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Barbara Answers Back Archives
Dear Barbara Taylor Bradford, I see that your latest Novel is called "Three Weeks in Paris". Did you spend a significant amount of time visiting Paris while researching and writing this new book? Elaine Walters For Three Weeks in Paris, I did spend a good deal of time visiting and taking in the beautiful surroundings. However, a good deal of the information for the settings of this story were absorbed in prior visits to Paris through the years. I also did a good deal of fact checking on locations to verify that everything in the book was correct. This is a process I go through with all of my books. BTB Dear Barbara Taylor Bradford, It was great to see that you were recently honored on postage stamps from two Caribbean nations. How where you selected for this honor and how long did the process take? Also, were you required to visit these nations as part of this tribute? Judy Hassan The postage stamp honor was really something that caught me by surprise. Both the nations of St. Vincent and Grenada have different regulations than the US or the UK and they can put living subjects on their postage stamps. Each of these nations planned an issue to celebrate the best writers of the 20th century. I was notified about this honor about six months in advance and I did get to peek at the design before the stamps were printed. I have been to visit each of these beautiful countries, though it was not a requirement for this honor. The Ambassadors of these friendly nations also attended the parties in New York and London where the stamps were introduced. BTB Dear Barbara Taylor Bradford, I was wondering what you thought of the television adaptations of your novels. One would imagine that they might have looked different on screen than you imagined the people and places when you sat down to write the books. Harold Owens Surely the TV movies look different than the way I initially pictured the characters. But then again, the characters often change quite a bit in my imagination during the course of writing a novel. It's like they take on a life of their own as they develop. As for locations, I carefully research the settings for each story, so when they make it on to the screen they look very much like I pictured them. BTB Dear Barbara Taylor Bradford, I am an avid reader of each of your novels. Can you tell me who selects the cover art for each of the new books? I loved the cover for Katie Byrne! Connie Rosenberg Thanks for the compliment on the book covers. In response to your question, the cover artwork is developed by artists at Doubleday Publishers. Bob and I are involved throughout this process and we do sometimes reject art that we consider to be inconsistent with the story. In the end we always seem to be satisfied with the final selection. Ultimately the positive feedback from the readers tells us that we made the right decision. BTB Dear Barbara Taylor Bradford, I would love to know how you come up with such interesting characters for your books. I especially loved Emma Harte and the wonderful determination that she had, to survive and become a successful businesswoman. H. Smith My characters all come from my imagination, and basically they are created from whole cloth. I enjoy inventing these remarkable people, and weaving stories around them. Doing this is one of the most exciting parts of writing. BTB Dear Barbara Taylor Bradford, Have you written a sequel to Where You Belong? I must be crazy because I thought I had read a continuation of this story - finding Val's missing half-sister, who returned at their request and ran the business after their mother died. Did I just imagine this? Pat Banks No, I have not written a sequel to Where You Belong. But I did have Val make a comment in the actual novel about her mother finding the half-sister and training her to run the business. BTB To Barbara T. Bradford Loved the book but couldnšt help but wonder if the main character was at all autobiographical, especially her relationship with her mother. I ask because I have discovered a most interesting phenomena approximately 9 out of 10 women my age, (born in 1935), did NOT have a good relationship with their mother, ladies now in their 80šs and early 90's. Unlike your heroine, I DO want to find out the reason they didnšt like their daughters very much and wondered if you had any insight into this. J. Langsam Dear J. Langsam: No, the main character in "A Sudden Change of Heart" was not autobiographical. Laura Valiant was created totally from my imagination, as all of my characters are, except for a few characters in "A Woman of Substance" and "Act of Will." As it so happens, I had an exceptionally good relationship with my mother. We were very, very close, and I always say she is the best part of me. I was devastated when she died. I also had a wonderful relationship with my father; I was an only child and somewhat doted on, Išm afraid, and perhaps that explains the rare closeness between the three of us. (See my novel "Act of Will," based on my parents. Also, my biography produced by Lifetime Television which aired in December of 1999. It should re-run again.) However, all that said, I, too, have noticed that many women now in their 50šs and 60šs complain they did not get on well with their mothers. These are mostly English women and Išve lately wondered if this lack of closeness harks back to the Second World War. In England particularly, the war years were exceptionally grim