LIAN TANNER

Free bookplates

March 16th, 2011

I’ve just received a box of custom-made bookplates with little Broo and Morg on them, designed by Sebastian Ciaffaglione, who did the character drawings in the book.

Bookplate

Cute, yes?

They are only small – roughly 7.5 x 10.5 cm (3″ x 4″) – and the idea is that, if you want your copy of Museum of Thieves signed, but don’t live in Tasmania, you get a signed bookplate instead and stick it in the front of your book. (You peel the backing off – it’s a bit tricky and you need good fingernails!)

As well as my signature, I can personalise them with someone’s name – ‘For Josephine’ – or include a short message – ‘Happy Birthday!’ – but there’s not room for much more.

So leave a message if you’d like one and I’ll email you to get the details.

December 2020 EDITED TO ADD: I only have a few of these left, and I’m not sure if I’ll order more. So I’m limiting these particular bookplates to one per person. I still have plenty of the other two images however.

414 thoughts on “Free bookplates

  1. Romi says:

    Hi Lian!
    As you’ve probably guessed, I would adore one! (Or two or three or four!) ( :
    Can you just put your lovely signature on it?
    Thank you beyond thankfulness for putting this great opportunity up!
    Love,
    Romi.xxx

  2. Shelly&Lert says:

    Dear Lian

    Can we have two of these lovely bookplates? ^^

  3. Daryl Maxwell says:

    Lian,
    I would LOVE to get two of the book plates!! One for Daryl (me!) and one for Kay.
    Thanks!!!
    Daryl

  4. I got my signed bookplates on Friday! Thanks Lian =D

    1. Lian says:

      And thanks to you too, Sebastian. If I could I’d hold your hand in the air and say, ‘Look, here he is, here’s the man who designed them for me!’ But seeing I can’t do that, I’ll just say that so far everyone who has seen them has loved them to bits.

  5. Romi says:

    Lian, if there are any left and you don’t think anyone else is going to ask for them, can I please have another one sent out? (I’d love one for my writers retreat!)
    Romi.x

  6. Katie says:

    Hi! Just stumbled across your book in my local library and LOVE it. I collect childrens fiction and have a huge collection for my kiddos to read when they get older, and plan on buying yours immediately! I would love to get a signed bookplate, could I get the details on that if there are any left?
    Thanks so much!
    Katie

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Katie, lots of bookplates left – I’ll email you.

  7. Oh, yes, please, Lian, I’d love a signed bookplate for my own copy of The Museum of Thieves (which I treasure already!)
    Just put for Sheryl – I won’t be parting with it – it’s on my ‘top shelf’.
    Coming to visit my son in Hobart on the 15th April, but looks like I just miss out on the talk you’ll be giving in the city. 🙁
    cheers
    Sheryl

  8. Laura Gale says:

    Dear Lian,

    I would love a signed bookplate!!!
    I am 11 and out of all the books I’ve read, yours was the best by far!!!

    When Broo was hurt by the Flugeman I cried. The book has so much feeling and emotion in it and excitement!!!
    The Keepers is the best book ever!!!! I want to read it over and over.

    Can’t wait till the ‘City of Lies’ comes out.

    ~Love Laura~

  9. Chip says:

    Hi Lian,

    I would love to receive one of the bookplates for my copy of The Museum of Thieves.

    Thanks so Much

    Chip

  10. Michael Ovsanik says:

    Dear Lian,

    I would very much like a signed bookplate for my copy of The Museum of Thieves. Thank you so much for offering it.

    Michael Ovsanik

  11. Andrew says:

    Hi Lian,
    If I haven’t yet missed the boat I would very much love to acquire a bookplate with your signature on it.

    Thanktyou for being generous
    Andrew

  12. Allison miller says:

    Hello my daughter absoluetly loved the keepers she would love one of the plates she would be wrapped

  13. Tess Biondi says:

    Lian, I love love loved you book and I’m eagerly awaiting the next one! I would absolutely love a book plate from you. I liked your book so much I recently got a puppy and named him Broo.

  14. Roan says:

    Lian, can I also have one of those please!! 😀 I just bought your book and in the process of reading and imagining it! 😀 I love it!!
    I already can’t wait for the second book!

    Roan

  15. Vilda says:

    Lian, I absoluetly loved the keepers and would love two of the plates with your signature on them please.

    Thankyou,
    Vilda

  16. Maddii Lloydd says:

    Hey Lian,
    I am doing a project at school on RESPECT, and we have to choose 4 people. I would love to do you as you are my aunty/author. As i will be writing you as my hero.

    Love Maddii. ♥

    1. Lian says:

      Maddii, I feel very honoured to be part of your project. Hope it goes well. Do I get to read it, dear niece???? xxx Lian

  17. Jo says:

    Dear Lian,

    please may I have two book plates for my son David – one for the first book and another for City of Lies!
    Thank you, Jo

  18. Michelle Hansen Daberkow says:

    I absolutely love your book “Museum of Thieves.” I checked it out in the public library in Lincoln, NE, thinking it may be a fast read for my nine year old son. I actually HAD TO FINISH it in a few hours, so he will have to read it later.

    I’d love a few of the book plates. I’m an art Educator, and illustrate for GNSI in America. (nature items, plants, animals, etc.) I also enjoy sharing illustrators with my K-5 students in public school.

    Please keep writing.

    Thank You! I need to have our elementary school purchase your books(via myself) and use the book plates there.
    Michelle

  19. Louise says:

    Hi Lian, i read your book museum of thieves and i am absolutely busting for october to come so i can read city of lies. I would appreciate if you could send me a book plate so I can stick it in my copy of museum of thieves. could you please write “to Louise” on it? thank you for such a great book and i’m looking forward to the next ones.thank you, Louise.

  20. David Oliver says:

    Hi Lian,
    I am a teacher at Harrington Park Public School near Camden. My class and I have just read some of your work and really enjoyed it. ( I have the best class ever- Breanah asked me to say that). We would love a couple of your bookplates to help make a class display. Thanks a lot from Class 6/0

  21. Keith Holt says:

    Dear Lian,
    I would love three of your bookplates if possible please.
    Thank you very much from
    Keith.

  22. jacob rennex says:

    hi lian my name is jacob and i have been reading youre book in my class magazine and i like it so much im saving my pocket money to but youre books so can you send me 1 bookplate please

  23. Tom Barnett says:

    Dear Lian,

    I am actually a receiving manager at a large bookstore chain and I was able to hand sell a few copies of your first book. I loved it and so did my 10 year old daughter. So I was wondering if I could get to signed bookplates. One for Tom and one for Gracie.

    Thanks and looking forward to the next book!

  24. Melinda Heinze says:

    Hi Lian,
    If still possible I would LOVE to have two book plates please. One with “Happy Birthday Cailyn” (if room, if not just happy birthday would be nice) on it for my niece, and the other for my own copy. I read “Museum of Theieves” to my children and they just thought it was the best hing ever. Espically my 8yo son – He wants to have Broo as a pet. His sisters told him Broo might eat him, but he didn’t care, he still wants one 🙂

    Cheers

    Melinda

  25. Zora says:

    Dear Lian,

    I loved your first book and would very much enjoy a signed bookplate! I can not thank you enough for writting such a magical book and now for being so kind!

    –Zora

  26. Anita says:

    My 10yo daughter Naomi loved Museum of Thieves & is disappointed City if Lies will not be out for her birthday in September – however we have a copy on order!

    I’m sure she would love a signed bookplate “For Naomi’ if still available.

    Thank you for writing such an interesting book.

    Anita

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Anita, thanks for the message. I’m happy to send a bookplate to Naomi, but am having trouble with your email address. Can you check the one you entered please? My emails to you (to ask your postal address) keep bouncing back.

  27. Samantha says:

    My daughter would dearly love a couple of signed book plates please if they’re still available. She thoroughly enjoyed Museum of Thieves, as did i. She is currently reading it out loud to her younger sister. Anxiously waiting for the release of City of Lies 🙂
    May we please have 3 “For Siobhan”.
    Thank you for writing a brilliant novel.
    Sam and Siobhan 🙂

  28. Nicole says:

    Hi Lian,
    If you still have any bookplates left I would like a few please if possible.
    Thanks

  29. david says:

    Lian,
    Hi! I would love a bookplate please! If you send two, I will pass one on to Rosie Smith. Your work looks great, as always!
    David

  30. Jo says:

    Oh Lian, I am giving a copy of ‘Museum’ to a lovely colleague of mine – a beautiful, talented young teacher. A personalised bookplate would be the finishing touch!

    Thank you!!
    Jo

  31. Aubrey S says:

    if i could get a bookplate it would be fantastic! i love your book (MoT) and i anxiously await the second! thankyouthankyouthankyou

  32. Rebecca says:

    Hi! I would love a bookplate! My birthday is this Sunday, so it would be like a birthday present! Thank you so much!

    Rebecca

    1. adrienna Engle says:

      I think that it would be awesome to have a bookplate!

  33. adrienna Engle says:

    Hi Lian!

    I am a HUGE fan of your books!

    What is your favorite character and why?

    1. Lian says:

      Hmm, a difficult question! I really love both Goldie because she’s so brave, even when she’s scared, and Toadspit because he’s so stubborn and annoying, but he still tries to look after his friends. But I suspect that my all-time favourite is probably Broo. It’s that combination of small and cute, and big and fierce. So he’s like a friend, but he can protect you as well. And he can be very funny – sometimes without meaning to!

  34. Erin Quinn says:

    Good Afternoon Lian,

    I am a primary school teacher at Austins Ferry Primary School and we are holding a writer’s festival in November and wondering if you are willing and able to come and talk to our children about your journey as an author? Could you please email me back with a quote of costing and if you are available? Thanks,

    Erin Quinn

  35. Tina says:

    I bought your first book for my daughter for Christmas – she read it and enjoyed it so much she has been pestering me ever since about when the next books are out and checking with out local book store – she is such a fan, I would love to surprise her with a bookplate for her copy. Thank you for the joy of reading you have brought to her.

  36. janaya says:

    lian,I would LOVE one of those book plates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!saying happy birthday hehehe

    1. janaya says:

      hi lian sorry but do i need to post my email address? thanks x

      1. Lian says:

        No, don’t worry, it comes up on the private bit of the site. I’ll email you.

  37. janaya says:

    thank you very much and could i make that 2, 1 with happy birthday and the other just to me from you thanks xxx

    1. Lian says:

      That’s fine, Janaya. I’ve emailed you. Don’t forget to email me back and send your postal address!

  38. meesa says:

    Hi Lian
    Can we please have three templates one saying for Bree “happy birthday” and the other two with my name please. thankyou.
    I came to your book launch for the City of lies it was amazing.
    Bye. =)

  39. sally says:

    Hello Lian
    My son Oscar and I really enjoyed the city of lies launch yesterday. Oscar came home and basically did not move all afternoon until he had read the whole thing! I just love seeing the sparkle in his eye when he talks about his favourite parts. Thank you!

    1. Lian says:

      Hello Sally, the launch was fun, wasn’t it. I’m glad you and Oscar enjoyed it. And it sounds as if Oscar likes the book, too! Thanks so much for letting me know.

  40. Nicole says:

    Hi Lian,

    We bought your first Keepers book in Hobart when it was just released and fell in love with it. We are so excited the second book has arrived. I now live in America and can’t find the Australian cover anywhere! The covers for the Aussie books are much classier then the US counterpart. One of your book plates would be an awesome addition to my second book. I hope you can ship to the US!
    Thank you,
    Nicole

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Nicole, lovely to hear from you! It’s interesting how the covers are so different in the different countries, isn’t it. Different markets, I guess, but I love both of them. I’ll email you about the bookplate.

