Welcome To The Official RTC Newsletter!
A PERSONALIZED SIGNED COPY OF WALK OF THE SPIRITS
IS UP FOR AUCTION ON EBAY!
NEWS
Walk of the Spirits 2 needs your support!
Look for a poll on the website asking for your vote for a sequel!!
ASK RICHIE
Ask Richie has been overloaded with questions – So here are a few as Richie catches up!!
Dear Richie,
The first book of your's that I read was "It Begins" the first novel of the Unseen series.
I've always been a huge fan of Horror, and when I saw the cover, I had to read it.
I thought it would be just mindless gore and such, but I was happily surprised when I found that I could not put the book down for one second!
I actually cared and got attached to the characters!
I bought the whole series minutes after finishing the first book!
Now, every time I re-read the series, I'm still in suspense of what is going to happen to Lucy, even though I already know!
Your books are amazing! After reading The Unseen, I also read The house Next Door, and now The Walk of the Spirits, I just can’t get enough of your work!
Can’t wait till your next novel!
-Becky
Hi, Becky!
Well, your letter made my day! I'm so happy that you've become a fan of THE UNSEEN, and that the first book intrigued you so much that you had to read the other three! And you couldn't give me a greater compliment than to say you cared for and got attached to the characters!
Honestly, to me that's what my writing is all about: the characters. More than plot or atmosphere or the hundreds of other
things we writers concern ourselves with during the writing process!
I couldn't write a word of plot if I didn't love my characters.
Passionately! I pour so much time and energy into their creation, development, and "maintenance," that they're always completely real to me. And much more preferable to spend time with than many "real"
people I know!!!!
I'm also grateful that you've gone on to read my other books. I've written many more (27 in all) but unfortunately, most are out of print. But don't despair--I'm in the process of trying to bring some--or all--of them back, though we're still in "thinking" mode right now. I'll be sure and announce plans on the website, so please keep checking in! In the meantime, I'm currently at work on the revisions to my new book--a sequel to WALK OF THE SPIRITS. It's supposed to be released in the summer of 2009, but again, there will be up-to-date news here on the website. I'm so glad to be doing this sequel--between you and me, I couldn't bear saying goodbye yet to Gage and Etienne!!!!
Becky, thanks again for taking time to write, and for sharing your kind words. They mean a lot to me--and they ALSO mean a lot to my characters!
Warmest wishes,
Richie
Dear Richie,
My name is May and I LOVE your books. I first started reading them when I was in 7th grade (2006) My favorite is The Drifter. I love Carolyn and Joss' relationship.
I am excited to read your latest book- WALK OF THE SPIRITS! And I'm even more elated when I read your going to write a sequel! Hopefully I will be able to read the book really soon so I can post the review on my new book blog (it can be found here www.yabookrealm.blogspot.com)
Best Wishes,
May :D
Hi, May--
What a wonderful compliment, to hear that you love my books! And I was so intrigued that your favorite is THE DRIFTER--I hardly ever hear readers mentioning that particular book, and it's always been one of my favorites. I, too, loved the relationship between Carolyn and Joss. I also loved the setting, the romantic isolation and wildness of the sea and cliffs. To me, that merely heightened the suspense--that untamed restlessness of nature surrounding them on all sides.
You might enjoy hearing a bit of trivia about the book cover--and getting a laugh out of it. When I create characters, I am VERY picky, VERY careful, VERY detailed. Usually I take a certain photo from a magazine, a catalog, etc. to use as a basis for each character, and these are displayed on a bulletin board over my desk for the duration of the book. The picture I had of Carolyn was of a young lady with long wavy red hair, very old-fashioned looking. She was described throughout the book as having this red hair, and in my mind, this was the precise picture I had of her.
