This is the fourth page of Diana's answers to questions which were asked between March and late July 2001. The main topics on this page are: will there be a new Chrestomanci book, and who is the Chrestomanci of the stories. There are more pages of answers: Page 1 covers: writing; fanfiction; Fire and Hemlock; Howl's Moving Castle; Harry Potter; Dark Lord of Derkholm and The Tough Guide. Page 2 includes a film of Howl's Moving Castle; Time of the Ghost; multiverses; The Master; men; The True State of Affairs; The Ogre Downstairs. Page 3 has some of the Chrestomanci questions including: Millie; a female Chrestomanci, and Diana's inspiration for the series. Page 5 contains all the wonderful miscellaneous and general questions, such as Diana's favourite of her books.
Diana's replies are placed first, then you can read all the questions she is replying to:
Will there be a new Chrestomanci book?
TO: Alexander Lee, Angel, Angelina Edwards, Tom Woods, Meredith Lelande, Jennifer Rowland, Suellen, Jeremy Young, Jordana, Crystal Roberts, cuteblackkat, britney, Kate.S, Chanelle Lammers, Katy Davies, Iszy Siskin, Lorelei Chant, Emily Sparapani, Amanda, Lara, LeighAnna, Caire Meador, Ceyenne Brown, whiney, Robert Williams, Jordana, Ven, Erich, Meg, Erin, Robin
All of you have asked me the same thing, some of you very beguilingly, with lots of pleading pleases, and this is : Am I going to write another book in the Chrestomanci series? All of you have somehow got over that awful, blank, deserted feeling that a person has when they have finished a book they realy, really enjoyed, and popped up into real life and discovered they have read all the books in the series. Believe me, I know that feeling very well. It's even worse if you've just finished WRITING the book. And worse still if you are a writer like me who has to wait for a book to come anf GET them. I can't just sit down and say 'I'll write a Chrestomanci book today'. I wish I could. I have to hang about waiting until the book suddenly comes into my head (and then I can't wait to get it down). And this is the awful truth: so far, even though I want to very much, I have not had another Chrestomanci book come and GET me. So we're all hanging about, waiting and hoping, I'm afraid.
I have lots of ideas for such a book, and many of you have very kindly given me more ideas, both by making suggestions and by wanting to know things that I want to know too - for instance, what happens to all the babies after 'Stealer of Souls' ? I reallyreally want to know that too. It's driving me MAD not knowing. But I still haven't had a book about it, or about many of the other things you all asked me about.
Such things as I DID know, I put into 'Stealer of Souls'. That is in a book called MIXED MAGICS which should be in libraries in Britain, although I don't know about libraries in America or Australia. You must go and ask the librarians. I know this takes courage, but this is what librarians are there for - they are supposed to SEND FOR books from other libraries if they don't happen to have them, so don't let them be lazy. Anyway, those of you who wanted to know more about Cat, Tonino and Tacroy can find out from this story. And other things. Thank you all for making so many suggestions. I was very grateful for the one about rereading the book, but that didn't work, I'm afraid.
Who is the Chrestomanci of the stories?
To: Kenna, Jocelyn Prong, Ceyenne Brown, Jessica Gamba, dulce barahona, Emily Busch.
Forgive my replying to you all in a bunch, but you all want to know the same thing: who is Chrestomanci in the various books of the series? This is how it goes. In THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT, it was Gabriel de Witt. When Christopher grew up, he became Chrestomanci as soon as he was old enough. Gabriel de Witt never enjoyed the job and Christopher did - he did one or two spectacular things as a teenager and eventually got knighted (he became SIR Christopher Chant at 21 for doing something for the King that I haven't discovered about yet). Yes, I know this isn't in any book, but I hope it will be some day. Gabriel de Witt retired and began losing the rest of his lives quietly in Dulwich and Christopher took over. He is the Chrestomanci in CHARMED LIFE, WITCH WEEK and THE MAGICIANS OF CAPRONA. Cat hasn't grown up yet. OK ?
The Questions
From Alexander Lee
Diana, Thanks for your time, I was just wondering if you are planning any more books on Chrestomanci. They inspired me into reading a lot more and I wanted to thank you. A sequel to Charmed Life would be good like a story to follow on after Kat found out he was an enchanter, or any story from you would please me! Thanks very much :-)
Other Comments
I am 13, and love anything to do with magic. Harry Potter is also a great series. I live in Manchester, England, live with my mum and dad, have two cats called Bobby and Sparky (I wish i could talk to them like Tonino talked to Benvenuto in The Magicians Of Caprona!) and a dog called Boston. Thanks for your time, I hope you have a chance to reply, ALexander Lee
From Angelina Edwards
Mrs. Jones, you are the best ever! I love all your books and I own all of them too! My favourite is the Lives of Christopher Chant, and I was wondering if you could tell me what happens to Tacroy after the end of the book. Are you going to write more in the Chrestomanci series? I hope that you do, because they are amazing books, and you're an amazing author! Lots of love!
