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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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966 entries.
Dear Mr. Coville,
Our 4th grade class just finished reading Goblins in the Castle and we loved it!! We think it's neat that the idea of Igor's character came from you dressing up for your 4th grade students. Is there anyway we could see a picture of you dressed as Igor? We also think this book would make an awesome movie!
Sincerely,
4th graders who love Igor
Our 4th grade class just finished reading Goblins in the Castle and we loved it!! We think it's neat that the idea of Igor's character came from you dressing up for your 4th grade students. Is there anyway we could see a picture of you dressed as Igor? We also think this book would make an awesome movie!
Sincerely,
4th graders who love Igor
Reply by Bruce Coville
To my pals in Mr. Roper's class:
Thanks for the message. I'm delighted that you enjoyed Goblins in the Castle. I had a blast writing that book, and I read the first version (years before it was published) to my own fourth graders back when I was a teacher.
Alas, the only picture we have of me dressed as Igor is not very good. I do wish I had a better one to show you.
I completely agree with you that this book would be good movie material.
Guess what! After twenty-some years, I have just written a sequel. This time Fauna is the narrator, and we learn the secret of the stone toad . . . and Fauna's secret, too. It's coming out next year, and it will be called Goblins on the Prowl.
your friend,
Bruce Coville
Thanks for the message. I'm delighted that you enjoyed Goblins in the Castle. I had a blast writing that book, and I read the first version (years before it was published) to my own fourth graders back when I was a teacher.
Alas, the only picture we have of me dressed as Igor is not very good. I do wish I had a better one to show you.
I completely agree with you that this book would be good movie material.
Guess what! After twenty-some years, I have just written a sequel. This time Fauna is the narrator, and we learn the secret of the stone toad . . . and Fauna's secret, too. It's coming out next year, and it will be called Goblins on the Prowl.
your friend,
Bruce Coville
Hi Mr.Coville I am 9 years old and I love your books.They're so inspiring and mysterious so anyway just please write back
Your reader,
Ja'Shanti Davis
Your reader,
Ja'Shanti Davis
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Ja'Shanti -
Glad you like the books! "Inspiring and mysterious" is definitely part of what I'm trying for when I write them, so it makes me happy that you described them that way.
your pal,
Bruce Coville
Glad you like the books! "Inspiring and mysterious" is definitely part of what I'm trying for when I write them, so it makes me happy that you described them that way.
your pal,
Bruce Coville
Hi Mr. Coville,
I'm a 28 year old with a Master's degree in English, and I just spent my morning re-reading The Ghost Wore Gray for probably the millionth time. I loved the Nina Tanleven books as a kid, and I still enjoy reading them because they remind me of discovering my love for books and reading. Your books helped to show me how magical the world of reading is, and I just wanted you to know how much they still mean to me with the biggest and sincerest THANK YOU!
I'm a 28 year old with a Master's degree in English, and I just spent my morning re-reading The Ghost Wore Gray for probably the millionth time. I loved the Nina Tanleven books as a kid, and I still enjoy reading them because they remind me of discovering my love for books and reading. Your books helped to show me how magical the world of reading is, and I just wanted you to know how much they still mean to me with the biggest and sincerest THANK YOU!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Nicole -
Oh, what a delicious message! It is so nice to be remembered this way.
I published my 100th book a couple of years ago, but the ending of "The Ghost Wore Gray" remains, I think, the best closing pages I ever wrote. That you still love and continue to re-read this book totally delights me. Thanks for letting me know.
All best,
BC
Oh, what a delicious message! It is so nice to be remembered this way.
I published my 100th book a couple of years ago, but the ending of "The Ghost Wore Gray" remains, I think, the best closing pages I ever wrote. That you still love and continue to re-read this book totally delights me. Thanks for letting me know.
All best,
BC
Hi Bruce! I can't believe I'm talking to one of my childhood heroes. I wanted you to know that your books have changed my life, and without a doubt, changed it for the best. Your wide range of work is wonderful, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Rod Albright and his intergalactic friends. Your books have a level of creativity, depth, and substance that I can't begin to describe. I remember life lessons I learned from you through your characters, like "Never do anything out of fear,"--a truth I try to live by to this day. It's because of authors like you that I hope to inspire future readers too, through my own works. Thank you for sharing beauty with the world by daring to write, and write well.
Ever your friend, and avid reader,
Jennifer
(PS--the illustrations in your books are lovely too! The ones of Rod Albright and crew are enchanting, and Blork from Space Brat is hilariously expressive!)
