On January 19, 2008, the three "Erin Hunters"—Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Vicky Holmes—visited Wands and Worlds for our fourth author chat with the creators of the Warriors series.

* Editor's note: most of the extra chatter was deleted, and the order of some the questions & answers was changed. When multiple authors answered the same question, I moved their answers together, but keep in mind that they didn't necessarily see each others' answers.

Members started gathering in the chat room early on the day of the chat. Throughout the day people came and went in the author chat room, chatting, RPing, and talking about the upcoming chat with "the Erins." Excitement grew as the chat time approached...


Sparklestripe: I could change my color to orange


Sevenclaws: I think Millie should have gotten an actual warrior name...


Soundstorm: Does anyone here think that one of them might show up early...?


Tumblestar: lol


Sparklestripe: 27 mins


Lakestorm: omg


Lakestorm: 27m


Tumblestar: I think vicky will be early


Rowantail: Ditto, Seven. I think it would have made her a part of the Clan even more.


Bluefeather: 60 Peeps!


Daisypaw: thunderclan has taken in too many cats (dont get me wrong, millie's awesome, tho)


Tumblestar: 60! wow


A new member named lionpaw joined, and people started noticing something unusual about lionpaw...


lionpaw joined.


Blood From The Marine: 61


Forestpelt: lionpaw??


Tumblestar: 61!


Lakestorm: Thunderclan has not taken in too many cats


Copperrose: Lionpaw???


Swiftpatch: it makes them stronger


Rainshimmer: ya firestar is being a softy to all the cats.


Splashspots: Lionpaw


Splashspots: ?


Copperrose: who is that>:


Daisypaw: More than other clans tho


Forestpelt: wha.........?


Blizz: Lionpaw...?


Sparklestripe: Who Is Lionpaw??????????


Quailfeather: who is Lionpaw?


Snowberry: Millies name should have been Snowfeather


Copperrose: they are tat teh top!!!!


Copperrose: that means imposrtant!!!!


Copperrose: look at the top!!!


Copperrose: why aren't they in alpha order>:


Quailfeather: Lets go Erins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lilacheart: Why is Lionpaws name above sheila's and why is it dark blue?


Lakestorm: 26 min


Cloudstep: Who's lionpaw?


lionpaw: Hello everyone! Vicky here (mysteriously logging on as Lionpaw just to test I can get into the chatroom). I must warn you, I'm Very sleepy so you'll have to do your best to keep me awake!


Tumblestar: wow


Sparrowflower: yay!!!!!!


Dawnstripe27: Omg


Copperrose: Vicky!!!


Splashspots: Vicky


Willowtail: Yay!


Snowberry: Vicky!!!!!!!!!


Hawkfire13: im back i think


Dawnstripe27: Vicky!!!!


Bluefeather: vicky!


CloudWind: Vicky!!!


Splashspots: Vicky


Gingerleaf: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Willowtail: Yay


Angelstar: Vicky!


Crypticmoon: Vicky!


Snowstorm2: did I miss anything


Cloudstep: Hi Vivky!


Bluefeather: Vicky!


Dawnstripe27: Awesome!!!!!


Soundstorm: Vicky! :D


Rainshimmer: Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sparklestripe: omg... you were Vicky this who time???????


Hawkfire13: Vicky?????


Lakestorm: Vicky what?


Brokenpath: Vicky!!!


Echoing Whisper of the Wind: Vicky!!!!!


Lakestorm: Vicky?!


Snowstorm2: where


Lilacheart: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D


Crypticmoon: Vickyyyy!


Willowtail: Vicky!


Flametail: V-vicky? =O *hugs*


Hawkfire13: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Willowtail: Yay


Snowberry: Vicky


Bluefeather: Is it really?!


Icestar: and here we go with the name calling


Lakestorm: Vicky!


Willowtail: Yay


Silvermist24: Have I missed anything yet?


Echoing Whisper of the Wind: you is evil


Hawkfire13: Whwerere? Where????


Stormflower: vicky?


Copperrose: Vicky We Love You!!!!!!


Forestpelt: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Splashspots: Yay


Rainshimmer: Omg Omg Omg Omg Omg Omg


Willowtail: oh god!'


Crypticmoon: Squee!


Blizz: Vicky?!


Silent: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wildpaw: vicky?


Lakestorm: yay!


Lilacheart: Vicky is here!


Quailfeather: Viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiickkkkkkkkkkkyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Rainshimmer: I Luv U!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Snowberry: Vicky


Sparklestripe: Vicky=lionpaw


Forestpelt: Yayy@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Quailfeather: Lol!


Willowtail: oh my gosh!


Sparrowflower: Yay!! *faints*


Tumblestar: yipiyiyay


Crystalclaw: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Dawnstripe27: Vicky U R The Most Amazing Person Ever!!!


Silent: Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1


Copperrose: we lve you vicky


Silvershimmer: hey vicky omg


Splashspots: W00t


Snowberry: We Love You!


Fierceheart: Vicky, I can't say how honored I am to finnaly meet you!


Silvermist24: Vickys Here!?!?!?!


Hawkfire13: Vicky I Met U!!!!!


Flametail: *runs into wall with excitement*


Brokenpath: Lets go erin. Lets Go! *clap clap*


Willowtail: -huggles-


Splashspots: Yay!


Sparrowflower: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!


Quailfeather: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Copperrose: you are our hero!!


Hawkfire13: vicky, im from warriors fanclub


Daisypaw: Do u have chocolate this time vicky? lol:)


Willowtail: Don't you feel all special. Vicky? :D


Forestpelt: I told you guys she is always early


Echoing Whisper of the Wind: *glares at Vicky 'cause Vicky killed Cinderpelt and Spottedleaf and Silverstream*


Sevenclaws: Wow! I cannnot believe this... I am meeting... Vicky!


Leopardstripe: Vicky!!!!!!


Willowtail: Vicky! I met you on the tour!


Sparklestripe: Vicky is Lionpaw


Magicyop: Vicky is Lionpaw


Lilacheart: "lionpaw is vicky"


CloudWind: I met you on tour!


lionpaw: Hey, Icestar! I don't mind the name calling! It's better than people calling me names, if you know what I mean. :) That was meant to be a smiley face, by the way, but I don't know if it will show up. No chocolate this time, Daisypaw. I did have some, but I ate it earlier *shifty eyes*. And even worse, No Missy! My dog is on holiday without me, sob. So it's just me, in my lonely house with a blanket tucked over my knees...


SheilaRuth: No chocolate? How can you cope!


Blizz: Yay ^^ Hi Vicky, so glad you could come!


Wildpaw: Vicky, You're My Idol!


Lakestorm: Vicky, remember me from your Georgia tour? I gave you the family tree!


Rainshimmer: yay!!! i bot some truffles for u!!! but i accidently ate them *guilty*


Splashspots: I have Chocolate


Dawnstripe27: can we start asking questions?


Rowanchest: Hi Vicky!


Waterstripe: Hi Vickey This Is My First Time Talking To You


Crypticmoon: Yay Vicky! *tackle glomps vicky*


Splashspots: You can have some


Wildflower: Vicky? Shes here!


Bluefeather: Guys, calm, calm.


Quailfeather: we ::wub Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Daisypaw: 20 mins!


Hawkfire13: Everyone Stop!!!!!


CloudWind: *dies for the first time since Author Tour*


Echoing Whisper of the Wind: i had chocolate yesterday


Squirrelflighty: No asking questions yet........methinks.


Willowtail: Remember me from your Ct tour? I spelled Sandstorm wrong on my T-shirt. You wrote in my book, "long live Sandstrom!" Don't you just hate typos?


Wildflower: Thank you for not killing Cinderpaw!


Angelstar: *gasp* I have been wanting to say this forever! I have the same last name as you Vicky!!! *happy*


lionpaw: My smiley face showed up! Yay! And huge, extra-special purrs to everyone I met on tour Of Course. You're all so fabulous. Yup, Lakestorm, I remember you and the awesome family tree. And Splashspots, I want your chocolate Now. Hi, Sandstrom! :)


Blackheart: Vicky! Do you ahve some cheeseless pizza?


Splashspots: *hands over chocolate*


Snowberry: Do you remeber me Vick? I was at the petulama tour. My grmapa wanted you to sign a book that you didn't write. Hes loopy


Quailfeather: *buys vicky a box of chocolate*


lionpaw: Blackheart ! We meet again! *evil James-bond-style laugh* No cheeseless pizza, ack it's far too late for that sort of snack. Snowberry, Grandpas are allowed to be loopy. They've earned it. Right, I'm going to log out now to rest my frantic typing fingers, and when I come back I'll be Vickyholmes (hopefully). If I can remember my password... Oh the shame.


lionpaw left.


Wildflower: noooooooo! Vicky!


Willowtail: Gah


Lilacheart: she's gone


Dawnstripe27: Nooooooooooooo


Daisypaw: she left


Quailfeather: Vicky left:(


Wittle Mewstar: No, she left.


Copperrose: bye vcky!


Dawnstripe27: She's Gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


CloudWind: 20 m


Blackheart: Vicky actually said hi to me, about the cheeseless pizza thing lol

The members chatted for a while, then Vicky came back under her own name. There was just as much excitement this time...

VickyHolmes joined.


Dawnstripe27: Vicky!


Sparrowflower: Yay!!!!!!!


Lightstreak: Vicky!


Waterstripe: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sky where Thunder Sings: Vicky!


Hawkfire13: Vickly!!!!!


Daisypaw: vicky's back!!:):)


Lakestorm: Omg Vicky I Love You <3


Leopardstripe: Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Fruit Salad aka Firestream: yay!


fernheart: Omg vicky


Echoing Whisper of the Wind: VickyHolmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vickyholmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vickyholmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vickyholmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vickyholmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vickyholmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vickyholmes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Squirrelflighty: Everyone. Please. Relax. She is only human!


Hawkfire13: slow down!


Wildflower: Slow down!


Crypticmoon: Be quiet if you want to hear vicky speak...


crystal_caverns: Hello Who Is Vicky?!!!!!


Lightstreak: Sheila! vicky's here :D :D :D :D


Brokenpath: Calm Ppl Calm!!


Sparklestripe: Vicky is a third of Erin Hungter


Dawnstripe27: omg, vicky, weill you say hi to me, that way i will always be able to say Vicky Holmes Said Hi To Me!!!


