Welcome to the Guestbook!

I’m always eager to read your comments about my books and stories, so please feel free to pitch in. Here are a few things for you to know:

1) I answer the messages here personally.

2) No message shows up here until I actually answer it to prevent spam and other inappropriate postings. So there will sometimes be a delay before your message posts, especially if I am traveling.

3) Teachers, a gentle request: Please do not have multiple children send me variants of the same message. A group email is much easier to respond to and not such a drain on my time. My thanks in advance for being alert to this.

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938 entries.
Sarah from Garnder, MA USA wrote on January 24, 2017
Hello Mr.Coville! I believe I signed this before but I honestly cant remember nor did I find myself while scrolling through the entries. I've been a huge fan of your work, especially The Unicorn Chronicles series. To a point where your books inspired my own Unicorn character who goes by the pseudonym Lumina. (You can see her profile on my website.) I have a signed copy of Song of the Wanderer and it means so much to me. You're one of my idols as a writer and I strive every day to improve my story writing so that one day I might publish a book of my own. It has saddened me that I cannot seem to find a reasonably priced copy of The Last Hunt, so that I might finish my collection of the series. But I digress. You are amazing, thank you for your works and keep being awesome!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Sarah -

Thanks for this message. It delights me to know that the Unicorn Chronicles have inspired you to create your own unicorn character.

I'm truly sorry that you're having a hard time obtaining THE LAST HUNT at a reasonable price. The reason for that is simple, and something I have no control over: Scholastic put the book out of print without ever doing a paperback edition (something that still baffles and saddens me). So it is a fairly rare item, and the only copies available are from used booksellers, or booksellers who had extra copies, and are now profiting from the books scarcity. A reseller such as that will price the book at what the market will bear; it is their right and something an author has no control over.

The good news is, I have regained the rights to the books, and my agent is working to get them back into print in new editions. It will be a while before that can happen, but I have high hopes!


With regrets,

Bruce Coville
Jessica from Bridgewater, MA USA wrote on January 24, 2017
First, thank you!
I am and have always been a voracious reader. I would say avid but that is simply not strong enough a word. I used to not do homework and just read, to the point where my mother had to take away everything but my school books when I was young. The point of this is I have been reading Tamora Pierce's books since the 90s when I was old enough to read them. I do mean I have been reading them since, as in over and over again and again. The Circle of Magic series is like a visit with old friends, and I make that visit several times a year.
I recently started a full-time job, yikes! Going from a hither and yon professor to a 9-5er was tough, what was toughest was the commute. I am from Massachusetts and we are born with road rage I fear. Your audio recordings of Tamora Pierce's books are what get me through those terrible mornings. I have to say I have listened to the books more times than I can count using fingers and toes now! But they are wonderfully written and the full cast audio productions are so wonderfully directed and perfect produced.
I love these books and your recordings allow me to "read" and drive at the same time. I have started listening to the other works you have produced and I find them to be just as entertaining and cannot wait to "read" more.
I am a little disappointed that "Shatterglass" has not been recorded as it is my favorite. But I am patiently waiting to see what you all do next.
I hope you will expand your collection of books. As an adult with the soul of infinite youth I assure you it brightens my life. 😀
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Jessica -

Many thanks for this message, which literally filled me with joy. (I am passing a copy along to Tammy as well.)

Producing the audio versions "Circle of Magic", sometimes directing, and always performing as Niko were some of the most joyful experiences of the artistic aspect of my life.

Unfortunately, Full Cast Audio was more successful artistically than it was financially, which was why we haven't produced the third and fourth books of "The Circle Opens" yet. But Tammy and I talk about it often. The problem now is not simply finances but time, both because of our writing schedules, and because of how much time it would take to gather new talent, as many of our actors have moved on to other things. But it is a constant dream of ours to revisit that series on audio.

Thanks for taking the time to send this message. It truly does mean a lot.

Good luck with the new job . . . and be careful on those Massachusetts roads!

BC
Arianna wrote on January 24, 2017
Hello!
I absolutely loved the Magic Shop series when I was a kid (I'm 25 now) and after recently rereading all the books I'm really happy that they're still great. Do you have any plans to add to the Magic Shop series in the future? I'd love to see more of Mr. Elives and honestly, I was super excited when Juliet Dove came out. I've found myself thinking of different magic shop scenarios a lot lately. Thank you so much for what you've done.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Arianna -

Thanks for this. Though I've published over a hundred books now, the Magic Shop titles remain among my very favorites. I feel like something about the shop pulls out the very best in me.

