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964 entries.
I was recently able to reread your short story Am I Blue and it brought back a barrage of memories. It was honestly the story that began me on my journey of being able to be comfortable with who I really am. Finding out that my favorite childhood author, and one of my favorites to this day, had written something like that, it honestly changed my life. So I just wanted to thank you for that, thank you so much
Reply by Bruce Coville
You are completely welcome, my anonymous friend.
I mostly write to entertain, but "Am I Blue" is a story that I had hoped might do some good in the world. A comment such as yours tells me that indeed it has. I'm glad I was able to help a bit on your journey.
Bruce
I mostly write to entertain, but "Am I Blue" is a story that I had hoped might do some good in the world. A comment such as yours tells me that indeed it has. I'm glad I was able to help a bit on your journey.
Bruce
Greetings Bruce Coville,
We read your Jeremy Thatcher,Dragon Hatcher. You inspired us to write our own magic shop stories. It was really funny when Tiamat gave Mr. Kravitz a hotfoot and when Mary Lou embarrassed Jeremy in art class. We like how you were creative with names like Fat Pete, Speciman, and Grief. What inspired you to write Jeremy Thatcher,Dragon Hatcher? We hope you write part 2 and we are also curious if you are going to make a movie of it.
Ayden, Gavin, and Braydon
We read your Jeremy Thatcher,Dragon Hatcher. You inspired us to write our own magic shop stories. It was really funny when Tiamat gave Mr. Kravitz a hotfoot and when Mary Lou embarrassed Jeremy in art class. We like how you were creative with names like Fat Pete, Speciman, and Grief. What inspired you to write Jeremy Thatcher,Dragon Hatcher? We hope you write part 2 and we are also curious if you are going to make a movie of it.
Ayden, Gavin, and Braydon
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi there, Gavin, Ayden, and Braydon -
I think it's very cool that you are writing your own Magic Shop stories. I hope you had (or are still having!) a good time doing it!
You asked about how I came up with some of the names. Well, part of it is this: as a writer, words are my tools ... but they are also my toys! I love playing around with words to see what I can come up with. That said, in one case I took the name from real life. One of my friends from when I was a boy scout was a kid who had the nickname Specimen.
I have had an idea for a sequel to JEREMY THATCHER, but the idea would actually be an adult book, so I'm not sure if I will ever write it, since I really do like writing for kids best.
Thanks for your message!
BC
I think it's very cool that you are writing your own Magic Shop stories. I hope you had (or are still having!) a good time doing it!
You asked about how I came up with some of the names. Well, part of it is this: as a writer, words are my tools ... but they are also my toys! I love playing around with words to see what I can come up with. That said, in one case I took the name from real life. One of my friends from when I was a boy scout was a kid who had the nickname Specimen.
I have had an idea for a sequel to JEREMY THATCHER, but the idea would actually be an adult book, so I'm not sure if I will ever write it, since I really do like writing for kids best.
Thanks for your message!
BC
Hi Bruce Coville,
We enjoyed Jeremy Thatcher,Dragon Hatcher. One of the reasons we like the book is that is has a lot of details like when Jeremy approached the shop. We liked the scene when he was in the magic shop. It was so exciting when Jeremy discovered the dragon egg(and when he discovered it was a dragon). We also liked the part when Jeremy went on his midnight flights with Tiamat. We would like you to write a sequel about Jeremy going to Tiamat's world. You did a great job on that book.
Your happy readers,
Caitin,Maya,and Saifuddin
We enjoyed Jeremy Thatcher,Dragon Hatcher. One of the reasons we like the book is that is has a lot of details like when Jeremy approached the shop. We liked the scene when he was in the magic shop. It was so exciting when Jeremy discovered the dragon egg(and when he discovered it was a dragon). We also liked the part when Jeremy went on his midnight flights with Tiamat. We would like you to write a sequel about Jeremy going to Tiamat's world. You did a great job on that book.
Your happy readers,
Caitin,Maya,and Saifuddin
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hey there, Maya, Caitlin, and Saifuddin -
Thanks for letting me know you liked JEREMY THATCHER. You mentioned the details that I use, and I am glad that you enjoyed them. One of the important things I learned when I was working on becoming a writer was to be precise and careful with details, and to try to find the most interesting ways to describe things.
There is a saying among writers: "God is in the details." Which kind of means that it is the details that bring a story to life.
I mentioned to some of your classmates that I have had an idea for a sequel to the book ... what I did not tell them was that it involves exactly what you suggest: having Jeremy go to Tiamat's world. However (as I did tell them) the idea is for an adult book, so it is unlikely I will write it. I much prefer writing for kids!