JayFeather: vicky you are awesome *so happy. falls down stairs into a dryer


VickyHolmes: I'm back as me! Hi, Dawnstripe27. Is that how old you are? :) Gosh, I'm alarmed that Crystal-caverns doesn't know who I am. :( Cc, you do know where you are, don't you? ;) Leopardstripe, I'm so relieved to hear you've changed your mind about Seekers. Fruit Salad, I love your name, not so keen on frosting I'm afraid. Phew, I'd forgotten how very talkative you guys were. But I must confess I Love it.


Hawkfire13: guys. if we all stop saying "hi" and "vicky!" then we will slow down.


Dawnstripe27: no, im not 27, i just like the number!


Wittle Mewstar: I like to eat Vicky. 8D


VickyHolmes: Wittle Mewstar, I strongly advice you not to eat me. I wouldn't taste very nice. No answers to questoins yet! Although I can say that I Will be back on tour this year, first of all in April/may. But I don't know where or exactly when, I'm afraid. Keep an eye on warriorcats.com for the schedule.


VickyHolmes: Guys, little boxes keep popping up on my screen with individual questions. You know who you are! I'm really sorry but I can't get into individual chats - I'd wear my fingertips to the bone! And if I was verrrrryyyyy mean I might say that sneaking in questions outside the chat, and before the official start, was a teeny bit unfair... Luckily I'm not mean! :)


Sky where Thunder Sings: What do you mean you aren't mean, Vicky? You're evil. :3 Yay evil.


VickyHolmes: Oh yes, I'm definitely Evil. But not mean. Not ever.


Wildpaw: Of couse you're not mean! But yes,evil. Why kill feathertail,why?!


Squirrelflighty: Ripplepelt: Vicky, you are the most awesomest editor ever.


VickyHolmes: Squirrelflighty (loving your name, btw), I ought to say that I'm a bit more than an editor (although I do that too), just in< case anyone feels I shouldn't be here. :( I come up with the storylines for each book, and work closely with Kate and Cherith on each manuscript. I've also started writing some of the books myself, starting with Cats Of The Clans which comes out this summer. Now I'm definitely one of the Erins! :)


CherithBaldry joined.


Hawkstorm: Cherith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Dovetail: cherith is here!


Squirrelflame: Omg Cherith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Daisypaw: Hi Cherith!!!


CherithBaldry: Hello everyone.


Daisypaw: cherith!


Star: omg


Crystalclaw: hi!


Fallenleaf: vicky i met you in georgia! on tour


VickyHolmes: Fallenleaf, I remember you!


CherithBaldry: I'm really pleased to be here. I've been looking forward to it.


Sunpaw: ! minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Jadepool: Cherith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


SheilaRuth: I'm in the process of gagging everyone so I can talk for a minute


Magicyop: Until there is silence, the chat will not work.


Daisypaw: 1 min!!!!


Magicyop: Daisypaw!


Magicyop: That Includes You!


Daisypaw: sry


SheilaRuth: Daisypaw, I've gagged you twice. Why can you keep talking?


VickyHolmes: I think Daisypaw is chewing through her gag... :)


Kate Cary joined while Sheila was gagging everyone, so no one could welcome her with an excited flurry of greetings:


KateCary joined.


SheilaRuth: Ok, I think I have everyone gagged now. If you aren't please don't talk for a minute


SheilaRuth: I want to tell you first of all - I'm going to allow chatting in the room while the authors are asking questions, but please try not to go overboard and be too random, because you can see it will make it hard to read the questions.


SheilaRuth: Anyone who doesn't want to see the extra chat and only wants to see the questions and answers can do this:


SheilaRuth: You can right click on anyone's name and choose "ignore". Then anything that person types will not appear on your screen


SheilaRuth: I tried to disable private chat, but it didn't seem to take. So I'm going to ask you Please do not private chat the authors. They will be too busy to handle 100 private chat messages


SheilaRuth: There are so many people, the authors will try to answer as many questions as they can, but we can't promise that you'll get a question answered


Birchstar joined.


Birchstar: hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii sorry im late


SheilaRuth: Priority will be given to good questions, and we won't be sending duplicates


SheilaRuth: Birchstar, please don't talk


SheilaRuth: Please mark your questions that are important to you with *** to let the authors know that those are important questions. They may choose not to answer, but they'll try to give priority to your important questions. Is that ok, Vicky Kate and Cherith?


VickyHolmes: Sounds like an excellent system, Sheila! Thank you.


CherithBaldry: Yes, fine, thanks.


SheilaRuth: Ok. Please don't mark every question with *** or the system won't work!


SheilaRuth: Ok, I'm going to ungag everyone and you can start now. Ask your questions in the yellow box.


VickyHolmes: Good luck, Kate and Cherith! :)


KateCary: thanks vicky - you too!


CherithBaldry: You too, Vicky!


SheilaRuth: I want to welcome Vicky Holmes, Cherith Baldry and Kate Cary, the wonderful people behind the Warriors series.


SheilaRuth: Thanks for coming


VickyHolmes: It's totally our pleasure!


CherithBaldry: Thanks for inviting us.


KateCary: It's a pleasure :)


Magicyop: Let the chat... begin!


SheilaRuth: Ask away!


Birchstar: Yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyaayyyyyyy!!! lol


VickyHolmes: It's very tense here, as I wait for the first onslaught of questions. Be nice to me, pleeeeeeeeease! And No I Will Not Tell You If Leafpool Is Jaypaw's Mother! Bwa ha ha ha ha ha. Ps. Kate and Cherith won't either.


VickyHolmes: And can I just say that I love Everyone's warrior name? Because that question gets asked an awful lot, and I honestly haven't seen a name that I don't like.

Crystalclaw(Q): Do you plan to kill off Firestar?

VickyHolmes(A): Well, no cat lives forever...

Silvermist24(Q): So is there gonna be a Bluefur series?

CherithBaldry(A): You'll have to ask Vicky that.

Soundstorm(Q): Why did you decide to make Lionpaw evil?

KateCary(A): I'm not sure if we have decided to make Lionpaw evil! Does he seem that way?


Fruit Salad aka Firestream: nooooooo Heatherpaw Is Evil!

Soundstorm(Q): Is Fallen Leaves one of the cats who lived by the lake before the Warrior cats did?

CherithBaldry(A): Yes.

JayFeather(Q): In what book do hollypaw, lionpaw, and jaypaw recieve their names?

CherithBaldry(A): I'm not sure; ask Vicky.

Wildpaw(Q): who is Firestar's mother?

VickyHolmes(A): We've never mentioned Firestar's mother's name. I wanted to reflect the reality for domestic cats, that they leave their blood-families as soon as they're old enough and spend the rest of their lives with Twolegs (for the most part). I really don't think this is anything to feel sad about. After all, if you see a whole family of cats living together, the children never seem to treat the cat who's their mom any differently than the others. I just don't think things like that matter to most animals.

Leafheart(Q): Cherith, do you do the covers for Warriors?

CherithBaldry(A): No, a professional artist does those. If I did them the cats would look very strange indeed!

Forestpelt: I'm answering Runningflame's Qs for him... :)

Thistlecloud(Q): Vicky: will SkyClan ever make a reappearance? =D

VickyHolmes(A): Yes they will! I'm planning the Super-Special for 2010 at the moment, and I think I can reveal exclusively and for the first time ever that it will be set in SkyClan. Yay! Well, it would have been a waste of all those lovely names and characters if we hadn't used them again.


Ripplestream: Skyclan!!!

Leafheart(Q): Vicky, Kate, Cherith, what inspired you to write Warriors?

VickyHolmes(A): Warriors came about because our publisher, HarperCollins Inc, asked me to come up with a fantasy story about feral cats. I wasn't hugely keen, I must confess, because I couldn't imagine coming up with enough ideas. Kate came on board as the writer shortly after the first storyline was bashed out; I invited Cherith to join for Book Three because I knew she was a brilliant writer who loved cats. One story stretched to six, then nine, then twelve, and now there will be< OVER THIRTY books by the time we get to the end.

Oceanmoon(Q): ***is it true that you have brambleclaw's death already planned out?

CherithBaldry(A): I think Vicky has something up her sleeve!


Squirrelflame: Brambleclaw?!?!?!?!


Soundstorm: *sniff*

Leafheart(Q): Vicky, Kate, Cherith, what is your favorite Warrior cat?

VickyHolmes(A): The cat I most admire is Cinderpelt, because she's such a stoic, brave and smart character. I'd love to be more like her! Or at least have her as my best friend. My favourite character to come up with storylines for is Brambleclaw, because no one really knows if he's GOOD or EVIL. Shades of gray, my friends, shades of gray!


lightningstar77: Shades of gray pwn!

spottedstar(Q) ***From Dawnstorm: How did you decide to give the cats special powers?

CherithBaldry(A): When Vicky first worked it all out, she decided what the medicine cats, etc, would be able to do.

Sparrowflower(Q): Why did you name one of Tawnypelt's kits Tigerkit?

KateCary(A): Tigerstar will always live on in the memory of the Clans as a powerful warrior - Tawnypelt probably hopes that his strengths will live on in her kit


Thistlecloud: But not his evilness, I hope ...


Sparrowflower: yay! my question!

Sevenclaws(Q): *** In Dark River, was Fallen Leaves part of a Tribe? If so, would you tell us what his Tribe was called?

VickyHolmes(A): You'll have to wait a while for the answer to this, I'm afraid. I know exactly where he comes from BUT I'M NOT TELLING YOU! Oh, the power...

Silent(Q): ***Who is Crowfeather's Father?

VickyHolmes(A): Hmmmmm. Can I say "Don't exactly know"? I don't watch those WindClan cats all the time, you know...

Splashspots(Q): If Spottedleaf had lived, what would be different? I am currently working on a fanfic about this.

CherithBaldry(A): I think there would have been a problem between her and Firestar, because they loved each other as Leafpool and Crowfeather did, but Spottedleaf was a medicine cat and so they couldn't be together.

Squirrelflighty(Q): Is Rainfur is related to Ashfur and Ferncloud?--their pelts are the same coloration. Would that mean they carry SkyClan blood?

KateCary(A): Eek! I don't know. I must start keeping family trees. It's so easy to lose track :(

lightningstar77(Q): ***Will there be a female villian in the power of three?

VickyHolmes(A): That would be telling, my friend! And I'm not keen on making cats purely good OR purely villainous. That's too easy! I'm much more interested in the shades of gray, the potential for good AND evil that we all contain within us. Admittedly, some of us are more evil than other. :)

Daisypaw(Q): ***Will there possibly be anymore trouble in ThunderClan involving non-clan cats? (Millie, Brook, Daisy etc)

VickyHolmes(A): Oh, most definitely! Just read Dark River...

