Letters from 3Blue, Stella Maris, Shellharbour

Hi

I had some great letters from readers in 3Blue, Stella Maris Primary School, Shellharbour, New South Wales.

Here are some of the comments:

'When it comes to a chapter, we beg Mrs Honey to read the next chapter. You might think that is funny because I think it's funny too. The one I like best is Audrey's Big Secret because Audrey is keeping a secret from her family ...'
Chloe

'I like your Audrey books because at the end of each chapter, you make us want to read more! My favourite book is Audrey Goes to Town because Audrey begs to go to the dance with Boy. It is a very funny book.'
Connor

'... I loved listening mainly because they are funny and have lots of funny sayings that make me laugh. My dad says lots of these sayings as well. I love Audrey because she has a great imagination ... '
Mitch

'I like the Audrey seris because it sounds like it will happen in real life. I also like the names you gave the characters ...'
Giulia

Thanks for some great feedback 3Blue. I like Audrey's sense of humour too. And many of her sayings are ones that my dad says too.

There were a couple of questions included:


How long did it take to write the books?

That is hard to answer directly because the research takes some months. I visited Beltana where Audrey Goes to Town is set and did a couple of trips to the north of South Australia to take lots of photos. The first draft is not the end. Just the beginning. There were many drafts of each book. Altogether, I guess each one took about a year to write and rewrite - and rewrite again.

Are you going to write other books about Audrey and her family?

There is a picture book coming out in 2011. Ann James is working on the pictures now.
In April 2011 there will be a very nice bindup of all three books released.
But for now, sadly, there won't be other novels in the series.

I am working on a mystery series right now, which is different but very exciting.

Hope that answers your questions.

And remember, the Audrey part of my website has activities and latest news.

Oh, and My Australian Story:OUTBACK has more about Audrey when she is a little younger than in her own series. This book is written from the viewpoint of cousin Jimmy.

Thank you, 3Blue and Mrs Honey.

Christine Harris

www.christineharris.com

cartoon: Wizard of Draws