  41. Paul says:

    Lian,

    I try to read to my children every night, and we just finished The Keepers. I enjoyed it just as much as my kids. I would love two bookplates, one for The Keepers and one for the next in the series. If there is space can you make it to Flinders, Addison and Sahara?

    Thanks so much!

    Paul

  42. Alison Green says:

    Lian – we’d very much like three of these bookplates if there are still some available.

    Could you please personalise them: To The Keepers Book Club members – Sofia, Maeve and Sophie.”

    Lian, thank you so much for writing this wonderful series of books. My 10 year old daughter Sofia has finally been inspired to read! She could not put down number 1, and we HAD to buy number 2 on the day it came out (she finished it in two days)! We must now endure the long wait for number 3!! I have heard endless readings from both books, and her brother and I have had the plot explained to us (in great detail) over and over. She has also been inspired to start a bookclub with some friends so that she can discuss the books further! – they will begin with Museum of Thieves. I am a very happy mum :o) Thank you.

    PS – Sebastian Ciaffaglione – my daughter agrees that you make Lian’s characters come to life!

  43. Amanda Ryder says:

    Dear Lian,

    My son Deakin has recently discovered Museum of Thieves and has not put it down since we gave it to him. He is currently continually talking about getting a copy of City of Lies. He is so excited about your generous offer and would love a personalised bookplate, or two or three or four 🙂

    Amanda Ryder.

    PS: Please try to write as many books as you can. From Deakin.

  44. Tina says:

    Dear Lian,

    Thank you so much for the bookplate for my daughter Sarah. She raced a got her books to decide which on to put it in and it is a prized possession. She loved City of Lies and I assume she will be pestering about when the next book is available.

    Again thank you – reading should always be a joy – and with your books she wants to re-read passages to us as she is mesmorised by the story. You really have hit the nail on the head with a gender neutral story with is also age diverse.

    If it is at all possible to get another bookplate for her other book that would be wonderful. However I imagine there are lots of young people out there wanting one. Sarah feels special to be lucky enough to have one.

    Tina

  45. Kati-Rose says:

    3 x bookplates saying For Kati-Rose, Best Wishes

  46. Caty says:

    Hi Lian I LOVE reading your books. I would like to become a great story writer like you when I grow up & I was wondering if you could give a few tips & pointers on how to make this happen. Also I would like 4 book plates so that I have one for each of the Keepers books & one for me to put wherever I want. P.S. I think your books are the BEST. Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, it’s always really nice to hear from another budding author, and I’m glad you love the books. I’ve got several pages where I’ve answered people’s questions about being a writer: here, here (scroll down to my last reply) and here (scroll down to my correspondence with Alfiya) . Read what I’ve said and then if you have a specific question get back to me and I’ll try and answer it.
      I think I might have to make a new page with writing advice on it, so that I can collect all my answers together rather than having them scattered around like this!

  47. Caty says:

    Hi Lian I would like to ask you a question about the Keepers books. How many books will be in the series? Because I know that their is Museum of Thieves, City of Lies & Path of Beasts but are there going to be any more books as part of the series?

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, there will be three books only in this series with Goldie and Toadspit. But I am intending to go on and write some more books about the very early days of the museum when Herro Dan and Olga Ciavolga were children, how the museum was started and how Broo and Morg came to be part of it.

      1. Caty says:

        Hi Lian I got the City of Lies a week ago and i’m over half way through already. I really like it because it’s as mysterious and exiting as the first book. I can’t wait for Path of Beasts to come out next year. Bye

        1. Lian says:

          Hi Caty, I’m very glad that you’re enjoying City of Lies! Did you get my email about the bookplates? Check your email if you haven’t, because I need your postal address before I can send them.

          1. Caty says:

            Yes I did I just sent u the reply. Bye

      2. Caty says:

        I think writing some books about how the museum was first started is a great idea. Do you have any ideas on what your going to call them? Also how can you tell if the story that your tring to write is any good? how do you find out what to write about in the first place?

        1. Lian says:

          Hi Caty, I’ve got some vague ideas about what I’ll call the next lot of books, but I’m not telling anyone at this stage. Things can change a lot once you start writing!

          How can you tell if the story you’re trying to write is any good? That can be hard. The best way I know is to put it aside for a while after you finish it – maybe for a couple of weeks or even longer. Really the longer the better. This is because when you first write something, you’re still very tied up in it and it’s almost impossible to judge whether it’s good or not. But if you put it aside for a while, by the time you come back to it you’ve got a bit of distance from it and you can look at it as if someone else wrote it. I do this ALL the time! And usually when I come back to something I can see ways of improving it. This is why authors write many drafts of their stories – making it a bit better each time. The other thing I do is show it to people who I trust. Not my family, who will always say that it’s terrific 🙂 But someone who knows about writing and who will give me good advice on how I can improve it. (In your case this might be a teacher you like and trust.) You see, even professional authors don’t get it right first time – we have to work away at a story until we get it the way we want it to be.

          How do I find out what to write about in the first place? Hmm, that’s an interesting question. I get a lot of ideas from all over the place – from newspapers, from people I meet, from things I see, from other books. Some of them come and go and never turn into stories. It’s the ones that stick in my mind that interest me – the ones that tingle with energy, so I can’t wait to explore them. But I don’t start writing a story for ages after the idea first comes to me. Instead I carry a notebook around with me and jot down thoughts about the story as they come to me – it’s sort of like letting the story grow by itself for a while before I get really stuck into it. (Actually, it’s a VERY good idea to carry a notebook – to get in the habit of writing down interesting things you see or hear. This is all part of the training to be a writer.)

          1. Caty says:

            WOW thanks a lot for all of that Lian. Did you get the e-mail reply for the Bookplates?

          2. Lian says:

            Yes, the bookplates are winging their way to you right now!

          3. Caty says:

            Thats great. I can’t wait till I get them! Do you have any idea when they sould get here? Bye

          4. Lian says:

            I reckon they’ll arrive in the next couple of days – unless they get held up by the Qantas planes being grounded. They might take a little bit longer because of that. I suggest you pretend that something REALLY horrible is going to happen – then the time will go quickly. 🙂 At least that’s how it works for me – if I’m looking forward to something the time goes slowly – if I’m dreading something it just races along!

          5. Caty says:

            ok thanks for that. I will write to you and tell you when they arive! Bye

  48. Yang Yun says:

    We’re enjoying both books (Museum of Thieves , City of Lies) in Beijing. The teachers love the strong characters and dystopian setting. Perfect!

  49. Marina says:

    hi Lian.
    We have only just discovered the wonderful world of Museum of Thieves and both myself and my daughter are hooked and can’t wait to read the next one, so could you please send me 3x bookplates as a surprise for my daughter. So if you could just put ‘to Caitlyn with best wishes’. and thank you for your generous offer.

  50. Teegan says:

    Dear Lian,
    I would love a book plate I have 2 books so could I get two?
    Teegan

  51. Caty says:

    Hi Lian I just wanted to ask you if you have writen any other books other than The KEEPERS? Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, I had my first book published back in 2004. I call it my practice book, and it was nothing at all like The Keepers. Not as good, and not a fantasy. It’s out of print now, but you can see the cover here.

      1. Caty says:

        Ok that sounds like a good book to read. I think I’ve seen it at our Local libary once. I’ll check if they still have it. Bye
        :)(:

        1. Caty says:

          Hi Lian I just got the bookplates in the mail. I’m really suprised at how fast they came. Thanks so much I LOVE them. Bye

          1. Lian says:

            Oh terrific, glad they got there so quickly, Caty!

  52. Suzana says:

    Dear Lian,
    thanks a lot for all of Your work.If you still have any bookplates left I would like two, please if possible.
    Thanks

  53. Caty says:

    Hi Lian If you could be any charater from your books who would you be and why? Also witch charater do you think is most like you and why?

    1. Lian says:

      Interesting questions, Caty. I think I’d most like to be Bonnie, mainly because she’s a lot braver than I am. 🙂 And all the characters have a bit of me in them, but the ones who I am most like are Olga Ciavolga (because she’s snappish and bossy but has learned some wisdom in her long life), Sinew (because he has a really silly sense of humour that other people don’t always get) and Goldie (because she often doubts her own courage and doesn’t always know how strong she is, but is learning all the time).

      1. Caty says:

        wow I think I would most like to be Goldie or Bonnie. But I think I’m most like Bonnie because she is a natural with a bow and arrow like me. The first time I used a bow and arrow I hit the center of the target! Bye

        1. Lian says:

          You should definitely be Bonnie, in that case! 🙂

  54. Caty says:

    Thats great thanks:)

  55. Caty says:

    When you were at school did you ever write any short stories?

    1. Lian says:

      Oh yes, definitely. I wrote all the time when I was at school – poems, stories, plays. When I was in primary school most of my stories involved horses in one way or another. 🙂

  56. Caty says:

    Hi Lian I just finished the city of lies last night it was great and I’m really excited about the third book path of beasts. But now I don’t have anything to read! 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Hmm, always a problem finding something else to read. Have you seen my list of favourite books? Maybe there’s something there that you would like.
      And I’m REALLY glad you liked City of Lies. Only a year to go till book 3! 😉

  57. Caty says:

    Cool thanks I’ll keep an eye out for some of those books and for others to try! What was your favorite part of writing City of Lies? 😉

    1. Lian says:

      I think my favourite part was the Big Lie – especially working out who Morg and the mice would become. That was fun.

  58. Caty says:

    I think I might read The Museum of Theives again. I don’t know. 😉 :):(

  59. Caty says:

    Hi Lian what is your fav thing to do in your spare time and why? 😉 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Oh no question – reading. Always has been. I just love going into other worlds, other people’s lives.

  60. Caty says:

    Hi my favorite part of the City of Lies is when they get caught up in the big Lie. I think that was really cool! =) 🙂 😉

    1. Lian says:

      I’m glad you like that bit, Caty. It was so interesting to write – and it went through a LOT of drafts before I got it the way I wanted it!

      1. Caty says:

        do you still have home address if you do can I please get 4 more bookplates for my friend saying “To Karishma Best Wishes” and the date? Bye

        1. Lian says:

          Hi Caty, yes, I’ve still got your address. I’ll put the bookplates for Karishma in the post today.

          1. Caty says:

            Thanks I know that she will totally love them

          2. Caty says:

            Hi Lian What is your fav book that you have ever read? Bye

  61. Poornima says:

    Hello Ms.Tanner,
    We are all reading your book, “Museum of Thieves” for the December Book club meeting! It would be lovely if the children could have your free autographed book plates if you still giving them away!
    Thanks!
    Poornima

  62. Adrienna Engle says:

    Hi Lian!!

    Sorry i didn’t get to talk to you for a while. I got really busy and forgot to email you.

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Adrienna, how is the weather where you are? I hope you haven’t been having those dreadful storms that I’ve been hearing about. I’m coming to Chicago next week, so when I arrive I shall wave in the general direction of Ohio. 🙂

  63. Louise says:

    Hi Lian. I was wondering if I could please have another book plate. Mum just bought me the 2nd book and I wanted one for that one too. Can you please write “Louise” on it? thnx

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Louise, yes, that’s fine. I’ve still got your address so will put the bookplate in the post today. Hope you’re enjoying the second book!

  64. Caty says:

    Is it true that you had so many jobs before you started writing books? What was your fav job before story writing? Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Yes, it’s true. I think my favourite was acting. That was a lot of fun.

  65. Caty says:

    Hi what is your favorite book you have ever read in your whole life? mine are the Keeers books because they are really exiting and different to other books that i’ve read! Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Oops, I thought I had answered this question, Caty – in fact I know I did, but my answer must have got lost somewhere. I really can’t pick a single favourite book. I have read so many books, and so many excellent ones, that I would have to have a whole long list. But I am very proud to be at the top of your ‘best book’ list!

      1. Caty says:

        Thats fine. It’s my B’day in a few days I can’t wait!!! ;):)

        1. Lian says:

          Happy birthday, Caty! I hope you have a really good day with lots of love and happiness.