and hardships and heartbreak abounded from devastating air-raids and bombing attacks by the German Luftwaffe, food shortages and rationing, to fuel rationing and lack of gas for cars. Not to mention, terrible heart-breaking loss of lives. Women worked in factories and hospitals and kept the home front going; the men had gone to war. Some came back wounded; others never came back. So most women, average women, were under a lot of pressure and stress and they had huge burdens to carry. Perhaps their daughters came in for some neglect. Išm not sure, but it is one point of view. What do you think? Sincerely, BTB Dear Barbara, I would like to inquire if you have considered writing a follow up to "To Be the Best". I would love to hear what becomes of Lorne, Tessa Linnet, Patrick and little Fiona who lost her Mom as well as the other cousins, also when the story ends Paula was pregnant, what happens to her. As with all followers of these books I really enjoyed them and found myself living for the next chapter, there are still a lot of loose ends to my way of thinking and I would certainly buy the new book if there was one. Thanks a lot, Yvonne Ahrens Dear Yvonne: Everyone keeps asking me to do a follow up on the Harte family trilogy, I thought Išd written enough about them all but it looks as if I could be wrong. So maybe one day, in the not too distant future, Išll sit down and start that fourth book about the great-grandchildren of Emma Harte. If I decide to do it, Išll announce it on my website. Thanks for your interest. Sincerely, BTB Dear Barbara, I am a literary student at Newbury College, Brookline, MA, and am taking a rather unusual look at your first novel "A Woman of Substance", in that I am looking at it from a historical scholarship point of view. I feel that your description of the landscape, architecture, attitudes and way of life for different and social economic groups in the North of England during the late 1800's and 1900's are true to form. At this point in time I am looking for information and/or articles that will back up my thesis statement, proving that we can view your work with an historical scholarship point of view. Any suggestions or information you have is much appreciated. I am relying on the Internet right now as here in the USA my 'hands on' resources are limited. Thank you in advance for any information or advice. Best wishes, Sarah Jane Remington Dear Sarah: Thank you for your letter and your interest in my novel "A Woman of Substance." This was published in 1979, and as of today it has sold 19 million copies worldwide, in 89 countries and 39 languages. It has been on countless international best-sellers lists and is now considered a classic. It is still selling. It was made into a six-hour mini-series for television, starring Liam Neeson, Deborah Kerr, Jenny Seagrove, Sir John Mills and countless other great actors, and was nominated for an Emmy Award. I spent two years writing this novel: usually they were 14-hour days, and I worked seven days a week. A great deal of time and effort was put into the research by me. I concentrated on the following at great length:
I must point out that a great deal of information was stored in my head. I come from Yorkshire, grew up in Leeds and worked as journalist on the Yorkshire Evening Post when I was a girl and young woman. And so obviously I had a whole backlog of information to draw on. Also, I am steeped in British history, my favorite subject, and so once more I had a fund of knowledge at my fingertips. For a long time now "A Woman of Substance" has been regarded a work of scholarship in the UK, and so has my novel "The Women In His Life." I am obviously thrilled and flattered that my books are thus judged. Incidentally, The Brotherton Library at Leeds University are the Keeper of my Archive. Since the novel was written so long ago I no longer have the research at my fingertips. But I hope these answers help. I would also like to mention that there are two sequels to "A Woman of Substance." These are "Hold The Dream" and "To Be The Best," and they help to create the trilogy known now as The Harte Saga. Sincerely, BTB
To Barbara T. Bradford, Re: Book Signing I work for Sam's Club in Frederick, MD. We are trying to get some well know authors into our club for a book signing. We would love to have you come to our club and do a signing for us. I have read several of your books and I have enjoyed them. I especially enjoyed "Love in Another Town." I even saw the movie version of it. I know that our members would just love to have your come to our club, even if it is only for an hour or two. Please contact me as soon as possible if you are able to set this up. You can either e-mail me or contact me at Sam's Club. