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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.
I LOVE your writing and your mind. I read the entire My Teacher is an Alien Series back in third grade, one of the first complete series of books to keep my interest. You changed my whole reality....oh the possibilities. Thank You!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Ms Anna -
I love "oh the possibilities" as a response to the MY TEACHER series! So glad you still remember the books!
BC
I love "oh the possibilities" as a response to the MY TEACHER series! So glad you still remember the books!
BC
I love the Unicorn Chronicles. They are very interesting and have lots of twists and turns. Keep up the good work.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Torri -
Thanks for this. Glad you enjoyed the twists and turns in the Unicorn Chronicles. By the time I got to the fourth book I nearly broke my brain trying to keep track of them! ;>
BC
Thanks for this. Glad you enjoyed the twists and turns in the Unicorn Chronicles. By the time I got to the fourth book I nearly broke my brain trying to keep track of them! ;>
BC
Bruce,
Thank you for the advice. I can see how you thought the author was crazy because of the re-write thing. I always thing that the draft has to be the foundation of the story. Like when a house gets its cement foundation. You mess up, you get in trouble. When we have to write stuff for lit. we have to draft, re-write, then publish. A lot of the time, we do it in a week. There's practicly no time for creativity. But anyways, thanks for the advice.
Duke
P.S. Who where you rooting for in the Super Bowl- Denver or Seattle? Or where you nutreal?
Thank you for the advice. I can see how you thought the author was crazy because of the re-write thing. I always thing that the draft has to be the foundation of the story. Like when a house gets its cement foundation. You mess up, you get in trouble. When we have to write stuff for lit. we have to draft, re-write, then publish. A lot of the time, we do it in a week. There's practicly no time for creativity. But anyways, thanks for the advice.
Duke
P.S. Who where you rooting for in the Super Bowl- Denver or Seattle? Or where you nutreal?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hey, Duke -
Draft, rewrite, then publish is a school thing. In the real world it's more like: Draft, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, despair, rewrite, get input, rewrite, and then hope to publish.
The first draft is, to some extent, the foundation on which you'll build the story. But I like to compare it to getting the chunk of clay that you will then use to sculpt the story!
As to the Superbowl, I have to admit that I have an appalling (to some of my friends) lack of interest in football.
Bruce
Draft, rewrite, then publish is a school thing. In the real world it's more like: Draft, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite, despair, rewrite, get input, rewrite, and then hope to publish.
The first draft is, to some extent, the foundation on which you'll build the story. But I like to compare it to getting the chunk of clay that you will then use to sculpt the story!
As to the Superbowl, I have to admit that I have an appalling (to some of my friends) lack of interest in football.
Bruce
Bruce,
I'm still working on being an author. I've had a brunch of good ideas, and tried to write down the first chapter of them, but they all became longwinded, and not enought diouloge or to much diouloge. Do you have any ideas to help me?
P.S. Its snowing here in AR, is it snowing in NY?
I'm still working on being an author. I've had a brunch of good ideas, and tried to write down the first chapter of them, but they all became longwinded, and not enought diouloge or to much diouloge. Do you have any ideas to help me?
P.S. Its snowing here in AR, is it snowing in NY?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hey, Duke -
Ah, I understand your problem, and I have the simple answer for it. You are just putting out first drafts. For my last book I did 13 drafts, and believe me, some of the stuff in the early drafts was pretty sucky. Thing is, you've got to write SOMETHING before you can start to do the real work.
When I was young, I thought all the fun was in the writing, and when I heard a published writer say that what she really loved was the RE-writing, I thought she was crazy. But after a while, I understood.
The first draft is just about getting the stuff out of your head and onto paper. You can't start to make it better until it exists to begin with. Long-winded you can fix - just trim it down in the next draft. Too much dialogue? Just cut some out when you rewrite. Too little? Well, let the characters talk more in the next draft.
You don't really have a problem, my friend. Just an opportunity! ;>
Bruce
PS: Not snowing where I am in upstate NY, but New York City got dumped on today.
