Question: Once when I was about 20, still a student, I came across a small book shop, I found there "the panic hand" and "black cocktail". I hadn't heard about you before ( it was nine years ago I guess, Poland). After reading them I thought: wow somebody dreams the same dreams,and then describes them as if taken directly from my head. Then I felt terrible. I realized that other people could read your books too. I was jealous. So jealous. I promised myself to buy your books all in original versions. I'm selfish. I don't like lending your books :-) "The Marriage of the sticks" is my favourite. " Oko Dnia" made me believe in other people. - Ada

It's both delightful and a little shocking to me how many people both read my daily blog on the website and then write to tell their reactions to the separate entries there. For you English readers, we have decided to publish a large chunk of the blog as a book. It will have the same title as in Polish-- EYE OF THE DAY. Mobius New Media will again be doing the publishing. We will keep you posted on the book's availability. Most likely it will, like THE HEIDELBERG CYLINDER, be issued as a limited edition, but it'll be a beautiful book physically, I'm sure.

º

question: Greetings. I picked up a copy of Land of Laughs based on its recommendation by Evans in The 100 Best Horror Books. I became entranced and read it at work breaks as well as at home. I found myself particularly intrigued by the sporadic quotes from France's works. They possess a haunting quality that reminded me of snatches from songs heard in dreams. I recall ones I've heard myself, such as "there's a burning in my business section," and "the poem remains coptic." Did they arise from any particular source, or simply in the course of composing the novel? I just got a lovely 1st of The Panic Hand, and hope to get to that soon. Thanks for the great writing. Yrs, Ralph

For years people have asked 1.are the books of Marshall France real (or available) 2. If not,why don't I write them? My answer has always stayed the same: no. It was very difficult to create the few France passages in TLOL because the whole time I was doing them, I knew they had to be especially good or the reader would think "These passages are lousy. Marshall France couldn't have been special, judging by these stinkers." I don't really remember where the specific ideas came from for those passages, but these many years later I do remember that writing only the passages from the France books were the most difficult part of writing TLOL.

question: Allo! Jonathan, you're still my favourite writer, but recently I've found interesting Haruki Murakami. I'm sure that you know his work. How do you feel about him? After "Dance,Dance, Dance" I gave him up for a long time (btw,I had read before few of his books and they produced a great impession on me-"Dance, dance, dance" has bored me so much, oh my god it has almost killed me), but I tried once again with "Hard-boiled wonderland and the end of the world". What a great book! I was very tired after a long day of working yesterday, my head was very heavy, but I couldn't resist this book. In sum, what is your opinion Jonathan? -Ola

People often say Murakami's and my work are very similar. I can sort of understand why they say that, sort of not. As is so often the case with writers who are prolific, I like some of his stuff and not others. HARD BOILED WONDERLAND was the first book of his that I read and I loved it. NORWEGIAN WOOD came next and I loved that too. Since then, not much.

question: Hi..I'm from little country Poland, tiny town near Warsaw...and your book are available even there!I won't forget what I felt during reading Land of laughs...and what I feel everytime I read it.Fear, excitement,I think of what will be next...Your every book is full of fantasy,emotions, it brings me to the other world- world of imagination.Such world is often better than world we live in... Thank you for all these emotions. -Gosia

As I once said long ago, the greatest compliment is to hear that someone riding a bus and reading my book misses their stop because they are so involved in the story. That's the magic of books and if I have created that magic for you, Gosia, then I am one happy man.

Question: Dear mr Carroll, my name is Agnieszka and already for a couple of years i have been a great fan of Yours- as an author and your books.Thanks to You I discovered a magical world just right here,around me. Your books are very interesting, and definitely different to all i´ve read before (which makes it more valuable). I would be very grateful to You for an autograph. -Agnieszka

Thank you for your words. Send your full name and mailing address to the following email address and I'll send you an autograph.

Question: My name's Luiza and I'm from Poland and I have a great request to you. This year I'm having my final exams at high school and my subject for Polish concerns your books. And my problem is that I can't find any popular books about you and your work :( Maybe you could advise me or recommend some books to me ??

The only book I know of that is a very serious, very academic book IN GERMAN that came out some years ago about all of my books. I do know that there have been a number of thesis written about them, some of them in German. I'd advise you to do a Google or Yahoo search of them in your language. Also check with the peson who runs the jc website in Poland-- maybe they can help. www.jonathancarroll.pl

question: The first time i met Neil Gaiman (i told you about this at the time), i asked him if he'd seen your work, as i thought he'd like it. Well, when he came through Denver again, touring "Anansi Boys", we got to talk a bit more and i asked if he was familiar with the work of Emma Bull, as I thought he'd really like her superb book "Bonedance". Again he laughed, agreeing that he liked it so well he'd blurbed it.Since I'd not yet heard of him when i first got Bonedance, i'd not noticed the blurb and i'd never looked at them again after reading it intially.I bet he's also familiar with Tim Powers (as i seem to think you are, "The Stress Of Her Regard" and "Dinner At Deviant's Palace", wow) and China Mieville, so i've given up trying to offer him books and will stick to music in future. But not Tori... Oh, by the way, i found out that the one other person besides Neil who knew of you is my best friend's husband. He wants you to get over Frannie and get back to Big Top, but i know that we don't decide what to write, what to write decides to find us. The offer of coffee in Denver still stands... namaste and aloha, Jade p.s. I've fallen into the habit of giving The Land Of Laughs to writers of my acquaintance. Such a vivid demonstration of the power of words...

Neil Gaiman is handsome, kind, a veritable polymath, generous to a fault, and deserves every bit of fame and success he has gotten. I hate his guts, the bastard.

question: Somehow this particular video was inspired by your 'White Apples'. Seems disassociated, I know... but it is not. Thank you... and I do mean it. Please be. -Nazas

And thank you. "White Apples" transformed into a You Tube'r-- that is a very cool thing.

question: What is your favorite Leonard Cohen song. -Luis

"A Thousand Kisses Deep." I even put it at the end of WHITE APPLES as a small tip of the hat to Mr. Cohen.

question: 20 years or so ago I received a letter from a friend in Calcutta telling me that she had discovered my favorite writer and that I had to go find Sleeping in Flame - no matter what it took. That same week, another friend called to tell me she'd found my favorite book and that I should immediately find a copy of Land of Laughs. Intrigued, I walked across the street to my favorite book seller and asked if they had ever heard of Jonathan Carroll. I got a funny look - and a gesture towards the display in the front of the store - which I had walked right past. Every Jonathan Carroll book was there. I'm not so obtuse as to pass on such not-so-subtle signs.

Today, 20 years later, I started my New Year with Glass Soup. I stayed in bed most of the day falling into worlds that feel so familiar I wonder if we share the same dreams. -Suki

A nice story, Suki, thank you for sharing it with me. There's nothing more wonderful than discovering a writer or artist who shows you new things about the world you know that instantly enlarges that familiar place. Whether it is new images or sounds or colors, that expansion of our every day is one of the great gifts anyone-- friend or stranger-- can give. It also makes me happy to know that someone is sitting by a window in Calcutta reading SLEEPING IN FLAME. How far that story journeyed from a small desk in wintry Vienna...

question: Hi Mr Carroll, i've followed a link from neil gaiman's blog to yours, and am ashamed to say i've never read any of your books. i like the way you write though, and was wondering if there was a specific book of your's that you would recommend to start with? -ciela

Readers tell me that they often give SLEEPING IN FLAME or THE LAND OF LAUGHS to someone they want to start reading my books.

question: Dear Jonathan, I know you get a lot of messages like that but there is such a great need in me to tell you how grateful i am for what you helped me to achieve with your books. I read many of your books when i was a teenager, I loved them but somehow forgot of them for many years. A few months ago i came across the land of laughs at amazon and bought it straight away. Since then i bought most of them and re read them. I do not know what kind of a special power you have, but it feels like you have a knack of changing the world into a better place.Your books made me see my life not for what it is but for it could be if i tried hard enough. Thank you ever so much, Jonathan. Now a question: I am Polish but live in UK at the moment , and would like to purchase some of your books in english, however amazon doesn't seem to have all of them in stock. What is the best way to buy your books? -Aska

Thank you for your letter and good words. I always suggest people go to www.abebooks.com and type in my name where it asks for the author. They have just about everything I've ever written there and depending on what edition you want and price you're willing to pay, you'll find what you want.

question: Hey Jonathan, i will be so happy if you sent me an autograph. pat

Send your full name and mailing address to me in care of this email address and I'll send one on. jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: Blog 1.6. as i understand it, if somebody's dying, his body starts shutting off all processes that's not needed anymore, including the whole digestion system. since sugar is the only thing that can be directly be taken up in the bloodstream while it is still in your mouth, it makes sense that people that are dying start craving sweets. the healthy food that this person has to eat will just sit in his digestive system, and make his final days more uncomfortable. if there's one thing our bodies know how to do on its own, its dying. the rules have changed for this person, and the best thing you can do is give him what he wants. i'm sorry if it is somebody close to you, mr carrol, its never easy to be there while somebody is leaving you... -ciela

You know, the scientific answer makes sense, but when you're dealing with a person's (or an animal's-- read my blog about Jack the dog and the Christmas trees) last days, it just seems right no matter what to give a dying soul whatever it is that still brings them even an inch of joy. If they want cookies because THEY want cookies or simply because their body wants the sugar in them, I'm a firm believer in wheelbarrows full of cookies.

question: Hi Jonathan.. You seems to be one who answers questions in a nice way. I just had my heart broken by the girl that I broke the heart too. How do you refer to heartbreak (if we must call it that) without excluding the one's who are actually in it?

The usual reply is that "It'll go over, it'll pass, before you know it it's gone." But that's an answer that only the ones who are actually through with the sadness can agree with. And that's why it's such an easy answer to the question. But how do you respond, taking their situation seriously, to the ones who are in great pain because of some others actions, or oneselves actions towards another? -Johannes

Tough question. I think heartbreak is a kind of small death. Life happens to be full of different kinds of small deaths all along the way right up till the last, big one. No one is good at digesting death of any kind, so the only way to try is to be clear about it-- find out what this particular death really is to us, and not just a vague purple cloud of sadness, longing and loss floating around in our brains.My suggestion to you while you're going through this rough time is to write about it. Buy a notebook and a brand new pen, so that the work will be a special important event, and not just some kind of homework. Write with that pen only in that book. The pen and the book have a special job to do and need to be treated specially. Sit down and in there very seriously write everything you feel, don't feel, want to feel, hope to feel etcetera about this subject. I have always found, and not just because I'm a writer by profession, that writing about something important either clarifies the matter for me or frequently takes some of its psychic weight off my shoulders. Divide a page in half, for example, and on one half write why you're glad the relationship is finished (if you're glad at all). On the other side of the page write why you miss it. Just this exercise alone will bring things into clearer focus and perhaps give you some needed insight into how you really feel about the person, the small death, and where your heart really is at the moment. You can't have the person anymore, but you still have your feelings about them and your relationship. The best thing you can do is work toward finding real clarity about both of them and where they are in your universe right this minute.

question: jonathan carroll you are amazing. ive never read anything better than your work. i love reading your blog, and since i've started, i've really begun to notice the small but pleasant things in my daily life. thank you. it's made me a happier person. -kasia

Big smile in Vienna, Kasia. Can you see it from where you are?

question: have you read The garden of the stubborn cats by Italo Calvino? What's your opinion the character has?what do you think about the character speech?- sebas

Sebas,
As an old school teacher, your question has the pungent aroma of an essay question you've been asked to write for class and you're asking me to help you do it. As the wise Mr. Neil Gaiman says, I won't do your homework for you.

Hello, my name is Dasha. I live in Russia in Moscow. I much love your creative activity. In our country, regrettably, publishing whole ten your books: The land of laughs, Wedding stick, After silence, Sleeping in flame, Wooden sea, Voice of our shadow, A child across the sky, Outside the dog museum, Bones of the moon, Kissing the beehive. Want beside you to ask, didn't enter to you offers on publishing the rest books?

To tell you the truth, I don't remember which of my books the Russian publisher has bought. Happily, they are selling extremely well there so I assume they will all be published sooner or later. If I were you, I would write an email directly to my Russian publisher and ask them what their publication schedule is.

question: Hi, a friend of mine showed me your books 2 years ago. From that moment I'm telling everybody to read at least one of your books... just to check it out. It's a kind of magic in your books, that helped me to understand one thing: not everything in life is so obvious as we think it is. Thanks for that. And one question: is there any translation of your books into Lithuanian? I'm studying this language and it would be nice to read your books and study a bit :) greetings Martyna

No books in Lithuanian yet although many of them are in Russian now. I'm glad that my stories have stamped your mental passport with the odd and colorful visa stamps of new places. That's the best thing a book can do-- show you other worlds that make your own life that much bigger and more interesting.

question: I downloaded first chapter of "The Ghost in Love" from your Polish website. I feel this excitement like a child before opening a Christmas gift , Thank You for this 'before' feeling . And paradoxically thanks for this

e- mail - the possibility to write to you. Best wishes from Poland, Urszula

I hope you like that "present" from me after you have read it. There's nothing worse than opening a brightly wrapped Christmas present and finding inside it a pair of orange socks or an ugly bow tie you would never even think of wearing...

question: There are many little rewards to working in a used bookstore. One of them is the privilege of being surrounded by old books, to learn about them and from them. When people sell their books back to us, you often find personal inscriptions inside. Some are lengthy and heartfelt. Reading them, you imagine the giver had hoped the recipient would cherish it forever, and yet here it is, in the hands of a stranger, the book and its sentiment discarded, for whatever reason. This inscription was written on the half title page of a trade paperback copy of "Sleeping In Flame" -

"For illustrating the kind of lover I want to be, I give you this book. My dreams lie within. Always remember that the answers come with questions, so trust, and ask. At least with someone else's imagination we have the opportunity in this life or the next, to love again. To the only girl I want to steal horses with, enjoy. Still burning, and breathing you,"

Thought you might find this interesting...
Michael Hockinson Powell's Books on Hawthorne Portland, Oregon

I love this story, Michael. I'm going to post it on my daily blog so other people can (hopefully) share the same giant smile about it that I have right now. It's the best kind of unexpected Christmas present and I thank you for sending it.

question: hello Jonathan!:D i would love to thank u for your amazing books... everytime i feel bad, feel like i`m going down, i take one of your books ;] and guess what? it`s such a pleasure to read it!:D you`re books are just full of original ideas and there`s absolutely nothing that can compare with them:D

yeah...so i love it:)

and..i would like to wish u a very merry christmas! and a happy new year! AGNIESZKA

It's a pleasure to hear that my books lift your spirits when you need it most, Agniezska. Let's hope we all have the kind of Christmas and new year that when we look back on them, they will make us shake our heads in wonder at how special they were.

question: Not a question, just a heartfelt thank you for the many hours of entertainment and ponderings you have given me over the years. I am planning to re-read a selection (choosing is part of the pleasure) of your work over the Christmas holidays. Again thank you. ps Would anyone choose to go back and stay within a moment, even an ecstatically happy one? Isn't part of the ecstacy knowing that it won't last? Karen

I thought about that Karen, but life is so unpredictable and not very nice too much of the time. Having a perfect moment or afternoon forever might be worth the risk. My students used to say they didn't want to go to heaven after they died because they'd grow bored there with all that perfection. I said if things really are perfect then you don't get bored because that's a contradiction in terms. If I went back and lived one of my perfect afternoons forever, hypothetically I would be so full of happiness that I wouldn't think about it ending or anything else but how great it was.Happiness is an end unto itself. A delicious meal doesn't become more delicious when you see you are coming to the end of it.

question: Hello Mr Carroll, I can't live without Your books. :) They mean a lot to me. Sometimes your books show me the way in my life. My question is: Could You send me something little, like an autograph or a piece of reader from your private life? I'll be so glad. Best wishes from Poland. Natalie

I'll be happy to give you an autograph. Send an email with your full name and address to me here and I'll put one in the mail. jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: Wow. One after another. Amazing stories, unforgettable characters. W find that our characters are poeple we would like to pretend to be for a while, but then take on different qualities. After we've given them life, they end up teaching us new things and we even pick up some of their habits. Does a doctor actually have to diagnose us as schitzo or can we make that call ourselves, provided we've read up on the material? - Karl

I don't know about you, Karl, but there are times when I have been pretty schizophrenic (or at least my behavior has), but that doesn't mean I am permanently. If they were to judge us crazy because of our weird little heres and theres, I think there would be a lot more people in insane asylums. I think it's best to leave the deciding to the doctors and leave the opinion making to us.

question: Dziêkujê! Twoje ksi'¿ki s' super. Jest to coœ dla czego warto ¿yæ. W"aœnie jestem w trakcie czytania Twojego bloga "Oko dnia". Bardzo mi siê podoba ten punkt widzenia œwiata. Czasem ¿a"ujê, ¿e i ja tak nie potrafiê spojrzeæ na œwiat, lecz zaraz siê nad tym zastanawiam i myœlê, ¿e to mo¿e i lepiej, bo te ksi'¿ki ju¿ nie by"by takie fascynuj'ce. Jeszcze raz dziêkujê.

Bardzo bym prosi"a o autograf. Bêdê wdziêczna.

Now for those who doesn't understand my language:
Thank You! Your books are great. This is that thing for which is worth living. Now i'm reading your new book-blog "Eye of the Day." I really like your point of view, how you look on the world. Sometimes I regret that I can't see that world like you, but after a while i know that is better, because if i could do it, your books wouldn't be so fascinating. One more time: thank You a lot! Could you send me an autograph? I will be really grateful. And when You will be again in Poland? And in which cities? Maybe in Lodz? Last question: which city in Poland (without Krakow) You like the most and why? - your faithful Paulina

Send your full name and mailing address to me in care of jscarroll@hotmail.com and I'll send you an autograph. I don't know when I'll be in Poland again, Paulina. I go now and then as a private citizen but I don't even know when that will be because I am trying to finish this new book and it is moving a lot slower than I would like.

What Polish towns do I like besides Krakow? Szezcin, Zielona Gora, Poznan, Wroclaw.

question: A year ago this month, "Outside the Dog Museum" was finally reissued in the U.S. by Orb/Tom Doherty. As a bookseller, this was the one title I wanted most of your works to return to print. My shelf talker concludes with the line, "Pick one up now before I put it in your hand." If I could just get them to read "Museum", I knew they'd be hooked. One year later, Powell's on Hawthorne in Portland, Oregon has sold 104 copies. Just thought you'd like to know. -Michael Hockinson

I *would* like to know, Michael, and thank you so much for hand selling my work. I think that's really how most books catch on. Much more so than a big stack up front at Barnes and Noble. A passionate reader whose taste is trusted says you've *got* to read this because it'll sharpen your life. Whenever people whose taste I trust say that to me, I read their suggestions immediately. I remember when you and I met in your wonderful store in Portland. You were kind and gracious then and obviously that has continued.Thank you again.

question: I have no question.I wish You only true love.We met in Kalisz one day,You told me about hard work for true love.Thank You for that.Everything is,to we want it must be.I like Very much -OKO DNIA.I finded in this book pieces of my live... Ilona

Thank you, Ilona. Writing the blog most days is a pleasure for me. Writing short, intense pieces like that is like a runner sprinting a hundred meters:
he runs as hard as he can but then it is over for the day. Writing a novel is a marathon. Writing "Eye of the Day" was hundreds of small sprints.

question: Carissimo Jonathan..i am an italian assistant director and when your first book was translated into the italian language i'm falling in love with your fantastic world! My only dream now is make a movie from one of your magical novels..for me it's a sort of drug..translate your words in a series of images..i will in my future..i will! Grazie grazie grazie..thank you thank you thank you for your dreams! - MASSIMO (ROMA - ITALY)

Ah Massimo, I wish you luck with your project. Make a film of one of my books and I will have another excuse to come to Italy and hang around, one of my greatest pleasures in life.

question: I'm italian.I was at the book festival of Turin. Thank you for being my angel minor. (and sorry for my english) -Greta

You are welcome. That trip to Turin was crazy but fun mostly. I'll be in Milan on the 30th of May for their "La Biblioteca in Giardino" Festival so if you're near, come by and say hello.

question: No question-I just wanted to share something with you that I wrote in my own blog not too long ago. And also, an experience that happened recently, that I feel I should thank you for. First, my blog entry: Saturday, December 24, 2005

Thanks Again Jonathan Carroll...... Current mood: pensive

Yes, tonight I am pimping my favorite writer. You wouldn't think that someone who never met you could tell you what's going on in your life, but he manages to do it to me every time. I absolutely adore this man's books. Almost obsessively. So much I want to crawl inside of them and live.

I don't know how to even begin describing one of his books to someone who has never read them before. They're an undiscovered country-you can't nail them down to definition. But he uses words like throwing knives-his images come flashing toward you like quicksilver, and lodge right in the center of you. He is so vivid and so concise and so perfect when it comes to describing people and making their motivations absolutely clear. The people he writes are more real than some of the people I know. A word I see very often used to describe his writing is "hypnotic". And it is. His books are absolutely enthralling.

And more than once, I've read something he's written and it suddenly turns the lights on with a situation that's had me fumbling around in a thousand years's dark. There was a time after my Nana's death that I read a book of his, and what it revealed to me probably saved me from falling into a depression I might not have gotten out of. I can't talk about that tonight-I rarely ever talk about the specifics of how she died at all. But I did write to him and tell him about it on his website and he was absolutely gracious and kind in his response.

Tonight, he did it for me again. I'm re-reading a book of his that is one of my favorites. I bought two copies of it to give to two different people this Christmas, and another one for myself because my original got lost. I love it, so I started re reading it a couple of days ago.

I came across two passages. One of which I can't believe I forgot, because it resonated so much with me. And when I read it today, I remembered having the exact same reaction when I read it the first time. So it's kind of a gift that the passage had slipped my mind, because I got to re-experience it completely. That doesn't happen very often.

The second one wasn't anything I'd noticed the first time I read it, because at the time it wasn't significant to me. But today, it crashed right into me like a battering ram because it so completely applied to a situation I experienced recently with someone that left me pretty devastated. Mainly because I couldn't understand their reaction. I was standing too close to the situation to see it clearly-like one of those magic eye posters that you have to step back from and look sideways at to see what's really there. Reading this passage flipped my perspective inside out, and I was able to finally understand something about this person that I'd missed before, and I was also able to forgive them for some of the hurt they'd caused me.

In the book, two characters are talking about a mutual friend of theirs.
***
"There must be a lot of women in this town furious at Nicholas. He has a bad habit of making women fall in love with them and then forgetting about them."

"Does that bother you?"

"When I loved him romantically it tore my heart out. Now it just makes me sad for him. He wants too much for people to love him."

"What's wrong with that? I want people to love me too."

She reached across the table and touched my hand. "That's not the same and you know it. We're always trying to fit some name to our lonely. Winning people's love is Nicholas's. And that's okay, but not if you toss it aside once you've won it."

"What do you mean, 'fit a name to our lonely'?"

"Everyone says 'I'm not as happy as I'd like because of this reason, or that. If I can beat it, I'll be content.' Nicholas doesn't think he's loved enough. So that's his goal: get interesting people to love him, and he believes he won't feel so scared or alone when he goes to bed at night and looks into the dark. Then he wins their love, but it's never enough. Not ever. It confuses him, but he still thinks it's the right way, so he keeps doing it."
***

Just that quickly, everything became clear to me about this situation in my own life. That's exactly what this person did. Does, really. "It's not your nature you just keep what you need..." And you got some pieces of me. But you didn't know what to do with them once you had them, did you?

But that's okay, because the explanation makes sense with everything I know of him. I didn't want to think that he was just manipulative, or playing games, or that he'd never cared anything about me as a person. And it didn't fit with what I knew of him, although that's certainly what the end result looked and felt like. Now I realize the name of his lonely. Forgiving him isn't so hard.

The other passage is one I positively love. It makes me breathless. And it sums up perfectly what I'm looking for-what I want the man I love to be.
***

"Do you know the German phrase 'You can steal horses with him'? It means a person you can both make love with all night, passionately, then wake up the next morning and be completely silly. And he never makes you embarrassed or self-conscious about anything you do......I've always loved that phrase, 'You can steal horses with him'. Do you think it's possible to find someone like that?"
***
Yes yes yes. I want someone I can steal horses with. Someone who will run with me to beat the devil himself, laugh when we feel his breath on our necks, and look at me with my hair streaming behind me and high color in my cheeks and love me more than he's ever loved anyone in his life. I want someone I can fall into body and soul, someone I can make love with till we both think we're drowing but we want nothing more than one more breath of each other. Someone as passionate, and as consumed as I am. Because when I'm in love I'm in a tempest. I can't ever manage to do it halfway. And I don't want to. But I also want someone I can roll down a hill and laugh till I'm in tears with-someone I can be myself with, no matter what kind of enigma or mess I happen to be that day. Someone whose eyes I never have to be afraid to look into, for fear of what might be reflected back. I want to see those horses, jump on their backs, and ride-and not have it matter where we're going- just that we're together, and riding like hell into the wind.

Well, recently I met someone who,in a relatively short period of time, has become very important to me. He's reading my copy of "Sleeping In Flame" right now. It's not often you find someone who you can connect with on a level deeper than bones, deeper than soul, and when you do, it's really amazing. We liked each other immediately, but the thing that really opened our hearts to one another is that passage in my blog, where I wrote about stealing horses. What you said resonated with both of us,in a very deep and profound way. And what I said resonated with him-straight to the soul. As of right now, I don't know what will happen with the two of us-we're taking things slow, and going to enjoy every moment of what's to come. But I think....and I hope, we might end up stealing horses together. :) But wherever this road leads us, we've already shared something pretty amazing-and I thank you for those words, and what they allowed us to see and share in each other. Much Love- Jena

It's always amazing when my books or words become part of the permanent collection of a reader's being. We all have our permanent collections-- the stuff, the ingredients that have made up the recipe of who we are. When I hear that my books are part of someone's recipe I'm both delighted and gee whiz-humbled. It is what every writer wants to hear-- that via your words and stories you have become very intimate with a stranger you will most likely never meet. And in that I suppose is the alchemy of art. Thank you for your kind words. I wish you years of kisses and stealing horses with your new guy. PS Someone I loved very much taught me that phrase-- stealing horses-- in German years and years ago. I have never forgotten it, and when I was writing SLEEPING IN FLAME I knew it had to go in there because it was the first love story I had ever really written and I wanted it to be part of that.

question: What taste are You? - Aleksandra Dabek

Ask the people who have tasted me.

question: White Apples shocked me, really great, one of best books I've never read. Glass Soup has continued this charming sensation. In the Italian edition, page 347, the 14th footnote is:
"He's speaking about Coco, White Apples protagonist, first novel of the trilogy of which Glass Soup is part." It's true? I have to wait for the third chapter of the story?? If it is, it will be a anxious waiting!

CIAO e GRAZIE, Gianluca

Gianluca, I don't know if there will be a trilogy. So far there is WHITE APPLES and GLASS SOUP. But right now I am writing a novel with entirely different characters and which is a world away from the last two. When I finished Glass Soup I felt tired of these people and their situation. I thought it best to give all of us a rest for a year or two and then decide whether I wanted to go back and try to write a third book. If it happens, it will of course be Anjo's story, but whether or not it will get written is still undecided.

I am an 18-year-old burgeoning writer who has drawn much inspiration from your work. I have literally just finished reading "Outside the Dog Museum" for the first time. It is the first of your works I have read (I own others, although that is not meant as a slight against you), and it is just about perfect. I have but three questions: 1) Did Claire and Harry get back together after the end of the book? 2) I'm really worried about them, so could you write a sequel, please? Hell, you've got enough material what with Iraq 2: I realize I'm raining on your wonderful ending's parade, but at the very least, write an epilogue. I really am worried. 3) Was Venasque real, or just another guy Harry created to help him towards the goal of finishing the Tower? -Wright S. Johnson

I'm glad you liked my book and that it mattered to you. But you're not allowed to ask a writer what happens after a book ends because that's for you to decide since the story is now yours as much as it is mine. I'll tell you this though-- in one of the novels that come after DOG MUSEUM (I think it is FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS), there is one sentence about Harry and Claire that describes their later fate together. You'll have to go looking for it though because I wrote that one sentence a long time ago.

Venasque was based in part on a Sufi holy man I met decades ago. The thing that was most memorable about him was how relaxed and kind he was. He put on no airs and when you were with him, he made you laugh a lot. I have never forgotten that and when I created Venasque, I tried to invent a character like him.

question: My dear jonathan, i am reading your book Zuppa di Vetro in Italian...thanks a lot..i am completely falling in love with every single thought apri le braccia se vuoi essere abbracciato.. wonderful.. Roberta

Ah Roberta, just reading those Italian words on the page makes me smile. What more beautiful language in the world is there than yours? Lucky, lucky you that it lives in you all the time.

question: How odd...I'm reading the book Rereadings by Anne Fadiman. As I read last night I wanted to ask you what you thought of re-reading books. Then this morning I checked your blog and noticed you absolutely don't want to go there. I agree. It's risky business. Occasionally I want to take a peek though...who was the person who read Thomas Hardy novels one after another? Will Collette still speak to me as she once did? I haven't done it yet. But I still wonder what I'd find. -Kit

You know Kit, maybe you'll have better luck than I did revisiting old friends on the page. My experience has been semi-disastrous there. Generally speaking, when I re-read a book I once loved or see a film that really mattered once upon a time, I'm either disappointed or baffled about why I liked it so much back then. As I said in the blog, it's like contacting old girlfriends. The idea might be zippy, but as soon as you're there you wish more often than not you hadn't made that phone call in the first place. Maybe because it's me today making the call and not someone I once was who had such different views, hopes and perceptions.

question: Mr. Carroll, Having just finished Glass Soup (and having finished mourning the end of it) I began to wonder whether you have, or fantasize about, a relationship akin that that of Vincent and Isabelle... the kind that seems to transcend the ties of everyday reality? Would you say they are they soul-mates? Do you believe in such things? If so, does meeting such a person make a magic that is bigger than everyday reality, in your opinion? Are Vincent and Isabelle's abilities a sort of extension of how people who are truly in each other's pockets can finish each other's sentences? -Scott

I believe relationships like this can be found, Scott, but they are rare. How often do you meet a person you really get along with, and I don't mean just someone you like to chat with. How often do you two see the colors of life in similar ways. Want what they want, genuinely hope for many of the same things, etcetera? Not often, but I have seen and experienced some of these wonders myself. I have, honest, and it gives me perpetual hope that it is out there for other people. They just have to be persistent, patient, and honest with their desires. PS Vincent and Isabelle are based in large part on two people I know, if that gives you further hope.

First of all sorry for my bad english, cause I am not native speaker - I'm from Russia and only 16 years old. Thank you for your brilliant novels! In Russia there are not very many of your books and it is very hard to find them, but I try my best :))I should like to stress that your best novel (of course in my opinion) - is The Bones of the Moon! It's unforgettable! Please, try to write in the same style and make such an remarkable endings/ And now my question: I want to be a good writer, a make up some novels, but I have a great problem- I can't correct them/ All I write is very tiny and don't cheked, because I feel sorry for every word I write. Please help me! Give an advise or something like that! Irvin Markoni

The only advice I can give you about writing is this: think of it as a great meal. Everything on the table in front of you looks delicious. But you know that if you stuff yourself on too much of just one or two of the delicacies, you won't have enough space in your stomach for the other wonders on the table. So taste this and that and move on. Choose one situation that's interesting to you and write about it. Not more. Put people you'd like to know in that situation. Maybe just two people in your first attempt, but be sure to make them interesting and completely realized. Now what happens to them? You liked BONES OF THE MOON so I'll tell you how it began. I loved the first sentence. It was strange and mysterious and scary. After I had written it I thought, Who said this? Is it a man or a woman? What do they do for a living? What kind of life do they have? Are they married or single? Why did they say this sentence and what does it mean? As I went along, I answered those questions one by one, having fun doing it, and X pages later I was finished.

question: Not a question . . . I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday. I also wanted to thank you for being born; for providing the world with so many wonderful books; for introducing me to so many amazing characters and for taking me to so many fantastic places. Here's to many more birthdays and many more amazing books. -Julio

The tall blond man in Vienna bows deeply to you, Julio. Thank you for that.

question: I just wanted to say that there ARE so many strange things in this world. I live in Russia - Moscow - and three years ago I lost my husband. He was only 32 and I was only 28. When people ask me what was so special about him (a stupid question but it used to make me think about reasons), I didn't know what to say except may be one very simple thing: that I loved him. Now I would like to take one step back. People here read different books but there are always certain trends - like Paolo Coelho or some other respectable authors. I remember when all my friends read P. Coelho and when we had some party they could only discuss his books. It was really boring. One day I decided to go to the bookshop and buy something I had never heard of, some book by an author unknown to me, a book that will just attract my eyes, you know. The book's name was "The Marriage of Sticks". I opened to a page at the very beginning and the first thing I saw was (sorry for my interpretation of it, it was in Russian) - Everybody knows when his life has actually started. It is not the moment of birth, it not about our parents. It is the moment that we can mark and say this is the beginning of MY life. SO I want to thank you for helping me find the obvious and simple answer to the question about my husband - my life started when I first met him. And thank you very much for your books and your characters. I refused to drive a car so that I could have another 40 minutes for reading on my way to the office and back.

Thank you and warmest wishes from Moscow. Ekaterina

People have had very different reactions to that book, Ekaterina. Some love THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS, some really hate it. But of all the nice things anyone has ever said about it, what you say here is the nicest. And I am very grateful to you for telling me. I am sorry for your loss. Your husband must have been very special to have won your love so completely.

question: come mai non compaiono nella bibliografia "mele bianche" e "zuppa di vetro"?spero che l'italiano non sia un problema!

comunquei miei vivissimi complimenti!Giancarlo

Giancarlo-- you'll have to write this in English because my Italian doesn't exist.

question: I have already written one very short and bad-composed letter to you, which you didn't answered, so I decided to try again.

If it interesting to know, I really LOVE your gorgeous novels! My favorite is 'The Bones of the Moon' - it's brilliant! I had bought this book two years ago as a gift for my acquaintance, but decided to read it before presenting. I didn't loved the beginning, but when I read the last page!.. O-o-oh! I have no words but EXCELLENT and SHOCKING. Then I bought ''The Land of Laughs" - and the reaction was the same.

I find your style slightly strange, with pieces of surrealistic reality and they are like spices which you use while writing. It's interesting because I don't know many writers who do this in the same way and so good as you do.

In books ''Kissing the Beehive'' and THE WOODEN SEA you have used a few RUSSIAN PROVERBS. I don't know where did you find them out but WE DON'T USE THEM!!! Maybe you made them up? If you did, it wasn't bad.

Many writers, writing in English think about Russia like as if it was crazy country with all people DRINKING VODKA, which very nervous and unequal, of course, it takes place but it's not the MAIN CHARACTERISTIC for Russian people. The MAIN - Is that we have strange opinion on everything in our life. We are not vandals or kind of manslaughters as some can thing. When you will write ANY SENTENCE about Russians, please check the information carefully. So if you will have some questions - you can ask me (sorry for my youths maximalism - I'm 16 years old

It's a pity that in Russia there is not a lot of your books and many of them are not translated yet such as your last novels - ''White Apples'' and ''Glass Soup'' but I'm waiting for them!

I know that you must be very popular writer and many people could become happier if they had a CHANCE to talk with you or get your authograph, but how it could be that you have a special section called ''Collaborate'' on your site - how do you manage with such a great number of letters which are written to you? Do you have a special sistem of reading them, and how much letters you read or answer? What I must do to have my strange bad-written short ugly letter written by you? I'll try to do my best

And I have LAST QUESTION: I don't think that yo will appear in Russia in further years, so how can I get your authograph? I'd liked to to have in very much (of course, if it possible).

Sorry for my English.

Sincerely yours,
Vlad, Russia. Saint-Petersburg.

The Russian proverbs I used in my novels came from a book published in the US called THE RUSSIANS SAID IT FIRST edited by Simeon Aller, so they really do exist, perhaps just not in your part of Russia. If you'd like an autograph, send your full name and mailing address to me at jscarroll@hotmail.com and I'll send one to you.

I just wanted to say that I can't believe no-one has made any of your wonderful novels into movies yet.
(Hope I don't offend anyone here, but) I am not a fan of Harry Potter, and your books are SO much better. -Brad.

It'll happen sooner or later. But remember, most movies suck so even when it does happen, the chances of it being a good movie are pretty slim. Maybe in the long run it's a blessing in disguise. Once in a while I read who has been cast in the movie version of a book I read and loved and invariably I put my head in my hands, muttering noooooo.

question: Dear Jonathan Carroll, At the beginning, I would like to put only one question: How did you compose the concept/noun "pemmagast? Kindly yours,
Christoph

To tell you the truth I don't remember. Funny, impossible words like that come to me now and then. I almost always just write them down in a notebook and forget about them. Later when I need a weird nonexistent word in a book I'm writing, I look at those notebooks and find things like "pemmagast." When my son was an infant he said something about "Pinsleepe." I liked the word/name so much that I hurried into my work room and wrote it down. Some years later I needed a name for a very enigmatic character and there she was-- Pinsleepe.

I'm a long-time admirer of your work and have often recommended your books to readers in the bookstores I've worked in and I used White Apples as one of the books in my article on 6 books you should have read for the first issue of the new FPI magazine.

I see the sequel to White Apples is out and checked with m contact at Macmillan here in the UK to see when it was coming out here but was very disappointed to hear they weren't publishing a UK edition. Do you know if it is likely to be published by anyone else in Britain? Joe, Edinburgh

Not so far. My books don't sell well in England and publishers are wary of publishing them there. Different countries have very different reactions to the books. In some places they sell extremely well whereas in others like England, not so.

Mr. Carroll you are so hard core. I am a huge fan of your books. I live in Birmingham, Alabama. I let my aunt read one of your books a couple months ago and now she's as nuts about them as I am. Your popularity spreads like wild fire when I let people read your work. Everyone that I've met who has read one of your books has loved it and thinks you're great. For some reason though I have a little trouble finding your books in stores and you don't seem to be as popular as you should be. Secondly, I may sound stupid asking this, but have you ever done or thought of doing a movie. I think that would be awesome!

You can find almost all of my books at either eBay auctions if you keep a watch on them or from www.abebooks.com As to movie stuff, have a look at the answer to one of the questions above. PS Thank you for spreading the word.

question: I really enjoy your stories because you are one of those rare writers who combines a good story with some wonderful insights on life. Your books can be re-read with pleasure because they are not simply the unfolding of a clever plot. Do you ever think plot is sometimes overemphasized and may not be the most important element in telling a story? John Thompson

CS Lewis once said he wrote the kind of books that he would like to read. Although it sounds vaguely vain, I think he was very right about that. I love stories with a plot that freeze me in place and characters that interest me or who I care deeply about. That's what I try to write in my own books. Sometimes readers complain that my characters are not likeable or conflicted but be that as it may, if they still manage to hold you and make you want to keep turning the pages, then I feel I've succeeded. As far as plot is concerned, I'm a plot guy from beginning to end. If you've read my books you know the plots can be nuts at times, but still there has to be some rising action, some kind of denouement, and then a conclusion, although that conclusion may leave you hanging at the end (another thing some people don't like in my books). But as I've said so often, life rarely "concludes" or ties itself up in convenient knots, so why should fiction?

question: I don't have a question for you, but wanted to say that I am reading your book Kissing the Beehive and Veronica tells Sam, "You write the kind of books I would, if I could write. I understand them." That is exactly the way I feel about your books. When I read that I was . . . well surpised maybe, because I have actually told people that same thing. haley gonzales

Then I feel I've succeeded, Haley. If I've written the kind of book you would then I think okay, Carroll, you're on the right track because it means we're speaking some kind of universal language.

question: Hi, I've read one of your novels, After Silence, and loved it, and just discovered your weblog, which looks like a wonderful read too. I was wondering if you had plans to re-instate your RSS feed? -John Smang

You'll have to direct that question to my web God, Joe del Tufo who handles all matters electronic,etcetera.

John- RSS feed is up at http://www.jonathancarroll.com/blog1/index.xml

question: Hello! I started to read your blog after a recommendation from a new friend and I found your entry from 10/21 about being loved simply incredibly true and moving. Was it something you wrote? You mentioned it was an excerpt from a letter. Can you let whoever wrote it know that I said thank you! Its good to hear something that's in your head and heart written by someone else, knowing that others feel the same way. But, of course, can express it in a much better way then you can. -colleen

I wish I had written that, Colleen, but it really was an excerpt from a letter about a very close friend. They read these letters too so I'm sure sooner or later they will read your thanks and it will make them smile big time.

Will Glass Soup be available in eBook form soon?I have a physical disability that precludes me from reading paper books, which leaves me quite out of luck with Glass Soup. I've purchased and loved all your books that are available in eBook format. White Apples in particular has had huge impact on my own writing. So, if I could obtain Glass Soup in any kind of digital format sooner rather than later, I'd be most pleased. :-)

Here's a link about me which should better explain my need for digital text:
http://www.assistiveware.com/michael.php

I once paid an author directly for a pdf copy of one of his books and would gladly do so with you for Glass Soup. I assure you, any file would never be shared with anybody.

Best Regards,
Mike Phillips

Send me your email address and I'll send you the book that way.

question: can you tell me the name of the literary agent who represents jonathan carroll? thank you lucy atlas.

Richard Parks rp@richardparksagency.com

I don't know if this is unusual but I actually haven't read any of your books...yet. But I came to your blog via a dear friend with whom I exchange cool stuff we find or think of or ponder on.

I liked the entry in your blog about the woman seduced by the poems written (unbeknownest to her) by Pablo Neruda. I think I would have been seduced too if I were to receive such poems. When I first read them I wanted to have someone write like that for me. But who knows...perhaps that is a fire to hot to sit in front of for long periods of time. I think I would have forgiven the deceit if he had truly felt the emotions behind those words and just didn't have the skill to write them himself. But if he just recognized the words were an easy way to a woman's heart...that I couldn't forgive.- Kit

Well, it turns out the guy was a sneaky rat and she found that out soon enough, partly because she confronted him with her new Neruda-knowledge. If you love someone or want them badly, they'll still be impressed, touched or, if you're really lucky, want you too if you send them beautiful lines thought up by someone else. Just telling your special someone that those lines made you think of them is enough. Give credit where it's due, and still you'll be loved for the thought, believe me.

question: I hear that in Poland most of Your readers are young women- and I'm one of them. From the moment I started reading Your books I was curious how You can write stories with many fantasy elements but at the same time with much useful advice for real life??? -Joanna-PL

If you look closely enough, life is full of strange things going on all the time. I just turn the volume up on that strange, as if it were a radio. I love to play with the idea of extraordinary things happening to ordinary people and seeing what their reaction is to them. I think it tells us a lot about how we react, or how we should react, to things in our every day.

I've always had a close relationship with my dad, but over the past few years our interests seemed to have taken different paths. During a recent visit he was looking for something to read, so I gave him my copy of After Silence. Two days later he was asking for more. I gave him White Apples (which happens to be the book that introduced me to your world) and now he is completely addicted. I have since sent him copies of all your books, and as soon as he finishes one, he calls to discuss it with me. Thank you.

Our best discussions have come from Outside the Dog Museum (his favorite) and Sleeping in Flame (mine). We're both uncontrollably eager for Glass Soup. I just wanted to let you know that you've made a true difference in my life and I will always appreciate that. Your writing means more to me than any other author's and has taught me to view life with special eyes.

If at all possible, I would love to hang an autograph beside my prized signed copy of The Heidelberg Cylinder. Thanks so much for everything, especially the books! -Damien Thorpe

What a great story, Damien. I'm so glad my books give you and your Dad common ground. I'd be delighted to send you an autograph. Just send me your name and mailing address at jscarroll@hotmail.com and I'll shoot one right out.

question: As has often happened in the last 13 years since picking up your Land of Laughs I find myself very anxiously awaiting your new book. Oddly enough this time, I find I'm haunted by a short story I read years ago in which a man going blind fills a roll of film and when the pictures are developed they're not of what he took, but rather the places his soul was trying on before he lost his sight. I know it was one of your stories, and I would LOVE to be able to find a copy. Any suggestions?

Also, thank you once again for all your works, I haven't always liked every book, but they have certainly made me think about the world a little differently. I'm hoping you'll find your way back to Boston with Glass Soup, as I've been wanting to ask you to sign my copy of Bones for years.- Beth

The story you're looking for is called "A Wheel in the Desert, the Moon on Some Swings" It was in the collection THE PANIC HAND that was published by St. Martin's Press about ten years ago. You can usually find a copy for sale at ebay or www.abebooks.com in all price ranges.

question: I hate dogs. I'm genuinely very fearful of them. Don't mind them so much in the pages of your books. I reckon you're the man to tell me how to overcome my fear and hatred of them. Please do. -simon

Well you know, if you hate them, you hate them. As my beloved pal R says, you can only overcome something when you really want to overcome it. I.E. the overcome capacity is always in you, you just have to want to turn that switch on. And maybe it's just not that necessary for you to do that with those four legged beasts. And to be really honest, there are quite a few dogs I hate too. Boy, could I tell you stories....

As you can see I used a name of one of your creatures in my e-mail address. I hope you don't mind. Your books were always very important to me and I spent a lot of money buying them (all my pocket money while I was in high school). I have all your titles that were published in Poland and I got your autograph in my favourite book of yours (Bones of the Moon) when you were in ToruÃ’.Once again I would like to thank you for what you gave me with your novels (I did that once - in ToruÃ’). From some time I have one question to ask- don't you think that your latest books go too far? After reading Glass Soup I thought that your characters were much less credible than characters from earlier books and the stories are much larger-than-life (all your books were like that but now I think it has gone too far). I was under the impression that you copy your own ideas and mix them to get something new but it comes to something not really fresh - like you didn't have any new ideas. Sorry if I'm too virulent, I didn't have this on mind. Thank you in advance for answering. -Kate

No, Kate, I don't mix new and old ideas to come up with new stuff for each book. I don't like to eat leftovers and I don't write them either. An idea starts to itch at the back of my mind and the only way to scratch it is to write a book about that idea. The idea behind WHITE APPLES was originally this: what if we suddenly realized we had already died and been brought back to life (for some reason). Yet we didn't remember anything about the experience. And for God's sake, why would we be brought back at all? If you can find that same idea in any of my earlier books, I'll take you out to dinner. PS As I've always said, if you don't like a book don't read it. Put it down and read something else. It's just silly to waste your time eating something that makes you frown. Unless you're a masochist. Are you a masochist, Kate?

question: Hello, Mr. Carroll. Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say you are a genuinely gifted writer who appears to be getting even better with every subsequent novel. I discovered your work two summers ago, and have really been on a kick lately reading the remainder. 'White Apples' has already made my all-time Top 10 reading list, and I can't wait to read 'Glass Soup' when it comes out, as well. Thanks for penning such thought-provoking and entertaining stories. They are truly unique. Take care... Ed Dobbins

And thanks for writing, Ed. As you can see from the previous letter, not all people are fans of WHITE APPLES, but then again, all people don't have the same exquisite taste as you ;)

Mr. Carroll, I am a later-than-middle-aged returnee to college in architecture. It has to do with a dream deferred, etc. but what it has turned into is the most thorough understanding of who I am, have always been, and am yet capable of. It's been a trip. One of the hardest things for me to have to forego - and there is a great deal that I must surrender in order to get all of my schoolwork done - is the marrrow-deep pleasure of reading. When I do get a chance to read, on school break or for a short time during the summer right before class begins again, I read your work. It is my reward for staying the course (literally). The Question: Do you think there's a point at which it is simply too late for someone to devote themselves to writing for publication? (I apologize for my poor manners in addressing a question to you that is solely about me. You, as a writer, seem to me, as a reader, to live deeply in both your writing and your life and that is the place from which I would most respect hearing an answer.) -Lynne

No, I don't think there's a cut off point to try and get published, any more than I think there's a point to stop painting with the hope of an eventual gallery show, performance, whatever. The key to all art is loving the process. If you love to park your behind in a seat day after day, month after month and just do the work because it's so much damned fun, then there is never a time limit. However if you've set some kind of mental egg timer and believe that when the sand runs out of it that you must be published or else, then you're in trouble. Not that many people get published, but a hell of a lot of people can have a wonderful time trying to get there.

