers.

Q Call me clueless, but I just realized that Luther is also the name of one of the villains in some cartoon book. Was that an intentional pun, or totally accidental?

Posted by Mandy, Lake Forest

A Totally accidental, I assure you ─ though it's possible I was subconsciously aware of Luther being a villain's name. But it's also rather similar in sound to 'ruthless', and that may also have influenced me.

Q I am your BIGGEST FAN!!! I am TOTALLY obsessed with Evil Genius and Genius Squad! I don't think I can wait until November! Do you think you could give us Genius series lovers a hint of what's going to happen in Genius Wars! I'm dying to know! Even just the blurb? Before I start to hyperventilate I better talk about something else! I'm writing a book (which obviously won't be as good as yours . . . but still) and I was wondering if you could give me a peice of advice about characters or writing styles or . . . I don't know, anything! I LOVE writing, it's my favourite thing to do (besides reading your books) and I would love nothing more than to grow up like you (I'm 13)! Please reply!!!

Posted by Claudia, Hobart

A As far as my tips on writing go, you might want to check out some of the other pages on my website ─ there are sections for school projects and teachers that might help you. But probably my most important tip for preventing writer's block is to find some music that will serve as theme music for your story; that way, whenever you hear the music, you will receive a mood kickstart ─ and it will also help you to visualise certain important scenes. (My other tip for preventing writer's block is to write out a plan, or synopsis, before you start the book. I always do.)

But I can't tell you too much about The Genius Wars, Claudia! It will spoil things for everyone else! All I can say is that Prosper/Thaddeus will be back, and so will Gazo and Saul and Judith and Sonja and some other old favourites. Also ─ and here's a hot piece of gossip ─ there'll be a trip to America! That's all I'm going to reveal, though.

Q Your books are fantastic! The dialogues between Cadel and Thaddeus are brilliant! I hope Thaddeus won't die in The Genius Wars. You said that it will be released in Australia in November 2009. Do you know how I can order it from Germany? Is there something like Amazon which will ship it to Germany?

Posted by Tanja, Heilbronn

A Thanks so much, Tanja ─ it's wonderful to hear from someone in Germany. And I'm pretty sure Amazon would be able to ship an English-language book to Germany, once it's available at all. (I'm not sure how soon after publication a book becomes available from Amazon.) Judging from your letter, I guess you won't have much trouble reading the Australian version!

Q Can you please write some books about Roland and his childhood? As much as I love Pagan as a character, I also love Roland and would love to hear more about his life, family and brothers. Do you plan to write any books about Roland? You are the best author ever! Keep up the great work!

Posted by Geraldine, Northern Ireland

A Gosh! Northern Ireland! I didn't know anyone was reading the Pagan books over there! I'm so glad you like them, Geraldine, and I'm sorry I don't have any immediate plans to write any more ─ especially about Roland. Maybe one day if I celebrate the 25th anniversary of the publication of Pagan's Crusade (come to think of it, that's only about six or seven years away), I might do a short story featuing the three brothers, but I can't help thinking it might be a bit depressing. Since they obviously had such lousy childhoods . . .

Q I really love your Evil Genius series. I can't wait until the third one comes out, though it will be in 2010. Bummer! Anyway, I would like to ask the question have you ever thought of Cadel being a Christian? Are you a Christian? You don't have to answer those questions if you don't want to, no offence to me if it's too personal. :)

Posted by Ali, Gainsville

A I honestly don't know if Cadel is Christian or not ─ since there are a lot of ways of being Christian, and some of them don't involve much more than going to church at Christmas and Easter. Personally, I'm an agnostic (though I'm very, very interested in the history of the Catholic church.) I don't think I know enough to know anything, one way or another.

Q I just wanted to let you know that your books Evil Genius and Genius Squad are phenomenal. Like many others they are my favorite books. Thanks so much for doing everyone a huge favor and coming up with an actually good teen read.

Posted by Anna, Ithaca

A Thanks so much, Anna ─ I really appreciate your good wishes. Messages like yours (and most of the other ones on this website) are hands-down the best part of being an author.