When it came time for the book cover to be done, my editor phoned me and said that the artist told her that she (the artist) hadn't been able to find a description of Carolyn anywhere in the book! So the artist then just took it upon herself to draw some girl and stick her on the cover. I immediately told my editor that there WERE descriptions of Carolyn in the book (while I was wondering why my editor hadn't remembered this!), and I pointed out each and every page number where there was a description. But since the artist had already done her drawings and refused to admit that SHE had been at fault, and since my editor was embarrassed at HER own mistake--I was told to change my descriptions of Carolyn. Ever since then, whenever I look at that girl on the cover, I think to myself, who IS that person?????? Whoever she is, it's not Carolyn!!!! :)
Perhaps by now you've had a chance to read WALK OF THE SPIRITS--if so, I certainly hope you enjoyed it. I visited your book blog, too--
how fun! And how wonderful getting to read books and analyze them!
It's a great opportunity for you to inspire people to read!
May, thanks again for taking time to write. I'm so glad you enjoy my books, and I wish you all the best with your new website.
Best wishes,
Richie
Richie,
I just love your books. I've been a fan since middle school (and that was 20 odd years ago). I've been searching the net and book stores all over for anything that I can get that you have written. I my goal is to meet you in person someday and have another book signed. You always said that you write at a desk that you believe is haunted. I'm very interested in that subject and hope someday to see a ghost. My question is: What makes you believe that the desk is haunted? I want to that you for your devotion and hard work that you put into every book. You help me enjoy reading and do more reading. Thanks so much for everything! You work does not go unnoticed.
-Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Thank you so very much for your lovely letter--it touched me deeply. I'm thrilled that you still enjoy my books after 20-odd years, and knowing that my books have inspired you to read, is the best gift you could give me. I feel truly honored by that.
So you're interested in ghosts, are you? I share your passion--I've been fascinated by the paranormal all my life! I actually grew up with a ghost in my house from about 8th grade until I left for college. Of course the ghost was still there when I came home for visits, and I actually missed him when I was away. He was mischievous, but not creepy. I saw him...or his general, hazy shape...on several occasions and also experienced many unexplainable events while I lived in that house. Footsteps walking right past me, but nobody there. A hand resting on my shoulder, but nobody there. Doorknobs turning while I stared at them, tapping sounds on the wall above my pillow, the overwhelming sensation of being watched--again, nobody ever there. Every Christmas season, when my parents and I would be out running errands, we'd come home to find all the ornaments off the Christmas tree, all lying on the opposite side of the room--never broken, just sort of lined up. Yet despite his pranks, I always sensed the ghost was looking out for me. I still miss him.
But you want to know about my desk! It's an antique rolltop desk, and it belonged to a funeral director named George Creel in the early 1900's. I have an actual bill, an itemized bill for a funeral, which was found in the back of the rolltop part by the antique dealers I got it from. They hinted that strange things had happened in their store ever since they'd purchased the desk.
I've heard strange sounds coming from my upstairs office when I've been downstairs. I've heard muffled voices and even music coming from upstairs on a number of occasions. I've frequently seen the figure of a man in the hallway. Doors have opened and shut by themselves. Objects have moved across the room on their own. And several of my friends have also sworn that they've glimpsed a man in the upstairs hallway. Mr. Creel? One of the deceased that he put to rest? Or someone--something--entirely unrelated?
At any rate, I've never felt afraid. Now...if I could just convince Mr. Creel to write my next book for me!!!!
Lisa, thanks again for your wonderful letter. I, too, hope we get to meet someday so I can sign a book for you in person. That would be so special to me!
My best to you always,
Richie
Hello,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading Walk of the Spirts, it was an absolutly wonderful and interesting novel. I just finished it today and was trying to find out if there was a sequel. I saw in your newsletter that you are writing a sequel and i was ecstatic!! I also read that the more positive feedback you recieved for Walk of the Spirits the greater chance you would have to get a whole series for the book published. So i am writing positive feedback for this outstanding book!
Can't wait for the series!
Forrest :)
Hi, Forrest!
I love your name! It's so pretty and unusual, and I can't help but wonder the story behind it. I'm such a huge fan of names. When I name a character, it has to feel right, sound right, start with the right letter, have just the right number of syllables, and be emphasized in just the right spot. What can I say--I'm a bit obsessive, as my characters will attest!
