Posted by Prue Eckett on June 26, 2000 at 23:58:46 from 210-55-39-243.dialup.xtra.co.nz:
For those interested in the progress of my proposed sequel, I received a letter today from the Arthur Ransome Literary Estate telling me that, '...as a matter of principle the Estate does not give permission for the publication of any sort of sequel...' and that,'...no book for sale would ever be authorised.' I hasten to add that the executor Christina Hardyment did add a handwritten apology - a welcome touch.
Naturally I am disappointed especially as the refusal was on policy grounds and not those of merit. However I'm sure many Tars members will be relieved, and I have, after all, gained much from the writing: a strong sense of enjoyment, three new characters, a theme and the development of some old characters. These three latter points i can take with me for a new and hopefully more successful project. I will attempt shortly to set up a site where interested parties can view Swallows & Amazons at War. Naturally at no cost! My thanks to those who wrote in support of my efforts. It meant much.