[Sara Heching]

Mr. Korman,

First of all, I really want to thank you for writing such good books. For real, everyone I know likes them. I've read almost all of them, and some of them belonged to my father! Secondly, I wrote a book, and was wondering if you could read it and give some "constructive critisism" or whatever. No pressure...

Sara Heching, 14

Hi, Sara,

Thanks for posting. First I'll say congratulations on your book. I'm someone who knows what an accomplishment it is at 14. Second, I'll have to tell you that I've had to make it my policy not to read other people's work. I get too many requests, and must decline. There just isn't enough time.

Next, I'll tell you exactly what I tell people who ask for advice on assessing their own manuscripts: Find someone you like and trust -- a parent, a favorite aunt, a special teacher, a sibling, or a real friend, and ask that person to read your work and to give you an honest opinion of it. (First make sure you want one -- you will if you have faith in what you've written.) Be prepared for everything from "It's awful" to "I loved it" to "It still needs work." But know that you're getting the truth from them. That's the most important thing.

Good luck, Sara. I hope to be writing you a fan letter one of these days.                        -----Gordon Korman-----

[Sandy]

Timely help needed,

I need your help! :)  I am trying to figure out if I should tell students that each chapter is written from someone's perspective or point of view.  I've looked on the internet to see what other teachers have done and noticed tons of conflicting information.  

Hopefully, you can clear things up for me.  We just started today.

Thank you for all you do.

Sandy Poplos

Wilmington, DE

 

Hi, Sandy,

You mentioned everything except the book, but I'm assuming it's RESTART. Each chapter IS one particular character's point of view. I use this technique quite often. I find it gives the story a well-rounded effect if the events are described through the eyes of several different people.

So you're right -- the chapters are narrated from the point of view of the person whose name is on the Chapter # page.

Hope it's a hit!                                                                                    -----Gordon Korman-----