[Logan]

I remember fondly back of “Sorry for Spam”. It was a very fun thread and quite enjoyable. I kept thinking about how fun it would be if we possibly made a second one where we kind of did the same thing. Obviously if Gord is fine with us making these messages, but I just thought it would be fun. 
I am currently working on writing a book and I’m still in the planning stage. It’s going pretty well, but I still have to figure out some kinks.

Maybe this can work?

In best regards, Logan

(P.S. I’m just trying out a new outro message)

[Logan]

Oh and of course I forgot it would be pretty hard to find the old one as it took me five minutes to personally.

[Jade]

For those who don't know what "Sorry for Spam" is, it's this thread: https://gordonkorman.com/forum?t=20245

Basically, it's this thread from two years ago where the active GK fans at the time would just talk about life and talk about his books sometimes. It was pretty cool, and it meant a lot to me. Logan was one of the OGs on that thread! (clearly)

Logan, I would love to "make it work." I used to check Sorry for Spam every single day to see your guys' responses. I like the new outro message, that's cool. Funny story: the "Be blessed" thing was something I randomly did one day on here and decided to keep doing it because why not? Now I use it for all of my emails, messages, everything.

Cool on you for writing your story. What's it going to be about? Will you publish?
My writing is going relatively well too. I'm in two writing challenges but I really need to hop back on editing my story. Just facing some serious... burnout? It's not that, but I haven't worked in forever.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

Hi, Jade.

I very well know the feeling of relative burnout when writing. It’s cool you’re doing some writing challenges. There’s an art and writing contest I want to enter in November-December for writing of course. I have no artistic ability. 
My story is a realistic-fiction middle grade book about the wonders of martial arts. Well, not really. Just some family drama that karate gets caught in the crossfire of. Publishing is the goal but I need to get my first draft done before considering that at all. 
What kinds of things are you working on in with writing? With writing challenges?

Also, I always liked the “Be Blessed,” outro.

With best regards, Logan

[Jade]

Yeah. I had burnout and then I wrote 15k in three days for a competition. Honestly, I think it is more of a personal issue because if I don’t make myself get up and do something, I will do absolutely nothing for weeks and time will pass me by. It doesn’t help that I don’t really “care” about manything (low-ambition).

What contest is that? I was thinking of doing one in a Discord server I’m in this month, but I mainly don’t. Maybe I should try.

That’s a nice start of an idea. Love middle grade. Realistic fiction too. Do you want it to have action/adventure? Yeah, and I’d recommend setting deadlines to get that draft finished.

I’m working on my story The Redeemer. It’s 90% done but I’ve been struggling with accomplishing anything tbis summer, so I haven’t edited it a lot. For the writing challenge, it’s a contest to see who can write the most in a month. It’s between a group of people that I work with and thrn I’m doing another for my own Discord server.

Right now, since school starts in less than a week, I don’t really have time to dedicate to my writing. I’m mainly trying to sort out logistics for my clubs that I’m running at school. Plus my classes (I have 4 APs) and Cheer.

I’m so stoked for the FAKER “Book Club.” 

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

15k in three days? That is crazy. I might have to try to attempt that.

I am currently trying to write as long as I can to make good progress. I found that listening to music while writing personally helps me a lot.

The contest is called the "Scholastic Art and Writing Awards" that my writing camp teacher showed me. I wanted to do it last year but I had no motivation or ideas. I am going to try my hardest this year. 

Yes, action is going to be the main core. I don't want it to have fights every chapter, but there will be a lot of action.

"The Redeemer" sounds really cool but chilling at the same time. I am still struggling to think of a name for mine. I'll just finish it first. Any hints about the story?

School starts for me in about 2 weeks and I will try to write as much as I can. My classes will be way harder this year and I am also going to try to join a lot of clubs. Debate, creative writing, etc. It also seems fun to start a club. 

With best regards, Logan

 

[Jade]

Guess what! I just got a Library card, so I can read a lot. And how lovely, apparently "ctrl-Z" will get rid of what you wrote in the past five minutes rather than the last thing you wrote. Nice. Anyways, I just checked out "The Hypnotists" and am excited to read it. I think I'll like e-books more than physical books since I don't know if my mom will take me back to the library all the time. This year, I get to go to my school's library every day though, so I'm very excited about that.

I think you should do the challenge too. It really warmed up my writing and I got better. I used link: The Most Dangerous Writing App for sprinting, which seriously helps your writing skills. 