CherithBaldry: My favourite cat is Leafpool, because I can understand how she feels. I'm also very fond of Brambleclaw, and he's great to write about, as Vicky says, because we don't know that much about what goes on inside him.


Hawkfire13: My Fave Is Leafpool Too!!!!!

Tuftstar(Q): I don't know if this has been asked or already devulged but who is suposed to be on the cover of Dark River?

KateCary(A): I think it's Heatherpaw - Vicky might know for sure

spottedstar(Q): do we scare you

VickyHolmes(A): Only a little bit.

Quailfeather: Vicky, have you ever thought of being a comedian?::laugh well don't be one, because Warriors wouldn't be the same with out you...

packdogs(Q): ***When is Outcast coming out?***

CherithBaldry(A): I'm not sure, but fairly soon. Vicky?

VickyHolmes(A): April 22nd, I think. I'll be on tour for its launch, yay!

Hazelleaf(Q): *** Are one of the kits really going to be evil?

VickyHolmes(A): I've done a careful study of this question and I have concluded...I'M NOT TELLING YOU! Sorry :)


Squirrelflame: Lol Vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thistlecloud: Vicky, you're funny. =D

crescentmoon(Q): Do medicine cats go to the Moonpool twice a month? There are 2 half moons in a month, right?

VickyHolmes(A): They do indeed, because as you say, there are two half moons per month. They must be very fit!

Seasonspirit(Q): Priority-(From all The Members of Blazing Silverpelt Role Play Forum): Are there skies for loners, rouges, and kittypets?

KateCary(A): I hope so. Hopefully kittypets will go to somewhere with comfy sofas (I know that's where my kittypets would want to go)

crystal_caverns(Q): Who is your favorite character to design?

KateCary(A): Currently, it's Jaypaw :)

Bluefeather(Q): ***Why did you make Jaypaw blind instead of on of his littermates?

CherithBaldry(A): Well, there has to be one, if we're going to do that storyline at all.

Swiftpatch(Q): ****** This is my only question. Do you think there should be a warrior's movie? And if so, what series/books would you do? Love your books!!!!!

VickyHolmes(A): Oh, the Warriors movie question! You'll find a more detailed answer to this on warriorcats.com, in the FAQ section. Briefly, I can assure you that we'd LOVE to have a Warriors movie come out, but it depends on a really good production company making a really good offer to the publishers. And that hasn't happened yet, but I have a feeling there could be more news on this by the end of the year... *shifty eyes*

CherithBaldry(A): I'd be delighted if there was. I think it would be awesome. I think you could make a very good movie out of Series 1, 1-3. And also Firestar's Quest. Thank you for being so enthusiastic.

KateCary(A): It would be fun to see a movie, but I would worry it might spoil the world we've created if someone tried to put it onscreen. And I'm sure Vicky would go nuts if someone else took control of her beloved kitties ;)

Leafheart(Q): What is you three's favorite Warrior cat and why?

KateCary(A): Apart from yellowfang, I love Sandstorm because she's got spirit and isn't frightened to tell Firestar exactly what she thinks

Brokenpath(Q): What will Jaypaw's warrior name be?

CherithBaldry(A): Jayfeather


Squirrelflame: Omg!!!!!!!!!!


Gingerleaf: woooooooooot


Blizz: :O


Allaire: Squee!


Seasonspirit: Knew it!


Ripplestream: I knew it...


Splashspots: Really!


Lightstreak: :D Jayfeatehr :D :D :D :D


Squirrelflame: Jayfeather? :O :D


Wittle Mewstar: D=


Bluefeather: Yay!


Blizz: *heartattack*


Lakestorm: Jayfeather? They revealed it?


Soundstorm: Cool :)


Stormflower: Jayfeather?


Lakestorm: Really?


Lilacheart: Jayfeather, Yay!!! :D


Gingerleaf: :d:d;d;::d::d:d::d;d:d:d:d:d:;d;d:d:":d\


Hawkstorm: Omg Jayfeather!


Forestpelt: And Cherith gives it away!!! Hah, Vicky! :L


Brokenpath: Yes!!! He's Jayfeather!!!


Hawkfire13: i Love that name!


shadowolf: Wow. o_o


Blizz: *hyperventalates*


Soundstorm: Jayfeather! Jayfeather! Jayfeather! Jayfeather!


Hawkfire13: jayfeather


Daisypaw: Jayfeather! W00t!


Brokenpath: Go Jayfeather!!


Dawnstripe27: Jayfeather!!! More evidence that he is Crowfeather's son!!!


Cloudstep: Jayfeather... Crowfeather... hmm...


Brokenpath: I'm glad I asked that q!!!


JayFeather: My name is jayfeathger. I knew it


Magicyop: Hi everyone, just taking a one second break from putting through questions! lol, Jayfeather! Neat! [goes back to questions]

RabbitFur(Q): ***Why didnt we learn hollypaws and lionpaws powers??***

VickyHolmes(A): Give us a chance! If you read DARK RIVER, you'll get some BIG HINTS about at least one of those two... Remember, I have six books to fill in every series, so I want to spread out the juicy revelations to keep you hooked!

CherithBaldry(A): As Vicky said, all the revelations have to be spread through the books. The stories wouldn't be as exciting if everything came together.

KateCary(A): You will :)


Forestpelt: Big hints? I'm going to read Dark River again!

snowstar(Q) (from Ivystar) Will there be a special edition: BLuestar's quest?

CherithBaldry(A): There are no plans at present, but who knows?

VickyHolmes(A): There will be a special edition about Bluestar's early life, up to the point when Rusty joins ThunderClan, coming out in August 2009. It won't be called BLUESTAR'S QUEST, though.

Dawnstripe27(Q): Is there any significance in Brambleclaw and Tigerclaw both having 'claw' in their warrior name, or is that a coincidence?***

KateCary(A): Tigerclaw had really huge, fiercesome claws, and Brambleclaw was named in honour of him

Blizz(Q): Vicky: Are the family trees on warriorcats.com to be considered canon? Many fans were distraught at the amount of errors and inconsistancies.

VickyHolmes(A): Hi Blizz. ABSOLUTELY NOT CANON. I don't mind admitting that I was dead against putting family trees on the official website because I KNEW they wouldn't add up (particularly for the first series). The family trees were compiled by someone who is very committed to the series, but she's not one of the Erins. We're all really sorry for the inconsistencies. Forgive us? *mournful eyes smiley*


Blizz: Thanks goodness!


Leopardstripe: I Agree!!!!! those family trees are soooo wrong


Lilacheart: We forgive you :D


Sevenclaws: Nice Q, Blizz.

Sunpaw(Q): omg will jaypaw and cinderpaw fall in love?!?!?!

CherithBaldry(A): Somehow I doubt it, but Vicky is always thinking up these twisty little bits to surprise us.

Rainshimmer(Q): Will Tawnypelt's kits play a role in the future books?

CherithBaldry(A): I'd be surprised if they don't.

VickyHolmes(A): Definitely! I love their names, for a start, so I wouldn't want to waste them. Haven't quite decided what they'll do yet...

crystal_caverns(Q): Is Leafpool Jaypaw's and the others mother?

VickyHolmes(A): I wish I had a piece of chocolate every time I got asked this! Because then I'd have a LOT of chocolate, and it would keep on coming because I never get tired of saying I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU. :)

Starsight(Q): What's The Rise of Scourge going to be about? Other than his return, which is kinda obvious from the title...:

CherithBaldry(A): Vicky knows most about this, but I think it is about Scourge before the events of Darkest Hour.

VickyHolmes(A): Well, the title doesn't say "Return", exactly... It says "Rise", which means we'll follow his early life, from when he was a kit until he becomes the monstrous figure that nearly did for all the Clans in the forest. I have to confess I had a LOT of fun with the storyline, especially coming up with an explanation for the collar studded with dogs' teeth.

Copperrose(Q): ***Do the cats of Fallen Leaves have a name?

CherithBaldry(A): Not as far as I know. If they did, I don't think any of the present-day cats know what it is.

Squirrelflighty(Q): Is Skywatcher related to the three apprentices, Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw? Jaypaw and Skywatcher look alike. ;3

VickyHolmes(A): Hmmm. Good point, but I think the answer is NO.

Blackheart(Q): ***Sorry, meant to go down a line: Will there be any blood in the Scourge Manga series?

CherithBaldry(A): Blood? Whatever makes you think that?


Squirrelflame: lol!!!!


Forestpelt: lol!!!!!


Squirrelflame: :D


Fallenleaf: lol


Quailfeather: Lol!

Sparrowflower(Q): When will the clans find out about cinderpaw?

VickyHolmes(A): WHEN? You seem to assume that they WILL! :) It would be a huge secret, and maybe not best to share.

spottedstar(Q): *Dawnstorm: What is your favorite part and least favorite part about being famous? And do you like the fact that some people will copy your ideas to create their fanfic?

KateCary(A): I don't actualy feel famous, though it's lovely to get fan mail - it makes me feel special :) And I'm delight we inspire so many would-be authors. it makes me feel very proud

Lakestorm(Q): ***Why did Tigerstar want to become leader of ThunderClan, then ShadowClan and the forest? We know he had ambition, but it never really says WHY he wanted to be leader--the most I can guess is, for ThunderClan, because he thought he'd do better than Bluestar, and ShadowClan/the forest, because he wanted power... but why, really?

KateCary(A): Why does anyone want to be leader? I guess some folks just like to be able to boss everyone else about :) That and the fact that Tigerstar was jut plain mean

VickyHolmes(A): Good question - and I can't answer it in too much detail because this will be covered in a future book. But I can say that Tigerstar started out with the best intentions of being a strong, loyal ThunderClan warrior, and got disillusioned when the Clan was run in a different way than he thought best. The irony is that he was a great leader of ShadowClan - if you leave out the fact that he wanted to kill all halfClan cats and conquer the entire forest.

CherithBaldry(A): Some people do just want power, as you'll see if you study history. Maybe they begin by thinking they could do better than the present leader, but it often becomes just the will to dominate.


Lakestorm: I Got My Important Question Answered!

Allaire(Q): ***All: Is there any chance that Seekers will be more than a standalone series?

VickyHolmes(A): Do you mean, will it go beyond six books? Gosh, we're only on Book Three, so give us a chance! :)

CherithBaldry(A): That will depend on how well it does. It's too early to say.

Lakestorm(Q): How long ago did Fallen Leaves live?

