ASK RICHIE
When is the sequel for Shadow Mirror coming? Are you going to have a
sequel to Shadow Mirror? Are you???
Let me just say that I love these characters, and I love writing about them. When I write a book, I'm totally consumed by the characters and their world, and since I spend months and months with them, they become just as real to me as any living people. It's difficult to tell them goodbye when the book ends—and these characters in SHADOW MIRROR and WALK OF THE SPIRITS were especially hard to leave. There are still so many questions that remain unanswered, and still so many secrets to be revealed!
Which is why I wish I had better news. But unfortunately I've been informed by Penguin that right now there are no plans to release a third book in the series.
When is the sequel for Walk of the Spirits coming? Are you going to have a
sequel to Walk of the Spirits? Are you???
Yes, I will be doing a sequel--though I don't have a title for it yet. The book should be out in the summer of 2009, and I'm working on revisions for it now. There's also been some talk about continuing the series--which I would absolutely love to do!--but no definite decision has been made yet. I'll be sure and let you know the minute I hear anything. And in the meantime, please keep your fingers crossed! It would break my heart to have to say goodbye to the gang in St. Yvette!!!
Why don't you make your books into movies?
That responsibility lies with my agent and the film reps she regularly keeps in contact with. All I can do is express my own wishes and the wishes of my readers, and hope that someday a movie will actually be made.
Are you going to continue The Unseen?
At this point, there are no plans. Stay tuned, however - you never know!
I can't find your books. Where can I buy them? Will you send me some?
Amazon.com, Half.com and your local used book stores are the best places to find the books Evil on the Bayou through Summer of Secrets. These titles are out of print.
The House Next Door, The Unseen Series and Walk of the Spirits should be available at all book stores! Just ask customer service to order in copies if you don't see them on the shelf.
You can also try your local library. They may have them or can order them through interlibrary loan.
I only have my own personal copy of each novel and do not have additional copies to send to fans - sorry! There are possible plans to make the out of print titles available again. Stay Tuned!
Hello, thank you for taking the time to read this. I just finished your book "Walk of the Spirits" and loved it. Very intriguing and artfully written. Because of the way it is, like dealing with ghosts is going to be Miranda's job for the rest of her life, and because of where she is, the book seems like it's screaming to become a series. I would love to see more books on Miranda helping more civil war ghosts in St. Yvette, which there must be! Also maybe a little more of Etienne and Miranda's relationship >3. But really, it seems like perfect material for a series and I would definitely love to see more of Miranda and her ghosts at St. Yvette! Thank you! - Kim
Hey, Kim-- I know you sent this question ages ago, and I'm sorry for not getting back with you till now. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed WALK OF THE SPIRITS. Writing that book and its sequel SHADOW MIRROR were amazing experiences for me, and I owe it all to the characters. After living with Miranda, Ashley, Parker, Gage, Roo, and Etienne for all those many months, they became absolutely real to me, and have become my favorites of all the characters I've ever done (well...except maybe for Charlie and Emma in THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR!). By now I'm wondering if you've read SHADOW MIRROR--if so, I hope you enjoyed it as much as, or even more than, WALK. As you suggested, we do see a definite development in Miranda's and Etienne's relationship, along with some interesting challenges in other relationships, as well. Gage and Etienne both "compete" for Miranda in their very different ways; Ashley finds herself attracted to someone else besides Parker. There's also a new ghost(s) to contend with...and the mystery of a heartbreaking tragedy. I'd so love to see the series continue, with more ghosts and more adventures for these characters. However, the publisher has told me that they have no plans to continue the series at this time. Like so many of my readers, I'm terribly disappointed--but still holding out hope that the series might still revive at some later date. If it does, I'll definitely post the news on this website and let everyone know! Thanks again, Kim, for your support and great suggestions. Keep sending them along, will you? They're very much appreciated! My best always, Richie
I picked up your book Walk of Spirits as I was looking for new books for my students, I teach high school special ed. I have to admit I loved your book so much that I decided to see what other things you have written. I am definitely interested in reading more about Miranda and her friends and look forward to the possible sequel. I will be passing this book along to my students as it is something they are bound to enjoy. I will also be using it as a book club selection this coming fall. Thank you for writing a book with such interesting characters and plot line. It isn't very often that a book written for young adults can transcend into an enjoyable read for adults as well. I look forwarding to discussing this with my students. All the best in the future JenHey, Jen-- First off, let me apologize for taking so long to answer. Please believe me that your letter was never forgotten--just unfortunately and unavoidably set aside for awhile! I want to thank you for your kind remarks about WALK OF THE SPIRITS. What a totally inspiring--and humbling--letter you wrote. There just aren't words to tell you how gratifying it is, to be able to touch and inspire readers with my books. And when teachers choose a book of mine for their students, I consider it an honor. When I sit down to write, the world I create becomes real to me. Every character is a real person; I live with them day in and day out, for months on end. As an author, naturally I'm prejudiced--and protective!