AUTHOR VISITS

F.A.Q.

WRITING TIPS

THE UNICORN CHRONICLES

FULL CAST AUDIO

ODDLY ENOUGH

Guestbook

Dear Everyone —

I'm in the middle of a very intense speaking tour, and will be unable to answer messages here for a while. I should have stopped three or four weeks ago, actually, but I've been trying to keep up. With the schedule I have through the end of May, that just won't be possible. Feel free to post… I'll still be reading. But I won't be able to make individual responses for a while.

—Bruce

Sign the Guestbook...

For information about The Last Hunt release date
and the Unicorn Chronicles, CLICK HERE

<< First < Previous Next > Last >>

Name: Aliecia Carine James
Location: Raymond, Nh USA

Thanks for your work on the Unicorn Chronicals, my mom and I have read all three of them. We enjoyed each and every one. I can't wait for the Last Hunt! I ask mom to check on it everyday. I even think Luster is better than Hogwarts!

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 5:33:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Friday, July 03, 2009:

Hi, Aliecia -

Oh, I'm glad you like the Chronicles so much. You can give your mom a break, though - she doesn't need to check =every= day. HUNT is scheduled for next spring. (Assuming I can get the rest of it written this month!)

You can check on progress - and read a couple of sneak previews! - at www.unicornchronicles.com

Name: Anh
Location: Centreville, VA USA

I have always enjoyed reading your books, especially, the Unicorn Chronicles. Do you think that you will ever consider making it into a movie? You've created such an amazing story line with a great sense of character development. I think it could be the next big thing if you ever decided to turn it into a movie like how it was with The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, and so forth. =)

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 8:30:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Friday, July 03, 2009:

Hi, Anh -

Glad you like the Chronicles. I love writing them - just wish I could manage to do it faster.

I would never consider making them into a movie. Now wait, wait . . . that doesn't mean there could not BE a movie - just that I would not be making it! I'm a writer, not a filmmaker. To make the Chronicles into a film would take a major Hollywood studio tens of millions of dollars and many years. I'll leave that up to them!

Remember, it took NARNIA over fifty years to go from book to film!

Thanks for reading!

Name: Miss Krull's Class
Location: St. Louis, MO USA

Dear Mr. Coville, We are all enjoying the story and think you are a spectacular writer. We are just about to begin Chapter 5 in "My Teacher is an Alien” and would love to ask a few questions before we continue reading. 1) When you were a kid were you more like Peter or Duncan? 2) How did you come up with the story? 3) What age did you start writing? 4) What one did you come up with first, title or the story? 5) How do you make your illustrations look so real? Thank you, Anthony, Michael, Gabby, Lyla, and Macneisha

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 11:43:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Wednesday, July 01, 2009:

Hey, Gang -

Thanks for the message.

Regarding your questions:

1) I was definitely more Peter than Duncan when I was a kid. However Duncan is based on a real kid who I had in my class when I was a teacher myself.

2) I was actually asked to write this book, by a company I had done some work for previously. What they did not know was that I was oddly qualified to write the story because when I was a kid a rumor went around our school that aliens were going to land on a certain day and take away all the kids. We didn't totally believe that, of course, but we didn't totally disbelieve it,either. So I knew what it was lie to be in that situation.

3) I started writing seriously when I was 17. (I didn't sell my first book until I was 27. Bone headed obstinance is an essential part of being a writer.)

4) The title came first, then the story to match it.

5) The illustrations? Look at the book again - they were the work of the wonderful Mike Wimmer. I have no idea how he did it, but I sure do think he's amazing!

Name: Amanda
Location: Warwick, Rhode Island USA

Hey Bruce. Just a quick question, I want to order The Unicorn Treasury and pay by either check or money order, but when I try to order it online it only has credit card payments available. How do I pay by either check or money order? I have seen an order form, but it's only for The Unicorn Chronicles books. Thanks.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 6:10:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Wednesday, July 01, 2009:

Hi, Amanda -

At the bottom of the Ordering Page there should be a clickable link for a printable order form. You can use that to send to the office with check or money order.