I love bull terriers, they are my favorite breed and it's great that you incorporate them in your work as much as you do. I am also a huge fan of Rafal Olbinski and appreciate his art for your covers. I noticed that the cover for glass soup has a great dane (right now I have a black and white great dane named Dexter). Why the switch?- Lisa-Marie

Nyah Nyah-- you have to read GLASS SOUP to see. PS The Great Dane's name is Luba and she's not your typical Carroll dog.

question: How do you row a boat across a wooden sea? -Lorraine Beggs

With a good pair of hands and a heart that's willing to find the right kind of paddle.

Hi, Jonathan! I really enjoy your books, it's hard to explain in words how they influence my life. The last I read was The Marriage of Stick. Now I gave it to my best friend, she's enjoying it too. The feeling of Miranda and Hugh are very familiar to me and that's why I want to read it one more time. Unfortunately, here in Ukraine I can't read your books in original language, and publishers translate them very slow. We don't have White Apples yet :-(( And not all previous books have already been printed. You've changed my life.

Thank you for this! I'd me very grateful If you send me your autograph! Thank you! Alexandra

Hi alexandra. I'll be happy to send you an autograph, but please send me your full name and address in english because what you've written here was cyrillic and it doesn't translate on my computer. Send your info to; jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: I think it's very interesting, the thing you brought up about losing that special childhood object...mine was a little wind up teddy bear that my grandmother used to play when she was putting me to sleep for naps when I was about 3 or 4 years old. For years I would always pick the bear up and play the song whenever I visited her house, and instantly be transported back to those afternoons as a young girl. I think my grandmother must have had no idea how much it meant to me, because she had company visiting who had a 5 yr. old daughter who liked the bear, and she gave it to her! When I found out, I was devastated. Then, about a year later, I received a package in the mail from my grandma with the bear inside and a red ribbon tied around the neck. Sometimes I wonder if the other little girl might have fallen in love with it as well, and is consequently traumatized by her loss, but I generally shrug that though off.

There's a nice line in an old larry mcmurtry novel spoken by a character who runs a rare book store. "certain books belong to certain people and no one else should own them." sounds to me like that was the same situation with that teddy bear and your grandmother eventually realized it.

question: Mr Carroll, Well, I've wanted to write to you for a while, but could never narrow down the numerous questions I've wanted to ask you. I won't get into any deep, philosophical questions (at least not today), but instead I will ask you something that was inspired by my recent reading. I've been on quite a Shirley Jackson kick, of late. I had read several of her short stories before, of course, but recently I picked up a copy of "We Have Always Lived In The Castle" and I loved it so much that it inspired me to read quite a bit of her other work (and also to recommend it to a friend, who also loved it, which is a great feeling). I was quite impressed with "The Bird's Nest" but more so her short stories. Many of her stories seem to remind me of your work, which brings me to my question.

Are you a fan of Ms. Jackson? And how much of an influence has she had on your work? The story "The Tooth," especially, gave me a feeling of "this reminds me of a Jonathan Carroll story." Thank you for your time. And thank you for your books. They have meant a lot to me. -David

Shirley jackson is a terrific writer and i'm flattered that you think of my work when you read hers'.i read a lot of her stories when i was younger and as i remember, "we have always lived in the castle." but nothing else for a long time. I also remember reading an interesting biography of her life. She was married to a.j. liebling, the great food and boxing writer for the new yorker magazine. A strange and wonderful combination they must have been. She with her spooks, he with his croissants and frog's legs.

question: Hi Mr. Carroll. In the Chapter Old Vertue of " The wooden sea" you wrote " He asked where we went when we died. Bangladesh, if we're bad, I said."...Why? Sajjad Hosen

Because mccabe is a smartass and that's a smartass comment.

There are few authors whose new work I look forward to with that special excitement and delight reserved usually by children for Christmas. Along with Saul Bellow, James Ellroy, and Italo Calvino you are another of those for me. Saul is recently gone although his output had slowed over recent years anyway. Who if anyone gives you the same anticipatory delight upon the discovery of a new work by them? Who is Christmas?

That's a lovely thing to hear, jay. I tip my hat to you for the compliment. Whose work do i look forward to with the excitement of a child? James salter, robertson davies before he sailed to that big library in the sky, neil gaiman now that he's writing novels, thomas moran, george pelecanos are the ones who come to mind.

My name is Emilia. I'm a fifth year student of English Philology at the University of------. I specialize in American Literature. I'm writing my MA Thesis under the supervision of Prof. Agnieszka Salska. The topic is: Between Instinct and Phantasy: Dogs as Heroes in the XXth century American Prose. I decided to write also about dogs in some of Your works, namely The Land of Laughs, My Zoondel and Friend's Best Man. The problem is I need texts in original in order to include quotations. I got an original version of The Land of Laughs here in Poland, but getting the two short stories here appears simply impossible. I've got The Panic Hand (and many other of your works :)!!!) in Polish versions and I've been reading them for well over ten years. I know these stories almost by heart and since an original The Panic Hand offered by online bookstores is really very expensive, I'm afraid I cannot afford it. That's why I was wondering if You could be so kind and lend me some English texts of these two stories? It could be even some electronic version, if such exists. I would be very grateful. I know I'm asking for a HUGE favor, and I'll understand if You find helping me too bothering. But if You found it possible to lend me a hand, I would be really, really delighted and very grateful. Best wishes from Emilia!

Send me your name and address in poland and i'll send you a copy of the story collection in english.

No questions, just gratitude. I'm a writer from Manila and I just wanted to thank you for, well, having written the books that you've written. Over the years, they've filled me with delight, sadness, wonder, dread, longing, and something like awe; they've served as little worlds for me to visit, that provide both an escape from, and a paradoxical enhancement of, the actual world I have to return to.

(Thank goodness for Neil Gaiman and our local British Council, as well; I first learned about your work when Gaiman recommended it in an issue of Sandman, and a quick ransack of the BC turned up a copy of Sleeping in Flame -- hunting down your books since then has been an adventure without danger, but not without its own definite thrills). I love all your books, but, if you'll excuse the cliche, I harbor a special place for From the Teeth of Angels, Sleeping in Flame, and Bones of the Moon in my heart. Enjoyed White Apples a great deal, and am very much looking forward to Glass Soup.

On a final, sappier note, I've been with the same wonderful woman for almost four years now, and I recall that the very first book I ever lent her was From the Teeth of Angels. I like to think it helped convince her that getting together with me wasn't such a bad idea. Once again, thank you, Mr. Carroll. -Luis

It's interesting that you gave your lady 'angels' as a first book. Often i hear men try to sway women with a copy of 'sleeping in flame.' that makes a kind of sense to me because it has a relatively happy ending and is at heart a love story. But 'angels' is a dark one and sad too. I'll tell you a secret-- look hard in 'glass soup' and you'll see someone there from 'angels.' thank you too for your kind words.

Still not a question, but neither was my last post here. Just wanted to drop you a line and say I cannot wait for "Glass Soup". I fell back into "Sleeping in Flame" recently and I have to say, your writing is just a hypnotic on re-read as it is the first time through. I think my friends and family are starting to learn that when they find me, nose buried in one of your books, there is nothing to be done but leave me alone to finish. I won't be good for anything until I do.

Since last I wrote, I have been doing a lot more writing myself and now I have a new level to enjoy about your work as I notice more of the mechanics of the way words fit together and how a story becomes much more than the words on the page. It is somewhat satisfying to be able to describe, coherently and to other people, something I always loved about your work. You have a gift like no one else I have ever read for making a simple, everyday event like drinking coffee or taking a walk richly infused so that in observing one scene, the reader understands the dynamic and feeling between your characters. The Devil ís in the details they say but in your writing, I'd would say that heaven and all the magic of life is there too.

Also, I am really enjoying your blog feature and many thanks to your website admin for making an RSS feed of it. As more of my friends move to different time zones and continents, I find myself living more and more on Live Journal to keep up with them. And now I have your thoughts and quotes nestled in among updates of new jobs, new places, new loves, and a new babies. It's a lovely way to start the day. For all you do and all your work has set into motion in me, Thank you again. ~Andrea Balboa

One of the things i've learned by keeping the blog over the last year is how little we watch life pass us by from day to day. since i'm on blog-watch at all times now, it keeps me on my toes, attention-wise. as a result, i am seeing more than i think i have in years. that's both good and bad because once again i realize how sad the world and life often is, but the beauty shines through too, thank god.

Jonathan, I love your books and cant wait for new one to come out. I really appreciate your reading list. I just finished the book by Dan Chaon and loved it. Mike

You should read everything by Chaon. I guarantee you he'll be a star before he's done. He really is that good.

I'm planning on going to Vienna for a short visit in a few months.Don't worry, I'm not a stalker!!!Just wondering if theres any places of interest you could recommend.You seem to speak highly of Vienna, and is often mentioned in your books.You're one of my favourite authors, ever since I read "A Child Across The Sky".I'm not going to say it "changed my life!", but I did read it several times, and plan to read it several more.Cheers -Elaine

As i've often said here before to people who are planning to visit vienna and like my books, look at the articles already posted here on the site about vienna. Lots of tips and secrets in them about good places to visit or hang out.

Dear Mr Carroll, this is going to be both a HUGE-THANK-YOU-FOR-WHAT-YOU-DO note and some kind of a personal question. Well, I am into painting and drawing and I need to confess that Your novels (esp. Land of Laughs, Child Across the Sky & Kissing the Beehive) have been an inspiration for several years now! Because I'm neither a writer (even this note is somehow silly- too short, too simple, just too ! but it's a bit paralysing - writing to a Man whose works made such an IMPACT on you... Anyway (sorry for being so chaotic - this is me ;) I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A LOOK AT MY ILLUSTRATIONS TO YOUR LAND OF LAUGHS? IT WOULD BE AN HONOUR... You probably can't remember me - I met You at the meeting in Wroclaw (Breslau) this year and told you about my idea for making a small expose of my/Your Land of

Laughs... I also had two of my books signed by You and since then I've read them twice (both). Hmmm...guess I'm off the track with the main point ;) - Please, agree and I will send you my "artworks" :)

I know this may sound extremely silly, but... supposing you liked any of them - is it possible I got Your signature on it? I will send it to You : ) Thank You for helping me turn the chaos of ideas into something MORE... where would we be without Your stories...? >^..^< chat noir >^..^daria

I'll be happy to look at your illustrations. Send them to me in care of the snail mail address on the main page of this site and eventually they will reach me.

Hi Mr. Jc... i won't say that your work is great because it is more than that.I hope you won't mind if i told you that early this year, i went into a bookstore although i never thought of buying any book because i'm tired of the same stories people write. I hurried to the novels section and dig and dig and dig 'til i came up with the "Land of Laughs" i want to put it down however i couldn’t. Then the sales lady ask me if i was having trouble browsing their stock because I was there for so long. She looked at your book and stare as if its a 20K gold bracelet with emeralds... i was feeling she might grab it and keep it for herself. Actually she didnt and the good news was that i told her i want to take it right away. As soon as I got to my apartment I started reading... It was almost nine when i noticed that almost 5 hours had passed since i began! Well thats it, i'm interested not in books generally but the Mr. JC who made me insane even for a moment i held that book... can we be friends Mr. JC? Hope to hear from you soon In the "Land of Laughs" i'll wait

There really is something magical about picking up a book and to your very great surprise, falling so deeply into it that nothing can get you out of there. Not hunger, sleep, not even emmanuele beart. Few things in life have that kind of pull on us and i'm always so thrilled when it happens to me. To hear that it happened to you with one of my stories is great news.

I recently read your Letter from Vienna. Do the answers you select to these answers mean something about you as a person? Where could I find out? My new friend and I recently shared our answers in order to get to know each other better. We are intrigued. CJ

If you mean the list 'getting to know you' i came up with the idea for that list a few years ago and with several people chipping in their ideas, compiled a list of perhaps 150 questions. We all talked about it and whittled it down to the 99 you have. I think hearing the answers to those questions from someone you're romantically interested in tells you a lot about them and can save you the cost of several drinks because by the time you meet up, you'll already know lots about them and that means you can get to the interesting talk, not just the blah blah 'what's your favorite color?" questions.

The first JC book I read was Sleeping in Flames and thus began an incredible journey into your world. I am currently studing for a Teacher Certification in Yoga and the course required that I read the Baghavad Gita and The Sutras. Your books all contain the quiet beauty and spiritualism that I found in both the Gita and the Sutras. Is any of your reading time spent on books of this sort and, if so, can you share? - Barbara

At one time I read a lot in that field but not so much any more. In recent years when the spirit starts whistling for me to come, I usually read poetry more than anything else simply because these days it grabs hold more, if you know what I mean. Who do I read? Rilke always, Rumi, Yeats, Mary Oliver, Charles Simic, Neruda, Szymborska. You can take any or all of them with you to the desert island and you'll be happy.

question: Hello! I'm Krystal and I'm doing a research paper on yourself and i was just wondering what is ur main topic you write about, and have you had any influences throughout your life even now, that gives you ideas to write about. If you could please email as soon as possible, or whenever you have time, is fine. Thank you! ~Krystal Schwartz

What is the main topic I write about? Funny dogs, marvelous women in all shapes and sizes, the search for the perfect cup of coffee, whether God remembers my name when I knock on his door (which is frequently), who I will be sitting next to at the mosaic dinner party. My influences are Ray Harryhausen, Pablo Neruda, Federico Fellini, my son Ryder when he's not a pain in the ass, and Vienna when it's not grumpy

Do you know if any of your books will be published in Brazil and when? I'll be very glad with your answer. Marlon C'mara

No, as far as I know there has been no interest from Brazilian publishers.

question: Can you help me understand more about the Marriage of Sticks? I am a little freaked out about it...a literary compliment I hope...Could you tell me the sources of your inspiration for this fiction; is that what you would call it - susan

I remember when writing THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS that I was thinking a lot about what makes good or bad people. And I don't mean the extremes either-- Christ or Hitler. I mean everyday good or bad/ you and me. Some of the criticism that has been levelled at that book has centered around the charge that Miranda's an okay person-- why do such bad things happen to her? She doesn't deserve such treatment.Why is she so plagued? And the answer to that is most of us are neither capable of nor promulgators of big bad stuff. But in a lifetime we do create and accumulate a lot of small bad stuff. It's like ear wax-- when it gets to be too much, your ears become stopped up. In Miranda's case, when she is confronted with all of the small bad things she has done in this life and past ones, she realizes that altogether, she is in many ways a bad person and must atone for some of these sins or else she'll just go on ad infinitum messing up other people, situations and herself. She doesn't want that. So she makes a decision in this life to stop that and the end of the book deals with that issue.

Sorry to cluster two e-mails so close, but I thought you might get a kick out of this: I work in a Catholic high school, and for one day - today - your website was banned by our Orwellian server because it was deemed "General Pornography". Heh. Be well- David Tedeschi, Spring Lake, NJ

General Pornography-- didn't he comand a regiment in the "Desert Storm" campaign? I have never thought of the blog as poronography but it's nice to know that someone or some computer program has a perverse enough mind to plop it into that category. Gives the thing more character and diversity, you know?

I've been reading with great pleasure your blog section, particularly those pertaining to your observations of everyday life in Vienna. With that in mind, to the extent that you care to generalize:

1) How would you describe the Viennese and Austrians, say in comparison with the Germans? (My impression is that they're not a very happy people!)

The Austrians and Viennese are very different types. From what exposure I've had to people from outside Vienna, the Austrians as a whole are good natured, kind, and sybaritic. In contrast, the Viennese are generally ill-tempered, nosey, and quick to take offense. I have often said that I love living in Vienna but I don't like living among the Viennese. Which obviously has not endeared me to the citizens of this fair city.

2) Is/are there a certain trait/s you've noticed that is/are more or less peculiar to the Viennese and no one else?

The Viennese are very quick to tell you when you are doing something wrong or breaking a rule. I have never encountered it to the degree that it exists in this city.

3) Does JC the writer like/enjoy Vienna more than JC the day-to-day ordinary guy?

No, it's 50-50.

Alex

question: I don't know how to say this really, but you have changed my life.I mean it might sound ridiculous to you, but I don't know were I would be without your books. Every one of them has captured my heart and soul and I just feel like FINALLY! someone understands me! I have always wanted to be a writer and you have inspired me to write about the impossible. I just want to thank you for everything you are and for things that I can't even put into words.p.s. I bought a book on e-bay called The Heidelberg Cylinder signed by you and Dave McKean and it came with a certificate of authenticity, the book says it is one of one thousand copies. My question is this, I have never been able to verify that it is a real book written and signed by you. Could you please end my search is this your book??? - Jessica Dawson

The "Cylinder" is indeed mine and McKean's. But if you hate it, blame me and not Dave. He just did the brilliant cover but I wrote the tripe inside.

question: how do i find like games when u lok at the dot and something comes up!!!!!!!!!!1 -heather.lemmo

How do I understand what you are talking about?

question: As a bookseller (and longtime fan), I am anxiously awaiting the publication of "Glass Soup." In the meantime, my customers are content to once again be offered the chance to discover "Outside the Dog Museum" which I have always considered one of your best works. It is the one I will now hand sell to anyone to introduce them to your world. Two questions, if I may. How do you feel about advance readers of your forthcoming novel selling on eBay, potentially for much more than the cover price? Second, if someone offered you the chance to see the Beatles live from any period during their career, which show would you attend? - Mike Hockinson

Beatles? That's easy-- around the time they released REVOLVER. What a record. Book collectors have to make their $$ too so I don't mind it when someone is asking a crazy price for something of mine. It just surprises me that another person is willing to pay that price. The thing that does annoy me is when I do a signing, someone comes up with 30 copies of the book and says they are for "his friends" but he doesn't want them personalized-- just a signature, please. Does he really think I'm THAT dumb? And the (often) crowning blow is after you've signed his thirty, he hands you fifty postcards from the publisher advertising the book and asks you to sign them too. These, he tells you,are for different "libraries in his area" that would like autographs too. Here's a tip, dealers: Just say you're a dealer and we writers like you more for your honesty. We'll sign so many books and then that's it. Telling us lies about who they're for won't get you more signatures. On the contrary, it will make the writer not want to sign anything for you.

question: I love Your books!!! I don't read very much, because of lack of time, but if i want to readsomething good i always take some of Your's book. I wonder if You could send your autograph for me. the adress:
PIASTOWSKA 163A/16 80-358 GDANSK POLAND , Emila

It's on the way.

question: Mr Carroll. I'm a Pole but must confess to hardly know you. All I know is that you're an American writer & incredibly popular in my home country. I love reading but haven't come across J.C's books yet - still interested in classics:) But what I want to say is that I'm impressed. The webpage is awesome. I just scanned the Archive and some of the blog notes and they made me put the site into my favourites. It's so unusual for a famous person to communicate with the fans in such a way. I'm amazed and probably one day (now being far far from home) I'll take up reading your works. I'm curious about your Reading List but I can't find it:( Greetings from Finland. Kasia

I suppose it's selling out to the Machine, but I have to say www.amazon.com or www.bn.com are the best friends any reader living outside the US or UK who is in search of books in English could have. They're reasonably priced and they arrive quickly. If English bookstores in Finland are anything like most European countries, it takes forever for your order to arrive. Not so with Amazon and they've been life savers for me more than once.

Dear Mr. Carroll, thank you very much for your visit to Poznan; I really enjoyed each minute of it. That was the real beginning of the spring :-) ps. I hope the flower survived somehow. :-) Agata

All flowers that are given as presents survive, Agata-- for a while in the hand and afterwards in the head and heart.

question: Do you read a lot, Mr.Carroll? I guess you do. If so, are you not afraid of a situation that you unconsciously 'borrow' a scene or a motive from a book you read some time ago? (I hope you find my question intelligent enough to send me the answer ;)) ma"gosia

No, the only borrowing I ever do is from the way certain writers form their sentences. If I read a favorite writer like James Salter or Stanley Elkin, who are among other things beautiful wordsmiths, I know it makes me think harder about the way I phrase my own sentences. Now and then the way they do it has a real effect on the way I write mine. But plots or themes... I've never consciously snitched anything from anyone else. Although I must say there have been times when I sure as hell wish I wrote that book or even that sentence.

question: Would you like to see one of your novels as a film? If so, which one would it be?- Amy Waddell

Outside the Dog Museum, From the Teeth of Angels, Voice of Our Shadow-- not necessarily in that order.

question: Sorry if this question has been asked before, but I notice that several of your characters use fountain pens. Do you, and if so do you have any favorites? -Matt Kimmel

You can ask me about fountain pens all day, Matt. I have loved and used them for years. In the past all kinds and brands, but now only Parker 51. I have found it has the truest line for me of any pen I have ever used. They were made in the millions and sold all over the world for years so they're not hard to find in 2nd hand stores or flea markets. If you like fountain pens and have never used one of these, keep an eye out. They're a worthwhile investment.

It all started with your books, lending them to a friend who is married. Reading the books she soon discovered what passion meant, love. And realized that she did not love the one who she married.But with me she felt a passion, a love. I felt the same for her really, that's why you let someone into your world. By showing her a favorite author, you are showing her a piece of what makes you, you.The affair, if that's what you want to call it was innocent, we simply held hands late into the night, talked of nothing and enjoyed non-awkward silences. She could not keep it up and told her husband everything, what there was to tell. He did not believe that we could not have done more than we had. Confronting me, I let him know that's all there had been. He decided that he wanted to beat me up, and I let him. I wear my bruises like a modern day scarlet letter, why hide them. I have lost a friend, and the books I lent her. He let me know I was not going to get them back. But that was ok in a way because she has them now, some level of passion she can enjoy by opening them and enjoying them. Random quote from her :"I am not sure if I am falling in love with you or these books you let me borrow." Anyway, this was in no way a question, just a random true life story from a fan. Thank you for your words.

The bruised and battered Dan Tree

The bruised and battered tree. A strong and sad story, Dan. It's amazing that you were gallant and honorable in the situation. Not many people would have been. I don't know if that means you walk away from this wounded situation more or less satisfied. But to be chivalrous in this day and age is a singular and, no matter what anyone says, admirable thing. If you were here I'd buy you a coffee.

Hello J.C!! I was wondering if you still live in the old Wien apartment? The last time I was in Vienna i went to Cafe Ritter where, if you remember, you gave me some good advice. I still live in Germany, Munich.To keep it sweet and short(as you taught me in Creative writing), would be great to hear from you. Bis bald Imelda

Imelda-- get in touch when you're in Wien again. We'll fill in all the gaps the years have made.

Two people meet- they talk, talk, laugh, look into each other's eyes where they(or one of them?) find calmness. Then comes the moment when they find out what they want from each other. There's a little misunderstanding. Their roads go away in two different directions. Should they forget about that meeting? There was something in their eyes... something magic.... -OLA

Never forget magic, Ola. Always pursue it as hard as you can, no matter what the cost. Hold it tight when you have it or welcome and embrace it when it's offered to you because it is perhaps the rarest thing of all. But magic usually comes to the courageous person in life, the one who is willing to take chances, to take that great (and sometimes dangerous)leap of faith. You should pursue it with all your heart.

I've already asked Joe the webmaestro this a few times, but have received no response. (I'm sure he's rather busy!).

I have over fifty web pages syndicated to my homepage, but yours is the only one that fails to update (and it's one of my favorites). I've re-entered the data several times, but your site always tells me that the last post was in December!

Any chance of a fix on this? is there something obvious I', missing (other than just clicking on the link each day, which of course is a minor sacrifice).

looking forward to the new book,
Mark in Los Angeles

Can't help you with this one, Mark. Computers(and just about anything to do with them besides email and Microsoft Word) scare the bejeesus out of me. That's why Joe the WebGod is the one to talk to about this one. Keep hounding him.

Make sure you are using http://www.jonathancarroll.com/index.xml as the RSS source, you should see all of the recent (May 2005) updates with the correct dates. Email me if this does not work.

My name is Piotr Haase. I am 30 years old. I live in a litle village in Poland, together with my wife Kate and two sons Albert and Adrian. I have beenyour fan since many years. I really admire you and I think you are very good in that what you do. I was wondering if you could send me your autograph. I would be grateful. Thank you in advance. Yours sincerely, Piotr Haase MY ADRESS:
PIOTR HAASE STOJESZYN I nr 12

23- 310 MODLIBORZYCE POLAND

As soon as I finish answering these questions, Piotr, I'll send you one.

In regards to the question about "Friend's Best Man"-didn't that also appear in one of the volumes of "The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror" edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling? I was positive that's where I first read it.

I'm eagerly awaiting "Glass Soup"-I loved "White Apples"-I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I wrote to you about it here-the thing that resonated with me the most about it was that the heroes were flawed and imperfect, but they still found love. Because that's life-love blesses who it will, whether we deserve it or not. And thank God for that. :)

Your books never fail to catch my heart. Thanks for the magic, and for blessing those who aren't perfect with it. Love- Jena

Yes, "Friend's" was in the Datlow anthology long ago and far away. I'm glad you liked the lovers in WHITE APPLES (and soon to be GLASS SOUP) for their flaws,as well as graces. A goodly number of people who read the book disliked it and them a lot.Their general consensus was why would *anyone* fall in love with these people-- they each have so much wrong with them. And of course my answer to that is-- don't we all?

i love dancing to your rhythm. i feel so buoyant and refreshed. i am grateful to have discovered your novels and i'm grateful for a life filled with so many dreams...hey, where's your recommended reading list? thanks for doin' your thing! love, melissa

Your wish is my command, floating Melissa. Just today I updated the reading list so have a look.

I just listened to a snippet of your interview over on Bill Thompson's site. You stated you only need a good title and/or a starter sentence to get you going on a story. I have that in common with you and, though I'm not as well published (or known) as you are, I have lists of titles or starts to pieces in my files. Some are not as inspirational as I first thought on the second read, months or years later. Do you go through that same process? Of course, you KNOW IT when something smacks you just right, I think you'll agree.

Best, Chase (the guy who linked to your openers in his workshop, "Portent." You also may recall that I have friends in the art business in Vienna. I will be back someday and would relish buying you a cup of coffee at that "morning" cafe.) -Chase Jackson

I think most writers fill notebooks with one liners, beginnings, and titles. Some of us end up using them, others do it just to keep their brain muscles in shape. I'm all for the practice, no matter what your reasons. If nothing else, looking back over them is a nice sniff of the aroma of your past (where was I when I wrote that line?) and that is almost always a welcome thing.

Hi Mr.Carroll, nice to write to you... I'm a 20-year-old university student and what I would like to ask you is: what kind or genre of music do you listen to? I guess it's something like Pink Floyd or something Psychedelic...just like your writings! Thanks for writing these fabulous novels...Nico

No, most of the music I listen to recently is quieter, although that may just be a stage. I love the cd RONROCO by Santaolalla, the new Bruce Springsteen, The Blue Nile, Keith Jarrett's THE KOLN CONCERTS, Leonard Cohen-- things in that direction. Joe del Tufo, bless his polymath heart, keeps me in tunes of all sorts. No one knows music better than Joe or is more generous sharing what he likes.

I am a bookseller at the American Book Center in Amsterdam, and I really enjoyed most of your books. One of my colleagues introduced me to them, and we make a point of having them in stock all the time, and recommend them to our customers. It works -they usually come back for more. Any chance of you coming to Amsterdam soon? - Wieke de Neef

I love Amsterdam. I love Holland in general. I once had a Dutch girlfriend who lived in the town Van Gogh came from, Nuenen? It's one of the few countries I'd like to live in if given the chance. What I need now is a Dutch publisher so as to have an excuse to go up there regularly. That's your assignment, Wieke, and if you make it happen I'll come to your store and sign every book you've got-- mine and anyone else you'd like. PS Cees Nooteboom's RITUALS is one of my favorite novels ever.

question: This is not much of a question, more of a comment and a hey, how ya doing. Just read your blog about reading negative reviews of your work. I can't even comprehend someone not just loving what and how you write. When I realize that I am getting close to people in my life and want them to really know me better, I will buy them three of your books (I used to loan out my own copies, but then would never have them for myself). I feel like if they read something that I truly love, then they will really see me.Of course this is usually a huge disappointment as I will check with them and they haven't even opened one yet. Well, I finally have a convert, strangely enough someone on the fringes of my life. My boss's sister. I gave my boss (and close friend) Sleeping in Flame and Bones of the Moon for Christmas. She didn't read them but her sister picked them up and loved them, I have now broken my own rule and loaned her Land of Laughs, Panic Hand and Wooden Sea! Just to feed her and have someone to talk to about your work. Thanks for the blog, it's nice to hear your voice every day, oh and write faster. I feel like those children just dying for the next Harry Potter. Paula Whigham

Your letter made me smile, Paula, because I do the same thing with people I want to know better and vice versa. The books you love really are a reflection of who you are down deep in the secret corners. When you magically find someone who feels the same passion and connections to a book that you did, it's like you can move forward together two or three giant steps without having to say a word about it simply because of that book.

question: Mr. Carroll, I recently read your piece "Bum" which appeared at the end of Filter Magazine's March '05 issue. Just curious to see if you (personally) harbor a tune you consider to be "yours." Understand that if I was posed with this question, I would have a difficult time coming up with a single response...various moments in life resonate with the echoes of various tunes. Merely curious if a specific song inspired you to write "Bum." Many thanks. -Greta VanBrackle

You're right-- different songs clonk around in my head like a marble in a clothes dryer at different times or situations. Recurring ones are "The Chapel of Love" by the Dixie Cups, "Sally Go Round the Roses," and lots of The Beatles songs because they were the soundtrack of my generation.

question: Dear Mr Carroll:) What is the most ridiculous, illogical, spontaneous thing you have ever done in your life? -Ada

If I told you that (or admitted to it) all Hell would break loose on more than one front. You've got to keep some things secret, you know?

question: I'm new to your books, so far having only read White Apples. I loved that one so much I have searched the local book shops and now have The Wooden Sea on order. I have also seriously complained to the owner of the shop because your books are not readily available. I've really enjoyed your website and came across a paragraph stating that you have written a short story called Friends Best Man. I'm sure that I had that story in an anthology and that it was about a man who saved his dog from a train accident but was injured himself, earning himself a place of safety later on when animals finally took over the world. I have searched the house for that book, with no success, and think it must be another book borrowed by someone and never returned. Can you please put my mind at rest by telling me if that story is the one you wrote and, if so, which anthology I might have read it in so that I can track it down again. Thank you. By the way, any plans to tour England? -Jody Richardson

You're right. "Friend's Best Man" is mine. I wrote it years ago and it is included in the collection THE PANIC HAND which you can find pretty easily either at eBay.com if you put my name or the book title into the search blank, or at www.abebooks.com No English book tour plans as yet but we'll keep you posted.

question: greetings from Poland (aren't you bored with us ;-)! I'd like to recommend you a book by Carolyn Parkhurst. I suppose tj t its English title will be something like "Dogs from Babel Tower". It's really amazing and I hope you will enjoy it! -Paula

Several people recommended that to me, Paula, but I must say I didn't like the book and stopped reading it about halfway through. I thought it was manipulative, obvious (I skipped to the end before stopping and yup-- I guessed the mystery after about twenty pages) and the part about torturing the dogs very badly written and way overdone.

question: here`s again the girl who missed the bus-stop:I wasn`t clear last time I wrote.I saw you literally sitting it the middle of the main market square in Cracow at the small table signing your books.there was an impressing line of i must say mostly women.I had to stop to admire from a distance and remember that scene.amazing-- you looked completely relaxed apparently enjoying the moment despite of a random location.

yesterday i found in "The Bones of The Moon" your words:
"Years ago,an interviewer asked me what was the nicest thing about being a writer.Without thinking,I said:Knowing someone in Cracow, Poland is sitting on a bus going home after a long day, reading one of my novels.And if I`m lucky, they`ll be so absorbed that they miss their stop." when it happened to me i got shivers and heard your giggle behind me but back then in 1996 wanted so much to tell you that IT HAD HAPPENED TO ME!so you can only imagine how thrilled I was to read your little comment on it.it was one of those many little miracles my life is surprisingly full of:)

It also proves that if we genuinly want to communicate with someone the whole world orchestrates all the circumstances so it may happen.

Sorry for me being too talkative.

I love your titles and subtitles! I invent sometimes Carroll`s like titles but never heard better and more intriguing ones than those you wrote.no flatter!

the beauty spy:Edyta M(Cracovian by origin)i guess you do more for Cracow than any travelogue -Edyta

I don't remember that day, Edyta, but any time I am surrounded by both Cracow and women readers I am a happy man. As I mentioned, I'll be there in June for some literary festival. I forget the name of it but I think it happens on the first weekend in June.

question: Warmest greetings from snowy Poland, Jonathan :) Hope this message finds you in good health.I wanted to ask you an urgent question: are you coming to Bydgoszcz in late March ? We have been saving up some money to meet you there and one of my friends told me recently that you won't be there.... We live just by the Baltic Sea and we dread to think that the nearest city to meet you in will be Poznan ... I tried to search the net, but there's no information about the cities, so I decided to ask a reliable source ;) I hope you'll give me some good news, Jonathan. Anyway, if we miss you in Poland, we will surely find you in Vienna this summer, and that's a vision that keeps me on the go these days. Best wishes for you, hope to hear from you soon. - Jazzy

No Bydgoszcz. I'm afraid you'll have to come to Poznan this time. My schedule is posted in brief here on the title page and in detail at the Polish website www.jonathancarroll.mikser.net

question: Hi Mr. Carroll, I come from Poland and live in Germany. I already read all your books in Polish and all I could get in German. My favourite is "From the Teeth of Angels." How it is possible to be a man and write about how a woman is being in love with a man so great? It's amazing!!! Mr.Carroll I love all your books!And want to THANK U FOR changing my life! I have one question, could I may be get an autograph from u? I cant put in words how happy I would be!!!! I wish u all the best and stay healthy, take care and I'm waiting for your new book! Alles Liebe! -Ihre Sylwia

I'll be happy to send you an autograph, Sylwia. Just send your full name and address to me at the following email address and I'll shoot one right out to you: jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: Uhm, I don't know how to start. I hope that You'll understand what I'm going to write, cause my English isn't very good though. But... A few years ago I have read your book "The Land Of Laughs". It was my first book of yours that I read. And... It's trivial, but I find in it something special, even magical. Something just for me. Other your books that I was reading lend me to the inner world. Now I have all your bibliography that was published in Poland. What can I say more? Thank You for all of your books. For your great imagination. For inspiration, and all of this feelings bound to your books. You're great. -Aleksandra Lendzian

When anyone sits down and spends time writing a letter like yours Aleksandra then it means the world to the writer. All books are a conversation between the present and the absent. You reading it now, me writing it a quarter of a century ago. The fact that a book I wrote 25 years ago still talks to you and ends up meaning a lot to you is probably the only immortality I will ever have and that is a wonderful thing to know. Thank you for your letter.

question: I apologize if you have already answered this question. When I clicked on"Read Q&As in the Archive Section" I got nothing but a screen with sillouettes of a man's body. My daughter recently discovered your books and now we are both hooked on them. The first book we read was "Land of Laughs" and we are having a friendly disagreement about the ending. I think the man who is with the protaganist at the end is his father, but my daughter thinks it is Marshall France, whom he has brought back to life with his writing. Can you tell us the truth, or maybe it is a third possibility. I would also like to know why I can't get into the archives to read the questions and answers. Thanks a lot. I returned all my other books to the library and now can read only your books! -Joan Gross

Despite what they say or think, writers really aren't the final judge of what is in their books. I always think when I finish a book and send it off to be published that I immediately go from the creator to only another reader of that book and my opinion about it or something in it counts no more or less than yours. I always thought at the end of LAUGHS that the other person with Thomas in Switzerland was his father. Remember he has brought France back to Galen and that is probably where that old sorcerer wants to remain. But who knows-- ask your daughter why she thinks it is France in Zermatt and maybe her argument is better than mine. Ergo she's right and we're wrong. I'll ask Joe del Tufo to check out the glitch with the Q &A archive.

question: I still believe "O.T.D.M" would make a fantastic film. Any thoughts in that direction? -- The girl with big boots. -Amy

I once had a long meeting with a producer who liked OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM but said because it took place in three locations, it would be very expensive to shoot. I suggested then that he cut the Saru section and have those events happen in either Los Angeles or Austria. I think if you did that you'd save oodles of money and still retain what you need to keep the story in the corral.

We walked below angels and realized we shared a birthday. Do you remember? - Amy Waddell

Of course I remember,Amy. And you wrote a screenplay about mermaids and you wore big boots with your long blond hair. Maybe when you're in town again we can talk on a more level playing ground this time.

It may have been wishful thinking on my behalf, but I will be in Italy in Sept, and I'm sure i read somewhere that you were attending a literary festival there at the same time? Please tell me I wasn't dreaming!! - Kelly

Kelly, you're a year too late. I was in Italy at the Mantova literary festival last August. It was both a wonderful festival and a town all the world should rush to see as soon as they can. Truly magical. I cannot wait to go back but this time as a tourist. The only travelling I'll be doing this spring is to Poland at the end of March for a week and at the beginning of June to Cracow.

I am an german/american living in Hamburg. I've been reading your books for over 15 years now and have read most of them a few times. Meeting you in vienna in ¥95 was a great pleasure and meant a great deal to me. I just wanted to thank you for all the hours of deep pleasure an new views to life you gave me. Here my question: From the teeth of angels" seemed to me, that it finished before it is finished. :-) As if a chapter is missing... Was that an intention or did the editor messed something up?

To me the last pages, talking to death, gave me great hope while I was suffering from Hepatitis C I had to confront it with strong medicine. I will always be grateful for this Book you wrote. Mike

No Mike, the ending is at I intended it to be. Not to give anything away to those who haven't read the book, but there really is no way to properly end that story (imho) other than to say the only way to face death is as described at the end of the book. Whether the characters live or die afterwards is less important than how they live the rest of the days they have left until their final moment comes. I'm glad that my book helped you through a bad time. One of the most touching results of FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS is the many people who have written in to say that it helped them too when they were going through the horror of a loved one's death or the recent loss of someone who mattered. I can't tell you how much that means to me.

Hi!I'm a big fan of you and yours books of course.Thank You for openening a new world in my life-called reading.A few years ago I read Land of Laughs and it was really amazing. I've read all yours books twice but they're still surprising me.Can you give me some clue how to write.I've got some idea but I don't know how to unroll it.I'II hope we'll meet in Warsaw soon.P.S.Sorry for my mistakes, best wishes, do zobaczenia!!! - Ania

People ask that question often Ania, but there is no answer to the secret to writing. The only thing I can say is no one on earth sees the world the way you do. The challenge of writing is to try and convey through words your singular vision to those who don't have your "eyes." If you have fun doing it-- like eating, or jogging or laughing with your friends, then it will be a joy to even attempt, much less succeed at. If writing is an ordeal that makes you suffer, then it will be very hard to accomplish. Life is so much easier and usually succesful when we like what we're doing, you know?

I want to start by saying that I read in a interview with you that a book you like should make you wonder - How did that writer get in my head? I guess that's the way you make me feel. I also love your books for making me get to know myself and for gving me so much more knowledge about life.

I also would like to tell you that in the same inteview saw that you didnt like John Irving and Paul Auster. That's really strange because my favourite authors are them, besides you (I also like Joyce Carol Oates and Norman Mailer). I thought that was quite strange because I like you and their writings so much and I find that you in some ways have the same lovely imagination and a lot of other things in common even if there are things that differ as well.

Another thing I would like to tell you is that I just love your reading list. I think that's a brilliant idea. When I don't know what to read next I look at your list. I've liked most of your suggestions even if some of them were not really to my taste. Anyway thank you for giving me so many wonderful new experiences to add in the form of the books you recommended. I guess that I would have missed a lot of fantastic writers (and I guess I still do) if it wasn't for you.

This isn't really questions and my real question is if you have any plans on visiting Sweden? If not, where could I go to see you lecture or something like that (telling people about your writing)? Are you planning any visit to London, because I guess I could go there if I knew I could hear you talk about litterature. Another question is if you have read Edward Abbeys - A fool progress? If you have, did you like it? If you haven¥t I strongly recommend you to do that.

That will be all for now. Thank you for all of you books. They all gave me something new to add and they all helped me continue forward on this strange road called life. Lots of love -Mikaela

I'm glad you like the reading list, Mikaela. Some people have grumbled that the books there were not to their taste, but reading lists are always subjective. What I like you might not and vice versa. The thing I always used to tell my students was give a book, any book, fifty pages. The fifty page test. If after 50 you still don't like it, put it down and pick up something else. That's the delightful thing-- there is always so much else out there to read and so little time... The only public stuff I'll be doing this spring is in Poland. We'll post my schedule there as soon as it is definite. I know Abbey's work, having read some of it in college. The title you suggest I don't know but I will check it out.

Dear Mr Carroll, I've been a great fan of your work for nearly ten years now. I discovered "The Land of Laughs" by accident - just bought it because of the cover that showed a mischievously smiling dog, that I liked very much. After having read your book, I was completely "angefixt" as we say in "NeuDeutsch". For Christmas, I gave "The Land..." to my elder brother and since then you have the two of us in your fanclub. Two questions: does happy hill in vienna really exist? And: Are you planning to visit Germany in the near future or are you going to do a public reading in Vienna? Thanx a lot, warmest regards from ute, 35, cologne/germany -Ute Symanski

The Happy Hill does indeed exist, Ute. On the title page of this website is a series of photos of places I mention in Vienna. One of them is a view of the city from the Happy Hill. Take a look. Germany is not on the schedule any time soon but I may do a reading in Vienna some time in the fall when GLASS SOUP is released in the US

I'd never heard of you until I came across a link in Neil Gaiman's blog. Now I've heard of you, and have been reading your blog, and know with complete certainty that I must get my hands on your books or die trying :-) I'm tickled at the way your non-english readers apologise for their "bad english" - their "bad english" is absolutely delightful. They need not apologise - They are articulate and achieve the goal of communication in a quirky and unexpected way, which is magical. I was about to ask whether you'd ever been to South Africa when I came across that same question, posted by Maria. You mention that your plane had been diverted to Johannesburg. That must have been an extra-celestial intervention, especially since you got to witness one of Jo'burgs most thrilling things - our spectacular storms. Thanks for writing one of the very few blogs I've ever come across that I'd actually visit again, let alone become a regular reader of. I'm off to find your books now... Audrey, Johannesburg

The blog has surprised all of us with its popularity, Audrey. Joe del Tufo told me that traffic on the site is up something like 30 percent since it started. I'm delighted because many of the entries are quotes or other peoples' ideas that are so good or surprising that as soon as I read or hear them, I'm dying to share them with whoever will listen.

Man. About a hundred years ago (1977, probably) when I was a student at the AIS in Vienna, you lent me a book and never I returned it; probably something about psychotherapy or something, it slips my mind. I'm going to be in Vienna in mid-May this year. Do you want it back? How you doing, anyway? Mark Jung

Ah Mark, no wonder you've been hiding all these years. My Tae Kwon Do partner long ago and far away. I'll be in town in May. Get in touch and we'll tawk.

Well, a few years ago i read an interview with you where you were asked what success means for you; what your definition of success is. You said something like:to know that in Cracow, POland someone is missing her/his bus-stop while reading your book...Believe it or not right after i read it i realized i had just missed my stop... Then I later saw you sitting at a small wooden table in the middle of the Main Market Square and it was such an eerie and sweet picture... for me vienna is a city of very tall people in luxurious fur-coats... just wanted to share that with you cause you are definitely adding beauty and joy to this world,thank you,thanks for all the warm words about Cracow,I'm going to get your autograph in april,while you are in Warsaw where I live now -Edyta M

There are few things I like more in the world than to sit in Market Square in Cracow on a sunny day at a café table, watching the world go by. How lucky you are to come from there. Vienna is tall people and fur coats? To me, Cracow is beautiful women and Dr. Caligari shadows everywhere, even when the sun is shining. I'll be going to Cracow in early June for a festival there and I am really looking forward to it.

No question, just a nod of appreciation...I haven't visited the site in a while and was very pleased to see all the entries you've made recently. I was particularly struck by the quote by Will Eno, and the chinese proverb which happened to be entered on my birthday-cute coincidence. Anyways, I met you in Austin, TX at your booksigning a few years ago, and I didn't say much but tell you how to spell my name. However, I truly wanted to gush and tell you what a difference your writing has made in my life. I hate to sound trite, but it's just comforting to know I'm not alone in observing and appreciating all the little amazing miracles the universe puts out there that go unnoticed everyday. I feel like my life is testing me lately, and I'm realizing I've grown because I'm being so effortlessly strong and brave through it all. I'm past being shy and reserved now. I think struggles are a blessing sometimes, because they leave clarity in their wake. I guess I really don't have a point here...all I really wanted to say is what I've already said-thank you. -Adrienne

What's that old saying, Adrienne about the lesson is always there, it just needs us to catch up to it sometimes? Maybe that's what has happened to you of late. If so, how nice to meet a part of yourself that is bigger and stronger than you ever conceived. I envy you.

Dear Mr Carroll, please excuse my spelling. It's such a crime isn't it? Seem to have hit a nerve. Sorry not to be as gushing as everyone else. Anyway my concerns were only just a thought, nothing else. No need to go on about me dying at midnight... Ooh! It's 11:58! Better do something worthwhile... - John

Gee John, if that's true then it means by the time I read this, you're dead. Arrivederci!

