[J.R.]

Well, here the forum is. 
Okay, I have a question about The Fort

On page 7, you used the word “Guessimating” is this an actual word, or one you made up?

Hi, J.R.,

It has probably become a real word, as these combo words usually do. It's made up, as you can see, of "guessing" and "estimating," and I think it's kind of neat. I can't take credit for making it up, though. It exists.                       --GK--

[J.R.]

Hello Mr. Korman,

I was wondering, in planning for a book, should I plan it chapter by chapter, or just get the basis of the book and start writing?

[J.R.]

Sincerely, 

J. R.

[Gordon Korman]

Whatever works best for you, although I believe you can't plan too much. I always like to be writing "toward" something, my surprising, dazzling, confounding, magnificent etc. ending. It gives me courage to continue telling the story.        --G--

[J.R.]

I just looked at The Faker. 

I have a couple words.

I CAN’T WAIT

Sincerely,

An excited J.R.

 

I think it's going to be a hit. It's something a little different.                                        ---GK---

[J.R.]

Dear Mr Korman,

Someone… or something is making topics and speaking Russian. My Google translate is pulling it up as something about magic buttons and dry wall.

Hi, J.R.,

Thanks for the heads-up. I'm erasing that stuff as quickly as I find it, but they insist. I don't need any drywall, but who wouldn't want a magic button???                                                         --GK--

[J.R.]

Yeah, I’ve heard that sometimes the picture identification test doesn’t work. It was invented years ago and technology and A. I. are constantly developing and new stuff is coming out.

I'll get to the new stuff, JR, after I master the Old Stuff!                                              --GK--

[J.R.]

Hey,

I just finished The Superteacher project.

It was pretty good, and I liked how you perfected Mr. Kermit’s character development.

[J.R.]

Good morning, (or whatever time of day it is for you) Mr. Korman

 

I’m sorry I haven’t been on here in a few days. I’ve been quite busy. I hope you are doing well.

Soon, my Mom said she can take me to the Library so I can read Notorious.

I will not be able to send you a message in the next couple days, as I am going to D.C. to visit the Library Of Congress.

Farewell,

J.R.

Have a great trip!                                                                                                                           --GK--

[J.R.]

Dear Mr. Korman,

Thank you. The trip was great.

 I also have a question for you. 
What is YOUR favorite Author other than yourself?

Sincerely,

J.R.

Hi,JR,

My trip too. We toured in DC. I wonder if our paths crossed at the Library of Congress.

My favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut, "The Sirens of Titan" is a masterpiece!

(you MUST read him!) and Douglas Adams ("The Hitchhikers Guide" series.)

                                   Regards.                                                                                       --GK--

[J.R.]

Dear GK,

Maybe so. I could have stumbled over your feet and not noticed. If there is a place for you to hurt your neck from the high ceilings and art, it is The Library Of Congress. I unfortunately did not, though, go into the Main Reading Room. The employees closed the door practically in our faces. I got to see the Gutenberg Bible and The Jefferson Library though.

I have had the Hitchiker’s guide book series on my to-read list for quite a long time, but so far it has eluded me. 

Best wishes,

J.R.

[J.R.]

Dear Mr. Korman,

Next year our grade is entering Middle School and the school is looking for someone (a student) to make closing remarks. I have been doing well so far, but sometimes the words I use are alien to my peers but it feels informal to use the words they want me to use. What should I do?

Hi, J.R.,

It's a dilemma, all right. The reason you're worried about $50 words is the reason you will probably be chosen to begin with! You're literate and articulate.

It would be much easier, and much more appropriate, for you to comment on the happy years at the elementay school, and what a good grounding everyone got, and how you're all feeling well-prepared for the next great adventure, Middle School. Resist the tendency to bounce some big words off the crowd. What you'll be doing is speaking for the graduating class -- ALL of them.

Good luck!                                                                                                                            --GK--

[J.R.]