Q I tried to read through the message board to see if this question had already been asked but there were just too many questions! XD (Mrs Jinks you have a very strong fan base, you should be proud.) Anyway my question is if you will have another Babylonne book - she is one of my favorite characters ever! I also love Pagan and Roland. I was so sad when he died =(. The way I think is very much like the way Babylonne does, and I was adopted so I don't know my birth parents either just like her. Not knowing your parents seems to be a repeating theme, were you adopted too? Thanks for answering my questions; you are one of my favorite authors! P.S. I think Isidore, Pagan, and Roland make great adoptive dads.

Posted by Sarah, St. Johns, Michigan

A You know, there is a possibility that I might write one more book about Babylonne; not immediately, but some time in the future. I feel as if her story hasn't come to an end, yet. And I'm glad that you feel she's a convincing character, because I wasn't adopted, myself; I guess the reason so many of my characters don't know their birth parents is because a lot of my books have the theme of looking for love/a home. It's an important theme in life, I think.

I agree with you about Isidore, Pagan and Roland. I too think they make great adoptive dads.

Q I was just doing a reread of your Pagan books the other day and I remembered something that I have wondered about each time I read them and so I thought I would finally see if I could get an answer! Sorry if this has been asked before, by the way ─ I had a quick look through the older messages but wasn't brave enough to take them all on. So, my question: At the end of Pagan's Crusade Saladin says something to the effect of Pagan looking familiar, but nothing was ever mentioned about it again. To my mind, this sounded like the kind of leading statement that authors use to link to a later work ─ is it? Or was it just something that you thought about but didn't end up taking anywhere? I guess it must be the latter, as none of the later books mention anything about it, but if you had followed up on that kind of idea (Pagan being known to Saladin), what do you think you would have done with it?

Posted by Bridget, Canberra

A I have a confession to make, Bridget; I was going to do something with that idea about Pagan's parentage, but circumstances prevented me. You see, I was going to make Pagan the son of one of Saladin's favourite offsiders, but then when Pagan and Roland went off to France, the whole thing became too hard. Though there were some medieval legends about Saladin coming to Europe in disguise, and I could have built on those . . . well, I just thought it would be too much of a distraction. So I let it all slide.

Q You seem to be very well informed about the middle ages and the Cathars. I have a symbol that is attached to my family which I would like you to comment on ─ it is a jpg file so if you send me a return email I can attach it.

Posted by Jan, Hobart

A If you think it might be a Cathar or medieval symbol, Jan, I doubt I'll be able to help you. I'm not an expert on medieval symbols, and it's been so long since I did any research into medieval times that most of what I once knew has slipped my mind anyway. (I was recently in Europe, and was appalled at how much I'd forgotten about the symbols used to identify various saints ─ I couldn't tell one from the other, because I couldn't remember who held the book and who held the wheel.) You'd be better off doing some research on the Internet. Maybe google 'medieval religious symbols' or 'Cathar symbolism' or 'medieval heraldry' or even 'medieval astrological symbols'. Something like that.

Q I am currently in the process of reading, no devouring, Evil Genius and I noticed an inconsistency that should be remedied for future editions. On page 89 of the hard cover version of the book, Stuart makes references to "Football," "Soccer" and "Rugby." However when they are first discussing college choices for Cadel, it is mentioned that he should stay in Sydney. As you are from Australia I feel that it is safe to assume that it is none other than the famous Australian city that you are referring to so would it not be more correct to have references to "American football," "Football" and "Rugby"? I am no expert when it comes to any culture other than my own, but this possible inconsistency warrants, I believe, the possibility of making a fool of myself for the sake of Academia.

Posted by Ian, Gallup, New Mexico

A Yes, the book is set in Australia, and I guess that the whole football thing should have been clarified for a North American audience. Basically, in Australia, 'football' can refer to soccer, rugby and Australian Rules football (as well as American gridiron, though almost no one over here has anything to do with American football, and rarely makes reference to it). Stuart is speaking as an Australian would ─ referring to football, then clarifying the word by offering up various options. It might be a bit confusing for an American audience, though.

Q I love your Evil Genius series. I finished the first two books in two weeks (you caused me a lot of sleep loss). I was just wondering if you could tell me what The Genius Wars is about (the plot).