I also listen to music while writing. It's amazing! I like video game music since it's lyricless so harder to get distracted by. I like using the link: Poptropica Soundtrack and putting them on loop. 

That's a cool contest. I'll have to check it out. 

Great! Love action! 

Yes, I like the name too. It was named by the guy I'm working with. Sure. The story is about a group of kids who work together to find the armor of God and defeat the Destroyer. It's a Christian fantasy, except the "Christian" part is a whole allergory. The Destroyer is a dragon who is the equivalent of Satan. The Redeemer (who doesn't actually appear in the story, at all) is Jesus. There was some war where the Destroyer and his army tried to take over the kingdom of Lucero. The story is like, 58k words and has plot twists and everything. I really like the characters, Zion, Shrew, Ezra, and Josie. They all have different pasta, most of them dark, and there's angst and so. much. action. Action/Adventure if you've ever seen it! 

Nice! I think you should make a schedule for your writing to get the most done. My classes will be hard this year too. Dude, definitely go do those clubs! I'm in the Speech and Debate and Creative Writers' (club) at school. Actually, I'm co-president of both of them (starting this year). 

Nice outro, and I'm glad that you like mine.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

A library card is awesome. I might have to consider getting one since my school is going to be close to my library. I might have to read the hypnotists too.

I personally love E-Books a little more than physically reading. Ever since I got my kindle it’s been really hard to read a physical book for some reason. It’s good to read in the dark (which is helpful since I usually read at night). I still really like physics books but I personally prefer e books.

For music, I usually listen to musical soundtracks or movie scores. I might consider putting on praise music.

”The Redeemer” sounds absolutely AWESOME. If it gets published, I’m definitely buying a copy. I haven’t read any Christian Fantasy but I may have to look into it if other books sound like yours.

ill have to try that website and I’ll definitely look into making a schedule.its cool you’re the head of some clubs.

Im also very excited for the Faker book club. Not to mention Hypergifted coming out next year! I recently reread Ungifted and Supergifted and loved them. Might be one of my favorite Gordon Korman books. I’m also reading Level 13 for the first time.

With best regards, Logan

[Jade]

Please. Get one. It's so worth it. Since you love E-books, it's even better for you! I think you can check out seven a month, and you can "borrow" them for 21 days. I'm checking out THE HYPNOTISTS because Ethan likes it.

I love physical books a lot more, but I don't mind e-books at all. And I think I'll be mainly consuming e-books from here on because I don't want to spend  money buying books, only Gordon Korman ones.

Movie scores? That's a great idea. Would you mind sending me some? Praise music is good too, but then I get distracted.

Thank you! And it is getting published this year. Yeah, I think Christian fantasy is a little niche but it's out there and I want to build the market up by a lot. I want to focus in Christian fiction.

Yeah, I wish I'd made a schedule. If you want a certain word count for your story, check out Pacemaker. It's free for one book. I'm excited to head some clubs too but am a bit afraid of the pressure. It's okay, though. We're doing it.

I'm excited for it too. With the new format and so many people, it will be awesome! I can't believe HYPERGIFTED is coming out so soon, too. Just in time for me to finish Junior year or start Senior year! I love the GIFTED Series. I like SUPERGIFTED more than UNGIFTED. What are your favorite Gordon Korman books? LEVEL 13 was great too. Have you read UNPLUGGED?

Be blessed,

Jade

 

[Logan]

For movie scores I usually listen to composers of movies, not specific movie scores. My favorites are Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Ludwig Göransson, and Michael Giacchino.

it’s great your getting your book published this year.

I will try out Pacemaker and yeah, clubs can get a bit stressful but I’m excited.

I am also super excited about how many people are joining.I think Supergifted is better than ungifted too. My favorite books of Gordon Kormans are probably Faker, Linked, and the Fort. I like the edge of them and how they take a more serious tone. I do wish Faker was longer because of how much I loved it. Yeah, I read unplugged a long time ago and I’ve been thinking about rereading it. What’s your favorite?

With best regards, Logan

[Marlo]

Hi! I still don’t have Faker, but my favorite Gordon Korman book is Restart or Linked, but I like all Gordon books equally. Jade, I hope the Redeemer is going good, and that I get to see the blurb. If you’re struggling with writer’s block I found this video to help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K0OUGc-2gE . I found it on a amazing YouTube channel called The Bookout! Ever heard of it?

P.S. I cant wait for HYPERGIFTED either!

