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964 entries.
I love your book Jennifer Murdley's toad
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Jennifer -
Oh, I'm delighted to know that. The first time I tried to write the book, I got off track. It was a relief when I finally figured out how to make it work. Now it's one of my favorites out of all the books I've done!
Thanks for letting me know that you love it.
BC
Oh, I'm delighted to know that. The first time I tried to write the book, I got off track. It was a relief when I finally figured out how to make it work. Now it's one of my favorites out of all the books I've done!
Thanks for letting me know that you love it.
BC
I know my readling teacher is a vampire but i don't think she will tell me. What should I say to her? The book I read was "my teacher is an alien". My favorite character in that book is Peter. I appreciate the book.It is on my top 10 favorite book.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Dear Brendan -
I am so sorry to hear that your teacher is a vampire. You might want to take to wearing a clove of garlic around your neck for protection. It is very unlikely that any vampire will ever admit to being one.
Glad you enjoyed My Teacher is an Alien so much. Peter's adventures continue, especially in the third and fourth books. Hope you'll enjoy them, too!
BC
I am so sorry to hear that your teacher is a vampire. You might want to take to wearing a clove of garlic around your neck for protection. It is very unlikely that any vampire will ever admit to being one.
Glad you enjoyed My Teacher is an Alien so much. Peter's adventures continue, especially in the third and fourth books. Hope you'll enjoy them, too!
BC
Well, The good news is at least you tried to get a movie for "My Teachers An Alien". My teacher Mrs.Fitch and my classmates and I were woundering if you could stop by our school River View Jounior High and tell us how you start a book or how to write a book....I'm also intrested in writing a book I have an idea I just don't know how to start the book.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Megan -
Thanks for the invitation to stop by your school. Unfortunately, since you are hundreds of miles away from me, just stopping by is unlikely!
Two things about starting a book: (1) Just sit down and do it . . . and remember that you can always change the beginning later. People get tied up about starting at the perfect spot, as if the first opening you write will be the one you end up using. Revision is not fixing the spelling, it's fixing the story, and you can't fix it until you have a first draft to begin with.
(2) Start with something happening. You can fill in some of the details later.
Good luck,
BC
Thanks for the invitation to stop by your school. Unfortunately, since you are hundreds of miles away from me, just stopping by is unlikely!
Two things about starting a book: (1) Just sit down and do it . . . and remember that you can always change the beginning later. People get tied up about starting at the perfect spot, as if the first opening you write will be the one you end up using. Revision is not fixing the spelling, it's fixing the story, and you can't fix it until you have a first draft to begin with.
(2) Start with something happening. You can fill in some of the details later.
Good luck,
BC
im sorry i was talking about my teacher is an alien how did you come up with that book i thought it was pretty cool how made it up like that
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Josh -
I've got aliens on the brain! ;> Plus, I used to be a teacher, so I used a lot of what I had observed while I was teaching to help me write the book. Peter, Susan, and Duncan were all based on kids I have had in my classes.
BC
I've got aliens on the brain! ;> Plus, I used to be a teacher, so I used a lot of what I had observed while I was teaching to help me write the book. Peter, Susan, and Duncan were all based on kids I have had in my classes.
BC
Dear Bruce Coville,
I just read Amber Brown is tickled pink, and I want you to know that I am too! I think you and Elizabeth Levy really got it right, and besides, it was fun! (And I love that Justin's little baby sister is named Paula.) Once upon a time I worked at Syracuse Stage, for Bob Moss and Tim Bond, and I also worked at DeWitt's Barnes and Noble, when your daughter worked there, btw. I hope you, she and everyone you hold dear are well!
I just read Amber Brown is tickled pink, and I want you to know that I am too! I think you and Elizabeth Levy really got it right, and besides, it was fun! (And I love that Justin's little baby sister is named Paula.) Once upon a time I worked at Syracuse Stage, for Bob Moss and Tim Bond, and I also worked at DeWitt's Barnes and Noble, when your daughter worked there, btw. I hope you, she and everyone you hold dear are well!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Pat -
Lovely to hear from you! I remember you well, and I just saw Bob a few nights ago, when I ran into him at Stage for "Midsummer Night's Dream".