Ah, I understand your problem, and I have the simple answer for it. You are just putting out first drafts. For my last book I did 13 drafts, and believe me, some of the stuff in the early drafts was pretty sucky. Thing is, you've got to write SOMETHING before you can start to do the real work.
When I was young, I thought all the fun was in the writing, and when I heard a published writer say that what she really loved was the RE-writing, I thought she was crazy. But after a while, I understood.
The first draft is just about getting the stuff out of your head and onto paper. You can't start to make it better until it exists to begin with. Long-winded you can fix - just trim it down in the next draft. Too much dialogue? Just cut some out when you rewrite. Too little? Well, let the characters talk more in the next draft.
You don't really have a problem, my friend. Just an opportunity! ;>
Bruce
PS: Not snowing where I am in upstate NY, but New York City got dumped on today.
Questions For The Unicorn Chronicles
1)How did you think of all those details?!
2)Where did you get all the names? Some of them are pretty funky! A foreign language?
3)Are any of the characters based on real people?
Eden age 8
1)How did you think of all those details?!
2)Where did you get all the names? Some of them are pretty funky! A foreign language?
3)Are any of the characters based on real people?
Eden age 8
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Eden -
I will try to answer your questions.
1) How do I think of all those details? Well, there are three things. First, I read and research a lot (even when I am writing fantasy). Second, I let my imagination lead the way. Third, I do many drafts, and usually add new details in each draft. So part of the answer is "time and hard work"
2) Naming is very important in fantasy writing. Again we go back to reading, and filling my brain with stories and myths and legends and poetry from all over the world. The more you read, the more you can come up with.
3) Cara, the main character, is based on my own daughter. I was trying to create a new character, and it wasn't working. When I used my imagination to put my daughter into the situation, the story took off!
BC
I will try to answer your questions.
1) How do I think of all those details? Well, there are three things. First, I read and research a lot (even when I am writing fantasy). Second, I let my imagination lead the way. Third, I do many drafts, and usually add new details in each draft. So part of the answer is "time and hard work"
2) Naming is very important in fantasy writing. Again we go back to reading, and filling my brain with stories and myths and legends and poetry from all over the world. The more you read, the more you can come up with.
3) Cara, the main character, is based on my own daughter. I was trying to create a new character, and it wasn't working. When I used my imagination to put my daughter into the situation, the story took off!
BC
Coville,
Wow I haven't been to the guestbook since months before The Last Hunt came out. Still 14 and just before high school! I meant to get the book after it came out but life happened, as it does. Now it's 2014 and I'm a college student. I just ordered the Last Hunt. I'm looking forward to finally reading it and coming back to the guestbook afterwards.
Wow I haven't been to the guestbook since months before The Last Hunt came out. Still 14 and just before high school! I meant to get the book after it came out but life happened, as it does. Now it's 2014 and I'm a college student. I just ordered the Last Hunt. I'm looking forward to finally reading it and coming back to the guestbook afterwards.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Katherine -
Yep, life keeps on happening, and there's not much we can do about it. I've had a lot of life in the last year or so, wild ups and downs, and all you can do is hold on for the ride.
All that aside, I'm delighted to know that you still want to know how the story turns out. I'm really looking forward to your thoughts once you've read it.
BC
Yep, life keeps on happening, and there's not much we can do about it. I've had a lot of life in the last year or so, wild ups and downs, and all you can do is hold on for the ride.
All that aside, I'm delighted to know that you still want to know how the story turns out. I'm really looking forward to your thoughts once you've read it.