I like your sign off "Your happy readers" - making readers happy is my job and my goal! I'm glad this book did that for you.
All best,
BC
Thanks for letting me know you liked JEREMY THATCHER. You mentioned the details that I use, and I am glad that you enjoyed them. One of the important things I learned when I was working on becoming a writer was to be precise and careful with details, and to try to find the most interesting ways to describe things.
There is a saying among writers: "God is in the details." Which kind of means that it is the details that bring a story to life.
I mentioned to some of your classmates that I have had an idea for a sequel to the book ... what I did not tell them was that it involves exactly what you suggest: having Jeremy go to Tiamat's world. However (as I did tell them) the idea is for an adult book, so it is unlikely I will write it. I much prefer writing for kids!
I like your sign off "Your happy readers" - making readers happy is my job and my goal! I'm glad this book did that for you.
All best,
BC
Hello Mr. Coville,
I read your book Into the Land of the Unicorns when I was in fifth grade. I immediately fell in love with it. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second, only it hadn't been written yet. When you finished, I read it immediately and once again fell in love. I'm now 27 years old and going through an old tote of books in my parents house and happened to find these two paperbacks in brand new condition. I started to read them over again because these books are what made me fall in love with reading. I see that there are two more books in the chronicles but yet I cannot get my hands on The Last Hunt unless I'm willing to pay a hefty price. I guess I'm wondering why the last one is so expensive and if there is any way I can finally read (not hear) the last of your inspired work?
Sincerely,
Samantha
I read your book Into the Land of the Unicorns when I was in fifth grade. I immediately fell in love with it. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second, only it hadn't been written yet. When you finished, I read it immediately and once again fell in love. I'm now 27 years old and going through an old tote of books in my parents house and happened to find these two paperbacks in brand new condition. I started to read them over again because these books are what made me fall in love with reading. I see that there are two more books in the chronicles but yet I cannot get my hands on The Last Hunt unless I'm willing to pay a hefty price. I guess I'm wondering why the last one is so expensive and if there is any way I can finally read (not hear) the last of your inspired work?
Sincerely,
Samantha
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Samantha -
I'm delighted that you remember the first two books of "The Unicorn Chronicles" so fondly - and 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.
I am working to get the books back into print in new editions, but it will be a while before that can happen.
With regrets,
Bruce Coville
I'm delighted that you remember the first two books of "The Unicorn Chronicles" so fondly - and 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.
I am working to get the books back into print in new editions, but it will be a while before that can happen.
With regrets,
Bruce Coville
Dear Mr.covle
what inspierd you to write my teacher is a alen.And I am loving my teacher is a alen. What other books are you planing to write. How many more books are you going to write
what inspierd you to write my teacher is a alen.And I am loving my teacher is a alen. What other books are you planing to write. How many more books are you going to write
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Faith -
I was actually asked to write MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN by a publishing company I worked with. They did not know that I was especially appropriate, because we actually had a rumor go around my own school when I was a kid that aliens were going to invade and take away all the kids. So I could draw on my memory of that when I was writing this book.
I don't know how many more books I will write ... it depends on how long I live!
Bruce Coville
I was actually asked to write MY TEACHER IS AN ALIEN by a publishing company I worked with. They did not know that I was especially appropriate, because we actually had a rumor go around my own school when I was a kid that aliens were going to invade and take away all the kids. So I could draw on my memory of that when I was writing this book.
I don't know how many more books I will write ... it depends on how long I live!
Bruce Coville
Why did you use the last name Eggleston with the name Charlie? Where did you get the name from?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Liz -
I had a friend in school whose last name was Eggleston, and I thought it sounded right for this character. It's a good name!
BC
I had a friend in school whose last name was Eggleston, and I thought it sounded right for this character. It's a good name!
BC
Dear Mr covle I love your books
Reply by Bruce Coville
Thank you, Faith! I'm glad you enjoy reading them!
BC
BC
Dear Mr. Coville,
We are reading your book My Teacher Is an Alien and we LOVE IT! We just got to the part where they found Mrs. Schwartz in the attic. Something we really like that you do is leave us wanting to read more at the end of each chapter. We are trying to become writers just like you! We have a couple questions: 1. Do you read your own books after they are published? 2. What inspired you to write My Teacher Is an Alien series? 3. Do you plan to keep writing books for kids? 4. We were wondering what planet you came from? 😉 Just kidding.