          1. Caty says:

            Thanks a lot I’m really hoping that it all works out unlike last year it was a dissaster!

          2. Caty says:

            Hi Lian how often do you try to write your books? 😉 🙂

          3. Lian says:

            Caty, when I’m working on a book I write every weekday morning for about five hours. If I don’t do this I lose track of the story. Plus there are an awful lot of words to get down on paper, and usually quite a few drafts, so I like to get stuck into it so that it doesn’t take too many years.
            Now don’t forget I’m in Chicago at the moment, Caty, so I might not be able to answer your very interesting questions as often as I usually do. At the moment I;’m in the Chicago public library, a wonderful building with bronze owls around the roof.

          4. Caty says:

            Wow That sounds SOOOO Cool. I would REALLY love to go to Chicago when I grow up. Also if I ever do get to go I would like to visit as many Libraries as posible and stay there all day and write some stories! I Think it would be awesome!!! 😉 🙂

  66. Hannah says:

    Hi Lian!!! I am sooo excited!!! I finally have City of Lies!!! I got it on Wednesday!!!

  67. eilish says:

    Dear Lian,
    I have recently started your first keepers book and am really enjoying it.
    When I grow up I am going to be an author.I can always cook up a really good story, but I just can never work out how the problem is solved.If you have any handy hints on ways to create a really good narrrative (which you probably will) then could you jot them down on this blog for me?
    Also could you post me 3 book plates?
    Much appreciated
    Eilish 11 years old

    1. Lian says:

      Dear Eilish, how nice to hear from you! I’m always interested in hearing from children who intend to be authors. It’s such an interesting and exciting thing to do. (And sometimes boring and frustrating as well, of course, but that’s part of life.) Now, you asked how to create a good narrative. That’s a very good question, and quite involved, but I’ll try to answer it.
      Sometimes I start with just jotting down ideas on a big bit of paper – you’ll see an example here under the heading ‘making a mess’. I don’t worry about putting things in order, or about whether the ideas are any good or not – I just throw down everything I can think of as to how the problem might be solved. Sometimes the ideas might be quite silly, or impossible, but I put them down anyway. I’ll also sometimes set a timer – for maybe five or ten minutes – and see how many ideas I can get down in that time. Then when I’ve finished I pick out the ones that I like and work on them.
      At other times I start with the character and think ‘what would this person do? How would they react to what has just happened?’ You see, everything in a story has to happen for a reason, otherwise readers won’t believe the story. It’s called ’cause and effect’. For example, if someone is punished for something they didn’t do, you ask yourself – what sort of person am I writing about? Would they fight back? Would they run away? Would they just bow their head and take it? Would they secretly plot revenge? All of those things (and many more) are valid responses, but which one actually happens depends on the character of the person you are writing about it. Character is SO important – everything starts there.
      I hope this helps. When I get back from Chicago I’m going to make a page of writing advice on the website, that I can direct people to. So drop back in a couple of weeks and you’ll be able to see how I have answered other people’s questions as well.
      I’ll send off your bookplates today.

  68. eilish says:

    Dear Lian,
    Thankyou sooo much for your helpful information on writing a good story.It’s heartwarming to recieve hints from an actual writer, not just a teacher who’s said the same thing over and over.
    I am half way through your second book the city of lies and am really enjoying it.When I read a really good and imaginitive book I wonder how people manage to think up the things they do.You must really have an amazing imagination.I also really like your scrapbooking idea and I am going to start one of my own.A few months ago you came to my school, Fahan, to do a talk.I was soo annoyed that I was away that day!I can’t wait ’till next year at the Path of Beasts book launch to finally meet you.
    Thanks for sending my bookplates!
    Eilish

    1. Lian says:

      Dear Eilish, I do find scrapbooks very useful, and I think you will too. It’s a good way of gathering odd things together and letting your unconscious mind play with them. Sometimes unusual things can turn up! I’m sorry I missed you when I cam to Fahan. I’ve put your email address on my invite list for next year’s book launch, so you will be sure to hear about it.

  69. Caty says:

    The bookplates for karishma got here today but they were half eaten by SNAILS!! Only two are good enough to give her! Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Good heavens, I wonder how on earth that happened! They were fine when I posted them – there must be a snail attack on the mails. 🙂 Never mind, Caty, I’ll send the others when I get back from Chicago.

  70. Caty says:

    That would be GREAT! When do you get back? Also how often do try and write your books? Bye

    1. Lian says:

      I’ll be back at the end of next week, Caty. And if you scroll up a bit you’ll find that I have already answered your other question. 🙂

      1. Caty says:

        Hi I was just thinking and I wanted to know if you were ever going to make any movies for the Keepers? I think that would be AWESOME if that happened!!!

        1. Lian says:

          Hi Caty, the whole movie thing doesn’t depend on me. It depends on some film maker deciding that they would like to make a film of the Keepers. So yes, I agree, it would be wonderful. But we shall just have to wait and see.

  71. Caty says:

    I’m going to write a story but don’t what to write about! Can you help me? Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Hmm, if you’re stuck, try starting with one of these and see where it takes you:
      Write about something you love.
      Write about something you hate.
      Write about something that scares you, or
      the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you, or
      the first thing you remember from when you were very small, or
      the time when you felt really jealous of someone.
      It’s a good idea with stories to start with something you feel strongly about (either good or bad) which is why I have made the above suggestions. You don’t have to say it’s about you, of course. You can make the story about someone else, called – um – Bettina 🙂 or any other name you fancy. And once you’ve got started, you don’t have to stick to the truth. These are just jumping off points.

      1. Caty says:

        Thanks I really think that will help! I’ll tell you when I figure out what to write about! Hope u r having fun in Chicago. Bye

  72. Caty says:

    IT’S MY 11th B’DAY TODAY!!! 😉 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Happy birthday, Caty! Hope you had a wonderful day, and that the year ahead is full of joy for you.

      1. Caty says:

        Thx for that i’m sure it will!! Bye 😉 🙂 😛

        1. Caty says:

          Hi did you do any extra things after school when you were younger? If you did whatdid you do? Bye 😉 🙂 =)

          1. Lian says:

            Hmm – two main things – horses and books. Sometimes I combined the two by reading in the stable. 🙂

  73. Adrienna Engle says:

    Hi lian! sorry i haven’t written to you in a while. i have gotten busy with school and other thing like church activities and other things. So how have yo been?

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Adrienna, good to hear from you again! Life does get in the way sometimes, doesn’t it? I’ve been well, thanks. If you’ve been following my posts you’ll know that I’m just back from a visit to Chicago – must make time to blog about it! It was very cold, and so it’s good to be back at the beginning of summer in Tasmania, with strawberries and raspberries!

  74. Susan says:

    Lian – My children are slightly too old for us to read aloud every night, but when I discovered Museum of Thieves, I told them we were *going* to read this book aloud together. We’re now halfway through City of Lies. I have to say that your books make me get choked up as I read because of the beauty and power of the wildness. I’d love bookplates for my kids, Matt, John and Megan — for both books. Thanks! Susan

  75. S.M.T says:

    Ummm… Lian, what are bookplates exactly? (I’m sorry English isn’t my first language)

    1. Lian says:

      It’s like a large sticker that you put in the front of your book. People sometimes have them saying ‘This book belongs to …..’ But they’re also a really good way for authors to send their signature to people on the other side of the world.

  76. Caty says:

    Hi Lian sorry I haven’t writen in a while because I was with school and stuff. I have another friend who wants a Bookplate this time just 1 saying To Niki best wishes with the date. Bye

    1. Niki says:

      Hi im Niki im Catys friend i havent read any of your books but next year i am going to borrow one of your books. 🙂 😉

      1. Lian says:

        Hi Niki, and welcome! I’m about to send a bookplate to Caty for you. I’ll post it today.

    2. Caty says:

      Hi Lain what is your fav part of christmas. Bye 😉 🙂

      1. Lian says:

        The carol singing. And the long summer days. And swimming. Oh, and the chocolates!

  77. Raiin says:

    Hi Lian I would adore to have Two of this bookplates 🙂
    & I was wondering where can I send you my address?

    1. Lian says:

      I’ll email you, Raiin, and you can send your address to me privately.

      1. Raiin says:

        Hi Lian ! I just received the Bookplates ! they’re all Great! awesome Illustrations & thanks for the Greetings — advance Merry Christmas too 😀

        1. Lian says:

          Glad they arrived safely, Raiin. And Merry Christmas to you too!

  78. S.M.T says:

    Well, I was wondering the same thing Raiin was, so… 🙂

  79. Niki says:

    Hi can you tell me what books you write? :]

    1. Lian says:

      Niki, if you have a look at the rest of the website – mainly the page called ‘My books’ – you will see which books I write! Or you could just ask Caty. 🙂

  80. vidya says:

    hi lian
    1.are you pretty? (please paste a pic!:)
    I have 5 bffs 2 of them are caty and niki,they have been telling me all about you and your blog.
    (please descibe yourself=paste pics)

    1. Lian says:

      Hello Vidya, I’m glad to hear that Caty has been spreading the news about my blog. I hope she is also telling you about the Keepers series. 🙂 As for pretty, I am 60 years old, so it is no longer a question that I ask myself. However if you want to see a picture of me, there is one here.

      1. Niki says:

        hi how are you lian i am Vidia’s friend and i am caty’s too where all bffs and also thank you for the book plate i will also spead the news about your blog.
        thx bye from Niki

        1. Lian says:

          Hi Niki, I am well thanks. Glad you liked the bookplate!

  81. Adrienna Engle says:

    Hi lian!!!

    i read the city of lies and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

    Hannah pickrell let me read it.

    1. Lian says:

      Hooray, good for you, Adrienna! And good for Hannah too, for lending it to you!. 🙂 Thanks for letting me know.

  82. Jacob says:

    hi lian can i have 4 of your lovely book plates because i have all your books and i love them so does my friend and we love it when we have sleepovers and read your books
    JACOB

  83. Sari says:

    I would love one of your Bookplates for my daughter, Sari.
    She absolutely loved Museum of Thieves and is about to start reading City of Lies. Please make it out to her, Sari, and then your signature. Thanks Kendra

  84. Midhat says:

    Hey Lian,
    I’d love three book plates with my name on them and your lovely signature 🙂
    I just finished Book one and it was amazing 🙂
    Gonna get book 2 soon 🙂
    Your books are great!
    Midhat

  85. Lily says:

    Lian,
    I seriously love your books! 😀 I just finished number two, and the whole way through I was biting my lip with excitment! Your leaving me in anticipation here! What’s going to happen? Who can they trust and who can’t they? I almost fainted in fright! In the sewers I thought toadspit died! I am waiting impatiently for the third book and you’ve got me flicking my fingers when I read one of the gods names. I am making a fantasy book that is terribly thick, and before I start my jouney to get it published (I am only ten) I would like some of my favorite authors (which includes you) to read it. But how do I get it to you?

    you are incredibly awesome, Lily
    P.S. I wrote this in the signed plate thing because I couldn’t find any other way to speak my mind.

    1. Lian says:

      Dear Lily, what an exceptionally nice message to get! I’m so glad you’re loving the books so much, and very honoured to be one of your favourite authors. I’m also glad that bit in the sewers got you worried – it’s one of my favourite bits in the second book. It’s a long wait now till the third book is published, but it’ll be an exciting story when it comes, believe me. Meanwhile the artist is working on the character drawings, with a fantastic new picture of Toadspit with his sword, and some other brilliant pictures as well.