Bruce

Name: Emily Cobb
Location: Ardmore, PA USA

Dear Bruce, Today I accidentally rediscovered a message I wrote you at age 13 on this same guestbook: Name: Emily Cobb Location: Ardmore, Pa USA Dear mr.coville,Hi i absolutley love the Aliens ate my homework series! i have read all four so far and am looking forward the the next one, when will it come out? when i got to colledge i want to write a book with me a charactor, that would be so cool! thanks for writing such a great book, Emily C. 13 Monday, August 14, 2000 at 5:52:00 PM I attend an art college now and turn 22 this Sunday. Its amazing when life provides you with retrospectives like this. Even after 9 years, your Aliens At My Homework series still makes my favorite book list. Thank you for your inspiration. (I still have my fingers crossed for a possible 5th book in Rod's adventure...). Sincerely, Emily Cobb

Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:28:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Wednesday, July 01, 2009:

Hi, Emily -

What a delightful message! (Though it was a bit of a shock to think that this guestbook has been going for nine years now ...)

I still have dreams of doing a fifth Rod Allbright book, but I do not know if it will come to fruition or not. It helps to know that there are people still waiting for it!

Name: Julianna Y.
Location: USA

Hi, I was just wondering when The Last Hunt would be released. And who Ian is. I saw the name in the reviews of the Dark Whispers audio and I wondered. I have read all of the Unicorn Chronicles and I love them. Julianna

Monday, June 29, 2009 at 1:58:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 29, 2009:

Hi, Julianna -

Assuming I can finish in time, HUNT is going to come out in Spring of 2010 I don't think Scholastic has chosen a specific month yet.

Ian is Cara's father.

Name: Liz Onnya
Location: USA

Are Lightfoot and Belle going to fall in love? Just curious.... ;)

Monday, June 29, 2009 at 9:37:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 29, 2009:

Hi, Liz -

I think they're thinking about it, but I have no idea how that will work out.

Name: Molly Harnish
Website: http://www.blogmollyblog.wordpress.com
Location: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania USA

I read your "My Teacher Is An Alien" series, and it is really good. It's thrilling, really-you can't take your eyes off it until you finish the book. Thanks for turning a dreary weekend into an adventure!

Monday, June 29, 2009 at 3:49:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 29, 2009:

Hi, Molly -

Thanks for the compliment! Your description of the book is exactly what I was aiming for, so it made me really happy to read what you had to say!

Name: Colleen
Website: http://crazyclutteredclozet.com/index.html
Location: Peckville, PA USA

I was looking up your website for the grand daughter of a friend of mine. The friend wanted to know what were some good books for elementary school readers and I remembered how much my daughter enjoyed your books. Especially "My Teacher Is an Alien" she read that one more than once. Reaching your site just brought a smile to my lips as I recalled my daughter telling me about her favorite parts in the books she read. I am so glad your books were there for her to enjoy because they really helped keep her love for reading alive and by the time she reached high school was already reading at an adult level. Now her interests lie in Shakespeare and Hugo but still an avid reader. I just wanted to thank you for helping keep alive the love of reading.

Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 7:15:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 28, 2009:

Hi, Colleen -

Thanks for this lovely message. Since it is one of my missions in life to "keep alive the love of reading" this really meant a lot to me.

Please give my regards to your daughter!

All best,

Name: Clara Stanbury
Location: Auburn, USA

The books are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 5:45:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 28, 2009:

THANKS!!!

Name: Randi
Location: CA USA

Dear Mr. Coville, I am about to start my senior year in high school and I am currently in a bit of a reading slump. I usually love to read, but sometimes, I just can't get into any book. Whenever this happens, I start to think about books I've already read and could read again. I read the first two Unicorn Chronicle books in elementary school and haven't been able to find them since. I happened upon the reprint of the first one online the other day and was, in a word, ecstatic! I barely remember what happened in the books because I read them so long ago, but I do remember that I adored them. I am going to re-read the first two, read the third, and anxiously await the fourth. I can't put into words how happy I am to have found this series again, let alone that there's now more to it. Thank you for your time, Randi

Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 3:39:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 28, 2009:

Hi, Randi -

Thanks for this message. It was particularly well timed because I had spent a considerable amount of time wrestling (and I do mean wrestling!) with tricky portions of Book 4 of the Chronicles tonight. I was feeling a bit discouraged, and a message like this helps remind me why the work is worth it!

Hope you'll enjoy the third installment. I fussed over it endlessly, but in the end was pretty pleased with the way it came out.