Love, Mrs. Corl's Class
We are reading your book My Teacher Is an Alien and we LOVE IT! We just got to the part where they found Mrs. Schwartz in the attic. Something we really like that you do is leave us wanting to read more at the end of each chapter. We are trying to become writers just like you! We have a couple questions: 1. Do you read your own books after they are published? 2. What inspired you to write My Teacher Is an Alien series? 3. Do you plan to keep writing books for kids? 4. We were wondering what planet you came from? 😉 Just kidding.
Love, Mrs. Corl's Class
Reply by Bruce Coville
Ahoy Mrs. Corl's Third Grade -
Thanks for writing. I'm delighted that you are enjoying My Teacher Is an Alien! I can tell you I had a blast writing it. Sometimes a book is really hard work, but this one just seemed to come naturally.
As to your questions . . .
1) I will usually re-read a book at some point after it has been published. Also, I actually run an audiobook company, and we have recorded many of my books (along with those of many other authors). If we are recording a book, I will end up rereading it many times!
Also, when I am working on a series, I re-read the earlier books to try to keep everything consistent.
2) I was actually invited to write My Teacher is an Alien by a publishing company I worked with. It was supposed to be just one book, not a series. But it turned out to be unexpectedly popular, and I got literally thousands of letters asking for more.
3) I do indeed plan on continuing to write for kids. It's what I do and who I am!
4) What planet am I from? My parents used to wonder the same thing! ;>
your pal,
Bruce Coville
Thanks for writing. I'm delighted that you are enjoying My Teacher Is an Alien! I can tell you I had a blast writing it. Sometimes a book is really hard work, but this one just seemed to come naturally.
As to your questions . . .
1) I will usually re-read a book at some point after it has been published. Also, I actually run an audiobook company, and we have recorded many of my books (along with those of many other authors). If we are recording a book, I will end up rereading it many times!
Also, when I am working on a series, I re-read the earlier books to try to keep everything consistent.
2) I was actually invited to write My Teacher is an Alien by a publishing company I worked with. It was supposed to be just one book, not a series. But it turned out to be unexpectedly popular, and I got literally thousands of letters asking for more.
3) I do indeed plan on continuing to write for kids. It's what I do and who I am!
4) What planet am I from? My parents used to wonder the same thing! ;>
your pal,
Bruce Coville
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, Alwaleed -
First off, thanks for this lovely message. So glad you've enjoyed the books so much!
I'm especially happy with your response to ODDLY ENOUGH. Though I am primarily a novelist I've discovered (to my own surprise!) that some of my best writing has been done in the short story form. I personally think that "The Box" is probably the best thing I ever wrote.
I do have another story that deals with the afterlife, called "Herbert Hutchison in the Underworld" but I am not sure if you would like it . . . it is like a dark mirror to "The Box".
Thanks for taking the time to say hello!
All best,
BC
First off, thanks for this lovely message. So glad you've enjoyed the books so much!
I'm especially happy with your response to ODDLY ENOUGH. Though I am primarily a novelist I've discovered (to my own surprise!) that some of my best writing has been done in the short story form. I personally think that "The Box" is probably the best thing I ever wrote.
I do have another story that deals with the afterlife, called "Herbert Hutchison in the Underworld" but I am not sure if you would like it . . . it is like a dark mirror to "The Box".
Thanks for taking the time to say hello!
All best,
BC
The drudges of graduate studies have brought me to your website! Reminiscing about childhood earlier today I recalled reading many of your books as an elementary student. My favorite in particular was Goblins in the Castle. I attended elementary school at St. Joseph's Elementary in Malone, NY. In 5th grade it was a dream come true when I won a writing contest and was able to have lunch with you and some of my fellow students! Although adult life can be very unimaginative at times, I would like to thank you for playing a role in developing my imagination at an early age. I hope all is well.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Ryan -
Glad to provide some relief from the drudgery. (Hmmm. Maybe I should start a company called "Drudgery Relief, Inc.)
Kidding aside, I loved getting your message - and especially knowing that GOBLINS was one of your favorites. That book is probably closer to the kind of thing I =thought= I would be doing when I started writing for kids than almost anything else I had done up to that point.
Glad to know you remember that student lunch, too. I still do those when I am on school visits, and it's delightful to know that they stick around in memory!
All best,
Bruce
Glad to provide some relief from the drudgery. (Hmmm. Maybe I should start a company called "Drudgery Relief, Inc.)
Kidding aside, I loved getting your message - and especially knowing that GOBLINS was one of your favorites. That book is probably closer to the kind of thing I =thought= I would be doing when I started writing for kids than almost anything else I had done up to that point.
Glad to know you remember that student lunch, too. I still do those when I am on school visits, and it's delightful to know that they stick around in memory!
All best,
Bruce