I am Cristina and I work for the website www.lafeltrinelli.it, the site of the most important chain of bookseller in Italy. Next february, in Italy, will forthcoming your new book "Ciao Pauline!" published by Mondadori, and on our site we will pubblish a path about you. Can you suggest me ten book title that you think are the best or you loved above all? Or can you tell me other author that you loved? Thank you so much for your help Best Regards and merry Xmas -cristina tarantola

That's like asking an alcoholic which are their favorite drinks. The ten that I would take to a desert island? Moby Dick by Herman Melville (I always loved that book when I was in college and swore before I died that I would re-read it Fifth Business by Robertson Davies Light Years by James Salter The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitgerald The World I Made For Her by Thomas Moran Ellis Island by Mark Helprin Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Aunt Julia and the Script Writer by Mario Vargas Llosa The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass Glass Soup by me (because I'm sure I'll still be making corrections on it).

question: Hello, At beginning I must say that my english isn't really good so forgive my faults. I am from Poland and I discovered your books about two years ago - I find them really good, now I'm reading "The marriage of sticks" - My mother gave me this book for this Christmas :) I have a litlle question for you: If it's possible to receive your autographs by post (my adress:
Magdalena Siemienska ul. Glogowska 18/4

53- 621 Wroclaw Poland), I know that it could be a problem for you so I want to ask you: Will you visit our country in near future? Best greetings, Magda

I'll put an autograph in the mail to you today, Magda. I'll be in Poland at the end of March, beginning of April. Keep watching this website for a schedule.

question: Clearly you like women - you write a lot (quite well, I might add) about them, discuss them, etc. - but why are so few books on your reading lists by women? -Rod Armstrong

I guess a reading list is always a subjective thing. When I read a book that I like by a woman, I list it.

question: Hello, Jonathan! I am from Russia ( Moscow). Your books are very important for me. For this moment I've read only "The Land of Laughs" and "Voice of our Shadow". But in future I try to buy other books. In "Voice..." I think, that Ross, his manners have analogy with Alex from Antony Burgess's "A Clockwork Orange". What do you think about it? Do you read "A Clockwork Orange"? -Matilda Valua

They are certainly both violent young men. I've never thought about the link because in truth, I based Ross on someone I knew very well when I was younger. When I was writing the book, I was just thinking a lot about this person and then picking and choosing what I wanted to use from both their personality and life in my story. But the more I think about it, the more it seems you have a point.

question: I just want to say I'm a huge fan, I've read as many of your books as I could get my hands on in the US, where they seem to be very scarce. Anyway, I was just wondering whether or not you're interested in movies and if so, what kind? What are some of your favorites? I often find that sharing a common interest in books with other people leads to a similar taste in movies as well. -Autumn

I'm sort of hot and cold on films. Like so many people, I go through phases where I watch a lot of them at one time, then months will pass where I'm not in the least interested. If I had to say what are my favorite films, I'd say many of the early ones by Federico Fellini like LA STRADA and NIGHTS OF CABIRIA. My favorite film of all is Fellini's AMARCORD.

question: Hello:)) My name is Joanna, I'm 18 years old and I'm from Poland. I really enjoy Your books. It's amazing how a human(a man!) can write such delicate,obtained and fascinating books about...living and dying! Your books are really great. But yesterday, one of them suprised me. I'm sorry, but I have to tell You about my feelings, if I want to be honest. "Kissing the beehive" - that's the book, wich I am talking about. I don't know why, but in comparison to the other books, it's really not interesting. God, I'm so sorry, that You have to read it, but I think, that opinion of Yours readers is also, in such a little way, interest and important. I hope You'll understand me. Thank You for all of Your books:)) best wishes from Poland!- Joanna

The fact you like any of my books is a compliment, Joanna. KISSING THE BEEHIVE is different form the others because it is realistic and contains no magic. At the time I wrote it I wanted to go in a different direction to see if I could tell just a story with no magical elements in it at all. If in the end that book failed to interest you-- oh well. Think of your boyfriend-- do you really, honestly like everything about him? Just be glad you like as much about him as you do.

question: dear jonathan carrol, I just finished "the land of laughs", and I really appreciated it, even if I wasn't very satisfied by the last chapter. I would really like to read the tales of Green Dog,the stars pool and Dorothy Little Queen of Oil (is it the right translation?)or whatever happens in the Land of Laughs.It is cruel to tickle the imagination of readers giving them just a taste without satisfying them. I can perfectly imagine the illustrations of Van Walt and the smell of France's books, but I still don't know the plots! Does it exist a solution to my curiosity? Please,answer! (and sorry for my english mistakes.. - Daria

No Daria, you'll have to create Marshall France's books in your mind because that's the only place they will ever live in their entirety. When I was writing THE LAND OF LAUGHS I was tempted to write long passages for each of France's books. But then I thought what if my creations are not good excerpts? What if the readers hate my France passages? So I only wrote a little of them and left the rest up to your imagination.

question: Love your work. Incredible, inspiring, scary, thought provoking, etc. I seem to recall reading some comments by you regarding Castaneda but can't remember where or what exactly. Are you familiar with the tell all by a former lover/disciple of his, Amy Wallace, called the Sorcerer's Apprentice? It bursts the bubble of mystery and magic that surrounded Castaneda and reveals a cult-like scene of depressing proportions. Your thoughts? What dark secrets will readers one day learn about you? Be well. J.See

I did read about that Castaneda scandal. But you know, what difference does it make if Castaneda the man liked too many women, lied to too many people, etcetera? When I was teaching full time I used to tell my literature students in real life Tolstoy was a horrible father and husband. Yet he wrote some of the most beautiful instructive passages about family love that ever existed.That was his contribution to the human parade and it was an important one. If someone reads Castaneda and is inspired, thrilled or touched by his work or his ideas, then really that is all that matters (imho). I'm not at all interesting enough for someone to spend even five minutes trying to dig up dirt on me. People always have dirt on them somewhere but dirt is a relative thing, you know? What you or a biographer or fan may consider dirt may be the nicest thing that ever happened to me. Anyway, I'd rather they spend their time and energy reading my books, if they want to know who I was.

question: Hi, this isn't a question, but something funny. I just looked up your books on Half.com (subsidiary of Ebay) and noticed that you've written a book called "Outside the Cat Museum!" It's obviously an error on the site, but it made me giggle. There are a number of people selling your cat book as well. :) Woof. -Sandra

That really made me laugh, Sandra. Particularly because I don't like cats very much. Maybe in some alternative universe there is another Carroll who HAS written a book called OUTSIDE THE CAT MUSEUM.

question: Dear Mr. Carroll, I have a writing question for you: You write such individual and complex characters, and I wonder if you find it easier to write the characters who resemble you more closely, or if characterization comes more easily for the out-there, not at all you characters (remembering, of course, that there must be a piece of author in even the most bizarre and unlikely of characters). As I work on my first novel, I find that the main character, who most closely resembles me in age and gender and personality, is the most difficult to write, while the faintly Dickensian supporting cast dances across the page. Any advice? All the Best, Caitlyn- who does faintly resemble Christina Rosetti but looks more like Jane Morris, actually :)

Pick and choose between what you know and what you imagine. If you lie in real life but it's important that your protagonist be a straight arrow, then make her a straight arrow. Life does not dictate art-- it only helps it along. The most important rule of writing really is to have fun with it. Look forward to going to it each day. When it's a drag, put the piece down and work on something else. How do you make it fun? Partly by writing a story that you would like to read, partly by creating a universe and characters in it that you become intrigued with and want to know what will happen to them. Whether they are based on those you know or whole cloth out of your imagination, if you enjoy the trip with them and you're halfway home.

Greetings from the US. I just read Bones of the Moon. Reading a book written in the first person was a treat. I was also impressed with the accurate descriptions of a woman's perspective. You're a marvelous empath, have memories from past lifetimes or listen well to others. Most likely it ís all three. Anyway, I am writing because being from the US I bought a book with a US ending. I want to know what the non-US ending is. Can you please add that to your website?

Since I am writing you, one more questions. Sorry if it ís a repeat; I didn't search you site to see if this had already been answered. When you are working on a novel do you spend time writing on it everyday? Thank you for your time, Doreen

I'm glad you liked BONES. It's probably the most controversial novel I've written. A lot of (angry) women took offense that I would 1. be presumptuous enough to write in the voice of a woman 2. write as a woman explaining what it was like to have an abortion. For a while there, my mailbox was a pretty grumbly place. The ending of the UK edition of BONES was literally two paragraphs shorter than the US ending. My editor in the US at the time said that to his mind, the novel needed more closure, so I added the wrap up of what happened to Danny and Cullen after the drama at the end of the story. That's all. Cut off 2 paragraphs and you have the UK ending. As to writing every day-- no. I like to write so I usually do some kind of writing every day-- work on a novel, short story, book review, the blog... But sometimes a book in progress is grumpy or moody and just wants me to leave it alone. Or I am grumpy and moody and want it to leave ME alone. So I walk the dog instead not feeling a bit of guilt.

I noticed in your archives that several people have requested your autograph and you've urged them to send their address via e-mail. I was wondering if I might obtain your John Hancock as well? I'm the proud owner of most of your books, but my favorite is a hardbound first-edition of "The Land Of Laughs". I'd love to have a signature to slip inside the book. Pretty please? My snail-mail address is: Taryn Campbell 231 Wadsworth Avenue Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

It's on the way, Taryn-- A Carroll Christmas snail crawling towards you...

question: Mr Carroll. I have greatly admired your works ever since a friend gave me copy of Bones of the Moon, on the advice that I really must read it. I did. It blew my mind. But... I do apologize, but there is a but, and who am I to criticise? But what has happened Mr Carroll? Where is the magic? White Apples, and perhaps your reasons and methods will become clear, was/is exasperatingly below par, and dare I say it, lazyily done. Am I wrong? Yours worringly. John.

First, if you're going to send this kind of letter, John, you have to spell your words correctly or else you come across (only) as a pompous ass. Worryingly, John. It's spelled worryingly.And criticize is with a z, not an

s. Secondly, as the old saying goes if you don't like the cook, get out of the kitchen. If you think APPLES is lousy, stop reading my work. The most recent stuff is obviously not for you. Tant pis. Think of it this way, John:
Today is the last day of your life. You'll die at midnight. There's no arguing. Midnight-- you're dead. With that in mind, why go on reading a book that disappoints you? Why do anything in these last hours that doesn't bring you as much pleasure as you can squeeze out of the last minutes you will ever have? Put that below par book down and go kiss someone. If that's not possible, find something that you can get lost in so you won't hear the clock tick.

Jonathan,
I stumbled into this recently and it reminded me of the wonderful sort of twisting the knife into taboos that you use to such delicious effect in your books:
"The Funeral Pneumatic Railroad" http://www.newyorkunderground.org/misc/vienna1874.htm

Flushing the dead down tubes? In Vienna of all places?! Nigel

Hell Nigel, that's why I've lived here most of my adult life!

question: I would like to know what is Your biggest fear? Last few days I have had many terrible fears. I was sure I would never be good mother, or I would never be able to live normal. All my bad thoughts are so strong, that even my friend's strong hands cannot hold me in the air. Do You have those days, weeks, months, You would only like to know what is life about? Aren't you scared that all good we'll make is nothing more than a moment! The world is running. We are the moment, but think....what about next moments? I suppose You can say,that your books are some part of You. People will know Jonathan Carroll for a long long time, but what about normal, little ppl? Yashi-does she have to live, does she have something important to do? I think, sometimes God is making huge mistakes, sending bad-made ppl down to earth. I often see them. And I can recognize them, cause we are so similar, to each other. Sometimes I am really scared. -Yashi

Look at what I said to "Worrying John" above, Yashi. I think the same thing applies to your question. There is no future, there is no past (except in our memories). All of that stuff is either gone forever or not here yet. So what we can only really do is concentrate on living this moment well, and only this moment. If you're in a place that makes you scared or unhappy, get out of there and move towards a place, or person, or a frame of mind that you believe will make you feel better about yourself and this moment. You don't have to think about God or the future or any of that big scary stuff-- Only think this and try to resolve the question-- What/where/who would make me happier than I am right now? When you know the answer, move towards it, knowing that you are out of the bad and moving towards the good. That in itself should make you feel better. PS I'd also strongly recommend you pick up a copy of THE POWER OF NOW by Tolle. He says all of that in there in wonderful, convincing ways.

No question actually. Been and am an avid reader of your writing since you published Sleeping in Flame. And I just read Snowy the Wonder Dog (http://www.gregglevoy.com/snowy.html) and thought you might enjoy the story. All the best, Elena

question: I'm curious if you know the answer to this question... out of all the religions in the world, why did your brother decide upon the Sufi? Part 2: What can you tell us about the Sufi religion? Have you read any books on the subject you can recommend?) -Dave Coleman

My brother has always been interested in religion. For years he was a follower of the Russian mystic George Gurdjieff. Like many who have studied Gurdjieff and Ouspensky (Gurdjieff's student and later important teacher in his own right), eventually he moved towards Sufism. I don‚t know enough about the religion to explain its basic tenets thoroughly, but if you're interested I would suggest you read Idris Shah, Reshad Field and of course the astonishing poetry of Rumi.

question: Hello!!! I'm 16 year old girl from Poland. And I would like to thank you becaus now I see that there are still people on Earth with imagination & fantasy. I love your work. And I've got one question. Are you going to see whats up in Lublin durning your nex visit in Poland?? And one more. When are you going to wisiy my country I can't wait ;];p;];p XXXXXXX Greetings (Karol)ina ;p;] -Karola

I'll be in Poland in April of 2005 but I don't think I'll be in Lublin. I was there last time and Rebis always has different towns they want me to visit. Keep watching here and we'll give you the itinerary when we know it.

question: I was just wondering...why haven't you reprinted your short story collection: The Panic Hand ? It's been 8 years, and you're clearly not making any money on some sort of residual sales. Used copies run more than $50. I'd love to have a copy to give my friend, but can't afford that much for one book. Please reprint this asap! Thanks! - Michael

That's always a question of what publishers want to reprint things, Michael. So far no one has ever expressed interest in reprinting PANIC HAND. But I'll give you a tip-- keep visiting www.abebooks.com and typing in that title. Or put my name in at www.ebay.com You'd be surprised what turns up at those places for very reasonable prices.

question: Hi, i was just curious since i plan on visiting Vienna this summer with my girlfriend, we both love your books, where should we go, what should we see? You make it seem like a wonderful place, and as it is your home i thought you could help us with some directions, and hopefully we might bump into you in a cafe', who knows! - michael kanitsch

Read the Vienna pieces I have written that are posted here on the website. They give you a pretty good idea of what you should see when you come to Wien.

question: It's David from Spring Lake, NJ again...just wanted to drop you aquick line to thank you for your advice concerning the creative writing class I've been teaching since the beginning of September. I'm having a ball, the kids are enjoying themselves (at least, I hope so - they're certainly writing some amazing things) and all is right with the world. You gave me some wonderful ideas and just enough confidence to get going. Couldn't have done it without you. Oh, and I've added WHITE APPLES to the syllabus: first half, second semester. Be well-! David, by the Jersey shore.

I'm glad some tips from an old teacher helped get your kids going. I had such terrible experiences in school as a student that when I began teaching years ago I made up one rule and stuck to it, always: TEACH TO THE STUDENT WHO IS BORED. If you can get and hold their attention, then you have the rest of the class in your hand. But you must keep looking around the room to be sure no one else is bored. If they are then switch immediately to them, gain their attention, etc. It can be exhausting work but it is the best way I know of to teach well. That formula worked for me over the years. Probably because in the old days, I was always that bored student looking out the window.

question: Hello Mr Carroll! I was just wondering if you liked the mantuan "sbrisolona"... Maybe there are some of its crumbs between the pages of the book you were reading flying to Vienna.. Lots of love, Melissa

Not only did I love it Melissa, and purred like a cat whenever I was eating it, but I kept thinking I didn't thank you enough for bringing it to me out of the blue like that. Unexpected presents are part of what makes life worth living. And when those presents are given to you by pretty women who do it simply out of the kindness of their hearts, well, what more can you ask for?

question: I have devoured every book of your that I could get my hands on. I was born and raised in th U.S., but I have lived in The Netherlands for the last year. In a short amount of time I have learned to speak pretty good dutch. I read all the time, and I have found that one of the most enjoyable ways to learn a new language is to re-read some of your favorite books. It is easy to let the story carry you along, even if you stumble every now and again over a word. Have any of your books been translated into dutch? I always keep my eyes open, but I am just not seeing anything. Thank you so much for entertaining me.- Angela Kerstens

No, Dutch publishers don't seem interested in my stuff. You should knock on their doors and say HEY THERE'S THIS GREAT AMERICAN WRITER... Etcetera. I'm sure they'd listen more carefully to you than if I were to come up there and do it.

question: My name is Markus and I'm a literature student at Stockholm university, Sweden. I noticed that you mention Borges "The circular ruins" in "The Land of Laughs". I'm thinking about writing an essay on some of your work and examine the borderland between magic realism and fantasy. I'm wondering if you are in some way inspired by the so called magic realists from Latin-america? Best regards/Markus

I've answered this question a few times here in the collaborate section. Just read the archive of answers and you'll find all the information you need on that.

Jonathan, do you ever actually check the hotmail address given on this site? Or is it perhaps a fantasy email created to appease the lowly fan's need to communicate with the object of worship? Just wondered. x -julia d

Yes, I read all of the mail that is sent to me in care of jscarroll@hotmail.com Look at the daily blog and you'll see I share some of those letters there. In fact, I make it a point to go to Hotmail and look at least once a day. Unfortunately some of the letters sent to me there are insane or insanely provocative. I don't answer them for obvious reasons, but if your letter is reasonably sane, you'll get an answer.

Thank you for replying to my e-mail. I searched your site :-) which is just purr...fect but I do have a question: what is your viewpoint on this whole "greatest fan" business? Have you ever found yourself in an "approximately" close-to-"Misery" situation or similar? Or has anyone (i.e the fan) given you the creeps? Anyway, can't wait for your new book and when are you going to visit Krakow? :-) - Lena - Poland

I was stalked by a very persistent female fan for about a year. She used to leave postcards of saints on my doorstep with the faces scribbled over with orange crayon. She used to telephone at three in the morning several times a week to tell me how much I wanted her. She used to... I used some of what happened in KISSING THE BEEHIVE. Those who know me and the story recognize what is true in the novel and what is made up. Unfortunately my stalker looked like a mushroom in a dress and not beautiful like my created Veronica Lake. I am more than happy to be stalked by beautiful women. Please line up at the door and take a ticket.

Mr Jonathan I've just wanted to say, that I've made a conversation group on http://www.hydeprk.pl. Ppl who admire You can talk about Ur work, about Ur books. I hope it is not a problem. I was looking a way to find fans of Urs! I know many ppl in POland are as much crazy about Ur writing, as I am, so I've decided to know them and make them know rest of Us :) And by the way I, I'll say it one more time. You are really great reality creator, and master of other world. Thanks for being! Yashi

There is a wonderful Carroll website in Polish that I love and immediately give all new information to about Poland when I have it from Rebis. The link to that site is listed here in the archive of the collaborate section. I strongly recommend Polish fans have a look there if they haven't already. PS Thank you for starting up the discusssion group. It always makes me smile to think people ar talking about the books-- whether its face to face or computer to computer.

Hi! I know this is really a stretch, but I just returned from Italy on Monday (10/18) where my best friend and I celebrated our mutual birthdays. We chatted with a lovely couple in a restaurant in Rome,( Cafe Vecchio) who said they were just married. Wouldn't it be incredible if that was you and I just happened upon your website by chance?!! Was it? Well, regardless, your reader's comments have tempted me to begin one of your books, probably White Apples. Good choice?..Susie

Sorry Susie, not me although being in the Café Vecchio in Rome is as much a taste of heaven on earth as I know. Please order me a cappucino and a croissant the next time you're there.

Hello Jonathan. I love your books. My favourite are "Land of Laughs" and "White Apples". I wait for "Glass Soup". And I have a question - Will you come to Bydgoszcz one more time when you're in Poland? If yes, then you maybe know when? (And sorry for my english :) ) Jakub.

The next trip to Poland will be in April 2005. From what I understand, it will start in Warsaw and then move to the far eastern part of the country, a section I haven't visited yet.

Mr Carroll, unfortunatly through my childhood literature has never been an important part of my life. But recently due to a new friendship i have been blessed with books. I have become a major follower of your work since i first discovered white apples in Munich and beleieved it looked interesting. This book was unfortunatly stolen from me and i have recently begun to collect the series from the beginning, the last book i have purchased is a child accross the sky. The question i have for you however, is why is such a superb fantasy writer such as yourself so underground in english literature, i can only purchase your books off the internet and even then the prices have been ranging from £20 to £80! I love your books but i can simply not afford this! Do you know any cheaper and more permanant retailers of your work? Thankyou. daniel-michael.

No one knows why someone is huge and others aren't, especially booksellers. There's a famous phrase in Hollywood that pretty well sums it up-- "No one knows nuthin'." Because if they did, there would be more successful films made. I've said it before, but if you want to buy cheap copies of my books in English that are unavailable, go to www.abebooks.com or put my name in the blank at www.eBay.com and you'll usually find what you want at a reasonable price.

Great site! It's loaded with information and easy to navigate. I am just being introduced to your writing, and I am wondering where I should begin?

- Ted Stefan

At the beginning with THE LAND OF LAUGHS or the middle with SLEEPING IN FLAME or the almost end with THE WOODEN SEA.

I'm writing a novel in the first person present tense (we're tracking a professional schmoozer one evening from hotel lounge to hotel lounge). Have you ever tried such a thing (it's a bit more limiting than I'd imagined), and do you have any tips regarding approaching a piece in the first person? Feels like I'm doing three-point turns in a semi with manual steering. -Brian Dunn

I've always told writing students that unless it's absolutely imperative to your story to use the present tense, write it in the past tense. Even if that past is five minutes ago. Right now is too limited for obvious reasons. When you write in the past it gives you more perspective, more leeway to maneuver and usually a better take on the story. Read Jay McInerney's famous first novel BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG SITY for an example of that.

I was planning to translate parts of "The panic hand" into Italian for my university thesis. I must be sure that those stories have never been published in Italian. I got in touch with Fazieditore and Mondadori, and they told me that only 3 your books are published in italian. If you know something let me know... and I will write you again when translating probably. thank you very much for the plasure of reading your novels. Ciao Nicolo

4 have appeared in Italian-- A CHILD ACROSS THE SKY came out there a few years ago.THE PANIC HAND has not been translated into Italian although Fazi plans to issue editions of all my books in the upcoming years.

Well.. I've just read your blog and I must admit i like it more and more each day. Sometimes it's serious, sometimes you write something funny, but at the same time you show how it is in out lives. I mean this note 13.09. about a man who has an affair. You dare write how it really is. In my own life - 'I'm in love with you' is the most terryfing phrase I can ever hear. :) I really do think you know the human soul and what is one of the most important things - you can write about it. Martha

Don't be too afraid of "I love you," Martha. It is the one magical phrase in life that really can change everything for us. Like the wand in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," just be sure to use it wisely....

question: We have a mutual friend whom I am attempting to contact after several years. Her name is Ann English (Los Angeles- formerly of Book Soup). I heard an upsetting rumor which I hope is not true. Any assistance you can give is much appreciated. -Michael Mooney

I heard from Ann about a year ago. She told me she was managing (is that the right word?) a homeless shelter in Santa Monica I think it was, had met a man she was very excited about, and her whole letter sounded very positive and upbeat. I too hope your rumor is just that-- a rumor.

question: Dear Jonathan, I went to the library yesterday, after having read two of your books. Three of them were in and it was very hard for me to not take them all out at once and read them one after the other. I have decided to spread them out so that I can have more time to enjoy the pleasure of reading your books. I read White Apples first and you have opened a whole new world for me, thank you. Have you ever been to South Africa? If you ever do, please let me know. Best wishes, Maria

I was in South Africa a decade ago for one night on my way to somewhere else. Our flight was re-directed to Johannesburg because a typhoon was coming. I remember very vividly sitting in my hotel room that night, looking at the wonderful furious storm blowing outside. The rain was horizontal. I remember that so clearly. The next day the world was new again and I continued on my way to an intriguing adventure...

Hello again, please excuse me writing again but I got a bit of stage fright last time and now that I have had time to think I remember that I actually DID have 2 questions for you: 1 Are you related to Lewis Carroll? 2 I am reading "Child" - does it matter that I havent read the others in this trilogy or should I stop reading this minute and read the others first? Not that I will, I am rivited already, just would like to hear your thoughts on this.) Many thanks for your time, Maria

Lewis Carroll's real name was Charles Dodgson(I think that's the spelling), so any Lewis Carroll I might be related to is likely not the one you're thinking of. I hope you can read A CHILD... without having read the others in the series. In that whole sextet, every time I wrote one of the books I wanted them to be stand alones-- you could read one, or two or all but each one of them stood alone and didn't need any help or clarification from the others. Reading the others just made the world I was creating there thicker, richer.

question: I've just got back from the mountains where I was spending my last weeks of holiday and first thing I saw entering my room was a big package on the desk..!Thank You,Thank You ,Thank You! I couldn't even imagine that You would send me books for my friend and me!It'll be the best birthday present ever!I appreciate it so much !!! Aga M,Pl

You're very welcome.

question: Hello Mr Jonathan. I belong to your fan group here in Poland. I've read all of your books and I can't wait for the new one (why so long!!!) Your books are amazing -in every single one of them I'm finding some sentences that I underline and try to keep in mind and follow them in the future. You have to admit that most of them is just a fiction or more than a fiction - it's magic. My guestion is or rather are: 1. in what way You're getting the idea for a next book - are this Your dreams giving You directions? In Poland there is an author who said that the ideas for new books she's always getting during washing dishes 'cause it's such a boring thing to do.

Washing dishes is a good answer. Walking the dog. Drinking soup-- all in all just watching the world happen in front of your eyes and then suddenly something taps on the front door of your head. You open up and there's your idea.

And the other question is: Why do you think you've got so many fans here in Poland?

Because everyone in Poland is beautiful and has verrrrrrry good taste in books. Beauty and brains is the right combo for a Carroll book :)

Hi!I'm a girl from Poland but I live in Ireland,in Dublin and I wonder if you come here one day cos I'm your great fan and it would be a real pleasure to meet you.I love your books and I brought a few of them from Poland, now I'm reading'Sleeping in flame' and I have to admit it's great. Your books help me a lot especially here where I feel a little bit lonely,cos my whole family and all my friends are in Poland.Hope we will meet one day, if not in Ireland maybe in Poland. Best greetings from Green Island Agnes.

Ireland is full of the funniest, nicest people. I was once standing on a corner in Dublin waiting for a friend to arrive. An old man with no teeth walked up to me and said "You look sort of lonely, boy. Would you like me to stay by you a while and have a little chat?" I wasn't lonely at all but told him I'd love to have a little chat. And we did.

Dear Jonathan, I would like to ask You what You use as a book-mark. I bet it's a photo or a postcard. I think it says a lot about people. Greetings for You. -Gosia

The Viennese subway and tram line tickets are the greatest bookmarks I've ever found. I save them for just that reason.

question: When I read "Wooden Sea," I was touched by the similarities in the philosophy to my studies of zen buddhism. "How do you row a boat across a wooden sea" was as apparent a koan to me as any I have heard. Was this what your intention? I find it startling that I have found no query about your interest/familiarity with buddhism. The concepts of karma, reviewing one's past with the awareness of today, exploring alternate realities, appreciation for the moment replete with its infinite ripples into one's past and future, encountering self in reflections and becoming intimate with the shadow... all these and more fit so comfortably within the buddhist mind (along with the precept: everything is transient, yet the only constant is change.). In the end, when McCabe juggles the marbles, it is as if he is taking stock of his 7 chakras (plus the 8th which we are apparently evolving) and each lifetime he has used to explore and heal each. My question is have you studied eastern philosophy and does it inform your work?

On another note, yet to beat a familiar drum, I find it both sad and funny that you are so often classified as a horror writer at least in North America. It is as if the masses feel safe only if you are relegated to the toy chest, or the "pulp" area of the bookstore. I see your life's work as similar to that of my shaman friend's. When we sweat together, he delves into the dreamworld for us and brings back messages from our shadow selves. He is the narrator of our own dreams, and offers us visions of our selves unfettered by the rules of our conscious rational constructs. Thank you for making the journeys and bringing back gifts for us. Love, vicky

You know Vicky, you're really the first person who has ever mentioned the Buddhist connection in/to my work. But you're absolutely right and I've been intrigued by different forms of Buddhism for years. In fact I was talking just the other day to a writing class about koans and how they make our brain do pushups if we are open enough to that kind of important lateral thinking. Thank you for seeing that and thinking enough of my stories to bring up the connection. RE: me as horror writer, I've been called a horror writer, a fantasy writer, a sci fi writer, a slipstream writer, a dark fantasy writer... You could fill a jukebox with all the titles. I've reached the point where I can only shrug and say nope.

Dear Mr. Carroll,

Please will you get out of my head?

I found out about you and your site through my interest in Moleskines (moleskinerie.com). I was initially interested because of your pen (a Parker

51). From that interest I visited this site and left a question, then I went away and ordered White Apples.

I'm half way through it (Coco and Isabelle in Margaret Hof's cafe going through the whole Mosaic = God bit). And, I'm sure you're glad to hear, I am enjoying it.

In the meantime - I came across a posting about you from Neil Gaiman's blog. Then, while reading a back issue of Matrix (News and review magazine of the British Science Fiction Association) I see a writer being compared to you as being in a similar magical realism vein.

Now, I've just been reading the Internet Review of Science Fiction (www.irosf.com) and what do I find: an interview with Ellen Datlow in which she says that she's just finished editing Glass Soup (which I must admit is on mylist) for Tor.

What is the Universe trying to tell me?

I'm afraid to say that I'm not getting through White Apples as fast as I normally get through books. On the other hand, I'm glad to say that this is because I've been feeling very inspired lately and I'm getting a lot more writing done than I've done in a long time.

- Abizer Nasi

The universe is trying to tell you to go to Amazon.com or your local Booksense store and buy multiple copies of my novels, read them all, and then encourage your friends to read them... IMHO.

I have been a huge fan of your writing since I read a review in the New Yorker of Marriage of Sticks, my copy of which is currently being read by ex-wife #2. I am also a writing teacher and struggling writer in a suburb of Louisville, KY. My high school students use a writer's notebook to collect ideas for their stories, poems, creative non-fiction. I often begin their class by reading your daily blog as an example of the endless possibilities. I have a request. Would you be willing to share a couple of pages from one of your writer's notebooks that led eventually to a passage in one of your recent novels? I know it is a huge request, and I understand completely if you are not willing. It will be an eye-opener for many of them, though, if you do. In the meantime, I eagerly anticipate the publication of Glass Soup.

Sincerely,
Steve Smith North Bullitt H.S. 3200 East Hebron Lane Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Go to www.moleskine.com and click on "Galleries" The second picture from the bottom is a photo I took of the manuscript of GLASS SOUP for an Italian magazine that requested it.

Welcome Mr. Jonathan!!I must share wonderful news with you, because in December I am going to give birth to my first(but not last!)child:)I was wondering how you reacted to the news that you were going to be a father and how do you feel in this role today...? With all my love-ana horn

One thousand congratulations to you. May your child live a hundred years and smile through most of them. When I heard that I was going to be a father, I took the phone away from my ear (my wife was in the US and gave me a call) and looked at it as if it were an object from outer space. Then I grew the biggest smile I have ever worn and was speechless. How do I feel about it today? Much the same.

I'm a long time fan, having discovered your writing after reading an utterly glowing review of "Child Across The Sky" (in Fangoria magazine, of all places).We met briefly in Boston a few years ago, while you were on tour promoting "White Apples". I presented you with a Parker fountain pen as a spare display of my thanks, which you accepted graciously. To my delight, you told me that you may use that pen to write sections of your next book. Anyway, I'm hoping that you'll get another chance to come to Boston to promote Glass Soup.

Who knows, there may be another Parker in it for ya...Still breathing, always dreaming, -ken

I used your pen to help write GLASS SOUP I promise you, Ken. Whenever I would take it in hand and uncap it, I'd remember that night in Boston and smile. Five minutes later I would be frowning at all the chaos I made on the page, but for a while a smile lived and it was all due to your generosity and the pen in hand. Thank you again.

my name is Jay. i'm from Hong Kong and study translation in University.i just read your book "White Apple" for my Finnal Year Project. However, i'm doubt about if the book "White Apples" has Chinese Version or not..as if it has Chinese one, i can't use this book as my FYP. I hope you can help me. Hope to hearing from your good news soon! Regards, Jay

As far as I know, WHITE APPLES has not been translated into Chinese yet. Last year a Chinese publisher bought a few of my books but none of them has appeared there yet in translation.

question: I just came across your site from the Moleskinerie site.I noticed two things about the picture of your notebook. Firstly, the way you use the plain large format notebook sideways to have what is effectively an A4 sheet of paper to write on is quite ingenious. And secondly, is that a lovely Parker 51 you are using? That is a whole other level of obsession... -Abizer Nasir

It is indeed a Parker 51 and like you, I'm deeply in love with that model of pen. What's even nicer is I found that particular one at a flea market here in Vienna and paid the equivalent of ten dollars for it. Moleskines are the perfect notebook for writing my books. I have a large hand and large script so using it the way I do, I'm able to sort of spread myself out and still not make a mess of things.

question: hi, mr. Carroll:) My name is Marta, I'm from Poland. I don't have question for You, but I want to thank You for Your books, especially for FROM THE TEETH OF AN ANGEL and LAND OF LAUGHS. Every time I read any of Your book I'm surprised, You make me look in very new way on life and also death... thank You once again and keep on writing, course You are on of the best ever:)))) good look and hope to see You soon in PoznaÒ:))) -Marta

Thank you, Marta. I'll be in Poland next April on a promotion tour but have not been told yet which cities I'll be visiting there. Keep looking at this site and as soon as we know the itinerary, we'll post it.

question: Hi Jonathan, 2 months ago me and my girlfriend we've made a kite, do You know how we've called him???KRANG!those few sentences about crazy kite and his battle with wind in Land of Laughs are one of my favorites fragments of Your books, all of them takes me to another world, full of dogs and mysteries where i can find a lot of a little pieces from my life.how it's possible i'm wondering.i'm terribly ashamed to ask You about Your autograph on some small piece of paper but i did it now.it will be one of THIS gifts from dreams, from the best ones.Your autograph will prove me that is good to have a dreams and hope.best regards from Szczecin, do You know where is it? P.S.i hope that Krang won the battle against the wind.see U in my dreams.labrador(i'm not a dog)

I'll be happy to send an autograph. Send the name and address of the person you'd like it to go to to me at jscarroll@hotmail.com and I'll shoot it right out. PS My publisher in Poland has mentioned that Szczecin might be on the tour next spring so perhaps I'll visit your town then.

question: Hi Jonathan, Hope this finds happy and optimistic. I am a Scot living in France and have been a fan of your work since ....ooh must be 1990 when i came upon child across the sky. Anyway, im planning a trip back to Scotland and I noticed that 'black cocktail' is being performed as part of the Edinburgh festival!! Are you planning to attend any of the performances? (23-30th August)I can imagine it would he difficult to adapt the novella to the theatre, it would be interesting to hear your view. Cant wait for Glass soup!! Jenxx

I didn't go to the Edinburgh Festival because from all accounts, I've heard it's wild and woolly and often very claustrophobic-- not my thing. Several people saw the performance of BLACK COCKTAIL however and wrote to say it was well done and pretty much the story I'd written. I think anything can be adapted to different media if it's done by the right hands,heart, and imagination. Far too often though one of those elements is missing though and an adaptation goes thud.

question: Can you imagine living in a city called Medicine Hat? I do...and in some ways it aches and breathes and sighs much like vienna I would imagine. I appreciate your writings and your openness with your fans, and that for 15 years I have had the pleasure reading each year "Bones of the Moon". As a Canadian reader, I have to go to great lengths to locate your work, but its worth the cost to have your words roaming through my head.

Sometimes, when I look at the golden wheat fields waving in the wind across the prairies, I can visualize the great machines from "Bones" working and roaring to life. I am a graphic artist, and have conceptualized "Bones of the Moon" from beginning to end as a childrens book. the colors, the characters all come alive so easily, yet I am afraid that once these images are put to paper they would lose the "magic" they possess. Anyways, MY question is this...do you receive fandom work such as this? or do you prefer that we use our imaginations and keep it locked away, as it were? -kevin heidinger

People send me their "takes" on my work in different mediums all the time and it's usually a pleasure to behold. If you want to, fire away. Send stuff to me at the following address:

JC c/o AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 47 Salmannsdorferstrasse 1190 Vienna, Austria

question: Impatience... I know you're working on your book (is it finished already?). I noticed funny thing few days ago. I've read all of your books two years ago and still I can find echo of them in my life and in many things I say. Every time I have to help someone I look to the notebook with important words for me and always find something that suits. Always. I can count on you. That's great, really. :)

And one question about your blog. Is there any posibility to add one function - comments. I would be glad to have this opportunity to say what I think about little dusty stores. Best of luck. Faib

The new novel is finished, it will be published in Poland in February 2005, in the US in September 2005 and elsewhere I haven't been told yet. The best way to respond to anything I mumble on the blog is here-- the questions are sent to me about once a month and I promise with hand raised that I read every one of them. The nuttier stuff I delete but if the question or comment looks even vaguely human, I answer.

question: hi jonathan, thanks for posting the excerpt from my book in your blog. how did you come across it? Susannah

Someone sent it to me saying that they had happened across it and thought it was my kind of quote. And it certainly was-- good writing there.

question: Hi Jonathan, your books became my air.:) It`s amazing how you enable all 5 senses.. Are you coming some day to Russia or Ukraine? Thanks for your works which often stir up controversial feelings. I`d call you a Teacher. Olia from Ukraine

Thank you, Olia. I've been a teacher on and off for years but none of my readers has ever given me that name. I take it as a compliment. So far the Russian publisher hasn't asked me to come there but if it happens, we'll post all of the information on the site when it's known.

question: Hello, Jonathan! My english isn't very good, I hope you'll understand it ;) I've noticed, that you love dogs :) There are many of them in your books. I'm wondering what is your dog. What is his/her age, breed, character, temperament. I would like you to answer me on my modest question. Thanx a lot, MK.

I have had bullterriers for twenty five years. The one I have now is a four year old, almost all white boy named Jack the Idiot. He is resting his heavy head on my foot as I write this to you. He is sweet, stubborn, but loves everyone and every dog he meets. He has also been known to jump around the house like a kangaroo when he is particularly excited about something.

question: Why so many of Your male characters had several wives?Are You so skeptical about love? :) Or maybe love needs experience? -Gosia

Skeptical about love? Not at all! That will be one of my only regrets when the time comes to die-- that there wasn't enough time to love enough women.

question: hi! My name is Kasia, and I come from Poland. We met a few years ago in Zielona Gora, my husband was Your translator on the meetings,someone made a photo, but unfortunately I dont have it (probably it was your Polish publisher--maybe you have it? We gave you Portishead cd, do you like it? best wishes, kasia.

I remember you and I do still have that Portishead CD, Kasia. But it's the kind of music that can only be listened to at special times because it is generally sad music and if you were to listen to it when you're sad, well, it doesn't make things better. If you want the picture of us together, I would write to Tomasz Szponder at Rebis Publishing there. He's the guy who always is taking pictures whenever I come for a visit to Poland. He's very good and kind about sending copies to people who want them.

question: i am constantly surprised and yet not surprised on how your stories directly relate to what is going on in my life. My mind was blown this afternoon merely by reading page 119 of sleeping in flame. the offer is open: if you're in LA, I'll buy you a drink. Just let me know.- heathervescent

Ah Heather, I don't know when I'll be in LA again (I sort of avoid it as much as I can). But it's good to know someone with a name like yours will stand me a drink. That's almost reason enough to come out there...

question: I'm from Poland of course :) I just love your books. I've got your seven of them. When I feel bad I take one of them and read...then I'm very happy person again. One of my personal favourites is The Land of Laughs. I have read it about 5 times. But there's one thing which I can't understand: Why my favourites characters (Veronica Lake, Saxony)need to die. Please answer if you could... - ula

You know Ula, people have asked me that question on and off for years. When I write a book, I don't plan from the beginning to let someone live or have someone else die. It all depends on how the story develops and the direction it must go for it to finish satisfactorily. I remember when writing KISSING THE BEEHIVE that I was genuinely surprised on realizing Veronica had to die. I think I even pulled back from the desk and went WHAT? But by that point in the book, the story has a mind of its own and it no longer takes orders from you. Just the opposite-- it usually tells you where it wants to go.

question: Hello Jonathan, I'm really thankful for a postcard sent to Pauline. I love your books (like many other authors but yours are really best for me) and admire your work. I have one question: where do you find so many great quotations which you love (I think) to put inside books? Finding them is marvelous fun for me. I sometimes make notes on margins or write quotations down trying to remember as many as I can. -Nicolas

I think anyone who reads a lot has notebooks full of quotes they've come across along the way that touch and matter to them or to their life. The nice thing for the writer is he can work those quotes into what he's writing and thereby share these great thoughts with others who might not get around to reading the same books you do. PS. Is there any way to talk with you in some other way? Like email for example. You can write to me at jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: I want to travel, meet new people and place...But when I read your books, I want nothing else. Your books and your world are exciting!!But you know, I wonder very often what kind of person are you??? What do you like?? I hope I meet you when you arrive to Poland and you sign my book. Sorry for my english:)Best regards. Iza.

Iza, it doesn't really matter who I am, what I eat for lunch, my favorite color... In fact I think it's sort of dangerous or at least most of the time disappointing when you meet or find out more about the people whose music you listen to, books you read, etcetera. Who am I? I'm in those books, both the pretty and ugly sides of me. If you want to know who I am, look there. That's the best place to find me.

question: Hello Jonathan, Hope this note finds you happy and well! We met once long, long ago when you were on tour promoting "Child" at the now-defunct A Change of Hobbit bookstore in Santa Monica - I was the geek asking you about your main non-literary influences and we had a bit of a discussion about Calder and others. A lifetime ago, I know!

Anyway, I've just finished Wooden Sea (all in one big gulp as is my wont with your books), and have to say I'm a little puzzled at some of the reviews I read that say Carroll's not writing like he used to, or Carroll's rehashing old stuff, he's lost his verve, blah blah blah. I still haven't gotten to White Apples yet; but beat me with a cup of thought if I didn't think this was your finest work to date.

I wouldn't do anything so pretentious as put my thoughts up in a book review on Amazon or something, so I thought I'd ask you in this forum about it. Now don't get me wrong when I say this - but if Land of Laughs and Voice of Our Shadow (for example) are a blast of Sex Pistols or Ramones, then Wooden Sea is something like Yes' "Gates of Delirium". If those books are 125 proof Wild Turkey, then Wooden Sea is more like a vintage Domaine de la Romanee-Conti burgundy. Silly analogies I know, but I wondered if you would agree more or less with this. I found it to be one of the most mature, insightful, far-reaching things I've ever read - and I'm at the point now where the only serious competition is your earlier stuff!

One other quick note - back while in L.A. I met a girl from Westchester, where we would soon move to and get married (Briarcliff Manor to be precise). Not sure when you were in Dobbs Ferry last, but there was a Louisiana/Cajun restaurant on Main St that we used to eat at a lot (native Louisianian that I am). We're in Tampa Bay now, but when we go back up to visit friends and whatnot we generally have dinner there at least one night. Yes, you see where I'm going with this - to get to it from the north we have to cross Rt 9 and Ashford - I am NEVER going to be able to see that grocery store again without cracking up laughing and it's ALL your fault! Be well, and thanks so much for the wonders you've given us all. -Alex

There's an old adage: ask a writer what's his best book and he'll usually say his last one because that is the one closest to him. I agree with you about my more recent books being better than the earlier ones. For years people have told me that LAUGHS was my best book. I never argue but I don't agree. It's a good story but the writing, which concerns me a lot more now than it did back then, isn't as strong as I think it has become. By the way, whether it's my work or anyone else you like (or don't), I strongly urge you to write reviews at Amazon. Don't hold back. Too often the readers who post there are either devotee/zealots for your work, or people who rabidly despise what you do and this is their only place to trumpet that. As a result, the reviews there are often pretty lopsided. Talking to other writers I know, we all look at them and they matter to us. So have your say there and let the world know what you think. You would be surprised how important those feelings can be.

question: Dear Mr. Carroll. I still remember that day when I first picked up your book by accident. I saw it in my sister's bag and decided to go through few pages and see what was my big sister reading (I was always nosey about her interests). I sat down on the floor and, I don't know when and how, few hours flew so fast, I didn't realize I was reading in for few hours without any light coming through the window. It was getting dark outside and I glanced at the trees, which looked mysterious in the late, foggy evening. They (or maybe your book) inspired me to write a poem which belongs to my favorites. I was 14 then, now I am almost 21 and cannot forget the night I met you. Through the next years I read all of your books, and whenever you published new one, I made sure I was the first one in the store to purchase it. However, I never had a chance to see you... When you were in Krakow, I had already left Poland and arrived to NY. When you were in NY, it was my first year of college and something came up...I missed you again...I was very disappointed, because you are the only writer who I have admired for so many years. I remember, when I was 15, I used to joke around that I would like to marry you for your wisdom, because I never knew a person so open and with so many fantastic opinions about life. I honestly think you should receive a Nobel Prize for your work! Through almost 21 years of my life, I came across only one writer whose book was so touching like yours. It was John Steinbeck's "East of Eden." But you are still the first on my list, and I tell about you to people I love, but only to those special people, who I believe will understand you and love you the same way as I do. You are a treasure in my, and probably in many other people life. So, finally my question; when will you be in New York? Is it possible soon? If now in New York, than maybe in some another city in East Cost? I know that if I will have the opportunity to meet you, it would be the most important day of my life. Lots of love from Eliza.!

Thank you for staying on the Carroll train this long, Eliza. There's something lovely about knowing you and I have, in certain ways, grown up together. I really don't know though when I'll be in America again. Keep an eye on the title page of this website because they post all of the travelling and book touring I do either in Europe or the US. Maybe too it's better if we never meet because one look at me in person, and you may not want to marry me anymore-- no matter how much you like what comes out of my head!

question: I don't really have a question. I recently read THE LAND OF LAUGHS because a friend told me of "the building sense of dread" that was evident in the book. I didn't find it so much dread filled, but enjoyed it so much on other levels. I will seek out your work from this point on. Thanks for the great book, and if you have a spare second, send a thought, prayer, wish, etc. to a man who has absolutely no idea how to write, but who can't stop. Thanks, Ron Woodruff

Keep writing, Ron. Write for yourself, write because you've got to get that stuff out of you, write because you have things to tell the world, whether or not the world wants to listen. Write because there are beautiful women who need to be described, because there's a mysterious smell in the air that is something of a mix between this and that (you have to find the words for your this and that), write because... the words are there and because you need/want/ have to use them. Those are reasons enough.

question: are You Martin Frank? Am I just Your imagination? The questions is: do You think You could be Martin? Mr.Jonathan....France

I am Martin Frank. In fact I'm all the characters I've ever created-- men, women, dogs, aliens... etcetera. That's the fun of being a writer-- you get to play God for a part of each day by making characters out of your head, putting them on paper and watching them dance.

question: Hi Jonathan, Hope all is well with you. I run a writer's workshop called "Portent" over 500 writers -- on the web. It's about the importance of openers and how the promise of a story's beginning should follow through to the rest of the book/story. I found your website with its front page of great openers and use it as a pertinent link. Just thought you'd like to know. Best,Chase

Thank you for having me to your table. One of the wonderful things about the Internet is it makes for great writing communities because it is so immediate and intimate. In the old days you'd write a story and then send it out through the mail or to an editor and hope someday in the probably distant future to hear back, one way or the other. Now (for better or worse) it's instantaneous and I think that's essential for keep the creative juices flowing.

question: Hello. I'm not a reader of fantasy books but I read The Wooden Sea last weekend and The Land of Laughs this and am on a jaunt to my local bookshops for more (with a stop off at my local library from where I'm typing this email and about to borrow Kissing the Beehive). The two I've read so far have very much cheered me up, to a point of vigour close to elation. How marvelous to discover an author whose writing has such an enhancing effect. My question is only this; can you suggest some fantasy authors who write in contemporary settings like yourself? Good wishes, Phil.

I don't read much fantasy to tell you the truth. But writers who do come to mind are M. John Harrison, Charles DeLint, Kelly Link, Gene Wolfe, Susanna Clarke, and sometimes Mark Helprin. And of course the South American magic realists like Garcia Marquez, Bioy-Casares, Cortazar, Donoso.

My name's Ann. I'm seventeen. I come from Poland and I love your books. When I first time read your book (it was "Sleeping in Flame") I felt that your books will be very important in my future life. I still think like that. When I found your official web site I thought that is really good source of information about you and your composition. I'm rather disappointed because it's very difficult to get your books in my town. It's a pity that I don't know someone who loves and knows your books like me. I have some questions. Could you tell me if you are going to arrive to Poland soon? If you are so when exactly and where. I would like to meet with you and get your autograph. I know that you live in Wien. I would like to know where I can meet you there. I was in Wien. It's very fascinating and amazing city. I love Wien's churches.Finally, I'm waiting for your next books and I'm sorry for my English. I hope that you understand it...

I will probably be in Poland some time in the Fall or winter, depending on when they publish my next book (which isn't finished yet). The schedule for where I will be in Poland at that time we'll post here on the site.

Hi! I am a young person from Poland. I am only 18, but thanks to your novels, I know more about life, world and true. Your words made me think about everything. I really thank you a lot. Best wishes from Poland! And I am waiting for new novels. Anita

The next one is close to being finished Anita, and they are usually published first in Poland so you'll be one of the first to have it (for better or worse!)

Remember i asked if you'd consider an appearance at the hay festival some time ago? it's getting big these days and i'm sure you would be a very popular attraction. check out the web site www.hayfestival.com to be considered for a slot contact peter florence the festival director at Festival Office, Lion St. Hay, HR3 5AD - grahame parker

Hay looks like a nice deal but I get itchy at big venues like that and don't really think it'd be for me. For those readers who will be in or around Italy in Septemeber, I will be at the Mantova Literary Festival from (I think) September 9-11 so drop by and say howdy if you're there.