P.S.S. Logan, I also hope your book is going good!

[Jade]

@Logan: Oh okay, I understand now. Let me look up those on YouTube! Thanks, I\'m excited to publish the book too. Do you like Pacemaker? I recommend it for every writer! Ugh, the Book Club is going to be so good. I\'m glad you like SUPERGIFTED more. I wonder what this means for HYPERGIFTED. Who will it follow? What will happen? Ugh, I need to re-read UN- and SUPER- GIFTED to get back excited for even more of the story! 

My #1 GK book is WHATSHISFACE and it has been for multiple years. My #1.5 is SLUGFEST. I just loved both of them so much. I wish more had happened in SLUGFEST (of substance) but it got me so excited at the end! Also, WHATSHISFACE. Roddy? Just, yes! Speaking of favorite characters, what are your favorite GK characters of all time? Mine are Roddy (WHATSHISFACE), Ben (SWINDLE), and Brendan (RESTART). I probably have more, but an honorable mention is AMBER (MASTERMINDS).

I also wish FAKER was longer! I noticed that when I first got it that it was a pretty short one. That was sad. I see why you like those stories the best. Those are actually probably the reasons I don\'t like those stories the best, LOL. Don\'t get me wrong, all of those were great, but I just hate the way serious topics make my heart constrict. The whole reason I read books to escape the real world. Good thing GK adds a bit of comedy with it.

Definitely re-read UNPLUGGED! I may re-read it too. But right now, I\'m 29% done with THE HYPNOTISTS and it\'s absolutely wild. Once again, thank you online libraries!

@Marlo: Hey! Welcome to Sorry for Spam 2.0. My questions to Logan apply to you, too: What are your favorite GK books? Favorite characters of all time? Wow, I\'m sorry you still don\'t have FAKER! I really hope you read it soon. You can always join the Book Club, too. I mean, I\'d recommend that you read the book before going to the Book Club, but I would never deny you, Marlo. Anything for a fellow Kormaniac! (@Raymond: Is that what we\'re officially called?)

Marlo, I was having a pretty bad day and I was really, really sad. Thanks for sending me that video from a channel that I have most definitely never heard of, not once in my life. The Bookout? What\'s that? But anyways, that made me really, really happy. That made me smile when my day was dreary, so thank you. Just another reminder why the Forum, and all of you guys are the absolute best. Gordon Korman for the win!

 

Logan, I hope your book is going good too!

Be blessed,
Jade

[Raymond Jardine]

Thanks for the rare "Sorry for Spam" shoutout, @Jade! I like your question about what Korman fans are officially called but I definitely don't get to make the call. So I started a new thread to see what everyone else thinks: https://gordonkorman.com/forum?t=25992

[Marlo]

MY LIFE IS A LIEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I THOUGHT IT WAS PSS BUT ITS PPS OH NO I THOUGHT I HAD GOT IT RIGHT I WAS WRONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!! IM SORRRYYYYYYYYYYY!!! ITS POST POST SCRIPTUMMMMMMMM!!! ITS NOT POST SCRIPTUM SCRIPTUM!!!!!!!!!!!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOROOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! >:(

[Marlo]

That was a lot of typing for a joke to prove I read Sorry for Spam.

[E.W.]

My favorite books are the Unteachables, Faker, or The Hypnotist series.

I think the Hypnotists series should have a fourth book and.

It's a really good series.

If you want to get books for free I recommend getting them from the library, there is this software for Ebooks called Libby that's free to use with a library card.

 

Getting started with Libby

 

 

[Jade]

@Raymond: I think you're right! We all get to decide! Mine is with the Kormaniacs since I'm so crazy over his books! I hope everyone else agrees.

@Marlo: You really didn't have to read all of Sorry for Spam. If I believed in embarrassment, I would so be embarrassed that you read all of my old messages. I was so... extra! Thanks for reading it all, though. I'm glad you kind of got to know Ruchama, Aiden, and Josey. At least from their messages.

It took me forever to remember that it's P.P.S., not P.S.S... Gord told me so. But I think you knew that.

Love the energy!

@Ethan: Do you prefer E.W. or Ethan? Anyways, THE UNTEACHABLES was great too. I didn't like it the first go-round because of the main character, but maybe I should read it again. It's been a while. Speaking of THE HYPNOTISTS, it's really good! I'm currently on Book 2 and I'm enjoying it a lot. I'll tell you if I think it needs a fourth book after I read the third, :D

I just got Libby. Pretty cool! Currently, I'm using Hoopla and I like it. My library gives me 10 free books a month. :D

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

Pacemaker is pretty cool. I’ll definitely be using it.