Dear Mr. Korman,

I am almost done reading the Swindle series. My favorite one so far has been Zoobreak. In addition, I have started a daily project to improve my descriptive writing, which I pride myself on. I have started describing the flight of an arrow from the bow to its target every day to see my points of weakness and how to improve it. Anyway, I have a question about the writing industry. Is it somewhat-sorry to use a dramatic word-Cutthroat? I want to know what I might be getting into. Anyway, enough about me, do you live in Canada? If yes, which province. I understand if you do not want to tell me for security reasons, I’m just curious. I live in Pennsylvania, so Canada sounds exotic to me. All I have to look at is hills. 
Sincerely, J.R.

Hi, J.R.,

Good question. It's not cutthroat, but it's very selective and particular. It's a hard business to break into. But it isn't that hard to get someone -- either an editor or an agent -- to read your work. They're always looking for the next big thing. If what you've written is something special, they'll know it and push for its success. But not cutthroat, no.

I was born in Montreal, and grew up in Toronto, two not very exotic places, but nice cities to live in. When I went to NYU, I really fell for New York. Also a New York girl. We've been married for 26 years and have 3 kids. We live on Long Island.

                                                             OK?                                                                           ---GK---

[J.R.]

Aah, that makes sense now. Long Island is a common setting is some of your books. Anyway, My Sixth Grade classmates and I are creating a petition to convince our Principal to make Mr. Whistle pig, a lovable and playful Groundhog who lives on campus. He lulls in the sun during math class a runs at the edge of the woods in the evenings. He just woke up from hibernation, and he is hunting and foraging for food as of today. We’ve collected about 50 signatures-our goal is 100-and the adults aren’t taking us seriously. We only have 1 Adult Signature and I was hoping you would “sign” it virtually of course, if you want to.

Farewell and saving up money for Faker,

J.R.

Hi, J.F.,

I think, if you don't mind, I'll stay out of it.

But you know, right, that a groundhog is not a pig? And he can't lull. He has to loll.

Sorry to be something of a wet blanket, but I'm probably just one of the adults who aren't taking you seriously. I should mention that this can still be a thing, with or without permission, so long as it doesn't interfere with school functions.

Enjoy.                                                                                                                                                   ---GK---

Oops --- that's J.R.  Apparently, I'm also the King of the Typo today.       -G-

[J.R.]

Loll… Never heard of it. Thank you for the correction. Yes, I do not mind at all. I just thought it would bolster the project. Thank you for the consideration.

Farewell, 

J.R.

[J.R.]

Yes, I do know that Groundhogs are not pigs. “Whistle Pig” is Pittsburgh slang.

Whistle Pig. Lemme write that down. Sorry. I never knew that. I'm not sure I knew you were in Pitt.     --GK--

[J.R.]

Nah, it’s fine. We Pittsburgh people have weird words. Mixed with my Maine language-my mom and many of my relatives were born in Maine and moved to Pittsburgh-sometimes it is impossible to understand what I’m saying. Not a good habit for a growing Author.

 Wishing you Good luck on your writing,

J.R.

None of you can match the dialect from Newfoundland in Canada!

"I'll meet you" translates as follows:

              "Where are you to? I'll be where you're at."

Beat that.                                                                                                                       --GK--

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[J.R.]

You have ousted me, GK. Newfoundland May as we’ll be a different planet to me!

Sincerely,

J.R.

[Jade]

J.R.--Nice to meet you!

I keep seeing you posting on here and I think it's really cool! I figured that I should at least introduce myself because it warms my heart to see a GK fan like you on here. When I come on here to check, I see your posts for the last couple of weeks. Please, keep up the good work! It's so nice to see more people appreciating the best author in the world, though also known as Gordon Korman.

I'm Jade. I've been inconsistently making posts since the latter end of 2021, I believe. I'm most active when there are book clubs for GK's books like the past MIXED UP and SLUGFEST ones. We're doing another one in July for FAKER and goodness, am I excited! I can't wait to buy it. I have a feeling I'll really enjoy it so please, tell us how you like it too!

Some things about me; I'm an aspiring author too. Working on a story called "The Redeemer" at the moment. I'm a pretty big reader and my love lies with the Word, and words in general. I like ARC reading; specifically, YA Fantasy.

Nice to meet you, J.R.. I pray you meet the success of another author who shared your name. 

Be blessed,

Jade

 

[J.R.]

Ciao, Jade.