I submitted a question / comment some time ago, I made a blunder (as I thought at the time) by thinking you were a fan of John Irving. I was overwhelmed when I checked the site and saw that you, Jonathan Carroll, had answered my questions but as I read that you disagreed with me in thinking John Irving is a fantastic novelist I felt like prat to say the least, but have obviously thought since then that we all have different tastes. I tried to read Charles de Lint's Onion Girl and couldn't get in to it at all, and realised I don't like fantasy fiction at all(also tried China Mieville). I think your writing should fall under a different genre totally, maybe 'Magical'. Getting off the track now! What I originally wanted to let you know was that I have never been able to read the same book twice, I tried last year to read John Fowles' The Magus as when I was 15 I thought it was great but it now seemed awful, I then read 'From The Teeth of Angels' I last read that ten years ago at the tender age of 16 and from then I have read every book you have written for the second time! You are definitely one in a million, please get this sequel of White Apples out ASAP. Love Deborah xxxx

You know, part of the fun of reading is fighting with someone else about whether a book is good or bad. It doesn't matter if I like Irving or not. If you do and he matters to you, then the hell with me and buy those Irving books. I must say that I agree with you about re-reading books, especially favorite ones. It is almost always a disappointing experience. Last year I re-read one of the hall of fame books for me, Gabriel Marquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. It was one of the most important and influential books I had ever read, but that was when I was in college two hundred years ago. When I re-read it this time I was sorely disappointed. I think you have to approach old favorites the same way you do old lovers-- you're probably going to be disappointed if you see them again. They certainly will look different, so be prepared. And moreso if you're seeing them again because you think you'll be able to recapture some of that old magic. Chances are you won't.

Hi, I'm from Poland and I really admire your work. I would like to you ask to write with me , if you had enough time and I wouldn't be problem for you. i'm waiting for your answer ;) meggie

Hi Meggie. Here I am writing to YOU. And waving and smiling at the same time, all the way from gray old Vienna.

Dear Mr. Carroll, Other people have probably already asked you this, but I couldn't find it on the interview page, so I'm going to ask anyway. Where does it come from? Where do the words and the stories and the language and the images come from? You have the rare gift of being able to take a thought, emotion, the undercurrent of a situation and convey it how it was meant to be conveyed. I read as if books were my breath, and I try to write, but am utterly unable to take what's inside my head and make it come out on paper the same as it was in my brain. Even as I sit here now I know that what I am writing isn't perfect, isnt adequate, isn't what I want to say. It's one of the greatest frustrations of my life, and you are lucky to be able to do that. Also, I think you're amazing. I haven't ever encountered any other author whose stories have engulfed me so completely- they are not stories, for a while they are my world. Have you ever come across some person, or something, that you know is going to change you? Not always better or worse, but different. And you know that you will remember them and their impact for the rest of your life- you will reflect on it, treasure it- it becomes a part of your history, and even influences what comes next. I have had few things life that in my life- a few friends, some family, and a few special books, books that were more than just books. Your books are some of those. The only thing that I really want from this is a response- to be able to talk to the person who has written something that has become so..special? influential? again I cant find the right word. Once I wrote the bassist of my favorite band an email, and although he said he wrote back to his fans, he never did, which was very disappointing,so now I kind of dont expect a response and it's alright if you dont, I know youre very busy and famous and all. Anyway, i digress. Looking forward to hearing from you.- Amanda

There's an apocryphal story about the poet Robert Frost that is appropriate here. I don't remember exactly how it went so I'll tell it the way I remember it. Someone asked Frost what you need to be a poet. He said if someone comes to me and says they want to be a poet because they have many big important ideas they want to convey to the world, then they won't make it. But if someone comes to me and says they want to be a poet because they love to play with words and language, well, then they have a chance. I think it's true. Look at the world through your eyes, then go back to your desk and HAVE FUN trying to convey that vision through language to someone who doesn't see the world through your eyes. If it isn't fun, then don't do it. It's like sex with someone who doesn't attract you or you don't care about. The act itself is terrific, but if it takes place with someone who either doesn't turn you on or touch you in some way, then it just stays that-- a pleasant act. Write because you love words. Write because you saw something fascinating today and want to talk about it to your perfect reader, whoever they may be. Maybe they don't even exist, but how much fun it is to sit down with them and tell them anyway. Whether it be an event or a story, or a strange looking old man walking a civet-- you just gotta tell someone about this and how you saw it. There's where you begin writing and if you're very lucky, there's where you end too.

I just read Labyrinth by Jorges Luis Borges and wondered if you had and if he influenced you. Many of the more hallucinatory/ dream like/ otherworldlyness sections of his books brought you to mind. grahame parker

Sure, I once read Borges religiously again and again. I haven't gone back to him in years because by the time I had finished worshipping at his temple (of words), I had a very strong feeling of coldness there and it chilled me. He's brilliant and so are his stories for all sorts of reasons. But there's not a whole lot of warmth or humanity in any of them and it distanced me, finally, from what he did.

Where are you? -jasmin alexandra ehrlich

Breathing You. Can't you feel it on your neck? In Vienna. At the same old places. It's hard to teach an old dog to piss on a new tree...

question: Have you ever wondered why so many Poles admire your books? It would be a great pleasure for me to ask you this question personally... unfortunately I can't..but I'm really curious what do you think about it..Ewa (who still misses the bus stops because of you ;))

It's a mystery to me, Ewa, but you know life seems to be filled with bad mysteries that make us unhappy or confused much of the time. It's nice now and then to be faced with a nice mystery that makes life a nicer place.

question: Hey Mr. Carroll! Greetings from days past. 16 years since the old Creative Writing Classes, wow. I am glad that you are continuing to write some of my favorite books. I have several in my collections now. I am also making my local library purchase more of your books, I know that they are opening up worlds of delight to new readers here in Northern CT. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for new writers that I should keep my eye out for. I recently picked up one of China Mieville's books because I saw your review of it, and loved it! You always have great taste in books and many of your recomendations are in my collection. Take care and if you are ever in CT, I would love to take you out for food and drink and talk about great writers. Feel free to write me. Yours, Jim Gorman

Hi Jim. Thank you for the words and memories. Look at the title page of the website because from time to time I make suggestions of different books. By now it must be way over fifty so that should keep you busy for a while.

question: Dear Jonathan; my english is terrible, but I want to thank for Your books. I read with delight "White Apples" and I wait for Your next visit in Poland,maybe Torun once again? Sincerly, Anna

I was in Torun on the last trip, I think. Or the time before that. Lots of Polish fans ask if I can come to their cities but the truth is I've been there so often now that I've usually BEEN to their cities-- they just haven't heard about it. When I do travel now we post a schedule on this website so keep an eye on it and you'll know what I'm going to be doing.

question: Hi, Mr. Carroll. I have to say you are really great writer. I very like your books, so my question is: when could we write your new book? I am almost dependent on your books. Best regards - Peter/Poland

I'm about 3/4 of the way through a new book now which as some of you know, is the sequel to WHITE APPLES. If all goes well and the gods smile, I should have it finished by the fall. Keep your fingers crossed for me...

question: I'm a little girl from Poland. You know ths country... and I would like to have your autograph with your dedication..I know that my english is very bad but maybe You can understand. Another question when will You go to Poland to Katowice or Krakow? -Magda

Send your name and address to me at this email address: jscarroll@hotmail.com

and I'll send you an autograph. I was in Katowice and Krakow not so long ago. My Polish publisher tells me that the next trip will probably be to the northeastern part of the country but we don't know when that will be so watch for the news here.

question: You make the best recommendations. I've been introduced to so many writers who ended up being really important to me through your recommendations and I wanted to thank you for that. It really is a gift to turn someone on to a writer who clicks for them. So thanks. But, ok, I'm also greedy. And while you've been very generous with the novelists and poets, I was wondering if there might be a playwright or two that you'd care to introduce me to. Greedy, greedy--I know. (Those books you write aren't too shabby either, by the way. I recommend them to people all the time...) -Luke

To tell you the truth, I'm not a theater fan so I don't read or see plays. I think that's because as a child I was dragged to so many of them (my mother was an actress and made her kids go to everything) that that killed any liking for them forevermore.

question: Hello Mr. Carroll: I must admit I'm a late-comer, having only discovered your work upon the release of WHITE APPLES. Since then I've gone back and purchased four more books and I've digested and absorbed every one. I can honestly say that I'm never quite the same afterwards. I have a phoenix tattooed on my left arm; I had it put there because it encapsulates my feelings about life and all its components: constant rebirth, and that we are never the same person after ANY experience: year to year, moment to moment, person to person. I feel your books are the literary equivalent of that philosophy; so rich and wonderfully intelligent, never quite leaving my head the way other novels might. Challenging what I believe, changing it perhaps, but never condescending or trite. As you may have guessed I don't actually have a question, but I would like to thank you for giving us these books, and I wish you happiness, success and long life. Be well- David in NJ

Thank you, David. It's an honor to receive a letter like yours.

question: jonathan, I don't want to meet you, because then the imaginary picture of you that I have will be lost forever. Or replaced. That's something that I can't allow to happen. But tell me, what is it about Poland that inspires you so much? that you find amazing enough to want to visit? I love living here, wouldn't ever move out. And I missed being here, while living in the US for four long years. But I just can't specify what makes me stay. m.

Yes but M, by not meeting me you'll miss meeting a handsome sexy guy who can write like a whirlwind (just kidding). What do I like about Poland? Lots, but one of the main things is the energy and the youth of the place. I always tell people it reminds me of Berkeley, California in the 1960's when the whole youth culture in America was alive and vibrant and doing wonderful, cutting edge things. That's what Poland feels like and it's wonderful to be there and absorb some of that energy.

question: Hello Jonathan, I seem to recall reading somewhere that you are/were a boxing fan. If so, what is the best bout you've ever seen? Arwel

Dick Tiger was the best fighter I ever saw. I used to go to Madison Square Garden in New York as a kid whenever he was fighting there. I remember once he fought the wonderful Henry Hank and it was a beauty to see.

question: Not a question, but some rambling compliments and comments: I just read Teeth of Angels last night in one sitting, trying to do so with enough detachment to see how you achieve your outstanding characterization. But I couldn't stay detached -- those rascal figments kept sucking me in! Well done and thanks for the memories of Wien. I was glad to remember Cafe Hawelka, but was disappointed you didn't stage a scene under that great medieval Gewoelbe in the Bretzel near Stefansplatz. Best regards, Jeff

The thing I remember most about writing FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS was the last section, say the last 70 pages or so, I wrote faster than anything I've ever written in my life. There were a bunch of lousy things happening to me at that time and the only peaceful harbor I knew then was my desk and that manuscript. So I spent all my free time there writing like a madman, hiding from the demons that were everywhere (including inside my head)

question: Old Vertue in Wooden Sea.. Where can I find a picture of him ..I'm 80 and I swear I've seen it many many years ago. Thanks, and keep writing. At 80 I need imaginative works like yours to keep life interesting. -Andy

follow this link and you'll see a picture of the real Old Vertue

question: i`ve visited this site many times, but i have never look into this section. what a shame :) but now i found it. anyway - i would like to say that your books are about my emotions. i`m regretting that i couldn`t get your autograph by myself, cause i don`t live in any of the big cities you`ve visited. and besides that i`m handicapped, so it`s not so easy to stand and move in this crowds in shops where were you. but all in all - i have your autograph in my beloved white apples - thanks to my friend who was standing there for few hours just to take it for me. she was amazed by you and your books. i hope i`ll meet you one day, you`ll write something for me and we`ll be able to chat for a while :) hugs - patie

Just come up to me whenever you can come to one of these events, Patie and we'll have that chat.

question: I am from Poland and I am twenty. In fact I don't have a question and maybe I shouldn't write but I just want to say that your stories help me to breathe and establish my faith. Thank you a lot. See you -Ines

Keep breathing, Ines. For you and for me...

question: I don't really have any questions to you;-) I'm writing, because I need to thank you. For everything. 2 years ago I immigrated to the USA, I am still working on "friends", I feel alienated and lonely, although I do have the love of my life here, my husband -Jonathan;-)).. I brought some of your books with me here, and I swear they help me survive my deepest depression and being homesick. I am teaching ESL to many foreigners, different cultures, different nationalities.. Recently, I have decided to share "From the teeth of angels" with them. You would be surprised, or maybe not;-), how your books reach people from such different backgrounds. It's amazing to see what they find in your books, they have opened my eyes on so many things I have either taken for granted or stopped paying attention to them. It is like reading your books for the first time again and feel the same joy and being surprised all over again. I am so grateful to be a teacher, they teach me so much.. I am glad that it is your books that bring me closer to my students. Thank you.- Joanna

Nice letter, Joanna. Please send a big smile and wave to your students and tell them it is an honor for me to know they are reading and enjoying something of mine.

question: No question, just wanted to pass on a couple of pieces of information. The first is that one of my best friends was married last year, and I gave him and his bride White Apples as a wedding present (along with Sandman: King of Dreams, you and Neil, together again). Also wanted to recommend reading Elizabeth Crane's When The Messenger Is Hot, which I finished reading only half an hour ago and think you would like it. Thanks, Ben

Please send my greetings to the newlyweds and I will take a look at your book suggestion. There's nothing like coming up on one you've never heard about and finding it fits you just right.

question: Hello Mr Carroll! First I would like to THANK YOU for all your books, and mostly for all great women-characters!I think I never "met" such interesting women characters!Every time I read your books i'm wondering are there some equivalents of those women in real world??Thanks to your books i feel stronger, happier and I look in a different way on things that surrounds me!Thank you onec more. Kisses Marta

Most of the women in my books are based on women I know and love. Once in a while they are also based on women I know and hate, or women I once loved but now hate. But when all is said and done yes, those women in one form or another walk this earth.

question: Hi Jonathan, Sorry for my English, but I'm Italian and I speak a Scholastic English. In Italy your novels are just published. I haven't a Real Question to you, but I would like to have the permission to send the Italian covers of your books. I can send to you the only two books published here:"The Land of Laughs" and "White Apples". I can send them into digital image (jpeg) format by e-mail. Bye Roberto Sobachi

Yes, I'd like that. Please send them to me here: jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: where can I contact you? I'm a German Film director and I'm interested in your work. With warm regards Jan Sch¸tte

You can reach me at jscarroll@hotmail.com

My film agent is named Brian Lipson. He can be reached at blipson@endeavorla.com

question: Sitting here looking at your site on another miserable Sunday morning (mothers day) in England, begs the question, can you get your internet site updated a little more regularly? I, and probably most of your readership, would like to have a more coherent location for work updates, book progress, and whether you'll ever make it to England again etc. Otherwise, be well Jonathan! Paul

To tell you the truth, Paul, there's not much going on and when there is we list it quickly. Book completions, tours, whatever just keep an eye out and you'll get the news as fast as there is some news. Remember most writers spend most of their time sitting and looking out the window, trying to come up with the next line in their head. Mordecai Richler, the Canadian novelist, once said it's stupid to write biographies of (most) novelists because they're boring. Most writers just sit around and write. The only exceptions that come to mind are Hemingway of course and Neil Gaiman who has both a wonderful website and a very busy, very interesting life that he chronicles online frequently. I highly recommend it.

Last but not least, lots of Polish fans have written in asking where they can see the lyrics to the two songs I've written for the group Budka Suflera. The lyrics (in English) are now posted at the official Budka Suflera website. The songs are titled "Breathing You" and "Dancing with Ghosts."

Dear JC. I read 700 pages this week. But it doesn't matter. "Kissing the beehive": 'Do it now, because later it might be no opportunity' - that sentence is my motto now! It's somehow like 'Carpe diem'. I think that it's tradition: "Thank You for being". I hope thw the day you'll come to Poland is one I'll remember for a long time. I'm sure it's too early, but maybe Poznan will by on Your line. Martha-Maldie from Poznan. :D - Martha

Thank you, Maldie. I don't know when I'll be back in Poland-- most likely some time after my new book is published there. I am about halfway through writing it now, so don't hold your breath. Poznan is a good place-- I've been there two times now and always, always the people are kind and friendly as can be. I'd be happy to go again.

question: Thank you for your books. I could say that thanks to them I started to see world in a different way. More inspiring, more interesting and most of all, your books opened my eyes and helped me to become a better photographer. Thank you! I have one question for you: Who is your favorite photographer or painter? Just wonder. Ania/Poland

Hearing that my work has opened your horizons both physically and psychically makes me feel very good, Ania. Thank you for saying so. Photographers? I love August Sander, Paul Strand, Tina Modotti, many of the WPA and Bauhaus photographers... the list goes on and on. Painters? I must say I've always been a big fan of the contemporary painters Eric Fischl and Ray Richardson.

question: Hi Mr. Carroll! I am a huge fan of yours.I read all of your books and can't wait for a new one.I have a question:once asked who is your favorite character from your novels, you answered: women. Recently,I have read{once again}KISSING THE BEEHIVE ,and I wonder what you think about Veronica Lake?She confuses me badly. On one side I don't like her; on the other I feel really sorry for her.What is your opinion on her subject? Big hug and lots of kisses.Aneta.

I think you're absolutely right about Veronica Lake. That's exactly how I WANTED you to feel about her too. Torn, unsure of whether she was a good woman or a crazy scary monster-bitch. I love characters who are not one dimensional-- ones who make you feel one way, and then completely different ten pages later. You go back and forth, and that is half the fun of reading-- playing table tennis in your mind about how you feel about these (fictional) people.

question: Hi Jonathan, Like many people, I value my book collection, but had to give up many of them when I moved to France from Scotland.There just wasn't room! The only books I brought with me out here were my JC books, and some poetry. I am in middle of 'from the teeth of angels' for what must be the 10th time! I always get someting new when i read your books again- its better than a library! Your words have brought me out of many a black hole. THANK YOU Incidently, you mention Christina Rosetti..isnt 'the goblin market' a fab story in verse? PS If you ski, try Morzine, and look me up when you get there!

You've read "Angels" ten times? Holy Cow, I don't think I've ever read any book ten times and that includes great favorites like THE GREAT GATSBY and FIFTH BUSINESS. I'm flattered as hell.

question: Mr Jonathan Can you send me all your books, several photos of yourself, and would you read my manuscript too? It has only nine hundred pages!!!! Of course I was just kidding!! I just want You to say : NEVER STOP WRITING. Because you and your books are very important for many, many people, and especially for me!!!!!!! If You used up all my, previous kisses I send you next one. Just try and run away from them ;-)And I saw my son -Rumpelstilskin greets You, Mr. Jonathan!!!!!!! -Magdalena (Yashi)

I never run away from kisses, Yashi. The more there are, the richer and sweeter life becomes. And with enough kisses, I might even read your 900 page manuscript.

question: These days I hardly have time to visit this site and enjoy reading whatever I find. I'm having an operation at the end of this year and will have to stay in the hospital for two weeks. Now I'm busy finishing all sorts of things before I leave. But once I'm in the hospital, I'll be able to read a lot: Your books and articles here. Today I'm here to download all of your short stories and interviews. Of course the materials here in the Collaboration Area too. To have a surgery is really disgusting. But to have a two-week-reading-Carroll-vacation is just wonderful!! Thanks for being my favorite writer!! (From your BIG FAN in Japan.) - IRIS(Akiko)

Iris, I hope you're reading this after your operation and home comfy in your chair or bed or wherever. I'm delighted that my stories kept you company in the hospital (I haaaaate going to the hospital), but I'm happier when I know you're home safe and sound and healthy.

Dear Mr. Carroll- I've written to you here before. I love being able to communicate with an author whose work has meant so much to me.

I'm an actress, and quite some time ago, I ran into a person I did not know, who had seen me perform in a local production right after her mother died of cancer. She said that her friends dragged her out of the house and made her go to the show, but once she got there, she really enjoyed it, and found herself laughing for the first time in almost six months. Hearing her say that meant so much to me. As an actress, I know where a role I'm playing takes ME-what I feel in the creation of it, and how it inspires me and teaches me-but acting is a dual process, because we're up on the stage, often times with our hearts in our hands, but we have no way of knowing if the people watching US are there with us, living the play with us, or if they're only watching. Sometimes you get an inkling-like a spiderweb, linking you to someone out there in the darkness of the house. But it's such a delicate little thread. A breath, a laugh, the sound of tears, or sometimes just an instinct ! that you're reaching someone. Sometimes it's so affirming to hear from someone, face to face, in the full light of day, that your performance helped them over a rough spot, or led them to understand something they couldn't-or wouldn't-grasp before. That they were touched by it in some way. It lets you know that you're doing your job right first of all, and on a more personal level, that someone "got" it. The part of YOU that was in that role touched part of someone watching it.

I imagine the experience of writing books is very similar. Only your audience isn't even in the same room with you when they hear what you have to say. So I write to you here from time to time, to let you know that your words have helped me along my way, and made a difference for me.

So often, your words help me untangle my soul, if that makes any sense at all. When I'm reading something you've written, I'll find a situation that mirrors something that is going on with me, and I see my own situation more clearly because I've looked at it through your stories rather than running into it head on over and over and over in an attempt to deal with it. It's usually completely unexpected- I read your work for pleasure, not as some sort of tarot deck. But you have a gift for putting feelings-which are typically messy, unfettered, indistinct things-into language. Language is a logical process, and feelings are often illogical; I think that's why so many of us have such a problem "saying what we feel". But I find a lot of moments of "Ah ha!" in your books-where an unclear concept is simply and completely brought into focus. For example, in "Sleeping in Flame" when an extramarial affair was described as an alligator under the bed. I read that, and said "Of course!" Even though I never would have thought of describing it that way until I read that sentence, after reading it, I couldn't think of a more perfect way to describe it. Sometimes, your books say what I can't find the words for.
One of your books helped me through an awful experience recently.

There were a lot of dark days for me this past summer. In June, my Nana went into the hospital with chest pains. She had a lot of blockage in her heart, and needed to undergo bypass surgery. Her prognosis was good, they thought. She was strong enough to withstand the operation, and she was in good spirits.
It would have been unusual for her not to be in good spirits. Nana lived in joy. She was always laughing. She and Papaw owned a grocery store, and people used to come in for a few moments just to hear her laughing, even if they didn't need to buy anything. There was such a love for life in her, and when other people were around her, they couldn't help but be happy too. In the South, there is a saying: "You surely are a tonic to me." That was Nana. Being around her rejuvenated people, made them feel better, happier, lighter. Even the nurse she had in ICU said that.

In preparing for the surgery, the doctor discovered that Nana had been taking a blood thinner. Lots of blood thinners can be counteracted by other medication, but this one couldn't. So they had to put off the surgery, in the hopes that the blood thinner would dissipate in her system, and try to stave off the heart attack with more medication until it was safe to perform the bypass. Things went from bad to worse from there. It was a nightmare. In the end, they performed the surgery, but she had taken on so much fluid from the other medications they gave her that they were unable to close her chest cavity. So when she came out of surgery, they covered it with some kind of shield and sedated her heavily so she wouldn't know what kind of condition she was in. And they gave her more medication to try and get rid of the fluid. This went on for a week. She kept slipping farther and farther away, and eventually, her kidneys failed, she went into a coma, and we lost her.

I had lost other people in my lifetime. But those deaths were kinder. This death horrified me. It had teeth. It was vicious and relentless and savage. I couldn't see past the complete horror of it. Here was a woman who spent her life taking care of other people-I can't remember a time when I ever saw her sit and rest and take some time for herself. She was always too busy doing for her family and her friends. Talking, cooking, loving, sharing, laughing-she gave everything she was to all of us. In trying to describe her once, the first words that came to me were "She's never once put herself first." I never heard her speak an unkind word, or saw her treat another living being with anything but love. She lived to take care of her family, and make us happy. And then death comes and takes her that way. Makes her suffer so terribly, and live by inches that awful week with her chest cut open and her body systems failing one at a time. She was given hope, and then had it taken away in an agonizingly slow and painful process. It was the most unjust thing I've ever witnessed, and even that is too pale a word to truly describe it. I wanted to throw a tantrum like a kid. I wanted to kick and scream and stomp my feet and roll around on the ground yelling "IT'S NOT FAIR IT'S NOT FAIR IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!" I KNEW death could be like that, but to know it, and to see it are very different things. The horror of it was so formidable, and so immense.

After the funeral, I felt alternately numb, bitter, and raw. Her death was lodged in my chest like a pile of stones. It was bad enough to lose her, but to lose her like that-it made me so angry, and so sad. And I missed her so much.

A few months after, I moved to a new town, and I found "From The Teeth of Angels" in the library there. I hadn't read it, and I remembered Wyatt, and liked him, so I was really thrilled to find it. I was pretty sick of my own world at that point, and I always enjoy walking in yours for a while.

I loved the book-I was completely immersed in it. And even though you talked about death, even gave him a face and put your characters at odds with him, I didn't think of Nana while I was reading it. The "book world" was distanced from my world. The scene with the little girl in the hospital room reminded me, but I didn't have my own "Ah ha!" moment until Arlen had hers. As soon as she started playing with the light on the tabletop, and remembered the little girl and the windmill, it came together for me as well. It was odd-I was seeing the secret about a second sooner than I was reading it. In the space it took me to draw a breath, I remembered something about Nana and the hospital that I'd forgotten.

Nana always called my Uncle Danny her "Jewel". He's a big gruff guy with a voice like James Earl Jones-such a diminutive nickname doesn't really describe him, but that's what she called him, because he was so dear to her.

The day before she died, my mom was in her hospital room with her. She had been asleep for some time, and getting weaker and weaker. Danny had been gone from the room for a while, and he came back in the room and said "Nana-it's your "Jewel". Can you hear me?" Her eyes flew open, and she looked right at him. He said "Blink your eyes if you can hear me." Mom said Nana smiled a little bit, and then winked one eye, then the other, one, then the other, back and forth several times, then "broke into the biggest grin you've ever seen", and her eyes started dancing just like they always did when she was laughing. In the midst of her pain, and through the haze of the medication and the sedatives, she was smiling, and making a joke of sorts.
Death was doing his damndest to take her out, and she was smiling, and winking at my Uncle Danny to make HIM smile. Paying death no mind at all. Just like the little girl and her windmill. As it came back to me, I actually held the book to my heart, smiled through tears, and said "Yes. I see."

Remembering that brought the situation more into focus. Until then, the way she died was so terrible and huge that it blocked out everything else for me. But remembering her winking her eyes and smiling cut death down to size a little bit. My pain and the sense of loss I felt didn't magically dissipate, but a little of the bitterness and anger did. I cried a little, and laughed a little, and both of those things felt right. It was easier to let go of some of those stones I was carrying after that. Which is not to say there aren't days when I go back and pick them up-but it's getting easier to leave them lay. :) Even though it was in front of me, I couldn't really see that Nana wasn't afraid of death. But she wasn't. She was a woman of faith,for one. But also, she was too busy loving us and looking into our eyes and hearing our voices to pay death any mind. To me, that's comforting. I hate to think that my bitterness would have robbed me of that last lesson Nana had to teach. Thank you for helping me to see it. Thank you for putting your words out there. They touched me. They "held my hand and made me soup". And I wanted to thank you.

Can't wait for the sequel to "White Apples". If it's anything like it's predecessor, I know I'll love it. With Much Love- Jena

I bow my head to you, Jena. I put my hand on my heart and I bow my head to you and your Nana.

question: I'm now reading your "From The Teeth Of Angels". I am very interested if the history of Mathew and Rose is inspired by real? Has the history happened in reality? -Hubert

In part yes. One of the people I dedicated the book to had a similar thing happen to her when she was younger. I changed certain details in the story both for the plot and to shield my friend in certain ways, but the attacks on Rose, etcetera were based on her stories, sadly enough.

question: It's not a question- it's an invitation:) Why don't you leave Vienna and come to stay in Cracow? Bring your power to the place where we slowly loose it, please. -anna

I'd love to spend some time in Cracow, Anna. In fact I said that the other day to someone-- I'd love to spend part of a year in that town just hanging out in those wonderful cafes, eating far too many meals at 'Chopskie Jadwo,' and maybe writing a little too...

question: Imagine my delight when you responded to my thank-you note with a lunch invitation. I accept! Assuming, with hope, that looking like Christina Rossetti with a touch of Jane Morris is acceptable. I would be more than happy to take advantage of having my Pre-Raphaelite looks admired over lunch (usually only old ladies notice) to have a chance to talk writing with one of my favorite authors. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you again for the enchanting words. Caitlyn

I hope that when you read this next book, Caitlyn that you won't think a lunch invitation from me is one step up from eating with someone who has bad body odor...

question: Reading this Q&As section of your site, and all the gushing praise - do you wonder if you'll one day meet your "Number one fan" a la Kathy Bates in Misery? I really enjoy your books. Maybe I haven't been "touched by magic" etc. yet, but they are very entertaining. Thanks. -burty

I was stalked for a year by a female fan about a decade ago and that was part of the inspiration for my novel KISSING THE BEEHIVE. There's a long and ugly story there, one I won't ever tell because it would remind me of things like my phone ringing at 3:30 in the morning and a woman saying on the other end "You know you love me." I haven't met my Kathy Bates yet, but this woman was enough of a dose for me not to want to be touched by that disease again.

question: Not a question, just a thank you to hang on the wall near the others. Your work makes me think of Bruce Cockburn's music, I don't know why. He writes about Kit Carson - big difference! But I enjoy both. -Hope

I love Bruce Cockburn's music! His song "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" I even quote in (I think) SLEEPING IN FLAME.

question: Are you reading Robertson Davies books? What you think about it? -Finky

He's one of my top ten heroes and THE DEPTFORD TRILOGY was monumentally important to both my work and me as a person. Everyone should read that before they die, everyone.

question: Jestem Ci wdzieczna,za to ze napisales tak cudowne ksiazki.Przenosza mnie do innego swiata,ktory poch"ania mnie bez reszty.Jestes wspanialym Pisarzem i mam nadzieje,ze pozostaniesz taki zawsze. Z uszanowaniem, Ewa M.z Polski :

Sorry Ewa, I don't speak Polish.

question: It is not a question, it is only a silk thought. I have your invitation in my mind. It's only mine. Be well and have golden autumn, Jonathan. -Justyna

The invitation is still open, Justyna. All you have to do is say yes.

question: How dare you be a real person? A real person with a website even? Books like The Marriage of Sticks should emerge out of the ether, not belong to someone with a family or opinions on things. I'm quite peeved at you. Or at least I will be when I stop shaking. It's been an hour. I haven't yet. It will stop won't it? -Alison

Hopefully not. Will it help if I tell you I have three heads and an arm growing out of my stomach?

question: Not so much of a question, but a comment that probably sounds mundane by now. I have read 2 of your books (so far) and I was thouroughly disappointed... not with the books, but by the fact that I hadn't found out about you and your amazing talent sooner!! I can't wait to get my hands on another, and another and another... Please do keep them coming because I have never read anything so completely satisfying! Thank you a thousand times for sharing this with all of us. -Tara

As the little genie says in one of my favorite movies ever, THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, "I shall try my master, I shall try."

It's not a question, I only want to thank you for being the person you are and for writing your novels. All of your books just take my breath away. I couldn't wait to read another one. Their world is much more fascinating than the real world and sometimes I feel like it's more real from the world we're living in. Thank You for being... - Kate

That's the great thing about reading isn't it, Kate? If a book is really really good, we happily, willingly give up our own world for a while and immerse ourselves in another. A world some person cooked up in their head in a far away place, maybe many years ago. It really is magic, no matter how you cut it.

question: Mr. Carroll, I found The Wooden Sea in a small bookshop while vacationing in Moab, Utah of all places. I am about halfway through it, and wanted to ask where your inspiration comes from. While this is a broad and understandably unanwerable question, I am curious because I am somewhat of a fledgling writer myself. The first paragraph in The Wooden Sea had me hooked like nothing I've ever read before. I am very excited to immerse myself in the rest of your works. I was also wondering if when Fran is in the future the second time, and you mention a man "studying" with a faded green Dropkick Murphy's shirt, if you mean the band from Boston. Because that band is king. Please excuse my longwindedness, but I am fascinated by the story so far and hope to talk with you some more. -Ezra

The first paragraph of the book came one day when I was standing at the bar of my favorite cafe, having a morning coffee. A bum walked by wearing a hideous yellow shirt and a very ratty, sort of dogshit brown leather jacket. Without thinking I said to myself "Never buy yellow clothes or cheap leather." After I'd said it, the line made me smile and I copied it down into a pocket notebook I always carry. Voila the beginning of the book. I slipped "The Dropkick Murphys" into the book because I know the lead singer of the band is a fan of my work and I just wanted to give him a little payback/how de do.

question: I've read almost all of your books from beginning till end and have enjoyed the journey you have made. Of course, the books themselves were also appreciated! It's always kind of strange to know about a writer and read his work because the two "lives" can intermingle. I read your words and find you a man wrestling with morality, and from what I understand, your "real" life has been the same. I wonder if you draw on on your own life's wrestling to write your books, or if you write your books to answer your questions, or if it's all the same. Thanks! - Henry

All writers write about their lives, Henry. If they say they don't or aren't, then they're lying. What else do we know well but our days and how we have managed to live them? Writing is just creating another world that you then put your very own special recipe salad dressing over. It is comprised of three ingredients-- your experience, your imagination, and your world view. Toss lightly and serve at room temperature.

question: I am on page 99 of white apples. I am typically a tough guy, but I have wept openly twice while reading your book: once in the store, once in the airport. I do not know yet where you are taking me, but at this point the journey is more fascinating than the destination. I remember an interview with an author from a couple years back and he quoted a poem that ended "white apples and the taste of stone" I am not far enough in the book to know if you are that same author but I would like to know the name of the poet. This imagery has inspired several pieces of my own work and I would like to go deeper. -phyltre

'White Apples' actually comes from a lovely sad poem by the Russian poet Yesenin. I don't know the title, but the speaker is talking about considering suicide. He says even the beautiful things in life mean nothing to him any more, including apples that have been dusted white by early snow. Bing-- I knew as soon as I'd read it that that was a title I had to use one day. PS It is heartening to hear that WA has made you weep. That's a real compliment.

question: I was browsing through a bookstore, looking for a good read one day..When I spotted one of your books, White Apples. It interested me and I'm so happy I picked this book. It's an incredible and interesting read, with all of the tidbits here and there about death and the afterlife. Your book made me look at life in a different way. You inspire me to write! I've wanted to write novels since I was very young, and I was just wondering--creating a plot and storyline is very difficult sometimes. How do you do it! Where do most of your ideas come from? - Christine

Some writers need to plot out everything before they begin, others just jump into it and let the story take them wherever it wants. I'm like that-- I start a book when I have a first line or a first paragraph, nothing more. Where do the ideas come from? Like the salad dressing recipe I gave to the above question, I'll give it to you again-- three ingredients-- your experience, your imagination, and your world view. Toss lightly and serve at room temperature.

question: Dear Mr Carroll, Please accept yet more praise for your extraordinary books, all of which have left me 'gob-smacked' (isn't that a gorgeous expression!?). I can't imagine a parallel life in which I DIDN'T impulse-buy 'Land of Laughs' ('cause it had a nice doggy on the front, ahh the power of packaging!) and subsequently chase down Black Cocktail and the Rondua books (do YOU refer to them as a sextet?) and Panic Hand, in some cases from overseas because, until recently, mainstream Australian bookstores rarely knew about you. Now, after three years teaching English abroad, I return to Australia to find - TA DAH - three Carroll novels I haven't read yet on prominent display, fiction section, middle of the mall. So, apart from wanting the buzz of emailing my favorite author, I guess my only question is: have you ever or will you ever travel to Australia? I wish you all the very best and THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your imagination with all of us. -Jann

Someone connected with a festival in Melbourne wrote a while back asking if I'd consider coming. I said sure, but never heard from them again. That's the limit of my connection with Australia, Jann. But it is really good to hear more of the books are showing up there. That makes me happy.

question: At first, I would like to say thank you for your magic, which makes fairy tales from real life. I don't know how you can read the dreams of your readers and then create this miracle! And do you planning to come to Russia for meeting with your great fans? If not, it will be my private tragedy! With best regards, Tatiana Bobrova, Russia

I have heard recently that the books are doing very well in Russia, which delights me. If I'm asked by the publisher there to come one day, I'll happily oblige, Tatiana. I was in Russia long ago and it is a vivid memory to this day, all these years later.

First I want to express my gratitude for bringing so many wondrous worlds to your fans through your books. I've been a fan since I found 'A Child Across the Sky' in a second hand book shop around 10 years ago, and now I wait for your next masterpiece. I do have a quick question. I was fortunate to get a signed copy of 'the heidelberg cylinder' and on the front page, it reads 'one of one thousand'. Is this the very first signed copy (ie first of 1000 copies), or just any one of the thousand copies. Obviously if it is number one, this is far more special! Keep writing and we'll keep reading! -Aleem

As I remember, when I signed the books I wrote something like 1 of 1000, 2 of 1000, and so on. so it seems to me that if you have 1 of 1000 then you do indeed have the first one.

question: dear mr carroll, perhaps a base question, but, have you ever harbored any secret desires to tackle a particular comic character? i adore your novels and am thrilled by the web-site, but always wondered if you thought about joining mr gaiman and mr mckean on the 'funny-books'. as a fan of both comics and novels i would be fascinated by any result of your turning your eminently talented hand (and mind!) to the pictorial narrative world. -stephen rooney

McKean and I have talked on and off about doing a comic together and maybe one day it will happen, but he is so loaded down with projects now, including the film he is working on together with Neil Gaiman, that I don't think anything on this front will be happening very soon.

I am very pleased to have found this site. I have been a fan of your work for many years, since I first found a copy of Land of Laughs on my roomate's bookshelf. He is an avid collector of books but not an avid reader. Personally the novel intrigued me but also scared me to death. I remember walking around and turning all of the lights on in the apartment upon completion. I began reading and collecting your novels and then I would forward them to my brother in Korea, Japan, England, wherever he was stationed. He also become addicted to your exhilirating and panoramic view of the world. I was reading about Neil Gaiman pitching some of your works for adaptations into films. Which works are you interested in converting to the screen and has there been any news regarding that possibility? -Miriam Elchanan

I think OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM and FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS would make interesting movies. Maybe VOICE OF OUR SHADOW too, but for that one you would need the right dark director to get the mood right or else the whole thing might well wreak of horror film and that would send me to an early grave. John Dahl was interested in doing it for a while. He would have been terrific.

question: My professor, Jim Krusoe assigned me Land of Laughs, and I thought, sounds like a steamy pile...but it turned out there was plenty of thump in the covers. My question is about Roald Dahl...was he any kind of influence on you? -Jeremiah Rickert Newberg, Oregon USA

I liked Dahl's short stories, but the kid's books never rang my bell. I thought they were snide and condescending, or at least the ones I read. I've since read that he was a true misanthrope and that shows through too, a lot.

question: There is a theory ... that in some countries lack of religion is compensated by flourishing arts, especially - literature. In such cultures writers become more than writers - priests (rather in pagan sense), wizards, semi-gods. People worship and hate them, listen to every word as to a prophecy and, of course, sometimes precipitate and torture these prophets. We saw you during the White Apples Tour. Definitely, there was magic. Which cannot be extinguished even by bad coffee of american airlines. This magic influences our lifelines (In January you will have a brand new little reader) Actually, it is not a question. Just thank you. -AK47
If my work got you to cook up a new reader, then I am indeed a prophet/priest/ human Viagra of sorts.

Congratulations on that new one on the way. Good for you. Mazeltov.

I don't know how many letters you recieve from America, but I didn't see many in this section. I've been a bookseller in New York at a very large store, and now in Los Angeles in a very small one, I love your work and reccommend it to any one I can. Thank you so much for your contributions. My question is why is it so difficult to get some of your books? I could supply a list, but I'm almost positive you already know what they are. Are there plans to reissue some of your earlier work? Or a way that I can order them? Once again I love your books and now my friend I are working on both coasts to get the awareness out there! -Daniel

TOR will be reprinting OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM and SLEEPING IN FLAME in the near future. The other ones that you can't find, I would recommend having a look either at the eBay auctions where someone is almost always selling one of the titles or the other, or www.abebooks.com Just type in my name and you'll see the array of things the different sellers offer there.

It was sometime in 1994 or 1995 when I, having a drunken lonely night, in a fit of acute idiocy, called you at two am. My best friend and I were (and are) big fans of yours, and he had looked your phone number up, just for fun. Never having read anything about your personal life, "only" your books, I (as I mentioned) drunkenly hoped you had an answering machine so I could hear a snippet or your voice, IF the number should be the right one. And to my horror, you actually answered. You said Hello. I said "With whom am I speaking". I know. Native speakers have mocked my using the "whom" thing.You said your name. I said "I hope I am not disturbing you".. and you, of course, hung up. Wow was I embarrassed. You didn't sound as if I had woken you up, but nevertheless. What I couldn't say back then, I'll say now: I am very sorry for disturbing you in the middle of the night. I have no excuse except being drunk, lonely, love-hungover and curious.Some years later I am reading Kissing the Beehive. And I am reading my words. And I am having a heartattack. So, again, I apologise, but I can let you know you paid me back in full, should that dialogue have actually been inspired by my stupid call. Should it not have been.... just how many drunken calls by stiltedly-english speaking german callers *do* you get, you poor man?

I remain your faithful reader and fan. If you find the time and "Muse", please, let me know if I am just imagining this double dialogue or not. Should you answer, I promise never to call or write to you again, drunk or not. All right, I promise anyhow. Just keep on writing these bloody great books. Yours, Ina

More people than you would believe call me, Ina, in all languages and at all times of the day and night. So it probably wasn't you specifically I was writing about in the book, but someone LIKE you. You can write me all you like, especially here, but if you called me late at night I was either writing-- DO NOT DISTURB. Or I was sleeping-- REALLY DO NOT DISTURB.

Are there plans to include your post-Panic Hand short fiction in a second collection? Also, I noticed PSALM AT JOURNEY'S END by Erik Fosnes Hansen on your reading list; if you haven't yet, I also recommend reading his latest, TALES OF PROTECTION. I think you would like it. Thank you and best wishes. Randy

There'll be another short story collection in some years when there are enough stories to make up a fatty, Randy. I hate these 142 page short story collections that cost $25. Give me a big fat doorstop and I'm a happy man. I've not read the Hansen stories you suggested but I will make a point of looking them up because I liked his novel so much. Thanks for the suggestion.

J,
I love you, I love you, full of wasps and spring air... anxiously awaiting your magic in words. - tess

Yikes.

question: Hello! You're one of my favourite contemporary writers ('Voice of Our Shadow' and 'Child Across the Sky' being my favourite novels of yours), and I'm really interested in your opinion on those OTHER writers I consider most interesting around; they are: Martin Amis, David Lodge, V.S. Naipaul, Paul Theroux, and, most obviously, Stephen King. Do you read their books? - I couldn't find any of those names on your Reading Lists. Do you care about them? - even if you don't, it'll be interesting for me to know that. Greetings from Poland, Bart.

Paul Theroux was one of my teachers in graduate school. Nice guy. Naipaul, Amis and Lodge bore me. Some of Stephen King's work is absolutely wonderful. THE GREEN MILE in particular.

question: When I last wrote, I had yet to read any of your books. You advised me to start with whatever was there. I was delighted to discover that my local library had 4 of your books on its shelves and, through a highly scientific process known as 'Pointing with Closed Eyes,' I have managed to select 3 of them and sneak them in amongst all the other books I read this summer. My only regret is that I won't have time to read a fourth before I go back to college. I feel like I ought to come up with more original praise, but as it's nearly 3 in the morning and I've just finished KISSING THE BEEHIVE, I'm not up for much beyond the usual. Thus, I reaffirm that you are indeed brilliant, your female characters especially are superbly real, and I find myself increasingly entranced as I read each sentence you write. Thank you so much for helping me escape the stagnation of nonmagical suburbia this summer. I look forward to continuing the adventure on my next break from classes. Sorry for rambling. ~Suzanne

You can ramble on all you like in that vein, Suzanne.

I love your books. I have one question. Do you know what happend with Scott from "Uh-Oh city!"? (It's my favourite one) name: little voice

I guess he became part of God at the end, whether he liked it or not. Or...

question: I just want to thank you for your books. They remind me of this magic which I feel deep inside me but sometimes just forget about. I have just read all these letters and I must confess, I am jealous. Your books are so intimate that I do not feel well knowing that so many people love them too. On thhe other hand I feel better knowing that thare are people feeling the same. It's a kind of consolation after watching other news. There are two other books which I adore for their magic ( a bit different from this in your books):" To an unknown God" by Steinbeck an " One hundred years of loneliness" (I do not know whether it is correct English title, I have read it in Polish). Now my question: Please, assure me that you love writing and believe in this magic, that your writing is not commercial. I wish I had known you were in Poland. -Ursula

You have to love writing to do it for as long as I have, Ursula. It's a very tough partner to be married to and more often than not, you'd rather kill it than look at it. But if you love it, then these things pass and you go back to work. PS my writing is anything BUT commercial. That's been its curse all these years: Nobody knows what to do with it.

question: please tell me something about your dog--his favourite toy, place to sleep,what do you like about him the most, and how it happened that you have this dog in your life.with love-anna

Jack the Idiot has no favorite toy, but he loves to play. That's his nicest quality-- he likes every one and every dog. I call him the Kofi Annan of canines-- he's a real diplomat. How did I happen to get him? My last bullterrier died and I had to have another one immediately or I would have gone into bullterrier withdrawal, and as we all know that can be deadly. So I went looking on the internet and found him there.

question: After reading White Apples which was the first of your books I read I was struck by the after life you created or the theory of an afterlife. I was raised a Christian and by faith believe in the teachings of the Bible and believe that Jesus prepared the way for my true home when my time on earth has ended. What do you believe? p.s. I do love your books. They stand uniquely apart from everything else I have read. -Kyle Denney

I am writing the sequel to White Apples now and find as I go that I believe more and more in the theory I posited about the afterlife in WA. I certainly hope it is something like that. You go to a big wonderful dinner party where everyone there is more fascinating than the next and you never want to leave...

question: What can I say to You Mr. Jonathan ??? How can I thank You for all your books--all Your magic? I can only read....And dream about another (Jonathan's)world. THANK YOU :-) How many kisses can You hold out --I am sending You this all. Poland :-)- Magdalena (Yashi)

I could use some kisses these days, Yashi, so I am especially glad to have yours. I caught every one of them and lined them up in front of me on the desk to be taken hourly with a glass of water.

question: When I was talking with my cat -Sheev, she said to me that my tooth is my future son. I will meet him when You tell me what is His name... Can You help me? -Magdalena (Yashi)

Rumpelstilskin

question: I've just read "Uh-Oh City", You know...? Are You a one of 36? Tell me You are. If not I'm sure You would be great half-god. :P If I would come to Vienna, would You meet with me? I would like to talk to such a human like You, just for one-two hours. :) I'm sure You don't have time for people who just want to talk with You, but... maybe. You know, I'm 17, but I would go to Vienna from Poland just for one day. I'm writing some novels on my own, maybe you would like to read the best of all? I would be grateful. Thank You for everything. Martha from PoznaÒ in Poland. -Maladie

I can't read people's manuscripts, Martha because it takes too much time. Someone sent me a seven hundred page manuscript the other day with a typed note on it saying "Read this and tell me what you think." When was the last time you read a seven hundred page book? And wrote a comment on it? We have only so much time in a day and must use it wisely. Reading other people's work just doesn't fit in.

question: Jonathan
I've recently completed my first novel and am going hell for leather to get it published. I'm also starting on my second, and am finding myself really exicted about the new characters, relationships and plot. So much so, that I'm now looking at the first novel and seeing holes and gaps in it - things that I'm becoming more and more aware of that may prevent it from being published. I think this is down to the distance I've been getting from it and the sparks that are flying in my mind with the second book. I guess I have two questions for you.
1. Is it simply a case of listening to that voice that tells you when your writing's ready to go? Do you draw a line in the sand and tell yourself not to go back?
2. How much do you balance what you want to write with the commercial reality of what sells? Do you qualify and quantify the market you're writing for?
Let me know if you have plans to visit the UK in the near future. It would be great to shake the hand of the man that inspired me to put finger to key!
Also, I'd love to hear about your writing classes and if there's a way I can participate from the UK?
Dream like a fool, Steve

Write it the best you can, send it out with a prayer and hope for gold, then get to work on the next one. You can worry yourself to death thinking about what you did wrong on the last one. But the only remedy is not to make that same mistake on the new one. Write the best story you can and don't worry about a market for it, commercial or otherwise. You can't write a commercial novel anyway because if that were really so easy, there'd be a lot more novels published and a lot more successful ones too. Write what matters to you and then send it out. Basta.

question: Could You tell me what is the title of your new book, that will be published in 2004 in Poland? I'm so excited about it, that I have to know the title... Otherwise I'll not believe it's true. ; Yesterday I've read Your last novel. There's nothing left. I've read everything! Thank You, once again, for You magic, and for all words You will ever write. :D Marta from Poznan (in Poland)

There's another book being written, Marta, but I'm very superstitious about giving the title of something that hasn't been finished yet. So I don't tell the title until the book is done and ready to go. But know the sequel to WHITE APPLES is on my desk right now, doing its push ups.

question: there is nothing like one of your books to transport me out of my head into a phantasmagorical state!!i just ordered white apples...CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE A BITE!!!!! love, connie

Take two bites, Connie or else you'll be hungry.