I can't tell you how it delights me to know that you think Liz and I got TICKLED PINK right. Honoring Paula's memory and style was our goal, and failing to do that was our greatest fear. So these kind words are much appreciated.
Daughter Cara is now personal assistant to Tamora Pierce, which seems to be a good match.
I hope you are well and happy. It's lovely to hear from you.
all best,
Bruce
Lovely to hear from you! I remember you well, and I just saw Bob a few nights ago, when I ran into him at Stage for "Midsummer Night's Dream".
I can't tell you how it delights me to know that you think Liz and I got TICKLED PINK right. Honoring Paula's memory and style was our goal, and failing to do that was our greatest fear. So these kind words are much appreciated.
Daughter Cara is now personal assistant to Tamora Pierce, which seems to be a good match.
I hope you are well and happy. It's lovely to hear from you.
all best,
Bruce
Hello, Bruce! I'm Allyson, the girl who gave you the drawings at your sole presentation at the Tucson Festival of Books. I know that I made it a few years back and it's not my best, but I was just wondering if you were going to put it under the fan art. Thanks so much for being there! And I agree with what you said-"This is what every children's author feels like about Harry Potter-NO!!! Why waswn't it me!!!!!!!!!" Haha!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Allyson -
It was lovely to meet you in Tucson. I'm not sure if I will be able to get your drawings up on the website. Things have gotten complicated since my webmaster is in the Philippines (!!) and I am not good at scanning things.
Glad you liked the Harry Potter riff. I really like those books, but I've also had a lot of fun talking about them!
All best,
BC
It was lovely to meet you in Tucson. I'm not sure if I will be able to get your drawings up on the website. Things have gotten complicated since my webmaster is in the Philippines (!!) and I am not good at scanning things.
Glad you liked the Harry Potter riff. I really like those books, but I've also had a lot of fun talking about them!
All best,
BC
Mr. Coville,
I met you in 1996 at an IRA convention. I told you before your presentation that The Foolish Giant was one of my favorite read alouds for my daughter and to my primary classes. Well, 16 years later I have a granddaughter who is 2 1/2 years old. I recently read her The Foolish Gian, wondering if the story might be a bit too scary. Well, it has now become her favorite book and I watch with joy my daughter now reading about Harry to her child. Thank you for a story that touches the heart and will live on from generation to generation.
I met you in 1996 at an IRA convention. I told you before your presentation that The Foolish Giant was one of my favorite read alouds for my daughter and to my primary classes. Well, 16 years later I have a granddaughter who is 2 1/2 years old. I recently read her The Foolish Gian, wondering if the story might be a bit too scary. Well, it has now become her favorite book and I watch with joy my daughter now reading about Harry to her child. Thank you for a story that touches the heart and will live on from generation to generation.
Reply by Bruce Coville
Dear Larry -
Many thanks for this lovely message. Because The Foolish Giant was my first published book, I have an intense affection for it. And, indeed, it is still the basis for my presentation to primary schools. So knowing that you are now sharing the story with your granddaughter (I am jealous - I am still waiting for grandchildren!) thoroughly delights me. Thank you for letting me know this!
BC
Many thanks for this lovely message. Because The Foolish Giant was my first published book, I have an intense affection for it. And, indeed, it is still the basis for my presentation to primary schools. So knowing that you are now sharing the story with your granddaughter (I am jealous - I am still waiting for grandchildren!) thoroughly delights me. Thank you for letting me know this!
BC
Mr. Coville,
Is writing smoothsailing or are you ever worried a publisher will not like your books? What is your least favorite part of making a book?
Is writing smoothsailing or are you ever worried a publisher will not like your books? What is your least favorite part of making a book?
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Nicole -
Oh, writing is smooth sailing . . . every once in a great while! Mostly it's hard work. Good work, work I love. But hard work.
My least favorite part of making a book? I suppose it's when I've lost my way somehow and realize I have to back up and throw a bunch of stuff out! Either that, or when I have two good ideas for a scene, but can only use one and so have to choose between them.
BC
Oh, writing is smooth sailing . . . every once in a great while! Mostly it's hard work. Good work, work I love. But hard work.
