READER’S FORUM

August 30, 2022 at 03:57 am Reply

Nate

Hello Gordon--

How much of This Can't Be Happening at MacDonald Hall your original writing? Is the manuscript you wrote in the school the one that was published? Or did they have an editor help once it was decided to publish the book?

I ask because it's a strong first book and was my introduction to you and Bruno/Boots back in the 80's. It's still one I enjoy reading today.

Thanks
August 30, 2022 at 04:52 am Reply

Gordon Korman

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Hi, Nate,

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL, for better or for worse, is all mine. The original manuscript had one section that they wanted changed because they felt it was too serious to be a part of the rest of the book. But it was up to me to do it. And, of course, there was an editor, proof-reader, and artist. But the changes were my own.

The difference might have been that I had a Mom who was an English major, so I was told what was English and what wasn't right from the start. But I can recall appearing at a school once back then and hearing a teacher exclaim, "Good Lord, he speaks in sentences!" So I think facility with language might have been a strong point with my family.

I'm really pleased to note that the book has stood the test of time with you. Thanks for the support.

-----Gordon Korman-----
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Hi, Nate,

THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL, for better or for worse, is all mine. The original manuscript had one section that they wanted changed because they felt it was too serious to be a part of the rest of the book. But it was up to me to do it. And, of course, there was an editor, proof-reader, and artist. But the changes were my own.

The difference might have been that I had a Mom who was an English major, so I was told what was English and what wasn't right from the start. But I can recall appearing at a school once back then and hearing a teacher exclaim, "Good Lord, he speaks in sentences!" So I think facility with language might have been a strong point with my family.

I'm really pleased to note that the book has stood the test of time with you. Thanks for the support.

-----Gordon Korman-----
September 1, 2022 at 06:40 am Reply

Nate

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That is pretty amazing! Quite an accomplishment to essentially go from your manuscript to a published and printed book at 14 with little to no intervention from the outside.

Thanks for answering my question.

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That is pretty amazing! Quite an accomplishment to essentially go from your manuscript to a published and printed book at 14 with little to no intervention from the outside.

Thanks for answering my question.