Hello! first I would like to say that your books are incredible! I can read them and read all the time :) I have to you one question: when are you going to visit Poland again? Ps. never stop writing!!! thanks for your magic :)(sorry for my terrible english) - Marta - Poland

Thanks for writing, Marta. I was just in Poland about a month ago, so I probably won't be back until I finish my next book and it is published there which will be some time in 2004 or later.

I just found the first book of yours that I have ever read. Of all places I found it in a Dollar Store! The Marriage of the Sticks. I stayed up almost all night to finish it.When Hugh shows Miranda the lamp turned over, it helped me see my life in a different way. Sometimes your life has to be turned "upside down" to see it in a new perspective.. I am now looking for everything you have ever written that is available to me.. Great cover! One of the reasons I bought the book is the endorsement by Charles De Lint, another one of my favorites! I want to know which poem the quote about the Idiot Heart came from. -susie wilson

Thank you for your letter. Several people have asked for the source of that poem but I can only tell you that it is one of the more famous ones by the Russian poet Mayakovski who many think of as the best Russian poet of the 20th century. If you find a good anthology of Russian poetry you'll find it.

Jonathan- I have wanted to tell you for years how much I admire your writing, ever since I first read your wonderful novel The Bones of the Moon. I am not sure how you are able to write so well from a woman's point of view, or how you make the unbelievable seem believable, but you do. I am captivated by your words and utterly engaged by your imagination; your works are dreams made real. And if I could ever write anything as beautiful as what you have penned, I could die a happy woman. Thank you...Paige

Wow Paige, those are nice things to hear. The British playwright David Hare says we write about what bites us. I'm only thankful that the things that have bitten me over the years have had resonance in your life as well. I know that's a mixed metaphor but you know what I mean. Thank you again.

Hallo:) Probably you know I love your books, if I didn`t I wouldn`t be checking this site:) but that`s not the point. I would like to ask you about magical places in Vienna.I visit Vienna every month or 2 months, cause I have very close friend of mine there:)But ehrlich gesagt I don`t know this wonderful old town at all.Can you suggest me some magical and romantic places you adore? Oh!And thanks a lot for your autograph this year in May in Warsaw. Viele Grusse aus Danzig in Polen: -Aleksandra

There's a terrific link on the title page of this website to Johanna Przbilla's "Magic Vienna" website with photos of Vienna that she has been taking over the years. They're very good and you can decide for yourself when you look at them which places there you want to make your magical own here.

I met you once, in 1991 (I think, though it might have been later) in London, at the Forbidden Planet shop. You were there for a group signing session, sitting beside Ramsey Campbell. I'd been reading your books for a few years by that stage and was a huge fan. I brought all of your books which were available at the time and you were kind enough to write a little note in each of them. I still treasure them greatly.

I always wanted to be a writer, even when I was a young child. Up until I read your books, I was busy writing gruesome horror tales. I thought OTT sex and violence was cool. Your books opened up a new world for me, one of subtlety and style, and I quickly began toning down my stories and thinking more about what I wanted to say. Some years passed and eventually I got a couple of adult books published which didn't do so well. Then I found myself writing a series of books for older children and teens (under the name of Darren Shan) which have taken off where the adult books collapsed.

I just wanted to say thanks for the years of inspiration. I finished "White Apples" while on a promotional tour of Japan, and as usual it sparked off lots of ideas and thoughts, and of course gave me a huge amount of pleasure. I've changed in many ways since our paths last crossed, and bid goodbye to many of my once literary idols. But your books still mean the world (or worlds) to me, a constant source of intrigue and joy. Without you, I very much doubt I'd be where I am today I'd probably still be beavering away bloodily, trying to be the new Clive Barker). Hopefully I'll manage to meet you again the next time you come to the UK or Ireland (where I live) and get the rest of my books signed!!! All the best, Darren.

Big smile on this one, Darren. I'm glad my books turned you away from horror simply because I think as writers we really should be moving towards the light with what we do and not reaffirming the dark in all its shapes and sizes. The fact you are writing for young adults is even better and obviously making a success of it along the way. That is all very cool news and if I played a small part in it, then I will pat myself on the back today and be glad for both of us.

Thank you for THE WOODEN SEA and THE LAND OF LAUGHS. They are the two best books I've read in a very long time. -Seth

They are at the ends of the spectrum, Seth--t he first one and the almost last one. It makes me happy to hear that for you both ends of the clothesline are still holding their parts up.

Greetings from Greece!I just wanted to say how much i liked your books I only read three though, I couldn't find any more).Is there any chance you would comment on a story i wrote? -George Cotronis

Unfortunately too many people ask the same thing, George, and I simply can't read all the stories and novels I've been asked to read over the years. If I did that, I wouldn't have time to write my books and that has to come first. Sorry.

question: Dear Mr. Carroll, I read that Charles Vess did a painting of/for the Land Of Laughs. Is this true? If it is, was it for an edition of the book? -Johnathan Williams

Neil Gaiman was slated to do a screenplay of the novel and as part of his presentation to the film companies, he asked Vess to do an illustration for the cover. I never saw it but Neil says it was terrific.

question: I just love Your books. They are the best, when I'm trying to understand the real side of this life. Best wishes from Poland. The summer is very hot, so come, and visit us. -Karolina

Ah Karolina, it's hot here in Vienna too. A friend of mine there keeps asking me to come and take advantage of her house on the sea but lazy guy that I am, I stay here instead and dream of Greece.

question: I just want to thank you for your books. Right now i start to dream. 1000000000 kisses -ewa

Lots of kisses, Ewa. Let's hope there's a place on my face for all of them.

question: Dear Mr Carroll, I've just finished reading 'From the Teeth of Angels', one of many of your books that have become my food for thought and inspiration, and I'm just hypnotized with it. I think about death a lot and it's an interesting vision of it that you present there. Were you trying to emphasize the importance of little things in life which bring joy (e.g. cooking for someone you love), as being our weapon against giving up to death? Are those little things all that Arlen and Wyatt are left with before they will have to face Leland in the last struggle? Thank you very much for the inspiration again, heading to make a drawing soon, or maybe even a painting :) Warm greetings from Poland. -Maria

Yes Maria, that's exactly what I was getting at in that book. The main characters cannot stop death's ugly march, but they can turn away from It sometimes with both their heads and hearts by, as Arlen says, cooking someone soup and holding their hand. That way we forget completely about Death a while and that is our ultimate victory over it. It always thinks about us. Sometimes we don't think at all about it.

question: How many of your books has been translated into swedish?
-Julia Brobeck

I think three, but don't quote me. It was a few years ago and I honestly don't know if they're still in print there.

question: I notice in a previous answer that you have visited Dublin. Have you any plans to come to the UK soon? Or would you ever contemplate coming to the Hay on Wye book festival? I have only started reading your literature recently ( as I have stolen them from my partner during our seperation) and I am enjoying them, therefore I would love to pick up some signed copies. Are there any American authors you would recommend? Have you read any Peter Ackroyd? If not, I would recommend Chatterton an excellent read and Peter has a very unusual mind. Regards. -Gavin Bell

I was at the lit festival in Wales a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I read CHATTERTON and liked it a lot. As to reading suggestions, have a look at the title page of this website--every now and then I suggest a bunch of fiction that I've been reading that I like a lot.

I should wear my glasses, but I normally do not because they keep me from feeling Pre-Raphaelite. When I put them on, I am amazed by the outlines of leaves and the spots on the moon. When I read your stories, all of the small things around me come into focus. You remind me to find magic. As a reader, as a writer, and as a human being, thank you. Caitlyn

Any woman who looks Pre-Raph is A-Ok with me, Caitlyn. I'm deeply in love with Christina Rossetti to this day. So if you look anything like her, tell me and we'll have lunch... And thank you for your thank you-- it matters a lot to me.

Jonathan, I am lucky enough to own a signed copy of 'The Wooden Sea' which you signed for me last year in London. I am currently reading 'White Apples',(very slowly as I do not want to get to the end too fast). It is one of the most entrancing books I have read for some time. I have two questions.How has Vienna influenced your stories? Is it a 'magic city' with its own hidden history like Iain Sinclair's London? The second is a bit more specific. You have Vincent write 'Only the ridiculous survive' in his wardrobe. I have seen this once before as a piece of graffitti and wonder where you got it from as it is one of my favorite sayings? -Simon Smith

Any place that is "home" has its own magic to it, you know? When I first came to Vienna in the mid-1970's it was very 1940's, black and white Carol Reed movie- spooky. Now it's changed a lot-- some of it good, some of it bad. But it is not magical to me so much as "right" and perhaps that is the greatest magic of all. As to "Only the ridiculous survive" you and I saw the same wall in London. I was on a train riding off to somewhere and there it was in slashed but rather elegant white graffitti. I loved it on first sight and thought I had to shoe horn it in to something I wrote.

hello sorry but my english is not correct i like your books. they are amazing and have so much magic. please let me know if you will be in poland soon -borys

I just came back from there a few weeks ago, Borys. The best thing to do is to periodically check this site because we always post when I will be out promoting the books in Poland or elsewhere.

I've read some of your books and I was touched with all the magic you put inside. It makes me believe that world is full of miracles and those miracles can happen every day. We just have to believe in them. I have one question for you: why do most of your books' heroes end so badly? Why is there no chance for them to live happily without worries? Why are they left alone in the end? Or maybe I've just read too few of your books ; Greeting, I'm looking forward to seeing you in Torun!!!! I'll be there for sure!!! - Ola

I think most of my books end *sort of* happily, Ola, as is true with so many lives in the real world. The characters may have lost some essential, wonderful things but they have survived and in many cases are better people for it. For example if you look at characters like Cullen in BONES OF THE MOON or Miranda in THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS, they have grown and matured and become less self-absorbed. They are better people, although their lives have large sad holes in them because of what (or who) they have lost and what has happened along the way to now.

Let me try this again, as I am inept and accidentally sent the last form incomplete. A few years back, I read an excellent review of THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS and immediately decided I simply *had* to read it. Shockingly enough, the book showed up in my local library, which is not known for its selection. (We do a lot better with Harlequin romances in my town, though I vaguely remember the children's section being quite adequate when I was five or six.) Alas, I already had a few other books in my hands and thought, 'Well, I'll just come back for it. No one here has any taste, so it'll be in when I return these.' My mother, oddly enough, decided it sounded interesting and checked it out that day. I was initially overjoyed, as that meant I could take it and read it as soon as she finished. For some reason I've yet to understand, the book failed to impress her and I, buried in other books as I was, foolishly never got around to reading it. I kept putting it off, based on her critique, until finally the books were due back. Now, years later, I have not read any of your books, and THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS has sat, utterly ignored, on my amazon.com wishlist for years. I ran across this website a couple of weeks ago, following a link from Neil Gaiman's journal, and decided to explore a bit. When I read some of the tidbits in the "Exclusives" section, I fell completely in love. The world is a better place for your writing, and so I wonder (and I apologize if you get this question a lot; I've read through the Q&As, but I might've missed it) if there's any book I ought to read first. (Also, on an unrelated note, your son is lucky to be at Skidmore, and I hope he realizes that. I wanted to go there, but my parents sent me to Hamilton instead, which isn't the greatest place for a creative writing major.) Many thanks for the words I've read and those I've yet to read. Sincerely, Suzanne

Oh that's a toss up, Suzanne. People say new readers should start with THE LAND OF LAUGHS because it was the first. Others SLEEPING IN FLAME because it's set in Vienna, is romantic, and as strange as it gets. I think in the end you start with whatever book is around and that's that. WHITE APPLES is pretty good too, but writers always say their last book was their best, so don't trust me...

dzien dobry! I'have just come from meeting with you in Bydgoszcz (Poland). But I forgot to ask you a question: how does your dog look like? ps Have you ever read some books of Isabel Allende? I commend you "The house of the spirits". Supermundane! -Paula

My dog is a naughty little bullterrier named Jack the Idiot. He is all white, has one black ear and too much atttitude. As I write this he is sleeping with his head on my foot. But he woke a moment ago and said to mention that he is known far and wide as the Brad Pitt of dogs. Yes, I've read Allende but have to say I don't like her work very much. Her work seems to be a thin copy of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Read LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA and you'll see what I mean.

Dear Mr Carroll,thank you VERY VERY much for your visit to Poland. Thank you for all those feelings: happiness, joy and emotions - I'll never forget it. :-) - Agata

Big smile, Agata. Thanks for writing.

question: good morning Mr. Carroll. I just write to tell you that today I missed my subway station when I was reading The Marriage of Sticks. I'd like to thank you for it (and for all nights when instead of sleeping I was reading your books or thinking about them).Tomorrow I'll see you again because you'll be in Warsaw and, I hope I'll have your signature on this book (and some others too:) ). Once more- thank your for your enormous influence on my everyday life p.s one sentence to people from my country: when I was reading letters to Mr Carroll on this site, I've noticed one embarrassing thing-- too many of the letters say please send me all your books. Please: don't do this anymore! Don't force Mr Carroll to write polite answers to such stupid letters!!! Marta, Poland

Warsaw was insane, Marta, sweet insanity as always, but almost too much for me to handle. I just hope I signed your books and gave you the smile that you deserved for coming to visit. If I didn't, I send you two now and a hug as well.

I wanted to tell you my story of meeting you. My brother-in-law gave me a book with a lovely woman on the cover reaching for the moon. He found out that I was a book worm and handed me what he said was, "a door waiting to be opened." I was blown away that the person who wrote that amazing story was a man. Your voice will live in my heart forever. So like all of your fans I was sucked in and loving every second of it. Well time passes and my children had gotten older. My oldest daughter Samantha started to digest books at the rate I do, books to us are as important as the air we breath. So I introduced her to you and your world. Can I just say WOW! She loves you as much as I do. So Samantha decides to write her favorite author (naturally not saying a word to good ole mom) and to her very excited surprise he wrote her back. When she showed me what she had done and what you did in return, it made me love you that much more. Thank you for sharing the beauty in your heart and head. As you must know, the fine line between being a parent and becoming a friend is delicate, thank you for being one of the bridges my daughter and I hang out on. Always, Char

Lovely letter, Char. Thank you. Keep talking to that daughter of yours. That's one of the truly good things that we can carry through life without much of a burden. Listening to our kids tell us what the world looks like through their eyes and hearts. Good stuff.

It's not a question in fact. I just wanted to thank you for putting the words together. -Beata

And thank you for saying so, Beata.

question: Hello! Last friday i went to see you in Bydgoszcz but i didn't ask you about paranormal activity.Do you believe in that? And what about your dreams? Are you sometimes influenced by them? As you know they can be really strange and crazy in one .One night i had such a dream and when i get up in the morning i i've written a short story. It was pretty strange because my brain did all work during the night without my senses :) - Olga

I believe in paranormal things because I think the world is a big and mysterious place. Has anything like that ever happened to me? No. Do I wish it would? I honestly don't know. The *idea* of bumping into ghosts and their cousins is cool, but I don't know if I'd really want that to happen to me or those I love.

I'm embarrased to say my dreams are almost always duller than milk. I go to the kitchen and make a sandwich. I brush my teeth.. things like that. Maybe getting all this weird stuff out of my head writing clears it for smooth sailing at night when I sleep.

Jonathan, I've just finished your book: "Land of laughs" and it was the best thing i've done recently! It was extremely suprising and i must say i love your imagination. I've got many questions, but one of them is very important. Did you ever felt THIS things or all of them are just IMAGINATION? Martha-Rondua

Imagination, Martha. I've had different kinds of magic happen in my life, but not of that sort. The books generally come from a kind of mixed salad of imagination, wishes and dreams, and sprinkled over the top like the best olive oil is your own life and experiences. Toss a lot = a book.

Have you ever thought about rebuilding some of your short stories into novels? Thank for your books and for your visit in Bydgoszcz last week - I was delighted to see you -Danka

You're welcome for the visit, Danka. Nice people in your town and their warmth was really palpable. As to short stories I've never wanted to expand one further than it's gone. The only time that ever "sort of" happened was the beginning of FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS was originally a short story entitled "The Art of Falling Down." When I finished it I kept thinking who wrote that letter, what happened to them afterwards, etcetera. And that was the real beginning of that book.

Hi Mr.Carroll! I want to thank you for all. I love your books and at the meeting in Torun you made a great impression at me (sorry for my English, I think you now, what I want to say :)) Do you remember me? I asked you for draw something for me :) And I have one more question: about bones of the moon - was Alvin Williams Jack Chili? I can't understand it : Best wishes :) Kasienka

I don't think Alvin was Jack Chili but he was someone very close to him. Let's asy they lived in the same town and knew each other well. Perhaps too well, if you know what I mean.

I am reading the book "The Magus by John Fowles and I was wondering if you had an answers to this question: Think about the personality traits of the adult Nicholas and Alison when you first meet them, and then when you last meet them in the novel. List five traits of each at the first, and five at the last. Then trace how or if these qualities changed during the course of the book. Give evidence from the novel for your point of view. Thanks S

Dear S, I'm stupid but not THAT stupid. This is a homework assignment. Don't cheat and ask an old teacher to do your homework for you. SHAAAAMMME on you!

I hope that some day I will be able to express my gratitude for what you have given me in a more sophisticated manner... Today I can only send you a warm kiss and say " THANK YOU ". For doing what you do, for being who you are and for sharing your beautiful mind with us readers. Hope to see you some sunny day in Vienna !! Aleksandra (Poland)

And I hope one day you will come to Vienna, Aleksandra. Sunny or not, you will like it here. I guarantee it.

I have never written to an author and admit to have despised those who have, as I imagine it is quite annoying to be hounded by dumb questions. But I was so taken by my accidental encounter with "The Land of Laughs" yesterday (I bought it for my husband because it seemed is 'sort' of book and was a first novel, a favorite status of ours, and found I could not put it down, reading it through in less than a day) that I have decided to break my rule. Let me say that I have read thousands of books in my 39 years, in fact beginning with many of the major classics when I was only nine and continuing on through an otherwise busy life until now, and there has been only one other author that has so overwhelmed me as you have. Hermann Hesse. What got me hooked on your book at first was your reference to the writer having been born in Rattenburg, Austria. This is a small, little known town, and I understand you to be living in Vienna for many years now. What caught your ! attention about Rattenburg enough to make it your characters home town? I am fascinated because my mother and I recently visited Austria and both agreed that Rattenburg was where we would choose to live should we ever move to Austria (from Minnesota, USA) Thanks! - Minda

I passed through Rattenburg twice while I was writing THE LAND OF LAUGHS and had two idyllic evenings there. The first time just wandering around that spooky, lovely town. The second I had been driving all day through torrential rain up from the south of France. The plan was to stop for the night in Rattenburg. Miraculously, the rain stopped as soon as I got to the town and a beautiful sunset emerged. They were having a folk festival at the ruin on the hill that night and we went. It was like something out of 'Peer Gynt' and remains one of those memories I will always treasure. Truly, a magical town.

question: I read "The wooden sea" a few days ago and loved it. It's great fun in itself but it amused me even more because in some ways it felt almost like an intended illustration of some points Frank Kermode put in "The sense of an ending" (here, Jonathan says: "yeah, I know that loathsome book"). All the same, great book, this "Wooden Sea", my favourite of yours besides "A child across the sky". Thanks very much for the joy. - Alex

I read Kermode when I was in graduate school and I can guarantee you it went in one ear and went out the other, as did most of the stuff I had to read then. Sometimes I wonder how many wonderful minds are extinguished in graduate school just because of what they are told/forced to read because it is required. When I was a student, one of my graduate professors said to me half in jest "Carroll, it's good you want to be a writer because you aren't much of a scholar." Which I took as a badge of honor forevermore.

question: Dear Mr.Carroll! I have question to you! Can you send to me all your books? I know it's hard but i am 15 years and i don't have money to buy them! I'm from Poland and i love you and your books ! Write me soon! I 'll be waiting P.S. Books if you send me in polish language ok? Please help me I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -Tomek

I love you too, Tomek. Now go to the library and take them out. I won't be mad if you don't buy them, but that's what libraries are for, Old Sport-- poor students and reading fanatics.

question: thank You... OleÒka - Poland

You're welcome, Ole' Ole'

question: Does any aspect of the far east ever raise any story possibilities within that ever dreaming mind of yours? I know you ventured to the middle-east with 'Dog Museum' but is there anything within the alien and yet similar intellectual landscapes of Japan,China, Indonesia et al et al that stirs your imagination? -ron laity

I like to read Far Eastern writers-- Tanizaki, Murakami, Mishima, and some of the others but no, I'm not very interested in those cultures. I went to Japan when I was fifteen with my parents because my father was making a movie there and asked if I would like to come along for a month. Maybe that did it-- this 6 foot plus bright blond haired fifteen year old was looked at ogled, pointed at...by the Japanese as if I was an alien from Klingon. All I wanted was out of there and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that didn't color my view of that part of the world.

question: Mr. Carroll, I have just been reading Outside the Dog Museum, which I had to jump through hoops to get my hands on. I have never read anything so timely, so prescient, so crying to be available to functioning brains all over the planet and especially this country. Can you prevail upon your American publisher to reissue this book, preferably in paperback, with big publicity, right away, before we blow up the world for lack of the understanding you can provide? (sorry, that must feel like a BIG responsibility on your shoulders, but any light any fine mind can shed on the current situation of the world should be heralded, not?) Let me say, by the way, that I have deeply enjoyed all of your books which I have read which is nearly all of them - I have White Apples, but something called to me to read Dog Museum first, imagine that?)Anyway, Dog Museum addresses so beautifully the current situation, I kept going back to the front to check the publication date.... June

You know June, I would like nothing better than to set Harry Radcliffe (or maybe it's sic-- like a dog) back spinning onto the earth but it's out of my hands. Publishers are inscrutable when it comes to what they choose to reprint. The might pick your fourth book or seventh to do and when you ask them why that one in particular, they tell you to be quiet and let them do their job. I have learned to shrug and keep quiet. But I thank you very much for what you said about that novel. It's one of my favorites (he said immodestly) and so I'm glad when anyone says it is one of their favorites too.

question: Hello Mr Carroll. I discovered your work in France, where your books are published by editors who specialise in horror. Out of curiosity, I bought A Child Across the Sky, which I liked so much, that I have read other books from you since then, such as the Bones of the Moon, from the Teeth of Angels and The Marriage of Sticks. However, I have a question for you, which I hope you will answer. To me, your work does not belong to the horror genre it is constrained in in France, and I would rather classify it as magic realism, as it reminds me greatly of Angela Carter's Nights at the Circus, in the sense that characters evolve between a world of dream and reality, and the limit between the two is not always clear. I would like to know whether you ever read Angela Carter's work, and, if yes, whether this inspired you to create your recurring characters and the world they live in. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and hopefully to answer it. -Ielenia

I agree with you totally. But when you sell a book to a publisher, they can "do" it however they choose. Often in other countries, the only publishers interested in my work have been horror publishers and that's how they've released the books-- with lots of blood and skulls and such on the covers. I love Angela Carter's work, especially THE BLOODY CHAMBER which I strongly recommend if you haven't read it already. A retelling of some of the Grimm fairy tales but full of sex and blood and other great mischief, the inimitable Carter way.

question: Thank you for your books... Because of them I can feel you everyday, I can talk with you(that's for all). It's amazing how close you are to me then. I want you only to know there is such a person, who admires you so much. DziÍkujÍ za wszystkie piÍkne myúli... Justyna,

Thank you, Justyna. I touch your face. Please know that.

question: I just discovered you and now I can breathe. - krissy morton

Sometimes words can kiss you, Krissy, and that's exactly what your sentence did to me when I read it. I can still feel it. And I thank you.

question: Hi Jonathan!! First of all I have to say that your books are captivating and now I cannot imagine my life without them.. That's why I want to thank you for this little bit of magic, you bring to our earts. -Asia J.

So now we are both happy, Asia, because there is nothing more fun in the world for me than to sit down and tell you a story. Every time I do it I feel blessed.

question: Hi, I'm sorry, this is not a question, and you do not have to print it. I just thought I'd let you know that the Queensland Narrating Service in Brisbane, Australia has had The Wooden Sea narrated onto 6 cassettes for people with a print disability. These cassette books are bought by libraries around Australia and are 'restricted access'. QNS is a non-profit organisation, govt. funded to provide a cost-recovery service to blind, vision-impaired and print disabled readers. So, thank ou! -Alison Banks

I'm delighted to hear this. Thank you for telling me that McCabe has tiptoed all the way down there on the globe. Good stuff.

question: Bonjour Monsieur Jonathan, Est-ce que c`est bon comme plat-Chocolate Covered God? PS'Mille mercis pour vos "White apples". Je commence ma nouvelle vie ...avec ce livre dans ma main. Pleins de bisous polonais, Ania

De rien, Ania, de rien.

question: I love your stories, especially "After silence". Could you send me this book with your autograph? P.S. Why did Lincoln become so awful? He was very lovely, but then... - Agatha

I'll be in Poland in the middle of May for the Warsaw Book Fair and a couple of other cities there too. Come by and I'll be happy to sign your copy then. Why did Lincoln go bad? People have been asking me that question since the book came out and the only honest answer I can give is I taught school for 20 years and that sort of thing happened, that sort of student happened, much more often than any of us liked to acknowledge.

question: Hello Mr. Carroll. I just wanted to share with you the story of how I discovered you. I'm a freshman at the University of Idaho, and one of my favorite activites is go to the local Hastings and browse through the books shelves. Normally I have some idea of what I'm going to pick up, but one day I just picked out Bones of the Moon completely at random. I had no clue what it was about, or who you were but started reading it anyway. I got through the first few chapters, and liked it. However the next day I went there I got sidetracked by a book recomendation from a friend and forgot about your book for a few weeks (I hope you don't take offense because it gets better). Anyway I'm looking through the books again and I see your book and decide I want to see how it ends. I read through the rest of the book right there in the bookstore, and the ending was so great that I bought the book right there. I don't have money to spend on books, but Bones of the Moon moved me so much that I did anyway. I then found White Apples which I liked quite a bit, and I plan on finding the rest of your books. Thank you very much for writing books so good that I actually remember your name (I am terrible at remembering the name of authors--even for books that I like). -Matthew Lindquist

If you'r bad with names but you remembered mine because you liked what I wrote, Herman, then I am a happy man.

Thank you for all your wonderful books. Each time I read your work I am amazed at how easily you make the reader feel "at home" in your world. I read your books and think to myself "Whoa, I thought about this before" but it is you who put it down and made it look so effortless, somewhat like a piece of music that seems familiar but it is so unique in itself.

I am trying to write myself and I sometimes encounter huge blocks simply trying to transfer my thoughts from the mind to the outside world. I am a native speaker of Polish but I have studied in Boston and learned English as a second language many years ago. Do you think it is worthwhile trying to write in an acquired language? Some writers such as Isaac Bashevis Singer expressed their opinions that a real writer would never attempt to write in another language as the subtleties can only be felt in one's own culture and familiar words. My other questions is about your writing habits: I often imagine that you have a collection of fountain pens (the Pelicans, Parkers and of course your favorite Mont Blancs) and that you first write your books by hand. Do you have a preference for handwriting or typing? I imagine this to be sort of a silly and seemingly unimportant aspect of a creative process but to me it makes a difference. I am very curious how you write down your ideas.
Thank you. Grazyna Furman

I think any writer who moves us writes things that either make sense to us immediately(either intuitively or intellectually), or are observations about life (or the world) that we have had ourselves but have never articulated them.

As to writing in another language, there are a lot of arguments for and against that. As a Pole you know that one of your native sons, Joseph Conrad, did a very good job of writing in English. There is a new writer from the former Yugoslavia named Alexander Hemon who learned and now writes in English and it is pretty impressive stuff. On the other hand, the Dutch writer Harry Mulisch said a writer doesn't live in a country so much as he lives in a language. So I would think if you are going to write then best to do it in the language you feel most at home in and let it go from there.

How do I write? By hand, with one of several Parker 51 pens I have (Mont Blanc used to be a fave but not for years. Parker 51's rule

question: Hi Jon, I have never read any of your books, but I recently (today) discovered you. As you may have guessed, I was intrigued by the name of one of your characters. How did you come up with it? Do you know any other Michael Billas? I was a bartender for about four years in Portugal, Italy and New York. Can you see why I'm utterly enthralled by my discovery of your work? This blows my mind! Maybe I'm reading into this too much, but I do believe in certain symbols that manifest themselves in everyday life. And this looks like one of them to me. Please email me...curiosity is killing this cat. Thanks, Michael Billa PS: I make a killer Martini (figuratively speaking)

Ah Michael, I hate to disappoint you, especially when it comes to magic, but the name Michael Billa comes from something very mundane. There is a large chain of supermarkets in Austria named "Billa." The Michael I just tagged onto it because early in my career, a nasty critic said (among my many other literary failures) I gratuitously use strange names much too often. So Michael it was. But you know, the fact that you discovered my work and a character of mine with your name is a magic of sorts no matter what, you know?

question: Hello Jonathan , i was just wondering if there is any chance of puting all your short stories into another collection like you did with The Panic Hand. It would be a good idea, as I have papers all over the house with your stories in them. Thank you ...Paul

I'll do that Paul, but not for a while. I don't believe in very thin books of stories. I like 'em at least 250 or 300 pages fat. A good handful, like a quarter pounder. When I have that many to publish, I'll give you another.

question: Jonathan I have been reading your very fine literature for almost a decade now. You are one of my favourite authors among many namely, Pat Conroy, John Irving and Alasdair Gray. I Know you are a fan of Irving and Conroy but would be interested if you have read Gray, he is a Glaswegian like myself and the most understated Scottish author of his time. I recommend 'Lanark' and also 'Something Leather'. If you are interested. Also, have you ever toured the UK, or Ireland? I currently live in Northern Ireland but would travel anywhere in the UK for any up-coming book readings to promote your 'White Apples' Trilogy. Finally, just a bit of praise; I have read all you novels and The Panic Hand, the first being Voice of our Shadow, which of course had me hooked. The best book I have ever read to date has been The Land of Laughs. White Apples was fantastic. Deborah

Deborah-- I like them all except for John Irving who has written the same book for twenty years. GARP was wonderful, but not the others. Alasdair Gray's work I know well. I agree with you that he is underrated and it's a crime. I've wanted to see Scotland for years but have never gotten around to it--bad me. Ireland I've spent a good deal of time visiting. Dublin I love and particularly Trinity College where I was invited by the students there and spent some time with them a few years ago. I don't know what TOR/UK is doing vis a vis promotion there for WHITE APPLES, but keep your eye on this website and we'll keep you posted on UK developments.

question: I've read that during writing a book, you always rewrite it twice by hand. Is that true? What for? I'm asking, because in my opinion handwriting is more valuable...Big kisses from Poland
name: veronika

Actually it's three times I write it by hand, each time slower. Why? Because the slower I write (by hand), the more sure I am that the words I've chosen are the words I want. When I've finished that third hand draft, I simply type it up on the computer and send it in.

question: Tell me, of all your female characters, which do you love most; is it Isabelle? If so, why? I'm sending you a smile from white Poland. -Anna Horn

I love Isabelle the most because she is based almost entirely on a woman I love very much-- too.

question: This is more a love letter than a question. My son Alex, who lives in California, told me about The Land of Laughs, I bought it, read it and loved it. Loved it so much that I found out all the titles of all of your books and ordered all of them via Alibris.com. Much to my amazement one of them was a signed first edition, I was thrilled. Now I have a neighbor reading them as well. So all of my copies are shared with family and friends. I wish there was a way to get all of them signed, but I'm happy just having them to enjoy and to share.
Regards, Beverly James Seattle, Washington

Ah Beverly, that's a shame because I was in Seattle in November doing a reading at the University bookstore there. Terrific night, terrific crowd. I love Seattle and am hugely jealous of anyone who gets to live there. If I died and went to Seattle that's close enough to heaven for me to smile eternally.

question: Dear Mr. Carroll, Having read many interviews with you I've really liked your attitude towards women. You have very interesting view about us. :-) But so why then in only two of your books are the main heroes women...? Is it really so hard to write and think as a woman?
name: Agata

Well, it depends on how you look at it. BONES OF THE MOON, FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS, and THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS all have main characters who are women and are the heroes of those books. Some readers don't think these women are heroes but I do, in various ways. Over the years a lot of people have accused me of great chutzpah, having the audacity to write in a first person voice as a woman. But you know what? Too bad. If my story works for you, then it works, female voice or not. Also I think you'll find if you look closely, that the women in almost all of my books are smarter, "stronger" and generally more interesting than the men. Or at least I think so, but I'm biased because I think women are a whole lot cooler than men, generally.

question: Please... stop...stop writing the way you do.. You cast a spell over me (or your books did but that's your fault anyway ;) ).I missed not only my bus today while reading 'White Apples'.. but even a bus stop... again.. it's getting worse and worse.. Every time I open any of your books I think I'll start to walk instead taking a bus ..;) Sometimes you should write something ...unmagical? ;
Kisses Ewa

If you were here right now Ewa I'd kiss you back, big time. Hearing that I make you miss your bus stop is the best news I've had all day. When you read a book that matters, you give up your world for the one in your hands (and head). If that other world is good enough and magical enough, it makes you miss your bus stop(s) in this world. And that's the greatest compliment you can give any author. Damn you, Carroll.

question: Hi. I just read Land of Laughs, I picked it up about a month ago, and I must say that it is freaking amazing. You have gained another fan in me Mr. Carroll. I don't always like how books are transfered to movies, but have you been approached by anybody to make your novels into films? I'm setting my goal to one day be a screenwriter and if I ever got a chance to adapt Land of Laughs into a movie I would die, figuratively of course. I praise you Mr. Carroll and I can't wait to read the rest of your books. -Andy Tuttle

Thank you Andy. THE LAND OF LAUGHS was bought by a film company almost two decades ago but nothing has ever been done with it. People like Ang Lee and Neil Gaiman have expressed interest in making it over the years but with no results. The screenwriter who wrote John Carpenter's movie IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS happily told me that he stole most of the idea of my book for that film. But that only made me smile because I thought well, at least part of my idea gets to go up on a screen...

question: Dear Jonathan To make a long story short I am madly in love with a women who unfortunately (temporarily sounds better) loves someone else. What her and I have in common is obsession with your writing (It had profound influence on our lives and thank you for that) and few other things letting me believe that she is the love of my life. Would you be as kind as to write her few words on the Valentines Day. I am sorry to bother you but I can't imagine a better present for my Isabelle (her name is Dorota and her e-mail is--------. If I could do anything for you just let me know. You already have the best seats reserved at our wedding party. Best of luck to you and your family and thank you for all your books once again. -Pawel Bartoszek

I'm receiving your letter on March 4, so I'll be a little late sending a Valentine to your Dorota, but I'll get on it right away. Good luck winning her heart.

question: I'm sorry that you had a bad experience linked with Toronto. It cut like a knife. There are so many great things to say about your books, your thoughts, all that rings true [like having to go to Europe with someone you would die for]...But I think other ppl have expressed them better than I could. I was wondering if you'll ever be coming to Canada. Some parts of Toronto are great! And why, no matter where I look (used book stores, giant big box ones) I get either blank stares or only 2 of your books? Can you please get (your ppl!) on the Canadian publishers' asses? That would be greatly appreciated up here. Thanks and lots of love.
name: Christine

Ah Christine, that one is out of my hands. If I tell my publisher that my books aren't showing up in Canada they'll say it's Canada's fault and leave it there. The best thing to do is whenever you go into a bookstore, ask for my stuff. The more a writer's name is heard, the more apt it is to bring their work to the attention of the people who run the store. Then they're more apt to stock the titles.

question: When I was in college (briefly) one of my professors, who was teaching Shakespeare- "professing Shakespeare," rather, asked us to write a short paper describing our favorite authors, films, etc. Aside from the many USDA approved authors that I listed (the classics), I said that my favorites were the old weirdos, like Lovecraft, Machen, and Blackwood. He made fun of me. I dropped his class. -Ian

I couldn't agree more. Isn't it strange how academics ruin so many good things that are "off their map" when what they're supposed to be doing is spurring one's interest in their subject, which in this case is lit? The great teacher would go, oh I've never heard of so and so's work-- are they good? I'll have to read them. The shitty teacher will say "Never heard of 'em. Must be bad." Which just proves what a narrow minded egotist he is. Sigh. All those good books ignored by all those bad professors...

question: Hello Jonathan Carroll. I recently discovered your work through another great author (Neil Gaiman) and I am now reading my way through your books and enjoying every minute of it. I was curious as to why there hasn't been a movie made from one of your books yet. Although, I've read from your journals and interviews what it's like dealing with people in Hollywood, there's just GOT to be a director out there who's got good taste and who's willing to go the extra mile to get a movie made. Isn't there?? -David Williams

Actually it looks like AFTER SILENCE is about to be made into a film. Or so they tell me. They have a hotshot director lined up who just made a hit movie in the US, a big studio enthusiastic both about the director and the book (which translates into big $ backing things) and and and... Stay tuned.

question: That's it. I've read them all, cover to cover, word for word maybe a few more carefully than others, when one reads at night a few words get lost between the sheets). I suppose I should say that I am lost, but of course there are many great writers out there yet to be discovered and re-discovered so my thirst for thought provoking writers will still be quenched. My question to you today is, have you ever considered writing a graphic novel? I have recently been going through a period of discovery and have found it a medium that is extremely underrated. Work by Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore and Art Spiegelman show how there can be a great marriage between the written word and art. Looking at the great cover illustrations created for your work I would think that your words and for example Eddie Campbells art would go together like Bull terriers and laughter!

I would offer to do the illustrations for you, but my art work is like one of those magic drawings. If you stare at it long enough you can usually work out what it is, but even then it's not worth looking at anyway. I hope you are having an interesting 2003. All the best. Mark
PS - On your orders I rushed out and bought Amarcord by Fellini...... Wow

I spent a good deal of time with Dave McKean when I was in the US on the recent book tour and we talked about this at length. Maybe something will evolve. Generally I don't like graphic novels because generally I think the stories and artwork are silly and uninteresting. On the other hand the best at their business-- Gaiman, Moore, Spiegelman-- take it to another dimension. The question then arises can I play in the same big leagues as them? I don't know and have never considered it. But if McKean, whose work I love, said let's try then I would.

question: Dear Jonathan, I love your books that's why I am writing my MA work about your books.My topic is "Shamanism in the novels of Jonathan Carroll and John Fowles".So my question is if shamanism is imporant to you and your book( esp.Venasque) plus what do you think about about "The Magus" by Fowles? It's really important to me to know your opinion. Thanks Aga

You should read Mircea Eliade on shamanism. His knowledge on the subject is wide ranging and often astonishing. What do I think of it? I have never had direct experience with it but know some people who have and their stories are astonishing. Do I think it exists? Absolutely, unquestionably. Anyone who has something as mundane as effective psychoanalysis is in the hands of an "approved" shaman. Because you walk out of their feeling healed without having been phsically touched. Shamanism works that way for me-- it heals you in ways that are generally "outside the box." I read Fowles' THE MAGUS when I was in university and was blown away by it. However I tried reading it again a few years ago and found it incredibly slow going and finally put it down for something else.

question: Hello Mr Carroll, This is less a question than...I don't know, a thank you to you for all your books. I was first introduced to you through the Wooden Sea, and needless to say, I was hooked. All of your books show the magic and greatness of everyday life, the surrealism just emphasizes the normality even more. Some of your characters seem so deep, almost guru like, I was wondering, do you see yourself as one of them? Your writing is just dripping with emotion and feeling, like you used a little bit of magic yourself to put all of them down in ink. Again, I want to thank you for writing your thought provoking books, and for giving me another way to look at life and love.
Dave

As has been said so many times before, any art is the result of an artist organizing their personal chaos into some kind of recognizable and workable system of living. If my books touch you or point the way, then I am thrilled. But to be honest, a lot of the writing is me trying to figure out how I see and sense this world we share. The writing just happens to be my way of doing it. What you say though touches me deeply and I am grateful.

question: I've just finished reading Bones of the Moon, and i just wanted to say that I have never completely given myself over to a book, but this time I had no choice. -Jen

Seduction, Jen. That's what it's all about. You and I have never even said hello face to face and yet here you are saying you spent hours and hours with me because I told you a story that mattered. Seduction. Makes me smile, big time.

question: hello! i love your books... they have everything that a good book must have... when i have some free time i read them... i would like to know when next part of "white apples" will be in poland??? i'm sorry for my mistakes in English.
name: bogna from poland

I wish I could answer that for you because I've literally just started work on the sequel to WHITE APPLES. Who knows when it will whisper in my ear "Done, Sport. I'm finished."

question: I saw your comments on the boxer Dick Tiger on Adeyinka Makinde's website. I was wondering if you ever met Dick Tiger and whether you ever wrote anything about him.
kind regards. Abdu Simba

I did meet Dick Tiger once briefly after one of his fights when I was a boy and crazy for boxing. I was a very great fan of his and one of my prize possessions back then was an autographed photo he'd sent me. When we met he was very kind and gracious-- all the things I'd hoped a champion of his stature would be. I never have written about him though.

question: This is more of a 'thanks' than a question. I discovered your novels about the same time I started dating my girlfriend Caroline ( about 3 years ago). Every time I read one of your incredible love stories / scenes I rush over to Caroline and kiss her. We cuddle for a while and then I rush back to your book to find out what happens next. The only problem is when I'm reading one of your books on the bus or the ferry on the way to see her the ride always seems so much longer. Anyways, thank you very much for your books. Adam C.
name: Adam Crosby

That's a very cool letter, Adam and I thank you for taking the time to send it. To think you're torn between my words and kissing Caroline is high praise indeed. But I'll tell you something-- kissing is almost always much better than reading. Kissing is almost always better than ANYTHING. The one is in stereo while the other is mono black and white. I'd got for the stereo every time...

question: Rather than a question I guess it is a manner of writing my thoughts down. It seems as though your characters live in all of our minds who really enjoy your stories. I was thinking of how in both Marriage of Sticks and White Apples there are stories of the journey of the hero. I was thinking about Joseph Campbell as I scrolled down on your q and a and then saw a comment regarding J. Campbell! I think that many of us reading your books are traveling that journey whether or not we know it. Especially this year for me...Learning so much about me that I didn't know and about those repressed feelings I dread-- anxiety and anger...So White Apples was an excellent book for me to read and then I re-read Marriage of the Sticks and realized that I needed to read De Lint's The Little Country which I am sure you are quite aware of. De Lint's books as you both get in touch with that Heroes Journey and our subconscious . This week I decided it would be a good idea to tell certain people I ran into about your books. This includes health food store's owners, an art supply shop, two independent bookstores, a shop to make pottery at and a bakery called Palace Bakery. This is to give you a general idea. The odd thing is that when I was mentioning your work to these folks I couldn't remember the name of your last book though I remembered the story. I am also not aware of the reason behind this decision to let people know about your work. None of them had heard of or read your books which I found odd and all of them were pleased to know about you as they were out of books to read for the season! This is not going to cause and incredible increase of the sales of your books. Keep writing! Your adventures are great.
Nadine

Part 2 question: I am really not a person that would stalk people. I want you to know that. I may sound that way! This is the thing. I was in a pharmacy today and found this amazing card which I would like you to have. On the front is a picture of two stick people. Inside it says "Happy Anniversary to Us". Such beautiful reminder of the Stick Marriage! Where can I send that you would get it? I don't want to take a guess and have it lost somewhere. Don't worry!! I am not going to sign it. I am, though, amazed at how well that you illustrate the Heros Journey which both Jung and Joseph Campbell talk about. Have you ever been able to finish The Magic Mountain? Campbell said it was his favorite book. I have several times to read and finish it but I just don't have the patience for it. Or something. It seems if I am able to read The Little Country in a week that I could read it but no. I love the symbols and images in it though. I am a flawed reader. I love to read so much and I very much appreciate your work!!! It is so wonderful. Sincerely, Nadine

I was delighted to meet Charles de Lint when I was in Minneapolis in November and you'll be happy to hear he is as good a person as he is a writer. A rare thing-- when the people you admire are as great as you hope they'll be. Campbell and Jung are the writers to read and take with you through life, no doubt about it. For no other reason than the beautiful ways they remind us that we are not alone in this trek and that Mankind has been walking and thinking in similar ways as long back as we go. That is a very comforting thought to me and they are masters of conveying it. You can send your card to me at the address provided on the front page of the website.

question: Hi; ich habe nur zwei kurze Fragen: Gibt es zu white apples und wooden sea eine deutsche ‹bersetzung? Grusse Desiree

THE WOODEN SEA wil be published in a German version in September by Eichborn Verlag. I think they will also be publishing WHITE APPLES but there's no schedule on that one.

question: I noticed in your current reading list that you've included the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, one of the more rewarding books I've read in recent years. I'd like to know what you thought of it and if you've ever read J. Krishnamurti, who tackled some of the same subjects.
name: John Thompson Jr.

Yes, I read a lot of Krishnamurti years ago, but not recently. THE POWER OF NOW is a wonderful book. I came across it very much by accident. While touring the US, a fan handed me a copy and said "If you wrote WHITE APPLES, you've got to read this book. The two of them have so much in common." Intrigued, I started it that night and found it both important and right on the button in so many ways. I strongly recommend it to all.

question: Sorry, it's actually not a question. I read through all (!) of the previous statements and I must correct one thing. You did thrill a few of your students at the American International School when you taught there. The only reason I borrowed The Land of Laughs from the school library, was because of my brilliant english teacher. I vividly remember our class discussion about Beethoven and if women should be sterilized after giving birth to 7 or 8 children. The majority of the class was for "Yes". "You just killed Beethoven", was your answer. I also remember a general atmosphere in your classroom, from which I personally learned a lot - you treated us monsters (between 15 - 18 at the time) like humans. Every time I read one of your books, I also remember you as a person. P.S. I tried to buy White Apples at the British Bookshop today (in Vienna) and they told me it won't be here until April!!!! Very unsatisfying. I wish you all the best Mr. Carroll; please continue writing, possibly a bit faster ;- Claudia Hoffman

Smiling at you, Claudia. I still teach a little bit these days at AIS. It's good for the soul, you know. Creative Writing to those teenage monsters you mention, although I decided to hit them with some of the big stuff too, so this semester I'm doing a class called "Good and Evil." Already after only two lectures they're furious at me for throwing all these weird ideas their way. Were you Claudia Hoffmann when you were in school or has your name changed since then? Let me know and tell me how you are. PS Shakespeare and Company in Vienna has US copies of WHITE APPLES if you're hungry for one.

question: I don`t think you killed off Bloodstone enough: He`s been haunting my fishtank.How can i get rid of him ?