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Again, I enjoy your books so much I will not part with them after reading them. They become part of my collection. Keep up the good work and I look forward to new releases. Thank you, Cynthia Phillips Dear Cynthia: Thanks for your invitation to come to Sam's Club for a book signing. I have signed at clubs like yours in the past, and enjoyed it. I have just finished a book tour for "Where You Belong," and wonšt be going on the road again until next year. But I am passing your request on to my publishers. It is usually their decision where I go. Thank you so much for your interest. Sincerely, BTB To Barbara Taylor Bradford: I read WHERE YOU BELONG and there was a reference to Bonnie Prince Charlie as the son of Charles I, who was beheaded. I am enclosing a copy from the Britannica about Bonnie Prince Charlie who was a descendent, but not the son, of Charles I: CHARLES EDWARD LOUIS PHILIP CASIMIR STUART, byname YOUNG CHEVALIER, or BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE last serious Stuart claimant to the British throne and leader of the unsuccessful Jacobite rebellion of 1745-46. Charles's grandfather was the exiled Roman Catholic king James II (ruled 1685-88), and his father, James Edward, the Old Pretender, affected in exile the title King James III. Charles was reared a Catholic and trained in the arts of war. In 1744, during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-48), he joined a vast French fleet that was torn apart by a storm before it could invade England. I just wanted to let you know. Lucy Heckman Dear Lucy, Like other writers, I never know how glitches and errors suddenly appear in the printed book as if from nowhere. The manuscript can be perfect, as well as the proofs and the bound galley. And then suddenly there it is. A GLITCH. Such an error in WHERE YOU BELONG was pointed out by several readers. Whilst I knew very well that Bonnie Prince Charlie was not the son of Charles I, I did not spot that error when I read the proofs of the book. Nor did I notice that the word physically was hyphenated, and became physi-cally in the middle of a line, until I spotted it only the other day in the printed book. The word was obviously hyphenated because it ran on two lines in the first proofs. This happens when a long word falls at the end of a line. It is hyphenated by copy editors so that it fits at the end of one line and the beginning of the next. None of us caught that strange hyphenation either. Here are the proper facts about Bonnie Prince Charlie, who was a descendant of King Charles I and King James II. King James II was the second son of the ill-fated Charles I (beheaded by the Roundheads in 1649), and the younger brother of King Charles II. James inherited the throne on the death of his brother Charles II in February 1685. James II was married twice, first to Anne Hyde, by whom he had two daughters Mary and Anne. After Anne Hyde's death, James married Mary of Modena, by whom he had a son who was named James Francis Edward. This young prince was known as The Old Pretender, i.e. Pretender to the throne. Prince James, The Old Pretender, married Maria Clementina Sobieska, and they had a son whom they called Charles Edward, also known as The Young Pretender (to the throne). His nickname was BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE. Therefore, Bonnie Prince Charlie, The Young Pretender, was the grandson of King James II, and the great-grandson of King Charles I. The throne passed from James II through the female line of his family, to the two daughters he sired by Anne Hyde. First it went to his daughter Mary and her husband, William of Orange, who was both his son-in-law and nephew. Upon the widowed William's death, the throne passed to Anne, the late Queen Mary's younger sister, who ruled as Queen Anne. Sincerely,
Dear Barbara, Since you are my favourite author and I have read all of your books many times I was curious to see the list of Britain's top 50 writers. I was very upset to find you were not on the list although any list that has William Shakespeare as #50 would have to be questionable. Anyway, this prompted me to see if you had a web site and I am delighted to find that you do, so that I can express my frustration with the list but also my admiration of your gifts and talents. You have given me countless hours of reading joy and you definitely rate #1 on my list. Thank you. Having been born and raised in the North of England and being in your generation I find I identify so much with your books. A SUDDEN CHANGE OF HEART, which I have just completed, was extremely touching. Thank you again. Dorothy Hope Choudhuri Dear Dorothy: I laughed when my publishers in the UK told me that there were so many lists about top writers coming out they couldnšt keep track! I agree with you, and so do they, by the way, that any list with Shakespeare at the bottom has to be questionable. I am delighted you enjoy my books. Thanks for writing. Sincerely,
To: Barbara T. Bradford Enterprises, I am interested in the saga of the Harte Family. My question is... Are there any titles besides A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, HOLD THE DREAM, and TO BE THE BEST? It seems there are still unanswered questions for example about the revenge of Jonathan and Sarah Harte. I really like that book and I canšt wait to read more about those books. Yours, Dear Ciane: I only wrote three books in the Harte family saga. I decided to let this trilogy stand, and so I did not write a fourth book. The titles you mentioned are the only ones available right now, unless I decide to create another book about Emmašs offspring. All three books were made into television movies. Two of them, A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE and HOLD THE DREAM are available on video. Sincerely,