VickyHolmes(A): Many, many, many years. But cats don't live by calendars like Twolegs do so I couldn't tell you exactly. Nice question, though!

Willowtail(Q): ***Vicky, my friend, Kendra, would like to know if you can tell her if Firestar is ever going to die within the time you are writing the books. If so, will Greystripe be deputy then, Brambleclaw, or a cat you will not reveal the name to? Kendra would really like if you could answer, but she understands that you are going to have a lot of messages sending out to you guys. Thanks!

CherithBaldry(A): As far as I know there are no plans to kill Firestar at present, but it's always a possibility.

VickyHolmes(A): Hi to Kendra, even though she isn't here! All I can say in relation to this is, No cat lives forever. Especially not MY cats...


Squirrelflame: vicky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Silvershimmer: nooo vicky!!!


Squirrelflame: :(:(:(:(


Squirrelflame: dont tease me like that about firestar!

Dovetail(Q): *Why were Jawpaw, Hollypaw, and Loinpaw "born outside the hollow"?

VickyHolmes(A): I don't think I can tell you that. Or I'd have to...I don't know, apologise to Kate and Cherith FOREVER for giving too much away. :)

Cloudstep(Q): *** Will Ravenpaw be going to Starclan, even though they moved far away to the lake? Also, will he make another appearance in the series at all? He's always been my favourite character, even though he's gone...

KateCary(A): Vicky might know if he's going to make another appearance. I don't know if he'll be able to join StarClan now they've moved. Perhaps he'll make the journey to the Lake before he dies so he can join< his old Clanmates but he's happy where he is

Soundstorm(Q): Is it possible that there is more then 1 kit who will be evil?

CherithBaldry(A): Anything is possible!

Snowberry(Q): ***What would Millie's warrior name have been?

CherithBaldry(A): Only Firestar knows this!

KateCary(A): Ooh, interesting. I'm sure one of you could think up a far better name for her than I could - you come up with such GREAT ones!

Silvershimmer(Q): What is the best site (to your knowledge) for finding accurate release dates for warriors and seekers?

VickyHolmes(A): Warriorcats.com, or amazon.com. But please bear in mind that release dates can change at very short notice, for the most trivial-seeming reasons, so don't get too mad if they switch!

Talonfur(Q): ***In the begining of Secrets of The Clans it says Thunderstar is a orange cat. So my theory is since Firestar is orange too he is actually part ThunderClan. Is it true?

VickyHolmes(A): Good question! But I don't think ALL orange cats could possibly be related, do you?

Thistlecloud(Q): Are you ever going to consider going into the point of veiw of another Clan? ***

CherithBaldry(A): The final decision would be Vicky's. I think it might be very interesting to do.

crystal_caverns(Q): What gave you the ideas for the book?

VickyHolmes(A): Hi Crystal_Caverns. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you, but your questions have already been asked (and answered). If you scroll up through the endless chat, you should find them! :)

Crystalclaw(Q): Which one of you wrote 'Outcast'?

KateCary(A): That was Cherith's. I've read it though and it's awesome :)

Flametail(Q): All: If you could rewrite one scene in Warriors, what would it be?

CherithBaldry(A): I'm not sure that I want to rewrite any of it. By the time I've written it and Vicky has edited it and I've done the rewrites, we're fairly happy with it. I'd like to pick up the minor errors, though!

VickyHolmes(A): None. They're all perfect! :)

Lightstreak(Q): I'm sorry but Vicky, do you remember me? I was in Ventura, California, and I asked "Will Millie receive a warrior name" and "Will Tawnypelt's kits play bigger roles?" but I was wondering if the real names for the fourth and fifth Power of Three books are really "The Traitor" and "The Gift" as rumored

VickyHolmes(A): I love these rumours! I have no idea where they come from - those certainly aren't the titles I have in mind. But keep on rumouring, it makes for very entertaining reading.


lightningstar77: Vicky, you rock.


Lightstreak: Yay :D :D :D love you!

Forestpelt(Q): Vicky: What ever happened to One-eye? She just, kinda disappears without anyone saying anything, lol

VickyHolmes(A): Does she? Oh GOOD! That means I can put her demise into CODE OF THE CLANS, which comes out next year. And sorry for the inconsistency...


Forestpelt: One-eye's meh favaorite character


Squirrelflame: lol!!!!!


Crystalclaw: lol


Autumn: That sounded so evil, Vicky. Xd

Rosepetal(Q): Okay, lol. Will you tell us what ever happened to Goldenflower?? :D

KateCary(A): If I ever find out, I promise I'll tell you straight away!

Rowantail(Q): *** My first question of four: This one has been bugging me ever since I saw Sneezekit in the roster... Is there specific naming patterns that fans should be aware of? I noticed in the first six books there seemed to be strict guidelines to naming a cat, but as the series continued, the behaviours I noticed in the original series has seemed to... slide a bit, I guess. Is there a reason for that, or was there really no "set" standard for names?

VickyHolmes(A): Hmmm. All kits are called "something-kit" until they are made apprentices at six moons old, when they become "something-paw". Six moons later, or thereabouts, they get their full warrior name, which will be based on a characteristic, habit or physical appearance (for the most part). The first part of their name is often a hint of this, too. As far as I know, we've never changed our way of naming cats!

CherithBaldry(A): There wasn't really a set standard. Remember that when we started writing these we never thought that it would get so big, and so we were 'flying by the seat of our pants', you might say!


Rowantail: Thanks for your answers. (: From the pattern I'd noticed, it was usually appearance or physical trait being mentioned as the prefix to the name, and some sort of noun as a suffix. But I just didn't see how "sneezekit" tied into it, or how he could have gotten a name like that.

Silent(Q): Who Wrote Seekers?

CherithBaldry(A): Tui Sutherland, who was one of the editors for Warriors, wrote the first one, and I am currently writing the second one.

VickyHolmes(A): This is a VERY good question, because....*drum-roll*...you guys are about to meet a FOURTH Erin! Seekers Book One was written by a hugely talented young writer called Tui Sutherland, who was the editor at HarperCollins for the first two series. Tui writes under her own name, so do check out her books, and she did an amazing job on Seekers. She'll be joining us for future webchats, I expect! Cherith is writing Book Two of Seekers.


Rabbitfoot: wow!!!!!


Forestpelt: Wooot!


Rabbitfoot: A new erin!!!


Wildflower: 4 erins


Splashspots: Wow


Allaire: Fourth Erin!

Blizz(Q): Is Millie silver with blue eyes (as in the books) or is she tan coloured with yellow eyes (as in the manga)?

VickyHolmes(A): She's silver with blue eyes, as she's based on a real cat belonging to one of my co-workers, James. He's a huge fan of Millwall Football Club, which is based in London. So Millie's real name is Millwall!

Stormflower(Q): What are the genders of Tawnypelt's kits?

VickyHolmes(A): Two girls and a boy, I think.

Wittle Mewstar(Q): Because Cinderpaw is so much like Cinderpelt, will they share the same connection with StarClan?

VickyHolmes(A): Maybe. Or maybe not...

Lakestorm(Q): Where is SkyClan territory in relation to the lake territory?

CherithBaldry(A): My geography is terrible, but I think they are quite far apart as the river runs in the opposite direction from where the cats went to find the lake. Vicky, if this is wrong, please correct me.

VickyHolmes(A): SkyClan territory lies to the north of the original forest - Firestar and Sandstorm follow the river up past WindClan, and keep going on the eastern side of the mountains (because they don't go near the mountains on their way to the gorge). So in relation to the lake territory, SkyClan is on the far side of the mountains, north-easterly.

Lostpaw-The Master(Q): Out of Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw, who's your favourite?

CherithBaldry(A): Jaypaw is most interesting to write. The cat I like best is Hollypaw, though Lionpaw is a close second.

VickyHolmes(A): I try to make sure that they all have exciting storylines and strong characteristics so that Kate and Cherith enjoy writing about them. They take turns to "lead" the story, and I guess< they're at the best when they're centre stage, dragging the others behind them.

Lakestorm(Q): Is the special edition to be about Bluestar about before Firestar arrived or after?

CherithBaldry(A): Before.

VickyHolmes(A): It will feature the parts of Bluestar's life that we haven't seen before, so it will end when Firestar arrives.

Soundstorm(Q): It appears that Cinderpaw will survive. Do you plan to do something else to her?

CherithBaldry(A): Of course!

Starsight(Q): What do you think would have been the warrior names of some of the 'lost' cats? (i.e. Ravenpaw, Swiftpaw, Shrepaw, Molepaw, Snowkit, Hollykit, Larchkit)

CherithBaldry(A): I really don't know. If they die before they are named no-one thinks up a name for them.

KateCary(A): Thinking up names for all those right now would take too long I'm afraid, Starsight. But I'll ponder on it later

VickyHolmes(A): Gosh, I don't know! Coming up with new warrior names is soooooo hard (even though you guys make it look easy with your awesome lists!) that I'm afraid I don't waste good ideas on names that will never be.

Fierceheart(Q): Where did Graymist and Icewing come from?***

CherithBaldry(A): I don't know about this.

Starsight(Q): Do you have any new info on the fourth series? Specifically the main title (i.e. The New Prophecy, Power of Three, etc.), but other info is always welcome.*laughs*^_^

VickyHolmes(A): Yes, I have LOTS of new info on the fourth series. But I'll be keeping it to myself for a while, thank you. :) And I don't know the title yet, but something will occur to me, I hope.

crystal_caverns(Q): What was your guys favorite book?

VickyHolmes(A): Book Six of Series One: The Darkest Hour. Truly, truly brilliant!

KateCary(A): Out of the warrior books I loved A Dangerous Path - it was so fastpaced and well written

KateCary(A): When I was a kid, I loved the Carbonel books (about a cat - not surprisingly!)

CherithBaldry(A): Oooh, Kate, I loved Carbonel too!


Wittle Mewstar: What's Carbonel?


CherithBaldry: A book about a cat - the author is Barbara Sleigh. After the first one there was a short series, but the first one is best.

Rainshimmer(Q): We are aware that there is a traitor within Thunderclan, and Ashfur seem the reasonable choice, but I don't think you would make it that abvious. I think it's more complicated than that..but i HAVE to know!!! When will we find out? Can you give any hints?!

KateCary(A): Of course we can't! :)

CherithBaldry(A): No, not a chance!

VickyHolmes(A): One day you'll know, I promise. But that day is not here yet!