What kind of fish do you keep? Maybe you should change brands.

question: "White Apples" is another treasure that I'm going to keep deep inside my heart... Thank You for the most wonderful christmas present I could find under the tree this year. Your books are like a pint of magic and give me hope to survive- Thank U. Aga Miklas,Poland

My books are only reminders, Aga, that life is full of magic too. maybe a different kind than I have in my stories, but magic nevertheless. Keep your eyes open and it is there-- even when you're down and bleak, the magic is there to be eaten and lived.

question: I just read After Silence (in a few hours I couldn't put that damn thing down!) and now i'm bugged by the ending. What happened?! I've just been introduced to your great books and have already read a few but this one spun me out at the end. Is Lincoln really Max's Guardian Angel? Does it all go super mystical at the end or is he just crazy? What was his chance to change things at the end? I'm sorry to suddenly throw this question to you years after you've written the book but it's driving me wild! thanks for any insight you can give me. The whole book was great and the dilemma of what Lily had created was powerful:
even if they had returned Lincoln to his original parents when he was 10 years old, wouldn't that have been bizarre? He was lily's child at that point. anyway, thanks for your contribution to this strange and sometimes (sometimes)wonderful world. love, lily

Lily, eh? You should answer this question yourself! I don't think my opinion or take on the story is any more valid than anyone else's. But many years away from the book, I think the main character is so traumatized by what has gone on recently that he is grasping at any straw to push the blame off himself and his beloved for what happened to Lincoln. And if that means believing in "guardian angels" or things from the other world, then okay too. So often that's the case in life, isn't it? If something bad has happened and it is clearly our fault, we look everywhere to find something or someone to blame it on rather than ourselves. That is just too painful, and sometimes ultimately crushing, as is the case in this story.

question: My name is Mark Grande. I am the Director of Development for a prominent production company in New York City. I would like to know if the entertainment rights, (specifically film), are available for "White Apples". Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to a response at your earliest possible convenience. Sincerely, Mark Grande

Please address all inquiries like this to my film agent, Brian Lipson at the Endeavor Agency in Los Angeles. His email address is blipson@endeavorla.com

question: Dear Mr. Carroll, my girlfriend gave me " the land of laughs" as a present for christmas. I thought it was really good, but the only problem is: I am really not sure i totally understood the ending. I think, you mean, that he recreated his father by writing a biography, but I am not sure. Oh did he just get mad? I mean, actually in the end, he hasn't finished his biography about his father yet, and he also says, that he only does this biography in order to think of different things. That's why I am not sure, he REALLY recreated his father. Would be nice, if you tell me. Greetings, Christoph

You're right, Christoph. Abbey accidentally recreated Marshall France in Galen and thus discovered that he had the same God-like powers that France did. So after running away from Galen, he brought his father back to life so that he could work out the problems that he had had with him when the old man was alive.

question: Hi Jonathan, I notice in the collaborative section of your website how taken people have been with the mosaic idea in WHITE APPLES.I am reading it at the moment and couldn`t believe it when I read it.I`ve often wondered about this myself.Often wondering if when the physical self dies, what happens to all the electrical, non physical emotions, feelings and experiences that make up a human `soul`.Where do they go to ?Perhaps there is a single communal body where all the souls (tiles) reside.I like this idea and so the mosaic seemed rooted in this.Of course, I`m not claiming unique insight here, but I`d never spoken about it before and so was bowled over when I read it.I do hope existence is something like that. By the way I haven`t finished WHITE APPLES yet but I am loving it and have no idea why your readers are so divided about it.Strange. One day I will ask a question.Keep up the wonderful and unique work. Bye for now
Nick Wilkinson

Thanks Nick. Someone who read the book told me I should read up on the work of the philosopher/ mathematican Alfred North Whitehead who long ago came up with something called "Process Theology" which is not so different from the ideas you liked and agreed with in my book. So both you and I came up with our theories long after someone else did. And as things go, I'm sure someone else thought it up long before Whitehead. But as the poet Ezra Pound once said, all ideas have been written before. The job of the writer is to write it new.

question: Greetings Mr. Carroll. I would like to ask you a question: what was your favourite book in your childhood? Do you come back to this book sometimes? I think that every book you read in the age of 7-12 leaves a mark on your life and makes it a little easier. Although in my opinion every book has its own... I don't know... energy. This energy can be either good or bad. Someone reading a book soaks up the waves being sent by the lecture. That is why I think that every single child should get used to reading as fast as possible. What is your opinion? Well, I hope someday I get a chance to meet you personally, maybe you will decide to come to Poland and visit Krakow... Sincerely yours Piotr Dopart aka Fryzjer

Hi Piotr. I've been in Krakow lots of times in the last few years both publicly and privately. I am always delighted to go back. You live in one of the world's truly magical cities. I must tell you though that I didn't read anything as a kid and only really started in with books when I was about fifteen. Then I read like a maniac because whoa-- these books things are GOOD!

I was wondering if you ever think about ilustrating your books with music? And if you do, please tell me what would it be. "The Land of Laughs" with Bach's 2nd Brandenburg Concerto? Or perhaps C.Monteverdi and his Combatimento di Tancredi... for "Sleeping in Flame" ? One of your biggest fan.Thank you. -Krzysiek S.

I've never really thought of connecting one with the other but it's an interesting idea. I'd have to give it a lot more thought, but it's certainly nice of you to link my work with such titans of music. I appreciate your vote of confidence.

question: Hi Jonathan, just wondering if their was any link between the character of Marshall France from Land of Laughs and the author of Three Fantasies, The Brazen head etc. John Cowper Powys? Or if you have even read his work? I got into your books at about the same time I came across Powys' books, and the work of Robertson Davies. Again an author whose work feels akin to your own. All the books sit side by side on my shelf watched over by my prized "proof" copy of Outside the Dog Museum. -Gareth Sleightholme, norfolk, uk

I've often heard of Powys but have never read his work. Davies on the other hand is one of my very favorite writers. As I've said often before, THE DEPTFORD TRILOGY had a profound effect on me. Particularly the idea of writing a "trilogy" but each of the books stands alone so that a person can read one or two or all three and each is a satisfying meal. Remarkable and something I aspired to do in the "Answered Prayers" sextet.

question: Hi...This is not a question, but read it please. Two weeks ago you were in Poland on a tour...Rzeszow was the city where I met you...In the bookshop I asked You to write something crazy in one of your books for my girlfriend. (it is possible you don't remember it now but that's OK) When I gave her WHITE APPLES with this text she was so happy (Of course she kissed me as You wrote in dedication)You should have seen her face when she read it. Maybe this isn't so important to you, but for me and especially for my girlfriend it was very important. Thank you very much..You're a very cool guy :) I'm so grateful!!! (I apologize for any mistakes in my English) -Tom I./Poland

I'm just glad you got that kiss, Tom. Anytime I can help someone to get a kiss or two, I'm happy to help.

question: 'Allo Jonathan! I was wondering if your character Cullen James is going to make another appearance in any other books? And also I was wondering if Walker and Maris's kid (I can't place the name off the top of my head) is going to show up again? Just curious. And if you see a teen at one of your signings with longish blue hair, that's me. Take care, and keep writing! -BlueMoose (again)

I don't think any of them will be returning, Moose. I'm glad they mean enough so that you ask, but there are other characters and stories I want to cook up before I put my pen down for good.

question: I read in one of your interviews that you don't know how your books will end when you begin writing them. I think that is why I enjoy your work so much. The stories seem so heartfelt, spontaneous and often random - much like life. It is widely known, by your readers, that you often use primary characters from one book as character actors in another. Do you plan this in advance, or does it just sort of happen when the story calls for them? - Nikolos DeVore

Nothing is planned, Nikolos. I'm glad that the "spontaneity" works for you. I always have a good time being surprised by both the stories and which characters pop up anew in the different novels. When I was on the recent book tour, someone asked along the way if Frannie McCabe will be returning in a future book. Indignant, I asked "How could he? He's dead!" The woman smiled at me and said "Haven't you ever read a Jonathan Carroll book?" The whole room started laughing, including me.

question: Hello Jonathan, although I am a great fan of your books (and my mum even greater: she has "borrowed" them all, so all I have left is English version of "The Land of the Laughs"... parents should get illiteral at some point in their life), the question is about music. I howled with pleasure when you mentioned Leonard Cohen's song in "White apples". Are you familiar with all of his records and poetry? I just need to know, don't ask me why: maybe because I grew up listening to Leonard's music and then I found the same magical way of describing feelings in your books. I find women in his songs and your books very similar: always unreachable in some way, always alien. And how did you like "Eureka Street"? I discovered this book some years ago, when it was first published in Poland and I read it at least once every year since then. -JoAnna

One of the reviewers of WHITE APPLES noted the reference to the Cohen song in the book. Then they went on to say my books are like his music -- strange, surreal, mysterious blah blah. But that's the reason why I like his music-- its un- get-ableness. Isn't it funny how people hold it against you if you don't tie things up in neat packages, wrap it in bright red paper that has things like "The End" and "Happily Ever After" and... written on it and... You know what I mean. EUREKA STREET? A wonderful book. Funny and sad and harrowing and touching as hell.

question: Hi, Mr. Carroll. I'm from Poland. First:sorry for my english - I'm learning. I'll be writing my PHD thesis on your book:"The Land of Laughs". I'd like to know how the book came about? What were you thinking when you were writing? I read all your books and I couldn't stop thinking of them... There's mystery, love, passion, and all of the human emotions so beautifully expressed. How do you manage to put them all on the paper? -Monika

I had written three books before LAUGHS that no publisher wanted. I suppose I wrote it as a last gasp. No one wanted the last three? Well then, I'll write whatever I want on THIS one and if they reject it too, then maybe I should just stop writing because it's obvious I don't have what it takes to be a writer. I remember the night I wrote the scene in which the dog talks for the first time. When I actually put the words on paper I laughed out loud. The idea was so crazy but it felt so natural that there was no way I could avoid having the animal do that. I don't know if that was the moment I decided to write the kind of books I have ended up writing for the past twenty years, but I do remember very clearly how great it was to go that far outside the bounds of where I'd been before and just write whatever the hell I wanted to write.

question: I am a member of a literary website entitled "The Literary Stonehenge". I am attempting to start a discussion of one of your books. My fellow forum members, which include several authors, one quite well known, are far more "well read" than I, but for some strange reason, are not familiar with your marvelous novels. I have been a huge fan since the mid-seventies and am doing my best to convince them of your genius. Which of your books would you personally recommend that I choose for the discussion? I must say that my favorite is "The Land of Laughs", but perhaps you think another might be more apt to create more "Carrollphiles". To be utterly pushy, would you consider doing a web discussion on our forum? Our members reside in all parts of the world. Our host is Polish, though here in the States for a time, teaching and working on his doctorate. Your advice will be most appreciated and should you decide you could join in a discussion you will delight us to no ! end. Thank you. Marty Roscoe

LAUGHS is a fine place to start and there's a new edition of it out now which means you can get hold of copies without any trouble. SLEEPING IN FLAME has been used a lot in reader discussion groups. The Atlantic Monthly online discussion group had a fabulous free for all with THE WOODEN SEA last year (that link is posted on the site if you want to have a look). They recently told me that they have now chosen WHITE APPLES to be discussion book in January 2003. Let me know when you will be doing whatever book and I'll be happy to chime in. There's an email address where you can write to me on the title page of the site.

question: like everyone on your site, I too think you are amazing... as for my question i am wondering if you've spent any time in Bosnia? I live in san francisco and have a large group of friends who are from Bosnia so when I started reading your books and you'd throw in bits about eating cevapcici or other little things here and there I always feel a touch closer to the characters I'm reading. I'm wondering what your tie is? I'll visit some friends in Sarajevo one day so far Croatia is the closest i've come...ps Is the boarding school you attended in connecticut called Avon Old Farms? I grew up there and dated the principal's son for a while so I spent a lot of time on that campus. well that's all. Thank you for your time...and thank you for visiting us in Berkeley! Suzanne

I spent a month in (one time) Yugoslavia years ago, just driving around all over the place, looking at as much of it as was possible. One of my favorite cities in Europe is Dubrovnik. I was so happy there I almost popped. I've always been sort of afraid to go back because I had SUCH a good time that I'm worried I'd only be disappointed if I returned. The prep school I attended for three very unhappy years of my life was Loomis in Windsor, Connecticut. They used to play Avon Old Farms in all kinds of different sports and I remember going to the games. Anything to escape that wretched place for a while...

question: It's so nice to write to you again after so much. Greetings from Mexico City! My question is, given that you dedicated "White Apples" to Neil Gaiman, and he dedicated "A Game of You" to yourself, have you ever thought of writing a comic book? I don't necessarily mean an ongoing series, but rather a one-shot or a graphic novel. I think "Bones of the Moon" would wonderfully work as a GN. I'd certainly go for a Carroll comic (besides Black Cocktail, of course! -- Don't think I'd forgotten) With fond regards, Miguel

I spent some time recently with Dave McKean and we talked about collaborating on a comic but who knows what will come of it? I'd want to do something entirely new-- not based on anything I've written before. Dave agreed but time and tide will tell what happens. Stay tuned.

question: dear jonathan i'm a big fan of your books i also am a big fan of the artwork of mark ryden i'm hoping to turn you on to him if you aren't already. check it out www.markryden.com...suzanne

I love Mark Ryden's work. I first saw it on the covers he did for the hardcover editions of 2 Stephen King's novels and I was immediately hooked. He's visionary and funny and dark all at once, a rare and gifted man.

question: Dear Jonathan- "White Apples" was wonderful. I love the idea that two imperfect people can together create a love so strong that it turns the rules of birth, living and dying upside down. Too many times in love stories, it seems like the hero and heroine are so perfect and so wise and so virtuous that love has no choice but to come to them. This isn't the way with life. I think one of the greatest and most humbling miracles we as human beings experience is the fact that even though we seem to have an innate ability to screw things up phenomenally, love still finds us and chooses to bless us without considering whether or not we deserve it. :) Neither Isabelle nor Vincent was perfect, but their love still saved them. They had to have a little more courage and faith to make the journey, but they didn't have to be anything more than human in order to win out in the end. Your book seemed a lot more true to me than a lot of the books where everything that happens is well within the realm of "possibility". So many times when I'm reading your books, one of your characters says or feels or does something that makes me recognize myself or someone I know in the words, if that makes any sense.

There were three scenes in the book that touched me deeply. I find these all through your work--the boy with Down's Syndrome in "A Child Across The Sky", the man with the cakes, and the man with the straw in "Sleeping in Flames"-sometimes an image hits me right in the heart and stays. In "White Apples" there were three. Vincent writing in the closet, Isabelle getting to go back to her grandmother for a short time, and the hound and the deer in the moonlit field. Vincent's desperation and determination to keep his memories of Isabelle touched me. Isabelle getting to go see her grandmother again, and the sacrifice her grandmother was willing to make reminded me of my brother who died ten years ago, and who I would love to have another afternoon with. And the scene with the hound and the deer was so achingly beautiful, I can't even begin to describe how it moved me. Thank you for "White Apples". It was a wonder. Love- Jena

This is one of the nicest letters I've ever gotten, Jena and I am grateful to you for taking the time to write it. WHITE APPLES seems to have drawn a lot of controversy. Readers who don't like it, REALLY don't like it. Interestingly enough though, one of their oft-repeated criticisms is that Vincent and Isabelle are both so flawed in their separate ways that neither deserve a happy ending. But what you said here is exactly what I was working toward. The same thing was true with Miranda in THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS. Critics say she's not such a bad person-- why did I make her undergo such bad things. My point being because that is exactly how life works too much of the time. It is mysterious and generous and unforgiving and completely illogical. Get used to that and work with what it gives you. Or else you're screwed.

question: Do you keep a notebook of favourite quotes or images? I have been reading your delicious novels most of my life, and many of my favourite quotes come from your books. What is your favourite quote or image? I will always remember watching an elderly couple holding hands while walking. It was such a simple gesture yet still so full of love after many years. White Apples has given me so many more favourite descriptions. I have had the book on my shelf for a few months but waited till I had a whole day and night to savour it. Well worth the wait. - Jennifer MacLeod

Saying I have a favorite quote is like trying to decide which book I've read over the years is my favorite. Just too tough to decide. I have notebooks filled with quotes I've loved from the different things I've read. But that's true about most inveterate readers I know. One of the greatest experiences in reading is to come across a quote that rings so true, so absolutely true or insightful that you giggle, or nod vigorously or say "That's true!" out loud. And then you put the book down and run for a pen so that you can write it down so you won't forget it.

question: Why now in your books do we find so much more love than before? - Kaska

I hadn't realized that was true, Kaska. But if it is then that idea makes me happy. Because in the end, it really is the only thing that carries us over, you know?

question: Hi Jonathan, Just read 'White Apples', beautiful. My fiancee doesn't like it because I have been reading it into the early hours of the morning for the last 3 days, and although she has read all of your other work (due to my constant hounding), won't read this one. Maybe you could send her a letter of apology? It would really help me out, I don't think I am getting dinner tonight. Question though, what is your favourite film of all time and why? Best wishes and good luck on the success of this book. -Mark

Although it was only just published, WHITE APPLES is already drawing a LOT of controversy. People either love it or hate it-- big time. That surprises me because I thought the love story combined with the adventure would please the gang, but instead it seems to have polarized them in a way I've not seen before. More than one reader is yelling for my blood or that I hang up my pen immediately and be silent forevermore. This is a long winded way of saying thanks for your positive vote. So tell your girlfriend that if she doesn't give you dinner AND read my book I will put her in my next story and turn her into an overripe kumquat.

Favorite film ever? AMARCORD by Fellini because it says everything that can be said about life, love and family. It's an amazing and amazingly funny film. If you haven't seen it yet, run to the store and rent it. No buy it-- that's an order.

question: Hi. I'm looking forward to White Apples and wanted to thank you for turning me on to Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and China Mieville's books. How are the floods treating you there in Vienna? Must feel very biblical. Hope you are nice and dry. Laura P.S. Do bull terriers like cats? - Laura

Bull terriers are the Kofi Annan of dogs-- they like all animals regardless of breed, race, or color. If you don't try taking their squeeze bone, they will be your friend forever. Or your cat's. I live on the top floor of my building so the floods that have ravaged Austria recently are luckily way down below.

question: I've read all of your books. When I first started reading them in the early nineties, I worked in a public library and felt that I didn't need to buy books. Several years ago, when I discovered your website, I began buying your books as soon as they were published, and also going into used bookstores and websites to find the ones I was missing. My goal is to have a first U.S. edition of every one. I'm having a hard time finding them in good condition and not former library books. QUESTION: Will you have any of the collection available during your U.S. tour? I've been looking forward to meeting you for years and anxiously await your visit to Southern California in November. Best regards, Sandra

The book I'll be touring with in the US in November will be the new novel WHITE APPLES. A new short story collection won't be ready for, oh, another twenty years or so...

question: Hello, I'm 14 and I've been reading your books for about 2 or 3 years now after my mom showed me them...Anyway I'm now a big fan and I was wondering how you come up with titles of your books? I swear your books have the coolest stories and the most unique titles! Keep riting! -BlueMoose

Thanks for the thumbs up, Moose. The titles just appear like bugs that zip into your (my) ear. No rhyme or reason, no schedule or logic to their appearance. For example, THE WOODEN SEA came to me one day when I was walking down the street. I didn't even stop to write it down although I liked it immediately. I just knew I would remember it and I whistled all the way home.

question: hi mr carroll. i was wondering if you ever take ideas from your students at AIS and put them in your books? Do you find that these students write to please you so they get good grades or because they are interested in expressing themselves?

Generally speaking, my students have no idea (or are not the least bit interested) that I am a writer, which is good. A few of them do and some actually read my books, but not many. I like that though because it makes me work harder and also makes them challenge me to do my best. To these kids, I'm just their dumb old teacher and we all know how students feel about the teacher. Do they write for a grade? I don't think so because I don't grade their stories-- only their effort. PS Do I ever take ideas from their work and use it in my own? No.

question: As usual no question, just something to share: Thank you so much for "Happy Hill" - after four days in Vienna and seeing many places from your books I finally made it up there. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life and every bit as beautiful as you described it. And it really did make me happy. Currently I'm going through some rough times jobwise, where the choice seems to be sticking with a job I do not like anymore (not due to the work I do there which I love, but due to other circumstances or giving up and being unemployed. I don't want to do either one so I feel stuck and this is keeping my head spinning. Well, I spent about three hours on "Happy Hill": reading, thinking, writing in my diary and just looking down and Vienna. After those three hours I felt a lot calmer than I have for weeks and I even walked away with a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing this place! -Stefanie

Yes, the Happy Hill is a very magical place, isn't it? I'm glad you found it. The last time I went there was with my dog Jack the Idiot. He's just a kid so when he saw that huge meadow with only the two of us in sight, he got so excited that he jumped straight up in the air and has not come down since. PS I hope you work out the unhappiness in your life and things go right sooner rather than later.

question: Hi! I have a lot of questions to Jonathan but the most interesting for me: whence did you take all ideas for your books? They are so different and all your visions are definitely different. All the time I'm wondering how expanded is your imagination, and how much of it is ideas in your head. Sorry for mistakes.
Yours 4ever. Gosia

People often ask that and all I can answer is they come from the great unknown and I just write them down. Stephen King always said there's a store downtown that sells ideas for a dollar a piece, which is a funny way to put it but unfortunately not so. You take your life, your imagination, your hopes, dreams, fears, etcetera-- throw them all into the Cuisinart which is your brain, smoosh them around a lot and voila-- out comes what you read.

question: Has the attack on the WTC on 11th September 2001 had or will it have any influence on you or your books? Do you think the world has changed in any way? I am reading "White Apples" now and I have come to the place where Isabelle Neukor asks Vincent Ettrich what he thinks is the most important thing in life. His answer is "to be understood". I was very surprised reading that because I remember very well when you were in Krakow about 2 years ago there was a meeting with you. Back then you told us the title of your next book would be "White apples." I asked you then the same question and got exactly the same answer. Is it just a coincidence or ...? (Please say "No" !!!) Thank you for your wonderful books! When you come to Poland in October I hope I will be able to see you again. I wish you good luck!
- Joanna Paulewicz

The answer is the same, Joanna because I really do think the most important thing in life is to be understood. If we are not, then we stand alone and to be alone all the time is a form of death, isn't it? As to your question about 9/11, I'd have to think about that a while before answering. Because it deserves a serious and not a quick, facile answer that would be easy to give but not heartfelt. If nothing else, responses to that horrendous event should come from there perhaps most of all.

I have written to this site three times now and no reply. I would love to get in touch with Jonathan because I used to be a student of his. Actually, I'm not really sure I was his student. My memory of those years is quite blurry. All I know is he taught at my school and I definitely took art classes taught by his wife, Beverly. I remember the women teachers more anyway. They were all pretty hot. One in particular was a real hottie. French teacher by the name of Ms. Thistlewaite. Married Mr. Corum, another French teacher, albeit maybe a luckier one than most. I think that sometimes they had their classroom doors locked. Boy, there's a perfect Freudian typo that I left cause it was there. Do I have to beg for an answer from you people? Do I have to grovel and bend down on my bended knee and grovel? So be it. I'll leave you with my favorite quote.
"THIS HOUSE IS PERMEATED WITH THE SMELL OF DOPE! " Jonathan Carroll
- Robert Henderson

Robert, you old weasel. I heard you were looking for me but typical of an old North Carolina pothead, you got my email address wrong. If you want to stop in and say hello the address is jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: This is probably not going to be a question. I just want to say that I am so grateful and a bit relieved that there are writers such as you and Neil Gaiman in this world. I am an MFA student in creative writing, mostly to buy myself some time, and there are some people whose opinions on "literature" differ from mine and from the things I like to write. I like reality, but I also like magic. I could write something, or read something for that matter totally grounded in reality, but I might as well be walking down the street, or peeking in through someone's window. One professor says if someone sees a footprint he magines it was another person, not a band of sprites or something. I'm just not sure about that. And I wanted to thank you for showing readers and writers like myself, that you can have magical elements in a book that is still good, important, and that has something to say about us creatures and our world. Oh, and I'm, well being both a student and an as of yet unpublished writer am poor, and didn't think I was going to be able to afford White Apples, but luckily I met a stranger on a park bench who bought it for me. -carol

Nice stranger, Carol. I wish I'd meet one who'd buy me my book (joke). Beware of creative writing schools and teachers. I did an MFA in writing a long time ago and my teachers, good souls that most of them were, thought I was truly on the wrong track-- headed right into the abyss. Whether I ended up in that abyss or not (only you and the other readers can judge that), I like writing what I do. So if your professors tell you that when you look in someone's window you're supposed to see a person and not a newt, tell THEM they're looking in the wrong windows and keep on keeping on with what you believe in.

question: I have a feeling this is an FAQ, however, I couldn't find an FAQ section, so perhaps it isn't.
I just read 'bones of the moon'. As soon as I was done, I went straight to this website, as I saw that there was an 'alternate ending' to the book. only problem was, the ending on the 'alternate ending' was the ending in the book I just read. I've double checked and it's the same ending, is it possible that A: the ending on the website got confused or B: I got one of those alternate ending books, which would make sense as it said 'for north america' and that's me. I guess what I'm asking is, is there a place I can see the other ending?
thank you for your work,jacob.

The US edition is a paragraph longer than the the UK. My editor in the US said he wanted more closure to the story than what I originally had. I wrote a paragraph that took perhaps twenty minutes in total to do, asked if that did the job and he said Yep. That's the only difference between the two books.

question: Hello Mr. Carroll! Have You got any ideas for next book after "The White Apples"? I love Your stories and I want more : Kisses from Aleksandra,Poland

The next book will be part two of a trilogy I want to write about the Ettrich family, the protagonists of WHITE APPLES. The second will pick up Isabelle's story almost immediately after the goings on in WHITE APPLES and will follow her through till the birth of Anjo. The third book will of course be Anjo's story.

question: Hallo,it is very nice to "meet" you! I am a great fan of your books (how many times have you heard that?) I think you must be very sensitive to all things that surround you, is it easy to see more than others?
A big hug Agnes from Poland.

You know, Agnes, I really couldn't say. Sometimes I notice something in life and tell a friend and they look at me like I either have two heads or no brains. I was on a plane the other day and the stewardess was pouring coffee for the guy in front of me. I said to the person sitting next to me that airplane coffee is disgusting and whenever it's served it stinks up the whole plane. I got a look from my neighbor that would have shrunk violets.

question: Who is your favourite writer? -Jacob

I guess Herman Melville.

question: Hello. I first met you while on my honeymoon in a library on the cruise ship. It was The Wooden Sea. And for three days of the cruise, I spent time with two men my new husband and you. Needless to say, I loved the book and am hooked on your lyrical ingenuity. Maybe this is something I overlooked in The Marriage of Sticks, but who did Hugh Oakley see when he and Miranda Romanac were about to make love at the house in Crane's View? Hugh looked up and saw a man watching them. Was it just another one of the house's strange whispers? My best to you, Melanie. P.S. I hope to attend your book signing in the Chicago area.

I don't know, Melanie. I put that in because I wanted Hugh to sense for the first time some of what Miranda was sensing but nowhere near as intensely. That way she wouldn't feel so isolated and alone in her experiences in that strange house. But little good it did her, you know?

question: In 1979 I bought your parents' Remsenburg house where I lived for 10 mystical years. There is no way to explain that chapter of my life because in real life a house does not often impact one's soul. But living there was not real life. It was some kind of magical dream that I carry with me all the time now. I knew you through your father. You were extraordinary in his eyes and I wish he was here today to see the body of work that you have given the world. But perhaps he does know, after all. -Joy Golden

Wow, Joy Golden. Just wow.

question: Hello Mr.Carroll!!! I am one of your fans and I think that your books are the best in the whole world. I know you were in Poland recently. How did you feel here, and what do you think about this country? I read White Apples and I know that you wrote about Krakow, why? -Monica

I was asked the same question in Krakow the other day, Monica. I said because it is a town full of ghosts and I love that. Vienna is too and that is one of the reasons why I continue to live here after a quarter of a century. I love Poland because in many ways it reminds me of Berkeley, California in the 1960's. Alive, vital, bursting with life, energy and hope, everyone on the move towards what they believe will be interesting and worthwhile... It is a wonderful country and I am always urging people to go there and see for themselves.

question: I'm just introducing myself to your work, having seen recommendations abound on Barnes & Noble. I work with a film director doing creative development in Toronto. I would be happy to contact an agent to discuss rights availability but would be very curious to hear from you on specific works you are most interested in - if at all - being adapted to film. Short or full length stories interest us, After Silence seems a candidate for example, as do so many other works. I look forward to supplying you with more info on Philip Kates Productions. Best, Vanessa Shrimpton

AFTER SILENCE was just optioned for film again, so it's locked away for the next two years, at least. To you and all other film folk who are interested in the rights to my stuff, I point you toward my beloved agent Brian Lipson who is ensconced at the Endeavor Agency in Los Angeles. All queries should go to him blipson@endeavorla.com

Are there any particular books (including philosophy) that influenced you in writing White Apples? -R.Mariampolski

I've always been fascinated by the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. People who love each other so much that they are willing to chance going into the afterlife to bring their beloved back from death. That was the starting point of WHITE APPLES because I have always wanted to write a big fat love story. And that myth, that tall tale, that dream-of-the-perfect lover, was a terrific place to start. What if you died and your beloved went into death to bring you back? Furthermore, what if all that happened but you didn't know about any of it until right now? And that was only the beginning, chapter one, the first twenty pages?

Was there a particular idea or inspiration that got "White Apples" off the ground? (or put another way, what is the major theme or message you were trying to communicate in this book?)-R.Mariampolski

I'm one of those writers who knows nothing about a story when they start a book but find their way as they go along. The only thing I knew when I began WHITE APPLES was the book opens with the main character discovering that he died but is alive again, back in his old every day and nothing has changed. How could that be? How could he not remember anything about death? And why oh why is he back here? Aren't things supposed to change when you die? Isn't there supposed to be a heaven or a hell or something that is the line of demarcation between the living and the dead? That happens in the first chapter of the book. What happens after that just seemed like a natural outgrowth from that discovery. Readers so far seem to be most intrigued with the concept of the "mosaic" which is one way of looking at God and the afterlife that is integral to the rest of the story. I'm just pleased that it was believable enough to make them talk about it.

Vincent, as a character, reminds me of Tomas from "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." In that book, Milan Kundera puts forth the idea that "epic womanizers" are a type that philander simply because they enjoy and appreciate every aspect of women, and also theorizes that this type will never be "cured" of womanizing. Tomas is one such a character, and it appears that Vincent is as well. Do you agree? Looking past the bounds of the story, do you think Vincent will ever stray from Isabelle?-R.Mariampolski

Funny you ask. I've just started work on what will be the second book of what I think will be a trilogy about the Ettrich family. It will continue their story after the end of WHITE APPLES. I thought a lot about Vincent before I began the book. At this point, straying from Isabelle will be the last thing on his mind when he is confronted with what the gods hold in store for him and his family now. But who knows? As I said, I never know from page to page what will happen. Vincent used to be an incorrigible womanizer before he met Isabelle. Will he stop? Only the Shadow knows!

Do you consider yourself a Fantasy author? What does "Fantasy" mean to you?-R.Mariampolski

No, I've never thought of myself as a fantasy author, nor do I think of my books as being in the fantasy genre. Sure, they have fantasy elements in them but so do a great number of books/authors we don't usually consider in this genre. Is Paul Auster a fantasy novelist because he has a character in one book who can fly? Is Kafka, with Gregor Samsa, a man who turns into a bug? Mark Helprin with his ships as big as cities, etcetera? In Germany, one critic said I write hyper-fiction. When I asked what that meant, he said if you look up the word "hyper" in the dictionary, one definition says reality beyond three dimensions. I've always liked that one. Besides, I've been known to become hyper about a lot of things...

When did you first become interested in the absurd and surreal?-R.Mariampolski

One of the saddest things about growing up is adults lose their sense of wonder. And most of the time they don't even know it's gone. Children accept talking dogs, Gods, monsters under the bed, and invisible friends who keep them company throughout childhood as no big deal. Adults poo-poo all this stuff because it's not "real." But real does not mean interesting much of the time and that is why adulthood is so often bland and predictable. The poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti wrote a poem in which he uses the phrase "a rebirth of wonder." When was the last time your jaw dropped open in wonder? When was the last time you gasped with delight-- really gasped, not just had a little hiccup of "Oh!"? Kids do it all the time because the world they live in (which just happens to be the same one we do), is a wonder-full place. In my books, I am trying my damndest to make you drop your jaw and gasp. That's my goal and always will be. Surrealism and the absurd? Adult words-- forget them. Drop your jaw-- that's what it is all about.

All of your books have fantastical elements, but stay grounded in real life and the modern day. Have you ever thought of creating a fantasy world apart from our own a la Middle-Earth, Narnia, etc.?-R.Mariampolski

No, I'll leave that to the likes of China Mieville in his astonishing novel PERDIDO STREET STATION or M. John Harrison in VIRICONIUM. That's what they do best. If you're interested in worlds other than or beyond ours, those are the novels to track down and revel in.

Do you have a favorite of your own books?-R.Mariampolski

In Hemingway's ISLANDS IN THE STREAM, the main character is confronted by his oldest child who says something along the lines of "I know you love my brother most." The character says Yes that's true, but I have loved you longest, so which is more important? Books are like your children-- some of them you're prouder of than others, but they all came from you and to say Jack is better than Jill is risking all of their ire. When people ask which book they should begin with if they've never read my work, I say begin with the first. That way if you like it, you can read chronologically and see if I've gotten any better over the years or just stayed in the same place and danced the same step with myself.

What are you reading right now?-R.Mariampolski

Pat Conroy's new memoir, My Losing Year. Conroy's one of those writers that when he publishes a new book, I drop everything and run to the store to buy a copy.

question: As so many others before me, I begin by expressing my admiration of and gratitude for your marvelous work. The difficulty in explaining to another exactly what any one of your novels is about has been frequently mentioned, both on this site and in conversations with other Carroll readers. There are always the inadequate and deceptive plot synopsis, deceptive because none of them even begin to get at what your works are about. Along this garden paths of thought, Are you familiar with the work of Jung and many others with archetypes or, more specifically, the work of Joseph Campbell with world mythos? In the Power of Myth BS series, Bill Moyers, exploring why myths are found in all people in all times, asks Campbell if myths are trying to get at the meaning of life. Campbell replied People say that what we're all seeking is a meaning for life. I don't think that's what we're really seeking. I think that what we're seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life's experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonance within our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive...." To me, your books are tantalizing glimpses of the facets of this rapture of being alive. They are so hard to describe because they are not about something so much as they are about everything; about the joyful, heart-wrenching, terrifying, holy, and awe-inspiring experience of being, of living abundantly. The use of the fantastical and mystical that has puzzled many a critic and defied labeling, to me, is yet another way to approach and hint at underlying truths and experiences. Perhaps, as Campbell suggests, these literary devices are necessary to point to things that are beyond words. You may perceive all this as yet another ill-fitting label but I hope not, as I have felt a deep resonance with your works, with your enchanting stories of what life is, can be, and the awesome mysteries within, and hoped you might find some of your own moments of rapture in these writers and their ideas. -Andrea Balboa

What a wonderful way of seeing/putting it. I'm honored, really, and thank you very much for the comment. I am a great fan of both Jung and Campbell. The Moyers show I had only heard about, having lived in Europe for so many years. I love that Campbell quote you use and think it is as true as can be. The fact you find echoes of both those pioneers in what I have been doing over the years is both uplifting and inspiring. I hope that I can keep on keeping on-- if for nothing else, then for readers like you, Andrea.

question: Hi, I'm from Poland.I'm fascinated by your books. I love them. My question is:
what is the best sequence in which to read your books? Where I should start,and what do you recommend to the end? Wojciech Zikowski

You know, that's a tough question to answer. But the one I'd give off the top of my head is begin at the beginning. Why? Because then you can see whether or not the writer's development has been either interesting or disappointing. Some writers get better and deeper, richer and more profound as they grow older. And some fade like a bad photocopy. I like my new book WHITE APPLES very much and think it is one of the best I have written. But still I would say start with THE LAND OF LAUGHS because you know what? I could very well be wrong and by the time you get to reading WHITE APPLES (*if* you do), you might end up saying "photocopy."

I love reading your comments in the collaborate section, and am quite looking forward to your UK visit for White Apples in 2003. Sadly I have no children for you to kiss (or bullterriers either for that matter). I'm a Maine Coon man myself. A quick couple. How much do you actually read? I am constantly amazed at how you can consume so much literature and keep up the day job. Finally, music. What's in your CD player right now? Hey, best regards Paul

I read a lot less than I used to simply because I'm a lazy bum who enjoys staring out the window a little too much or wrestling around with Jack the bullterrier instead of working. When I was younger I read a zillion books a year because I was looking for the map to the Yellow Brick Road. I found a map somewhere along those pages and although I don't know if it's the right one, it's comfortable and so I don't look for maps so much anymore. I'm sure you know what I mean. What am I listening to? Rob Dougan's "Furious Angels," Leonard Cohen's "Ten New Songs," The Reindeer Section's "Son of Evil Reindeer," and Travis's "The Invisible Band."

question: You probably know that but let me tell you-you have that very special gift of understanding women.rally.You're wife must be a very happy one!Kisses!
Anna Horn

I'll be sure to show your letter to her the next time she is about to hit me on the head with a pot.

question: Hi, Mr. Carroll. I'd like to know if you've got your fans in England. It's so difficult to get your books in London. Have they all been published yet? Greetings from a Polish Girl in London. Joanna

Everything I've written has been published in the UK. If you're looking for the British version of something, I would recommend having a look online at Amazon.UK They keep a pretty good stock of things, as do the bad boys at The Andromeda Bookshop in lovely old Birmingham.

question: Hi Jonathan . . . When was the last time you climbed a tree? Wasn't it wonderful! Mark

A few days ago, actually. I was out by the Danube taking a walk and came across this beauty of a tree. It just said climb me. So I did.

question: This has been said above many times and many ways (to borrow a line), but I love your books and stories. Thanks for writing them. I also, have a couple of questions. First - I've heard a lot about your books being published in Poland but nothing about another close-by country (where I happen to live): Hungary. Why is that? Any possiblities that anything by you will be forthcoming in the future in Hungary? I found the new British version of the Land of Laughs in an English language bookstore in Budapest which is how I was introduced to your stuff. Begin at the beginning is a good philosophy, I guess) but everytihng else I've been forced to buy off Amazon (which is expensive on a Hungarian teacher's salary). Second, do you find that living in Vienna makes it more difficult to deal with publishers or fans? It's a lot farther to go to conventions and meetings from Vienna than from anywhere in North America (though your website is really great and has a lot of innovative stuff, like this for example). Thanks, and I'm really looking forward to White Apples.
Michael Manzer

A Hungarian publisher bought five of the books about seven years ago but then never published any of them. Last year we wiggled the rights back into our hands and now they're up for sale there again. As to your neighbors, Russian publishers have bought nearly all of my work and from what I gather, it is coming out one after the other there now. I think they even bought WHITE APPLES, but don't quote me. The Czechs published one, as I remember.

I don't like to go to conventions or do much professional socializing, so living in Vienna is a delight rather than a burden. Especially because I have brilliant literary and film agents who take care of me very well now. They just say write the books-- we'll take care of the rest. And trusting them as I do, I do.

question: Hi Jonathan,
How much do you participate in the translation of your books into German? As someone who made my living translating books and movies while I lived in Berlin (before I had actually written anything of my own) I wonder whether I would be a help or a hindrance to the translator of my work. Have you found that your German translator is interested in your opinion, or do they merely indulge your suggestions and then blithely ignore them? -Ken Rudman

My German is pretty good but not so good that I would be able to say to a translator-- that's wrong, or can't you find a better way to put that. I have funny stories about the German translations of the books, as I'm sure every writer has stories about their translations. But for peace of mind, I assume the publisher wants to sell copies of what they publish, so they will hire someone who is at least competent to do the job. They query me infrequently if at all when they've been assigned something of mine. Over the years I've heard conflicting things about translations of my work. Usually I just say and think "I'm glad the books are available at all in another language."

question: Jonathan, I ran across one of your novels while trying to find a book by that other member of the trio of Carroll fantastists, Jerry James Carroll, "Dog Eat Dog." I bought "Outside the Dog Museum" thinking it was sequel. What a pleasant surprise. I have since had the pleasure of combing through used bookstores throughout the country, collecting and reading all of your work. I am getting to my question, which has to do with what I like best about your writing. You seem to have a scary ability to hone in on those moments many of us have where the twilight, dream world intersects with waking life. The question: Do you remember your dreams? Are they vivid? Or does your facility with this aspect of existence come from somewhere else? Finally, a note from my own life: I was finishing "The Wooden Sea," when I drifted into a dream that ended with the spectral figure of a long, departed friend saying:"In life, when given a choice between the safe and the terrifying, always choose the terrifying." It scared the shit out of me! I am grateful for that dream, and grateful to you for whatever role you played in sparking it. -Andrew Brownstein

My dreams are as dull as toast without butter. Things like I go into the kitchen and have a drink of water. Maybe that's compensation for letting the loony times roll in my work. I don't know.

question: I have tons of questions I'd like to ask you, Jonathan. But for now, just about Mr. Borges. What does Jorge Luis Borges mean to you? When and how did you meet his works? Have you ever had a chance to talk with him? I've noticed that not only The Land of Laughs but also Sleeping in Flame are based on his "The Circular Ruins." I feel your ideas of eternity (time, space, existence and circulation of life) are in some way similar to Borges. I sometimes find them in your other works, too. Do I love your works because I like Borges? Well, I might. But when I first read The Land of Laughs, I was already in love with it before I knew it was written based on The Circular Ruins. Ever since, I've been a BIG FAN of your books.
I also like G. G. Marquez and enjoy finding his name in your books.
P.S. PLS remember there're lots of Carroll Fans like me in Japan. Why don't you visit us here some day? We'd love to meet you, too!! IRIS from Japan

I read a lot of Borges years ago but not now. My son has recently discovered him in his university world lit classes and we've talked about the grand old man's work and ideas. However I never thought either LAUGHS or FLAME were based on the story you site, although as I remember I mention the story in LAUGHS. Borges' stories are so short and succinct that they are like a literary punch in the face (or the brain, more likely). When you come out of the purple haze the blow left you in, you realize the puncher has left the ring. I liked that more when I was younger and enjoyed being provoked and confronted. Not so much now and I guess that is why I don't read him these days.

question: Thank you for the magic and for leaving the end of your stories open, happy endings are never guaranteed. I don't know which of your books is my favorite. I read 'Sleeping in Flame' eons ago and enjoyed it. About two years ago while at the library I picked up a book by someone named Jonathan Carroll, after finishing the book I realized I'd read something by this person before. I checked the books in the small book rack beside the couch and sure enough there it was - a book by Jonathan Carroll. Prior to your entry to my reading list David Martin's 'The Crying Heart Tattoo' was at the top of my favorite books list. Have you read it? Thanks, again, hope you make it to D.C. or the area, at least.
When did you teach in Hickory? I didn't live there, I'm from around Winston. I ramble, sorry.
Cat Noe

I'll be in Washington this November on the never-ending WHITE APPLES book tour. Have a look at www.whiteapples.com for all info. Several people have recommended David Martin to me. In fact just the other day someone said I *had* to read his latest or they would cut off my allowance. I tried "Crying Heart Tattoo" but didn't fall into it. Then I tried one of his more violent books and that didn't go down either. I was in Hickory, North Carolina in 1971-72.

question: no question - haven't visited your site for a while but reread Wooden Sea, Panic Hand and Sleeping in Flame recently. As ever your images haunt my daydreams, stir my soul and send shivers down my spine. Can't wait for White Apples to be intrigued, amused and (to use a northern phrase) gobsmacked all over again. Have now thought of question - are you doing any signings in the UK for White Apples? - Jo Raine

The book won't be published there until early in 2003, so I don't think Macmillan has begun thinking about a promo tour yet. We'll let you know here if and when things change.

question: Hi Jonathan, I wonder if you appreciate what a trial it can be getting hold of your books. I live in Worcester, England, near a small village called Hay on Wye that has a spectacular collection of second hand book shops and also hosts a book festival yearly. Do you have any plans to visit? It's quite famous, Bill Clinton came last year, and Pulp played a live set. It's great, by the way, that your website makes you feel so accessible. It's very well designed, as are your your book jackets. Grahame Parker.

I was in Swansea, Wales a few years ago at their lit fete but no invite from Hay on Wye so far. Tell those guys what they're missing and I'll come up and shake your hand.

question: Ich lese Ihre Bucher sowohl in polnisch als auch in deutsch. Es gibt ein Buch, dessen Titel "Fieberglas" klingt (hab' es noch leider nciht gelesen), ich weiss aber nicht wie man das ins polnische bzw. englische ubersetzt hat. Ich habe schon dieses Buch in "Cover Gallery" gesucht, aber leider habe keine Antwort bekommen. Konnten Sie mir vielleicht helfen, denn ich weiss nicht wenn ich "Fieberglas" lese (dann naturlich kann ich das mit dem polnischen Buch vergleichen, weil die polnische ich alle gelesen habe). Ausserdem mochte ich mich bei Ihnen bedanken, dass sie so schreiben :) Mit freundlichen Grussen Justyna aus Polen.

"Fieberglas" is the German title for THE MARRIAGE OF STICKS. As you remember, the mental institute where Frances Hatch is sent in the middle of the story is called "Fieberglas." The German publisher thought that worked better as a title in German than the original.

question: not really a question, more an appreciation (having just found this site). I just checked the publication date of Bones Of The Moon, the first book of yours I read. 1987. Fifteen years ago. I've been reading your books half my life. And I do love them, those little windows into a neighbouring reality. Thanks. Looking forward to White Apples, especially seeing as I am currently deeply in love myself and hence will probably be a sucker for a love story....
name: dan

Yup-- If you like my work, read it as soon as you can because it's the best love story I could come up with. Reading a book about love when you're *in* love is like hearing a great song about love on the radio when you're there. Suddenly that song means everything in the world to you, even though it's only two minutes long.

question: i'm your big fan, and have read almost every book of yours.. my mom and i are travelling to vienna tomorrow..i have a question linked with a request:could You name your favourite cafe, bar, or place in Vienna - the most inspiring place(?) in Austria ;-)
thanx for help! greetings from poland
name: Lech

Yikes. That's a big question. For the newcomer to Vienna, I would recommend going to the Cafe Landtmann on the Ringstrasse. It's a beautiful place, the food is terrific, the view is out of this world and best of all, the likes of Freud and Brahms and Lenin and even the last Kaiser himself used to order their cafe melange there while looking out the high windows at the chestnut trees and horse drawn carriages going by. Things haven't change much since then.

question: I have to start by saying that I have become an overjoyed addict of your books... and the dealer to my friends. I keep trying to find your books and then give them to my friends to circulate. I am a grad student who does not have much time to read, but I find time for your work. I have told friends that your books are so good that I want to read them at stop lights. I have been wanting to write a series of children's books which would appeal to adults too.... but after reading your work I am thinking about aiming them more at adults. Have you ever considered writing children's books? You have inspired me to all new heights.... and created many sleepless nights filled with fantasy and longing to know more about the worlds you have created and shared. Thank you!! - Stephanie

I wrote a children's book many years ago, before THE LAND OF LAUGHS, and in the writing realized it is one of the toughest things in the world to pull off. The mixture of intelligence and wonder must be done just right or you end up sounding either condescending or silly. I couldn't do it, so I moved over to regular novels. It's a gift and a talent to be able to do it. I quickly found I couldn't.

question: Hallo Mr.Carroll! Do You know exactly when You will be in Poland? Love,Emilka.

End of September, looks like. Watch the following Polish website for news-- they always have the latest. http://www.jonathancarroll.mikser.net/strony/nowosci.html

question: I'm a Korean grad student studying in the US right now. After reading several books of yours, I can't keep from thinking of translating your books into Korean. To whom should I contact? Thanks. Inkee

I know little about how that works, but I think it best if you got a publisher in Korea interested in the books first. That way you would be certain of a publisher there after you had done all that work. It would be frustrating to go to all the trouble of translating something and then have people say no to publishing it.

question: Hi! I've read all your books and can't wait for White Apples. (You are the master of great titles, btw. The only better titles I ever see are for Westerns!) I know you're a dog man, but I hope that eventually a cat decides to insert himself into one of your books again (since I'm a cat woman). Have you ever had any contact with Graham Joyce? He's the only other writer I've read lately who reminds me somehow of you. Since everyone is giving music recommendations, I'll give you my latest discovery: Through the Trees by The Handsome Family. Strange and unusual like yourself. As a child, did you read a lot of the same stuff I did? ETA Hoffman, Kleist, Ludwig Tieck, Goethe, Gerard de Nerval, Witold Gombrowicz, Tommaso Landolfi, etc? I think that continental Europe has a wonderful tradition of literature of the fantastic, which is not found here in the States. Knowing your work, it does not surprise me that you've found yourself living in Vienna. Take care. Laura

I had two cats I liked. One was an albino named Jack who was actually a dog masquerading as a cat. Maybe that's why I liked him. The other's name was Frankie Machine who I really enjoyed, but as in typical cat tradition, he leapt out the window one night and never returned. Graham Joyce is not only a good writer but a good guy too. His novel THE TOOTH FAIRY is a beauty. As a kid |I read nothing, so all the wonderful writers you mentioned I came across only as an adult.

question: I just read After Silence and Wooden Sea. I think they're both very good. They remind me of a more intelligent Bukowski. What do you think of Charles Bukowski's books? -Carol Shih

I love Bukowski's work and often go back to it. POST OFFICE is one of the funniest books I've ever read. A friend of mine was saying recently that Bukowski was a primal influence on her as a young woman and I can fully understand that.

question: What do you think about magic and fantasy?How, in your opinion,does it influence our lives and have you ever experenced any "magical situation"? PS. I have to admit that your books are sometimes quite difficult,but what is great about them is that I can find there simple truths about live,love etc.They always have a deeper meaning and that`s what I really like in your books. -Marta

I have never had anything magical happen to me outside of some great loves which are pretty damned magical when you're living through them. But what do I think of magical experiences? I envy the people who have them. They simply support what we all know deep in our hearts-- that there are other worlds out there, some of them very very close to our own

question: Great! You're coming to the U.S. in November. I've been watching and waiting (I'd only do that for you and maybe J.D. Salinger, but J.D's not coming, and you're my first choice anyway.) So...when will you be at Booksoup? Love, Sandra

The publisher is beginning to shape up a tour schedule for me and so far it looks like I'll be in LA, San Francisco and San Diego (among others-- so far it's like 20 US cities). But nothing is set in stone yet and it's five months away so things flux. But keep tuned to the website and we'll keep you posted.

question: What about Canada? Are you going to sign your books in Ottawa? Toronto? If so, when and where? Where can I get some information about it? -Karin

Sorry Karin-- looks like the US is the only place I'll be on this tour.

question: Since the day I started Land of Laughs, the first thing I do when I go to a second-hand (or any-hand) bookstore, is to go to the C's to find "Carroll". Rarely do I find your books, but I refuse to stop looking until I have found them all. (They do often have books by someone of the name of Lewis something about a rabbit I believe). I've read the US versions of Bones of the Moon & After Silence, but I am very curious about the alternative ending in the other editions. Are they on-line anywhere?
Thank you for becoming a writer.
name: Peter C.