All best,

Name: Siri
Location: Duluth, MN USA

Hello Mr. Coville, It's been many years since I first read the first two books in the Unicorn Chronicles. I loved them! When I was in about third or fourth grade, a friend and I wrote music and a tune to go with the song in Song of the Wanderer. I happened upon a tape of me singing it recently and it got me wondering. Do you have a tune for that song? If possible, I'd love to somehow know it if there is one. Thank you for the books, they are wonderful!

Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 3:46:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 25, 2009:

Hi, Siri -

Thanks for the wonderful comments on the Chronicles.

For a long time there was no tune to accompany "Song of the Wanderer." However when it was time to make the audiobook we needed a melody, as it has to be sung numerous times. My friend Pat Lotito came up with a haunting melody, and we included a complete rendition of the song as a bonus track at the end of the recording. I think she really captured the longing, melancholic nature of the lyrics.

Name: Alice Tison
Location: San Diego, California USA

I love the magic shop book series! My favorite so far is Juliet Dove, Queen of Love. It is a really good book. Will you be writing any more books to add on to the series? I hope you will. Bye!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 7:48:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 25, 2009:

Hi, Alice -

I'm so glad you like the Magic Shop books! I do indeed plan to write more - the next one is going to be called THE VAMPIRE'S TOOTH (unless I change my mind, which sometimes happens . . .)

Unfortunately, I'm very unhappy with the publisher of those books right now, and have not quite decided how to deal with the situation. So things are a little sticky in that regard.

All best,

Name: Annie Jones
Website: http://www.miamibookfair.com
Location: Miami, Fl USA

I wanted to thank you for the wonderful workshop at the SCBWI Conference in Orlando. I especially appreciate your comments on my first page critique in the Fantasy Class (Forever Neverland). You gave me renewed hope that I may have something interesting and intriguing for readers. I loved your presentation style and for a while actually forgot I was there to learn, I was enjoying myself so much. P.S. my son Ethan devoured the Magic Ring (read it in a 3 hour time span) and I am off to buy the rest of the series! Thanks again and look forward to evn more great stories from you! Annie Jones

Monday, June 22, 2009 at 11:45:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 22, 2009:

Hi, Annie -

Ah, thanks for the kind words. I love doing things like that workshop, but it's hard to know whether it was really helpful or not without some feedback from the attendees. Glad you found it enjoyable as well as useful. I have come to really love public speaking.

Please give my regards to Ethan. Hope he'll enjoy the rest of the series!

Name: Future Teacher of PA
Location: Exeter, PA USA

I am a full time student studying to be an Elementary School teacher. I am doing a report on you. Previously I did not know anything about you. I chose you from a list because my teacher said you were a funny author who wrote alot about fantasy. I am fond of both humor and fantasy. I have just read your book Juliet Dove Queen of Love and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it! I am not the type that find "magic" something I would prefer to read about but was astounded by how drawn into your book I was. I am 21 and have not read a book with this much enjoyment since I was about 14. I loved the book and will recommend it to my future students! Miss Future Teacher of PA

Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 3:17:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 22, 2009:

Hi, Future Teacher!

Really delighted to know that you enjoyed JULIET DOVE - most enjoyment you've had from a book in seven years is a pretty huge compliment.

As you probably know, I used to be a teacher myself. It's a wonderful profession and I loved working with the kids. What I loved most was sharing books with them.

Good luck with your career - may it bring you much joy!

All best,

Name: Michelle Davis
Location: North Jackson, OH USA

This past Wednesday, I accompanied my very eager 8 year old son to your presentation at a library here in town. He told me you were his favorite author, and I thought how neat it would be for him to meet a "real live author". He is quite an avid reader, and this would be "right up his alley". What I did not expect, however, was to be transformed myself by your imagination, your creativity, your ingeniousness, and your inability to care in the least bit if you looked silly during your presentation... You sparked something in my son, and I hope it is never snuffed out. You are an inspiration to him, and have made an avid reader now an avid dreamer. And for that, this mom is extremely grateful!

Friday, June 19, 2009 at 7:32:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 22, 2009:

Hi, Michelle -

Wow! I could not ask for a better reaction to my presentation than this.

