Ask the Author: Marianne Curley
Answered Questions (31)
Marianne Curley
Hi Lindsay
I am hoping the answer to that question of Old Magic becoming an audio book is Yes. At present Simon & Schuster US have the rights to Old Magic and it will be up to them to make the audio. It would be wiser to put this question to them, but I will ask them too and hopefully receive confirmation.
Thank you for asking.
I am hoping the answer to that question of Old Magic becoming an audio book is Yes. At present Simon & Schuster US have the rights to Old Magic and it will be up to them to make the audio. It would be wiser to put this question to them, but I will ask them too and hopefully receive confirmation.
Thank you for asking.
Marianne Curley
Hi Salma
You should go ahead and finish reading The Shadow. I am planning Book 5 and will be working on it next year. I hope this helps your decision to continue with the ending of The Shadow. Thanks for writing.
Marianne
You should go ahead and finish reading The Shadow. I am planning Book 5 and will be working on it next year. I hope this helps your decision to continue with the ending of The Shadow. Thanks for writing.
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Elizabeth
That's a great idea! I'm definitely going to look into it. I'm in the process of attaining the rights back, but have hit a small stumbling block. As soon as I can, though, I will see what I can do. Thank you!
That's a great idea! I'm definitely going to look into it. I'm in the process of attaining the rights back, but have hit a small stumbling block. As soon as I can, though, I will see what I can do. Thank you!
Marianne Curley
Hi Aroa Argudin Taboada
You have a good idea there for a novella. I will definitely think about that. At the moment I am finishing up a new project, and after that I will be starting work on Guardians of Time Series Book 5. I am hoping for six books in this series eventually, but I do believe it's time to start Book 5. I can't tell you more about it yet, and it will take time to write and bring it to publication standard, but I'm looking forward to it, and I will keep you informed at significant stages through my blog postings and other social media like FB, Twitter and Instagram.
All the best
Marianne
You have a good idea there for a novella. I will definitely think about that. At the moment I am finishing up a new project, and after that I will be starting work on Guardians of Time Series Book 5. I am hoping for six books in this series eventually, but I do believe it's time to start Book 5. I can't tell you more about it yet, and it will take time to write and bring it to publication standard, but I'm looking forward to it, and I will keep you informed at significant stages through my blog postings and other social media like FB, Twitter and Instagram.
All the best
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Berra
Thanks for writing in, I'll try to answer your questions, but the first, what does outfit's colours mean? I'm not sure what you are referring to, unless you mean the robes the characters wear at their Initiations in Athens? White is for the novice, you could say the new member. Those with experience to a certain level would be placed in something with colour. Arkarian is in silver because of his vast knowledge and experience, Isabel was in white because she was very new, but because she had skills beyond a new novice she was given a coloured belt. Think Karate for instance and all their coloured robes and belts.
As for the Prophecy, it becomes clearer which character belongs to which line as the story progresses. Sometimes a character will suggest or have a guess at who the line is about. Ethan is the young warrior who will lose his heart to death. And Neriah is one of the two characters from the last few lines.
Angel Falls is a real place but the place is not called Angel Falls. Where I describe it in the books, is exactly where I have placed Angel Falls. It's in NSW, Australia, near the Snowy Mountains Ranges. I hope that helps you.
So excited to hear you're happy about The Shadow!
Cheers
Marianne
Thanks for writing in, I'll try to answer your questions, but the first, what does outfit's colours mean? I'm not sure what you are referring to, unless you mean the robes the characters wear at their Initiations in Athens? White is for the novice, you could say the new member. Those with experience to a certain level would be placed in something with colour. Arkarian is in silver because of his vast knowledge and experience, Isabel was in white because she was very new, but because she had skills beyond a new novice she was given a coloured belt. Think Karate for instance and all their coloured robes and belts.
As for the Prophecy, it becomes clearer which character belongs to which line as the story progresses. Sometimes a character will suggest or have a guess at who the line is about. Ethan is the young warrior who will lose his heart to death. And Neriah is one of the two characters from the last few lines.
Angel Falls is a real place but the place is not called Angel Falls. Where I describe it in the books, is exactly where I have placed Angel Falls. It's in NSW, Australia, near the Snowy Mountains Ranges. I hope that helps you.
So excited to hear you're happy about The Shadow!
Cheers
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Nikki, that's such a lovely thing to say to me. Thank you so much for that. Writing is something I love to do and I can't imagine doing anything else and being so content in my job. After my bone marrow transplant I had a fall and shattered a few vertebra. The pain was intense for those first few years and I couldn't concentrate enough to write even a page. But gradually the pain eased and I was able to return to doing what I love.
The GoT series came about as I was looking to write a book to follow Old Magic, which had just been published. I liked the concept of travelling into Medieval times like Kate and Jarrod did, but thought I could take it further - to travel through time in an organised capacity. That's how I came up with the two opposing sides. One that manipulates the past to control the present, the other, to stop the manipulation and ensure the past not change.