BC
Hi Mr. Coville,
I'm a college student/aspiring writer and have recently started looking back at books that I read as a kid and preteen. I don't remember which of your books I found first, but I just remember that once I started reading them they were all I read until I'd exhausted the library's supply. I remember my anticipation reading the books in the Aliens Ate My Homework and I Was A Sixth Grade Alien series, as well as finding the kindness of the characters in the Magic Shop books charming. I particularly remember when I read Odder Than Ever. I was reading through the stories and came to "Am I Blue?". I was a scared closeted kid trying to come to terms with being gay and that was the first time I'd ever seen someone like me represented in a book. I didn't know you, but it was a nice, unexpected reassurance that there were people out there who were accepting of people like me, and seeing a story like that by my favorite author was great. I'm writing just to say thank you for all the great books I enjoyed as a kid and for having a gay kid in one of your stories. I never saw gay people included in anything as a kid, and it was a great surprise to feel like someone like me could be represented and accepted.
I'm a college student/aspiring writer and have recently started looking back at books that I read as a kid and preteen. I don't remember which of your books I found first, but I just remember that once I started reading them they were all I read until I'd exhausted the library's supply. I remember my anticipation reading the books in the Aliens Ate My Homework and I Was A Sixth Grade Alien series, as well as finding the kindness of the characters in the Magic Shop books charming. I particularly remember when I read Odder Than Ever. I was reading through the stories and came to "Am I Blue?". I was a scared closeted kid trying to come to terms with being gay and that was the first time I'd ever seen someone like me represented in a book. I didn't know you, but it was a nice, unexpected reassurance that there were people out there who were accepting of people like me, and seeing a story like that by my favorite author was great. I'm writing just to say thank you for all the great books I enjoyed as a kid and for having a gay kid in one of your stories. I never saw gay people included in anything as a kid, and it was a great surprise to feel like someone like me could be represented and accepted.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Eric -
Thanks for this lovely message. I'm delighted, of course, that you remember the books with such fondness. But I'm even more pleased to know that "Am I Blue?" was helpful to you. It sounds as if you were exactly the kind of kid I was trying to reach when I wrote that story, a kid like I had been myself.
I wish you much luck with your own writing.
All best,
BC
Thanks for this lovely message. I'm delighted, of course, that you remember the books with such fondness. But I'm even more pleased to know that "Am I Blue?" was helpful to you. It sounds as if you were exactly the kind of kid I was trying to reach when I wrote that story, a kid like I had been myself.
I wish you much luck with your own writing.
All best,
BC
Hello Mr. Coville
Why didn't you answer me on Facebook?
Why didn't you answer me on Facebook?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Arshia -
I don't check my fan page on FB as often as I should. And for the last few weeks I have been on a "Facebook Diet" so I could spend more time writing the book that I have due now.
BC
I don't check my fan page on FB as often as I should. And for the last few weeks I have been on a "Facebook Diet" so I could spend more time writing the book that I have due now.
BC
I love your book Fortune's Journey! It was so AWESOME I'm going to recommend it to my friends!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Anna -
Oh, this message made me very happy! I loved writing Fortune's Journey, because I am so passionate about acting and theater. But the book was so different from most of my books that people didn't know what to make of it and it never found the readership I thought it deserved. Thanks so much for reading it . . . and for taking the time to tell me that you loved it!
BC
Oh, this message made me very happy! I loved writing Fortune's Journey, because I am so passionate about acting and theater. But the book was so different from most of my books that people didn't know what to make of it and it never found the readership I thought it deserved. Thanks so much for reading it . . . and for taking the time to tell me that you loved it!
BC
Hi Mr. Coville,
I recently came back to the Unicorn Chronicles after reading the series growing up. I was always fascinated by unicorns, and I identified with Cara. I still do - she is wise beyond her years, but has the heart of a child. As a 24-year old theatre artist, I like to think of myself in that way.
I began taking myself through "The Artist's Way" to help me get over some creative blocks, and for my "artist date" (the time set aside to "let your inner artist child play"), I decided to revisit your series. It's amazing how the story can speak to me just as strongly after all these years, but in a differently nuanced way.
I am excited to order the final chapter of the series, and I am making a point of doing so through your site so that I can show my support directly. I saw this forum and hoped I might ask a question...