I got a particular kick out of your phrase "your inability to care in the least bit if you looked silly during your presentation." When I used to do theater with kids, one of the things I always tried to get across to them was that if they feared looking silly, they would almost always end up looking silly! The best way to engage the audience is to be comfortable in what you're doing, no matter how silly it might seem. Thank you for catching that.

And thank you for this lovely, affirming message.

Name: Macneisha
Location: St. Louis, MO USA

Dear Bruce Have you ever seen an aliens befor and if you have what color were they.

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:44:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hi, Macneisha -

Alas, I've never met an alien myself. I wish I had!

Name: Anthony
Website: http://www.hancock.k12.mo.us
Location: St. Louis, MO USA

Dear Mr Coville, Have you ever seen a aliens in innerds? If you have, what do they look like; jelly,peanut butter,maple syrup or sticky tack? thank you, Anthony

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:42:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Anthony!

Eeeeuuuwww! I've never seen an alien's innards, and I don't want to!! Eeeuuuwww!!!

Name: Gabrielle
Website: http://www.Hancock.k12.mo.us
Location: St.Louis, Missouri USA

Hey, I am reading your book "My Teacher is an Alien." So do you believe in aliens? If you do then have you ever seen one in your life I think they are cool!

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:36:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hi, Gabrielle -

As I told Lyla, I absolutely believe there is intelligent life on other planets. Whether they have ever come here to visit, I do not know.

I think the idea is very cool, and I would love to meet an alien some day!

Name: michael
Website: http://www.hancock.k12.mo.us
Location: st louis, mo USA

Have you seen a real aillen and do aillens eat people?

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:34:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Michael -

Alas, I have never seen an alien, though I would dearly love to. I have no idea whether they eat people or not, though there are some very good stories about that idea that I have read.

Name: lyla
Website: http://www.hancock.k12.mo.us
Location: st.louis, mo USA

Do you belive in alliens and if you don't why do write about alliens?

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:34:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Lyla -

I do believe there is life on alien planets. I don't know whether they have ever been here to visit, but the universe is so vast I cannot imagine we are the only intelligent creatures in it.

On the other hand you don't have to believe something exists to have fun writing about it!

Name: Kayla Gaines
Location: valrico, FL USA

Hi Mr.Coville I am 18 years old and have loved your books 4ever nah jk just since i could read. i really enjoy your Unicorn Chronicles. I like to write books and will be staring to look into publishing some of my own books you have been a great inspiration thank you for being a good example and thank you 4 sharing your imagination with me. PEACE KAYLA GAINES

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 8:30:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hi, Kayla -

Thanks for the lovely message. Good luck with your own writing plans!

Name: Jon
Location: Boardman, Ohio USA

Dear Mr. Coville, I wanted to personally thank you for signing both my book, and my mother's books as well, at the Boardman book program. We were the two redheads, and she was also a fourth grade teacher. I enjoyed your presentation as it was both funny and enlightening. We enjoyed it so much we almost came to see you again at the Poland location. Thanks also for the writing advice. I now have my own index card of advice in my room, much like yours: "Writing - It's the art of choosing details." That is now one of my favorite quotes ever. As this note is quickly becoming a novella, I shall cease my writing and take up no more of your time. But, I must thank you for all of the hours of entertainment and pleasure I have received from your books. Keep up the great work! -Jon

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 6:58:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hi, Jon -

Glad to know you enjoyed the presentation. It was nice to meet you and your mom.

I'm particularly delighted to know that you are using the "index card on the wall" system. It's served me well over the years. I actually have a speech I make to writer's groups sometimes called "Off the Wall" where I explain each of the many quotes I have taped up in front of me.

Good luck with your writing. I can tell, just from this almost-a-novella note ;> that you have an excellent sense of language.

All best,

Name: Ashley
Location: Colbert, Georgia USA

LOVE the Unicorn Chronicles! Had the first one in '95 when I was 10! Didn't know that there were more until a few years ago! Can't wait to read the 3rd and 4th! Keep up the great work!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 6:30:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hi, Ashley -

It's always lovely to hear from one of the first batch of readers for the Chronicles (though I always feel a pang of guilt for the wait that I've imposed upon you!). Thanks for sticking with me!