Best wishes
Marianne
The GoT series came about as I was looking to write a book to follow Old Magic, which had just been published. I liked the concept of travelling into Medieval times like Kate and Jarrod did, but thought I could take it further - to travel through time in an organised capacity. That's how I came up with the two opposing sides. One that manipulates the past to control the present, the other, to stop the manipulation and ensure the past not change.
Best wishes
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Oda, I only just saw your question, posted 10 days ago, but at least I can still answer it now.
Don't be confused about a new series. I wrote The Shadow because it was meant to be written years ago but I got cancer and became very ill. The treatment was debilitating for some time but I finally finished writing the book, as you know, and it's published now. I would dearly love to write Books 5 and 6 for this series but that decision has to wait until I know how well The Shadow does. Quite a lot of factors come into play when working out what book to write next. I have two projects on the boil and I'd like to finish those too. So, I'm sorry but I can't promise two more books today. Still, that doesn't mean they won't happen.
If a publisher offered me a contract for the next two books in The Guardians of Time Series, there would be no hesitation and I would start writing tomorrow. But that's not the case, unfortunately.
As you know I had to publish The Shadow myself. It was a great experience now that I can look back at it, but at times the process overwhelmed me and I still haven't been able to get book stores to carry the title, and here in Australia, it's next to impossible to find a paperback copy.
I hope this helps explain my situation, but I'm flattered and humbled that you love The GoT books so much you could read another two right away. Thank you, Oda.
Sincerely
Marianne
Don't be confused about a new series. I wrote The Shadow because it was meant to be written years ago but I got cancer and became very ill. The treatment was debilitating for some time but I finally finished writing the book, as you know, and it's published now. I would dearly love to write Books 5 and 6 for this series but that decision has to wait until I know how well The Shadow does. Quite a lot of factors come into play when working out what book to write next. I have two projects on the boil and I'd like to finish those too. So, I'm sorry but I can't promise two more books today. Still, that doesn't mean they won't happen.
If a publisher offered me a contract for the next two books in The Guardians of Time Series, there would be no hesitation and I would start writing tomorrow. But that's not the case, unfortunately.
As you know I had to publish The Shadow myself. It was a great experience now that I can look back at it, but at times the process overwhelmed me and I still haven't been able to get book stores to carry the title, and here in Australia, it's next to impossible to find a paperback copy.
I hope this helps explain my situation, but I'm flattered and humbled that you love The GoT books so much you could read another two right away. Thank you, Oda.
Sincerely
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Jessica
I don't have firm plans at the moment, but I certainly hope to visit the US one day and do a book tour with a few weeks to simply enjoy the scenery and take in the culture of your beautiful country. I would like to explore places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the big redwoods of California, New York City, Florida where I have some relatives, and wherever it is that you live.
I don't have firm plans at the moment, but I certainly hope to visit the US one day and do a book tour with a few weeks to simply enjoy the scenery and take in the culture of your beautiful country. I would like to explore places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the big redwoods of California, New York City, Florida where I have some relatives, and wherever it is that you live.
Marianne Curley
Hi Laura
There is lots of wonderful news coming in a few days - the release date, the title, and the cover, are some of the big announcements coming. What I can tell you today is that, if you live anywhere near the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, I will be signing copies of all my books, including the GoT4 at the Gold Coast Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Event on the 28th and 29th of April.
Thanks for asking.
There is lots of wonderful news coming in a few days - the release date, the title, and the cover, are some of the big announcements coming. What I can tell you today is that, if you live anywhere near the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, I will be signing copies of all my books, including the GoT4 at the Gold Coast Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Event on the 28th and 29th of April.
Thanks for asking.
Marianne Curley
Hi Destiny Lee
Thanks for choosing to do a presentation on Old Magic. Old Magic was my first published book and will always hold a special place in my heart. To answer your questions, in all my twenty years of writing I've never had a problem with writers block, but if I did, and this is what inspires me too, I listen to music. There's nothing like firing up the imagination and visualising my characters, the settings, the personalities, the difficulties that have to be overcome. Just about every step of the story I visualise while listening and writing to music. It sets the mood and creates the atmosphere to fire up my imaginative wanderings.
What also helps me to know where my story is going next and not end up with plot holes is to take the time before I start writing to plan. It might be a few pages, or it could be a more extensive plan and include biographies on the characters. That again I would do to music, in a quiet place, and in my notebook or straight onto a file. Happy writing.
Thanks for choosing to do a presentation on Old Magic. Old Magic was my first published book and will always hold a special place in my heart. To answer your questions, in all my twenty years of writing I've never had a problem with writers block, but if I did, and this is what inspires me too, I listen to music. There's nothing like firing up the imagination and visualising my characters, the settings, the personalities, the difficulties that have to be overcome. Just about every step of the story I visualise while listening and writing to music. It sets the mood and creates the atmosphere to fire up my imaginative wanderings.
What also helps me to know where my story is going next and not end up with plot holes is to take the time before I start writing to plan. It might be a few pages, or it could be a more extensive plan and include biographies on the characters. That again I would do to music, in a quiet place, and in my notebook or straight onto a file. Happy writing.