      I’m glad to hear you’re writing a fantasy – it’s such an interesting thing to do. But I’m afraid I won’t read it for you. I always feel bad saying this to people, but I have discovered from experience that as soon as I say yes to one person, I get another hundred people wanting me to read THEIR manuscripts, and I just don’t have the time – that’s if I want to keep writing my own books. 🙂 I would suggest that a teacher might be the best person to read it for you. Someone you like and trust. I would suggest that you ask them (1) what they like best about it – because it’s always good to know your strengths – and (2) two or three things that you could do to improve it – this will let them know that you’re serious about your writing and want to get better at it, and it will give you something definite to focus on. So, for example, if they say ‘I think the dialogue needs to be more realistic’ you could then go away and listen to the way people talk (eavesdropping is a very important skill for a writer!) and then go back to your own dialogue and make it better.

      I hope you have had a look at the Advice for young authors page. If you have any specific questions you would like to ask me that are not answered on that page, fire away and I will do my best to answer them.

      1. Lily says:

        Dear Lian,
        I have been searching through the Advise for Young Authors page and I got all the information I needed. 😀 I hope the third book is going well. You know why . . . ‘cuase I’m dying to read it! My book is going great.

        From (I’m hoping) you friend, Lily 😀

        1. Lian says:

          The third book is actually finished and with the various publishers, Lily. And the character drawings are done (and are wonderful) and the covers are being done and will be ready soon. So everything is coming along nicely. All we have to do now is wait. 🙂

          Oh yes, and I’m glad the Advice page is proving useful!

          1. Lily says:

            Pwah??? You replied? HA! Cool. I just would like a little bit o’ info. When will your third book come out in Tasmania, Australia, Earth, Dunno which galaxy?

          2. Lian says:

            Hi Lily, the third book comes out at the end of September this year, in Australia and the USA. Other galaxies will probably be a little later. 😉

          3. Lian says:

            Hi Lily, the third book comes out at the end of September this year, in Australia and the USA. Other galaxies will probably be a little later. 😉

  86. Russ Robinson says:

    I would absolutely love a signed bookplate from you! You are a fantastic writer!

  87. nineweh says:

    Hello! I loved the Museum of Thieves book – I might even translate it into Czech if the publisher picks it!!! And I would love to! If the bookplates are still available… do you think I could have one to stick it in my copy of the book? Thanks!

  88. Maria says:

    Hey, Lian! I would most certainly adore a signed bookplate, but i wish i could give something to you. you’ve inspired me to start (trying) to write my own books! right now i’m working on one where a girl’s father goes missing and her small little hut has transformed into a gigantic Slaughter house! so the girl, (who goes by cassie,) tries to find her father who has been taken by the mysterious Cardmaster. If you look the Cardmaster in the eye, you die in an instant. and Along the way, she meets a boy who has no name who says his mother has been taken by the Cardmaster. the two children set off and soon realize that they are actually long lost siblings…

    But, I’m not quite done with it.
    anywho, please send me a bookplate! i’d Absolutley love it!

    1. Lian says:

      Maria, your story description made me shiver, which is an excellent sign! I hope the writing goes well. Don’t forget to have a look at my Advice for young authors page if you need it. (And you have given me something merely by sending me such nice messages – it’s so good to hear from readers who have loved the books!)

  89. Ashley Evans says:

    Hi Lian,

    My name is Ashley I am 10 years old. I love your books it’s hard to put them down. I can’t wait for the third one. I have told all my friends about them, and they are reading them too. My mum is also going to read them. I would love to have a book plate for all of the keepers books but if I can only have three that’s okay too. I think your stories are the best one’s I have read.

    Thank you for inspiring me to read more. Mum and Dad think I have turned into a bookworm! My reading has improved too.
    My brother who is only 7 can’t wait till he is older so he can read them and he sometimes asks me to read him some to him.

    Ashley

  90. Margie says:

    Dear Lian:
    I just finished writing a review of Museum of Thieves for my blog; what a wonderful story filled with delightful, strong characters (good and evil), action around every corner and subtle life lessons that the best of fantasy holds for its readers. I immediately set off to get a copy of The City of Lies and as I can see from other comments, I am among those eagerly awaiting the conclusion coming this new year.
    I would like to include a couple of passages from the book within the review if I might have your permisson. I,too, would like to have three of the bookplates to put in my personal copies of your books. Thank you so much for sharing this new world with we lucky readers.

  91. Bailee Stewart says:

    Hi There Lian,

    My name is Bailee and I’m 10 years old I would love to have a book plate to put on my book.
    I would also like to tell you that I think your books are fantastic and I just can’t wait for the third book to be released !
    If you could please personalise my book plate this would be very exciting!

    Yours Kindly x

    Bailee

  92. Bailee Stewart says:

    Hi Lian,

    My name is Bailee and I’m 10 years old I love the Keepers books so much that I will be very grateful to receive a personalised book plate (if you have any left.) I can not wait for you to release the third book the keepers books are so exciting to read that I can’t put them down.
    Have you got a certain date that the third book may be released?

    Happy writing!

    Yours Kindly,

    Bailee

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Bailee, the third book, Path of Beasts, will be coming out at the end of September. Nine months to go!

  93. Lilli says:

    Dear Lian
    May I please have 3 copies of the bookplates for me and my sisters .
    Also I was going to ask how many Keepers books are you going to do ??
    Thx a lot

    Love Lilli

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Lilli, there are going to be three books in this first series, but I’m hoping to go on and do another series, so who knows where it will end? 🙂

      1. Lilli says:

        Thx Lian for answering my question ,I have already finished the City of Lies and I have found a new writing website called Storybird which is great for children and adults alike and I think that your books should be everywhere!!

        Love Lilli 🙂

        1. Lian says:

          Lilli, I shall check out the Storybird website – thanks for telling me about it. I sent you an email asking for your postal address so I can send the bookplates – did you get it?

  94. Lyn says:

    Hi Lian,

    My daughter Kaity and I have read your first book “Museum of Thieves” and we are about to start on “City of Lies”. Kaity is a HUGE booklover and would love the bookplates for her books. Could you please personalise 3 bookplates for her? ( – in anticipation of your 3rd book!) Thank you for writing such wonderful books for kids – ones that us parents really enjoy reading too!

    thanks, and keep on writing!
    Lyn

  95. Lilyana says:

    Het Lian!

    I just want you to know . . . Your AWESOME! You are my second favorite author and you inspire me to finish my book (Which is almost finished) and send it to every publisher in australia! I am determined that my future as a writer is confirmed, even at my young age of ten! (Is that to young? :|) Anywho, I’ve read all your books (not includiing any others than The Keepers Museum of Theives and The Keepers City of Lies)and I would LOVE a SIGNED (XD) thingamywhatsit.

    From your number two (not meaning what comes out of you bottom) fan, LILYANA! (But, Yeah, Y’now, call me Lils if ya liwk.) 🙂

  96. Lily says:

    Hi Lian,
    September! Ahw . . . I was hoping it owould be a little sooner . . . anyway, my mum is about to read your books, and she is as excited about book three as I am. All we want is more . . . Ok, Bye!
    You are incredibly awesome, Lily.

    1. Lian says:

      Thanks Lily/ Hope your mum likes the books too!

  97. Lily says:

    trust me, she will 😉

  98. Lily says:

    Lian, whhy has this post dissappeared on the homepage? My friend cant get to it and the only way I can is really hard . . .

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Lily, I’m not sure why you think it has disappeared. Each post gets shuffled back a step as I do a new one, so perhaps it has just moved back a little in the queue. The easiest way for you and your friend to find it is to go to the website homepage here, click on ‘free stuff’ in the top left hand corner, then when the free stuff page comes up, click on the link at the bottom. Alternatively, you and your friend could bookmark this page or this page.

      1. Lily says:

        Thanks. So you know, if you meet a shannon ask her if she’s lily’s friend. I told her all about this stuff and she’s going to buy the books herself instead of me lending it to her. Then she’s going to get the bookplates and come with me to the launch. Why am I telling you this again?

  99. Olyvia says:

    dear Lian
    i would adore 1 of your book plates. can u please write in it “dear olyvia have fun reading my books” and your signature i would love that. thanks .

  100. Joan Donaldson says:

    Hi there,

    I would love 3 book plates for your wonderful series. I am buying the first two and waiting patiently for the third…..Please have them say To: Springfield Middle School and your signature of course.

    Thank-you very much

  101. Caty says:

    Hi Lian do u know any authors? Bye

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, yes, I know quite a few authors. When you’re an author yourself you tend to get to meet other people doing the same work. I don’t know any of the really famous ones however.

  102. George says:

    Hi Ms.Tanner,
    I received the Museum of Thieves for Christmas and I ended up reading it in a matter of a few hours. I loved it. Also may I have one of those book plates to:)Thanks for putting up the offer!
    From your Biggest fan!

    P.S.I love to see Aussie authors! It makes me proud!

  103. Dixie Savage says:

    Hi Ms. Tanner–I would love 3 of the book plates. 2 for the first 2 books and one for the newest one coming. I absolutely love these books and am going to read them with my niece once the third one comes out.

    If you could please sign the books to “Dixie Lee” it would be most appreciated.

    Thank you so very much!

  104. Caty says:

    Hi lian I would like to know if in Path of Beasts you will tell us more about Goldie’s aunt Praise? 😉 🙂 “)

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, good question! And the answer is … maybe! Ha, I’m not giving ANYTHING away, not yet. You’ll just have to wait.

  105. Nestor says:

    Dear Ms. Tanner,
    I bought the first of the Keepers series last year for my daughter (now 11) and she enjoyed it so much that she requested the second. I too had started reading the 1st one and have enjoyed the conversations with my daughter about the characters and meanings behind each on of them. WE look forward to the realease of last chapter of this trilogy. We plan to complete the hard bound collection and afix to each one your signed bookplate.

    Best Regards,
    Nestor

  106. Jordyn says:

    Hi Lian,

    I absolutely love your books and I read them whenever I get the chance to. I love that when I read a chapter I can clearly see the picture in my head of what the story is about. I absolutely cannot wait for the last book of the trilogy to come out. I’m not such a big bookworm but you have inspired me to read. I have one question, what is your favourite book out of the whole trilogy? I would absolutely love to have 3 bookplates signed in my name and I wish you the best for the future.
    Sincerely,
    Jordyn

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Jordyn, I’m glad that my books create pictures in your mind – I think that’s what stories should do. And I’m VERY pleased that I’ve inspired you to read. My favourite book out of the three at the moment is the last one, Path of Beasts, probably because I’ve just finished writing it and it is all still fresh in my mind! But I love the others too. It will be interesting in maybe five years time to look back and see which is my favourite then.

      P.S. I have emailed you about the bookplates.

  107. tony longo says:

    please send us your autograph or some book plates and thank you tony longo,35634 elk camp rd,rehoboth,de,19971,19971 usa

  108. niki says:

    hi how are you would you be able to tell me what stores you can find the keepers books at?????thx 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Niki, I’m not sure where you are – are you in Australia? If so you should be able to find them at any bookshop. If they haven’t got them they will certainly be able to order them in for you. If you’re in the US, I think the situation is the same. I know Barnes and Noble have them, and I would imagine that seeing they are published by Random House most stores would have them.

  109. Caty says:

    Hey Lian just 2 let u know Niki and I both live in Australia! I know this cause we r best friends! 😉 🙂 😛

    1. Lian says:

      Oh that’s so nice Caty! Perhaps you can help her find a bookshop that has the Keepers!

      1. Caty says:

        Ok Lian I’ll try to find a book store that sells The Keepers! 😉 🙂 Bye

  110. Hector Ramirez says:

    Hi Lian,

    I would like for you to send a bookplate for my son Isaac. He loves your books.

    Thank you
    Hector

  111. Maddison says:

    Hi, your majesty!
    I call you this because you are the equivelent of roalty in my mind because you and your books are sheer genius!
    I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a book plate addressed to me! It would be like getting mailed pure gold!
    PLEASE REPLY!
    Your fan forever!
    Maddison

    1. Lian says:

      No one has EVER called me Your Majesty before! Even my cat thinks it’s funny, and is refusing to curtsy, though I have spent several minutes trying to convince her. 😀

  112. Maddison says:

    Ha ha! I have three cats and they will not ever never curtsy to me! ( although they may suck up a little to get pats!)

