Lilian Jackson Braun Message Board
Sam Iam posts on 1/27/2010 11:17:10 PM
I have always pictured Tom Selleck as Qwill. I've loved watching Tom since Magnum P.I. He's great as Robert Parker's Jesse Stone.
Books by most/all publishers are proofread (more than a few are proofread by over 10-15 people) but mistakes and inaccuracies end up published anyway. I own lots of books like that from many big name publishers and some lesser known. The publisher and the age of the writer doesn't mean anything. Mistakes happen. That's just the way it is. I rarely pick up a book that has not at least one mistake. No one is perfect. Actually, compared to many other books, I thought The Cat Who series, even in recent years, was edited very well compared to. And it's a cozy series, you can't expect Sue Grafton, Elmore Leonard, etc. style of writing in a cozy series. Hello.
Why didn't "Lil's friend" A. provide an address themself for the publisher, etc. for fans to send cards to for Lilian instead of only suggesting? B. Say that Lilian could no longer write because of her age? She has been writing since she has turned 90; look at the age she would have been for at least the last published book if she's 96 now. Robert B. Parker died just last week while writing a book - at the age of 77. They said he wrote every day. Tony Hillerman died at 83 October 26, 2008, his last book published in 2006. Michael Crichton died at age 66 on November 4, 2008, with at least two books, one already published and one unfinished, to be published posthumously. Age is not a factor as long as they're doing what they love to do. If Lilian's book has not been completed (I still strongly suspect it has to do with when she feels it's right - and I'm sure the complaints aren't helping matters - and when she feels well enough) that she will finish it if she wants to. If she's 100 when she does, or if she never does, it's her business. I'd like to see one more book, but it's her business. Not our's. Pressuring her to write when and what and the way we want is not the thing to do.
Nancy posts on 1/25/2010 4:46:33 PM
The "Cat with 64 whisker" seemed more like a sketch of a plot and had too many dangling story lines to seem like my favorite author. I am sorry and hope that she is alright.
david mcaleese posts on 1/24/2010 2:17:58 PM
Two years ago I sent a Cat Who book to Mr. Sellic to no avail. I also wrote the publisher suggesting a set of Lilian's books containing a map of the environs many of her books are set in. No response to date. I too have enjoyed all the published titles. If a last title is outlined it would be possible to employ a co-writer to flesh it out. I do wish Lilian a restful rerirement. I retired earlier this month (Jan.) and intend to author a book. My daughter gifted me with a laptop/notebook and until I beat it into submission I will keep polishing the outline and reading "How to write fiction for dummies" I didn't know what I didn't know and now I do.
Mary Nielsen posts on 1/23/2010 11:03:21 PM
Dear Lilian,
I have collected and read your entire Cat Who series over the past 10 years and as a cat lover myself I, fell in love with Koko and Yum Yum and their valet James Q. I am still hoping and anticipating for the Cat Who Smelled Smoke to find out if Helen returns from Paris!!! Bravo for a wonderful series!!!
dongning huang posts on 1/23/2010 3:31:39 PM
According to Intelius Lilian Braun is still alive, 96 years old,living with her husband, Earl Bettinger in N.C. If anyone is interested go to Intelius.com and enter Lilian Bettinger.
Leeny posts on 1/21/2010 6:18:44 PM
At a website called the Daily Kitten, www.dailykitten.com, several of the members are LJB fans and have been discussing her retirement. If you're interested, go to the chat room, look under "General Chat", then find the thread titled "Goodbye, Qwill".
Kathryn posts on 1/21/2010 5:56:55 PM
I wrote to Penguin group, since they had published previous TCW books. Here is the address they sent me to send mail for Ms. Braun:
Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin Group USA)
Attn: Michele Vega, Prime Crime
375 Hudson Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10014
karen posts on 1/20/2010 5:28:31 PM
ms braun, my mother is 92,a bit younger than you. she adores the cat who series and has been waiting for smelled smoke like so many others. Am so sorry that you may be in retirement,however,hope more that your health remains well and you stick around another 96 years
Leeny posts on 1/19/2010 7:11:47 PM
I understand completely; Ms. Braun has earned her retirement. As a professional editor, I wish that her publisher had been more considerate of her rather than continuing to crank out a book every year even after it became clear that she was struggling. Some of the books weren't even proofread; in one, an etched pitcher is said to have a "verticle" line incised in it. She deserved better.
Sue H. posts on 1/15/2010 2:31:36 PM
To Lil's friend, Those of us who love Miss Lilian would be happy to send her cards and letters expressing our feelings. Do you or does anyone have a correct publisher address for us to use to be sure our correspondence reaches her?
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