Harry the Magician

The following is an exchange between Hilary Sledge and Waterstone's of Birmingham High Street.

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30 December 2009 16:33

Subject: Book Inquiry

Hello,

I'm emailing to see if any of your wonderful staff can help with a book inquiry. I'm afraid I don't have a lot to go on but I'm told you're very good, so here goes. It was my nephew that mentioned it, apparently it's about a magician that goes by the name of Harry. That's pretty much all I have I'm afraid. I remember something about pots and rowing but that's all.

Sadly, I can't contact my nephew directly due to a court order.

Many thanks in advance,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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30 December 2009 17:18

Re: Book Inquiry

Dear Hilary

Thank you for your enquiry regarding a book that your nephew mentioned. The only story that we know containing a magician called Harry, is the Harry Potter series of books written by JK Rowling. Could this be what you are looking for?

Regards

Amanda

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30 December 2009 22:29

Re: Book Inquiry

Amanda,

Many thanks for the response. That would make sense, hence the rowing and pot things I remembered (albeit wrongly). Two more questions, sorry.

1) Are these books hard to get hold of?
2) Are they suitable for a boy as young as twenty?

Regards,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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31 December 2009 10:02

Re: Book Inquiry

Dear Hilary

The books are not difficult to get hold off, in fact they are widely available. As for their suitability, the age range in which they are kept is 9 - 12 years. But both adults and children alike read them. The adult versions are the same as the children's but have different covers, which is the only difference between them.

Any local Waterstone's will have the books in stock and will be delighted to help you, or you can shop online at www.waterstones.com

I do hope that this is of help to you.

Kind regards

Amanda

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1 January 2010 08:55

Re: Book Inquiry

Amanda,

Thank you very much for all your help. I wonder if it would be possible for you to hold two copies of each Harry Pot title for me until Wednesday? I'm a bit worried that the books might start flying off the shelves, as my nephew seems rather trendy and before his time. Usually after he gets into something the rest of the country follows (well, that's how it feels). Don't be surprised if they suddenly take off!

I want two copies so that when I next manage to see him we have something to discuss. Though, obviously I'll have to figure out a way of getting copies of the books to him.

One last thing, can I order books into your store? I don't trust the website. I'm trying to locate a book called, 'How to Open Locks without Keys or Picks' (ISBN: 9780873641920).

Again, many thanks and happy new year,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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2 January 2010 10:23

Re: Book Inquiry

Dear Hilary

I have reserved 2 copies of each of the books for you - one set of books being a complete boxed set which will make it a nice gift for your nephew. The books will be kept on the first floor in our customer order cupboard under your name until Thursday of next week.

With regards to the other book that you wanted, 'How to open locks without keys or picks'. The book does appear to be in print and is an american title, but unforutnately it is not something that we can order for you as we do not deal with that particular wholesaler in the States, so I am afraid you will have to order it directly from the internet.

Kind Regards

Amanda

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2 January 2010 19:17

Re: Book Inquiry

Amanda,

Thanks again. I shall pop in Wednesday. Do you have any books on lock picking that I might be able to order through you? I don't trust online shops as they want to steal your money and build wars with it!

Regards,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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3 January 2010 16:28

Re: Book Inquiry

Hilary

When you come in on Wednesday you can ask a bookseller to show you what is possible for us to order. There are a few books on lock picking, but you need to be sure of the book that you really want, because when you place an order for it we need to take payment in advance and it becomes a firm sale order.

Regards

Amanda

The Magnificent Dancing Pie

The following exchange took place between Hilary Sledge, Writer and airdancer.co.uk.

Here's a brief summary from their website;

'Airdancers are "grab attention" marketing and entertainment tools aimed at businesses that want to get noticed, an engaging alternative to traditional forms of marketing AND WILL GET YOU RESULTS QUICK!We manufacture and supply all our own equipment which is not only of the highest quality and standards but also completely safe, weather proof and long lasting. As an alternative to a traditional printed banner more and more businesses are turning to airdancers to get there messages across. Passers by simply cant help noticing them as they literally wave people to you.'