All best,

Name: Swapna Subramanian
Location: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania USA

I also wanted to add that I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT find the first book of the Unicorn Chronicles in my library (sorry I just had to express my feelings)!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8:15:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hey, Swapna -

Did you ask your librarian to order a copy? They can't always do that, but many times a library is happy to order a book that someone wants to read.

all best,

Name: Swapna Subramanian
Location: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania USA

HI.My friend read one of your books for a book report.She emailed you and we were all psyched(I looked up how to spell that word)that it came up on your website and you replied to it.I think it is really cool that you reply to EVERYONE that mails you!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8:12:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 18, 2009:

Hi, Swapna -

I try very hard to reply to everyone (except for a few goofy or really rude messages that show up). Takes a lot of time, but I think it's worth it.

PS: Good for you for checking the spelling on "psyched"!

Name: Nikki
Location: USA

OK!! I looked on ITunes under their specific name and I found them!! haha sorry about that!! :) ~nikki~

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:46:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 16, 2009:

Well, that takes care of that!

Name: nikki
Location: USA

I love the Unicorn Chronicles SO much!! I looked the books up on iTunes and I only saw the first book. I downloaded it, and it was great!! Will you put the 2nd and 3rd book up there to? please?? :) ~nikki~

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:27:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 16, 2009:

Hi, Nikki -

The recordings appear on iTunes via Audible.com, where we make all of the Full Cast Audio recordings available. Since Audible also has Books 2 and 3 they should be available on iTunes, and I don't know why they're not. Unfortunately, that's a matter I can't deal with, though you might want to Speak Sternly to Audible about it. (Alternatively, you could probably just get them directly from Audible.com.)

I'm so, so, so glad you liked the recording of Book One!!

Name: Tracy
Location: Lewiston, ME USA

I just read the prolouge and chapther 1 of book 4: The Last Hunt, and I am more excited by the minute! I can not wait to read this book and also hope that there are many more to come! I absolutely love this series!!!!!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 8:54:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 16, 2009:

Hi, Tracy -

Ah, glad you enjoyed the sneak previews - and glad they're doing their job!

Regarding Book 4: I just got two chapters that were misbehaving to finally work. I'm feeling good about moving on now.

Name: Lynette
Location: Singapore

Hi, I just want to say that I love your Unicorn Chronicles series! I am dying with suspense after your sneak previews! I think you are a great writer. I was wondering, is the prologue of Last Hunt meant to be a mystery? I was just starting to wonder whether I missed something in Dark Whispers... Lynette

Monday, June 15, 2009 at 6:36:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 15, 2009:

Hi, Lynette -

Thanks for the good words. As to the prologue for LAST HUNT - you guessed right, it is meant to be a mystery, to whet your appetite. What happens there will be explored and explained later in the book.

Name: Kris
Location: USA

I have read only the Unicorn Chronicles. I read the second book in third grade, then in fifth I read them all. I love your way of writing and thought very much of your books.

Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 1:13:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 14, 2009:

Hi, Kris -

Thanks for the kind words. I'm really delighted that you have enjoyed the books.

Name: AJ
Location: WI USA

Hey, Bruce! I was looking around here at your website, and I couldn't find the realese date of The Last Hunt. Can you tell me when it'll come out?-AJ

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 3:13:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 14, 2009:

Hi, AJ -

It's tentatively scheduled for next spring, assuming I can finish in the next few weeks. (I had a setback because of a family medical crisis, but I'm back at the keyboard now.) But there has not been a specific month chosen, at least not as far as I know.

Name: Faith
Location: USA

Hi! I JUST finished monsters of morley manor, and I loved it! I got it from the library, and it's the first one of your books i've read though. I kinda want to be a writer when I grow up, but my first choice is a marine bioligist, but if I do write, it will be a fiction story about the ocean and it has to have at least three sea turtles in it... I LOVE turtles, so all of my stories (I'm writing about 4 stories right now...) have to have a sea turtle in it. well... buh bye!

Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 9:12:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 14, 2009:

Hi, Faith -

Oh, I'm so pleased that you liked MORLEY MANOR.

Y'know, there's no reason that you can't be a marine biologist AND a writer. Writing wouldn't be your full time career, but many, many writers have other jobs, too.