Ripplestream(Q): Hey Erin's, this isnt important, just wondering. What happened to Tallpoppy's kits Marshkit, Applekit and Toadkit? They were mentioned pretty heavily in Dawn, and mentioned by Birchpaw in SoTC..

KateCary(A): Didn't we mention them in Dark River?

VickyHolmes(A): Oh, they'll reappear, don't worry.

CherithBaldry(A): They are growing up in ShadowClan. You'll meet Toadkit briefly in Outcast.

Prairiestar(Q): Seriously, I know you've alluded to the possibilty of killing off Firestar, and he seems to have lost quite a few lives in a relatively short amount of time. How do you think your fans would feel if this actually happened? After all, without "Rusty", we would never have learned of the forest cats, or any of the clans.

KateCary(A): OMG Vicky - say it's just a rumour, please! I couldn't bear to lose him!

Sandspots(Q): *** In secrets of the clans, there was a cat who said, "My name is Rock, he said he lived in one of the three tribes that scattered long ago." In Dark River, a cat in the proluge, Rock, was described as a cat who lived in the caves forever, are these two cats the same, and is the Tribe of Rushing Water one of those three tribes that scattered, if so, then why did they scatter in the first place?

CherithBaldry(A): All of this will be explained in good time!

VickyHolmes(A): So many questions! And all will be answered in future books, I promise. Top Tip: Don't ignore anything Rock says!

Starsight(Q): Will Stormfur and Brook ever have kits? And are they going to return to ThunderClan or stay with the Tribe after Outcast?

CherithBaldry(A): I think it's quite likely that they will have kits. And you'll find out more about what they'll do next in Outcast.

VickyHolmes(A): I think you'll find the answer lies in Outcast... Patience, my friend!

Silvermist24(Q): When do you think you'll kill Leopardstar?

KateCary(A): Never, I hope, but you can never be sure with Vicky ;)

Lilacheart(Q): Which is your favorite series of the 3 so far, The Original, the New Prophecy, or the Power of Three?

CherithBaldry(A): That's so hard to answer, because I love them all! I think I have favourite books rather than series - of my own, Series 1, 3 and 6, Moonrise in Series 2, and Firestar's Quest.

Lakestorm(Q): What other books other than Cats of the Clans, Code of the Clans, The Rise of Scourge, Warrior's Return, the book about Bluestar, the rest of Po3 and the fourth series are planned?

CherithBaldry(A): You'll have to ask Vicky that.

VickyHolmes(A): You mean that's not enough for you?! :) There will be a Special Editiion about SkyClan in 2010, and possibly a Special Edition about the very first Clans in 2011. And that's as far as we've got.

Blizz(Q): ***Do you have the bloodline of Heatherpaw? Who are her family relations?

VickyHolmes(A): Eek! I don't think I can answer this! But what I will say is that there are more cats in WindClan, ShadowClan and RiverClan than are ever listed in the Allegiances. I tend to include only the cats that feature in the story, because otherwise the lists would go on forever! So Heatherpaw definitely has family, but they haven't appeared in any storylines. Phew.

Mistysky(Q): what is Lionpaws warrior name going to be?

CherithBaldry(A): After revealing Jaykit, I'd better shut up! But actually I can't remember.

Quailfeather(Q) *in the original series, before SOTC, it said that ThunderClan was name ThunderClan because the were near the Thunderpath and in SOTC it says diffrent, which one is true?

VickyHolmes(A): SOTC doesn't completely contradict this, actually. It says that Thunder was the first leader, which makes it seem as if that's why his Clan was called ThunderClan, but have you stopped to think how Thunder got his name? :)

Crystalclaw(Q): Will we ever know more about Fallen Leaves 'group'?

KateCary(A): Vicky might know that. I hope so. It would be interesting to find out how they lived - if they share any smimilarities with the Clans - similar rules and beliefs..

Silent(Q): Why did you chose Berrynose for Berrypaws Warrior Name?

KateCary(A): I didn't chose it - and frankly I think it's a little cruel, but then Berrypaw always was a bit annoying as an apprentice. I expect Vicky was just giving him his just desserts for picking on lionpaw so much

shadowolf(Q): Do you ever fall asleep on your keyboard while writing the books?

CherithBaldry(A): It has been known!

Forestpelt(Q) (from Runningflame)Vicky: How old, on average, is a cat when he/she joins the elders?

VickyHolmes(A): Good question. It depends very much on the physical condition of the cat. "Elders" is a rather misleading term, because it really means cats that aren't able to hunt and patrol for the Clan any more, such as poor Longtail. There's a WindClan cat called Heavystep who became an elder almost immediately after getting his warrior name because he has a condition that makes him very weak (a veterinarian would diagnose it as kidney disease, I think). If a cat is healthy (and lucky) they can probably last until six or seven years old before having to join the Elders. I know this seems young compared with kittypets but the life of a Clan cat is very hard!


Rabbitfoot: I think heavystep was an elder because he had a heart attack from being obese


Lakestorm: Heavystep Was Riverclan Not Windclan


Fruit Salad aka Firestream: heart attack from being obese???


Quailfeather: yes, Heavystep was Riverclan

Dawnstripe27(Q): Do you, (Cherith and Kate), ever suggest changes to the warriors storyline, or do you always stick to what vicky writes?***

CherithBaldry(A): I suggest changes if I have what I think is a good idea, and Vicky and I discuss them. Often she will incorporate them. That's one reason I like working with Vicky, because we have such great discussions about warriors.

Rainripple(Q): Just wondering...in Rising Storm you mention that yew berries are so poisonius that they are called deathberries so why is the new apprentice den in a yew bush? just have to know...

VickyHolmes(A): It's a sterile yew bush (they do exist!) which means it doesn't produce yew berries. On the plus side, the branches are so dense that they provide excellent shelter for the young cats, and a pleasant scent for their den.

Lakestorm(Q): Any reason why the kits of Po3 are named colored the way they are?

KateCary(A): I'm not sure what you mean

Rowanchest(Q): Korean publisher, 'Kim-yeoung-sa' stopped publishing Warriors after finishing the first series. And I can't afford every members of my site to learn English. If I publish Warriors in my site, is it illegal? -From Korean fan, Rowanchest, my site:

http://cafe.naver.com/warriors.cafe-

CherithBaldry(A): Yes, I'm sorry, it is, because the books are copyright. Vicky should be able to give you fuller information.

VickyHolmes(A): Hold tight, Rowanchest. The Korean publisher may yet buy the rest of the books. :) And I'm afraid it would be illegal to put Warriors on your site, sorry. :(

icyumber(Q): Is WhitewingxAshfur going to happen? *Crosses fingers*

CherithBaldry(A): Not sure. The answer is probably lurking in Vicky's mind!

VickyHolmes(A): Wow, that's not a pairing that had occurred to me! But hmmmm....

KateCary(A): We haven't decided on a mate for Whitewing yet (or at least I haven't, Vicky may have ideas) personally I'm rooting for BirchfallxWhitewing :)

Lakestorm(Q): Who writes the Allegiances?

CherithBaldry(A): One of the editors. Vicky?

Lakestorm(Q): Is there going to be an Erin Hunter series after Warriors/Seekers?

CherithBaldry(A): Hang on, give us a chance! Seekers has hardly started, and Warriors is still going strong!

VickyHolmes(A): Gulp. It will be 2012 by the time we finish all the books commissioned so far, by which time Kate, Cherith and I might have worn our fingers to the bone with all that typing, so who knows?

Autumn(Q): Is Mudclaw in the Place of No Stars?

CherithBaldry(A): I'm not sure... He wasn't totally evil, and had good reason to think that he was the true leader of WindClan.

VickyHolmes(A): I don't think he was bad enough for that. I kind of sympathized with him for wanting to be leader after Tallstar's death, seeing as he'd been deputy for ages and ages. I think StarClan would feel the same; even though they'd support Tallstar's decision and give Onestar his nine lives, they wouldn't punish Mudclaw any more by banning him.

fernheart: Hi to people reading this chat months later

Jadepool(Q): ***Vicky: Hi Vicky! This is Jadepool from Houston Texas when you came i shrieked and brought A L L of my warriors books in a box for you to sign! Welcome back! My question is: Is Nightcloud Crowfeather's true love? Or is she just an "accessory" to help his loyalty to WindClan? Was his true love Leafpool or Feathertail?

VickyHolmes(A): Hi Jadepool. Yes, I remember your box of books! :) Good question. I think I can safely say that Nightcloud is NOT Crowfeather's true love. He chose her as his mate to prove to WindClan that he was truly loyal, and would never be tempted to go off with a ThunderClan cat again. As for his "true" love, I'm not sure I've made up my mind about that yet. But I need to, because the question has to be answered quitesoon!

Fruit Salad aka Firestream(Q): ***What is it like for Tigerkit? Why did< Tawnypelt name him that? I thought she hated him!

VickyHolmes(A): We'll find out more about Tigerkit in future books. Tawnypelt didn't hate her father - she left ThunderClan to be with him, didn't she? She respected his strength and his commitment, and is very sad that he can't be honoured as a great warrior because of all the bad things he did.

Tuftstar(Q): Will we see more of Fallen Leaves? I love him!

KateCary(A): I hope so - I love him too, poor drowned little soul

VickyHolmes(A): Don't worry, Fallen Leaves will definitely feature again! He's far too much fun to write about!


Lakestorm: Fallen Leaves is just dang awesome

Forestpelt(Q): (from Runningflame)All: Have you used any fan-inspired names in any of the books published so far? If so, which ones?

KateCary(A): Not so far, but I think Vicky has plans to incorporate some of the ones she picked up on her last US tour - they're just so great

VickyHolmes(A): Not yet, because the books out already were done and dusted before I went on tour in October, which is when I collected reams and reams and reams of warrior names! So look out for them in Book Four: Eclipse onwards.


Rabbitfoot: omg yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Rabbitfoot: I'll be lookin for a rabbitkit


Rabbitfoot: lol!!!!!!


Fallenleaf: did fallen leaves come from me on an earlier chat?


Lakestorm: Fallenleaf, I'm gonna call you Fallen Leaves from noe on lol

snowstar(Q): When Brambleclaw was talking to lionpaw in Dark RIver, he said that there was a cat that meant him harm, which cat was it?

KateCary(A): Not telling!

VickyHolmes(A): I can't answer that! But all will be revealed...one day...