I'm so happy you liked WALK OF THE SPIRITS. And 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. As you mentioned, 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!!!
Thanks again for writing, and thanks for your kind words about WALK.
Best wishes always,
Richie
Hi Richie! I'm still working on reading the last book of The Unseen Series and I absolutely loved it since I read the 1st book. Everytime I read each chapter of each book of the series, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone may be watching me like someone was watching Lucy during the whole series. Not only Lucy is my favorite character but I also like Byron Wetherly, even though he's dead and all. I just got started reading Walk Of The Spirits after I picked it up from my local town library and I like it so far and whenever I'm done with it, I'll tell you what I think of it. What I really want to know is this: If The Unseen Series were to be made into a movie, who would you pick to do the role of Lucy Dennison, Byron Wetherly or other characters from the series? And this is kind of a silly question but what does Lucy look like from your perspective (hair color, eye color, height, weight, etc.)? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Have a great rest of your summer!
Love & always,
Paige
Hi, Paige--
I'm so glad you're enjoying THE UNSEEN. If you feel like you're being "watched," then I guess I've succeeded in making those books believably creepy! I have to admit, Byron was a favorite of mine, too--dead or alive! He stayed in my heart throughout all four books--just like he did in Lucy's.
Now, who would I pick to play those characters in a movie? Hmmm...that's really a tough one. There are so many cute girls and guys out there in so many movies, I'm not sure I could pick just one! I did, however, originally imagine Matt as looking sort of like Jared Padalecki. The funny thing is, I didn't even know who Jared Padalecki was, had never heard of him--then came across his picture in a magazine during one of my "character searches." Something about his face intrigued me, and I immediately connected him with Matt. Then much later, in one episode of "Supernatural," I looked at the screen and there was Sam Winchester actually dressed like a priest! And there I was, mouth hanging open, pointing my finger, going, "oh my God--it's Matt!" :)
As for Lucy's description, you might go back to BOOK 1: IT BEGINS. Near the bottom of page 25, there's a brief mention of Lucy and her mother looking similar: "the same blue-gray eyes and long, thick lashes, the same silky blond hair." I've gone back through all four books, but you're right--there aren't any more descriptions of her. In my mind, she is slender, average height, her face rather vulnerable looking--after all, she's been through an incredible amount of pain and confusion. You know, whenever I write a book, I often keep the description of my main character deliberately vague. She is Everygirl. She is the girl every reader will identify with and--hopefully--become as they are reading. So that's why so many of my heroines aren't described as intricately as the other characters around her.
Well Paige, thank you for taking the time to write. I hope you found a copy of WALK OF THE SPIRITS and are enjoying it as much as you did THE UNSEEN. And yes, please do let me know how you liked it (or not!), and any questions, comments, or suggestions you might have.
My very best to you,
Richie
Dear Richie,
My name is Christina, and I'm so excited to have this opportunity to email you. What an honour!!! I have been a die hard fan of your since I was in elementary school. When I was young, my mother and teachers would battle with me because I never liked to read.EVER.I bombed my report cards I tell ya! So when my aunt gave my dad this book to give to me called "Someone at the door"...well, I got hooked! I couldn't put it down. I have every one of your books and still reading them 11 years later. I guess you can say you inspired me to read.....your books only :) . Everything you write is everything I want in a book. It keeps me on the edge everytime.
My questions are;
-Are you planning to visit Toronto, Ontario some day? and, -Is there a possibility that maybe one day your books or atleast one will be made into a movie? that would be so amazing!
I'm looking forward to the sequel to "Walk of the Spirits". That book was amazing.I've already read it 3 times! Keep up the great work.
Your fan forever;
Christina from Toronto, Ontario >_<
Hi, Christina!
First, I just want to thank you for your sweet letter. I feel so humbled by your comments, and so grateful to have been an inspiration with your reading. An author never quite knows what effect her books might have once they're written and sent out into the world. So it's wonderful to find out that my books have actually made an impression--and a difference.