From tom woods
Will you do a Chronicles of Chrestomanci volume 3 with what happens to Gwendolen?
Other Comments
I like your books
From Jennifer Rowland
I'm aftraid this isn't a proper question, more of a beg. Will there be any more Chrestomanci books? My own dream is of an Elizabethan Chrestomanci, writing metaphysical poems and looking at malefactors over a ruff. (How long ago did that world and ours separate? *Was* there an Elizabeth, or did Richard have magicians on his side and win at Bosworth so that the royals are still Plantagenets? Do children in that world do Shakespeare at school?)
Other Comments
I'm 25 and have been reading your books since Charmed Life when I was about 10. One of the best things about them is how well they bear re-reading, you always find more in them. My favourite is Deep Secret- no, Howl must be it - no, Spellcoats - what about Hexwood? Anyway, whichever it is, thank you, not just for your own books but for introducing me to fantasy.
From an adoring fan
Hello. I just read the Chronicles of Chrestomanci Volume I and loved it. I told my friend that it was good so she got it, and we raced to finish it. I won. She already has Volume II and my mom has ordered it for me. These books are so good. I wondered, is there, or will there be, a Volume III. Thank you for your time.
Other Comments
I'm an eleven year old high honor student, living in the swamps of Florida. I'm a very avid reader and only read the best, of course you're one of them. your book is one of the best I've read, I can't wait for the next!
From Emily Sparapani
You are a very good author. I have read the Chronicles of Chrestomanci. I just finished the second volume today, The Magicians of Caprona and Witch Week. Will you be coming out with a 3rd Volume, and what made you want to write books about witches? I like fantasy books, I also read Harry Potter books because the front said, "Mad about Harry? Try Diana." I live in the US.
Other Comments
I am 12 years old. My friend showed me the Chronicles of Chrestomanci, and I LOVE them!!! I like Benvenuto, Throgmorten, Christopher, Eric (Cat), Janet, Paolo, Tonino, Nan, Charles, Nirupam, and Estelle, and others as well. My aunt is pure Italian, so she helped me pronounce some words in the Magicians of Caprona.
From whiney
when is your next book coming out about crestomanci?
Other Comments
i'm 12 years old and LOVE your books!
From Robin
Hello! I'm Robin. ::ten minutes later:: Okay, I'm also really bad at starting 'friendly' and 'cordial' letters, but what the heck, this may not even be read at all. Anyways, I have just finished reading The Chronicles Of Chrestomanci *Volume I*, and I have to say it was one of the most exciting books I have EVER read!!! (And I read a lot of books). Well, I'm wondering (and I'm practically writhing with excitment, and recieving *very* odd looks from my family) if there is any sort of follow-up on Cat Chant's life, and if there's some sort of 'Millie goes to school' type thing. Maybe a story about how Christopher and Millie fell in love? And, what happened to Gabriel De Witt? Alright, now I need to go re-read the books. Oh, and whatever happened to Gwendolyn, and Throgmorten? And Fiddle? This is very exciting! Please reply!! :o)
Other Comments
I am 15, a horrible speller, love to read, and tend to take myself entirely too seriously, and the rest of the world not seriously enough. And I'm rather silly.
From Erin
Will we see more of Cristopher and Cat Chant? I hope so, because I think they were the best stories.
Other Comments
I'm 12 and I love your books. I've never been into reading until about 2 years ago when I started reading Harry Potter books. I read all of them and I had nothing else to read. Then my mom got me your books and I'm once again into reading. Thank you!
From Meg Bétit
This is actually more of a request than a question...perhaps a plea, even. As of recently, I have been enthralled with your series The Chrestominci Chronicles. I have purchased all four of the books: The Charmed Life, The Lives of Christopher Chant, The Magicians of Caprona, and Witch Week. My request is that you right at least one more to this series--I simple can't get enough of them and am looking foward to reading them multiple times while I wait for another.
Other Comments
I simply adore Diana Wynne Jones books and have read a great many, including:The Charmed Life, The lives of Christopher Chant, Witch Week, The Dark Lord of Derkholm, The Year of the Griffin, and Fire and Hemlock.