Dear Ms. Bradford, I was adopted in England thirty years ago. My birth mother's name was Barbara Taylor. My given name was Jane Taylor. I know this sounds a strange request, but I was wondering if you were related to, or know of any other Barbara Taylors? I am actively searching for my birth mother and would be grateful for any assistance. I know that as a woman of such status, your time constraints are enormous, but if you have a chance to respond to my inquiry, I will be indebted. Sincerely, P.S. I just finished A SUDDEN CHANGE OF HEART and enjoyed it greatly! Dear Ms. Bonnett-Rampersaud, I donšt know of any other women with my name. Nor do I have any relatives who would fit your description. To find your birth mother you could write to St. Catherinešs House in London. Here they keep all records of births, marriages and deaths. They might be able to help you, if you can give them specific information. Their address as of February 1996 was:
Sincerely,
To Barbara T. Bradford, First let me say I love your books. My question is, from HER OWN RULES, on page 10, you have a prayer. It was so touching to me. Where did this come from? I have never heard it before. Thank you, Susie Dear Susie, The poem on page 10 of HER OWN RULES, called "The Miraculous Stall," is one which I wrote myself many years ago. It was for a childrenšs book I published. Thanks for your interest, Dear Mrs. Bradford, I am excited to find your web site, because I have wanted to contact you for a long time. After reading my favorite novel, A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, I thought you would be the perfect one to write the story of my great-great-grandmother Olivea Alexander Roberts Taylor Mather Mckinstry Withers! I have over 200 letters from her and her family members that are so interesting. She had only one son, Francis Walsingham Mather, who was adopted by her second husband and murdered by her fourth husband. I would be so pleased if you would consider this project. I will close with a paragraph that I found among her many letters: "Great Grandmother Olivea! That was always a name to conjure up in the Mather Family. Of course, the present generation know only the tradition of her charm and personality, her trail of admirers, her romantic life (altho much sorrow and tragedy darkened years of it). But of her great beauty, there was the pictured evidence in the large portraits, of which the family took such care." Also, "You remember daughter, how I have told you about the long trip that our forebears made from Georgia to Alabama, living first in Cahawba and finally at Mobile, but I donšt believe Išve ever told you about the ardent admirer, also from Georgia, who came to visit the old home in Mobile and lost his heart to our own Great Grandmother Olivea!" Sincerely, Dear Sis Mather Smith: Your great-great-grandmother's story sounds fascinating. I think you should attempt to write it yourself because you have great documentation with the 200 letters. I have never based my books on real people, nor have I ever used a collaborator. But thank you for thinking of me, and for writing. Lots of luck and best wishes, Sincerely, To Barbara T. Bradford, This is the only way I can figure out to e-mail you. Just wanted to tell you that after I e-mailed you last week, I got one of your books to read, POWER OF A WOMAN and it was the first book I have read of yours, and I enjoyed every word in the book. I even noticed that the names of the dogs used in the book were the same as your own and loved it. I am a dog lover myself, and have a black toy poodle "Princess" and you would think she paid the rent and bought the groceries in our home, so well is she treated. Anyway, I already have another of your books, A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE (I figured I may start at the first) and will begin it in the next few days. Thanks for the nice reading, Dear Sharon: Thanks for your nice letter, and I am delighted you enjoyed POWER OF A WOMAN. I know what you mean about your little dog "Princess." My own two are quite certain our home is their domain. Which of course, it is!
Dear Web Visitors, Thank you for the overwhelming amount of questions you have submitted to my web site. I will try to answer as many as I can. Since most of your questions had to do with the availability, on video, of the television adaptations of my novels, I will answer that question first. At the moment, the only video available in the United States is the six-hour miniseries of A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE. This was released from Acorn Video last year and is available in stores across the country, as well as through the on-line store links on the A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE movie page on my website. I am delighted to tell you, as was announced on my Home Page, Acorn Video will release the sequel to A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, entitled HOLD THE DREAM, on May 2nd, 2000, just in time for Mothers Day. Again, it will be available in stores as well as through direct links to on-line stores on my website. At present, there are no videos available in the US of the remaining television adaptations: TO BE THE BEST, ACT OF WILL, VOICE OF THE HEART, A SECRET AFFAIR, EVERYTHING TO GAIN and LOVE IN ANOTHER TOWN. These are available only in the United Kingdom from Odyssey Video, and can be purchased in stores there. * However, I will be checking with the owners of the rights to these films and let you know when and if they plan to make them available for purchase in the United States in the future. So keep checking my website for updates regarding video releases. I enjoyed reading all of your wonderful comments about how much you have liked the shows, and I thank you for taking the time and trouble to let me know. With very best wishes to you all, 
*The PAL formatted UK video is not compatable
with US VCRs
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