The alternative ending to BONES is posted on the website. Have a look at the title page and it's there. The alternative to AFTER SILENCE is not. I would suggest going to www.abebooks.com or to the eBay auctions because they are often selling British editions of my books there and you can pick one up cheap. They've even started auctioning bound galleys of WHITE APPLES at eBay so if you're really devoted, you can jump in on those auctions.

question: what about poetry-which poet you appreciate the most?Do you know some Polish poets; I know that you love poetry of Szymborska, but maybe since that time you've discovered someone new...Well,you really think that it is dangerous to go back to your favourite book?When I was a child I used to record on video my favourite cartoons,and my mum told me that I could watch them a 100 times a day...I must confess that I still do that with films and with books too.Your books have that special kind of atmosphere that I love to be in. I couldn't find it in the books of any other writer..so I like to open yor books from time to time when I found myself missing that magical reality...thank you for that chance.you must know that I never regret any of my returns to your books.So,tell me:is there a place in man's body that you could compare to woman's neck? -Anna Horn

Poets? Thomas Lux, Adam Zagajewski, Mary Oliver, Diane Wakoski, Billy Collins, the list goes on and on.
The best place on a man's body is between his ears when it's working right-- but that doesn't seem to be much of the time.

question: Mr. Carroll, I wrote some time ago asking whether or not you had written something called "An American Requiem," and have since contacted the seller, who admitted to it being a mistake. May your heebie-jeebies be relieved. My heebie-jeebies, however, are more deeply rooted the more I read your stories. Thank you for the loveliest of hauntings. Maure

Thank God! Now I can tell myself to stop worrying that some dark and surreptitious part of me wrote that book without telling the others and slipped it out to a publisher without giving the rest of us a peek.

question: Mr. Carroll, ARGHHHH!!! I can't believe it. I stumbled across Sleeping in Flame, loved it, lent it out, and forgot your name. Then I tripped on Kissing the Beehive where I couldn't believe you mentioned my town Rye. Always a good feeling! But then it got weird. In Marriage of Sticks you mention Dobbs Ferry, apparently your hometown, where I teach HS English. Please stop stalking me. Thanks for the stories, the world is better because of them. I was wondering if you had ever read Chris Moore? You are a better writer, but you do seem to share some major themes. Thanks Again Dave Tinagero

Good old Dobbs Ferry. I simply changed the name in that last trilogy and called the place Crane's View. But if you look closely and have been in Dobbs a while, you'll know every place I'm talking about. I've heard of Moore but have never read him. I'll look him up, from one Dobbs alumnae to another.

question: As so many others have done, this isn't a question, per se. I just wanted to write and tell you how much I love your work. My exboyfriend turned me on to you almost 13 years ago when he and I were very much in love and I was a silly naive teenager. The first book I read was Bones of the Moon, then A Child Across the Sky, Sleeping in Flame and The Land of Laughs. A little later, I was able to get my hands on Kissing the Beehive, Panic Hand and Outside the Dog Museum. As much as I love and adore all your work, those first few will always be my favorite. I love the magic and passion in your writing. I have recently gotten married and put The Land of Laughs into my husband's hands, telling him that if he wanted to really know me, he needed to read your books. It doesn't matter how often I re-read one of your stories - I can always find something new to appreciate about it. I am hoping to write professionally myself, one of these days. Your work has been a great inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us. It is always such a pleasure. I'm sure you receive a ton of fan-mail and such, so if you do ever see this ... just .... thank you. -Tracy

Thank YOU, Tracy. I wish you and your new hubby a long and interesting life together. And if he doesn't like THE LAND OF LAUGHS, tell me and I'll come after him with a baseball bat. A small one because I know you love him, but hey, we've got to knock some sense into the boy before this marriage gets too far.

question: Not a question really, just wanted to say your work is incredible. I'm not someone who reads a lot, but when I find someone I like, I read anything I can. If I have to ask a question, it's this: Are there any plans to release 'Black Cocktail' again? I discovered your work because of the illustrator that did the cover and interiors (Dave McKean)and I lent it to someone or just can't find it. Also, do you plan on having McKean illustrate anything else of yours? -Andrew

BLACK COCKTAIL was published in the US in THE PANIC HAND collection. That seems to be pretty readily available at places like the eBay auctions and www.abebooks.com so I'd look there for it. Dave McKean and I are in constant contact and I'm sure one of these days we'll cook something else up together-- did you see his brilliant cover for THE HEIDELBERG CYLINDER? You can see it on the title page of the website, although finding a copy of the novella itself is hard to do these days.

question: How much of your writing comes from personal experiences? Here's an idea. It's 1974. A small group of rich families start a private school in a church in a small southern town that has terrible public schools. They employ young teachers from Northern prep schools, who transform redneck kids into "world-beaters" by making them read Catcher in the Rye, learn 50 new words a week, and memorize the Quadratic formula. All the while wearing grey blazers and white button-down shirts. I can see the reviews now. "Just when you thought you had him pegged, Jonathan Carroll takes a U-turn into comedy" Congrats on your great success! -mark henderson

What a pleasure to see your name at the bottom of this letter, Mark. My memories of that year and you guys in Hickory are some of the happiest of my life. Drop me a line when you have time and tell me what your world is like. I'd love to hear. jscarroll@hotmail.com

I have been a big fan for years. I'll get right to the point. I'm in a band called Bodyhammer, one of the songs we've written is about Pauline from Kissing the Beehive. If you would like to hear it just let me know where to send it and consider it done. Andy

Sure, I'd like to hear your band's take on Pauline, Andy. Send a tape to me at the following address:
Jonathan Carroll c/o The American International School 47, Salmannsdorferstrasse 1190 Vienna, Austria

question: Do you like Poland? -Karolina

Very much, but I like the Polish people even more. Every time I go there, I find something new to like. It's a special place full of vital, interesting people.

question: I don't have a question, but a compliment. I have not read all your books yet, but I look forward to hunting them all down. I work in a bookstore, and came across the Wooden Sea and became addicted to your writing. Something about the way you write is very calming. I'm anxious to see how they turn out, but I never want your stories to end. I absolutely loved Sleeping in Flame (I'm a big fan of fairy tales, I collect faerie stuff-anything I can find). I love reading twisted versions of the classics. I love Jane Yolen for that very same reason. I just wanted you to know how wonderful your writing is. It's comforting to find others who keep magic alive these days. I also wanted to mention how intrigued I was by the themes presented in From the Teeth of Angels and The Marriage of Sticks. I recently finished Marriage of Sticks, and have still been having crazy dreams as a result. Kind of creepy, but definitely interesting dreams. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you. Yo! u are always a treat.-Adrienne

Thank you, Adrienne. No one has ever said my work is calming but it's an interesting take on it and I'll have to think about that. Isn't it sad how the magic leaks through the cracks of life, never to be found again? Or never to be protected and saved when it is in fact one of the rarest, most wonderful things we possess.

question: where do you get your ideas? just kidding. when if ever will you be in seattle next for a signing? i would love to meet you and get a book signed? -jason beirens

The first line of your letter made me laugh loud, Jason. I will be doing an extensive book tour in the US in November to promote the release of my new novel, WHITE APPLES. It will be released there around the beginning of September or thereabouts. I love Seattle and hope hope hope TOR sends me out there as part of the tour. If so, get to the front of the line and I'll sign everything you bring twice.

question: Hello, A few days ago my friend gave me one of your books. I'm really fascinated with it. I come from Poland and I'm a student. At the moment we are preparing to write our final essays on American literature. It is difficult to get any critical essays on your works in Poland. I'm seriously considering the possibility of writing about your novels, about some aspects of them. I'm especially interested in magic realism... Please, give me some advice and enlighten my mind. I don't have much time. Greetings from Poland. -Klaudia

Coincdentally a close friend from Poland sent me a link the other day for a beautiful new website about my work in Polish. I would suggest you go there and see if what you need is in all of the material they offer. http://www.jonathancarroll.mikser.net/strony/nowosci.html

question: Hi Jonathan, I haven`t logged on to your site for some time so I`m very excited to see your new book on the horizon `White Apples`. Any hints as to what lies therein ? Guess not, but I can`t wait. Any UK publishing dates for it? Nothing really to say other than that. Also, loved The Heidelberg Cylinder as well. Keep up the good work -Nick W

I've always wanted to write a tried and true love story. So that's what I set out to do with WHITE APPLES. It's essentially about a man who loses the woman of his life and what he does to get her back. Conversely, what she does to get him back. It was a tough one to write because it went to the bone of what I believe and hope for in my own life. Anytime you are trying to be that honest in your work, it can both make you bleed and leave scars. The people who have read the book all seem to cry at the end of it, but then they all tell me that's a good thing. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

question: Have you ever heard any memorable compliments connected your writing? What were the most touching words about it? Greetings and thanks a lot for everything. -Joanna

A while ago when I was in Poland, a woman came up and said BONES OF THE MOON saved her from committing suicide. Her story broke my heart because it had to do with losing a child. The wonderful part was that the book helped to bring her back to okay again, and I will always be indebted to her for sharing that story with me.

question: well...not really a question, but..it's not fair to write about my life and my secrets ;-) in your books...amazing, but really thank you for helping me to discover more and more levels and corners of myself...warm greetings, Syl.

Books that matter to us are always good at telling us things about ourselves we didn't know before. Perhaps because they DO know our secrets, or perhaps because our secrets are shared by others who just didn't know it until the moment they saw them there on the page. It is reassuring to know there are others, both real and fictional, who see the world the same way we do and live according to that vision.

question: First i would like to say that reading one of your books is almost the most enjoyable thing a person can do with their clothes on, so thanks for all the excellent stuff you've written to date and keep up the good work. Secondly I'd like to recommend the work of Rupert Thompson, a British writer of some very stylish and unusual books, with your habit of keeping right on the boundaries between the genres. Thirdly i'd like to reccommend the music of VAST especially their first album, Visual Audio Sensory Theatre. And now for a question or two, or maybe three. Is your new book set in Cranes View again, or is this a new setting and a new lot of characters? Will you ever visit Manchester, England in the course of one of your signing tours? and finally, who is the most interesting person you've ever got drunk with? -Marc Lyth

I loved Rupert Thompson's first novel but the subsequent ones I've read have not grabbed and held me like that first one did. Book tours anywhere are arranged and usually financed by the publisher. The writer really has not much say about where they go on them because they're not travelling on their own dime. I would suggest that you send a letter to my new publisher in England, Macmillan and tell them you'd like it if I came up there on the next tour. I would think that would have some effect on things if enough folks spoke out. I don't drink so it's tough to say who the most interesting person I ever got sloshed with. One of the most interesting people I've spent time with NOT sloshed was the woman I used as the basis for one of the two main characters in my new book WHITE APPLES. She was a rare and special soul x10.

question: Dear Mr Carroll - Not a question, just a Thank You note. I have just finished "Sleeping in Flame" and just when I thought here we have a novel with a happy ending along came those perfect last few sentences. How marvellous. I first discovered your work last year through the UK re-issue of Land of Laughs and since then I have read six of your works. Having discovered your website I would like to convey my gratitude for providing me with such a pleasurable way of spending my limited spare time I am a urological surgeon working in the UK and, by way of thanks, if I can ever be of an assistance in providing advice for one of your future books then please don't hesitate to get in touch via my email address. With kind regards, John Probert.

Thank you for your words, Dr. John. It is always humbling to hear that what I do means something to someone like a doctor or a person with a serious job. Writers sit around looking out the window and being grumpy. They don't save lives on a daily basis, or at least most of them don't. To hear then that I'm a part of your time off really pleases me. I hope the books continue to matter to you.

question: Have you ever had one of your books adapted into a screenplay? If not, would you ever consider it? If so, would you be the "adapter" or would you allow someone else to do so? I think your work would be a challenge to adapt, but it's highly visual and would lend itself to a contemporary surrealist cinema that would be welcomed, I believe. Cheers -- Sean T. Kirkland

Most of my books have been optioned for the films over the years. I've read a lot of scripts that adapt the original material and some of them are good, others atrocious. But that's only to be expected with films. I've written a couple of adaptations of my own work, some of which you can find on the website. Maybe you'll find them atrocious too!

question: Did you ever read books by G.G.Marquez? I'm really interested which book you consider as the best that you have ever read,or maybe not just one...I'm waiting now for your new book and becoming more and more impatient...(I'm from Poland).And one more question-what do you think about woman's neck?Have a nice day! -Anna Horn

I love Marquez's novel LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA. I must admit that I re-read recently his most famous novel, 100 YEARS OF SOLITUDE but didn't love it as much as the first time I read it years ago. But then again, that was the first novel I had read of his and often the first book you read of a writer is a special experience because you are entering their "world" for the first time. It is always dangerous to try and return to that world. What are my favorite books? Have a look at the front page of the website for suggestions-- there are a lot of them there and I know some have been translated into Polish. Women's necks? I never met one I didn't want to bite.

question: First, I read Wooden Sea and Marriage of sticks. They were both awesome, Q: Why can't I find any more of your books,HELP!! I need more!!!I'm in Staten Island N.Y. - Robert McTigue

Go to Amazon.com THE LAND OF LAUGHS was recently re-released and next month, BONES OF THE MOON wil be too. If you're really serious about finding the others, go to the eBay auctions or www.abebooks.com all of them are there-- it's just a question of mhow much you want to pay for them.

This is kind of like that game you have with friends when you're all sitting around the kitchen table after dinner, "if you could ask one person one question, what would it be?" My question is this, what are your own feelings about the supernatural, life after death, psychics, and the like? I must Thank Neil Gaiman's Sandman for turning me on to your work. He discussed Land of Laughs in an issue once and I never looked backed. It's amazing how much I do read now, considering that until I began reading your work, I rarely read anything other than a comic or a newspaper. Thanks for opening my eyes to a whole lot of worlds. Hopefully, some day I can thank you in person Mr. Carroll. I'll be here in Michigan. Take care. -Jeffrey Scott

I believe in all the things you mention above, Jeffrey. I've just never had any direct experience with them. There are just too many examples of "another world" functioning out there for me to say forget it-it's all a fake or nuttiness. I don't think it's a fake and let's face it, it would be pretty egotistical of mankind to think we are the only ants walking across this picnic blanket.

Hi Jonathan!!! I am writing a paper about Venasquez from your books.Can you tell me what was your idea of creating him and did you know someone like him in real life? Thanx a lot for your help.You will get the copy of my work. Best regards Aga

The name Venasque comes from a small hilltop village in the south of France near Carpentras where I once spent a summer. It was a very happy time and when I got around to writing the book, I thought the name was right for that character. Venasque himself is not based on anyone in particular, although I once did meet a very holy Sufi teacher who left a deep impression on me. I think in the end old Venasque is the kind of shaman I would like to meet because he sounds like the kind of person who would help find the answers that matter.

question: Is it possible for you to tell the exact date of publishing your new novel in Poland.I can't wait to see it in the book store.

As far as I know now, WHITE APPLES will be published in Poland some time in the late Spring or early summer by Rebis. It will be published by TOR in the US in September.

question: Hi Jonathan! I'm from Brisbane, Australia. Since discovering your books by accident, I just wanted to know why they are so hard to find out here? Most of the novels of yours I have I obtained from second-hand bookshops. Sounds eerily familiar to "Land of Laughs", eh? Well, I just wanted to say that compared to other writers, your books are always entertaining, enlightening and enjoyable! My favourite books are "Outside the Dog Museum" & "Land of Laughs", and my favourite short stories are "Friend's Best Man" & "The Panic Hand". Thanks for being an author who doesn't have to have gore get in the way of a good yarn. -Bradley Roberts

Thanks for the kind words, Bradley. I don't know what's up with distribution in Australia/New Zealand, which I gather is the "property" of the UK publisher of my work. IE they're responsible for seeing that copies of the books make their way down there. I would ask at your local bookstores. Usually when you make a bookseller aware of these things, particularly a privately owned store, they keep an eye on it and make amends, if that's the right word.

question: Merry x'mas, dear Jonathan. I find myself at your site again and how lovely to discover that you have a new book forthcoming! I will pre-order it right away from amazon.com It is also frightening to be reading the questions posed here and come across one that is familar ... I had thought I asked that, but it was not I. The question was regarding 'Dream of the Red Chamber'--chinese lit, Jonathan! I read it for class and dreamed of you. I am Chinese, but have not been exposed to the literature of this strange culture (read Li Po and smile as his words speak of drink and moonlight!)yet when I read Red Chamber, I felt tremendously elated and I wanted to share this elation with you. "Here is a compadre," I felt, "he will understand ... " So, do, at some point in your life, read the books. And I apologize for sounding preachy .. but love for words and other worlds do that to me. And before I digress further, 'Vienna waits for you' is a lovely song by Billy Joel and if I may be so bold, so does Berkeley and all her spirit (not forgetting the sister by the bay, San Fran I am so sorry about Beehive, girl dog. -Pauline

Pauline, eh? If you didn't already say you were Chinese, I'd ask if your last name was Ostrova... At your command I will keep my eye out for that book and when we meet up in some distant bookstore, I will immediately buy it and say I am doing this on Pauline's orders. If I hate it though, how do I get in touch?

question: Hi, Jonathan. You ever going to tell us what happened to the Schiavos from WOODEN SEA, or what? Have a good one. Mark in the UK

Nope. The poet John Ashbery was once asked if he would tell the meaning behind his mysterious poems. He said no, because then they wouldn't be mysterious anymore. That sounds good to me.

question: Will you please send me the column about sump pumps, from late winter or spring of 2000. I need this. I have terminal cancer and when I read it I laughed so hard I couldn't breath. Jo

Jo, if I had that article in real life I would send it to you on the back of Jack (my) the Bullterrier immediately. Even though he can't swim and I assume you're in the US. Thinking that you laughed till you couldn't breathe makes me smile big. Thank you.

question: Mr. Carroll, I'm having a marvelous time tracking down your books after having spent most of your career (and my life) not knowing that I loved your stories. A book finder service online lists you as having written something called "An American Requiem," although I can find no mention of it on this site. Did you write it? To be honest, the synopsis didn't sound like you - but then, you are constantly surprising me, so I thought it better to ask you directly before buying or dismissing it. -Maure

Even a title like that gives me the heebie-jeebies, Maure. So I can tell you (having asked all my different selves, just to make sure) that none of us wrote that one. It'd be interesting to know who the Jonathan Carroll is who DID write it. With my luck, he's probably someone scary...

question: I suffer from insomnia because of reading Your books. But don't worry, I love that feeling. Night is magic, don't you think? -Agata

As Hugh Oakley AND McCabe said somewhere in the books, the middle of the night might be the most wonderful time of all. Especially if you're half asleep and walking through the house on the way to the frig or the toilet. That brilliant moonlight streaming through the windows, or that storm brewing outside... it's all yours. Look down at the street at the strange, shadowy people hurrying by... all of them the night's presents to you.

question: Which of Your books do You like the best and why? -Ksenia

You like different books for different reasons. There's an old adage that says a writer likes his latest book most. True. I like WHITE APPLES very much. I like LAUGHS because it was my first, a first child. I like FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS because it talks about what matters to me. I like DOG MUSEUM because it was the most fun to write. I like WOODEN SEA because everyone who knows me tells me I am McCabe. Confused now?

question: Not really a question, just a simple comment. I love you and your brilliant novels, which have profoundly changed my life. I simply felt compelled to thank you. -Niki

I owe you a kiss, Niki. You can collect it whenever you like.

question: I don't know if this has been asked yet, but rather than scroll through this entire page, I thought I'd just ask you. I just finished SLEEPING IN FLAME the other night and the ending just plain bamboozled me. Most of your endings are a little confusing and ambiguous, but most of the time I can figure them out, plus it's what I like about your fiction. I like having to do a little work as a reader, but I have to admit, I'm just stumped with this one. What happens at the end? I keep turning it over and over in my head, but I just can't wrap my mind around it. Please help. Also, I was ecstatic to see you are a Guest of Honor at World Fantasy Con in Minneapolis at the end of October. I look forward to meeting you and getting a few of my books signed. Thanks. --Jason Erik Lundberg

To me, Easterling has used supernatural powers to help him get rid of his "father." But supernatural powers are dangerous things and like Pandora's Box, once unleashed, it's not easy to get them back in the box again. Red Riding Hood is just one of many "fictional" characters that have been touched by his meddling. Like those others, she doesn't like it and will probably, if it is within her power, do something bad about it. Coincidentally, in one of the following letters someone addresses this question exactly and what they have to say is very insightful. Scroll down a little and see for yourself.

question: Hello Jonathan! I have read all the Robertson Davies books I could lay my hands on only because they were advertised as being written by one of your favourite authors. I loved them. Any other new interesting authors on a horizon? Bye the way - happy New Year and a great year for writing books to you. Love - Marta

Have a look at the title page of the website, Marta. I am always posting up there the books that I've read that ring a bell somewhere inside. Right off the bat, I would suggest you read the Philip Pullman trilogy HIS DARK MATERIALS or China Mieville's PERDIDO STREET STATION.

question: Hi! I just want to ask, how do dou create so special and beautiful (especially 'inside' ) females in Your books? Sweet kisses from Poland -Martyna

That's a simple one to answer, Martyna. When you love something a lot, you pay special attention to it. Women are the star on the top of life's Christmas tree and I always find myself staring at it with both wonder and appreciation. When you have stared long enough, you know what you want to say about it. About them.

question: Hi! I just wanted to know if your book: Kissing the Beehive is translated into Spanish or if the translation is in progress or it will be? I have to translate a book into Spanish (not translated, of course) and I thought I would like to do kissing the beehive.....but let see if it is already done. Thanks for your help. Laura Moreno

Funny you should ask. Literally a week ago someone asked the same question. Work quick, Laura and you can beat them to the finish line....

question: This has probably been asked before, but I've been curious as to why you have recurring things in your books (like fountain pens, first edition books, places)...why is that so? Are they things from your own life that you want to bring into your work? Is it to create familiarity in a fantastical realm? Or do you like the sense of connectedness it brings to all of your books? Or does it just happen naturally like that without much contrivance? And this isn't so much a question as it is a comment. You're one of my 'favourite' authors, and it's interesting that you like the song 'Vienna' by Billy Joel. It's the one song that I relate most to out of all the music I listen to. Billy Joel wrote about Vienna because of his father living there. And to him, Vienna represents a city of crossroads, a meeting of worlds something along those lines anyway--he talks about it on one of his live CDs). What do you think of that? Oh, and what's in the record player these days Mr. C?
Sheila Pham
PS. I don't suppose there's any chance you would ever visit Australia? PPS. Thanks for all your books--I've spent many happy hours reading them. I read The Panic Hand a number of years ago when I was in my mid-teens and it haunted me. And then I went mad mid-last year trying to find the rest of your books

First what's on the record player these days? Thanks to my sound gurus Joe del Tufo and Jeff Capshew who keep me up on the latest/latest/latest, I have been listening to The Blue Nile, Deep Fried Toguma, the latest Leonard Cohen album and others. As to why I repeat things in my books-- as I've said before, writing is organizing one's own chaos. I like pens, bullterrier dogs, Vienna... blah blah. Since I like them, I put them in the stories because they are what is around me and what I choose to surround myself with. You too though-- look around your house (and life): see how you've consciously and unconsciously surrounded yourself with things that continue to matter, both trivial and important.

question: Hi Mr. Carroll. thank you for insertion of name "Carcass" in one of your book.(but you don't like these sounds I think) It's one of my fave bands ever and I was very surprised when I saw it in your book. I know that you like David Sylvian's music - me too. Tell me please something about your musical fascinations. - Pawel

I like Carcass-- in small doses. I must say though that their album covers, full of dead bodies and close ups of rotten raw meat make me close my eyes when I slip their records out and put them on the turntable. Have a look at the last question to see what else I've been listening to recently.

question: How many stories do you work on at once? Do you write one story, finish it and move on, or do you have a constant flow of ideas you have to get down on paper. Be they for novels or short stories or what ever else. Just wondering. -Jason Beirens

Usually I write one thing at a time, unless it is a movie script that has been commissioned and must be worked on immediately for obvious reasons. But inevitably I get so tired of the novel I'm writing that I put it aside at some point (usually around the middle) and write a short story, just to comb the static electricity out of my brain, if you know what I mean.

question: The Wooden Sea is wonderful; I wonder if I should describe your work to my wife as fantasy, straight literature or philosophy (I'm leaning towards philosophy). Were the imaginary gun to your head, how would you describe your novels? (Now, c'mon, feel the cold tip and don't hem and haw with some brilliant, non-answer answer! Incidentally, as a long time dog owner, how do you deal with keeping her (him) from tearing apart your cushions when you are out? I'll be looking forward to any tours you make involving Seattle, good health to you and yours. -Geoff

Jack the bullterrier (age one, IQ 2) ate the buttons (leather) off my favorite coat yesterday. So I am not a good one to ask about what to do to keep a hound from supping on your favorite object. Feeling that cold gun to my head, I would say I like most the term the German writer Maxim Biller once gave my books-- hyperfiction. I asked what he meant by that. He said look up the word "hyper" in the dictionary and you'll find that one of the definitions is reality taking place beyond three dimensions. I like that alot. It's almost an oxymoron-- reality in more than three dimensions. Cool.

question: I just read Sleeping In Flame in the course of one day, thereby heightening the ultimate effect of the novel. I finished the book in the middle of lunch at school, and my teacher (who recommended you to me and said that I wouldn't understand the ending of the novel) instantly asked me what I thought the ending meant. Remarkably, I think I understood the ending instantly: the fairy tale world, angered at Walker, will take their revenge on his son, like with Benedikt's son. However, the presence of Red Riding Hood at the end raises some questions. On the back of the book, it describes Maris as a woman that creates passions in those surrounding her. THAT IS THE EXACT SAME DESCRIPTION OF RED RIDING HOOD. It confuses me, and I thought there must be some connection between RRR and Maris. Hmmm.... I loved the book, as a teenager growing out of childhood it restored some of my faith in magic. We all need a little magic in our lives. Hope to hear from you, looking for Venasque down in Santa Monica -Daniel

Man, wouldn't that be great-- you go into a sandwich shop on the beach there and an old fat guy serves you up a good hoagie. And then this pot bellied pig and bullterrier emerge from behind the counter and HOLY COW-- IT'S VENASQUE!! I think you're absolutely right about the end of that book and you can tell your English teacher I said that. The thing they wrote on the back of the jacket about Maris was a copy editor doing their job and I had nothing to do with that, but if you see connections-- go for it, bub.

question: I just recently purchased The Panic Hand and noticed while reading the dust jacket that a book is mentioned which I have never seen by you. It says that you were working on The Mermaid's Son. Was that the original title of After Silence or is this something else entirely?
Sincerely, Gayle Rawson

The original title of KISSING THE BEEHIVE was THE MERMAID'S SON. My editor at the time, Nan Talese, thought the title was too "soft" and unclear, so she asked me to change it. I said okay, call the book KISSING THE BEEHIVE. She REALLY hated that title. I said tough-- BEEHIVE it will be.

question: hi ! I love your books,and I hope you'll visit Poland again soon. You live in beautiful Vienna. Have you ever heard the track: 'Vienna' by Clawfinger or The Ultravox version? And do you generally like rock music? Finally, which of your characters would you most like to be? good luck: goodsoul

Yes, I suppose it is par for the course when you live in a famous city that has a song(s) named after it, you're apt to hear that song again and again and again over the years. I don't like Ultravox's VIENNA, it's kind of phony melodramatic, as is so much of Ultravox's music (as well as the lead singer Midge Ure's). But I very much like Billy Joel's "Vienna Waits for You." Do I like rock music? I think if you read my books you'll see it sprinkled across them like spice-- a pretty clear indication I like it very much. What character of mine would I most like to be? A dog named "Hietzl" in the new novel I'm writing. He gets to be a dog, is able to run through time AND across oceans with the greatest of ease.

question: Can you please tell me briefly about the characters, the plot, and the settings in The Nonexistent Knight and The Cloven Viscount....Thanks!! that will be very helpful to me!!

I think the best way to find a plot summary for those famous novellas by Italo Calvino is to go to your neighborhood bookstore, pick up copies and read the cover. If you can't do that, go to Amazon.com and type the titles in. You'll get the order page with (I assume) a plot summary for each. This is a very odd question, by the way. Why are you asking me?

question: Hello Jonathan, First of all, thank you for the wonderful work. My friends and my wife (not mutually exclusive) all were subject to my constant harassment until they got off their lazy non-reading backsides and read WOODEN SEA. Now I have them hooked as well. Although my wife still bitches when I bid on the signed first editions on e-bay. My question: What did you do to research McCabe's job in THE WOODEN SEA? I am a small town police officer and you nailed things pretty well. I hope you come to the Detroit area on your next book tour, we'll try to keep you safe..thanks again for the great words. John

Thanks for your words, John. If I do any illegal stuff in the future I'll be sure to do it in your jurisdiction so I can bribe you with first editions when they arrest me. Crane's View is modelled after Dobbs Ferry, New York, the town where I grew up. Back then we spent a lot of time either watching or being watched (by) the police. So I just went back to that time in my head and did so hard remembering. essentially that is where Frannie's day came from. I'm glad it sounds right to you.

question: Hi Mr. Carroll, I found The Wooden Sea first and was hooked. I then read all the rest as soon as I could get my hands on them. I thought I read on the back jacket flap of one that you were working on a new book called "The Mermaid's Son." Am I mistaken? I can find no record of it anywhere and am waiting for anything new. Thankyou,Lisa

Have a look at the question above, Lisa-- The case of the Mermaid son is solved. Hopefully I'll have my new novel WHITE APPLES finished by early in 2002 for you to read. If so, that maaaaaaay mean it is published by TOR by the time I come to the US in October. Keep your fingers crossed.

question: Maybe this has been asked. Have you ever had any experiences with the supernatural? Ghosts or the like? name: Jason Beirens

No, not a one. But my brother tells a wonderful story about seeing a ghost once in Nepal-- the ectoplasm of a Buddhist monk hovering a few feet above the ground outside a remote monastery up on the Nepal/Tibet border. Whenever someone tells me they've had an experience touching the unknown like this, I'm torn between feeling jealous and glad as hell it wasn't me.

question: I just wanna say... I love You. Emilka,Szczecin,Poland

Thank you Emilka. I always welcome with open arms love letters, declarations of love, proposals of love affairs, etcetera. Keep them coming.

question: I notice you've got King Rat down as one of the books on your reading list. Have you read Perdido Street Station (also by China Mieville). I have just finished reading The Wooden Sea and very much enjoyed it. I have just bought Marriage Of Sticks and can't wait to get thrown into it. Keep up the good work. -Matt Ingy

Yes, I've read both of Mieville's books and think he is something very special. Because I'm a slow reader, I don't usually like to read long books because it is such a huge time investment. But I started PERDIDO... on a Friday afternoon and didn't put it down again until a few days later, read. A wonderful, startling book that should be read by all.

question: Hi, Jon!I recently finished LAND OF LAUGHS, which I enjoyed immensely. I was thinking of moving on to THE WOODEN SEA but am presently unable to. This relates to a question already asked below ... You dismissed the notion that writers should not read whilst writing. (At least, I think that's what you said. I have Asperger's Syndrome and have a tendency to misread things. Apologies if I did misread you.) The problem is, I can't write *unless* I stop reading - unless I'm reading something very simple. Mike Moorcock had already suggested I stop reading and get on with the writing, but it was only when M. John Harrison wrote me a lengthy letter explaining why that I finally did stop. (We Asperger's often need to be told things in great detail.) And, suddenly, chapters are just flying onto the page. I haven't reading stopped permanently, of course - just for the length of time it takes to get this books written. So, would you agree that it comes down more to the individual writer?Also, I was wondering if you could help recommend a publisher? The book is quite experimental, and I doubt I'll have an easy time getting it published.
Best,
Ian

Yes, absolutely it's a personal thing. Over the years I've come to the conclusion writing habits are like the way we cream and sugar our coffee. No one can do it for us correctly because no one has our specific tastebuds. IE no one can tell us the right way to write. It's simply too personal. We must do it the way we like it and that's that. If you can't read while you write, don't. If you like to write at the kitchen table with a black crayon, do. There is no magic when it comes to process-- the magic is in the work itself and that can't be unless the work is getting done whichever way you do it best.Can't help you with publishers-- I'm simply not up on what's going on in that world now.

question: Not as much as a comment, in my humble opinion, I feel that you should seriously look at a new publisher...a TOR hardcover for $35... you have got to be joking...a Knopf or a Random OK but
TOR???? Your peers ie: IRVING & CHABON have the 411 you are in need of. -mark abernethy

I don't know what a "411" is, Mark, but the TOR hardcover edition of THE WOODEN SEA costs a reasonable $23.95 in the US. I assume that's commensurate with the $34.95 Canadian dollars they're charging there. PS Go to Amazon.com and buy a used copy for less. That solves that problem. PSS TOR are great folks-- they've done more to promote my work effectively than any other US publisher I've ever had.

question: I just finished Wooden Sea and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I never once knew what to expect or could predict the end,that is so refreshing. Thanks. -jacob

Thanks Jacob. I know McCabe would have been glad to hear that if he was still around to,uh, hear.

question: Dear Mr Carroll. Once again, my path brings me back to this web site!! A new Book coming next year!! Very exciting news. I have only just moved back from Canada, only to find packages and packages of your books on my parents dining room table (seemed to have forgotten how many I had bid for on e-bay) I have read Heidelberg, and am reading 'Sleeping with Flame', once again feeding my newly discovered insomnia. My question.... and I finally got there....is..... I'm thinking of getting a dog in about 6 months, and I want a British Bull Terrier (I wonder why?), I've heard you love them, what can I expect from these long nosed canines? I'd ask you a question about your books, but everybody elses questions seem better than mine so the dog thing will have to do for now. Look forward to eating 'White Apples'. All the best. Mark E Iddon, Oxford, England. -Mark Ellis Iddon

My beloved girl bullterrier Beehive died a few weeks ago. I've just gotten a new puppy which is driving me crazy but in nice ways. They're hugely affectionate, hugely stubborn, true as a dog can be, eccentric as hell and the coolest looking things on four legs. You either love bullterriers or you scratch your head at why anyone would want one of those pig-like things living in their house. I'm one of the formers and can't imagine not having one by my side always.

question: Dear Mister Carroll, what I wonder most of all, as I read your books, and as I notice you re-using certain characters and conditions, is... how connected do you see your stories? Do you ever see them as smaller chapters in a much larger piece, a piece so large that perhaps even you haven't quite seen it all? Is there a consistent mythology at work here? Are your books... leading up to something unifying? I realize some of your books are more closely concerned with each other than others, but... A more specific way of putting it is... do all the characters in all your books have four other people comprising their souls, as the main character in Black Cocktail discovers? And a more abstract way of asking it is... how much does the "reality" of one story affect the larger reality of all your stories taken together? Keep writing from your spirit, please. Your tales taste and smell like Truth. - Jonathan Scovner

Lots of big questions there, Jonathan which would need a long time to discuss. But recently I received a note from Neil Gaiman which I'll quote here because I think he wraps up what I'm trying to do beautifully in a nutshell: "I started to feel a sort of unified theory coming upon me: a realisation that the metaphysical landscape changes in all of your books, while the people and the human values remain constant, just as our ideas and beliefs, rational or not, alter and shift and transmute, but our loves, our friendships, our families, and worlds remain-- not unchanged or unhurt, but at the least, *actual*."

question: Dear Mr. Carroll, First off I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart and deepest depths of my soul. Thank you for all your works, you cannot comprehend how much I adore them and the mind from which they came. I must say that you enlighten me, your books brighten my days and put a genuine smile on my face. : As I rant on I think I shall get to the point: Do you plan on ever visitng Canada? Specifically the Toronto or even Ontario area? I know if I saw you I would be utterly speechless, but even still it would be a day to remember to say the very least! Please at least consider it, one day. In the meantime I'll just visit you through your books! Take Care ~Niki Niki Pappas

Lovely words, Niki, I thank you for them. I don't know if Canada is in the travel plans for the next book tour but you can certainly keep apprised of the travel details here at the website when we know them. I will be in North America in October of 2002 for the World Fantasy Convention and then, if I get the new book in on time, I'll be doing a book tour for WHITE APPLES then. But all of that is up in the air now-- trip plans, finished book, tutti. Keep tuned to this station.

question: Dearest Mr. Carroll First of all, thank you. I don't think about your books - I feel them. And it's a wonderful experience. Your books changed a few things in my life. Especially my thoughts about death. I also got absolutely mad about the breed of dogs I had been never fond of. Of course I can never forgive you killing my beloved characters, actually it takes me a long, long time to get over their deaths. My question is about you, as a man, writing from a woman point of view. What is it like? What does it take? What does it feel like? Do you ever wonder if you "have it right"? What about an American tour?
When will it happen? -name: Teresa

When I choose to write in a woman's voice I never think if I have the right to do it or not. What's most important of course is simply to get it right. You begin with basic human values, hopes, dreams... we all have them, no matter what our sex. From there you sometimes branch out into things that are distinctly female. At that point I start consulting all of my wonderful female friends (read muses) who keep me on a tight leash as to whether or not I'm writing that feminine point of view correctly. The final say of course comes from my gorgeous and brilliant editor Ellen Datlow who is not only wise and witty, but spot on in her analysis, no matter who's talking in the story. I listen to her very carefully and if she says fix or change it, 90% of the time I do.

question: I'm desperate to read your books in the original version (I don't trust translations). But in Poland it's extremely difficult to buy your books in English. Tell me please where I can find them.- best regards lolioza

You can buy the latest editions of my books from www.amazon.com In fact we have links on the title page of the website to Amazon and all of my books they offer. As to the older ones, I would recommend you go to www.abebooks.com and type in my name. The last time I looked, they literally offered thousands of different editions from old paperbacks to limited signed first editions.

question: Its been an absolute pleasure to read you books over the years, Jonathan. I finally (thanks to the net) got hold of the last of your books for my collection. After Silence. It's amazing to think that your book came from a bookshop in Arizona, all the way over here to cold & wet Scotland. It's a book I will save for a special occasion. It was my wife who always said I should read 'A Child Across the Sky' which then forced me, over a long period of time, to collect your entire back list.I have remained captivated by your work ever since reading 'a child..' As my wife (Karen) is a librarian, she recommends your books frequently to all her customers. So you may be suprised to learn you have a small pocket of fans here by Loch Lomond.

I've never seen anybody mentioning it before but I have to say that the Fall Collection is the most beautiful and touching thing I have ever read. Simple and elegant, it has to be my favourite story. And so finally to a question(s). Do you think you would release another collection of short stories,a Panic Hand II? Again a question about coming to the UK (by the way,you are going to be soooo pissed off when you see all of you UK fans turn up at a book signing with 13 books for you to sign!!) Have you read anything of Chuck Palhuniak? And nerdy as it is for a 29 year old to ask. Can I have your autograph? You must know how good your books are from the passion and goodwill all your fans from all over the world heap onto you.
You deserve all the praise you get. Best wishes and thank you -Stuart Wood

I'd love to go to Scotland some time either for business or pleasure. Maybe we can cook something up when the next book comes out over there-- I'll certainly mention it. Palahniuk? I read FIGHT CLUB and liked it a lot, but then tried CHOKE recently at a friend's suggestion but got fed up with its excess after fifty pages. It was like he was asking me to sample 22 different ugly, bitter things all at once and I just wasn't interested enough in the way he presented them to want to go on. He's a good writer but I think it's time he changed tracks and headed out in a different direction. A new story collection will certainly appear when there are enough there to collect. Autograph? I'd be happy to. Send your name and address to me care of:
jscarroll@hotmail.com

question: Hello, Mr. Carroll-- Ever since someone shoved "Sleeping" into my hands I've been a tremendous fan. One of the many things I've been very fond of are the ways in which the waters of one book may lap at the shores of others, with characters and locales being shared...which brings me to my current problem. I just had the hand-rubbing glee of acquiring a copy of "Voice" and sat down tonight to read it.... and before long, India and Paul Tate felt terribly familiar to me, but I couldn't recall them with specificity in the other books. I can't have read this book before-- if I had, I'd certainly remember (that's right, kid, keep telling yourself whatever feels good.) Please tell me that the Tates (and "Little Boy") appear elsewhere.... otherwise, there's some sort of gap in my memories, and heaven knows what else might be down there (!) And: Thanks, as ever, for the compellingly lovely work. Best regards, Bo Wilson

Bo, I hate to break it to you, but Paul and India only did their dance in VOICE OF OUR SHADOW and nowhere else. But if you don't tell anyone, I won't either.

question: Jonathan. LOVED "The Wooden Sea." I had a question: I'm a writer, barely getting by some years (it's either feast or famine). I freelance for mags, newspapers, web sites, etc, (and writing a novel), and not making enough money. I find myself having to take "day jobs" to pay the rent, etc. Would you say it's better for a writer to have a job that is closely related to writing, so he's always in that "writing atmosphere," working with words, or would you say a non-writing job is better, to give the mind some breathing space and make you feel as if you want to write when you get home? name: Richard

I think you should take a job that you like enough so that when you have finished it for the day, you still have enough psychic energy to go home and go to work on the writing. Whether that's washing dishes or writing romance novels (I taught high school for almost 20 years, which I loved), you must come home ready to start again at your 2nd job. If you're exhausted or disgusted by the work and just want to sit in from of the tube and coma, then quit and look elsewhere. Something you like enough to not dread doing every day. And maybe if you're very lucky, like enough for it to lift you and carry you over.

question: G.K. Chesterson and Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Your thoughts. Have you read either of them? Also-- how many books do you read at once? just curious. name: Jason Beirens

Chesterton I've only read The Man Who Was Thursday. Liked it but not enough to want to seek out more of his work. Vonnegut? Like so many people, I loved his work up to SLAUGHTERHOUSE 5 and then thought it fell off a cliff once he became famous. How many books do I read at once? Usually one, but these days maybe five just because my brain is restless and keeps wanting to get up and wander from room to room.

question: Many years ago when I read Bones of the Moon I realized that there were still great books to be read. I did wonder about the name Pepsi though. Why? If you know. For the last several months I have only been able to read Chinese books and I don't know why. They just call to me. Have you ever read The Dream of the Red Chamber? (Or the much longer version of three volumes The Story of the Stone)? I can't say it reminds me of your writing (which I thank God for but I am curious. I do not know where this Chinese reading is leading me (both Ancient and fairly current). I read the Story of Red Chamber many years ago and it did not lead me to read like this..........I have asked a few others that know me where this might be leading but they have no answer. Any ideas? I also enjoy a little Ted L Nancy in between. Thank you so much for writing the books you do. They are such gifts to those of us who treasure reading!!!!! well at least some of us!! Do you ever write in bed or do you always sit up at a table to write? An odd question but I love reading (and writing though I would never think of it as publishable) in bed with my cat
nearby. Thanks again , N. name: Nadine Waschke

I've never read any Chinese literature, I'm ashamed to say. Normally I write at my desk or by hand in a chair next to the desk. I used to do it a lot in the cafe across the street but as I've grown older the noise of a public place distracts me more and more. I prefer the quiet of my room and the snoring dog under my feet.

question: Unfortunately I missed your last visit to Cracow. Do you have any plans to visit Poland again soon? I hope that God will give me one chance to see You and to check what it's like to look into the eyes of the Genius! Please, please, visit Krakow!We are waiting for You! Jagna,Krakow,Poland

If I ever look into the eyes of the genius, I'll tell you what it's like, Jagna. I won't be back in Poland officially for a while now-- probably not until the publication of WHITE APPLES. But because Krakow will play a part in the book, I've been going in and out of there rather regularly in the last six months. Keep your eyes open when you're crossing your wonderful market square-- One day you'll see a big blond guy smiling and drinking cappuccino. That'll be me.

question: I have read many of your books. In almost every one, you include some kind of different vision of God. Tell me, please, something more about the God you believe in. Am I right that in your books He is in part both good and evil? Thanks for your reply. Lucy

Lucy, I couldn't begin to answer that question for you because I certainly can't answer it for myself. That's why I keep writing about Him (Her, It). It's like picking up a beautiful crystal object. If you turn it this way and that, the light catches on its different facets and gives you an ever changing set of new colors coming through. Do I believe in a specific religion? No. Do I believe in God? Absolutely. Do I think he is comprised of some evil? Certainly not. But beyond that, I couldn't say. I just keep holding up that crystal and turning it... In the end that makes for new novels.

question: Just two unimportant questions that may have some use as a way of saying hi, thanks: What do you think, if you have seen it, about "Wes Craven's New Nightmare", which seems to be, in a sense, a re-read of "A Child Across the Sky"? I enjoyed "From the Teeth of Angels" quite a lot; it made me remember "Afraid to Death", a novel by Marc Behm (that has not a lot in common with yours besides the subject matter). Have you ever read any of his odd fantasies, such as "Seek to Know No More", "Crab", "The Ice Maiden" or "The Queen of the Night"? And, by the way, hi, and thanks for your books. Sorry I asked only about other people's work, but I happen to think that your books say by themselves all that has to be said.
name: Alex Romero

I don't watch horror films so I can't say anything about Craven's new NIGHTMARE. I saw the original Nightmare on Elm Street years ago and thought it was very good. Disgusting but good. Round about that time I stopped watching and reading horror altogether so I'm very much out of the loop there. I've only read one of Behm's books-- the famous one about the cop who falls in love with the serial killer and protects her. It left me cold after the first 50 pages.

question: After a second helping of the Panic Hand, I devoured After Silence and From the Teeth of Angels, the only novels of yours stocked by the Brooklyn Public Library system - center of the world my ass! I have since spent some time looking for some of the more rare pieces of your world - my luck, the Land of Laughs was reprinted by Tor/Orb (I admit I've been suckered lately by Robert Jordan for his lessons in characterization - I'm a fledgling writer, not that a degree means more than the paper it's printed on - and for the parallels with much of the Old Testament and some of Jewish history). Just recently, I got my hands on Marriage of Sticks and The Wooden Sea and I am anxious to begin. However, a few questions: Might I be better off beginning with Land of Laughs? Is Kissing the Beehive truly the first in a trilogy along with Sticks and Wooden Sea? And, more importantly to me, are the American reprints in any way different from the UK originals with regards to cont! ent - i.e., has there been additional editing done for us Yankees? I suppose I'm just an authenticity hound and want the gospel as it was first laid down. May we all toast with a Black Cocktail sometime soon. Oh, by the way - where did you find out about the 36 Righteous Ones in Uh-Oh City? And is "lamedwufniks" your own alteration of the Hebrew word for 36? Just curious.
name: Moshe

I would read LAUGHS first because it was the first book I published and for better or worse, that is where it began. The Crane's View trilogy goes like this-- BEEHIVE, STICKS, WOODEN SEA. The UK and US editions of my books are all the same now although with BONES OF THE MOON and AFTER SILENCE there were small changes to please editors on this or that side of the big water. I learned about the Lamed Wufniks from Borges's book THE BOOK OF IMAGINARY BEINGS. The concept I had bumped into years before reading Andre Schwartz-Bart's interesting novel, THE LAST OF THE JUST. Nice idea, huh? I hope it's true.

question: When is your next book coming out and why is it so hard to find your books in the UK ?
name: ella von Schreitter

I'll keep my fingers crossed if you will too, Ella, that WHITE APPLES will appear in the fall of 2002. The best way to find my old books these days is via www.abebooks.com or on eBay. You can find almost all of them in one of those places at reasonable prices. Slowly they're all coming back into print. BONES OF THE MOON will be re-released in the US by TOR next Spring. VOICE OF OUR SHADOW will be a "Fantasy Masterworks" in the UK from Orion release next winter

question: I've only read three of your books but noticed references to several bands such as the BlackEyePeas, Massive Attack - do these reflect your tastes? Or are you just being hip? And does music influence your writing, either as inspiration or altering the course of a story?
name: Gordon Lewis

I'm surprised you ask, Gordon. Can't you tell I'm both hip AND listen to a lot of music? One disgruntled reader said I'm always dropping names of obscure bands into my books but hey, that's what I listen to. And if they call Massive Attack obscure then they're stupid, so what can I say? Yes, music has a huge influence on my work. I listen to it when I'm writing. I listen to it when I can't write and quite often it has been the spur in my side to get me going again. I also have several musician friends and that influences me too.

question: Hi Jonathan, I have all of your books and always like to re-read them again starting from the very 1st one.I am up to the Panic Hand at the moment. My question is this I have noticed that god appears in many forms in a lot of the stories and just wondered if you are a religious man at all. God bless-- Paul .