From Erich
my name is Erich.I think that if more people in the U.S. knew about your book or at least in New Orleans ,where I come from, it would be out selling Harry Potter.I was wondering if there was to be another Chrestomanci book or if you could not tell just give a hint?And if you were fresh out of ideas I could give you some.Like at the end of some your books you said or rather Chrestomanci said that he would have to "personally" train and look over Cat,Tonino,Angelica.You could write a book on training them and suprise us by bringing back other young Witches and Enchanters that you did not tell us about. And I voted for you in the contest
From Suellen
My son, husband, and I just finished reading "Charmed Life" and "The Lives of Christopher Chant." We've now begun "The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Vol. 2," and while we are enjoying these stories, we also very much want to know more about what happens to Cat and Janet and the others from "Charmed Life." Is there any chance of a sequel to "Charmed Life"? Thank you for your delightful stories.
From Mary Beth Cubberly
First of all your books are the greatest. I've read the Chrestomanci books. They are wonderful. I hate be repetitive, but PLEASE write another one. In Mixed Magics, I loved seeing Cat,Tanio,Janet, and ( won't go on too long) Gabriel de Witt. I think it was neat how Christopher married the Goddess. Anyways, now I forgot what my my question is. Oh well. To close up, your books are so great and PLEASE keep writing.
Other Comments
I'm 11, a girl, and I live in the U.S. I love fantasy and sci-fi, and other than you, I read Tamora Pierce books(AWESOME) among others.
From Iszy Siskin
Is there ever going to be a new Chrestomanci book, besides Mixed Magic? Why not a sequel to the quartets? That would be cool!!!
Other Comments
10-year-old
From Lyra Stephens
Is there a sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, and Castle in the Air? If not, can you pleaz pleaz write one. And are you planning to write another chrestomanci book?
Other Comments
I think your the best author alive!Everyone says that your books are practicaly the same as Harry Potter, but I detest those, and I think that the creativity you put into yours is much more original.
From Robert Williams
Dear Miss Wynne Jones, I know you have probably read this question many times, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE write another Chrestomanci book! I took out Charmed Life about 2 weeks ago from my School Library, and I was hooked! I now own the whole series, and have read them all, and they were fantastic! Please satisfy a billion children by letting Chrestomanci live again!
Other Comments
Please? Sorry, I must sound desperate (well - I am!).
From LeighAnna
Dear DWJ, I really love your books! The characters, especially Cat and Gwendolyn, are really funny. I was reading some of the other questions and answers from earlier, and had an idea. How about instead of trying to write another Chrestomanci book, go back re-read Volume One. I like to write too, and whenever I get stuck I just re-read what I've already written. I hope you come up with something soon!! (: You're books are some of the best I've ever read. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get YEAR OF THE GRIFFEN or any of those. I hope to find them soon. Your absolute Number One Fan, LeighAnna
Other Comments
I'm twelve years old and I live in Missouri. Our school is really small, and we don't get many visitors for anything, much less authors! Please come!
From Jeremy Young
Dear Diana, I was coming here to demand that you write more about Chris Chant, but then I saw how everyone else was begging, too, and saw all your answers about how you'd like to, and books aren't written on demand. Might I make a suggestion? I just read The Lives of Christopher Chant again for probably the millionth time, and there is a horrible longing deep in me to see him again. And the Goddess. There seems to me to be such a discrepancy between Charmed Life And Chris Chant in the way those two WERE and how they turned out. Why did Millie turn out plump? Why did Chris tone his sarcasm down as he grew? Things like that. Yes, I can imagine the difficulties that arise when one writes a Prequal. Medium characters become much more interesting. It was wonderful!! And yet I LONG to know what happened in between.... And I think it's a perfectly lovely thing they get married, they suit each other! :) But seriously, I think you've got a male/female combination there about as strong as Sophie and Howl. And I shouldne't even get started on them, because I want to hear just as much from that corner as I do from the Chants!! What ever happened to Abdulla and Flower-in-the-Night? Oh there's so much I'd like to see, you can't ever leave this planet Diana!!
Other Comments
I've been a lifelong fan of your books, and hold most of them dear to my heart! Hexwood confused me, but maybe I was a bit too young and ought to try again! All the rest? - words cannot describe the joy!!