I totally get why you don’t like the serious topics and I also love how Gord is able to combine humor with it.

I am beyond excited for Hypergifted. I wonder who it will focus on. Maybe Chloe or Abigail Lee? I like how supergifted was focused on Noah. Maybe hyper gifted is focused o someone else. I’m rooting for Abigail Lee because maybe it could be a cheating story or something? I don’t know but I’m still excited.

My favorite Gordon Korman characters are all the Logan’s. I’m kidding, but in reality my favorites are Noah from the Gifted series, Yash from Slugfest, and Ricky from the fort.

After hearing all these good things about Hypnotists, I may have to check it out.

@Marlo - Reading all of sorry for spam is crazy!! I congratulate you for being able to do it

@Raymond - I still think “FOG” is the best name. I wouldn’t be mad at all with Kormaniacs though.

With best regards, Logan

 

[Jade]

I just don’t vibe with the FOG. That doesn’t match Gordon Korman’s vibe… at all. He’s more wacky comedy and crazy adventures than some illustrious mystery that nobody’s undolving. I can confidently say there’s at least one maniac in every Gordon Korman book, but I don’t think he’s written a lot of mysteries. Or fogs? 

Also… just trying to explain what a fogger is.

P1: Hey! Who are you?

P2: Oh, me? I’m a FOGGER. *mysterious music*
P1: Um… okay. What is that?

P2: A “fan of Gordon”, of course!

P1: Who? Gordon Ramsey? 

P2: No, no! Gordon Korman, the best author ever!

P1: Oh, haha. *laughs* Wait… doesn’t he write like, funny stuff for fifth graders?

P2: Yeah, of course. Funny might as well be his middle name.

P1: So why are you a… fogger? Like, the fog? That sounds more like the secret society in a murder mystery than, well, Gordon Korman.

 

Do you get what I’m saying?

I also feel like there are more famous “Gordon”’s than famous “Kormans”. Either way, I’m good with whatever you pick. Nobody can stop me from mentally addressing myself as a Kormaniac, since I am, in fact, a maniac. You know how Harry Potter fans are potheads? I mean, wait. Potterheads? Same idea! 

Whatever y’all pick, you’re the same awesome people. I’d love to be a part of the FOG if it means we can all be mysteriously ecstatic GK fans together.

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

I definitely get that. I now see why Kormaniacs are a bit better.

In best regards, Logan

[Marlo]

KORMANIACS FOR LIFE!

[E.W.]

KORMANIACS IS THE WAY TO GO!

[Asher]

I am personally working on a scholarly article that will appear in a Harry Potter scholarly work! I wish The Korman Squad was big enough for that.

[Jade]

Ginormous daily message incoming: but only when I get home.

@Asher: What’s a HP scholarly article? I absolutely love Harry Potter! And it is a shame that GK isn’t big enough for that: how do we make it big enough?

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Asher]

Jade, I don't want to reveal too much, but it will be published by this publisher: https://trlbooks.com/

If you want to get into Harry Potter fan literature, I cannot recommend the following books enough: First, Mugglenet's Harry Potter Should Have Died. (Easy fan read). Second, Snape by Lorrie Kim. Third, Dumbledore by Irvin Khaytman. Your library could get them. 

I recall you are Christian. John Granger's book on how Chrisitanity influenced Harry Potter is a must read. It's called How Harry Cast His Spell. (TLDR, Harry is a Christ figure, dying to save everyone).

[Jade]

Thanks, Asher. I will check those out. And I really will look at that John Granger story. I was actually talking to my friend about that kind of stuff a couple of weeks ago.

Guys, I have saddish news. I start school on Wednesday, which is for all intents and purposes, tomorrow! Sigh! But I have some pretty fun things to do tomorrow like Cheer practice, a Spanish lesson, and serving. But then I have summerwork. Pooey.

How's the writing? How's life?

 

Be blessed,
Jade

[Jade]

Guys, life has been crazy. First of all, junior year is so different from sophomore year. It's like I'm super busy already. I was so tired and I slept so much! I also have so much homework!