Name: Andrea
Location: USA

Hi, I have to admit that I've only read your book The Dragonslayers. What I really am a fan about is your company, Full Cast. I have basically all of your Tamora Pierce audiobooks and a few others. I really admire you and am going to start reading your other books! Andrea

Friday, June 12, 2009 at 3:33:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Saturday, June 13, 2009:

Hi, Andrea -

Well any message that praises Full Cast Audio is bound to make me happy. That is where most of my time and energy goes these days. I just love doing that work.

Thanks for the kind words.

Name: Kat
Location: Kansas City, Kansas USA

Dear Mr. Coville, I first encountered one of your stories in elementary school. The book was Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher, and from then on I was addicted to reading. Now I'm in college and I nanny two amazing kids. I love reading to them before bed and your books are our favorites by far. Last night we just started The Skull of Truth and they love it so much that today they wanted me to read to them instead of going to the pool!I love the Magic Shop books best, Riley likes My Teacher Fried My Brains, and Haley likes Into the Land of Unicorns. We love that you have such a variety of stories to tell, there's always something new and exciting to explore in your books. Thank you for your incredible stories, and realistic characters, they make our literary worlds so much richer. Your fans, Kat (21), Riley (11), and Haley (7)

Friday, June 12, 2009 at 2:27:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Saturday, June 13, 2009:

Hi, Kat (and Riley and Haley!)

Thanks for this lovely message. There's not much I would rather read than "from then on I was addicted to reading" since connecting kids with books (and the world of reading) is pretty much my life's ambition.

Not only that, I write with the hope of being read aloud. So knowing that you are sharing the books with Riley and Haley really delights me.

All best,

Name: Kristin Rudolph
Location: Cornell, Illinios USA

Hello Bruce, I'm 16 an let me just say I love your work and it has inspired me to work on a story of my own. I've been working on it really hard lately and I was wondering if you could contact me so I could send you a chapter of it. If your to busy I understand I would just like to know your opinion and if I should contiue with it. Best wishes to you and your book. -Kristi

Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 11:11:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Friday, June 12, 2009:

Hi, Kristin -

Thanks for this message. I'm delighted to know that my writing has inspired you to work on your own stories.

Alas, I have had to give up reading work from aspiring writers. This is partly for legal reasons, but even more because one of my main jobs for Full Cast Audio is looking for the material we are going to record, which means I have to constantly read, read, read the new books coming out. At the moment I have over twenty books lined up that I need to read for business purposes. Which wouldn't be so bad if I could stop everything and just do that. But since I still have my writing, speaking, directing, and producing work . . . well, it's a little out of hand!

I do wish you good luck with the story. If you can find a few other young writers in your area who are serious you might form a writer's group. I am in two writer's groups where we read and critique each other's work, and I find it marvelously helpful.

All best,

Name: Audra
Location: St.Ansgar, Iowa USA

I can not wait for the book "Last Hunt". the first three were written so well that i wanted to read more but the last one isnt out yet. Can't Wait, Audra

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 12:28:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Wednesday, June 10, 2009:

Hi, Audra -

Well, I'm hard at work on Book 4 right now. I just hope I can raise it to the standard of the first three! It's a tough story, because there is so much going on!

Name: Christine Maclennan
Location: USA

Hi Bruce, I teach grade 8 in Boston, Ma. and I came across one of your short stories in a book called A Dark and Stormy Night. My students really liked the humor and suspense of Duffy's Jacket. I think it is so great that you respond to kid's comments and questions, it shows you are truly writing for the kids. Christine M.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 7:00:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 09, 2009:

Hi, Christine -

As you may know, I used to teach, too (4th grade, mostly). Glad you and your kids enjoyed "Duffy's Jacket" I have never written a story as quickly as I wrote that one - and yet it is the most popular short story I've published. I wish I could do it again! ;>

Kids are what it's all about for me.

All best,

Bruce

Name: Ken Day
Location: Sugar Land, TX USA

Bruce, Looks like things have turned out alright since the days we worked at Chase's together back in '77 (you digging and me mowing). I am sure it is very satisfying to realize the positive impact you have had on a generation of young readers. Continued success to you and the best to your family. -Ken

Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 9:03:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 09, 2009:

Hi, Ken -

What a nice surprise to hear from you! Funny you mention digging in '77, because that was the year I sold my first book. But I was, of course, still digging graves then, too. (Paid the Niagara Mohawk bill!)

Thanks for the kind words. Best to you and yours.