Crystalclaw(Q): ***What happened between Sunset And The Sight? Will there be a book?***

VickyHolmes(A): There won't be a book to fill this gap, I'm afraid. A whole year passed between Book Six: The Darkest Hour and The New Prophecy Book One: Midnight, and I always had a hunch Firestar got up to some pretty amazing stuff while consolidating his position as ThunderClan leader. But Book Six of TNP: Sunset left some hanging questions which will be answered in Power of Three, so there wasn't such a sense of mysterious Clan goings-on in between the two series. Hope that makes sense!

Copperrose(Q): Will Stormfur and Brook be having kits?

KateCary(A): I'm sure they will :)

VickyHolmes(A): I'm sure they will, they love each other so much and Brook would make a great mom. But it hasn't happened yet...

Magicyop(Q): ***I asked this before, but what happens when cinderpaw V2 dies? Does either Cinderpelt or Cinderpaw go poof? Or are there two spirits in Starclan?

VickyHolmes(A): Gosh, what a great question! I guess we'll all find out when it happens... (Which is a handy way of saying, I don't know.)

Starsight(Q): Really random question: is Lionpaw a reincarnation of Lionheart? _< Like Cinderpelt and Cinderpaw?

KateCary(A): No, he's very much his own cat

Wittle Mewstar(Q): Had he survived, what would Swiftpaw's warrior name have been?

KateCary(A): I don't know. I bet you could think up a better name than I could - what do you think?

Thistlecloud(Q): Have Kate and Cherith met each other yet? I heard once hey hadn't, but I want an update!! =D

VickyHolmes(A): No they haven't. I deliberately keep them apart in case they unite against me! :) That's not true, of course. It's just that they live at opposite ends of the country, and as they don't work on the same books, it doesn't affect the stories that they haven't met up. But one day it will happen. :)

Daisypaw(Q): Vicky, you mentioned once that Daisy would have another litter. Who is the lucky tom??

VickyHolmes(A): Spiderleg! Gulp!


Rainshimmer: Omg!!!!!!!!!!


Allaire: Omg.


Splashspots: Yes!


Hawkfire13: Omg


Wildflower: oh no!!!!


Starsight: ::ohmy


Hawkfire13: Spiderleg????


Swiftpatch: Spiderleg??? awww


Fruit Salad aka Firestream>Spiderleg: ???


Copperrose: whoa


Dawnstripe27: Spiderleg!!!!


Pinefur: Spirderleg!


Rabbitfoot: Omg!!!!!!!!


Silvermist24: Spiderleg????


Squirrelflame: Spiderleg?!?!?!?!


Ripplestream: Spiderleg?!


Copperrose: didn't see that coming


Fallenleaf: we did it!!!!!! its going to be spiderleg!


Rainripple: holy freak! I thought spiderleg was against letting kittypets into the clan?!


Jadepool: yeah well apparently he had a change of heart.... ::laugh

Lakestorm(Q): Wolfheart wants to know what Jaypaw's favorite color is.

VickyHolmes(A): Any colour is welcome to Jaypaw when he dreams!

Magicyop(Q): Did there used to be more tribes, as indicated by the 'Tribe Cat' story in SotC?

VickyHolmes(A): There is a lot about the prehistory of the Clans and Tribes that hasn't yet been revealed, but we'll find out much more about that in the second half of Power of Three, and the fourth series. So yes, there were many more communities of feral cats than our four Clans can dream of!

spottedstar(Q): Would SarClan havew sent a sign saying that mothwing should be a medicine cat if hawkfrost hadnt put the moth's wing outside mudfur's den? or did they just know that hawkfrost would do it?

KateCary(A): Interesting! I think StarClan had nothing to do with hawkforst's evil plotting, they just have to deal with the consequences - which aren't that bad. Even though Mothwing doesn't believe in StarClan she's a very concientious and dedicated medicine cat

VickyHolmes(A): That's an excellent question! And I think the answer is NO, StarClan would never have chosen a medicine cat that didn't believe in them (gulp). But they know Mothwing has a good heart and is committed to healing her Clanmates, which is why they're willing to accommodate her lack of connection with them.

CherithBaldry(A): Who knows? Probably they would, since she is a very good medicine cat, and would have been even better if Hawkfrost hadn't destroyed her faith.

Angelstar(Q): Is Millie pregnant?

VickyHolmes(A): Yes! At least, she is at the end of Book Three: Outcast, and her gorgeous babies are born in Book Four: Eclipse. They have the best names ever!

Swiftpatch: Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thistlecloud: Oh, I can't wait to hear her kits!!


Rainshimmer: Omg Millie's Kits!!!!!!!! Ahhhh!!!!!!!


Hawkfire13: Millie Kits?


Swiftpatch: Millie's kittens!!!!!!!


Wildflower: Millie has kits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Copperrose: yay for millie!


Rainshimmer: Omg Omg Omg Omg Omg Omg Millie Is Pregnant!!!

Sevenclaws(Q): Could you tell us the names of another tribe?

VickyHolmes(A): Nope!

Flametail(Q): Last I heard, Warriors books were planned to come out until 2010. Has that changed?

VickyHolmes(A): Definitely until 2010, possibly beyond if there's still a market for our feral cats! Including all the paperbacks, there will be new books in the stories until 2012 at least.


Rainripple: Yaya! 2012!


Lakestorm: 2010 is only 2 years away

icyumber(Q): Will Lionpaw and Heatherpaw ever get together again?

KateCary(A): I think Lionpaw is dedicated to being a warrior now and won't let anything stand in his way. But you never know....

VickyHolmes(A): That would be a BIG spoiler! I can tell you that they come into contact again in Book Four: Eclipse, though.

Lakestorm(Q): why was Tawnypelt changed from ginger to tortoiseshell

KateCary(A): Oops!

CherithBaldry(A): I don't think she was ever ginger.

VickyHolmes(A): She should still be ginger!


(Editor's note: these answers were not together in the actual chat. The three answered the question at different times and without knowing the others' answers).

Willowtail(Q): Cherith, since you wrote Firestar's Quest, I thought I would ask you this question. Are you aware of any other jumbo novels being released? If so, any clue when?

CherithBaldry(A): Yes, there will be more, but I don't know when.

snowstar(Q): Did dustpelt help tigerstar and hawkfrost?

CherithBaldry(A): I think you'll have to wait to find out that one.

Dawnstripe27(Q): Does Sandstorm ever get jealous of Spottedleaf because she knows Firestar loved Spottedleaf and she knows that Leafpool has a very special connection with Spottedleaf?

KateCary(A): Sandstorm isn't the type to get jealous. She respects Spottedleaf, but is well aware of her own worth

VickyHolmes(A): I should think Sandstorm has had to be very strong in herself to cope with Spottedleaf lurking on the sidelines of her family! But if you read Firestar's Quest, you'll see that Firestar genuinely loves his earthbound mate, and knows he made the right choice. Even though the choice was made for him, really, because Spottedleaf died.

Crystalclaw(Q): How do you think of all your names?

CherithBaldry(A): With great difficulty sometimes! But between the three of us, we manage. I love it when I come up with a good name!

VickyHolmes(A): With great difficulty! We're extremely grateful for all your ideas, especially the endless lists that were given to me while I was on tour in October. Basically, we use things that occur naturally in the cats' world - colour, weather, nature, habits - and fit them together to make names that are easy to say (and type - I always struggle with Squirrelflight!).

Fruit Salad aka Firestream(Q): will you ever have a series or book about another clan such as RiverClan? What about a book featuring the lives of StarClan?

VickyHolmes(A): I've thought long and hard about doing a book from the viewpoint of a different Clan than ThunderClan. I've always felt it wouldn't work with character we're familiar with now because it would be quite confusing - for us as well as you! - to cope with all the flipped-over viewpoints. But for the Special Edition about the very first Clans, I've decided we'll feature five cats' viewpoints, one from each of the early Clans.

CherithBaldry(A): I'd love to do a novel about StarClan. Pretty please, Vicky?

Angelstar(Q): Is Millie pregnant?

CherithBaldry(A): She does have kits.

Flametail(Q): Swiftpaw is Goldenflower's son. Is Tigerstar his father, or some other cat?

CherithBaldry(A): I don't think anyone ever decided.

VickyHolmes(A): Some other cat.

Forestpelt(Q): Cherith and Kate: Have you two still not met? :P

KateCary(A): No. :( I'm sure we will one day...

Stormflower(Q): How many lives does Firestar have left? In Sunset, it says he has seven lives, and when he gets caught in the trap, he has six lives. But in Firestar's Quest he has six lives. Is this an error or what...

VickyHolmes(A): Nothing is a mistake! Watch closely and all will become clear...

Hazelleaf(Q): *** Will any of the main characters from the past series have kits again? (ie: Greystripe and Millie Firetar and Sandstorm or Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight)

KateCary(A): It would be lovely if they did, but very confusing for us poor writers to keep track of all the kinships.

VickyHolmes(A): Well, Graystripe and Millie's kits arrive in Book Four: Eclipse. As for the other pairs, I don't have any plans for more kits (and it seems kind of weird to think of Firestar having kits again because he's a grandfather now, though I know he's not that old in real terms). But who knows what will happen? I have eight more books to fill!

icyumber(Q): Will Jaypaw's migical stick of wonder apear in Outcast?

CherithBaldry(A): It does, but it's not that important there.

VickyHolmes(A): I LOVE Jaypaw's magical stick of wonder! So it will definitely be making more appearances!


Sevenclaws: Yay Stick!

Tumblestar(Q): Is Firestar going to die before the end of the books?

CherithBaldry(A): I think we've already answered this. It's not impossible, but there are no immediate plans.

spottedstar(Q): Who actually wrote Secrets of the clans?

VickyHolmes(A): Tui Sutherland, who wrote Seekers Book One. She's a star!

Lakestorm(Q): How can Tigerstar see the living Clans from the place of no stars?

KateCary(A): I guess he uses the same method as StarClan :)

VickyHolmes(A): He can't see into all the Clans, so his vision is more limited than it would be from StarClan. The idea of the warrior ancestors looking down on the cats below is deliberately left mysterious - it's not like they literally sit on clouds in the sky!

crystal_caverns(Q): Glad to hear Skyclan will be appearing again! Loved them all so much that you could probably start another series with them! But I also wanted to know if there might ever be a warriors movie?

CherithBaldry(A): I'd love to write more about SkyClan! As for the movie - nothing decisive yet.

Stormflower(Q): Why is Millie's description so close to Silverstream's?

CherithBaldry(A): There are only so many colours of cats' pelts, etc.