Marianne Curley
Hi Emma, thanks for your question, I know a lot of my readers have been waiting a long time for this book. You're right, Book Four has had a delay, but only so that I can make it the best book I can. I think after all these years my readers deserve that. Please hold on, we're almost there. :)
Marianne Curley
Hi Arieta
As yet there have been no offers to make the Avena Series into a movie or TV show. Maybe one day.
Thanks for asking.
Marianne
As yet there have been no offers to make the Avena Series into a movie or TV show. Maybe one day.
Thanks for asking.
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Oda
I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but I want this book to be brilliant. I've written it for the Guardians of Time fans and I want it to be worthy of their wait (your wait). Yes, there is a delay, but I have good news to come. I hope you can hang on, the ride when it's ultimately arrived will be worth it.
Marianne
I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but I want this book to be brilliant. I've written it for the Guardians of Time fans and I want it to be worthy of their wait (your wait). Yes, there is a delay, but I have good news to come. I hope you can hang on, the ride when it's ultimately arrived will be worth it.
Marianne
Marianne Curley
I'm on the third book in the Touched series, Brokenhearted by Elisa S Amore at present. When I've read Touched 4 I will read Strange the Dreamer by Liani Taylor. After that it's open, but from memory I have the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard on my list, more of Cassandra Clare's novels, and definitely Jennifer Fallon's The Lyre Thief.
Marianne Curley
Hi Julia
Thanks for your question and for letting me know how thrilled you are to hear there's another Guardians of Time book on the way. The voices include one that's a favourite from the first three books and you've had this point of view before. There's a new voice too, from a character that was mentioned in the first three books, actually was in a scene but remained unnamed at that time. So the two voices include an old favourite and a brand new voice.
Sorry for being vague but I don't want to ruin any surprises at this early stage.
Best wishes
Marianne
Thanks for your question and for letting me know how thrilled you are to hear there's another Guardians of Time book on the way. The voices include one that's a favourite from the first three books and you've had this point of view before. There's a new voice too, from a character that was mentioned in the first three books, actually was in a scene but remained unnamed at that time. So the two voices include an old favourite and a brand new voice.
Sorry for being vague but I don't want to ruin any surprises at this early stage.
Best wishes
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Adrea
The first book I wrote, Old Magic, was about two teens Kate and Jarrod, who travel back to Medieval times to try and eradicate a curse before it was placed on Jarrod's family. It got me thinking about what would happen if an important figure from history was eradicated, how would it affect the present world. I took this one step further, and thought how about an organised form of time travel where one group tampered with the past regularly, and another organised group tried to stop them. The GoT developed out of these initial ideas.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I've been cancer free now for 12 years this month, and now I'm writing the fourth book to the Guardians of Time series.
All the best
Marianne
The first book I wrote, Old Magic, was about two teens Kate and Jarrod, who travel back to Medieval times to try and eradicate a curse before it was placed on Jarrod's family. It got me thinking about what would happen if an important figure from history was eradicated, how would it affect the present world. I took this one step further, and thought how about an organised form of time travel where one group tampered with the past regularly, and another organised group tried to stop them. The GoT developed out of these initial ideas.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I've been cancer free now for 12 years this month, and now I'm writing the fourth book to the Guardians of Time series.
All the best
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Gloria,
I'm sorry that I can't give away anything yet about what is in the fourth book of the Guardians of Time, it's still too early. Sorry about making you cry.
Marianne
I'm sorry that I can't give away anything yet about what is in the fourth book of the Guardians of Time, it's still too early. Sorry about making you cry.
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Hi Oda
Happy to answer this question on GoT4, this book is a direct sequel. Wish I could say more, but not at this time and I know you understand. Thanks for the question.
All the best
Marianne
Happy to answer this question on GoT4, this book is a direct sequel. Wish I could say more, but not at this time and I know you understand. Thanks for the question.
All the best
Marianne
Marianne Curley
Dear Nouchi W, thank you for your comments and questions. What inspired me to start writing was my love of books, my love of reading and my love of creating a story. I was a big reader and loved to create my own stories from an early age but it wasn't until I was teaching computer and office studies at an adult college that I started thinking of putting the stories I kept creating in my head onto paper so that others might enjoy them too. To stop yourself from straying, as you put it, and never finishing writing your story, I strongly advise that before you begin writing your book you create a plan for it. There is more on this on my website at: , where I have written a topic about what works for me as a writer. I have found that writing a plan with chapter breakdowns stops your mind from straying to other things by helping you to focus on what goes next. Your next two questions are similar in that I think you are talking about motivation. What keeps a writer going with a story, or with a series. What drives me now is that I love writing, it's become a real passion.
Marianne Curley
Hi Patrick
Yes, it is true, I am writing the Guardians of Time Book Four and I'm excited to get the news out that Book 4 is on the way. It's still early days, but I will be updating information as the year, and the book, progresses.
Yes, it is true, I am writing the Guardians of Time Book Four and I'm excited to get the news out that Book 4 is on the way. It's still early days, but I will be updating information as the year, and the book, progresses.
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