From Angel
Hi! First off, if this makes it to the site with an answer, I warn you- if you do not want any of Witch Week to be given away, don't read on. I must say, I love fantasy of all kinds, but out of the hundreds of fantasy books I must have read, yours are the absolute best. No kidding! Really! Anyway, I was wondering- will you ever bring Charles Morgan back? Anywhere? He is my absolute FAVORITE character and I think I'll die if I never see him again. I know it would be hard to bring him back, but I beg you! I'd love to see him with Cat and Tonino. And also- I thought it was horribly funny that it took me so long to make the connection with Asheth and Millie. Brilliant thinking, you do. And I noticed at the beginning of Witch Week, while acting out witch and inquisitor all the people who were actually witches turned out to do the best acting! Absolute marvelous thinking, really! And I laughed heartily with Charles Morgan's little "making the inquisitor funny" bit- it will probably always be my favorite book. And then, I saw this question was asked before, but I must see if you've made progress or changed your mind or anything- will you fill in the years with Christopher that we didn't hear about?
Other Comments
I'm 12 years old (13 on Friday, April 6th! Yes, and now that you know, I'm expecting a birthday card!) and your books are my favorite. And I'm horribly interested in acting out a part as Julia or Dulcia aka Nan if you ever decide to turn these into films. And I'm positive that the more books of yours I read, the more characters I will find that I'd love to act out. So please, if you ever come across a character in my age group that you're including in a movie, contact me- you'd be making every dream of mine come true. My dream is acting, my favorite books are yours- and the combination would be truly spectacular. I know I took forever, but there's so much I wanted to say. Thanks a lot! Lots of love, to you and yours!
From Angel (again)
Not a question, just a comment, I'd much rather you answer my other question than this. On the front of the compilations of the Chrestomanci books- Volume 1 and 2- it says "Mad about Harry? Try Diana." When I first picked up the book, I was intrigued by the cover. When I saw that quote, I knew in an instant this was the book for me. And it sure was- I've never heard a quote that speaks more truth. You'd think Chrestomanci had forgotten he was wearing his watch.
From Jordana
I really enjoyed the Chrestomanci Novels, especially The Magicians Of Caprona. I was wondering if you are going to write any more. I was so sad when I finished the series. They aremy favorite books and I tell all my friends to read them because I like them so much. I hope you write some more Chretomanci books. I am also reading The Dark Lord Of Derkholm and I really like it.
Other Comments
I am 12 years old.
From Crystal Roberts
I hope this isn't a time waster, but will there be a new Chronicles of CHrestomanci coming out? If so, when?
Other Comments
I introduced The Chronicles of Chrestomanci to my friend, and we both loved them. We started getting all of your books, but we still haven't read them all, but the ones we read, we really enjoyed. We also like the Harry Potter books, in a way your books are a lot like them, but I think yours are better. I hope you have time to answwer my question. Oh yeah, I'm 12, and so is my friend.
From Kate S.
I have read and loved both The Volumes Of Chrestomanci I & II. I think they are better than any other books I have read. I have lent them to my friend, Casey, and she loved them too. I especially loved The Lives Of Christopher Chant. I think it is so cool how you wrote the story so that every peice of information relied on eachother until it was so thick and heavy with small happeings that resulted in changing the outcome of everything else. I think our Chrestomanci books are really awesome. My friend Casey and I would really like to know wether you are coming out with any new Chrestomanci books. Thanks for your time!
Other Comments
11/female/fan
From Chanelle Lammers
Dear Diana I am doing a book talk on Charmed life and I was wondering if there is going to be a sequel so I can find out what happend to Cat.
Other Comments
I am 11 years old and LOVE your books!!!
From Katy Davies
first of all I just want to say that the Chrestomanci series is the best books i have ever read in my life. i would put you first then jk rowling second. my question is to you is if you are going to write any more chrestomanci books? PLEASE,please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please.
Other Comments
i am 14. and i really love your books. i really like Cat the best then i like tonino and thasper. i know all about your Chrestomanci books and they rule and they make Harry Potter look like a silly little storie that you know is unreal but when it comes to chrestomanci i feel as there is deffinatly magic out there somewhere.
From Emily Busch
I have two to ask. My question is in your books Magicians of Caprona and Witch Week. Is it Christopher or Cat as Chrestomanci in them. I think it is Christopher but I am not sure. I love the books of Chrestomanci I hope they let you make a third sometime. The other is do people every send you their stories to see what you think of them or it get them published? Thanks!
From Amanda
When will volume 3 of The Chronicles of Chrestomanci come out, if it is already out, then where can I find it? Also, could you please tell me if there are other volumes to this, and, if so, where I can find them? If not at the same place of course. Thank you.
Other Comments
I am 12 years old. I have been addicted to these Chronicles for only a few weeks, but love them! They are fun and interesting.