Ever your friend, and avid reader,
Jennifer
(PS--the illustrations in your books are lovely too! The ones of Rod Albright and crew are enchanting, and Blork from Space Brat is hilariously expressive!)
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Jennifer -
Thanks for this lovely message. "Your books have changed my life" is pretty much the ultimate compliment for an author!
I have a special fondness for the Rod Albright books myself, in no small part because Rod is basically me . . . the only character in over a hundred books that I've based totally and completely on myself. The fact that you've adapted "Never do anything out of fear" as a watch-phrase especially pleases me, as it is a motto I try to adhere to in my own life.
I'm also delighted that you like the illustrations so much, as they are by my brilliant wife, who I think to be the perfect match for stories!
All best wishes,
BC
Thanks for this lovely message. "Your books have changed my life" is pretty much the ultimate compliment for an author!
I have a special fondness for the Rod Albright books myself, in no small part because Rod is basically me . . . the only character in over a hundred books that I've based totally and completely on myself. The fact that you've adapted "Never do anything out of fear" as a watch-phrase especially pleases me, as it is a motto I try to adhere to in my own life.
I'm also delighted that you like the illustrations so much, as they are by my brilliant wife, who I think to be the perfect match for stories!
All best wishes,
BC
I am now 30, just to begin. In the fifth grade I needed a book for an upcoming assignment. I walked the rows of shelves over and over and could never find something that caught my eye. Until I found this yellow hardcover who's spine read "The Monster's Ring." The Magic Shop became one of my favorite places and influenced my love or reading and writing for the rest of my life! Thank you for these books! You are a hero to me and many other kids!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Thomas -
I loved reading this. I have had many teachers and parents tell me that The Monster's Ring was the book that first opened the doors of reading for someone. And it always makes me happy. But it's even better to hear it from one of those readers himself!
These words "You are a hero to me and many other kids!" are something that I will cherish. Thank you for them.
BC
I loved reading this. I have had many teachers and parents tell me that The Monster's Ring was the book that first opened the doors of reading for someone. And it always makes me happy. But it's even better to hear it from one of those readers himself!
These words "You are a hero to me and many other kids!" are something that I will cherish. Thank you for them.
BC
Bruce,
As a child, you were my favorite author. I loved the Nina Tanleven series, and I sent you a letter in the early 90s telling you how much I wanted to be a writer like you. You sent back a very encouraging reply, and I never forgot that. I am six months away from having my first child, and I plan to raise him/her on your books!
Thanks for adventures,
Catherine Owens
As a child, you were my favorite author. I loved the Nina Tanleven series, and I sent you a letter in the early 90s telling you how much I wanted to be a writer like you. You sent back a very encouraging reply, and I never forgot that. I am six months away from having my first child, and I plan to raise him/her on your books!
Thanks for adventures,
Catherine Owens
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Catherine -
Thanks for this, which totally delighted me. I don't hear much about the Nina books anymore, as they've been out of print for a few years now, but they remain personal favorites of mine, partly because I based Nine and Chris on my daughter and her best friend.
Congratulations on the impending arrival of your first child. I'm thrilled to know that you'll be sharing my stories with him/her. There's not much more a writer can wish for than to be carried on to another generation!
All best,
Bruce
Thanks for this, which totally delighted me. I don't hear much about the Nina books anymore, as they've been out of print for a few years now, but they remain personal favorites of mine, partly because I based Nine and Chris on my daughter and her best friend.
Congratulations on the impending arrival of your first child. I'm thrilled to know that you'll be sharing my stories with him/her. There's not much more a writer can wish for than to be carried on to another generation!
All best,
Bruce
Hi Mr. Coville
I learned Cursive Handwriting. Do you know it?
Where can I talk with you expect in Facebook and your website ( You didn't tell me your email address. )?
Have a nice day.
I learned Cursive Handwriting. Do you know it?
Where can I talk with you expect in Facebook and your website ( You didn't tell me your email address. )?
Have a nice day.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Arshia -
Yes, I know cursive. I used to be a school teacher, so I had to teach cursive to my students. My own handwriting got a lot better as a result!
BC
Yes, I know cursive. I used to be a school teacher, so I had to teach cursive to my students. My own handwriting got a lot better as a result!
BC
Hi
Sorry Mr.Coville, I don't know english language very well, so I can't understand what is your religion. 🙁
Are you Christian?