Name: kylie
Location: St. Kitts Caribbean

hey i love the Unicorn Chronicle series and I hope you will right more books soon!! :)

Monday, June 08, 2009 at 8:03:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 08, 2009:

I'm working on it! I'm working on it! ;>

Glad you like 'em!

PS: I love the Caribbean. When I was 18 I took off to spend the summer working on St. Thomas. It was probably the greatest summer of my life.

Name: Chrissy
Location: NY USA

I went to book/street fair yesterday...and I found a Chamber of Horrors book! It was Waiting Spirits. I have been hoping to find a CoH book somewhere for a LONG time! I read the book today. It was good.

Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 3:11:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 07, 2009:

Hi, Chrissy -

Ah, it's lovely to know the books from the CoH series are still being read on occasion! I'm very fond of them, and I thought the publisher made a big mistake packaging them as a series rather than as stand alone titles.

I had a blast writing "Waiting Spirits" even though it was under a very tight deadline. I wrote somewhat more freely in those days, feeling less pressure because I was not so well known, and it was really fun to just pull out the stops and let fly on this one.

Name: derek
Location: cheektowaga, New York USA

Hi it's me again! Just wanted to congratulate you on your awards in New York City!!!

Saturday, June 06, 2009 at 9:48:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Sunday, June 07, 2009:

Hi, Derek -

Thanks! I felt really bad about having to change the day of my visit, and I am very excited about getting to your school next fall.

Have a great summer!

Name: Rachel Woody
Location: Beaverton, OR USA

Hi Mr. Coville, I just wanted to let you know that I have LOVED your books since I was a little kid, I think I had read all your books and I know have read The Unicorn Chronicles and the Nina Tanleven books many many times over and still do even now that I'm an adult, you are by far one over my favorite authors. Thanks for always making my imagination work and I cant wait for "The Last Hunt" to come out. The Nina Tanleven books have always been by far my favorites and I can remember doing my book reports on them, they were so much fun. Again you are an extraordinary writer thank you so much for so many wonderful hours of reading. Rachel W

Saturday, June 06, 2009 at 6:59:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Saturday, June 06, 2009:

Hi, Rachel -

Thanks for stopping by to say hello . . . and thanks for holding on past childhood.

Many of the happiest hours in my own childhood were the ones I spent with books. My life's goal is to try to recreate such happy times for other kids (and adults!) So messages like this are much appreciated.

All best,

Name: Hannah Szablewski
Website: http://howtotwistavampirestail.blogspot.com
Location: Clarence Center, NY USA

I LOVE your books Mr. Coville! I'm even writing my own! Please feel free to look at my blog at the address provided to see what you think!

Friday, June 05, 2009 at 4:04:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Friday, June 05, 2009:

Hi, Hannah -

Glad you love the books. And I'm even more glad that you are writing your own. I took a peek at your blog and I can tell that you have a truly lively and exciting imagination.

Name: Sue
Location: Cicero, NY USA

Mr. Coville, Hi. In May 2009 you visited my daughter's school and together we have since written a children's manuscript. I know it's a long shot but I think it is different and has possiblities. Can you suggest what you feel is th best route to attempt to publish the book? If going to a Literary Agent is best can you suggest an agent that you trust? I don't have a clue yet I would like to give it a try for my daughter sake. Thank you for inspiring the two of us.

Thursday, June 04, 2009 at 12:21:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Thursday, June 04, 2009:

Hi, Sue -

The single best thing you can do for yourself is join the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) www.scbwi.org There's a membership fee, but they are the best source of information (and inspiration) for both working and aspiring children's book writers.

Good luck with the project!

All best

Name: Kassie
Location: Cupertino, CA USA

Hi Bruce, Sorry I said that you wouldn't respond. I started a poster board on the book and ten facts about u. Ialso sent you a letter to your copieing place and a glued it on my posterboard. My real name is Kassandra N. So respond ASAP.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009 at 6:24:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Wednesday, June 03, 2009:

Kassie -

Good luck with the project. I hope you get a good grade.