In your experience as an artist, did you find any "amulets" that were able to help take you back to that place of passion for writing/creating? You've talked previously about reading and writing a lot (or, as I like to say, "just keep swimming..."). Is there something else that inspires you to do both those things? While it may seem like I am selfishly seeking a new idea for my next "artist date", I am also curious because it seems to me that you have really told your truth as a writer by writing your passion, and by continuing to do so no matter how long it may take. I would deeply appreciate your advice!
Finally, I wanted to share some thoughts of gratitude. Thank you so much for sharing this story. And thank you for staying young at heart through your words and for allowing your readers to do the same.
Warm regards,
Sally
I recently came back to the Unicorn Chronicles after reading the series growing up. I was always fascinated by unicorns, and I identified with Cara. I still do - she is wise beyond her years, but has the heart of a child. As a 24-year old theatre artist, I like to think of myself in that way.
I began taking myself through "The Artist's Way" to help me get over some creative blocks, and for my "artist date" (the time set aside to "let your inner artist child play"), I decided to revisit your series. It's amazing how the story can speak to me just as strongly after all these years, but in a differently nuanced way.
I am excited to order the final chapter of the series, and I am making a point of doing so through your site so that I can show my support directly. I saw this forum and hoped I might ask a question...
In your experience as an artist, did you find any "amulets" that were able to help take you back to that place of passion for writing/creating? You've talked previously about reading and writing a lot (or, as I like to say, "just keep swimming..."). Is there something else that inspires you to do both those things? While it may seem like I am selfishly seeking a new idea for my next "artist date", I am also curious because it seems to me that you have really told your truth as a writer by writing your passion, and by continuing to do so no matter how long it may take. I would deeply appreciate your advice!
Finally, I wanted to share some thoughts of gratitude. Thank you so much for sharing this story. And thank you for staying young at heart through your words and for allowing your readers to do the same.
Warm regards,
Sally
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Sally -
My apologies for the long,long delayed response to this lovely message. Between technical problems with the guestbook and my own wonky schedule I got way, way behind on replying during this last year.
I'm especially regretful in this case because your message hit so close to home. First off, Cara is based on my own daughter. Secondly, next to writing, theatre is my great passion. It's why I started Full Cast Audio, which is the most theatrical of audiobook companies. I lost huge amounts of money, but we did some great art, and I will never regret taking the chance.
As to your question about "amulets" . . . Well, first off, I never lost the passion for writing/creating. It's what drives me. I don't take create for it. It's just something inside that won't let me stop.
But there are touchstones. I have a writing exercise that I do when teaching, and I like to do it along with my students. We divide up a sheet of paper into six boxes, one for each grade level from 1- 6, and then in each box try to write our most powerful memory of that grade. Once people stop thinking that they can't remember anything, stuff starts to rise from the muck of the subconscious. And in that stuff is powerful story material, at least if you are writing for kids.
In that regard, journal keeping is also a powerful source of idea.
Hope that's useful.
With all good wished (and sincere apologies for the long delay)
BC
My apologies for the long,long delayed response to this lovely message. Between technical problems with the guestbook and my own wonky schedule I got way, way behind on replying during this last year.
I'm especially regretful in this case because your message hit so close to home. First off, Cara is based on my own daughter. Secondly, next to writing, theatre is my great passion. It's why I started Full Cast Audio, which is the most theatrical of audiobook companies. I lost huge amounts of money, but we did some great art, and I will never regret taking the chance.
As to your question about "amulets" . . . Well, first off, I never lost the passion for writing/creating. It's what drives me. I don't take create for it. It's just something inside that won't let me stop.
But there are touchstones. I have a writing exercise that I do when teaching, and I like to do it along with my students. We divide up a sheet of paper into six boxes, one for each grade level from 1- 6, and then in each box try to write our most powerful memory of that grade. Once people stop thinking that they can't remember anything, stuff starts to rise from the muck of the subconscious. And in that stuff is powerful story material, at least if you are writing for kids.
In that regard, journal keeping is also a powerful source of idea.
Hope that's useful.
With all good wished (and sincere apologies for the long delay)
BC