Have a look above, Paul-- I think I answered this question for Lucie. If religious means do I go regularly to church, then no. If it means am I thinking about these matters a lot then yes I am, as you can see reading the books. One critic said, not as a compliment, that my books seem to get more and more religious as I get older. But you know what? I kind of think we're supposed to be thinking that way as we grow older, no?

question: I only discovered your writing about three/four years ago, after hearing you interviewed by Robert Elms on BBC Radio London. I recall you stating you spent more time 'drinking coffee and looking out of the window than writing'. Fair play for your honesty, sir! You seemed an interesting chap, and as I'm always in the market for some new reading, I gave you a go, and wasn't at all disappointed. You have an inspiring and wonderful style of writing - thoughtful and concise/unpadded and to the point. My point, I am soooo disappointed to have missed you here in England in May - I've only just read your comments in the collaborate section. I'm building up a backlog of books that need your endorsement! You really ought to have an 'Jonathan Carroll on tour' page on your website.
That's all for now. I await your next novel. Paul Gaff

Thanks for the words, Paul. Whenever I go out on tour we try to keep you informed on the site but sometimes a date or town or two slip between the cracks. We'll try harder to keep you up to date. RE: that-- just so people know, I will be at the Jyvaskyla Arts Festival in Finland from July 13-16 doing all sorts of interesting stuff. All friends in the neighborhood are welcome to come and say hi.

question: You wrote " Because THE WOODEN SEA is about Frannie McCabe, I thought recently what would happen if McCabe met Venasque? What would they talk about? What would they do for/to each other?" I read to sleep and hope to dream, being insomniac by nature. I've just finished THE WOODEN SEA and immediately hunted your site down. SEA is the best book I've read in awhile, and from what I can find on your site, Venasque will be a welcome discovery. I hope you bring he and Frannie together so I can enjoy them.
I'm also thrilled to find I'm not the only person alive who found the Harry Potter thang totally boring. Not a clue what people are seeing there that I'm blind to. Her work is very different from yours, except in the way she weaves a world that becomes a piece of my life, but Daughter of the Shining Isles by Elizabeth Cunningham has also become as special to me as jewelry in a memory-scented wooden box.
It is so rare to find writers that can do that hoodoo that you do so well. I'm looking forward to more. I share my life with llamas and cats, but have been owned by dogs too. They are just so demanding, but the ones in your books should be easy to care for. : Looking forward to discovering more of your books, and my question is more a plea... McCabe and Venasque... please make that happen. Without knowing the first thing about Venasque I know this will thrill me, the same way I knew from my first (and only) Beatles concert that they would be a part of me for life. Thank you for new jewelry for my box.
name: Chelle

Chelle,
I hope you enjoy Venasque when you meet him. I think he and McCabe would get along and maybe they have already shaken hands in the big bookstore in the sky. I can't however see them ever coming together in a book because both of their stories are finished. But never say never, right?

question: Question for Mr. Carroll: Could you send me your autograph... it`s for my girlfriend, she`s your biggest fan... Anna (that`s her name) would be very grateful. Thank you. - Chris

Send your address to me at the Hotmail address given on the title page of the website (jscarroll@hotmail.com) and I'll send one on.

question: Are there any female writers you particularly like? I read English and German. Any Viennese women writers? I'll look more carefully at the book list here on your site to see if I've missed any...Thank you. Daisy
name: Daisy Smith

I'm more a fan of female poets than novelists. Some of my great favorites are Wislawa Szymborska, Diane Wakoski, Mary Oliver, Anna Swir. Viennese women novelists? Probably the best known is Elfriede Jelinek who's most famous novel was THE PIANO TEACHER. I never could get through it though-- too strident, too jittery and teeth grinding.

question: Hi Jonathan--Considering some of the weighty questions people have asked you in this forum, this might seem relatively minor. Some years ago, I read an interview with John Irving (not one of your faves, I've heard). He said that those who aspire to write should get their reading done early because most writers prefer to write rather than read other people's work. I met another writer years later, a pretty well-known guy, who confessed that he never reads fiction while working because having two tales in his head at the same time is confusing. He also made it sound like if his students didn't practice this same literary starvation policy, that their work would be hopelessly imitative. Judging from the pretty comprehensive list of recommended books on your site, I'm guessing you don't feel the same way. Any comments? (By the way, just finished the Wooden Sea and loved it. -John Thompson

Every writer worth his salt that I know reads endlessly and with great range. Irving's comment sounds like the sort of pish-tosh a self-appointed old master pontificates at the podium when he is receiving another life achievement award. I think it's baloney. When I teach creative writing I put a gun to my students' heads and make them read like maniacs. It can be whatever they want short of "The Lesbian Tick that Ate Atlanta." Reading and writing are the auricle and ventricle of writing. You must read all your life. Early to learn what's out there, later to keep your knife sharpened.

question: Hi Jonathan! I'm big fan of your books and I have only one question:what is the meaning of the end of "Sleeping in Flame"? -Przemcio

Prz, if I told you that then it wouldn't be a mystery anymore, you know?

question: hey there...just wanted to say a quick thanks for all the wonderful stories...i probably would have never learned of you had i not seen yr name in the back pages of the sandman many many moons ago. i am currently in the middle of rereading yr vienna/la/ny stories and while i've enjoyed the tales of crane's view...i forgot how much i enjoyed all of the older characters...weber, finky linky, phil, the easterlings, harry, etc...i was just wondering if you would be returning to their tales any time soon...or if we would remain in crane's view a little while longer...? once again...thanks for the reading... -subpop2000

Hey there Pop,
Both gangs are done and in the dugout as far as I can tell now. My new book has a whole new cast of characters and a third of the way into it, I'm pretty sure none of those oldie goldies will suddenly pop up in it like Jack in the boxes.

question: You are The Only One.Thank you! Jagna,Krakow,Poland
name: Jagna Musial

I'll be in Krakow tomorrow (June 2) Jagna. Come over and say hi if you get a chance.

question: Firstly, looking forward to your appearance at Andromeda in 10 or so days time....just mildly intrigued as to whether you've read Theodore Roszak's book, "Flicker", as although it's very different from your own work, it seems to me to fit nicely into the weird cinematic theme that crops up in your tales. Just curious I guess....enjoyed "Wooden Sea" very much, an action packed story it could be called though whether or not that would be a welcome observation.....and "THC" worked for me too. Ca suffit. ATB. Chris.
name: Chris Coleman

I tried to read Flicker but bogged down about 150 pages into it. Rog Peyton, the owner of Andromeda, recommended it. His recs are usually golden, but this one I just couldn't wade through. Wooden Sea action packed? Sounds fine to me.

question: Hi Jonathan, I've only recently discovered your books and have been utterly disarmed by their style, wit, grace and depth (I've only read LAND OF LAUGHS, THE PANIC HAND, KISSING THE BEEHIVE, and THE WOODEN SEA so far, but BONES OF THE MOON and SLEEPING IN FLAME are in the on-deck circle). Anyway, I work as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, and so am extremely curious about your experiences as a screenwriter. Anything you wish to share? - Mark p.s.: Oh yeah, one more question if you have the time: are you a fan of Haruki Murakami's work? Just curious. p.p.s.: By the way, I'm also originally from Westchester, and asked my Dad about Scappy's in Dobb's Ferry. He informed me that I had a birthday party there once!
name: Mark

A birthday at Scappy's? Ah Mark, I can already hear the sound of dropped bowling pins drowning out the singing of Happy Birthday. Screenwriting in Hollywood? Whenever someone asks me what it was like, I say read any good novel about Hollywood-- Bruce Wagner's great two, Schulberg's WHAT MAKES SAMMY RUN, Gavin Lambert... and it is exactly that. I could add nothing to the stories because mine were the same as everyone else's. Lots of young pompous studio development people running around, telling you how to write, and then being fired from their jobs two days later. Lots of money changing hands, lots of hopes dashed, lots of smart people and smart talk and... mirages. LA and the writing life there were a lot of mirages that finally became annoying and unsatisfying and that's why I left. Some of Murakami's work I like a lot but the problem I have is the narrators of his stories and novels are almost always the same-- same guy, same life, same voice, same everything. After a while that lack of diversity grows pretty thin.

question: JC- I only recently discovered your words...Land of Laughs, Marriage of Sticks and Wooden Sea. At last a writer as awesome and inspiring to me as Carlos Castaneda had been through his early books. Have you read any of his work? Thank you for the magic, the mystery and the sparkle. My dog Mr, Kapu says hello. Peace, - Joe Caputo

Castaneda is a fascinating writer. Some of his work is way over the top but that's always so with visionaries, isn't it? Just read the poetry of William Blake. I often recommend THE TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN to anyone who wants to step onto a magic carpet and be taken somewhere wonderful and strange.

question: When are you going to be in Poland? I love your books, especially "After silence". Translations are really bad so I would like to have original version with your signature. Where can I get it. see you soon I hope
name: Evelin

Evelin-- I'll be in Krakow June 2 signing books at the new Empek superstore there in the evening. For a copy of AFTER SILENCE in English, try the UK branch of AMAZON.COM

question: Do you read comic books? If you do, would you ever write a comic book, graphic novel, or something of that sort? I for one would read it, and it would gain you new readers and in turn get comic book junkies into actual books. So it would be a win win situation, don't you think?

Have you ever read the works of Italo Calvino. There is a similarity between your works and his, in ideas (not really style) If you haven't you should. I recommend, Cosmiccomics or The Nonexistent Knight and the Cloven Viscount. Though any of his work is amazing.
name: Jason Beirens

Not a big comics reader, Jason. Never have been, even as a kid. Just not a fan of them, although I think Neil Gaiman's work is often fascinating there and the way he pushes the comics "envelope" is what a lot more of those writers should be doing, rather than falling back on formulas. As to Calvino, I've read most of his stuff and particularly like INVISIBLE CITIES.

question: no question... just thanks for reminding me of my parallel self.
name: Kristin

a thank you back from my parallel self Carroll Jonathan

question: Jonathan: for the past 15 years (since I stumbled into Bones of the Moon) you've been one of my very favorite writers. I've read all your work, and I have no words to convey the pleasure, joy, wonder and amazement they've given me. Or I have, but they could easily blanket the state of Missouri and somehow that seems uncalled for. Being the despicable kind of coward that hides behind ridiculous pseudonyms, I leave it at that. Your work intrigues on many levels but I'll try to narrow my question not to abuse your time. I have the impression that, as you move on in your fictional quests, you seem to plot less and go by instinct more. Your writing, dazzling and deceptively simple, is always stunning, as your characterizations. However, I am intrigued by the fact that your more recent works seem much less planned to the external observer than, say, land of laughs or bones of the moon. Do you believe in discovering the story as you lay it down? Do you explore your canvas as you paint it? I'd like to know how you feel about this, for it seems to me the most clear trend in your fiction, at least technically. I see also a lot of exploration of yourself, your own feelings about life and the hellish speed race of time. Is that somehow linked to the way you attack the novel-beast these days? I'm afraid I didn't make my self very clear, but I hope you get the drift. Thanks for taking the time to face your hungry readers. And thanks for writing some of the most deliciously clever and amusing fiction of our time. If there is a God, I'm sure the library police is after him for keeping your books from Babel's library. Keep beautifying the world.
name: Oscar Waldorf

I've never planned any of my books, Oscar. If it seems like that, the truth of the matter is I began and wrote BONES OF THE MOON the same way I did THE WOODEN SEA: a first line came into my head and I put it down. Then I thought who said this, where are they, what's up in their lives, what makes them happy, what is their conflict, etcetera. When the strange came in (Cullen's sequential dreams, Old Vertue in the trunk of Frannie's car) I said okay, now we begin. And then the books rolled on from there.

question: I've got all your books here.. I read them as they came along.. and they happen to come along at the very important times of my life.. I saw you in Poznan, Poland a couple of years ago.. and I was too overwhelmed to ask any questions.. well even if you answered them I doubt I would remember what you said;-) and now when I constantly re-read your books.. I don't have any questions.. I just want to thank you for all magic in my life
name: Joanna

Big smile, Joanna. But if we're ever in the same room again and you don't come up to say hello... I'll find you, so beware!

question: I was always curious what`s your son doing in his life? And how's he doing with the popularity of his father?
name: jane

My son Ryder wants to be a writer. He is an English major at Skidmore College and has been working this last year under the tutelage of Stephen Millhauser, the world class novelist who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction a few years ago. According to Millhauser, the kid has talent. But I already knew that...

question: Just a quick correction, Jonathan: the American edition of Philip Pullman's NORTHERN LIGHTS is titled THE GOLDEN COMPASS. Thanks so much for the recommendation (my friend was delighted by it -- I love that the trickle-down theory actually works with literature). Meanwhile, I'm saving THE WOODEN SEA for a special stress-free weekend (knock wood!). Do you save up books for special occasions, or devour them ASAP? Jeff

ps -- I LOVE that THE WOODEN SEA is listed as "Police Chiefs -- Fiction"; such a strange combination of the mundane and the exotic.

I'm sure McCabe would like to know his story was being listed under "police chiefs" and not "lunatics" or "juvenile delinquents". Thanks for the Pullman correction-- I knew that that book had a different title in the US and now that it's known, all Americans should get it toot sweet. Whenever a favorite writer publishes a new book, I buy and read it immediately. I have no patience when it comes to the things I love in life-- give them all to me at once and let me eat them as fast as I can.

question: Why have you killed Saxony at the end of LAND OF LAUGHS? She was what I've always wanted to be... charming, smart and so peaceful. How I would love to > read more about her and most of all - to learn from her. Warmest regards from Gdansk, Poland. Anita Sylvia from Poland

People have been shouting at me for years for killing characters they like in my books. Saxony, Eliot in BONES OF THE MOON, Venasque.. but you know, sometimes whether we like to admit it or not, the deaths of characters who matter to us enhance and enliven the experience of reading that book. To feel so keenly the loss of that person, despite their being "only" a fictional character, means these ARE real people to us and losing them is a genuine blow. Like life. Unfortunately like life.

question: Hi, I love being a tourist within your mind. The view is breathtaking; the people, interesting; and I am often moved to tears or bouts of laughter while visiting. Also, the bull terrier "postcards" are great... I was very pleased to find out that you and Neil Gaiman are friends. He is another favorite "vacation spot" of mine. And, I must say, if anyone (other than you) is going to write the screenplay for Land of Laughs, I couldn't think of anyone better suited for the job than Neil. I do have one simple question...are you going to tour at all in the U.S. for Wooden Sea? or, more specifically, the West Coast (at places like Dark Carnival in Berkeley or Powell's in Portland)? I met Neil a few years ago and I would love the chance to meet you too. You make me think. & you make me smile. Thank you. --Pam

No touring in America this time, Pam. You'll either have to make it to England in the middle of May when I'll be there for a few days, the Jyvaskyla World Arts festival in Finland this July, or wait till the fall of 2002 when I'll be at the World Fantasy Convention in Minneapolis. PS hearing that I make jolie21 "think and smile" makes me smile.

question: Not really a question, just a thank you for Venasque. The most strangely wonderful, and realistic character I have read in the last hundred years. -Jason Beirens

Thanks Jason. And knowing old Venasque, he would say-- but don't you remember when I knew you TWO hundred years ago? What's happened to your memory? We must work on that. But first, let me make you a sandwich...

question: The next door neighbor dogs were barking again. I woke up after having drifted off to sleep for a few minutes reading The Wooden Sea. There it was -- that twitch in my eye, again. When I'd been taking the clairvoyant training program, they said it meant there was some spiritual being trying to communicate with you. Baby beings they said, but I never really understood how that differed from any other spiritual being. We're reincarnated aren't we? So if we've lived many lives, then why would a baby being be any different? Or are they just more persistent about getting our attention so they can get back to earth?

So my eye was twitching and I was thinking, If this baby being is trying to communicate through me, what does it want? "Who knows," I thought," I just wish this twitch would go away; it's annoying."

Yesterday I was with my current boyfriend, a cute dancer who had a nice butt to look at when he was climbing on rock walls, but that's something else best left for another story. We went to get some food at Wild Oats for dinner, and he said, Let's park there pointing to a parking spot on the other side of the mall from the store.
Why? I asked.

Because I've never parked over here before, he replied, which seemed as a good a reason to park there as any other so I pulled over and parked in that spot. That's when I noticed the corner bookstore. I'm sure it's been there all along, but I'd never really noticed it before. I was hungry, but really wanted to go check out this new bookstore -- an independent bookstore, a find in Tucson, a town where I'd yet to find a real bookstore. Oh there were the usual chain bookstores, and even a few used bookstores, but none that thrilled me. After having lived in Portland with Powells and in the by area with at least three or four really good used bookstores, I'd been spoiled. I wanted a bookstore where I could go in and find something.

Let's go check out that bookstore over there, before getting food for dinner, I said, and John David readily agreed to go with me. I went directly into the sci-fi section looking for a Jonathan Carroll book. I'd been looking for the book, Outside The Dog Museum, for years, ever since an ex-boyfriend lent it to me, and I realized that books could actually be pure fantasy and pure reality at the same time, and somehow still leave me with a sense of wonder. I looked all around, and didn't find any Jonathan Carroll books filed under C. But just as I was about to leave the room, I saw it, The Wooden Sea. a NEW Jonathan Carroll book. Picking it up and quickly glancing at the cover to make sure it wasn't some author who happened to have the same name (I had discovered some books before like that at Powell's) I was excited to find it was THE Jonathan Carroll. Great. A new book. I'd just been telling myself I needed a new book to read and here it was.

I looked around some more, but found nothing else that was even half as exciting as the book I now carried in my hands. I finally paid for it, and we went to do the rest of our shopping. Yet I wanted to read it right then. After dinner, I picked it up and tried to read some of the first chapter to John David. He'd never heard of Jonathan Carroll before, and generally read inspirational books or technical manuals rather than fiction. I wanted him to be as excited as I was about this, but he didn't seem to be. He wanted my attention, and all I could think of was the book. After a long involved discussion with him about our relationship, he finally left dejectedly, while I went back to the book. The feather. I fell asleep after reading about the feather found in the Schiavo's house.

The next day at lunch, uncharacteristically choosing not to eat with my colleagues at the Epic Cafe, I went to our usual lunchtime hangout, The Time Market, and as I was going in I saw the feather. It was a tattoo on a girls' back - a girl with dark hair who was probably a student at the U of A. It was peeking out from under a spaghetti strap shirt she was wearing - the high temperatures here in March, allowing people to show a lot more skin than you'd see in most places at this time of year. That's the feather, I thought, just like I'd imagined it. Interesting tattoo.
I thought nothing more of it. Coincidences like this are an ordinary part of my everyday life. I just enjoy noticing them. It was Friday. That evening I was looking forward to just taking it easy. A whole night to do whatever I want. No preparing for class the next day, and my boyfriend was occupied that whole evening. Finally a chance to read.

I ate dinner then retired to my bed, reading The Wooden Sea, the whole time. That's when the tattoo came up. When I read that Pauline got a tattoo, I knew it was a feather. And so it was, just like the one I'd seen. I was tired and soon fell asleep, as the young Frannie was walking outside with the older one. Hmm, I wonder what all this has to do with me, I thought, as I drifted off.

Waking up to the dogs barking, I went up to my computer to check my email. I'd noticed on the book cover that there was a website. Jonathancarroll.com. Might as well take a look. Maybe it actually has, Outside the Dog Museum I could order. Not finding that, I saw a link to story, The Second Snow The first line said, The dogs had been gone almost three days when she called. I'm in Phoenix.

Phoenix...Tucson...hmm, more coincidences. I didn't finish the story, but started typing this instead. When I got to the line above I noticed the link. Collaborate. I guess we all are collaborators in this world, so why not? Connecting up to the internet again, I went to click the link Collaborate. Beep beep ssssss, then silence, as the link came up. Questions and answers. Hmm. Okay, I thought, I know a question, thinking back to an encounter 6 years ago on Halloween.
He was a young guy, I'd never met before. I'd been doing palm readings all evening, and my friend who was hosting the party said she had someone she wanted me to meet. He wants to read your palms for you. He came into the little nook I'd created with silks and pieces of material I'd scrounged around the house. I held out my palm, but he didn't look at it. I just want to look in your eyes. And he did. For a long while. I've been waiting a lifetime to meet you, he said, then he asked me, Do you have any spiritual beliefs? I muttered something unintelligent since I'd never really thought about my spiritual beliefs before. Do you know why we are here? Think about it. I'm not sure if it was he or I who said it, but I remember the answer being, We're here to learn, and when we have finished learning all this would disappear. This is all an illusion, he said, it's not real. You can let it go. And then I did. The room outside of where he was became a black nothingness.!

So what is after this?

You have to cross the abyss. You're really close. I could pull you across, but you would hate me for doing so. You have to cross it yourself. But you have to let go of your attachment to this, here, now. Even I am an illusion.

I started to let him go, all there was now was his voice, his eyes and me. I felt close to whatever it is he was talking about, but I couldn't let go of this reality. What waited for me on the other side? Could I let go of everything? But his eyes stayed with me. I guess I have more to learn.We sat there for who knows how long, and he told me many other things. Then he said I might not be ready now, but when I was, I would remember all this.

And I do. I remember. I didn't see him again until a year later at the same Halloween party, He came back and reminded me, You are creating all this so you can learn. And so I was and am. I haven't seen him since, but every now and again I get a glimpse of whatever it was he wanted to communicate to me in someone's eyes.

So an hour and two pages later, I just want to ask, Can you tell me more about this place on the other side of the abyss for your books go there, and I wonder if you ever have, too? (Hope this all makes it through) - Lisa Archer

Yikes Lisa, this is the longest letter I've ever gotten here. It floats and turns like that feather in THE WOODEN SEA and is certainly as colorful. I don't know about other sides of the abyss. I'm wary of people who use words like your palm reader because there are enough things to deal with in our every day without having to travel to the other side of the dream or mirror or nightmare to find out what's there. Being a good and valid soul in the here and now is more worthwhile than anything, I think. As one of my characters says somewhere, there's a light, you know where it is, now your only real job while living is to try and walk in that light as much of the time as you can. Amen.

question: After reading The Wooden Sea, I couldn't get through the store, for The Marriage of Sticks, fast enough. (The mugs, posters and mochachinocafelateaulaits were in the way!!) After The Land of Laughs I must have had an ominous expression because my daughter asked me what the matter was. I told her how delightful it was to feel sad that such a wonderful book had come to an end. I wanted to shake it up and yell inside to the characters, "Don't stop now!!" Oh yes, my dog, Bucket, is a bull terrier mix and I now have even greater respect for him. I teach ninth and tenth grade English in a residential school for court adjudicated boys. Do you have any favorite books that you've taught? Also what books do you read? Thank you so much for filling this world with more wonder. -Kylie Tendy

Tell Bucket he'd better behave himself or I'll come over there and whup him. He knows I can do it too because I'm well known (and feared) even in the mixed bullterrier community... Favorite teaching books? If it's still in print, James Kirkwood's GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES was always a hit. Borges's short stories if you're working with smarties, the poetry of Billy Collins, a wonderful paperback anthology called The Prose Poem edited years ago by Michael Benedikt. Kenneth Koch's books about teaching poetry. Try any or all of those and I'm sure some of your kids will catch fire from them. The books I read or am reading are posted on the title page of the website. We try to update it as often as possible. If you have a look, there's lots of good stuff there to keep you busy.

Hi : And thank you very much. Then, what are the chances of writers like yourself and Mr. Gaiman doing an online writing class once in a while, so that people from all over the world might have the honour of your mastery. Sorry if that sounds a little brown : Also, for the word dybbuk I am eternally grateful :) Are there many English translations of Jewish folklore available? And finally, thanks again...yes I did feel "...comfortable and yet anxious to see what (was) going to happen to (me) there..."
Much heartfelt admiration- Vicky

Neil Gaiman is perhaps the busiest person I know, Vicki, so the chances of him teaching online or off are pretty slim. If you come to Vienna these days you can sign up for my creative writing class at the American international School. But you'd better hurry because the year's almost up.

question: Sorry to bug ya again so soon, but I am naturally greedy : Just finished Beehive, 2 questions...In the epilogue did the father dedicate the book which they refer to to his daughter?

Also, any chance of a Veronica story? I would love to see more of her...great character :
Thanks again -Vicky

I would assume, knowing Bayer, that he would probably dedicate Veronica's biography to...Veronica. Maybe to Cass but I would put my money on Veronica because of how deeply she touched and changed him.

No more Veronica, but you'll like the female lead in my next book. Her name is Isabelle Neukor and if you're anything like me, you won't be able to get enough of her. She's the bees' knees.

question: Love your books. One particular favorite was in a book of short stories where the cleaning lady turned out to be God. Love that one. Also sympathized with the teacher, you want to encourage but not raise false hope. You quite often use dogs in your stories, I recall Bull Terriers and Shar Pei. This is not really a question but is there a reason, I really like the talking dog thing. Keep those books coming I haven't missed one yet. -kARIN GOULD

Writers write about who/ what/ where /when/ they are. I've loved having dogs around since I bought my first one for three dollars from the New Brunswick, New Jersey dog pound fifteen minutes before they were going to send him up the chimney. Dogs make me smile and bring a neverending kind of quiet joy. They're often very funny and odd. I love that combination. Most importantly, they are best friends in the world if you like friends with cold noses and bad gas a little too often. How could I not include them in my worlds?

After reading and loving many of your books, I was finally able to purchase an out-of-print copy of The Land of Laughs. Imagine my surprize and pleasure when I read a reference to my home town Rolla Missouri and the bus station (the site of many Christmas parties in the Rolla of my childhood because they rented out the basement to groups.) The only equal source of pleasure would be if Cary Grant in a movie referred to Rolla (very odd if it had happened.) But my question is why don't we hear more about Mr Pencil? Deborah Williams

Rolling into Rolla... I remember it well from my year living in the Missooora countryside. You know, I wrote a film some years ago in which I created a very suave villain named Mr. Pencil. He was cooler than Ben Gay and suaver than a French accent. When he killed someone he always left a freshly sharpened Eberhard Faber pencil by the body as his trademark. I liked him. The producers didn't. They changed his name (in German) to Mr. Clean and took away all his cool lines. The film stunk and I sulked. Welcome to the movies.

Did you ever work up an outline (or even a screenplay) for 'Wonderful'? -Keith Knight

No. It was just a means to an end in what I was doing at the time. I'm flattered that you asked though.

Hi, Mr. Carroll - My question is not terribly important... when I first started writing and letting people read my books (I posted them on a website), at first I received several positive responses from readers. But now, a year later, I hear almost nothing at all from them. How should a writer judge the readers' silence (as opposed to any other sort of response, angry or friendly). I keep wondering "Did I write something that scared them away?" Has that ever happened to you -- an unexplained silence from your audience, or a suspicion that you've "alienated" readers? -- Best regards! -- A.R. Yngve

Your name is almost the German word for Ginger. Very cool pen name. Look, writing has to be a ball. Anything you do by yourself at a desk alone for hours and days and years has to be a ball. Finding the right word, sentence, character has to be as fun as sex only you do it alone and don't have to worry about satisfying a partner. In essence what I'm getting at is write what you want the best way you know how. Post if on the Internet if that's important to you, and then forget about it and go back to writing the next thing. Your readers will find you but they won't usually respond the way you expect or necessarily want them to respond. Now and then a friend sends me bits and pieces of the discussion of my books on the Rondua reading group(you can hook up with them through the link on the site). Sometimes what they say is flattering and uplifting and spot on. Sometimes it so dumb and obtuse and plain wrong that it makes me grab my head and bang it on whatever's nearest. But you know what? The hell with them. You write what matters and move on. If they want to, they'll contact you. The fun is in the work. Write that somewhere and keep it close by-- THE FUN IS IN THE WORK

question: No question. Merely a heartfelt "thank you." -Kelley

I'm smiling, Kelley. I'm smiling a big one right at you. You can even see my teeth if you like.

I find it funny that I have come to this website, and decided that I wanted to ask you a question, I have never had this opportunity, and now that I finally do, I am lost for words. Having read "The Marriage of Sticks" in one sitting (a new experience for me) I wanted to know where your inspiration comes from for such inspired views on life. I have never been so affected by a book, since reading my Grandmother's personal memoirs as a child. You have a gift, and as an aspiring film maker, I hope some day to find that my fate leads me to scripts as beautiful as your work. (P.S) Have you ever thought about writing "The Marriage of the Sticks" into a film script? I really think you should.... and then let me make it :) I can't thank you enough for making the world seem different after one night's reading. -Mark Ellis Iddon

Nice words, Mark, thank you. No, I've never thought of writing STICKS as a film. The film work I do now is almost always commissioned. I realized when I was in Hollywood years ago that I am a novelist who sometimes writes films. When I was out there I did originals(like SHOES AT WAR, which you can read here on the site), but since I came back to Vienna I've done only what others hired me to do, in between writing novels.

question: Dear Mr. Carroll, I can't tell you how delighted I am to be discovering your work. It seems like an odd set of compounded synchronicities has led me to it "it" being most immediately the resissue of Land of Laughs, which I finished in a quick day and can tell will begin a long bout of enjoyment as I read all your work). I read through your answers to other questions and noticed some other authors I enjoy (I agree with you in your comparison of Phillips Pullman's "His Dark Materials" with the Harry Potter books.) But it's funny, I was struck by a similar "American point-of-view" (well, it's the America I live in, anyway) in the book as I find in Paul Auster and Jerome Charyn, but saw no mentions of those two here. I wonder, too, if you've read any Bruce Sterling?
I'm a recovering TV writer working on my first novel, so I'm grateful to anyone who can take my mind of my own miserable scribblings, and inspire me. So, thanks. BTW, the other strange coincidence is that I, too, attended the Loomis-Chaffee school, a few years after yourself, and your description of the school where Thomas Abbey worked had already been overlaid in my mind with images of Founder's Hall before I read your bio on this site and saw that you, too, had spent some time there. -Ken Rudman

Loomis eh? I hope you had a better time there than I did. The only time in my life I was flat out miserable for endless stretches of time was when I attended that school. I pray it's a better place now than when I attended. As to Auster, I don't like his work. I think he's a derivative writer who's often been overpraised for being original when in fact if you look hard, you'll see him borrowing from all sorts of better writers. What little I've read of Charyn is marvelous, Sterling I've never read. It's funny you mention an American point of view because I've lived outside the country almost all of my adult life. Yet people tell me often America is there in all of my work, no matter where I place the story. I guess it is.

question: Have any of your books ever been optioned for a film? -Avra Douglas

Yes, all of them on and off over the years. It'll take a madman (woman) with deep pockets and a stubbornness nine miles long to make one happen. Lots of people have certainly tried.

question: Dear Jonathan, In one section of this part of your web site, you indicated that one of the things that is important to you is "the right writing instrument." Do you write on a computer, using a fountain pen (ala your main character in "The land Of Laughs," or simply use whatever comes available? it is wonderful, by the way, that your books are becoming more and more available. Do write more. Have you ever considered returning to "The land Of laughs?" Best wishes, Jessie Hite

THE LAND OF LAUGHS-- THE RETURN! No, that won't happen. There are too many other stories I want to tell before the winged chariot stops at my door and tells me time's up. I write with a mustard colored Parker 51 fountain pen that was given to me by my best friend Kathleen. They are my favorite in the whole wide world and believe me, I'm a pen lunatic. I start by typing the work fast on a computer just to get my thoughts down. Then I write them twice verrrrry slowly in separate notebooks. Finally I go back to the computer, make the changes made in the written manuscript(s) and the book is done.

question: Dear Mr Carroll.Only one question: what do you think about the Harry Potter books? Katarzyna Drabek

I read one hundred pages of the first one and put it down. I know zillions of people love them, but I just didn't get the magic.

question: He wore sweaters. The dog on this one, barked soft wool. The huge hands on his arms were drafted by armies. His eccentric mind dodged lines on paper with pen. It was F block and he stood framed by the doorway. His grin held up his towering physique. I was late and feeling good about it, rushing by as leaning tower of Pisa closed the door behind me and sixteen other students. The outside norm was sealed away. My short stocky body embraced the chair-desk like fastfood and a spork. I couldn't contain my virus anymore. The symptoms of my neurosis spilled as I caught a comfort penetrating within my brow. I sat back sandwiched by youth and indulged a contentment offered nowhere else. She jumped from her chair like melted cheese eager to please. Her waving arm gestures quided him into the Barber's chair. Swiftly she prepped him in cutting cape and lather. The shaving cream matched the white of the papers he held. Her teeth gleamed as the shiny blade mowed across his face. Word by word, hair by hair, she read her story out loud. On the third page and left cheek he frowned as the knife nicked his flesh. Blood joined white and silver as the bells of pain jingled smoke from the chimney of his mind. She tore off a paragraph and blotted the wound, continuing her recital. I looked around the carpeted room. Steam was coming off the radiator pipes near the perspired window. Outside the rain, wet, green, drooped beneath a concrete sky. Carl and Andy had their heads snapped back as if they had been in a car accident. Tears of blood were still oozing from the slits on their necks. Vicky face down sponged up blood with her hair. Gaille held her breast to Ramona and comforted her tears. Clapping on cologne like a good ending, she whipped off the cape and he stood clean shaven. The red loose-leaf paper blotter clung to his face. He grinned. she sat down on my lap and kissed my throat. She turned back to him and smiled. She tried to speak, but couldn't. I spoke for her, "thank you." -conrad mecheski

For the uninitiated, this piece of interesting nonsense was written by one of the best writing students I ever taught. I even gave the lad a writing prize when he was in high school. But now years later here he is, showing the world (and me) he's finally bungee jumped into Rondua. Conrad, to this day I still tell writing classes (when I teach them) about you and your work and how a wise guy with a chip the size of a cement block on his shoulder came into my room one September day and left nine months later a real writer. I hope you're well.

question: Reading your books is like eating a delicious cake:the best part of it when I come back from the bookstore,put the new book on the desk, look at it for a while and think what a great pleasure it will be to "eat" it.The thing is that each of your books,that I've read(I've read them all except the "Idiot heart") has its own ,unforgettable taste. Tell me,how do you cook them? What are the secret spices that you add?By the way,what do you think about Polish food?I come from Poland ,but does it matter where we come from?After all we're all just a part of a huge, neverending novel,aren't e? -Anna

How do I cook my novels? With a lot of foontageegee spiced into the broth and much worry that it will taste like the wrong side of a cat. Besides the foontageegee the onyl secret spice in there is the way I've learned to see and love life and sometimes, convey that to you. Polish food? I love it, particularly that great soup Jurek. I think I'll name a bullterrier Jurek. Please pardon my Americanizing the spelling.

Hello, 1. Thank you for going with writing as a career, rather than say, selling tires or doing people's taxes or something. 2. Thank you for being unafraid to write the whole story, not just the parts that someone thinks will sell. The magic that is in life is in your books and I appreciate that very much. 3. Thank you for making it possible for me to get a laugh from a person I greatly admire and enjoy. I had the pleasure of meeting Neil Gaiman for three minutes or so at a signing at The Tattered Cover in Denver, Colo. As he signed my copy of "Stardust", I asked him "Have you ever read any Jonathan Carroll? Nobody I know has ever heard of him but he's incredible and I think you'd really dig his stuff". To my great delight, he busted out laughing. Yes he's heard of you,and explained that y'all are friends, and that, yes, he really digs your stuff. I asked him to thank you for me... That was such a joy to have made N.G. laugh, and not to have said anything inane...Which is actually one of my fears in life: i'd hate to finally meet someone i admire and respect, and say something idiotic... Thus, my question: what's the most common inane question/comment you get at signings, etc? Though i'll bet you get a lower ratio than say, Stephen King, since your work requires more mental wherewithall to get through and enjoy...) Namaste and aloha, Jade Dance

Neil Gaiman is a prince and a good writer. He is also the best kind of friend and if you like his books, I can honestly tell you he's as good a person as he is a writer. As to the most inane question, I'd probably have to say either "Where do you get your ideas?" Or "Are you as weird as your books?" Stephen King is asked that first question a lot and now says "There's this little store in Utica, New York-- the Idea Store. I buy them by the dozen there." Which usually shuts people up effectively. As to am I as weird as my books, if it is a beautiful woman asking, I say oh so smoothly "Weirder, honey. How about letting me wrap your naked body in dental floss and George W. Bush campaign stickers?"

I'll just start by saying that I am positively addicted to your books. I've managed to find them all and read them over the years, and let me tell you, that was not an easy quest with so many of them being out of print. I even managed to end up with a signed copy of OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM that I bought at a Half Price Books for 4 bucks!! It's in great condition, too. I have no idea why someone would let such a treasure go. I'm sure I never will. Each time I get my hands on your latest book, I put it in my library on the shelf and save it for a special occasion. Christmas is fast approaching, so soon I will dive into THE HEIDELBERG CYLINDER. Recently, I've introduced a friend of mine to your books. She read OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM first, followed by MARRIAGE OF STICKS, and is now working on THE PANIC HAND. My question is brought on by one of your recent posts to a reader, Victoria, regarding the order of the six book 'series' that begins with BONES OF THE MOON and goes on to SLEEPING IN FLAME. I certainly did not read the books in any particular order, and I was wondering what the full order of the series is.
Thank you so much for the great stories. Jeannette

If the series of books is successful, you don't have to read them in any kind of order. Hopefully you don't have to read all of them either, but if you did that would be great. The order in which they arrived was BONES OF THE MOON, SLEEPING IN FLAME, A CHILD ACROSS THE SKY, OUTSIDE THE DOG MUSEUM, AFTER SILENCE, FROM THE TEETH OF ANGELS

Are you closed to the idea of having Venasque (or any of the other "Answered Prayers" characters) return in future works? Thanks! Dave

Closed? God, a writer should never be closed to bringing back any character he's created over the years. I just know when I finished that series I thought okay, time to move on. That's why I wrote KISSING THE BEEHIVE next-- a purely realistic novel with a whole new set of faces. I admit however that I think about those old friends sometimes. Because THE WOODEN SEA is about Frannie McCabe, I thought recently what would happen if McCabe met Venasque? What would they talk about? What would they do for/to each other? It gave me something intriguing to think about as I drank coffee and looked out at the snow on Vienna.

question: Well, that was a shock for me -a lot of tea drinker- that you compared tea to a kiss from a sister... Coffee- I love the smell of it. But I'm really happy that you also appreciate the magic of fall. For me spring is like falling in love, summer like sex and all crazy things, fall is like holding hands with the one you love. Fall is like mature love. And winter is a snowman. So, because it's a Christmas time - what do you like most about your family during Christmas (I mean their behaviour). Happy New Year this time, and let each of your days be full of small happy things, so that you could thank them all before you fall asleep. Anna Horn

Christmas? Christmas doesn't move me the way it does other people. I think so much of it is false and created that the real spirit of the season gets lost in all the false hooplah. The best part of the season for me is having the entire family around, good meals, a year ending gratitude that we all made it through another one and feel pretty good about the prospects for the future. That's Christmas for me.

Jonathan,Why did the plates hate the silver? Why did they sing cruel songs to the glasses? And what's with the Words and Silence? Did Krang ever help heal the Green Dog's sorrow? Do you realize that you are my Marshall France? Thank you for lighting my life with lights that no one has ever seen -Pauline-

You must answer all these questions because I must admit I don't know. I recently had to re-read LAND OF LAUGHS to check the galley for the upcoming paperback edition. It was the first time I'd ever re-read the book. And you know what? It felt like it was an object three light years away. I sort of remembered what I was thinking and dreaming and hoping for when I wrote it, but certainly not a hundred percent. Sort of like looking at a picture of the room you had when you were eighteen. You smile recognizing a lot of the objects on the shelves, but there are also many things you don't remember at all. PS If I've lit your life, then you lit my evening when I read your words.

question: There always seem to be such a huge search for your wonderful books--have you ever considered putting them out as e-books for a nominal fee? I realize that the money may not be as good, but your books speak to so many people and I truly believe that if they are out on the 'net, everyone will be able to get access to your poignant words. Forgive me, but I even think that money need not be an issue anymore; your stories are worth more than dollars and cents. What do you think? Please don't crucify me if you think I am terribly wrong--just share your thoughts with me. I want to grow old with your stories

Slowly but surely all of the books are or will be coming back into print. TOR will release BONES OF THE MOON some time next year, VOICE OF OUR SHADOW has just been chosen as one of the "Fantasy Masterworks" in Gollancz's Millenium series. I wouldn't crucify you for your thoughts on putting them all on the Internet. You must remember however that those books are my labor for the past 20 years. They're my capital and pension all rolled in one. If I put them in a basket in front of my house with a sign that says "free for the taking" how would I be able to afford to write you more stories when we are both old and pooped?

question: First off, I want to thank you for the many hours of reading pleasure you have given me. As a writer, I marvel at your prose and have learned much from you. Recently, I was lucky enough to secure an advance uncorrected proof of "The Wooden Sea" - another strong work, well paced, with a satisfying ending. Frannie McCabe is my favourite of all your characters - I'd buy that man a beer anytime! How could I not like someone who is such a big Beatles fan! This leads me to wonder - how deep does your own Beatlemania go? In several of your books, bull terriers figure prominently. You write of these feisty beasts with such love that I am even considering sharing my life with one someday. As a bull terrier owner, what has been your experience with them - what can one expect? Michael Hockinson

Beatles? I love and listen to them all the time. Favorite song? Don't have one. Favorite period? Early stuff when they were fresh and all over the place and willing to cut new roads. Bullterriers? Buy one and you'll never look back. They'll be your friend and protector and clown and advisor (a friend of mine recently bought a black one and swears that he is going to name it Colin Powell) all rolled in one. They are the Porsche of dogs, bar none.

question: Dear Jonathan! Warmest Wishes to You for Christmas,a lot of happiness and love. I hope all Your plans in private and professional life will come true in 2001! At the end of this year I want to thank You from the bottom of my heart for all your books,especially for The Wooden Sea" which I think is your best. I had the incredible opportunity to meet you on 22nd September in Poznan, Poland. Thank You for your precious time and all the kind attention you give to your readers!I can't wait to read your next book because I'm truly happy only when I hold a new one in my hands.Once again THANK YOU!!!!! Your biggest(not in size!)fan in the world. Agnieszka,Poznan

Thank you, Agnieszka. My next book will be published in Poland in February. It will include a novella called THE HEIDELBERG CYLINDER, seven short stories, and the first section of the new novel I am writing right now. Kind of a mixed salad of work, but I think (I hope) you like it.

question: Dear Jonathan(if I may call you that). I have just discovered your web site with the possibility to ask you questions and I'm thrilled. The thought of you reading words written by such fans gives me very positive shivers.Now I can finally say 'a great invention'about computers(I am a bit of a technophobic and I started to tame the computer,or rather it started taming me,only recently). I once met you in Poland(May'99) and it was that sort of experience one never forgets. I even wrote a paragraph about it(I'm a student of English in The Teacher Training College in ToruÒ),but that is another story.Unfortunately I missed a chance to see you when you were in Poland in Sept,simply because I didn't know you were coming.What a pity! My question is connected with my regret:when will you be coming to Poland again? And one more (a bit banal maybe): I'm 'a hopeless case of a cat-lover'do YOU like cats?if not then why?My cat sends you kisses(ignore them if you hate cats' kisses). Sincerely yours-Akara

Akara, I'm not a cat guy. I once lived with a cat I liked because it was actually a dog masquerading as a cat. IE it came when you called, it liked to go on walks with you around the neighborhood, it liked being petted... dog things. Not cat things. I don't know if cats are arrogant as many people say, but I just don't find them very interesting. If you're going to live with a creature (be it animal or human), you've got to be interested in how they function from day to day. When will I be back in Poland? I don't really know. Krakow will be one of the settings in my new novel so I will have to go there a few times just to have a look around on my own.

question: I haven't got any questions. I just want to say HELLO in the new millenium. Well, I have a qustion. Even 2. Are you going to visit Poland this year?? Have you read the J. Rowling's "Harry Potter"? See you angel What do you think about angels?? ivona

Have a look at the last question vis a vis trips to Poland. Harry Potter? I tried to read the first one but got stuck after fifty pages and put it down. If you want to read a very rgeat "child's fantasy" Read Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials.". Start with NORTHERN LIGHTS which has just been translated into Polish. Compared to that incredible series, the Harry Potter books eat worms.

question: Jonathan,
Is there a chance in hell THE LAND OF LAUGHS will ever be made into a film? Would you want to write it, or have the screen rights been sold? Could you fill me in? Also, on a slightly different track -- Have you studied the aboriginal concept of the dreamtime and, if so, how much has it influenced your work? With admiration & respect, Dave Rankin Manhattan

Neil Gaiman has been asked to write the screenplay of LAUGHS and every once in a while keeps me posted on what's happening. The last I heard, the director Ang Lee was very interested. Lee did CROUCHING TIGER... recently and is therefore very hot in Hollywood circles. But he wanted the movie to end with Abbey bringing Saxony back to life and not his father. Neil balked at that and when I heard it, so did I. Another director interested in the project is the fellow who directed THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.

question: I discovered your work seven years ago when I was sixteen after a woman I shared a house with moved out and gave me some books, one of which was Bones of the Moon. I totally fell in love with the story. As an adult I have bizarrely ended up with an incredible boyfriend who is just like Danny, and a best friend who is as camp and wonderful as Elliot. Do you think truth always mirrors fiction, or only if we crave it enough. I was terribly unhappy when I first read Bones of the Moon at sixteen. Now I'm one of the happiest people I know. Perhaps it's unconnected, but I'm not convinced. I haven't read anything else by you yet (just re-read Bones... several times). Could you recommend one as a follow-up. When I finish my degree i'm going to read them all. Have you ever considered giving a lecture in the Oxford University Union ?- I'd love to meet you. All the best,
Victoria

I spoke at Trinity College in Dublin a couple of times but that's as close as I've come to Oxford. I like doing that-- mixing it up with university students who are the best but toughest audience around. A follow up to Bones? Well, it's the first of a six book series and the characters you met there keep popping up throughout. So I guess I'd say read SLEEPING IN FLAME next because it's number two, the film director Weber Gregston is in it and some other cameo players from Bones. When I wrote the series I was hoping that all of the books would stand on their own, besides being tentatively linked to each other with certain characters and situations. So hopefully you can read any of the other five and see some familiar faces.

question: Hi, Jonathan. Let me start by saying what sheer pleasure you have brought into my reading