VickyHolmes(A): Because Graystripe likes pretty gray cats! And because I promised one of my co-workers, James, that his own cat could feature in the manga. I didn't know that his cat Millie looked exactly like Silverstream, but I had to keep my promise.

Lightstreak(Q): If Cinderpaw's leg didn't heal, what would've happened to her?
<
VickyHolmes(A): Has it healed? Really? Do you know that for sure? :)

Lakestorm(Q): StarClan are said to be walking the skies, but really, how can they?

CherithBaldry(A): Because it's what they do!

VickyHolmes(A): Can we just leave this as a mystery, like the central element of any faith? I'll mention God in Heaven as the obvious example, but most religions belief in some sort of spiritual entity looking down (or up, or sideways) on mortals. As far as the cats in the Clans are concerned, they believe that their warrior ancestors are represented in the sky by tiny stars in Silverpelt (which we know as the Milky Way), so it's a logical progression from that to assume that these former cats are trotting around in the sky.

Moonshine(Q) ***What happened to Princess, Firestar's sister?

KateCary(A): She's still living a cosy kittypet life with her towlegs and growing fatter by the year - just like my cat Flower

VickyHolmes(A): She got left behind in Twolegplace when the Clans left the forest. Firestar says goodbye to her, knowing he'll probably never see her again. So sad, but they both know that Princess is happy and settled in her life as a kittypet, and similarly she'd never try to persuade Firestar to leave the forest.

Dovetail(Q): will there be a fifth series?

CherithBaldry(A): Nothing has been said as yet. Vicky might know.

VickyHolmes(A): At this stage, I don't think so. But then, I never thought there would be a second series or a third or a fourth, so for once I don't have all the answers! Gasp, the horror!

Lakestorm(Q): Do you have names for any future books at the moment, like 5 and 6 of Po3?

CherithBaldry(A): This is one that Vicky will have to answer.

VickyHolmes(A): Yes, Book Five will be called LONG SHADOWS. No ideas for Book Six yet, I'm afraid. Oh hang on, that's a lie, I had a really good idea the other day. But I can't tell you until I've okayed it with HarperCollins. That's how rumours start!

Dawnstripe27(Q): Do you like listening to music while you write?

KateCary(A): I need perfect silence to write. If I put music on I kinda float away into my own thoughts. I'm easily distracted :)

Squirrelflame: lol kate :D

Jadepool: me too kate!

CherithBaldry(A): Sometimes I do, at other times it can be distracting because I end up listening to the music and not writing.

Sparklestripe: lol Cherith

Forestpelt: nice point Cherith :D

VickyHolmes(A): I'd love to listen to music but it influences me too much! If the music is loud and strong and swirling, all the cats rush into battle. And if it's slower and dreamier, they all start falling in love! Which is a disaster, as you know.

ambertail(Q): how many more warriors manga books are there

VickyHolmes(A): Three in Graystripe's series, then The Rise of Scourge, which is just one title, and then another trilogy about Tigerstar and Sasha. So seven in total. There may be more, I don't know.

Ghostfeather(Q): Is Pouncepaw a girl or a boy? In the Sight, she's a girl, but a boy in Dark River

KateCary(A): Again, oops!

CherithBaldry(A): Eeeeeeeeeeek

Blackheart(Q): Will the Scourge manga be done by the same people?

VickyHolmes(A): Yes, it will.

icyumber(Q): Will Millie, and Daisy go to Starclan?

VickyHolmes(A): Oh yes, if they want to, and if they believe.

Squirrelflighty(Q): Did Firestar have any romantic feelings for Cinderpelt at the time of her death?

KateCary(A): No, he just felt responsible for her because she had been his apprentice (I hope I'm remebering it right - it's so long ago now!) His heart belongs to Sandstorm (and Spottedleaf of course)

VickyHolmes(A): No, Firestar just saw Cinderpelt as a very dear friend who'd gone from being his first ever apprentice to his medicine cat, and valued advisor in leading the Clan. Bless him, he never realized how much Cinderpelt lurved him!

Oceanmoon(Q): ***is there a reason that hollypaw, jaypaw and lionpaw look just like firestar, greystripe and ravenpaw???

CherithBaldry(A): No, I don't think they really do.

Talonfur(Q): ***On the cover of The Sight Lionpaw is looking at WindClan Territory if you look from his view. That theory kind've came true in Dark River because Lionpaw crossed the borders with Heatherpaw. Was the cover art on The Sight supposed to be like that?***

VickyHolmes(A): Yes!

Crystalclaw(Q): Have you three met yet?

CherithBaldry(A): I have met Vicky on several occasions, but I haven't met Kate yet.

VickyHolmes(A): I have met both Kate and Cherith, and they are very lovely indeed! Both fed me very well, and you know how important that is to me. :) But they haven't met each other yet.

Bluefeather(Q): ***What do you think of the Cinderstar theorie? (Cinderpaw was rencarniated because her destiny is to befome leader)***

CherithBaldry(A): I hadn't heard that one before!

VickyHolmes(A): I haven't heard that one before! Like all theories, it's very interesting. But I'm hardly likely to tell you if it's going to come true, am I? :)

Allaire(Q): All: You stated in previous chats that a moonstone was a piece of quartz. Would the Clans have names for things like jade, similar to the moonstone's name, if they found them?

CherithBaldry(A): If they found something like that, they would have to name it, so yes.

VickyHolmes(A): Yes, the moonstone was a big ol' chunk of quartz. I guess it's possible that the cats would name jade if they found it, but I don't think they'll unearth any more semi-precious stones. Interesting question, though!

Copperrose(Q): ***Do you think Tigerstar will talk to Tigerkit in his/her dreams?

CherithBaldry(A): I wouldn't be at all surprised.

Pinefur(Q) ***Will the Warriors ever make friends with towlegs, dogs, etc.***

CherithBaldry(A): No, I don't think so. Their lives are too far apart.

VickyHolmes(A): Not all warriors hate Twolegs, especially those that were once kittypets, or Graystripe who was treated very kindly by them when he was taken away from the forest. But I can't imagine any lasting friendships between an active Clan warrior and a Twoleg because Twolegs wouldn't understand the significance of a warrior's way of life. As for dogs, it would be very tricky because of the language barrier.

Flametail(Q): Is Cinderpelt a tabby? Or just Cinderpaw?

CherithBaldry(A): They are both grey with blue eyes.

lightningstar77(Q): Is Jaypaw in love with the stick?

KateCary(A): Enough with the stick already!

Lightstreak: lol

Rabbitfoot: lol!!!!!!!

Lakestorm: lol

Squirrelflame: Lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VickyHolmes(A): Not exactly in love, but he knows it's extremely important, and connected to cats that walked the territories around the lake many, many moons ago. He wants answers, but the stick just raises more questions...

lightningstar77(Q): Is Jaypaw in love with the stick?

CherithBaldry(A) No.

Squirrelflame: lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fierceheart(Q): How do you come up with the prophecies?

CherithBaldry(A): Vicky thinks very hard!

VickyHolmes(A): I don't know, they just kind of pop into my head. Maybe StarClan sends them to me..?


Lostpaw-The Master: Lol, Vicky's got connections with Starclan :P

Sparrowflower(Q): Why did you name a kit sneezekit?***

KateCary(A): It's a great name. My cat Miu-miu sneezes all the time. It's so cute, and the thought of a kit sneezing is even cuter!

VickyHolmes(A): Because they caught a cold very soon after they were born, and kept sneezing! Or maybe they had an allergy to moss...

Silent(Q): What do you do when you arnt Writing?

VickyHolmes(A): Bake chocolate brownies; walk my dog Missy; hang out with friends; plan to redecorate my house (I rarely get around to doing it but I love paint charts!); think about new stories; play with my adorable nephews Tana and Will, both aged two, and my gorgeous niece India, who is six months old. I'm a VERY proud aunt!

CherithBaldry(A): I read, go for walks, look after my cats, knit, surf the internet. I'm active in my local church and go to lots of events connected with that.

Fruit Salad aka Firestream(Q): Are the rumors true that youre thinking about killing off Brambleclaw soon?

CherithBaldry(A): Well, I haven't heard that rumour either. Nothing has been said to me so far.

VickyHolmes(A): More rumours! Do people think they've found a little door into my twisted mind? :) I think I'll keep you guessing on this one...

lightningstar77(Q)L ***Will one of the three go evil?

KateCary(A): We can't tell you that!!!!

Bluefeather(Q): Is Tigerkit a female? That'd be cute!

VickyHolmes(A): You're right, it would be cute, but he's a he.

Ripplestream(Q) **For WindClan's hunting area, did you base them off the Moorland in Dartmoor, and other suck places?

KateCary(A): I don't know about Cherith but I had a Scottish moor in mind because I was living in Scotland at the time

Dawnstripe27(Q): Have you ever read Watership Down by Richard Adams (I think), and did you get any inspiration for Warriors

CherithBaldry(A): Yes, I like Watership Down at lot, but I've never been inspired by it. You'd have to ask Vicky that - it is a similar sort of book to Warriors. WD inspired a lot of different books about animals.

VickyHolmes(A): I have read Watership Down - in fact, my father's farm where I grew up is very, very close to the real Watership Down, so I was always looking for talking bunnies in the fields - but I don't think it directly influenced me in writing Warriors. For a start, I don't think of the cats as animals, but as tiny furry people living through complex human situations.

Squirrelflighty(Q): Heavystep of RiverClan died in Sunset, but he's come back in The Sight and Dark River. Would you consider killing him again?

CherithBaldry(A): Ooops!

VickyHolmes(A): Hey, if he rises up so reliably, I might well do so!

Quailfeather(Q) *tell me, why did you kill off Sootfur? (im his biggest fan!!!)

CherithBaldry(A): Well, some cat had to go! I'm sorry when it is a fan's favourite, but if no cats ever died the books wouldn't be exciting, or true.

VickyHolmes(A): Because a badger attacked him!


Fallenleaf: evil badger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


shadowolf: Vicky, you're an inspiration to all of us evil-minded masterminds!

Lilacheart(Q): Of all cats you would have a hard time killing off right now, which would be the hardest?

KateCary(A): Birchfall and of course Graystripe

CherithBaldry(A): Leafpool. I'd love her to have some happiness, but Vicky is so cruel!

Flametail(Q): How many upcoming Warriors books do you have planned?

CherithBaldry(A): Vicky is the planner. I don't know the exact number, but there are plenty more to come.

VickyHolmes(A): The rest of Power of Three, of course, then another series of six books, plus at least two more Special Editions (Bluestar's story and a book about the very first Clans), plus at least two more "non-fiction" specials, along the lines of Secrets of the Clans and Cats of the Clans. We're not going anywhere for a while!

