READER’S FORUM

December 20, 2023 at 07:33 pm Reply

Vyvian

Dear Gordon Korman,

I recently finished reading Unplugged, and I absolutely love it! The storyline is cool but still easy to follow, and the characters are quite relatable.

I have just one question for you. What is the process you take to write these amazing stories? I also have been reading ungifted, and it seems to have similar characters + storylines. I’m trying to write a story right now, and want to take the story to the next level with your advice

From Vyvian Bui
December 21, 2023 at 04:33 am Reply

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Hi, Vyvian,

Thanks for posting. I'm pleased to hear that UNPLUGGED made such a big hit with you. As you can imagine, it was fun to write, too.

My process is something pretty strict. I work out a story in my mind, and then invent the characters that are going to bring the action to life. And I plan very carefully before I write down a single word. Yes, I can make changes, even substract or add events and people. But the main story must be there before I'll even start. That calls for a lot of discipline, especially when you're anxious to get your story onto paper. But believe me, it's worth the wait. When you write, you know exactly what you want to say about any given moment, and you're basically writing towards a ta-da ending. Believe me, for a writer like me, planning is everything.

Good luck. I'll tell you what I tell all the young authors who contact me: I hope to be writing you a fan letter one day soon!

Best regards, -----Gordon Korman-----
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Hi, Vyvian,

Thanks for posting. I'm pleased to hear that UNPLUGGED made such a big hit with you. As you can imagine, it was fun to write, too.

My process is something pretty strict. I work out a story in my mind, and then invent the characters that are going to bring the action to life. And I plan very carefully before I write down a single word. Yes, I can make changes, even substract or add events and people. But the main story must be there before I'll even start. That calls for a lot of discipline, especially when you're anxious to get your story onto paper. But believe me, it's worth the wait. When you write, you know exactly what you want to say about any given moment, and you're basically writing towards a ta-da ending. Believe me, for a writer like me, planning is everything.

Good luck. I'll tell you what I tell all the young authors who contact me: I hope to be writing you a fan letter one day soon!

Best regards, -----Gordon Korman-----
March 15, 2024 at 01:17 am Reply

Gregory J.

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Hi Gordan,

It started with my reading of another author who is similar to your engaging writing style, maybe a friend of yours, Ron Bates in his book Unflushables. Prior I thought fiction, let along young adult fiction, was a waste of time. After Unflushables that led me to your Unplugged, which I enjoyed and finished. Now reading Unreachables. Even though I'm 40+ you usually find me reading serious nonfiction bioks, but you and Ron Bates have interested me in this entertaining genre, amusing.

Any other authors in your genre I may like? Sorry, I didn't get into Linked, wasn't grabbing me.

Thank you for making me see the value of how you write, though. I'm traveling to Victoria, BC in September, any recommendations, people to meet, sites to see at night? Sorry I won't make it to their famous afternoon tea.

Greg

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Hi Gordan,

It started with my reading of another author who is similar to your engaging writing style, maybe a friend of yours, Ron Bates in his book Unflushables. Prior I thought fiction, let along young adult fiction, was a waste of time. After Unflushables that led me to your Unplugged, which I enjoyed and finished. Now reading Unreachables. Even though I'm 40+ you usually find me reading serious nonfiction bioks, but you and Ron Bates have interested me in this entertaining genre, amusing.

Any other authors in your genre I may like? Sorry, I didn't get into Linked, wasn't grabbing me.

Thank you for making me see the value of how you write, though. I'm traveling to Victoria, BC in September, any recommendations, people to meet, sites to see at night? Sorry I won't make it to their famous afternoon tea.

Greg
March 19, 2024 at 04:16 am Reply

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Hi, Greg,

Thanks for posting and for giving my stuff a shot. Glad you're enjoying some of it. The ones I'm proudest of -- and that doesn't mean they'll be your favorites too! -- are THE FORT and the 3 book of the MASTERMINDS series. Being Canadian, or a Canadian traveller, at least, you might also enjoy my NOTORIOUS, which takes place on an island that is half Canada, half U.S.

Thanks for reaching out. -----Gordon Korman-----
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Hi, Greg,

Thanks for posting and for giving my stuff a shot. Glad you're enjoying some of it. The ones I'm proudest of -- and that doesn't mean they'll be your favorites too! -- are THE FORT and the 3 book of the MASTERMINDS series. Being Canadian, or a Canadian traveller, at least, you might also enjoy my NOTORIOUS, which takes place on an island that is half Canada, half U.S.

Thanks for reaching out. -----Gordon Korman-----