I am was very much aware of your presence on the forum. I did not, in fact, build up enough courage to introduce myself. In that case, thank you for taking that step. I already had planned to join the Faker Book Club once it opened. I snatched a reffing job this year-I play soccer-so I could buy A computer and Faker. And thank you for the compliment, but I do not believe that I can top J. R. R. Tolkien. He knew war, I do not. He studied language, I do not plan to. Thank you for the compliment anyway, though. Good luck on your Book though. Sounds like something I would read. Saying that, I read everything I can get my hands on. War and Peace, 82 Days on Okinawa, Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, ALL GK BOOKS, and The Maze runner are just a few of my favorites. 
Farewell, 

J.R. (Unofficial Webmaster)

[Jade]

Okay, awesome. Just lost my whole post. I love you, Forum.

Well, I'm certainly flattered! Please don't be scared to reach out, I really enjoy "meeting" new people, especially those who share my interests like reading GK books and writing stories. I was excited to introduce myself, and I'm so glad we'll see you in the FAKER book discussion! 

Also dude, don't compare yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy. You don't gotta go through war or study language to be as great as J.R.R. Tolkien. Instead, you just have to believe in yourself. Believe that you can be that great some day. "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -- Zig Ziglar

Thanks for the luck on my book, I'll certainly need it. Hoping to get it published, but there's a lot of work to go. I read a lot too. What's your favorite genre? Do you write fantasy? I haven't read LoTR, but I really enjoyed The Hobbit. And of course, I like GK books... SLUGFEST or WHATSHISFACE is my favorite.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

 

[J.R.]

Hello, Jade.

Genre? That is hard. Any level of Fantasy, History, and realistic fiction. I read a bit of Religion too. Fox’s book of Martyrs is a good one. Really shakes you up of what people did to each other just because they believed different things. My favorite GK books are The Superteacher Project, Slugfest, and Chasing the Falconers. Thank you for the encouragement, by the way. 

Best of wishes for my new friend,

J.R.

[J.R.]

Dear GK,

Is there anywhere I can preorder FAKER so I can have it in time for the Book Club?

Your super fan who does not wear a cape,

J.R.

Don't worry, J.R.  If you pre-order it, it will arrive on publication day. Then the Book Club people wait for everyone to be on board, and they read one chapter at a time.

As for an early copy, I'm not sure you can get one. You can always try asking Scholastic for an advance copy.

And, if all else fails, you might want to ask The Oracle, Raymond Jardine, who sees all and knows even more.

                                                                                                                       --GK--

[J.R.]

Thanks, GK.

I just preordered the book on Amazon. I also made titles for Me, Jade and Raymond.

 

Raymond-The Oracle

Jade-The Loyal Super Fan/Author

J.R. - Unofficial Webmaster 

Sorry, JR. I removed your comment re: Parker. It really was unkind.                                          --GK--

Good names. I like them!                                                                                 --GK--

[J.R.]

Opp. Now I feel bad. Really bad.
Shall I receive a forum suspension?

[Raymond Jardine]

I'm excited about the Faker book discussion, too!

Preordering is the best bet, whether through Amazon or your local bookstore.

I'm not sure it counts as brilliance—I'm more "Theamelpos" and less "Delphi"—but one tip for occasionally getting an early look at new books: Befriend your local librarian and independent bookstore staff. These book professionals often receive advance copies of upcoming books (sometimes called advance reading copies/ARCs or galleys or uncorrected proofs) for free. (It's a marketing practice some publishers use to encourage early book reviews and/or orders). Many of them LOVE to share the books with enthusiastic readers. Especially if you also preorder a copy or promise to write a book review.

[J.R.]

Thank you Raymond! 

Hey, J.R.,

Now, how could I suspend my webmaster?

No, really, forget it. It was a natural reaction to reading that question. I just want to keep the Forum a safe space for everyone. Fair enough?                                                                                                                      --GK--

[J.R.]

Dear GK

Fair. I gotta say, I do appreciate the enthusiasm and motivation in Parker. I guess he really wants to find Gordon Ramsey! Anyway, I promise it won’t happen again.

Sincerely, J.R.

[J.R.]