I did have a proposal for a sixth book, but I am sadly at odds with the series publisher so I don't know if anything will ever happen with that. But I really would like to go back and see what's happening at the shop sometime.

Thanks for your kinds words.

BC
Mr. Laurenzo's class from Syracuse, NY USA wrote on January 23, 2017
Dear Mr. Coville,
Our class at Gillette Road Middle School has been reading My Teacher is an Alien and we were wondering if you have any of your books on audio CD? We love listening to stories together and following along. Thank you for all the wonderful stories you create!
Sincerely,
Mr. Laurenzo's Class
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy, Mr. Laurenzo's Class!

I'm delighted to know that you've been enjoying MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN.

As far as audiobooks go, you've come to the right place! I actually run my own audiobook company (Full Cast Audio) and have recorded many of my own books as well as books by numerous other authors.

To be specific, we released our recording of MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN in 2015, and I'm putting the finishing touches on MY TEACHER FRIED MY BRAINS this month!

Happy listening!

Bruce Coville
Amanda Woods from Leander, TX United States wrote on January 21, 2017
Hi this is faith are making more books.I am wanting to read more books that you make.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Faith -

Thanks for this message. I am indeed making more books. It's what I do! ;>

I'm glad you want to read them!

BC
normaali from USA wrote on January 16, 2017
I'm a 17 year old student, and I still find your books fantastic reads! I've been an avid reader for almost ten years, and in thattime I've read all your Rod Albright adventures, your My Teacher is an Alien series, and the majority of the single works you'vecontributed to such books as Books of Magic (I and II) and the Wizard's Dozen. I've recently finished Oddly Enough, and believe it tobe one of your best works. I write ameteurly myself and agree with your views on the moods of writing habits.I'm writting this on a perticular question, though. The first story in Oddly Enough was titled "The Box", and with the same themesefound in another work, "Bear at the Gate." My question, after commenting on how much I enjoy both, is this: have you done moreof these "heavenly works", or is this to be a forever craving? Keep up the excellent work!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Normaali -

Well, this is a message to lift a writer's heart! Thank you very much.

As to your question: "The Box" is one of my stories. "Bear at the Gate", however, was written by Jessica Amanda Salmonson.

"The Box" was, I think, a once-in-a-lifetime story for me. I have not written anything else with a "heavenly" aspect. Well, I did once try to write an entire novel set in heaven. It was a terrible idea, though: when everything is perfect, there's no story!

Thanks for being such a faithful reader . . . and for this message!

BC
Darby Burgett from Hogwartz, USA wrote on January 14, 2017
Okay, so as a young child I loved reading the Unicorn Chronicles. I was looking at my bookshelves the other day and decided to reread the series. (I love your work) Are there any more of your books you recommend for young adults? I am currently a YA writer (well, one in the making anyway). Are you going to write any more novellas or books for the Unicorn Chronicles? I know you must get thousands of messages every day, and go to tons of signings. How do you find time to write? Thanks. Bye.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Darby -

Hmmm. Depends on how you define "young adults." The Unicorn Chronicles actually was meant to be a middle grade series, though books three and four definitely crossed over into YA territory.

If you haven't read JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER I think you might enjoy it. GOBLINS IN THE CASTLE is a wacky fantasy. And maybe ALWAYS OCTOBER, for starters.

I am hoping to do more stories in the world of the Unicorn Chronicles. Scholastic put the books out of print, but we've got the rights back now and my agent is working on making them available once more. If they find a new audience I would love to write additional stories!

A great question about "how do you find time to write?" It's a constant struggle. It's more a matter of making time, TAKING time, than of finding it. And there are always other things that don't get done.

Best of luck with your own writing . . . may you find much success with it!