To answer your question, no, I've never been to Canada, though I've always wanted to. And believe me, if I had the chance, I'd jump at it! Have you ever been here to the States? You must let me know if you travel my way. In the meantime, I'm not giving up--Canada isn't that far. And if I ever find myself heading in your direction, I'll definitely let you know!
As for the movie issue, I would love to see one of my books optioned for film. Wouldn't that be great? Just that thrill of watching all those characters coming to life on the big screen??? Unfortunately, at this point in time, there haven't been any offers, but if and when I hear anything, I'll post it here on the website immediately!!!
Christina, thanks again for taking time to write me. I hope you continue to enjoy my books, and I hope I can keep writing new ones that you'll enjoy even more! You said you've read WALK OF THE SPIRITS three times already--which makes me curious about what keeps drawing you back! Ghosts? Gage? Etienne? :)
Take care and know my thoughts are with you,
Richie
Dear Richie,
ahhh!!!! omg i LOVE you!!!! ur books.......they're AMAZING! i've almost read all of them and ill be buying all of them soon! (i just started working) the first book i read was Starstruck and i LOVED it!! then i got the House Next Door and fell in love! i couldn't put either book down!!! i spent study halls in our library just reading ur books! (they didn't have the whole collection unfortunatley) I just have to say that ur my FAVORITE author and thank you for writing the best books in the world!!!! hope things are great!!
<3 Jas
Hi, Jas!
I'm so excited that you're enjoying my books! Your letter made my day! One of the titles you mentioned--THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR--is a personal favorite of mine. And when you said you fell in love after getting it, I couldn't help wondering if you meant: in love with the book--or in love with Daniel!!! (Daniel is also a personal favorite character of mine!)
I just want to say that it's an honor to be your favorite author. I'm thrilled that my books have become a part of your life--and I'll do my best to keep on writing stories that you love to read.
Best wishes always,
Richie
Dear Richie,
hi im Alex and im a huge fan!!! i LOVED the unseen but i still need to finish it. but i am thouroughly enjoying it. the story i so great!i love the suspense and it is easily one of the best horror stories i have ever read. buti have to tell you i cried every time a character died!
keep writing! especaily something close to 'the unseen'!!!
once again, i love your books!
~alex
Hi, Alex--
Thank you for being such a fan of my writing. It's wonderful to know that you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them!
Just to give you a bit of trivia, THE UNSEEN was the very first series I ever wrote; all my books before and since were individual titles. It was originally published in England, then later published here in the States--so there's another British series available, with different covers! To be quite honest, I really groped my way along, as I'd had no experience writing series before. I was told by the publisher that I could write 4 separate books with 4 separate plots and recurring characters--or I could write 4 books linked together by one plot. Since I don't do outlines, I wasn't sure what was going to happen at the end of the first book--but when it ended the way it did, I realized that I'd be doing one continuous plot throughout 4 books!!!! Whew! What a learning experience!
You made an interesting comment about characters dying, how each time it happens, you cry. I have a confession to make--I do the same thing! Whether the character is good or bad, it's extremely emotional for me when he/she dies. It's hard to create a character, be close, stay with him/her through every event, each up and down-- and then have to let them go. Yes, I'll be sitting here at my desk, writing the death scene, sobbing my heart out--while my cocker spaniel Audrey gives me that look--that "Why did I have to end up with the weirdest mom in the universe?" look!
So Alex, thanks again for your great letter--it really made my day.
I hope THE UNSEEN turns out to be everything you hoped for!
My warmest wishes,
Richie
Hey! I'm a huge fan of your books, Particularly "The Unseen."
Have you ever thought of making The Unseen into a movie or movies?
I think it would be absolutely amazing to see your spectacular novels come to life on the big screen!
-Katie
Hi, Katie--
First, thanks so much for being such a fan of my books--and especially THE UNSEEN. THE UNSEEN series seems to be one of those things that only a small number of people seem to know about or have read. So I'm always thrilled when the series gains a brand new reader!