Name: Rachel
Location: China

dear Mr. Coville, in school we had book clubs and my group read a book of yours titled I LEFT MY SNEAKERS IN DIMENSION X. in our discussion we wanted to make a website called www.chiblingisland.com `"very cute" and started planning the website. we asked some teachers about it and there are some problems. though we may still try to make it, we want to ask your permission about using the name of the chibling. another thing is, your book was great, me and my friends got hooked on immedeatley. we escpessially like the watermelon sized eyes description. i confess, this is a book choice i would NEVER choose, for i get afraid of reading books like this. but somehow, i didnt get scared or think a invivible smorkus was chasing me like usual. i am very glad that instead of pouting i read it with a good temper and it was great, as i already mentioned. (i think) now i want to read the sequel to see what has happened to snout! Rachel

Wednesday, June 03, 2009 at 5:21:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Wednesday, June 03, 2009:

Hi, Rachel -

Thanks for this message. It really delights me that you were able to get past your discomfort with the choice and truly enjoy SNEAKERS. (I'm glad, too, that it didn't give you nightmares!)

It is very good that you asked about using the word "chibling" for the website - that is the proper way to do things. I am happy to grant you permission to make a "chiblingisland" website.

All best,

Name: Michelle Lewis
Location: Florida USA

Bruce - I picked up into the Land of the Unicorns around the time it first came out. I was in 5th grade and it was my favorite book for years to come afterward. I don't know what happened to my copy I think it eventually disintegrated from use. I'm 24 now and I was in the book store the other day and happened upon a copy. It must have been fate. I have thought of the book many times over the years and didn't hesitate to buy it again. Reading it again was like talking to an old friend. I CAN'T WAIT to read the rest of the series!! And I think I'll be branching out to your other books as well. Love from an older fan~

Tuesday, June 02, 2009 at 4:20:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 02, 2009:

Hi, Michelle -

My editor has been amazed by the number of folks in their 20's who have checked in to say how happy they are that I finally finished another volume of the Chronicles. I kept telling the publishing company there were people out there waiting, but it had been so long between books that I don't think they believed me. I'm a lucky guy - I have the best fans in the world!

So glad you enjoyed Book 3 - I was terrified of letting down my faithful readers.

All best,

Name: Erzebet
Location: Darien, WI USA

I was so thrilled to see the new Unicorn Chronicles was out! I found "Song of the Wanderer" when I was in high school and was hooked; managing to get a hold of the first book in the series appeased my need to know what happened next for a little while, but not enough so that I haven't been waiting (mostly) patiently for the next installment. ^__^ I can't wait to read it...and then get back to the business of imagining what happens after that. Thanks for all the great books that got me through high school ("Aliens Ate My Homework" was a great break from my own), and for the promise of more to come as I finish college and get ready for the "real world," when I think I'm probably going to need books like yours even more. ~Erzebet

Tuesday, June 02, 2009 at 12:10:00 AM

Bruce Coville replied on Tuesday, June 02, 2009:

Hi, Erzebet -

Thanks for checking in - and my apologies for making you wait so long for that third book. I solemnly promise that Book 4 will not take nearly so long!

Glad you also enjoyed ALIENS ATE MY HOMEWORK. Rod is the only character I ever based totally and completely on myself, and I loved thinking up wild adventures for him.

Thanks for checking in.

Name: Jessie
Location: USA

Hi! I absolutely love your Unicorn Chronicles! I finished all 3 of them within a month or 2. My dad had to pry them out of my hands to get me to go to bed...hehe. I am a horse lover/owner so I read anything with any horse-like creatures in it but these are my favorite. I'm in 7th grade and everyone is sooo obsessed with Twilight at my school. I am not one of those people. I'd much rather read about an adventure with unicorns and furry little critters than vampire romance stuff. I got my Twilight obsessed friend to read the 1st chapter of Into the Land of the Unicorns and within the 1st page she already said it was really, really good! Do you have any pets? You describe the animals so well it's like they're sitting right in front of you! I want to be an author. I have started a book already which has a unicorn in it also! I wanted to get as many authors ideas and opinions on unicorns as possible so that's how I found your books! The day the 4th book hits the stores I'm going to go buy it. Thanks for being such a great author! ~jEsSiE

Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 1:06:00 PM

Bruce Coville replied on Monday, June 01, 2009:

Hi,Jessie -

So glad you've enjoyed the books. The way you describe reading them is the way I used to read when I was young, and one of my goals is to provide that same kind of experience for my own readers. So this message really delighted me.

Good luck with your own book!

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