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.
Sign the Guestbook!
964 entries.
Hello Mr. Coville, I'm aware that this isn't the typical post to your lovely guestbook, but I am a lifelong fan of your work and I was wondering if you could help me out.
I'm 17 years old, about to be a senior in high school and living at home, and I've been struggling on the topic of my sexuality for almost as long as I can remember. Recently this has been called into more attention as I've developed feelings for a very good friend of mine (a girl). My parents, particularly my father, are not at all accepting of LGBT (we've argued over this in the past). Although my sexuality is still a bit of a grey area for me, I'm beginning to realize that I'm not heterosexual, and I'm terrified of my parents' reactions if they found out. I'm unsure if who I can talk to about this.
Thank you, Kira
I'm 17 years old, about to be a senior in high school and living at home, and I've been struggling on the topic of my sexuality for almost as long as I can remember. Recently this has been called into more attention as I've developed feelings for a very good friend of mine (a girl). My parents, particularly my father, are not at all accepting of LGBT (we've argued over this in the past). Although my sexuality is still a bit of a grey area for me, I'm beginning to realize that I'm not heterosexual, and I'm terrified of my parents' reactions if they found out. I'm unsure if who I can talk to about this.
Thank you, Kira
Reply by Bruce Coville
Kira -
I'm sorry not to have responded to this earlier. I'm also sorry you didn't provide your email, as I would have tried to provide you with a private message.
(Note to everyone: Leaving your email address means you'll be notified when I respond. Your address does NOT show up on the guestbook page.)
It's a really tough question that you've asked, and one for which there are no easy answers . . . especially as I don't know parents, or even the area in which you are living. In many urban areas there are support groups for gay, bi, and even "questioning" teens. If you are in a rural area that is less likely so.
I wish I could tell you that all parents will respond with love and understanding in a situation like this. Alas, that would be to paint a falsely rosy picture.
Here is the best thing I can tell you without knowing more: Do not let anyone shame you for what you are. Do not let anyone blame you. Be strong in the knowledge that whatever your gender orientation, you are still the person your parents have loved for all these years, and if they cannot understand it, the problem is with them and not with you.
My best wishes to you in this challenging situation.
BC
I'm sorry not to have responded to this earlier. I'm also sorry you didn't provide your email, as I would have tried to provide you with a private message.
(Note to everyone: Leaving your email address means you'll be notified when I respond. Your address does NOT show up on the guestbook page.)
It's a really tough question that you've asked, and one for which there are no easy answers . . . especially as I don't know parents, or even the area in which you are living. In many urban areas there are support groups for gay, bi, and even "questioning" teens. If you are in a rural area that is less likely so.
I wish I could tell you that all parents will respond with love and understanding in a situation like this. Alas, that would be to paint a falsely rosy picture.
Here is the best thing I can tell you without knowing more: Do not let anyone shame you for what you are. Do not let anyone blame you. Be strong in the knowledge that whatever your gender orientation, you are still the person your parents have loved for all these years, and if they cannot understand it, the problem is with them and not with you.
My best wishes to you in this challenging situation.
BC
I am in the middle of reading "Dark Whispers", and it has been really good so far. I loved the first two books also. I got freaked out a bit in a few places, but it's been good in the rest of the book.
I read "Always October" last July when I did the review for the SFBR's kid section...THAT was really scary. But I loved it!
I think the Unicorn Chronicles are better for me because I'm only 7yo and I love unicorns. I'm also liking the man's journey to free his wife. I can't wait to find out how it all ends!
By the way, you write some really weird books, but it's weird in a cool way. My dad's from Syracuse, too, and he says that lots of weirdness comes from Syracuse. 😛
I read "Always October" last July when I did the review for the SFBR's kid section...THAT was really scary. But I loved it!
I think the Unicorn Chronicles are better for me because I'm only 7yo and I love unicorns. I'm also liking the man's journey to free his wife. I can't wait to find out how it all ends!
By the way, you write some really weird books, but it's weird in a cool way. My dad's from Syracuse, too, and he says that lots of weirdness comes from Syracuse. 😛
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Murphy -
You're probably going to be surprised to get this message after all this time! (I hope it makes its way through to you.) The guestbook got out of control (more messages than I had time) and then it broke for a while.
I'm still trying to catch up.
You are clearly a sophisticated reader and writer, and I was delighted by your response to my stories. Glad to know you enjoyed ALWAYS OCTOBER. It was a tough one to write, but I think its one of my best. Alas, the publisher didn't promote it very well, so it hasn't found the audience I had hoped for.