Dear Mr Korman,

I have finished the first 3 Chasing The Falconers books. Thus, I have written a book review for the first three.

 

” The first three books are one big, twisted, and tangled ball of plot twists Gordon Korman masterfully and carefully untwined to create a thrilling masterpiece.”

- J.R. (Webmaster)

[J.R.]

Congratulations on Maliek Nabers, GK! 

[Jade]

Gord, what is the closest bromance in any of your stories? (Definition: A very close platonic friendship between two guys.)

A wide receiver. Well, OK.                                       --GK--

Hi, Jade,

The very first series, the 7-volume Macdonald Hall series, had Bruno Walton and Melvin "Boots" O'Neal. They were boarding school roommates, very close. More recently. there are Griffin and Ben in the SWINDLE series. Then you'll recall there was a special feeling among all the boys in THE FORT. And the unique relationship between Reef and whatshisname in MIXED UP. Take your pick.                                                                                                               ---G---

 

[J.R.]

Dear GK

I was surprised. Thought they would get Penix or McCarthy. In a related note, I got a game-worn and signed Saquin Barkley Jersey (Giants one) Too bad he isn’t on the team anymore. I got a computer over the weekend so I can start writing and editing. I saw you mention you are in Dallas. Have a good time there!

Sincerely,

Your Webmaster J.R.

Hi, JR,

Well, now that you have a computer, nothing can stop you!

And you're right. I will miss Saquon. I've followed him right from the start.                                        --GK--

[Jade]

J.R.! I'm so happy you got a computer! What programs are you using to write? Are you using Google Docs? Word? SoNovel? Do you know these writing programs?: Pacemaker (Totally helps you plan your writing time.) The Most Dangerous Writing App (A writing sprint app that helps you get words on the page.) Sonovel (A writing program like Google Docs or Word.) Reedsy (Just a writing program/website/thing, really! You can post your stuff, find people, read others stuff...)

Goodness gracious! And for places to post your own stuff? Reedsy, Inkitt, Royal Road
Places to help you write? NaNoWriMo, Write the World
...and Write the World is literally focused on teens.

Sorry I got super obsessed, I love writing. But I'm so excited you have a computer now! Do you like plotting? Tell me about it, please!

Be blessed,
Jade

[Jade]

Gord! One, you totally missed the chance to say "whatshisface"! Two, his name is Theo... my favorite! But to be fair I couldn't remember Coral Reef for the life of me either. ...and I thought Theo was Mike. But anyways. I did really like Griffin and Ben. Haven't read Macdonald Hall series yet. Oh well... will there ever be a sismance? Or... womanance? What? A girl one.

Btw, sorry I haven't really been saying a lot. I've been trying to say stuff on here, but... school, I guess. Summer is coming up in less than a month though and I'll be back!

Be blessed,
Jade

[J.R.]

Dear Jade,

Well, I’m only 12, so naturally I have restrictions my parents have set me. Actually, I can’t search on google. All I have access to is Gmail, Drive and Google Docs. So, I have limits, but I can work with it. It’s all because of Norton 360. I’m focusing on refining my writing and making it smoother and lighter. Well, tell me if I missed or you have anymore any questions because I had to read that over 10 times to understand it. I get like that too sometimes.

Sincerely,

Webmaster J.R.

Hey, Jade,

Right. Theo. Am I supposed to be able to remember the characters from 100+ books?If so, you've got the wrong person.

Just got back from Dallas where I spoke to more teachers and librarians than I knew existed! It was a great convention, something special. Plus I have a lot of writer friends in Texas. We communicate on ZOOM, but it's nice to get together once in a while. I'll say goodbye, though. I'm just back a few hours, and I'm pooped!                                            --G--

 

J.R., it wasn't really gobbledegook. Jade and I are old buddies, and we speak a language only old buddies can understand. It referenced a previous conversation and question, that's all.                                                       --GK--

[J.R.]

Dear GK,

Ahhh I see. Like how my friend (requested not to mention name) and I can have silent fights during class by looking at each other or passing notes in code? (We developed a cipher) I understand. Thanks for clearing that up. I’ve seen Jade talk to you, and honestly her enthusiasm sometimes is hilarious. Well, I better stop blabbing and leave, so…

Sincerely,

Webmaster J.R.