Sorry Mr.Coville, I don't know english language very well, so I can't understand what is your religion. 🙁
Are you Christian?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Arshia -
Actually I think your english is pretty good. I suspect it's just that you haven't heard anything about the branches of Christianity I was discussing.
Shorter answer: I was raised as a Christian, but at this time I am not connected to any religion.
Actually I think your english is pretty good. I suspect it's just that you haven't heard anything about the branches of Christianity I was discussing.
Shorter answer: I was raised as a Christian, but at this time I am not connected to any religion.
Hi, Bruce! As always, the Unicorn Chronicles are a thrilling read and the FCA recordings are incredible; every voice is just spot-on. I plan to read the whole series again this summer.
The questions I have for you today:
- How did you first come up with the idea for UC? Where did it all begin?
- Who is your favorite UC character, or who would you say was the most fun to write about?
- Did any of the sad scenes make you cry, or threaten to?
- Which of the UC characters' back stories would you further flesh out if you could?
Thanks again for everything, Bruce, and happy writing!
The questions I have for you today:
- How did you first come up with the idea for UC? Where did it all begin?
- Who is your favorite UC character, or who would you say was the most fun to write about?
- Did any of the sad scenes make you cry, or threaten to?
- Which of the UC characters' back stories would you further flesh out if you could?
Thanks again for everything, Bruce, and happy writing!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Melanie -
Nice to hear from you! And I'm so glad that you like the FCA recordings of the Unicorn Chronicles. Making those was a true labor of love.
Now on to your questions:
The seeds of the idea came from a meeting with Jean Feiwel at Scholastic. She wanted me to create a new series for them, we tossed some ideas back and forth, she said "unicorns" and I was off and running.
As to who was most fun to write about, there is no doubt that that honor goes to the Squijum.
Yes, some of the sad scenes made me cry. After I wrote one particular scene in DARK WHISPERS (I won't specify, so as not to create a spoiler) I flung myself on the couch and sobbed.
I had hoped to do many more books in the world of Luster, but it looks as if that is not to be. One of the stories I had hoped to tell was how Thomas the Tinker first came to Luster, and what adventures he had then.
Always great to hear from you!
Bruce
Nice to hear from you! And I'm so glad that you like the FCA recordings of the Unicorn Chronicles. Making those was a true labor of love.
Now on to your questions:
The seeds of the idea came from a meeting with Jean Feiwel at Scholastic. She wanted me to create a new series for them, we tossed some ideas back and forth, she said "unicorns" and I was off and running.
As to who was most fun to write about, there is no doubt that that honor goes to the Squijum.
Yes, some of the sad scenes made me cry. After I wrote one particular scene in DARK WHISPERS (I won't specify, so as not to create a spoiler) I flung myself on the couch and sobbed.
I had hoped to do many more books in the world of Luster, but it looks as if that is not to be. One of the stories I had hoped to tell was how Thomas the Tinker first came to Luster, and what adventures he had then.
Always great to hear from you!
Bruce
Hello Mr.Coville! I was just looking at my book collection and finally decided to give you a shout. I was about 10 or 11 when I first read Into the Land of the Unicorns and fell in love with it. I just turned 30 and I have to say that the Unicorn Chronicles still holds such a very special place in my heart. I waited for each one to come out and was not disappointed when they did. So I wanted to say thank you for writing these books and bringing so much joy into many peoples lives. Also, I feel like I have a rare copy of the first book in hardback. I can't seem to find a similar copy anywhere online. Is there any way I can send I picture of the book to you? Sincerely, Lisa maricic
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Lisa -
What a lovely message! It's one thing to have a young reader love a book . . . having that same reader still love the book 20 years later is what an author dreams of. I'm so glad that the later books did not disappoint. They were hard for me to write , and my greatest fear was letting down my readers.
You can send a picture to info@brucecoville.com and ask my assistant, Mike, to pass it on to me. (Happily, I still have a copy of the first edition myself.)
Thanks for stopping by to say what the books meant to you!
BC
What a lovely message! It's one thing to have a young reader love a book . . . having that same reader still love the book 20 years later is what an author dreams of. I'm so glad that the later books did not disappoint. They were hard for me to write , and my greatest fear was letting down my readers.
You can send a picture to info@brucecoville.com and ask my assistant, Mike, to pass it on to me. (Happily, I still have a copy of the first edition myself.)
Thanks for stopping by to say what the books meant to you!
BC