I take pride in my weirdness. Maybe it's a Syracuse thing . . . (Please give your dad my regards.)
All best,
BC
You're probably going to be surprised to get this message after all this time! (I hope it makes its way through to you.) The guestbook got out of control (more messages than I had time) and then it broke for a while.
I'm still trying to catch up.
You are clearly a sophisticated reader and writer, and I was delighted by your response to my stories. Glad to know you enjoyed ALWAYS OCTOBER. It was a tough one to write, but I think its one of my best. Alas, the publisher didn't promote it very well, so it hasn't found the audience I had hoped for.
I take pride in my weirdness. Maybe it's a Syracuse thing . . . (Please give your dad my regards.)
All best,
BC
I have been reading the My Teacher is an Alien Series to my 4th grade classes for about 20 years and always find that the subject matter is relevant no matter what year it is. The students love reading and listening to these books and I enjoy their reaction. This year I've decided to forego the reading textbook and use these books to teach the reading skills, grammar, vocabulary and spelling necessary in my ILA curriculum. I can't wait to start. These books are a treasure and I'm so grateful to have found them all those years ago.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Jeannine -
Thank you for this lovely message, which has more resonance for me that you could probably anticipate. As you may know, I was a fourth grade teacher. What you wouldn't be likely to know, though, is that one year - my best and most favorite year - I dropped the textbook and used the five volumes of Lloyd Alexander's "The Chronicles of Prydain" as the core of my reading program.
We had a wonderful time that year, and I hope you will as well. I'm truly honored that you will be using these books this way.
With all good wishes,
Bruce Coville
Thank you for this lovely message, which has more resonance for me that you could probably anticipate. As you may know, I was a fourth grade teacher. What you wouldn't be likely to know, though, is that one year - my best and most favorite year - I dropped the textbook and used the five volumes of Lloyd Alexander's "The Chronicles of Prydain" as the core of my reading program.
We had a wonderful time that year, and I hope you will as well. I'm truly honored that you will be using these books this way.
With all good wishes,
Bruce Coville
Dear Bruce Coville,
I am one of your fans. My favorite book you wrote was Always October. I liked how I got scared sometimes and I like how it is also touching at some places in the book. I also like the cover of the book.
One of the reasons Im writing to you is if maybe you can write a sequel. It could be about 12 years later, Jacobs family is almost perfect but one thing, Jacob is about to turn 21 and he has not seen Lily since she moved to go live with her aunt after her grandfather passed away. LD has turned 13 and would like to meet Lily, since he was only a baby when he last saw her. Lily said she would keep in contact but she never did. So the story could be about dad, LD, and Jacob and their journey to find Lily. One thing they end up finding out is that Mazrak, who made a new portal that let him go to Humana any time he wanted, took Lily to Always October. Jacob ends up finding that he loves Lily. But this is all only if you wont to.
Maybe you could make up the rest, if you do write it.
Your biggest p.s. please right back 🙂 fan,
Rory
I am one of your fans. My favorite book you wrote was Always October. I liked how I got scared sometimes and I like how it is also touching at some places in the book. I also like the cover of the book.
One of the reasons Im writing to you is if maybe you can write a sequel. It could be about 12 years later, Jacobs family is almost perfect but one thing, Jacob is about to turn 21 and he has not seen Lily since she moved to go live with her aunt after her grandfather passed away. LD has turned 13 and would like to meet Lily, since he was only a baby when he last saw her. Lily said she would keep in contact but she never did. So the story could be about dad, LD, and Jacob and their journey to find Lily. One thing they end up finding out is that Mazrak, who made a new portal that let him go to Humana any time he wanted, took Lily to Always October. Jacob ends up finding that he loves Lily. But this is all only if you wont to.
Maybe you could make up the rest, if you do write it.
Your biggest p.s. please right back 🙂 fan,
Rory
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Rory -
Thanks for writing to me about ALWAYS OCTOBER. The book is fairly new, and only available in hardcover right now, so I haven't had too many messages about it yet. (That usually happens after a book goes into paperback.) I'm glad you liked the story - and also the cover. I can't any credit for the cover art, of course, but I can tell you I was thrilled when I saw it. I think it's just terrific!
Your idea for a sequel is very interesting, and a bit unusual, since most sequels follow closer on to the original story. I would have to change things around to make that work, though, as books for young readers rarely, if ever, have adults as the main characters. But it might work if Little Dumpling was the main character. That's kind of an interesting thought!
Thanks for taking the time to write to me!