22 November 2008 15:30

I am interested in acquiring a sort of dancing pie that could be situated outside my restaurant. I was just wondering if you are indeed 'happy to create you [me] some computer generated visuals' with 'No obligation to purchase' as it states on your website.

Best wishes,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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24 November 2008 19:13
Subject: Re: Airdancer Inflatable Sleeve

Hilary

Thank you for your email

We would be well happy to design you an airdancer in the theme you have asked for in your email.

However in order to give us a better idea of what you wish to achieve,do you have any images/photos you could email to me.

It doesn't matter if they are taken from google images or found somewhere else on the web.

Don't worry about the 'No obligation to purchase', I can confirm this is a policy we have always adhered to.

I look forward to receiving your info, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions

Rgds

Richard

Richard ML Peter
Designer
airdancer.co.uk
Suite 3
Photon House
Percy Street
Leeds
LS12 1EG
United Kingdom

Direct: +44 (0) 1132 205271
Reception: + 44 (0) 870 401 4084
Fax: + 44 (0) 1132 205274
Mobile: 0778 980 2346
www.airdancer.co.uk
richard@airdancer.co.uk

We have been voted "the company to watch" in 2008 by Business Link West Yorkshire

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25 November 2008 12:45
Subject: Re: Airdancer Inflatable Sleeve

Richard,

Thank you very much for getting back to me.

I have attached a few pictures that I found online. A lot of the pies seemed to be fruit based but it's imperative there is no mention of fruit! We don't sell fruit pies and have no intention of doing so, ever! I think it would be quite appropriate if any pie rendered was in a silver tray.

Best wishes,
--
Hilary Sledge

Attachments;








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1 December 2008 17:45
Subject: Re: Pie dancing mock up airdancer

Hilary

Hope you are well.

I have attached the first mock up of a dancing pie, which I think would look good facing to the front and with arms and face.

There obviously would be detail needed is added later

What do you think of the shape art this stage

Regards

Richard

airdancer.co.uk

Attachments;



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6 December 2008 12:03
Subject: Re: Pie dancing mock up airdancer

I am delighted with the artwork. However, I am a little concerned at the facial expression. I think it might perhaps be a little too friendly and might attract the attention of children. We have no interest in attracting children.

Regards,

Hilary

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7 December 2008 17:14
Subject: Re: Pie dancing airdancer

Hilary

Thank you for your email.

We can remove the face and add further details to make it look more like a pie.

Please find attached a couple of pictures of similar designs to show the overall size.

I am sure we can make your airdancer look stunning!

I am available all week on my direct line 01132 205271 if you would like to discuss this project or please email me

Regards

Richard

Attachments;










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9 December 2008 11:03
Subject: Re: Pie dancing airdancer

Richard,

Your size is fantastic. I am excited about how big it will look. This could be enough to scare off (not scare exactly, but put off) children. But is there a way the face can be changed to look less welcoming? It doesn't have to be scary as such. A nonchalant pie would do.

We should also start talking costs soon.

Regards,

Hilary

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16 December 2008 17:54
Subject: Re: Dancing Pie

Hello Hillary

This is indeed an exciting project!

Would it be possible for you to give me a call regarding your airdancer design

It would be so much easier to understand if I could ask you some questions.

My direct number is 01132 205271 and I am here most of the week apart form Friday

Regards

Richard

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Hilary Sledge, writer and Anne Rice

The following is Hilary Sledge's contact with the author Anne Rice.

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26 October 2008 14:00
Subject: Rewriting Blood Canticle

Anne,

A couple of years ago I had the idea of rewriting your novel Blood Canticle and have finally finished. I have tidied up the plot and changed some character names (Mona becomes Sharona, for example). I have a publisher who is interested and we were wondering if you would be willing to read an extract and perhaps provide a quote - as I think this would make more people buy it.