Copperrose(Q): *Do you think SkyClan is flourishing?

CherithBaldry(A): Yes, I'm sure they are.

VickyHolmes(A): I hope so! We'll meet them again in the Special Edition in 2010 (I know, that seems like forever away but I'm thinking about it already!), so you'll have a chance to find out how the newly-reformed Clan got on after Firestar and Sandstorm left.

Copperrose(Q): ***Do you think Tigerstar will talk to Tigerkit in his/her dreams?

VickyHolmes(A): Well I'm sure he'd *like* to...

Wildpaw(Q): Is Tawneypelt, as she grows up, become evil like her father?

CherithBaldry(A): No, Tawnypelt is a loyal warrior. Don't forget that she rejected Tigerstar when she met him in the Place of No Stars.

Sky where Thunder Sings(Q): Which is/was more fun to write/plot: Warriors or Seekers?

CherithBaldry(A): I'm enjoying Seekers very much, though it's a real challenge after Warriors. I think I'll always like Warriors better, though, because I love cats so much.

VickyHolmes(A): Seekers is a challenge, in a good way, because I had to learn all about North American bears FAST, and the themes are much more grandly spiritual than in Warriors. I love, love, love the first book, and am very excited on coming up with storylines for the rest, but I have to say that in my heart of hearts, I'm still a warrior of the Clans.

Seasonspirit(Q): Do you feel welcome here, you know, with everybody going nuts when you first arrive?

KateCary(A): I feel very welcome, if a little overwhelmed :)

CherithBaldry(A): Yes, I felt very welcome, and really amazed that so many people love what we are doing. It's a great feeling.

Soundstorm(Q): Was there a particular reason you chose "Flamekit" as a kit name?

VickyHolmes(A): I love the sound of it, and it suits a kit with a fiery pelt.

Dawnstripe27: Kate, Vicky, Cherith, you are amazing!!!!!!!!! (sorry, just felt like I needed to say that...)

Squirrelflighty(Q) ***What is with that Cinderpaw and Jaypaw look EXACTLY the same except for their gender? Coincidence?

CherithBaldry(A): They don't. She is grey, he is tabby.

VickyHolmes(A): They don't look exactly the same! They may have the same colour hair and eyes, but they're totally different shapes (Cinderpaw is strong, chunky, with a broad head, while Jaypaw is frankly rather scrawny).

Sandspots(Q): Will her Tawnypelts kits go on the journey to the Tribe

VickyHolmes(A): Tawnypelt's kits are too little to go on such a long journey - they haven't even been out of the ShadowClan camp yet! But they're old enough to be left in the care of another queen while Tawnypelt herself goes on the journey.

Lightstreak(Q): Lionheart said that Leafpool will face "A destiny like few medicine cats have tread before" what does that mean? Can we get a hint

CherithBaldry(A): No, of course not!

VickyHolmes(A): Ha ha ha ha ha. NO.

Flametail(Q): Is Cinderpelt a tabby? Or just Cinderpaw?

VickyHolmes(A): They're both pale gray tabbies.

Silvermist24(Q) ***Is the band of sharpclaws what brings Talon to ThunderClan to ask for help?I read the excrept to Outcast...

VickyHolmes(A): Not exactly...

Willowtail(Q): Do you have any Warrior names for yourself? I know Kate would call herself Yellowtooth, though. ^^

CherithBaldry(A): No, though perhaps I should think of one.

Silent(Q) ***Did Cloudtail really love Dasiy or did he just wanted her to be Welcome?

CherithBaldry(A): He just wanted her to be welcome, and to help her adjust to her new life. Being a bloke, he didn't realise what he was doing to Brightheart.


Jadepool: lol!!! ahahahaha! cloudtails a bloke!

Moonshine(Q): Do you three have your own warrior names?

VickyHolmes(A): I looked up my name on the warriors website and it came up as Mousepaw. Which I LOVE because I consider myself to be nothing more than an eager apprentice when it comes to writing stories - there's still so much to learn! And my mother has always called me Mouse because I'm small and have mousy brown hair. So it's the perfect name for me!

Silent(Q) ***Will Tigerkit be Evil?

CherithBaldry(A): There's no reason he should be, but who knows?

icyumber(Q): Why does Ashfur have so many bad things happen to him?

CherithBaldry(A): I don't know that his life has been all that bad, compared to others. I know he lost Squirrelflight, but it would never have worked.

VickyHolmes(A): Some cats/people just attract bad luck, don't they? Though I'm inclined to say that you make your own luck. Think happy thoughts, people!

Snowberry(Q) *** What had you planned for Warrior names for Brook, Daisy, and Millie? Or did you not think of anything?

KateCary(A): Daisy and Millie decided to keep their own names, though Firestar offered them warrior names. They ddin't feel they needed to prove they were loyal to the Clan by changing their names

Sandspots(Q): Will any cat diliberetly kill Firestar in PO3

CherithBaldry(A): I don't know for certain, but I don't think so.

Stormflower(Q): In the sight, Hollypaw is supposed to be a great fighter, and Lionpaw hunts really well. It doesn't talk about that in Dark River. Why not?

CherithBaldry(A): You don't necessarily have to cover all the points in every book.

VickyHolmes(A): Because they're moving on from their early apprentice skills, and seeing how their unique personalities influence their skills.

Lakestorm(Q): Is there going to be interaction between SkyClan and the other Clans in the future?

VickyHolmes(A): We'll definitely see SkyClan again, in the Special Edition after Bluestar's story. But they live a long, long way from the lake, too far to journey realistically, so I'm not sure they'll interact in future stories.

Seasonspirit(Q): Just curious, would ever consider using "spirit" as a cat's suffix?

KateCary(A): That would make a lovely name :)

CherithBaldry(A): That could be a beautiful name.

VickyHolmes(A): Probably not, because it would make them sound like a member of StarClan. Also, you'll notice that we don't use the word "spirit" in the books at all, because it has very human connotations, I think.

Snowstorm2(Q): how many lives does firestar have

KateCary(A): Hopefully Vicky knows - I've lost count!

Silvershimmer(Q): When will you come out with the super edition for in between NP and POT?

VickyHolmes(A): There won't be one, I'm afraid. I explain why in more detail in a previous answer - good luck hunting it down!

Stormfur(Q): Which series was most fun for you to write?

KateCary(A): I'm really enjoying PO3 - JP, HP and LP are such great characters to write

CherithBaldry(A): Series 1, I think, because it was all new and we were discovering the warriors' world as we wrote it. But it's all fun, really.

Soundstorm(Q): What is to be on the cover of "Outcast"?

CherithBaldry(A): I don't know. It's up to Vicky and the illustrator.

VickyHolmes(A): Oh gosh, I should know this because I briefed the artist but right now I can't remember. Sorry. It's two am and I'm feeling very sleepy, if that's any sort of excuse.

Tumblestar(Q): Is Firestar going to die before the end of the books?

VickyHolmes(A): I know the answer to this one, but I'm not going to tell yoooooouuuuuu. :)

Sevenclaws(Q) *** Are the 'invaders' in Outcast, cats, or something else? ***

CherithBaldry(A): You'll have to wait to find out!

lightningstar77(Q) ***Will Mothwing and Cloudtail go to StarClann?

CherithBaldry(A): I think they will, and be very, very surprised. But Vicky might not agree!

JayFeather(Q): Vicky, kate told me to ask you my question. When will hollypaw, jaypaw, and lionpaw get there new names?

VickyHolmes(A): At the end of Book Four: Eclipse. (I think)

Willowtail(Q): How long does it take to write an average sized book?

CherithBaldry(A): I normally take about two months to write a series book, once Vicky gives me the storyline. Then Vicky edits it and I rewrite it, which doesn't take so long. I have done one in a shorter time than that, but it's hard work!


Willowtail: Omg. Two months?

Bluefeather(Q): Are the tunnels connected to Shadowclan territory?

KateCary(A): I hope so. But no cat's found the way yet

CherithBaldry(A): If they are, no cat has discovered it yet.

VickyHolmes(A): No, they just lead between ThunderClan and WindClan.

Fallenleaf(Q) *** How does the experiences of your life or influences of people you know affect parts of the books?

VickyHolmes(A): Good question! And one that probably deserves a longer answer than I have time to write here. But I can tell you that if you read all the Warriors books closely, then you know me very well indeed... I'd never write an autobiography (sheesh, how dull!) but the themes in Warriors always reflect things that are important to me in my life, both now and in the past. For example, I'm fascinated by how people are shaped by other people's opinions of them; hence the trouble Brambleclaw has with cats assuming he's evil like his father, and the way this even confuses his own thinking.

Daisypaw(Q) ***What's up in the tribe during Outcast?

CherithBaldry(A): You'll have to read the book!

Prairiestar(Q): Vicky, will we learn more about Fallen Leaves and the cats who lived near the lake before our clans?

VickyHolmes(A): Yes, we will! Yay!

Dawnstripe27(Q): Did you like plotting/writing the larger book, Firestar's Quest, or the smaller books that are inside of a series?

CherithBaldry(A): I enjoy both, but I really loved doing FQ, because I could take one long story and carry it through to the end.

Birchstar(Q): What is the release date for Eclipse?

VickyHolmes(A): I'm not sure, I must confess. Keep an eye on amazon.com, that's usually fairly reliable.

snowstar(Q): Do the herbs med.cats use actually work in real life? (no, i will not use them on my cat)

KateCary(A): I do as much research as I can about the herbs - most of them are used for curing sicknesses, though I wouldn't recommend trying it at home unless you're a trained herbalist!

CherithBaldry(A): The herbs are mostly taken from a herbal written by a man called Nicholas Culpeper in the 16th century. So people once thought they worked and some of them really do. But *don't* ever try to use them.

VickyHolmes(A): We use a seventeenth century text, Culpeper's Herbal, as our source for herbal remedies. Nicholas Culpeper was a physician when doctors had to use whatever occurred in the natural world, rather than pharmaceutical developments. Much of what he recorded was used with great success, so in that respect yes, the herbs do have some use HISTORICALLY but please, please, please don't ever use Warriors instead of a veterinarian to treat your sick pets!

Soundstorm(Q): Who is the character you least enjoyed writing about?

VickyHolmes(A): Gosh, I hope I haven't created any characters that Kate and Cherith didn't like writing about! The only scenes that are less enjoyable, perhaps, are the ones where