Posted by Jarrad, Brisbane

A Dear me ─ there are a lot of people who want to know the plot of The Genius Wars! All I can tell you, Jarrad, is what I told Claudia, just a few questions up. (If I went into any more detail, it would spoil the things for everyone else.) And I'm very sorry to hear that you've lost sleep because of my books. I have to say, as the mother of a 12-year-old, it makes me feel a bit guilty ─ though as an author, it's hugely gratifying. I have to admit, I'm torn between pleasure and pain.

Monday, March 9

Q Was Hitchcock's North by Northwest an influence on the Genius books at all?

Posted by V, Melbourne

A No, not at all ─ in fact I don't think I've ever seen that film all the way through. Interesting question, though. Maybe I'll have a look at it again.

Tuesday, February 17

Q I love your books Catherine, quite frankly. I'm only 12 years old and I can't wait for the third Cadel book to come out and same with the Vampire book. When will they be published?

Posted by Mitchell, Freeport

A Thanks, Mitchell! The Reformed Vampire Support Group will be published in Australia and the U.S.A in April, but publication dates for The Genius Wars are more problematic. That book may be out in Australia this November, but it certainly won't be available in the U.S.A until 2010.

Sunday, February 15

Q I am lucky enough to work for my local public library and got to look at an advanced copy of The Reformed Vampire Support Group. But I don't understand the reference you make to Boris Karloff when describing Horace. Bela Lugosi played Dracula ─ Karloff was Frankenstien's monster. Or is Horace supposed to be tall and blocky like Karloff and dressed like Lugosi's Dracula?

Posted by Marti, Rapid City, South Dakota

A Well, Marti, this is a classic example of why writers need very, very good proof readers and copy-editors. (You'd probably make a good one yourself.) Someone should have picked that up, and questioned me on it, because you're right; Bela Lugosi would probably have made more sense, since Bela Lugosi was so notoriously addicted to wearing Gothic clothes in real life. But I think what I was trying to do was combine a classic old horror-film name (which has all kinds of vaguely creepy connotations) with the images that spring to mind when you think of The Rocky Horror Show. I was referring to Horace's outfit, rather than his physical appearance; he was wearing an outfit that an old-time horror star would have worn if he'd joined the cast of The Rocky Horror Show.

Q I have written a poem based on Evil Genius. I would like to send it to you. Is that possible?

Posted by Caleb, Kannapolis

A I would love to read your poem, Caleb; in fact I'd love to see it posted on this message board. Would you like to do that? Because it would be nice if other people could read it.

Saturday, February 7

Q I just noticed something. In Evil Genius Vee mentions Sally. Was this just filler or something you wanted to or are going add more too? I assume she was a student who died or something or his girlfriend?

Posted by Madeline, USA

A Yes, it was just filler ─ I wanted to show that there were a reasonable number of students without showing the students themselves (since there were already more than enough characters in that book).

Wednesday, February 4

Q I was just creeping along the net, and decided to google my favorite book series. Evil Genius, of course! I really enjoyed reading your books, because I can relate to them, besides the age gap. Thanks for writing them! Can't wait for The Genius Wars in 2010!

Posted by Joel, Fredericksburg

A Thanks, Joel! Much obliged! And I hope The Genius Wars measures up; it's always a bit nerve-racking when readers are really looking forward to a sequel ─ you get scared that you're going to disappoint them.

Q Hey, just wondering, are any of the Axis Insitute people (besides Prosper English, of course) going to be in The Genius Wars? The title seems very ominous. To me, at least. I have two questions. 1)When is The Genius Wars coming out in Australia? 2)How can I order an Australian copy before it comes out in America? By the way, I'm sitting at my computer with Babylonne in front of me, and I keep periodically stopping, picking it up, and reading it. I will most likely stay up way too late tonight in order to finish it. Very good so far, just like all the Pagan books. I've recommended them to my mom, who's a seventh grade history teacher, but she has yet to read them. I'll bug her more the next time we have a vacation from school. I can't wait to see if I can get my hands on The Reformed Vampire Support Group. It sounds hilarious!

Posted by Mandy, Lake Forest

A I appreciate your devotion to my output as a whole, Mandy; it's nice to know I have readers out there who can skip from fantasy to historical fiction without any trouble. As far as your questions are concerned: well, the new book does feature several people from the Institute (apart from Prosper) ─ primarily Gazo. I can't be absolutely sure, but the latest I've heard is that The Genius Wars will be out in Australia this November. (Whether or not this will happen, however, remains to be seen.) I guess that, to order it, your best bet will be to go to the Allen and Unwin website, and take it from there; alternatively, it might be available from Amazon or various other online book-ordering sites soon after publication.