    1. Lian says:

      I’m still trying for the curtsy. Maybe if I wear my tiara she’ll change her mind …

  113. Fatima says:

    Lian,
    I would totally LOVE one of your bookplates. I want them sooooo bad! An you please send me one!:) I LOVE your books! I live far away but I would like one anyway:) Oh, did I mention I LOVE your books?!!:)

  114. Fatima says:

    I wanted to ask if there will be any charges when we give you our email and you send the bookplate to us? Are there any shipping charges because I live in Japan?
    Oh, and I CAN NOT wait for the third book! Only 8 months to go!

  115. Maddison says:

    Mabye a royal ceremonial gown!

    1. Lian says:

      Oh, I’m SURE she’d curtsy for a gown! She has a very fine clothes sense. 🙂

  116. Maddison says:

    Teddy has very fine clothes sense! (my cat)
    But its mostly because he likes to suck them. Dont ask me why!

  117. Bonnie says:

    Of course it would be great tohave a bookplate for these books! I’ve read both in 2 days! When does the third come out? I can’t wait to see what happens!

  118. Caty says:

    What was your fav part about writing City of Lies? 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      I think it was writing about the Big Lie, Caty, and trying to work out what everyone would become within that lie – especially Morg and the white mice.

  119. Kiara says:

    hi Lian
    im a big fan and i would love a bookplate thanks for my copy of the museum of thieves

    your fan
    Kiara

  120. Fatima says:

    Dear Lian,
    Thanh you so much for the bookplates! They got here safe and sound so thank you! I can’t wait to put mine on the copy of Path Of Beasts when it finally comes out!
    Your dye heart fan
    Fatima

    1. Lian says:

      I’m very glad to hear that you are pleased with the bookplates, Fatima!

  121. Ellen M says:

    Lian, I would love to have three of these bookplates with your signature. _Museum of Thieves_ made me think that life is an adventure to be explored with wisdom rather than attempting to play it “safe.” So perhaps you would write, “Adventure with wisdom!” on one of the bookplates; I think that would be a good message for my kids who might end up undertaking extreme skiing as they grow older (I’m not going to push them into it, but I’m not going to say “no” either). Perhaps you would be so kind as to think of something witty for the other two plates…?

    I finally ordered my own copies of your books. I think they’re going to have to stay “Mom’s books”, but I’ll let my kids read them. 😉

    Sincerely,
    Ellen Mandeville

  122. Marius says:

    Dear Lian,

    My name is Marius and I’m 16 years old. I love the Keepers books so much that I will be very grateful to receive a personalised book plate (if you have any left).

    May I please have 3 copies of the bookplates for me and my siblings?

    Thanks a lot

    Love Marius

  123. soly says:

    Lian, I think your books are very cool.Even though they are not really famous every story is worth telling! whenever I try to write a story I dont have any ideas but sometimes I do and it just leads to a dead end. You sould keep on writing books beacause you have a great imagination. So to me your books are famous even if I cant create a world of my own, but you really do have tallent.Since I am a fan I would really like a bookplate from you so evrey time I look at it I would think about the keepers trilolagy and ” If someone could write such a great story like that, then so can I!” (p.s – cant wait till the path of beasts come out 🙂

  124. Caty says:

    hey lian i’m really good at writing stories but i can only write good ones when someone gives me a title or a rought story line about it. I was wondering if u could give me an idea 4 a short story

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty! You know, part of being a writer is learning to find ideas, and discovering what you would like to write about. It’s no use me giving you an idea, because it would be the sort of thing that interests me, not you. But I can give you some tips as to how you can find your own ideas. Try some of the following:

      1. Try looking through a magazine or a photography book until you find a picture that inspires you.
      2. Get a big sheet of paper and write a list of the things you love and another list of the things you hate, and write a story about one of them.
      3. Listen to your favourite music, and daydream at the same time, and see if a story idea comes along.
      4. Imagine a character who REALLY wants something. What do they want? What lengths will they go to to get it? Write a story about what happens.
      5. Do you have dreams? Try turning one of them into a story.
      6. Imagine a character who has a BIG problem. How do they solve that problem? Write a story about what they do.

      1. Caty says:

        thnx lian ill try some of ur advise and c how i go talk 2 u soon and i’ll tell u how im going with my story
        🙂

        1. Lian says:

          Good luck, Caty!

  125. Caty says:

    plz rply im re re re rereading ur first 2 books i cant wait 4 the next one

    1. Lian says:

      Five months to go until Path of Beasts is published, Caty! Have you seen the American cover? Click on this link here for a sneak preview.

  126. Stefany says:

    Dear Lian,
    I remember a couple of years ago my gran gave my brother and i a copy of your book called “Rats”.
    I enjoyed it but had no idea you had written more books since then!
    I am actually starting to write a book myself and i was on the phone to my gran just before and she told me to google your name for insperation and well thats how im here. I can not wait to buy some of your other books.
    My gran is actually your cousin. Which is cool. I love hearing how many people in the family write.

    1. Lian says:

      Dear Stefany, how nice to hear from you! I’m trying to work out which of my cousins is your aunt, and I can’t, so you’d better tell me. I guess that makes you my cousin too, so it’s good to meet you. 🙂
      Yes, I have been very busy since Rats! The Keepers trilogy is quite a different sort of book, and much better, I think. I do hope you enjoy it. Hope your own writing is going well too. I’m glad the writing gene is going strong in the family!

  127. Stefany says:

    My grans name is Heather, I am your 3rd cousin or something haha gran and i worked it out yesterday. Its nice to meet you to. Ill let you know once iv read them (: Mine is going good. It is (:

    1. Lian says:

      Aha, now I know who you are! Heather is my first cousin, so that makes you my first cousin twice removed. If I had grandchildren (which I don’t), they would be your third cousins. Keep in touch, Stefany. And give my love to your gran.

  128. Stefany says:

    I Will Lian. (:

  129. Lucia says:

    Ms Tanner, I would love 3 bookplates (one for each book) if you still have them to spare. I am reading your books to my three young kids. I think of the books often while surrounded by my hand-sanitizer-loving-never-leave-my-side-parent friends. Thanks for the very fun stories and reminders about parenting to make whole humans rather than fearful fractured inadequate ones. Lucia

  130. Caty says:

    hi lian do you ever go looking for ideas? if it’s yes how often and also whatis your top 5 fav places 2 get ideas please reply soon
    🙂 😉

    1. Lian says:

      I don’t really go looking in specific places, Caty. It’s more a matter of daydreaming for me, or of walking on the beach and suddenly being hit by a terrific idea (which is why I like to carry a notebook with me). Although I DO sometimes go looking in photography books for interesting characters or strange houses. And sometimes I like to wander through all sorts of museums, or historical ruins. I find ideas can jump out at me just about anywhere. 🙂

      1. Caty says:

        ok lian thanks

  131. Sybilla says:

    Hi Lian,
    You are the most friendly author I have ever heard of! This is because of how you reply to many of your letters and give away free bookplates, SIGNED!!
    My friend showed me the keepers books and now I am hooked on the first one.
    If you are still giving away bookplates can I please have 2?? One for me and one for my friend? It’s ok if you don’t have any left. I can understand, considering you must have so so so many fans!
    Thanks!

  132. Caty says:

    how often do you write your books and for how long

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, at the moment I’m writing roughly a book a year. It took longer to write my first few.

  133. Caty says:

    do u write every day and for how much time?
    😉 🙂 =)

    1. Lian says:

      I write every week day, Caty, from round about 6.30 am till about 1.00.

      1. Caty says:

        wow thats a lot do u ever get bored

        1. Lian says:

          Sometimes. 🙂 But boredom is a part of life, and it doesn’t happen too often.

          1. Caty says:

            yeh i guess it is
            but what do u do in ur spare time? :/ 🙂

          2. Lian says:

            Just stuff, like everyone else. Visit friends. Eat. Sleep. Read lots of books. 😀

  134. Jinha says:

    Dear Lian,
    I’m from Korea so if you think my name is weird please understand.
    I totally adored your book! I loved how you used a lot of mystery things. I love mystery. One of my friend told that your books were awesome, and now I know why. I wish you could keep on writing good books. Then I will keep on reading!

    1. Lian says:

      Dear Jinha, how nice to hear from someone in Korea! I really like mystery too, so I’m glad you like the mysteries in my books so much. I certainly intend to keep writing for as long as I can – in fact I have nearly finished a new book, which is again full of mystery.

      P.S. I really like your name.

      1. Jinha says:

        I was pleased that you like my name. I kept on borrowing your book of City of Lies and Museaum of Thieves. I think I’ve read it over 10 times and I still don’t get bored of it.

        1. Lian says:

          Oh that’s nice, Jinha!

  135. Jinha says:

    Oh also I LOVE your book plates. Could you please send me one?

  136. Caty says:

    my 9 yr old bro wants to write a story but he wants some tips on how to start it off any ideas

    1. Lian says:

      Caty, I’m sure you could help him better than I could. After all, you know him, so you know what sort of story he might like to write. Give it a go.

      1. caty says:

        ok lian i’ll give it a go but he doesn’t listen to me no matter wat i’m talkin about

  137. heather hopfinger says:

    hi Lian I would love 3 signed bookplates
    Thanks
    Heather Hopfinger

  138. Amanda Allbert says:

    Hi Lian,

    Would you please send 1 signed bookplate.
    Thank you.

  139. Dear Ms Tanner

    As a matter of courtesy, I would like to let you know that Read it! Loved it! (www.readitlovedit.com) has listed Museum of thieves as an Adventure & Fantasy book for 10-11 year old boys and girls.

    If you have any queries or problems with this inclusion, please let me know.

    Warm regards

    Mr Gavin Jones
    Read it! Loved it!
    http://www.readitlovedit.com

  140. Alice says:

    dearest Lian,

    I really loved your first book museum of thieves and I am getting city of lies ordered in. I was wondering if you had any of these free bookplates left as i would love one thank you.

  141. caty says:

    hey lian it’s me again I have been trying to get an idea for my story but I still can’t think of anything. i was wondering if you could tell me how you get some of your ideas?

    🙁

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, good to hear from you again! The best way for me to answer this is to direct you to my advice for young authors page, where I have answered it in a couple of different ways. You’ll need to scroll nearly to the bottom, where someone has asked ‘How do you find out what to write about in the first place?’ And then there’s another one right at the bottom. Actually, I think that one was yours, so you have clearly had this problem before. 🙂 Keep trying, and don’t criticise your own efforts too much. Just start jotting down some possibilities in a playful way – creativity is really just playfulness, and if we get too serious about we can get stuck.

      1. caty says:

        thanks lian hope 2 talk 2 u soon

  142. caty says:

    I think i’ve got a better idea of what to write about now
    thanks 🙂 :/ =)

  143. Adrienna engle says:

    You r the best author in the world! Keep up the amazing work that you do!

    1. Lian says:

      Thanks Adrienna! I shall certainly keep writing!

  144. Adrienna engle says:

    I also can’t wait to read your next book! I am supper excited about it! So what does goldie and toadspit look like? If u have any pics of them could u send me one of them?

  145. Adrienna engle says:

    I mean in the next book:)

    1. Lian says:

      Have a look here, Adrienna, at one of my more recent posts, and also here.

  146. Adrienna engle says:

    Thanks!! You do an amazing job at drawing them! Toadspit looks amazing and so does goldie!

    1. Lian says:

      Oh Adrienna, I wish I WISH I could draw as well as that! They are the work of a wonderful Melbourne artist called Sebastian Ciaffaglione. Isn’t he clever?