From Lara
Dear Ms. Jones: I LOVE your books--at least the ones I've read (the Chrestomanci books, Believing is Seeing, Warlock at the Wheel). You are my absolute favorite author. I see that a ton of people have already asked the question that I was going to ask, about future Chrestomanci books. Next time I dream, I will find a future Chrestomanci book among all the funny dream-books for you. You have said that you started writing Chrestomanci books but they ended up being different books. Have you tried writing a book that starts out a being a different book, to see if it will end up as a Chrestomanci book? anyway, my question is (and if you have already been asked this on this website you can skip it and I will find it): What do you think of the Harry Potter books? I like them but I am bitter because in my opinion your books are better and yet, there is not all this fuss and resulting mass hysteria. But maybe you are glad that warner bros. has not asked for the rights. do any of your books have characters named Lara? just wondering
Other Comments
almost 19!, female from USA
From ?
Can you write a 3rd volume of The Chronicles of Chrestomanci? The first volume was the best book i've ever read(and I read a lot of books). I'm really hoping you can.
From Claire Meador
When my mom And I bought the two books of Chronicles of Chrestomanci it said that there was third one. I've looked all over and I can't seen to fine one. Was I mistaken that there is a third one?? Thanks for you time, claire meador
Other Comments
I am 12 years old I and I enjoy reading your books very much! I hope you have the time to write more.
From ?
There must be a spell on your books! I can't stop reading them. I really like Charmed Life and the rest of the Chrestomanci series. Please "conjure up" a few more!
Other Comments
13 years old, from Aberdeen Scootland
From ?
Ms. DWJ I'd really love it if you wrote a new Chrestomanci book[oh, please!]. Is a 3rd volume coming out any time soon or are you possibly writing a 3rd one now? I'm crazy about the series. Maybe you could write about Christopher or Cat growing up in the castle. Or what happened to Gwendolen or Tacroy. Or how Gaberiel de Witt loses those seven lives left. The Chrestomanci before Gaberiel, Benjamin Allworthy? Those two growing up in the Chrestomanci castle? Possibally the mischevious Rodger and Juile in the castle. Maybe the everyday doings of the Chrestomanci. A female Chrestomanci seems live a magnificent idea also. What Chrestomanci was in Witch Week and what one was in The Magicians of Caprona? It's not that relevant to know, but if it's not much of a bother I'd like to know. I also want to mention how much better your books are then the Harry Potter ones, which I find particulary boring now. I think Charmed Life is the best book I've ever read[I read tons of books, at least one a week] and The Lives Of Christopher Chant following close behind. I just read The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume I and II twice this week and really want to get your Mixed Magic book.
Other Comments
I'm 14 years old and I live in Washington. I think all your books are quite charming.
From Kenna
I adore your stories about Chrestomanci, but I have two questions about them: In "Witch Week," is Chrestomanci Cat or Christopher? And second, how did the whole world of Chrestomanci come about? Were you inspired by some particular idea or word, etc. Thank you!
Other Comments
15
From Jocelyn Prong
Who is Chrestomanci when Tonino, his family and Anglah is at Chrestomanci Castal? I think it is Christopher because they are both tall. I wanted to be shore. thank you
Other Comments
11, usa, Tricities, wa
From Ceyenne brown
Hi diana. i was wodering who Chrestomanci was in the books Witch Week and The Magicians of Caprona. and will you write 'THE CHRONICLES OF CHRESTOMANCI, VOLUME THREE'?
Other Comments
born in the tri-cities i am ten. Love youre books
From Jessica Gamba
Oh wonderous writer of Terrific Fantasy, I have a question: In the book the Magicians of Caprona, which Chrestomanci is in office? Is it one that I may already know of, like Cat or Christopher Chant? Is he a Chant at all? Sorry if I missed it in one of the books or if I just can't remember. Can't wait to hear from you! Your newly recruited fan, Jessica Gamba
Other Comments
I'm 13 years old, and I have several fat wise cats that are very like the ones in your books. I also have three dogs, which of course doesn't please them very much ^_^
From dulce barahona
june 06, 2001 Dear diana, i have just finished reading your book "The Chronicles Of Crestomanci"(vol. 1) in 3 days, i loved it! my question is in the lives of christopher chant, christopher is the crestomanci in charmed life right? im pretty sure he is but i just want to double check. thanks, dulce
Other Comments
i am 15 i love to read i want to cont. reading your great books.
From Emily Busch
Well, too bad about the third volume of the Chrestomanci series. I hope you will keep tring to get it published. I am looking forward in reading other books you have written. I was just wondering in the Chrestomanci volume 2 is it Chistopher or is it Cat as Chrestomanci? I couldn't tell but I think it is Chistopher. I was just wandering because I like both Chistopher and Cat. Have fun writing more books.