All best,

BC
Benjamin Fouch from Huntsville, Alabama USA wrote on January 12, 2017
I would like to begin by saying "The Monsters of Morley Manor" is my favorite book that you have written. My mother first read it to my brothers and I back in 2009 when we were quite younger. It was an interesting experience, because at the time we were living at my grandfather's house, which was old, creaky, and possessed a mildew scent - similar to Morley Manor. When she read the book to us, it felt as if we were actually there. Ironically enough, my grandfather's house is supposed to be demolished soon, which makes me sad, but reminds of what almost happened to Morley Manor in the book. I believe two years after that, I read it myself for the first time. And finally, the tail end of last year and the beginning of this year, I read the story again. I have to say, I noticed more than I remembered - probably because my mind was too simplistic to comprehend the depth of the story those several years ago. Before Morley Manor, when I was in third grade, I read your Magic Shop books. I also read "Moongobble and Me" when I was in the fourth grade. Your stories have actually inspired me to write - I have been writing since 2012. I really liked the name "Morley" in "The Monsters of Morley Manor". In fact, I stole the name "Morley" for the title of a story that I wrote last year. I know, pretty pathetic on my part, but rest assured, it has nothing to do with Morley Manor. I also would like to say that the descriptions in your stories are some of the most vivid ones I have come across throughout every kind of literature - despite not being lengthy. I have a question too, have Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, and H.P. Lovecraft influenced you as a writer? They are some of my favorite authors (Something Wicked This Way Comes by Bradbury reminds me of a book you would write for an older audience). There is more I would like to say, but because of the minimal space of this comment box, I should probably stop. I appreciate any time you spend reading this,
Benjamin---
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Benjamin -

Thanks for this message, and apologies for not replying sooner. I just went to check out your website ... it is extremely cool!

It delights me that you are so fond of MORLEY MANOR, which is almost certainly the weirdest book I ever wrote. (When my mother finished reading it she looked at me and said, "Bruce, you are getting stranger and stranger." Which made me very happy.) The fact that you first heard the story in a house that felt like Morley Manor is pretty cool.

About reading . . . I loved Bradbury, Poe, and Lovecraft. I'm sure all three of them had some impact on my writing, but I would say that of that trio it was probably Bradbury who had the most profound impact.

All best,

BC
Lucas from USA wrote on January 12, 2017
My name is Lucas. I am a third grade student at Johnson Elementary in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. We are working on an author study project this year and I chose you because your books look fun to read. I also had to pick three of your books to read. I chose Aliens Ate My Homework, I left My Sneakers in Dimension X, and Aliens Stole My Body.
So far I have completed Aliens Ate my Homework. I liked reading it and I really liked the ending when the Aliens gave Rob a small volcano after they destroyed his big one. What gave you the idea to write this book? Also, what does BKR stand for?
I am reading I Left My Sneaker in Dimension X now and I think it is really good. Are you working on any new books now? Why did you become a writer and do you like it?
Sincerely,
Lucas
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Lucas -

Thanks for this message. I'm delighted that you have chosen me for your Author Study, and particularly delighted that you are focusing on the Rod Allbright books. Rod is the only character I ever based totally and completely on myself, so I have a special fondness for that series.

The beginnings of the book are somewhat odd. I had had a great success with "My Teacher Is an Alien" and I wanted to do another alien story (I have always been fascinated by aliens) and the title "Aliens Ate My Goldfish" popped into my head. I thought it was kind of hilarious, and had the idea that the cover image would show some little aliens broiling a goldfish over a campfire on a kid's dresser.

Wow! What a terrible idea!

Then I had the idea of changing it to "Ate My Homework", playing off the famous kid phrase "the dog ate my homework." That seemed less interesting to me but when I tried it out on friends and kids in schools they thought it was WAY better than the "goldfish" idea.

Part of where the story came from is that when I was a kid my best friend Mike (he appears as "Mickey" in the book) and I used to make up stories about tiny imaginary aliens.

I am indeed working on a new book . . . which is, oddly enough, an old book. It is called - for now, at least - THE WINDLORD'S HORN, and it is a sweeping adventure story that I started writing over 40 years ago. I love the idea, and it will not let go of me. (In case you haven't figured it out, I am very stubborn about ideas!)

Why did I become a writer? The most simple answer is also the most true one: I loved - LOVED - books so much that I wanted to make my own.

Thanks for reading my stories.

BC
Bob sob from USA wrote on January 12, 2017
Hi my birthday is March 21 1846. I want to know you before i die
Reply by Bruce Coville
I hope you will achieve your goal.

Also, you win the prize for strangest message of the year so far...