Kind regards,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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26 October 2008 15:49

Re: Rewriting Blood Canticle

I'm sorry, but what you have done is a violation of copyright law. You do not have my permission to "rewrite Blood Canticle," and you cannot publish what you have done. I am sorry that you acted apparently without realizing what you were doing. I am forwarding this letter to my lawyer so that she will be aware of what you have attempted here, and again, let me assure you, you must stop with what you are doing with my book. Anne Rice.

--
Anne Rice

http://annerice.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/AnneRiceDotCom
http://www.youtube.com/user/annericesite

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26 October 2008 16:00

Re: Rewriting Blood Canticle

Anne,

Thanks for the reply but I've finished it now and it seems a shame to not use it. Maybe I could strike up some sort of deal where I can put it online and ask for donations? Or maybe you'd like to publish it under your own name and we split the profits?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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26 October 2008 16:02

Re: Rewriting Blood Canticle

I'm sorry, but you simply are not understanding me. I want nothing to do with it. My work is my own, and it is copyright protected as mine, and I guard it as mine. I would never have anything to do with the illegal project you are describing and you really should find out something about copyright law and also the integrity of writers. If you knew more about these subjects, you would not have done this. You cannot use this material if it is as you describe it, and I want no contact with any illegal attempt to do so. Again I am sending your letter to my lawyer. Anne Rice.

--
Anne Rice

http://annerice.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/AnneRiceDotCom
http://www.youtube.com/user/annericesite

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26 October 2008 16:02
Re: Rewriting Blood Canticle

Anne,

You've made yourself very clear, which is a shame as I've worked hard on this project. I've thought hard about this and have decided to rewrite it so that it's set in space and rename it to Blood Canticle in Space. Looks like I have many more late nights ahead of me.

Best wishes,

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer

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28 October 2008 22:18

CC: anneobrienrice@gmail.com, asteinecke@randombooks.com

Subject: Blood Canticle by Anne Rice

Dear Ms. Sledge: We represent Anne Rice. Ms. Rice has forwarded to me your recent email correspondence with her. I am sending this to you to make sure that you understand Ms. Rice’s rights under the copyright and unfair competition laws of the United States. As the copyright owner of Blood Canticle, Ms. Rice has the exclusive right to use all material and elements contained in such novel. Any use of such material and/or elements infringes upon Ms. Rice’s copyright. Since you acknowledge that you rewrote Blood Canticle, simply rewriting your book so that it is set in space will not remove the infringing material. Moreover, using the title Blood Canticle in connection with a book not written by Ms. Rice violates state unfair competition law. Accordingly, we must insist that you immediately cease and desist from any further work on your book, and that you not make such book available to any party in any medium. The foregoing is stated without prejudice to the rights and remedies of Ms. Rice and her publisher, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., all of which are expressly reserved. Very truly yours,

Christine S. Cuddy

Kleinberg Lopez Lange Cuddy & Klein LLP

2049 Century Park East, Suite 3180

Los Angeles, California 90067

Direct Dial: (310) 286-3466

Fax: (310) 277-7145

Email: ccuddy@kllck.com

Please note new email address ccuddy@kllck.com and kindly update your records.

This message and any attachments contain information which is confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive the same for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the information or materials contained herein. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or call (310)286-9696, and delete the message. Please advise immediately if you or your employer do not consent to internet email for messages of this kind.

Thank you very much.

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29 October 2008 13:02

Re: Blood Canticle by Anne Rice

Christine,

Thank you very much for your email dated yesterday.

Firstly, I would like to point out that I am a Mr rather than Ms which was a constant source of ammunition for the bullies at school. This is partly what drives me on to be a best selling author one day.

I thought that space as a setting opens up so many possibilities that the previous book missed out on. I also plan to move the book away from, what the New York Times described as, '[the big] implausible twist toward the end.' My planned ending is both believable and surprising.

I'm not sure Anne realises the possibilities of this turning into a real literary classic. The fact that lots of different planets can be used instead of using a remote island will give my story a much more realistic quality. I'll leave you with the thought of Quinn (renamed Vin) journeying to Pluto with Sharona (used to be known as Mona), where things are not quite what they seem...

--
Hilary Sledge, Writer