  147. Adrienna engle says:

    Definitely! Did you know that YOU are my #1 favorite author in the world?!!! You have the best books ever!!

    1. Lian says:

      *blush* That’s such a nice thing to hear, Adrienna! I do hope you’ll like Path of Beasts when it comes out in October.

  148. Adrienna engle says:

    I told my grandma about the path of beasts and she said that she will try and get it 4 me! And I also got her reading the books and she said she loves it!

    1. Lian says:

      😀 😀

  149. Adrienna engle says:

    Do you know Hannah pickrell? Well, she was the one who got me loving your books. She is also my best friend. We always talk about your books and how amazing they are.

    1. Lian says:

      Yes, I definitely know Hannah. I didn’t realise the two of you were best friends. 🙂

  150. Adrienna engle says:

    Yep. We sure are! We have known each other ever since she was in the 4th and I was in the 5th grade.

  151. Andrea Diaz says:

    Hey Lian!

    I’d love a book plate! I only want one, I don’t want to waste you’re paper. 🙂

  152. caty says:

    hi lian did you learn a second language at school if yes what was it?

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, yes, I learned French at school. I always thought it was a bit useless, but then many years later I went to France and found the language came back to me fairly quickly, so I was pleased I’d done it then.

  153. caty says:

    cool at school I learn italian and when I go to highschool i’ll be able to learn italian and Indonesion

    1. Lian says:

      I think Italian would be a nice language to learn. I’m currently learning Latin, just for fun, and that is really interesting. Very similar to Italian.

  154. caty says:

    yeh your right it’s really fun to learn i think i might continue italian in high school

  155. Harry says:

    Dear Lian,
    I love the Keepers Trilogy. I can’t wait until the next book comes out!!! My favorite character is Toadspit! I also love Broo and Morg! I was wondering if I could have one of the bookplates with your signature?

  156. Eilish says:

    Hi Lian,
    I wrote to you along time ago and you gave me some great hints on how to write a good story.The one I found most useful was scrapbooking.I cut pictures out of magazines and if I’m walking down a road in town and spot something wierd or interesting, I write it down.This has helped me have lots of great writing ideas, and I find it much easier to write a good story now.I missed the last booklaunch and I was really disappointed, but mum promised me I’m allowed to come to this one.I can’t wait to say hi.
    regards
    Eilish

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Eilish, I’m really glad those writing tips helped. I think keeping a notebook of interesting things and pictures is one of the most useful tips for a young author. And it can give you so many story ideas. I’m also pleased you can come to the launch. It’s at 11.00 am at the Bahai Centre on Sunday 14th. I reckon we’ll be finished by 11.45, though later if you want to get your book signed. Don’t forget to bring a stuffed beast if you can, we are going to build a guard of honour for the mystery guest!

  157. Eilish says:

    Hi again,
    I forgot to add, what time does the booklaunch start and finish?(Our school fair is on the same day!)
    thanks
    Eilish

  158. Eilish says:

    Thanks Lian, I have the perfect idea for a stuffed beastie that you’ll love.I can’t wait to see you.
    Eilish

    1. Lian says:

      Make sure you come up and say hello, Eilish!

  159. eilish says:

    Definately! I can’t wait.

  160. April says:

    I would love one of thease. I loved your books. I am ancently waiting for the 9th for the third book to come out. Thanks!

    -April,

    I will email you with the imformation after you email me. 😀

  161. Caty says:

    hey Lian I was wondering if Path Of Beasts is out yet because I did a search at my local library today and they said they had it at other libraries in the region. i’ve also been looking in every shop I go into that sells books but I can’t find it!! 🙁 So can you tell me if it’s out or not?! PLEASE

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, yes, it came out on October 1st. Try asking for it in one of the bookshops, and if they haven’t got it in, they’ll order it for you. It’s probably a good idea too if you keep an eye on my latest posts – like this one – then you’ll be up to date. AND you might get hold of a set of new character cards! 😀

  162. Marylin says:

    Dear Lian,
    It was wonderful seeing and hearing you today in Launceston. Thank you for offering to send book plates for your 1st 2 books that we ordered in the hard backs to complement the third in the trilogy. I am looking forward to reading them too.

  163. Hello Lian,

    Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful works.
    We stumbled upon them last August at our local library. Madeline was hooked from the first mention of children in chains. The October release of the “Beast” could not come quickly enough.

    Two things you might like to know:
    1. Maddy was adamant she wanted to dress as Goldie No-One for the yearly Book Parade. Ripped clothes, hand made mask and fingers chatting to the nines. Look to see her here: http://smu.gs/RJc2b6.
    She was the only Goldie at the school and she shared her love of the books in between periods of camouflage by nothingness. Seriously, there are pics of a flash-mob dance done by her class; Maddy’s there and then… she’s not there…hang on , yes she is. Such fun for her.

    2.She will not like me saying this…..but I caught her finger talking to her cat on more than one occasion.

    We would love three of the book plates, please. We will buy copies for Christmas and the plates will be the brandy cream on the pudding.
    Maddy will have her own set for ever. After all, these book are …”keepers”!

    Thanks Lian,

    Enjoy the holidays.

    Neal

  164. Caty says:

    I just got Path Of Beasts today I can’t wait to read it! 🙂 I bet it’s even better than the others and they were AWESOME!!!!! 🙂 😉

    1. Lian says:

      Caty, how exciting! I do hope you love it. When you’ve finished, if you want to, you can put up a review here.

  165. Caty says:

    ok thanks Lian!!

  166. Io says:

    HI LIAN! Are all the bookplates gone already? if not can I have one?
    please reply 🙂
    thx

    1. Lian says:

      Of course you can, Io. But once again you’ll have to wait until I get home. Sorry for the delay, but I can’t do anything about it while I’m on holiday. 🙂

  167. Io says:

    That’s fine.
    But thanks for replying!
    Hope you come home safely 🙂

  168. Caty says:

    Hey lian I was wondering if now that you have finished Path of Beasts you must have a lot of spare time to relax and do what you want? Enjoy your HOLIDAY lian 🙂 =);)

    1. Lian says:

      Thanks Caty. I’m actually on holiday right now, in Queensland. But next week I’ll be home again, and starting work on the next book.

  169. Io says:

    Hey Lian! For the bookplate, will you please put your signature and put ‘To Mirabel’
    Thanks! 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Yep. Will do. Though how come I’m not putting ‘To Io’?

  170. Io says:

    And for my second one, please put in ‘To Jessica’
    P.S. I’m doing this for my friends who couldn’t afford to buy a book.

    1. Lian says:

      Aha, now I understand. What shall I put on the third one?

  171. Io says:

    Oh! No thank you. I don’t need one.

  172. Io says:

    Actually, One more that says ‘To Mrs. Goldsbrough’

  173. Io says:

    Where are my manners? Please.

    1. Lian says:

      🙂 🙂

  174. Io says:

    And one more that says, ‘To Imogen’ please. 🙂

  175. Io says:

    And also one that says, “To Io” please

    And that is it. Thank you

  176. Morgan says:

    Can I please have a bookplate?
    🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Yes to that too. 🙂

  177. Io says:

    Hello, Morgan!

  178. Io says:

    Hellooooooooooooooooo?

  179. Io says:

    When is she going to comment on here? I asked her to.
    ;(

  180. Io says:

    YES!!! FINALLY!
    *Crying tears of joy*

    1. Lian says:

      🙂 🙂 🙂

  181. Jill Wilson says:

    Thank you for a wonderful visit with the children of St Ignatius Toowong in Brisbane recently. They enjoyed their time with you and are now madly reading your books.
    You mentioned during your visit about the possibility of getting some bookplates and also some book character stands I think Lian.
    Anyhow, if you are able to help with any resources that could continue to encourage the children to read then we would be most appreciative!
    Thanks,
    Jill.

  182. Kate says:

    Dear lian,

    I would love one of the book plates. Please could it say: For Kate. I love all your books and read them all, I own The Museum of Thevies.

    Thanks
    Kate
    🙂

  183. Caty says:

    hey lian I just got back from my family holiday in Hobart and every time we went out we passed the Military Museum and there were two white cannons on the grass out the front and when we passed them the larger cannon looked a lot like Frow Carrion and I was wondering where you got the idea from? 🙂 🙂 :/ 😛 😀

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, I hope you had a good time in Hobart. I am very familiar with the two white cannons out the front of the Anglesea Barracks, but I had never thought of them in relation to Frow Carrion before. Maybe they ARE related though. Maybe I’ve seen them so often that they sort of crept into the back of my mind, then popped up in my writing! I can’t think of any other place that the idea might have come from.

  184. Caty says:

    I did enjoy every bit of it except being squashed in between my brother Sean and a car door because of my older sister Meaghan but other than that it was AWESOME!!!!!!! My favourite thing was going to the Cadbury factory. We also went to the female factory on Louisa’s walk and Port Aurthur

    1. Lian says:

      Th Cadbury factory is pretty good, isn’t it. When I was a kid in Launceston, we used to live just down the road from the Peters Icecream factory. This was in the days when they used to give out free samples. 🙂

  185. Caty says:

    wow you must have been able to get a lot of free icecream!!!!!!!

  186. sean says:

    hi i am catys brother sean and i would like a bookplate an i loved hobart and my favourite place was the salamanca markets and the hobart bookshop! there was a poster of the third book on the wall saying that you came in october.

  187. Sean says:

    I just got my bookplate!!! I am really happy! 🙂 thank you Lian

    1. Lian says:

      I’m glad it arrived safely, Sean. 😀

  188. Caty says:

    So is Sean he went crazy! He kept jumping up and down saying eeeeeeeeeeeeee yay yay yay yay when I gave it to him out of the letter box!!! 😀 😛 🙂 😉

  189. Tina Anderson says:

    Hi Lian
    I have just finished reading The Keepers to my Year 5 class.
    They all fell in love with it and are off to the shops to buy the next 2 books.
    I would love a signed book plate for my personal copy in which I will probably read each year to my classes.

    I love reading the first book in a series as it hooks the students in.

    Thank you

  190. Amanda Raimondo says:

    I would love to have 3 copies signed for Christmas for my daughter.
    Thanks
    Mandy

  191. Hi lian! Sorry I haven’t been on for such a while. Choir and stuff had gotten in he way of talking to my favorite author

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Adrienna, it’s good to hear from you. How is choir going? What sort of stuff do you sing? Do you know about the dress-up competition? Just in case you don’t, you can read about it here. You’ve got till new year’s eve to enter. I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas!

  192. Choir has gone reallywell for me. I sing different kinds of songs too. But my favorite one is Mary did you know. Yeah I will totally look into the dress-up compitition. And have a very merry Christmas lian!

  193. Devon Boom says:

    Lian! After months of not really looking for a way to get signed copies of my Keepers books, i went online today thinking it was impossible. And yet here i am! Your books are my favorite, and I’ve read a lot of books. 3 magic signatures please!

  194. I know. I absolutely her books! I read her books after I get done with my home work!

  195. Ella Brouwer says:

    I have got all 3 books in the Keepers trilogy and loved all of them.

    Do you still have any bookplates available? I,d love some!!

    Thank you
    From Ella

  196. Talia says:

    hi they are so very cute i would like to know if i can recieve 3 if not 2 or one is just fine
    i do hope you answer my request for my dear books ae waiting for their bookplates 🙂 thank you

  197. Angelique Petersen says:

    I would love to have 3 signed for my three books. I love them! Thanks so much!

  198. Isabel says:

    Hello Lian, I was wondering if there are any bookplates left? If so can I please have one? If not that’s okay, keep up the great work!

  199. Caitlin Jackson says:

    Hi Lian,
    My name is Caitlin and I am 12. May I please have 3 of the book templates with your lovely signature on them? I love your books!