[J.R.]

Whoa, reading all of this, I realize I talk about myself way too much. And my social skills are shabby. Well, I hope I didn’t offend you two. I am normal half the time and insane the other half. Well, that is some good observations.

Sincerely, 

The J.R. Who cannot stop laughing at himself.

[Jade]

J.R., Yeah. Sometimes I forget that parents do restrictions and stuff. Back when I was 10 with that computer, I just played Roblox, so I can't say I googled very much except "how to get free robux". Anyways... Ah, Norton 360. I've got to say, I like McAfee. But! Yes, keep working on your writing! You will get better and better in no time at all. It's not like I'm a pro or anything, but I bet the bookmaster (Gord) could attest that the more practice the more perfect. I mean, just look at the GIFTED series. UNGIFTED? Spectacular. SUPERGIFTED? Mind-blowing. It was so good, I can't wait for the next one, even though I'll have to wait a couple of years. Probably one of the few times I liked the sequel more than the first one. 

And, yeah. You do talk about yourself a lot. But I think it's cool. Really. It's interesting to see your personality shine through the screen, and your stories are fun and make me smile! Like, developing a cipher? That's some next level friendship and awesomeness. And I get silent conversations... sometimes, I would just stare at one of my besties, and she's stare back, and we'd just start giggling. And my other bestie, whenever we read something suspicious in a book, we look at each other. It even happened today!

"And my social skills are shabby" Dude... just look at my posts from one, two years ago. I was something else. Imagine you but 10x more chaotic and 10x more excited. When I look back at my messages, I definitely cackle and what my friends and I said. Being insane and normal? Story of my life!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Jade]

Gord, yeah, when I think about how many characters you have it makes my mind spin. How do you keep up? Especially when people ask about stuff from years and years and years ago! You must be the superman of writing books or something. And that thing about Dallas is super awesome! That sounds like a dream, travelling to a convention to talk with writer friends. So fun! I'm glad you got to talk to your mates again (in person) and enjoy that place in Texas. Did you know that Texas has beaches? Probably. But did you know it takes longer to get across Texas than to get across Britain? Yup. And yes, yes, we do speak old-buddy speak. Coral Reef for life! 

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Marlo]

If you check out the mixed up book club you will see why Jade calls Reef  “Coral Reef”

[J.R.]

Dear Jade and Marlo,

Ok, some nobody’s uncomfortable? Good. I think I should hire Jade as my therapist. And I do look at some of Jade’s old comments. 

Sincerely,

J.R. (Webmaster)

[Marlo]

Honestly J.R., you don’t talk about yourself too much. It’s just you making connections to things other people have said. I think that’s a great quality!

[J.R.]

Dear Marlo,

It's just me taking something and figuring out how to utilize it in my situation, fortunate or unfortunate. I've never thought about it that way. Thanks for the compliment and the insight.

Sincerely, J.R.

 

[J.R.]

Dear Marlo,

It\'s just me taking something and figuring out how to utilize it in my situation, fortunate or unfortunate. I\'ve never thought about it that way. Thanks for the compliment and the insight.

Sincerely, J.R.

 

[J.R.]

Dear Jade,

I'm just saying what I'm thinking, but maybe the reason GK remembers a lot of his characters well is because of how real they are. I mean, I get blown away by the realness of them. You can almost touch them! I don't know if that answers your question...

 

[Jade]

J.R., you sure are on this website a lot. I don't know if I've ever been as active as you! Do you guys read my messages? Marlo, how did you know about Coral Reef? Now I'm the famous one, LOL. And J.R., you don't need to worry. As long as you're being genuine and kind, I think you will find it a little difficult to be rude. There is a fine line between being empathetic and being a pushover. I'm still trying to find it now, seeing what points it is I must open my heart, and what times I should just laugh it off. But the point is, please don't go through life too focused on being offensive or not. In this day and age,  there are a lot of people who are looking for reasons to be offended. Be yourself, and to some people, that will be "offensive" also known as "too much." or "extra" or "loud" Whatever it is, rock it. Your tribe is out there waiting for you, and not watered down you. The real you.