My least favorite part of making a book? I suppose it's when I've lost my way somehow and realize I have to back up and throw a bunch of stuff out! Either that, or when I have two good ideas for a scene, but can only use one and so have to choose between them.
BC
hey Bruce!
thanks for the info! i had a feeling that there was a difference between them.
i have another scene description that i would like your opinion on, if you don't mind. the description is of The Fortress of Gul Darrow, which is the necromancer fortress, the only home they have since they were exiled from the Welterr Empire. (the brotherhood members are going into the fortress to rescue a captured brotherhood member!)
The massive high towered fortress of the necromancers loomed up before the brotherhood rescue party, once in a while illuminated by lightning bolts from the surrounding storm. The towers looked like they were made of metal, stone, and wooden support beams, with a large cast iron gate blocking the front entrance embedded into the surrounding wall. Evil looking gargoyles decorated the wall and peered down maliciously at the advancing brotherhood members. A neglected run down drawbridge lead down to the entrance portcullis, which looked like it had been double locked and tightly secured. Goblins and orcs patrolled the surrounding wall, pacing back and forth with weapons drawn. Once in a while the guards would stop and look over the surrounding wall to make sure no one was attempting to break in. A further observation from the keen eyes of the brotherhoods chief spy indicated that each guard was armed with a sword, a spear, or a crossbow. Whenever a guard stopped to look over the wall they would point the weapon over the wall and sweep the area so that no intruders would pass, then they would continue with their patrol. Ghostly moans sounded from inside the massive tower, evidently from the spirits of people who were long dead. Just the sight of this eerie place sent chills down the spine of every adventurer in the advancing rescue party. It became evident that this mission was not going to be as simple as the brotherhood members had hoped.
is this good, or is there more to be added?
thanks a bunch! Byron Lee
P.s. give my best to your wife and your children!
thanks for the info! i had a feeling that there was a difference between them.
i have another scene description that i would like your opinion on, if you don't mind. the description is of The Fortress of Gul Darrow, which is the necromancer fortress, the only home they have since they were exiled from the Welterr Empire. (the brotherhood members are going into the fortress to rescue a captured brotherhood member!)
The massive high towered fortress of the necromancers loomed up before the brotherhood rescue party, once in a while illuminated by lightning bolts from the surrounding storm. The towers looked like they were made of metal, stone, and wooden support beams, with a large cast iron gate blocking the front entrance embedded into the surrounding wall. Evil looking gargoyles decorated the wall and peered down maliciously at the advancing brotherhood members. A neglected run down drawbridge lead down to the entrance portcullis, which looked like it had been double locked and tightly secured. Goblins and orcs patrolled the surrounding wall, pacing back and forth with weapons drawn. Once in a while the guards would stop and look over the surrounding wall to make sure no one was attempting to break in. A further observation from the keen eyes of the brotherhoods chief spy indicated that each guard was armed with a sword, a spear, or a crossbow. Whenever a guard stopped to look over the wall they would point the weapon over the wall and sweep the area so that no intruders would pass, then they would continue with their patrol. Ghostly moans sounded from inside the massive tower, evidently from the spirits of people who were long dead. Just the sight of this eerie place sent chills down the spine of every adventurer in the advancing rescue party. It became evident that this mission was not going to be as simple as the brotherhood members had hoped.
is this good, or is there more to be added?
thanks a bunch! Byron Lee
P.s. give my best to your wife and your children!
Reply by Bruce Coville
Hi, Byron -
The passage is quite evocative and exciting.
The one thing I would say is try to avoid repeating words and phrases - such as "surrounding wall" in two successive sentences. Also the word looked appears at least three times.
Overall, though, this is really cool. I think your writing is getting stronger and stronger.
Bruce
The passage is quite evocative and exciting.
The one thing I would say is try to avoid repeating words and phrases - such as "surrounding wall" in two successive sentences. Also the word looked appears at least three times.
Overall, though, this is really cool. I think your writing is getting stronger and stronger.
Bruce
I was not aware that Bufo is Latin for toad. You learn something new everyday!
Reply by Bruce Coville
I sometimes say, "Ah, I've learned my new thing for the day . . . that means I can go to bed now!" ;>
BC
BC