BC
Thanks for writing to me about ALWAYS OCTOBER. The book is fairly new, and only available in hardcover right now, so I haven't had too many messages about it yet. (That usually happens after a book goes into paperback.) I'm glad you liked the story - and also the cover. I can't any credit for the cover art, of course, but I can tell you I was thrilled when I saw it. I think it's just terrific!
Your idea for a sequel is very interesting, and a bit unusual, since most sequels follow closer on to the original story. I would have to change things around to make that work, though, as books for young readers rarely, if ever, have adults as the main characters. But it might work if Little Dumpling was the main character. That's kind of an interesting thought!
Thanks for taking the time to write to me!
BC
Dear Mr. Coville,
I just wanted to thank you (and the artists you've worked with) so much for the beautifully written Shakespeare adaptations. I just read The Tempest this evening with my six-year old son, and he loved it, as he did Macbeth, Twelfth Night and A Winter's Tale. We have Hamlet ready to go next. When I told him earlier in the week that we were picking up another book at the library for him, he asked which one and when I told him it was another Shakespeare book, his response was 'Ooh, Shakespeare!' 🙂 I hope more kids and parents discover your books so that when they come upon the plays in later years they won't be put off by the language, having had a taste of it in your books.
However, I do have to tell you that he's rather disappointed you haven't written a version of Julius Caesar (he's a touch obsessed with Caesar ever since we read about him in our history book). So if you'd get on that, we'd appreciate it. 😀 (In all seriousness, I very much hope you write more Shakespearean adaptations - they're absolutely wonderful for both kids and parents.)
Warmest regards,
Shaindy Lander
I just wanted to thank you (and the artists you've worked with) so much for the beautifully written Shakespeare adaptations. I just read The Tempest this evening with my six-year old son, and he loved it, as he did Macbeth, Twelfth Night and A Winter's Tale. We have Hamlet ready to go next. When I told him earlier in the week that we were picking up another book at the library for him, he asked which one and when I told him it was another Shakespeare book, his response was 'Ooh, Shakespeare!' 🙂 I hope more kids and parents discover your books so that when they come upon the plays in later years they won't be put off by the language, having had a taste of it in your books.
However, I do have to tell you that he's rather disappointed you haven't written a version of Julius Caesar (he's a touch obsessed with Caesar ever since we read about him in our history book). So if you'd get on that, we'd appreciate it. 😀 (In all seriousness, I very much hope you write more Shakespearean adaptations - they're absolutely wonderful for both kids and parents.)
Warmest regards,
Shaindy Lander
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Shaindy -
Thank you for this lovely message. I cannot tell you how much I have loved doing the Shakespeare adaptations. Alas, the publisher has decided not to do any more, and has let a number of them fall out of print.
It would have been grand to do "Julius Caesar" though next on my own list of preferred titles was "As You Like It".
I can't complain, really. Getting to do these books, even one of them, was a rare gift. Given the fact that I had the chance to do seven, I have to consider myself well blessed.
I'm glad you and your son are enjoying them!
All best,
BC
Thank you for this lovely message. I cannot tell you how much I have loved doing the Shakespeare adaptations. Alas, the publisher has decided not to do any more, and has let a number of them fall out of print.
It would have been grand to do "Julius Caesar" though next on my own list of preferred titles was "As You Like It".
I can't complain, really. Getting to do these books, even one of them, was a rare gift. Given the fact that I had the chance to do seven, I have to consider myself well blessed.
I'm glad you and your son are enjoying them!
All best,
BC
Dear Mr. Coville,
I have read the Unicorn Chronicles series and I am interested in what the "Song of the Wanderer" sounds like. Is there any way I can listen to it? I have already looked on Google and they show nothing about the song. I congratulate you on another series well done. I wish I could meet you someday!!!
Regards,
Lilietta
I have read the Unicorn Chronicles series and I am interested in what the "Song of the Wanderer" sounds like. Is there any way I can listen to it? I have already looked on Google and they show nothing about the song. I congratulate you on another series well done. I wish I could meet you someday!!!
Regards,
Lilietta
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Lilietta -
Thanks for this message - I'm delighted that you have enjoyed the Unicorn Chronicles.
We had music composed for "The Song of the Wanderer" when we produced the audiobook version, and you can hear it sung in full at the end of that recording. You might ask your school or public library if they have the recording or can get it for you.
All best,
BC
Thanks for this message - I'm delighted that you have enjoyed the Unicorn Chronicles.
We had music composed for "The Song of the Wanderer" when we produced the audiobook version, and you can hear it sung in full at the end of that recording. You might ask your school or public library if they have the recording or can get it for you.
