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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.
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964 entries.
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
Hi Bruce,
A retired Pru colleague, Bob Kane, saw your cover article in 55 + Magazine and asked me if I had met you. We live in Salt Springs and here was this famous author of childrens' books right close by. I am a financial advisor here at Prudential in the Dewitt office, but the reason I am writing is that my brother, Douglas Gatta, who practiced law for over 42 years, retired from NJ ,moved to Calif and just published his first children's book "Left and Right" by DJ Gatta JD.
Our family was so thrilled that he had done this project. Its on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. I know he would love to know others with similar interests. His philosophy about this book is that its for the parents/caregivers of children to have a teaching experience and for children to grow up being better critical thinkers! Congratulations on all your marvelous works. I hope someday we can meet. Good to know you came back home !
A retired Pru colleague, Bob Kane, saw your cover article in 55 + Magazine and asked me if I had met you. We live in Salt Springs and here was this famous author of childrens' books right close by. I am a financial advisor here at Prudential in the Dewitt office, but the reason I am writing is that my brother, Douglas Gatta, who practiced law for over 42 years, retired from NJ ,moved to Calif and just published his first children's book "Left and Right" by DJ Gatta JD.
Our family was so thrilled that he had done this project. Its on Amazon and Barnes&Noble. I know he would love to know others with similar interests. His philosophy about this book is that its for the parents/caregivers of children to have a teaching experience and for children to grow up being better critical thinkers! Congratulations on all your marvelous works. I hope someday we can meet. Good to know you came back home !
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Lee -
Thanks for this nice message. I was really pleased with that article - I even liked the photos!
Oddly enough, I believe I was in your offices just this summer, as I think my father's life insurance was through Prudential.
Congratulations to your brother on publishing his first book. I hope he has much success with it.
All best,
BC
Thanks for this nice message. I was really pleased with that article - I even liked the photos!
Oddly enough, I believe I was in your offices just this summer, as I think my father's life insurance was through Prudential.
Congratulations to your brother on publishing his first book. I hope he has much success with it.
All best,
BC
Hi Bruce, My nieces and I just finished reading Always October. We are hoping for a sequel. I see that there is not one in the works at this time, but we just wanted you to know we really hope there is in the near future. Thank you for the delightful read.
Sincerely,
Brittany, Madyson and Morgan
Sincerely,
Brittany, Madyson and Morgan
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Brittany, Madyson, and Morgan -
So glad to know that you liked ALWAYS OCTOBER! I wrote it without a sequel in mind, but I will confess that it certainly seems to invite one. On the other hand, I like leaving something for my readers to think about. It's a trick I learned from Eleanor Cameron, who was one of my favorite authors back when I was a kid. (I never met her, but I think we learn from everyone whose books we read.) She used to end her books, some of them at least, with the story completed but something hanging in the air that you couldn't stop thinking about. I try to do the same thing sometimes . . . and definitely with ALWAYS OCTOBER.
Alas, even if I wanted to do a sequel, my editor has moved on to a different publishing company.
Thank you so much for reading the book. It was a tough one for me, but once I was done writing it I really loved it!
BC
So glad to know that you liked ALWAYS OCTOBER! I wrote it without a sequel in mind, but I will confess that it certainly seems to invite one. On the other hand, I like leaving something for my readers to think about. It's a trick I learned from Eleanor Cameron, who was one of my favorite authors back when I was a kid. (I never met her, but I think we learn from everyone whose books we read.) She used to end her books, some of them at least, with the story completed but something hanging in the air that you couldn't stop thinking about. I try to do the same thing sometimes . . . and definitely with ALWAYS OCTOBER.
Alas, even if I wanted to do a sequel, my editor has moved on to a different publishing company.
Thank you so much for reading the book. It was a tough one for me, but once I was done writing it I really loved it!
BC
Tonight, I have just finished reading Always October to my son and daughter - ages 10 and 9. We loved it! Just wondering, in light of the ending, will there be any books to follow it? We are dying to know about the first transformation!!
Thanks -
Kadie, Gunnar and Hailey Frechette
Thanks -
Kadie, Gunnar and Hailey Frechette
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hey, Kadie, Gunnar, and Hailey -
Good to hear from you . . . and really glad to know you loved ALWAYS OCTOBER! That was a tough one for me to write (it got a lot longer than I expected) but I was really happy with it when I was done. But it's the reader reaction that really counts, so this message delighted me.
No sequel in the works right now, alas. On the other hand, I love leaving my readers with the chance to think about what happens next . . .
Thanks for checking in.
All best,
BC
Good to hear from you . . . and really glad to know you loved ALWAYS OCTOBER! That was a tough one for me to write (it got a lot longer than I expected) but I was really happy with it when I was done. But it's the reader reaction that really counts, so this message delighted me.
No sequel in the works right now, alas. On the other hand, I love leaving my readers with the chance to think about what happens next . . .
Thanks for checking in.
All best,
BC