Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated October 2008
How many books about Creel and Shardas will there be?
Three. Dragon Slippers, Dragon Flight, and a third book which comes out in spring 2009.
What is the title/plot/exact release date/cover for the third book?
The title and release date aren’t solid yet, but as soon as they are, I will post them on the website. Ditto the cover, which isn’t finished yet. I DO NOT GIVE AWAY PLOT SECRETS EVEN IF YOU SEND ME MONEY! Sorry.
What is DragonSKIN Slippers?
Dragonskin Slippers was the original title for Dragon Slippers. My editor here in the USA thought it gave away the big secret too easily, so we shortened it to Dragon Slippers. In the UK, however, they really liked the title and decided to keep it. They are the same book, except for the title and cover art.
Will you write a sequel to Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow?
No. They lived happily ever after!
Will you write a sequel to Princess of the Midnight Ball?
Yes, I just finished the rough draft! I don’t know when it will come out, though.
What are you working on right now?
Well, that depends. It depends on my mood, on whether or not I have something to edit, on whether the kids let me do any writing. Really, it’s better not to ask.
Are you going on a book tour soon?
Sadly, no. I do as many signings as I can, though, but mostly they are around Utah right now. Keep watching the "Meet Jessica" page, though, for upcoming events!
How can I get you to talk at my school?
Have a teacher, librarian, literacy specialist, or principal invite me! I’m very funny, and love to talk at schools! It do charge a speaking fee, though, so that’s why I need to be invited by someone in charge.
I’ve written a book/story/play, will you critique it for me?
Good for you! The world needs more writers! Unfortunately, I don’t have time to read other people’s manuscripts, and I’m a terrible critic anyway. You don’t want my advice. Seriously.
How DO you get something published?
First you have to be rejected about a million times. Or at least, that’s what it feels like! No, what you need to do is write the best story or book that you can (I don’t know anything about plays or poetry, so I can’t say what to do with them). Then the REAL work starts. There are books you can buy, or check out from the library, that are guides to editors, agents, and publishers. They are usually called something like: The Guide to Editors, Agents, and Publishers, so they aren’t hard to find. They have the names and addresses of editors and literary agents, and information on what types of things they publish, and how to send your stuff to them. You can also look around for local writers’ conferences, which are frequently organized by universities. They give you an opportunity to talk with other aspiring writers, but also to meet with editors and agents in person. I highly recommend the writers’ conferences, which is how I finally got my big break. (For my whole publishing saga, see my newly updated bio!)
Do you draw the cover art on your books?
Nope. I have no artistic skills whatsoever. I cannot even draw a stick man that looks like a stick man. I took two semesters of pottery in college, and all my pots were lopsided and kinda scary looking, frankly. Fortunately, my publisher only wants me to write the books, not decorate them, so they hire artists to do the covers for me. But this doesn’t mean that I get to look over the artist’s shoulder and say, "Make that dragon’s head bigger! Now have Creel’s hair blow to the left!" I do get to make some suggestions, and I can scream really loud if I don’t like it, but there’s a lot of other people involved in "packaging" a book, and they get a say in matters, too.
What’s your address?
That’s another secret! But if you want to send me something, feel free to send it through my publisher!
Jessica Day George
c/o Bloomsbury Children’s 175 5th Ave, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010
What are your kids named?
I’m not tellin’! That way I can tell embarrassing stories about them, and they won’t get made fun of when they start school.