And what Marlo said--it is a great quality. If you can make personal connections to what people are talking about, I find that it means that not only are you actively listening, but also you are putting yourself in their own shoes. That's what I would like a friend to do! Some people call it self-centered but I call it empathy.

Okay, now... about the characters. Yeah, his characters can be so awesome. I wish I could meet Malik! Or Amber, but she might be mean to me. Wanna know who I really want to meet? Roddy. Ugh, one of my favorite characters ever. If you could hang out with one Gordon Korman character for a day, who would you pick? (And anyone reading this please answer too! Marlo! Gord! Raymond, even!)

Be blessed,

Jade

 

[Marlo]

You’re welcome J.R. I think I have a natural quality to find the best in people.

[Marlo]

To Jade: honestly, that’s a hard one (contemplates for 5 minutes) Ok I’ve decided, and I want to hang out with… Mason, from Operation Do-Over, because I’m a nerd AND I would get to hang out with Ty, his twin. :) Lol

[Marlo]

Gord, for Jade’s “bromance” question, you forgot about Mason and Ty.

[Marlo]

Actually, I’m changing my answer. I want to hang out with J.R., from No More Dead Dogs. Lol

[J.R.]

Yeah Marlo!

I think… Wallace Wallace. That’s my pick. And Jade, I have not deleted the forum tab since uhh, my teacher was like “Jonah what are you doing is that school work?” That sounds about right. And yes, Marlo you do have that trait. You actually used that trait to identify that trait. Now that’s impressive.

Sincerely, J.R.

 

[Jade]

Name reveal? Makes sense. The Forum was perpetually open on my Chromebook too when I was in middle school. Thankfully, nobody ever kicked me out of it. And Marlo, that is a great trait! A lot of people can never see the good, so that you can... teach me your ways!

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[J.R.]

Name Reveal? I thought you knew my name… lol. It is Jonah Robert Nicklow if you were wondering. I don’t mind sharing. J.R. just sounds better. I’m still in elementary too. We get taught middle school stuff, because our school includes 6th grade in elementary. The teachers call me by my last name because it sounds awesome when you scream it. NICKLOW! My friends call me “Jones” which I also like. I have a couple who say “J” or just “book” J.R. is my preferred one but feel free to call me anything! I like the diversity. And Jade, if you haven’t seen, I am also a character in No More Dead Dogs too, so call me “guy from No More Dead Dogs” Do you have any nicknames? How about you Marlo?

[Marlo]

Lol, Marlo IS my nickname.

[J.R.]

😂😆 I didn’t realize… lol. “A comical misunderstanding” I guess it was.

[Jade]

Jade Marmalade, J.C., Jadalyn, "Jah-day", etc... etc. But I only go by J.C., the rest of those are silly nicknames from friends and family.

[Raymond Jardine]

Jade: "If you could hang out with one Gordon Korman character for a day, who would you pick? (And anyone reading this please answer too! Marlo! Gord! Raymond, even!)"

"Raymond, even!," reporting for duty. I'm going to note this question is not the same as "Which is your favorite Korman character?" and say Emmanuel Harris (On the Run/Kidnapped series) would be someone who would be fascinating to hang out with for a day. Or Emile Querada (Son of Interflux). 

 

[J.R.]

Dear GK,

It has been 11 DAYS. In like one day is 24 hours, so 11 x 24 is 264 hours! Anyway, I got The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut. I am only on page 112 and I am already a huge fan. Anyway, that is unfortunately the end of my letter. So short. 

Sincerely, 

J.R. (Webmaster)

or

Fate’s employee

Yes. Trowbridge Helicopter. Amazing book from one of the great minds of the ages! Enjoy.        --GK--

[J.R.]

Dear GK,

Now that was a book. At the twist at the end, I literally felt my brain start zooming out and seeing the big picture. The ending could be no better and the middle and beginning were just as good.

Sincerely,

A J.R. who can not find words for the summary of that absolute masterpiece 

 

 

J.R., you didn't think my favorite book would be dull, did you?                                     --G--

[J.R.]

Dear GK,

No no no, just way different. 
Sincerely,

J.R.