Like you, I can't think of anything better than seeing all those characters take on lives of their own, interacting with each other on a big screen. Wouldn't that be wonderful! But unfortunately, I have very little say-so about my books becoming films. 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--giving Lucy, Dakota, Byron, Matt, Jared, and Nicholas their chance to shine--or stalk--as the case may be!!!! :)
Thanks for writing, Katie, and for showing your support. I appreciate it so much, and I hope you continue to enjoy my books.
Best wishes,
Richie
Dear Richie,
I've only recently begun reading your books. Well, book. I read Walk of the Spirits, and I have to admit- summer 2009 seems like centuries away! In the meantime, I look forward to reading your older novels!
You said the more positive feedback, the better, so here it is. :) Ghost stories have always been a favorite of mine, but it takes an exceptional book to be put on my favorite/most anticipated sequel list. Walk of the Spirits is very close to the top, if not the top book on that list. The characters are both intriguing and believable, and the plot line is very gripping. Usually, when I read a very good book, I speed through it (I'm usually a fairly quick reader), trying to get as much of it as I can, then I'll go back and re-read it immediately after, slower, to catch every last detail. Walk of the Spirits was one of those books. I can't wait to see what's in store for Miranda, Etienne, Parker, Ashley, Roo, and Gage!
So, I'd just like to thank you for writing it. I enjoyed every minute of reading it. And re-reading it. And re-reading it. And on and on. I'll be checking in for more news, and I'll be sure to add any other questions or comments I may have.
Thanks again,
Livi (my last name is Ritchie!) :)
Hi Livi--
What a coincidence about your last name! I love your first name, by the way. Is it short for Olivia, or is Livi your full name? As you can imagine, I've gone through my entire life explaining my own
name: no, it's not short for anything; no, my parents did not want a boy; and no, I am NOT a boy, thanks very much!!!!! :)
Your comments about WALK OF THE SPIRITS truly warmed my heart. Like you, I can't wait to see what life brings next to Miranda, Ashley, Roo, Parker, Gage, and Etienne. Out of all the 27 books I've written (so far!), I think these characters have touched me and become a part of my life more than any other characters I've ever done. It's very hard to let them go--so please send positive vibes that the publisher will continue the series!!
Right now I'm expecting the sequel to come out in the summer of 2009-- hopefully you'll find it every bit as mysterious and entertaining as you've found the first book--and yes, I'm pretty sure there's a ghost or two!
Livi, thanks again for such a lovely letter. It's so rewarding to know that a reader loves the characters as much as I do, and loves the book as much as I love writing it.
I wish you all the best,
Richie
Hello,
I really got into the book 'Walk of the Spirits' and wondered if that story would be continued.
-Emily
Hi Emily!
I just thought it was interesting that "Emily" is one of my favorite names--and "Adele" is my own middle name! So perhaps it's no coincidence that our paths should have crossed! :)
So glad you enjoyed WALK OF THE SPIRITS. Right now I've just finished up the sequel and am working on revisions. If all goes well, the book should be out in the summer of 2009. So happily, the kids in St. Yvette will get to continue their friendship--and ghost hunting!
Thanks for taking time to write. And check in with the fansite from time to time for news and announcements!
My best,
Richie
Dear Richie,
I was wondering if you were planning on writing a sequel to Walk of teh Spirits. I really enjoyed the different characters and wanted to know more about them.
-Megan
Hi Megan--
So happy that you enjoyed WALK OF THE SPIRITS. Like you, I fell totally in love with the characters--and if it were up to me, I'd never let them go! I also feel there's much more to be said about them...that I've only scratched the surface of who they really are and how they relate to each other. So many more adventures to be experienced!
Right now I'm doing revisions on a sequel, and if all goes well, the new book should be out in the summer of 2009. I don't have a title for it yet, but I'm working on some ideas. After that, the publisher is trying to decide if the series should continue. Let's all send positive vibes, shall we!!!
Thank you for showing such an interest in WALK OF THE SPIRITS.
Hopefully, you'll find the sequel as enjoyable as the first book!
All my best,
Richie