  200. Io says:

    My mum just bought me the third book: ‘The Path of Beasts’ Can I please have one with your signature on it? I have read the whole series 4 times! Now I’m reading a book by Rick Riordan.

  201. Caty says:

    Hey Lian,
    I’m entering a writing competition with my local library and i’m a little stuck on a few things.
    1. If I should write a short story or if I should write a poem because I know I am good at writing things in both those categories.
    2. What to write about because whenever I try to think of something to write my mind goes blank!
    so I was wondering if you could give me any tips on either of these things because it closes in a few months.
    Thanks Lian
    Caty! 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Caty, good to hear from you! I wonder how you are currently going about trying to think of something to write. Are you sitting in front of your computer with your hands poised over the keys? Or sitting with a pen in your hand with a blank sheet of paper in front of you, thinking hard?

      Let me tell you, those are both dreadful ways of coming up with ideas. MY mind would go blank too, if I did that! You need to be a little more playful, and come at things a bit sideways. That’s what our creative minds like – playfulness. If we sit them down and get very serious, they tend to go on strike.

      So this is what I want you to try. Get a big piece of paper – blank newsprint is good, but if you haven’t got that, then any old sort of paper that you can scribble on. Not GOOD paper, that you feel you can only do good writing or drawing on. You want the sort of paper that it’s okay to make a mess on. You’ll need big textas too, if you’ve got them. Otherwise thin textas are good.

      Now say to yourself – ‘I want some ideas for a story or a poem. And I want them by the time I come back from this walk.’ THEN go for a long walk (by yourself!!!!) and FORGET ALL ABOUT GETTING IDEAS. That’s very important. Don’t worry about the story/poem or think about it at all. If you start to think about it, just say ‘No, I’m not ready for you yet.’ Then keep walking. And as you walk, notice everything around you, the sounds, the smells, the textures. The dogs and cats and cars and kids and pizza places and lawnmowers and whatever else you come across.

      When you get back from your walk, set a timer if you’ve got one. Otherwise ask someone to tell you when five minutes is up. Then start scribbling down ideas on that bit of paper. Scribble as fast as you can, whatever comes into your head, doesn’t matter if it’s really silly or boring or wrong – write it down! And keep writing – don’t let yourself stop, just keep throwing down silly ideas – until five minutes is up. Then sit back and read through what you’ve written. A lot of it will be useless or silly. But there’s a very good chance that there’ll be some good ideas in there as well.

      If there’s nothing interesting, set the timer for another five minutes and start scribbling again.

      As for poem or story, I think you should get the idea first, then decide whether it’s going to be a poem or a story. Most ideas suit one better than the other. xxx

  202. Tracey says:

    Hi, I would really like 3 bookplates signed, your books are the best! Thank you!

  203. Rida says:

    I would like 1 bookplate signed for my book, Museum of Thieves. Can you please also write: “For Rida”

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Rida, I have emailed you to get your postal address. Can you check your email please?

  204. Samantha says:

    Hi Lian
    I’m Samantha. I first got into the keepers trilogy when i got given mueseum of theives for christmas. See, my family always buys me books, even if they don’t know what i like. I love your books though. I would also love to have a bookplate, if you don’t mind. Just one is enough. Thanks for being such an awesome writer

    Samantha

  205. Maisie&Lucinda says:

    Hello,
    Could we please have some bookplates for our books? We have the first two of the Keepers, and mum is getting us the third in the school holidays.
    Thank you in advance,
    Maisie and Lucinda

  206. Richard Michna says:

    Lian –

    My Nine year old son Nicholas is thrilled with your books. Frankly Nick has never been much of a reader, but we are so pleased to see how your writing has captured his imagination. I’ve had trouble buying them fast enough!

    This is really the first time Nick has really connected with “chapter” books. In recognition of this milestone we are going to donate the trilogy in hardcover to Nicks school, and would love to add bookplates to each of them. If you could add “for Barkhamsted Elementary School” or the like I would greatly appreciate it.

    Thank you very much Lian.

  207. Caty says:

    Thanks Lian. I didn’t get the chance to check your reply after I wrote it because I was involved in a car accident after I got off the school bus in the middle of August and I wasn’t allowed to read, write or use any electronics for to weeks. Then after that I got really tired really quickly after returning to school again. And after a while I forgot and only remembered when I was busy or tired! Thanks again for the tips. They might come in handy in the future. Hope to talk to you soon.
    🙂 😀
    Caty

    1. Lian says:

      Dear me, Caty, I’m so sorry to hear about your accident! What a dreadful thing to happen! I do hope you are now fully recovered.

      1. Caty says:

        Thanks Lian. I’m better now. almost all back to normal. Still getting tired but it is getting better slowly. Also I was just wondering, now that you have released a new book if you were going to have bookplates made for this one as well as the keepers? Anyway hope to talk to you soon again.

        1. Lian says:

          I am going to get new bookplates for this new series, Caty. In fact they should have been done already, but the artist had a catastrophe with his computer and lost everything he’d been working on for the last couple of months – including the bookplates. Such a terrible thing to happen (though not as bad as your accident!), but he’s been slowly getting the work done again. I’ll put a note on my blog when the new bookplates are ready.

          1. Caty says:

            Ok. That is not good at all. Hope he gets them done soon. 🙁 Can’t wait to see what they look like. Also really want to get your new book for my birthday on the 25th. Hope I get it soon. It seems interesting.

          2. Lian says:

            Happy birthday for the 25th, Caty – and I hope there’s a carefully wrapped copy of Ice Breaker in amongst your presents. 🙂

  208. Sean says:

    Hi, i’m Sean.
    I was wondering how you come up with ideas for your books. I haven’t read any of them but my sister has. Do you write your ideas down in a note book or an actual book? I was also wondering if I could get a bookplate from you?
    Thank You Lian.

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Sean, yes, I keep a notebook for each new book I write. I jot down ideas and stick in pictures and anything else I find interesting. I also daydream a lot, letting my mind wander while I’m gardening or walking on the beach, and that’s a good way of getting ideas. Sometimes I do a brainstorm on a big bit of paper, throwing down lots of ideas really quickly and seeing if anything interesting turns up.

  209. Caty says:

    Me to lian. Thanks. 😀
    BTW if you don’t mind me asking. when is your birthday? 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      My birthday is on March 17th, Caty, which is St Patrick’s Day. 🙂

      1. Caty says:

        Ok. I have a baby cousin who was born on anzac day. 🙂
        The bookplate and business cards came today. Sean was really happy.
        ttyl lian.

  210. Grace says:

    Hi Lian! I would love a bookplate from you! I love your writing and I can’t wait to read more of your books! (I’ve only read one because our library doesn’t have the others and I haven’t been able to buy any yet, but hopefully I can get one or more for Christmas!)

  211. Dixie Savage says:

    Hi Lian

    I have a couple of bookplates for a couple of my books-books like a few more if possible. If one of them could be for Melissa that would be wonderful. Please keep writing-as we all enjoy the books very much-I am currently looking for Ice Breaker and can’t wait to read it. Thank you so much.

  212. Poppy says:

    Hi Lian,
    My 8-year old, Evie, just loves your books (she has all 4 of your books so far) and cannot wait for you to write another. She is a voracious reader and (like her mum) loves to read moe than anything else. I would love to be able to surprise her with a signed bookplate.
    Thanks so much

  213. Brooke says:

    Hi Lian,
    i’m very into the keepers trilogy it’s my favorite.
    It’s like the books for me, my fav character is broo he’s so protective and handsome i just love broo.

    sincerly,
    brooke

    1. Lian says:

      Hi Brooke, I’m very pleased to hear that you like the Keepers! I really love Broo too – for the same reasons you do.

  214. Io says:

    Hey, Lian!

    Just asking (you know how i’m so impatient) when the bookplates for the Hidden series are going to be given out???

    Io:)

    1. Lian says:

      Oh dear, thanks for reminding me, Io. There were several delays (obviously!) in the ordering process and I haven’t caught up with things after the last one. I’ll get onto it straight away! 🙂 Keep being as patient as you can!

  215. Io says:

    Thank you, Lian! And of course. If there are unexpected delays and and it’s giving you problems, I will DEFINITELY patient!
    Sorry to disturb you 🙁

    Io 🙂

    1. Lian says:

      I always like hearing from you, Io! And I’m pretty sure the problems are now sorted out (thanks to you nudging me!) so hopefully those bookplates will be winging their way across the ocean very soon.

      1. Io says:

        Hi Lian,
        Hope it arrives safely to your house of inspirations! (basically your home) And I DEFINITELY hope- no I KNOW they will look wonderful, beautiful, AwEsOmE -no- I found the right word: EPIC!

        Io 😀

        1. Io says:

          Oh, and how is Harry the companion-writing-cat?

          1. Lian says:

            Harry is well thanks Io. I recently discovered he was allergic to fleas, which is why he was waking me up in the middle of the night. Poor boy must have been in agony – little sores all over him. Now we have fixed the problem (by getting rid of the fleas) both Harry and I are sleeping a lot better. 🙂

        2. Lian says:

          🙂 🙂 🙂

          1. Io says:

            Ha ha ha! Well, that’s good news!

  216. Eboni Hawkins says:

    Hi Lian Tanner,

    Big Fan!!! Read the whole trilogy about 5 times now!! I would love one (or more) of the bookplates. Also my mum and I have both thought of an aewsome idea!

  217. diane engen says:

    I just purchased your books for our school library. Would you please send me the free bookplates for the 6 books. I understand if you can send only 3. I did get tow sets of the City of Lies Series. Thanks you
    Diane Engen
    DeSales School
    414 east Main
    Ossian Iowa 52162
    Thanks!

  218. Lisanne says:

    Dear Lian,
    seems that I am the very last person in the world, who asks you for one (or two) of this book plates. I have to do a book presentation in school an I choose your book “Goldie Cox – Museum der Diebe” (in my language) for it. It´s one of my favourite books. And I read hundreds of (love books!). When I searched for informations of your person as a writer (for that school Thing) I found your homepage with this offer for the book plates. So if there is still one (or two), which hasn´t found a home till today: they are invited to live with ME… 🙂
    Thanks a lot
    Lisanne
    Lisanne
    Thanks!!!

  219. Io says:

    Hey Lian,
    If you wouldn’t mind, I was just wondering if I could have one of the new bookplates, please? The (wrong) colored ones of Ice Breaker??? If you can’t that fine. I’ll just wait ’till the (right) colored ones!

    Io:)

  220. Io says:

    Thanks, Lian!

  221. Tallulah says:

    Hello Lian Tanner,
    I live next to Io and she told me ALL about your books and I read them and LOVED them! I was wondering if I could have 1 or 2 colored bookplates as well? Thank you!

  222. Rose says:

    Hello Lian,
    I’ve read all of the Keepers series and I love them! I was wondering if I could have one of your bookplates.
    Thanks

  223. Elena Keely says:

    hey, i love your book! it one of the books that inspired me too be a writer. can i please have one of those signed bookplates?

  224. Joanne says:

    Hi, Lian
    May I, please, have 3 of the bookplates? Thanks
    Regards
    Joanne

  225. Ilia Sietsma says:

    Hey Lian!
    I’d love one of theses cute little things!
    I am a big fan of you and your writing, I love the way you can make the story interesting and unfragmented which is something I struggle with!
    Peace!

  226. Andrina says:

    Hey Lian, My daughter would love one of these book plates (And her sister) My daughter is a huge fan. We are on your site to find more books! This will be a huge surprise for her. Thank you. Andrina.

  227. Danelle Ehrke says:

    Hi Lian, after picking up a copy of City of Lies (unaware it was actually the 2nd book in a trilogy) my son has lost himself in your imaginary world. See, I could never get him interested in books. But, somehow, you did. After reading City of Lies, he begged for Museum of Thieves so he could make sense of the story.
    He’s no begin Icebreaker and his dad & I are will be getting him Sunkers Deep for Christmas. I’d LOVE one of your bookplates to put in the gift.