All best,
BC
Oh goodness, I'm so sorry! I just checked your guestbook and saw my entry from the other day--I accidentally wrote that Almost October won the award, when I meant to say that it got on the list. I am positively burning with embarrassed for such a slip up, and to one of my idols to boot! Please accept my sincere apologies.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Shelli-Jo -
No apologies needed. I went to the website and got the scoop, and I am very glad simply to know that the book was nominated. I would not have known had you not told me, so it's very much appreciated.
All best,
Bruce
No apologies needed. I went to the website and got the scoop, and I am very glad simply to know that the book was nominated. I would not have known had you not told me, so it's very much appreciated.
All best,
Bruce
I check the guestbook on a regular basis to see if there are any new posts.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Got it. So it was good timing. I tend to answer in bursts, especially when I am traveling . . . that is, the messages will build up for a while, and then I try to answer several all at once.
Bruce
Bruce
Dear Mr. Coville,
Good afternoon! I've met you twice so far at the Boskone literary convention held in Boston in years past, and was sad that I didn't see you or your booth at the one this last February. I love the sense of humor and fun you bring to the panels there, and it's always nice to see my favorite author 'in the flesh.' 🙂
But the purpose of this message was that I wanted to say congratulations! I was walking through my local Barnes & Noble yesterday and stopped to admire a display of books, where Almost October was prominently displayed, and to my surprise the employee for that section approached me and said that these books had won the Maine Student Book Award for 2013! I'm so excited that your most recent book was recognized! I found this link online: msba.umeedu.maine.edu
I told the employee that I had had no idea about the award, and she lamented that they didn't have a sign to put with the display since it was a local award and Corporate didn't provide those, and she then walked off muttering to herself about making one up herself so I do hope it got on the display eventually.
Congratulations from one of your very long time fans! I've been reading your work since 5th Grade and continue to aspire to write and touch as many children as you have.
Sincerely, Shelli
Good afternoon! I've met you twice so far at the Boskone literary convention held in Boston in years past, and was sad that I didn't see you or your booth at the one this last February. I love the sense of humor and fun you bring to the panels there, and it's always nice to see my favorite author 'in the flesh.' 🙂
But the purpose of this message was that I wanted to say congratulations! I was walking through my local Barnes & Noble yesterday and stopped to admire a display of books, where Almost October was prominently displayed, and to my surprise the employee for that section approached me and said that these books had won the Maine Student Book Award for 2013! I'm so excited that your most recent book was recognized! I found this link online: msba.umeedu.maine.edu
I told the employee that I had had no idea about the award, and she lamented that they didn't have a sign to put with the display since it was a local award and Corporate didn't provide those, and she then walked off muttering to herself about making one up herself so I do hope it got on the display eventually.
Congratulations from one of your very long time fans! I've been reading your work since 5th Grade and continue to aspire to write and touch as many children as you have.
Sincerely, Shelli
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Shelli-Jo -
I was really sorry to miss Boskone this year - first time I haven't been in almost a quarter of a century. But I had a chance to make a speaking trip through Africa, and it was just too good to give up.
Many thanks for the good news from Maine! I had no idea ALWAYS OCTOBER was on the list for that award. I really appreciate you telling me!
Good luck with your own writing!
all best,
Bruce
I was really sorry to miss Boskone this year - first time I haven't been in almost a quarter of a century. But I had a chance to make a speaking trip through Africa, and it was just too good to give up.
Many thanks for the good news from Maine! I had no idea ALWAYS OCTOBER was on the list for that award. I really appreciate you telling me!
Good luck with your own writing!
all best,
Bruce
Epic wasn't as good as the similar themed Ferngully...but yes I think you should see it.
In another guestbook entry you said you are going to work on another book...does that mean you are done with the Goblins sequel?
In another guestbook entry you said you are going to work on another book...does that mean you are done with the Goblins sequel?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Chrissy -
Wow, that was fast. I don't have your email, so you don't get notifications when I post a response (or do you?) Do you monitor the guestbook regularly, or was that just a coincidence? (Not a big issue, just curious.)
Anyway, I am still working on the GOBLIN revisions, but have begun the planning for the next book . . . actually, have about 50 pages written, which I did while I was waiting for the editorial letter on the first pass of GOBLINS.
Bruce
Wow, that was fast. I don't have your email, so you don't get notifications when I post a response (or do you?) Do you monitor the guestbook regularly, or was that just a coincidence? (Not a big issue, just curious.)
Anyway, I am still working on the GOBLIN revisions, but have begun the planning for the next book . . . actually, have about 50 pages written, which I did while I was waiting for the editorial letter on the first pass of GOBLINS.
Bruce