I do hope you enjoy The Reformed Vampire Support Group.

Friday, January 30

Q Just wondering when The Reformed Vampire Support Group will be released in Australia?

Posted by V, Melbourne

A Not long now, I'm pleased to say; the publication date is April 2009.

Q So after Evil Genius it goes on to Genius Squad?? Because I'm almost done with Evil Genius.

Posted by Marlon, Las Vegas

A Yup! Genius Squad is available in the stores right now, but the third (and last) book in the series, The Genius Wars, won't be published in America until 2010.

Tuesday, January 27

Q I just picked up Babylonne and it prompted me to write to say how much I have enjoyed your books, which I just discovered this year. I'm pretty much your reader slave, actually. You write it, I will read it. Can't wait to jump into Babylonne (momentarily) and I'm so eagerly awaiting the third Cadel book. Happy writing!

Posted by Sarah, Iowa City, Iowa

A And happy reading to you, Sarah; I'm very glad you've enjoyed my books so far. Hope Babylonne lives up to your expectations! The Reformed Vampire Support Group will be out soon in America, too ─ either April or May. So guess that'll have to tide you over until The Genius Wars is published there next year.

Q Thank you for your reply. I was just wondering, does Cadel turn 18 in The Genuis Wars? And does he still live with Detective Saul and Fiona?

Posted by Dominic, Melbourne

A No, Cadel hasn't quite turned sixteen when The Genius Wars opens, so he's still living with Saul and Fiona Greeniaus.

Q I love the Genius books. I can't wait until The Genius Wars comes out! Hopefully soon? :)

Posted by Steph, Grand Rapids, Michigan

A Well, it depends what you mean by 'soon'. There are plans afoot to publish it in Australia in November, but the U.S. edition won't be available until next year. (Sorry about that.)

Q I just read your post that said that Cadel will be fighting pretty much alone. Oh no!!! Please, please, tell me none of the good characters die. PLEASE!!! Oh, could you just say if anyone dies, not who or how? Please? (I think I will have to order an Australian copy, 'cause I sure can't wait till 2010.) Hmmm. Maybe for a graduation (from middle school) present.

Posted by Mandy, Lake Forest

A I didn't say anyone would die, I just said Cadel would be fighting pretty much alone. Doesn't mean that anyone's going to die; it just means various events conspire to isolate him. (I won't say what, though ─ especially since I haven't edited the book yet, and things can change during the editing process.)

Wednesday, January 21

Q I'm currently in a film college in Florida called Full Sail University. I'm reading your book Evil Genius which I love. I'm so in love with it I want to shoot a portion of the book for a school project. Of course I cannot do so without permission of the author. We have to pitch the story idea to our school producers at the end of Feburary. I would love to try and bring the image to life as best as I can and present you with the finished project to see how you feel about it. And if you desire to put in input or stop by the school, your more than welcome to. I completely look forward to hearing from you.

I really, really do want to do this short for you. If you actually like it enough we can get a producer in this and make it for real. But everything's up to you. I'm right now writing the script if you want to see it or see previous things I have done, then please feel free to ask. I really look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by Jesani, Winter Park, Florida

A You're very welcome to shoot a portion of Evil Genius, Jesani; the only stipulation that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has made is that you don't make any money out of it at all. Sorry about the delay in getting back to you, but I had to check with my publisher. And you don't have to send me anything, either. I'm just glad you like the book so much.

Q I love your books Evil Genius and Genius Squad. I was hoping could you please please please tell me a little about 'The Genius Wars? I'm so excited, just a little bit!!!!!! Is there going to be a fourth book?!!

Posted by Dominic, Melbourne

A Sorry to say, there isn't going to be a fourth book, since I did what I had to do in the third one. As for the content of The Genius Wars . . . well, I don't think I really want to give too much away. Let's just say that Prosper rears his ugly head again, and Cadel finds himself fighting the good fight pretty much alone, after a series of dramatic attacks on his friends and supporters.

Q I love your books; I read them all the time. I can't wait for The Genius Wars. How long does it take after you write a book to publish it??

