Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated May 2011
How many Dragon Slippers books will there be?
I don’t know. Right now there are three: Dragon Slippers, Dragon Flight, and Dragon Spear. I have ideas for more, but right now I am working on other projects. I will eventually go back to Feravel, don’t worry!
I have a great idea for your next dragon book! Can I send it to you?
No, but thank you! I have plenty of ideas of my own, and I would hate to take someone else’s!
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!
How many Princess books will there be?
Three: Princess of the Midnight Ball, Princess of Glass, and a third one that I am working on right now.
Why aren’t you writing about each of the princesses?
Because I have had great ideas for three books: one about Rose and Galen, one about Poppy and Christian, and one about Petunia and her super secret love interest. I also have lots of ideas for other books, and I didn’t want to force myself to write nine books that I didn’t feel inspired to write, when I could be working on something I’m more excited about.
What is your next book going to be?
My next book is called Tuesdays At The Castle, it’s a middle grade fantasy about a young princess who lives in a magical castle that is basically alive. It will be out in October, 2011, and is the first book in a series.
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.