    Thank you!
    Danelle

  228. Chloe Ratte says:

    Hi Lian! I absolutely adore the Keepers Trilogy and would love one of these signed bookplates for my book, if they are still available!
    Thank you!
    Chloe

  229. Jenny Hill says:

    Hi Lian, Sarah is so excited that you replied via face book and would dearly love a bookplate. Many thanks for making a little girls day.:)

  230. Anita says:

    Hi Lian
    I have read Museum of Thieves & City of lies. I love your books! Can’t wait to read Path of beasts.

    I am doing an author review on you for my school homework & need your birthday please?

    Also, I would love a personalised book plate!
    Love
    Anita xxxxx

  231. Kylie Westley says:

    Hi Lian! Not being on Facebook, this is the only way I have found (thus far) to contact you. I am interested in seeing if we can book a workshop with you for homeschooling students in Tassie’s north west coast. Can you please email me so we can discuss possibilities? Ta heaps!

  232. Emily says:

    Hi Lian,
    I would absolutely love a bookplate signed by you!
    only if its not too much trouble of course.
    ooh looking forward to reading the Hidden Series!
    Is the Hidden Series anything like The Keepers?
    I am sure i will love it all the same!

    Please reply

    1. Lian says:

      It’s very different from the Keepers. But it you love Goldie, I reckon you’ll love Petrel and her friends too. I’ll email you about the bookplate.

  233. Charlotte Murphy says:

    Dear lain I LOVE your books there full of imagination. I heard that you where giving away some bookplates and I would compleatly adore one. I also heard that they could be personalised and I would love mine to be personalised ,all friends call me TURTLE and I would like it if that was the name you put on the bookplate but there is no big fuss LOL. Regards Charlotte (TURTLE)

  234. Hilary Shrubb says:

    Hi Lian

    We connected via Instagram (@queenhilby). My nine-year-old is a huge fan. I posted a pic of her reading the final book of the trilogy. It’d be great to get three bookplates signed by you but made out to her. She’s going as Goldie to Book Week. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Best cheers
    Hilary

  235. Melody says:

    Hi Lian,
    Do you have any of those bookplates left? I would love to have 3 of them for the Keeper trilogy and the other bookplate for the hidden series! I am so excited! Could you sign them for me?
    I am LOVING your books! I hope you keep writing amazing things.
    Thanks so much and looking forward to hearing back from you,
    Melody

  236. Katie says:

    Hi Lian!

    It’s Katie, I would absolutely love a bookplate, maybe one of each. Thank you soooooooooo much for replying to my comment about Toadspit, I was really excited when I saw you replied, I will definitely read the Hidden Series! I’ll email you my address and on the bookplate can you please do a signature and write ‘For Katie’, if you can’t fit both of it in, just a signature wold be lovely! Thanks again,

    Katie.

  237. Amber-Kate says:

    Hello Lian 🙂
    I’ve been reading more of The Keepers and it’s is absolutely FANTABULUOS! I cannot take my eyes of the pages (literaly ;)). I cant wait to read the Hidden Series, it looks really interesting and i’ve been reading more and more of your (wonderful) Blog (and Harry’s blog too, him and my cat Rodney would be best buds!) Could I please have three bookplates (one for each book :))? With “For Amber- Kate” and your beautiful signature on them.
    Thanks a bunch 🙂

  238. Heidi Sands says:

    Hi Lian

    My daughter has loved your hidden series as much as keepers. Do you have book plates for it also? She loves he ones for keepers and would like the same for hidden series. It is her birthday on the 19th of August and it is on her birthday wish list.

    Thanks
    Heidi

  239. Jo McDougall says:

    Dear Lian,
    may I have 4 bookplates from the Keepers series for our library prizes?
    Could two of them say:
    ‘Congratulations on winning the Aslan Award’
    and the other two say:
    ‘Congratulations on winning the Aslan Encouragement Award’

    That would be fantastic!
    Jo McDougall

  240. Kate says:

    Hi Lian
    I have just discovered your books and am going to buy a complete set of The Keepers so my 4 grandchildren can enjoy them as much as I have. Could I ask for 4 signed bookplates please for Tom, Kate, Abby and Ben.
    Sincere thanks for this lovely offer.
    Kate

  241. Wilhelm says:

    Hello Lian Tanner,
    I really enjoy your books. The way you write is so fluid I feel like I’m watching a movie.I once read 155 pages of your books without stopping. Some people in my class say I read too much. I lived somewhere else than Australia before so I’m not used to Australian books or author. I was in my school’s library and I saw the Keepers books. So I borrowed them. And It’s one thing I’ll never regret. I want to be an author one day and I have a few questions: Every time I have an idea, I try writting it down but every single time, when I get to about the 3rd page, I lose interest with writing it. Do all authors start out like this, or does it mean writing stories isn’t really my kind of thing? My second question is that every time I read myself over, it isn’t fluid at all and doesn’t seem to be the kind of thing I would want to read. Does that mean I’m not a really good writer or if it’s just because I’m not a professional? Also, is it still possible to get the Broo and Morg bookplates? If yes, could I get 3 with your autograph and “To Wilhelm” written on them please? Thank you for writing so many good books that I enjoyed reading.
    Sincerely, Wilhelm

    1. Lian Tanner says:

      Hi Wilhelm, thanks for your comment – and thanks for saying such nice things about my books. Some people say I read too much, too, but I think it’s an important part of being an author. The more you read, the more you learn about how stories work – you’re building up a whole a lot of knowledge inside yourself without even realising it.

      I’ll email you about the bookplates, But I thought I’d answer your questions here.

      Your first question has two answers. The first answer is this – before I start writing a book I spend weeks thinking about the story and what might go into it. I daydream about the characters, and about possible scenes, and about where the big, exciting moments might come. I make lots of notes and draw diagrams, and sometimes I draw maps as well. If I didn’t do all this work, I would probably lose interest by about the third page, too. It’s a bit like going on a long hike –you have to make sure your backpack is filled up with food and drink before you start, otherwise you won’t get very far.

      But here’s the other part of this answer – you’re still at school, so I wouldn’t really expect you to do this sort of work before you start a story. You’re at an age where the most important thing is experimenting with your writing, having fun with it and trying out different things. So don’t worry too much about not getting past the third page – maybe every now and again try to push a little bit further, because an important part of becoming a writer is learning to write even when you don’t feel like it. But don’t give yourself a hard time about it. It definitely does NOT mean that writing stories isn’t your kind of thing.

      Your second question is also a common problem. That’s why most professional authors write three or four or five or 10 drafts of a story before they even think about publishing it. The first draft is just working out where the story goes and what happens. It’s not until the second or third or fourth draft that you start making it into the sort of thing that someone would want to read. (My first drafts are often dreadful, and I don’t show them to anybody.) So, once again, this doesn’t mean that you’re not a good writer. Of course, you might not be, not YET. (Most of us started out not very good. When I look back at my earliest stories, they are pretty awful.) But if you keep reading and keep writing, you will gradually improve. You’ll need to be patient though – the road to becoming a published author is a long one, and it’s only the people who are very stubborn and very determined who get there.

  242. Wilhelm says:

    Hello Lian Tanner,
    I wrote to you 2 days ago and I have a few more questions now that I have finished THE KEEPERS triology: Question 1: What is the beast that lives in Old Scratch? Question 2: How old are Olga Ciavolga and Herroh Dan to have lived during the time of Frisia, is it some sort of Mueseum magic …? Question 3: In Path of Beasts, what were the moanings that Goldie heard in the prison cells of the Mueseum. What is it ? Question 4: Are you going to write a 4th Keepers book where they hunt down Old Lady Skint and her crew like they said they would? Question 5: What was the voice inside Goldie’s head before Frisia came over? Question 6: What exactly is a street-rig? I looked in the dictionary but couldn’t find it. Question 7: About how long did it take you to write The Mueseum Of Thieves? The fallowing question is about writing stories: Question 8: Do you have a method on finding names for your charachters, because I always find this to be a challenge. Thank you for answering my other questions from last time. By the way, me and one of my friends always recommend books we have read and enjoyed to each other, and next time, some of the books I will recommend to him are definitely going to be the Keepers books!!! Sincerely, Wilhelm

    1. Lian Tanner says:

      Hi again, Wilhelm. Great questions, though I don’t know the answers to all of them. I’ll do my best!
      1. I don’t know what the beast in Old Scratch is. I don’t think anyone knows, not even Herro Dan and Olga Ciavolga.
      2. They are both several hundred years old, and so is Broo. Yes, it’s something to do with the Museum and its magic – it has enabled them to live far longer than they would otherwise have done. So I guess Goldie and Toadspit will also live longer.
      3. It’s a long time since I read Path of Beasts, but I think the moaning must have been the ghosts of the prisoners who once lived in the cells.
      4. I have thought about writing another book where they hunt down Old Lady Skint and her crew, but never actually done it. However Old Lady Skint turns up in The Rogues trilogy, which is set in the same world as the Keepers, but a different part of that world. She’s not in the first book, but she’s in the second. If you’ve finished the Keepers you might like to try that series next. (Or the Hidden series, which is set in a completely different world, but is also very exciting.)
      5. The voice in Goldie’s head before Frisia turns up is a sort of instinct, or intuition. It’s something we all have – it’s just that Goldie’s internal voice speaks louder than most.
      6. A rig is an old fashioned word for a carriage. So a street rig (in my thoughts) is one of those very old fashioned cars. A bit like this. https://cdn.shrcmfrt.com/images/Blog/Old+Cars/Old-Fashioned+Cars+1903+Stevens-Duryea+Model+L+Runabout.jpg
      7. It took me three years to write Museum of Thieves. I was learning as I went, so it was a slow process. I did something like twenty drafts!
      8. I don’t have a method for finding names. Sometimes I start off with my characters having one name and then it changes as the story develops. So in the first draft of Museum, the world of the city was very like our world, and Toadspit was called Lionel. But as the world became different from ours I realised people should have names that fitted in with everyone’s desire for safety and happiness, so I changed them to things like Fortitude and Cautionary. And because Toadspit was such a rebel, he gave himself a name that was the exact opposite of the name his parents had given him.

      It’s great that you and your friend recommend books that you enjoy. I do the same with my friends – it’s such a good way of finding new books!

      P.S I emailed you about the bookplates. Did you get it?

  243. Craig G Bouchard says:

    Hi could I please have 4 signed bookplates. Thank you

  244. Jessica J says:

    Hello there! I see that I have I have come across this only about 9 years too late, but I was wondering if you are still sending out these bookplates? It would be absolutely wonderful if I could have 3-4 of them! I hope you’re doing well and have a great day! 🙂

  245. Terry L Brown says:

    Same here….still available? I have three of your books!

  246. Michael Jones says:

    My charity would love some of these, for our books.
    Thank you very much

  247. Brett Reardon says:

    I would love one for my copy if still available.

  248. Ramona Rabl says:

    Liebe Lian,
    meine Tochter Magdalena hat morgen eine Buchvorstellung in ihrer Schulklasse. Sie hat sich für das “Museum der Diebe” entschieden.
    Ich würde mich sehr, sehr, sehr freuen, wenn Sie, liebe Lian, meiner Tochter ein Exlibris des Zeichner der Keeper-Serie zukommen lassen können.
    Eine Widmung wäre schön, wie zB “Für Magdalena. Alles Gute für deine Buchvorstellung. Lian”.
    Ich danke Ihnen sehr und wünsche Ihnen alles Gute!
    Wir wohnen übrigens in Deutschland. Ich kann die Portokosten übernehmen. Vielen Dank!
    Meine Adresse: mona.rabl@gmx.de

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Lian on Facebook, Instagram & Goodreads