Posted by Joseph, New York, New York

A Well, it kind of depends. I just finished writing The Genius Wars, and in Australia the publishers want to try to publish it in November this year, if they can, but in the U.S.A. it generally takes a bit longer because of the big American marketing plans. I don't think you'll be seeing it in America before spring 2010 ─ maybe even autumn. Sorry about that! I'm glad you like the series so much, though.

Thursday, January 15

Q I'm a huge fan of your work. I've read Evil Genius and Genius Squad; I can't wait for your next book. Also can you send me an unpublished version of The Genius Wars please?

Posted by Seth, Providence, Rhode Island

A I wish I could, Seth, but it hasnt been edited yet, and that's going to take quite a while ─ months and months. If you're really, really desperate to see it, my Australian publishers are talking about releasing it this November. So maybe you can order an Australian copy before the American version comes out in 2010.

Sunday, January 11

Q I've been reading Evil Genius for the billionth time (I think it's Fantastic!) and I saw that in the letter "Jorge Heimstadt" sent to Partner Post. When Cadel was deciphering the letter, it said "... and even if I was sixty four, or older . . . " but when Cadel is figuring out the clues it says ". . . seventy-four was the atomic number ..." and that kind of confused me. I think your books are the best, and even though I've read them time and time again I can just never put them down! Keep up the great work! I can't wait 'till The Genius Wars!

Posted by Serena, Chatswood, NSW

A Oops! You know what? That was a mistake, which I fixed up in the American edition but which needs to be repaired when the next Australian reprint occurs. Thanks very much for pointing it out! It should, as you say, read 'seventy-four'.

Q I am a huge fan of Evil Genius and Genius Squad! I was wondering when you will release The Genius Wars. It will be a highly anticipated calendar-marking date.

Posted by Jonathan, Menlo Park, California

A Well, you'll be pleased to know I've just finished writing The Genius Wars! So it's up to the publishers, but I'm pretty sure you won't be seeing it before early 2010 ─ sorry.

Q Evil Genius and Genius Squad are books that are at the top of my list of favorite books,and that's saying something ─ it's a very long list! When I got Evil Genius, I didn't have clue what it was about. However, as soon as I opened it, it was like there was special tape inside it so strong I couldn't take my nose out of it! I read it in the car, at home . . . I basically didn't turn on the TV or computer till I was through! On the way home, I finished it, and was so excited to get the next one we went straight to the bookstore! Also, when do you think The Genius Wars will be out? Thanks so much for writing such great books! P.S. I don't think it should be made into a movie ─ they'd definitely do it wrong!

Posted by Connor, San Antonio

A Thanks so much, Connor. I'm so glad I made it to the top of your list! As mentioned above (it's a popular question!), The Genius Wars should be out early in 2010 ─ I just finished writing it today, after a full year's work. And I hope it meets all the high expectations people seem to have of it; it's always very nerve-wracking when readers are waiting with baited breath for a book. I get scared that I'll disappoint somebody.

Q I was only wondering what happened to the Axis Website?! The link takes me to the blog. -sigh-

Posted by Madeline, USA

A Sorry, Madeline, but it looks as if Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (my U.S. publisher) has replaced the Axis Institute website with that Evil Genius Books blog page. And there's nothing I can do about that, I'm afraid; I don't have a whole lot of input into their marketing strategies, because I don't possess much expertise in marketing.

Saturday, January 3

Q Hello, favourite author! I am just writing to wish you the best of the season. Happy holidays.

Posted by Greg, Leeds, UK

A Thanks, Greg ─ and a very belated season's greetings to you, too. Sorry about the delay in responding; Xmas intervened, I fear.

Q I just finished reading Babylonne and I loved it. But the ending was little disappointing. I would have loved to know what happened with Isidore and Babylonne in the Epilogue. But if you are planning to write another book with Babylonne and Isidore as the main characters, then never mind about the disappoint. I'm just one of those readers who HAS to know what happens in the character's future. Thanks so much and I love your work.

Posted by Sarah, Villa Rica, Georgia

A Sorry to disappoint, but I was intending to pursue both characters to Bologna in a final book, some time in the future. It's not at the top of my list, right now, but it may still happen.

In the meantime, thanks for your kind words!

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