--about these characters and the adventures they face! So when a reader gets drawn into my world and becomes connected to my characters, there's no better reward for me. I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed WALK OF THE SPIRITS as much as I enjoyed writing it. I can only hope that it continues to entertain and inspire you and your students for years to come. You probably know by now that the sequel SHADOW MIRROR came out this past March. In this book, Miranda and the group have more ghosts to investigate, more mysteries to unravel--but also, there's more character development and interaction. Characters are my very favorite part of writing. And I'd love to have a group of friends like these! I'd hoped so much that this series would go on for many more books--but the publisher informed me that they have no plans to continue it at this time. I'm not giving up though--Miranda and the group deserve to be around for a very long time! You mentioned searching for more of my books. Besides the two WALK books, there's a four-book series called THE UNSEEN, and a single title called THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR (one of my personal favorites). Unfortunately, my other 21 books are out of print (including two adult titles SCARECROW AND BLOODROOTS)--but you can find most of them on Amazon, eBay, or even in used book stores. As a teacher, you might also be interested to know that some of these books were awarded Reluctant Reader awards, New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age awards, and Children's Choice awards. One was also an Edgar nominee. Perhaps you'll find something else among them to use in your classes. Good luck! Jen, once again let me thank you for taking time to write. Your comments truly made my day. If I can ever be of any help to your or your classes, please don't hesitate to ask. My best always, Richie
Will you ever restart The Unseen series? The ending was confusing and I miss Lucy. Will you ever post a FAQ for the series? Please,Please,PLEASE start the series up again. - Diana
Hey, Diana-- So sorry about not getting back with you sooner! I'm trying like mad to catch up on every single bit of correspondence that's been unavoidably neglected for so long. I'm so glad you enjoyed the UNSEEN series, even though you miss Lucy, and even though you found the ending a bit puzzling. Like you, I always miss my characters once their story has ended--in fact, I usually go through a grieving process for awhile! As for that confusing ending: Sometimes I deliberately leave things open-ended, so that readers can supply their own interpretations from the clues I've sprinkled throughout the story. I myself know what the ending was about--but it always fascinates me when I hear other explanations that other readers come up with. Sometimes I like their conclusions better than my own! And what an interesting idea you suggested! I've never even thought about a FAQ section for THE UNSEEN! But I love the idea, and I'm betting that other UNSEEN fans will love it, too! (How about it, UNSEEN fans--how would you feel about a FAQ section for the series?) Let's work on that concept and see what we can come up with. (Hear that, Erika?) As for resurrecting the series, I haven't actually had time to devote to it recently--but that doesn't mean it can't happen. As I said, there's nothing sadder to me than saying goodbye to my characters--so bringing them back would be great. I'll definitely keep that in mind! Have you read WALK OF THE SPIRITS and SHADOW MIRROR yet? This is another series I loved writing, but unfortunately the publisher isn't planning to continue the series at this time. But I'm not giving up on this one either--there's always hope! Diana, thanks again for your comments and your great idea. I so appreciate your support, and I hope that my books continue to bring you joy in the future. My best always, Richie
I just L-O-V-E your books, they are just too A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I cannot get over it! The Unseen Series were just outstanding. As I was reading them there were so many questions popping up in my head. It was beautiful, amazing, moving, and it had a perfect ending, and I still wonder, "What did Lucy need to say?" - on the last page. It was so great, I couldn't put it down!! I am a huge fan! I want to read all your books but it will take me time...
You've really encouraged me to read more. You are soo talented. - Sarah
Hey, Sarah-- Sorry it's taken me so long to answer--and I really appreciate your patience! Wow--your comments just blew me away! I'm excited that you enjoyed THE UNSEEN so much, and especially that you loved Lucy and the ending. To think that I've encouraged you to read more, is such a major compliment. There are so many great books, so many wonderful authors out there to explore. I wish I had more time to read! When I'm writing, I tend to immerse myself in my own work and imagination, and not read much of anything else. But once a book is finished, I go through a period of devouring every book I can get my hands on! Books are so wonderful, yes? A total escape into other worlds, and intriguing interactions with endless characters. Just for your information, besides the UNSEEN series, I have three other books currently in print. These titles are WALK OF THE SPIRITS, SHADOW MIRROR (sequel to WALK OF THE SPIRITS), and THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR. All my other 21 books are out of print, but you can usually find them on eBay, Amazon, or in used book stores. Sarah, thanks again for taking time to write. You certainly make me feel good about being a writer! My best always, Richie