READER’S FORUM

March 8, 2023 at 10:47 am Reply

Kelly McGill

Hi there Mr. Korman,

I'm not really sure how to begin without sounding arrogant/cheeky/presumptuous/bold. Forgive me if I come across as any of those - it's entirely not my intention! Here goes: I finished writing my first (last?) novel for middle schoolers a year ago. I've since spent the last year editing and revising (with professional help), and, if all goes to plan, my story will be published on Amazon on my birthday - April 14.

I'm a Grade 6 teacher in Whitby, Ontario, and I have always been a huge fan of your work. I love telling my students about your early start as an author - without fail, it always motivates at least a few of my students to start/continue a writing hobby. When I had the cover of my novel designed, I used your books as examples for the vibe I was hoping to achieve.

All that to say, you've always been an author I've followed and admired. I only wish I had as many story ideas as you!

I know this is a long shot-you must get requests like this all the time-but I'm wondering if I might send you a copy of my book and get your thoughts? It's already with the formatters; a fait accompli if you will. Basically, it would just be a huge honour to have one of my favourite authors read my work and give me your honest feedback. (I can take it!)

The book is called That Weekend We Were Millionaires.

Thanks for taking the time to read this message.

Kind regards,

Kelly McGill
March 9, 2023 at 05:22 am Reply

Gordon Korman

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Hi there, Kelly McGill,

Thanks for posting, and for your ongoing loyalty to my books. And congratulations on the upcoming release of THE WEEKEND WE WERE MILLIONAIRES! What an amazing title!

I'm afraid that my writing and personal appearance schedule (plus 3 kids in various stages of college) don't allow me a whole lot of reading time. I've had to step back from reading the work of my fellow kids' book authors. But I promise to keep an eye out for "Millionaires." And who knows? Maybe we'll meet at some conference or literary event someday soon!

Cheers for my future competition! -----Gordon Korman-----
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Hi there, Kelly McGill,

Thanks for posting, and for your ongoing loyalty to my books. And congratulations on the upcoming release of THE WEEKEND WE WERE MILLIONAIRES! What an amazing title!

I'm afraid that my writing and personal appearance schedule (plus 3 kids in various stages of college) don't allow me a whole lot of reading time. I've had to step back from reading the work of my fellow kids' book authors. But I promise to keep an eye out for "Millionaires." And who knows? Maybe we'll meet at some conference or literary event someday soon!

Cheers for my future competition! -----Gordon Korman-----
March 9, 2023 at 09:57 am Reply

Kelly McGill

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Thank you so much for the enthusiasm and encouragement! And, FYI, I fully intend to be your competition ;)

All the best,

Kelly
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Thank you so much for the enthusiasm and encouragement! And, FYI, I fully intend to be your competition ;)

All the best,

Kelly
March 10, 2023 at 05:18 am Reply

Gordon Korman

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You're on! ---Gord---
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You're on! ---Gord---
May 24, 2023 at 02:37 am Reply

Adrian

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Hi Mr. Korman,

My name is Adrian and I'm 13. Just about to ask something similar too. So my fantasy chapter book, The Groundworld Heroes, is going to come out in August 2024. My publisher told me that I should start reaching out to my favourite authors for blurbs (if I want them) because the eARC will come out in about a year. And YOU are one of my favourite authors, I've loved many of your books, from Restart to the MasterMind Series to War Stories, and tons more. Do you have any advice for blurbs?

Adrian
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Hi Mr. Korman,

My name is Adrian and I'm 13. Just about to ask something similar too. So my fantasy chapter book, The Groundworld Heroes, is going to come out in August 2024. My publisher told me that I should start reaching out to my favourite authors for blurbs (if I want them) because the eARC will come out in about a year. And YOU are one of my favourite authors, I've loved many of your books, from Restart to the MasterMind Series to War Stories, and tons more. Do you have any advice for blurbs?

Adrian
May 24, 2023 at 04:32 am Reply

Gordon Korman

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Hi, Adrian,

Congratulations on THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES! You're getting the kind of headstart that I got many years ago! I hope it's a big hit -- the title promises excitement!

I never got blurbs when I was a novice, and now I get them from the likes of James Patterson! Most busy working authors really don't have the time to read other authors' books for blurbing purposes, but everyone can manage a quote now and then. So you might request one or the other.

"The first in what's going to be a long list of terrific publications!" --Gordon Korman. Will that do?

Best of luck for the future! ---GK---
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Hi, Adrian,

Congratulations on THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES! You're getting the kind of headstart that I got many years ago! I hope it's a big hit -- the title promises excitement!

I never got blurbs when I was a novice, and now I get them from the likes of James Patterson! Most busy working authors really don't have the time to read other authors' books for blurbing purposes, but everyone can manage a quote now and then. So you might request one or the other.

"The first in what's going to be a long list of terrific publications!" --Gordon Korman. Will that do?

Best of luck for the future! ---GK---
May 27, 2023 at 12:21 pm Reply

Adrian

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Hi Mr. Korman,

Thank you for the encouragement. And I never thought you'll reply this fast, I thought you're gonna reply in months! And yes, I guess I could use that quote if you give me permission. But thanks again and have a great day.

Happy Writing,

Adrian
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Hi Mr. Korman,

Thank you for the encouragement. And I never thought you'll reply this fast, I thought you're gonna reply in months! And yes, I guess I could use that quote if you give me permission. But thanks again and have a great day.

Happy Writing,

Adrian
May 27, 2023 at 05:34 pm Reply

Gordon Korman

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Hi again, Adrian,

I try to answer all my mail, and wouldn't keep anyone waiting for months!

You have my permission to use that quote. I'm relying on you to supply the terrific-ness! -----GK-----
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Hi again, Adrian,

I try to answer all my mail, and wouldn't keep anyone waiting for months!

You have my permission to use that quote. I'm relying on you to supply the terrific-ness! -----GK-----