But guess what! Instead of falling into a pit, I decided to take APs and classes that I actually like. It has been such a game changer! My first class is Photography and I have been so excited for it! I've been studying and everything, and we even took pictures on Friday! It was amazing. I just love the class so much and having it as my first period makes me actually excited to wake up every day which honestly feels great.

Another class I love is Bible. We learn so much and talk so much! It's so edifying, but you probably don't want to hear about it, lol.

My history class is so chill and I really like US History, and my Spanish class is amazing! I love love love my teacher so much! And I love love love Spanish! It's so amazing! So my feelings for the classes in my schedule are like, LOOOVE, Like, LOVE, Really Like, Okay, LOVE, and Okay.

Also, all of my classes are small and my classmates matured a lot so we don't have any silly dumb stuff. It makes me very happy.

Wanna know the best part of my schedule?

My first class is near the library so I can go there every morning! The librarians said that I can help them and I've already talked to them, they're so funny and it makes me so happy. So imagine doing something you love (volunteering at library) then going to a class you adore (photography) then going to a class you like (AP Environmental), to a class you love, and still having another great class after!

Also, Spanish is right after lunch! LIKE! It's so good! And most of my classes are in my favorite building, I only have like, three in the building I don't really like. And the last class of the day is in the building I don't like which is okay since it's the last class of the day.

Also, my last period class is easy.

I have a bucket load of work from AP Environmental, which is kind of scary, but my teachers are so chill that "technically" nothing is due for another two weeks or more. Honestly. It's so amazing.

I love my schedule so much! Oh and I do cheer with my best friend!

Life is so good.

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

It’s good that you’re liking school, mine starts in a few days.

I’m definitely going to want to spend a lot of time in the library. It’s definitely bigger than my old schools library but that’s probably because it was a junior high library. I’m also getting more excited for going back to playing my instrument because even if it’s time consuming, every time we get a new piece of music it’s just so fun to play for some reason. (I play violin by the way)

I was able to find my schedule even I though hasn’t started, and I think it’s pretty good. I have orchestra and Spanish in my first two periods and geometry my last period. Hopefully my teacher is nice.

I’m taking one AP class which is human geo and I’m pretty sure it’s the only one you’re available to take in my grade.

I don’t know my teachers but I have a few class periods with some of my friends so that’s nice.

I’m overall pretty excited to see my friends again even if it’s in a new and bigger school.

With best regards, Logan

[Logan]

If there’s one thing I have to say about high school it’s that there is so. Much. Homework.

Besides that, I like school so far. It’s really fun. 
AP Human Geo is hard. It’s a lot of work. But I am doing pretty good in it.

My other classes are good too, hard but it’s mostly the amount of work.

I have some classes with my friends which is good, but sadly I haven’t been given a lot of time to read or write.

I am going to still try, but other than that I like 9th grade.

If anyone started school, (I know Jade has) how has it been going for you?

With best regards, Logan

 

[Jade]

You're in 9th? I mean, I knew that, but I feel so old! By the way, congratulations on starting high school! It can be super awesome if you want it to.

And I agree. I underestimated how much free time I had until 9th grade. I remember being so sad I couldn't be on the Forum 24/7, and I had very little time to write. Homework was my life! APHUG was so hard for me. I struggled a lot since before that I had never really had to study in history. On the unit 5 test, I got a 57%! But I got a 95% at the end of the year so it's chill, but still. Hard class. Glad you're doing well!

Glad you have class with your friends! It makes it so much better. But I get it, I hardly have time to read or write too. Still try it! Keep it up!

Glad you're enjoying 9th.

 

I have similar thoughts for school. Lots of homework. I'm pretty busy since I have cheer practice every day except Wednesday and Friday, but on Friday, we have a game that I'll get home at 10-11 PM from. So very late. And then I have tumbling on the weekend, etc. But I still have time to read, so I love the weekend. My classes have a bit of work but I just need to work and get ahead of it before it all drops on me. I have some tests and quizzes soon and it's a little scary--I'm also confused in math for the first time in a while. It's okay, though.

I like having classes with my friends and I have cheer with one of my besties. A cool part of life is that I'm in a writer's critique circle on Discord which is great. 

I'm getting good stuff done for my clubs! Most of the things are getting set up and Astronomy Club launched today! Not my club, I'm only Vice. The bestie I was talking about early runs it and she's great. Overall school is good but I need to get better at managing my time. Do you do sports?

 

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

High School really does take up all your time.

For sports I’m the physical embodiment of Noah Youkilis. Just kidding.

I don’t play on any teams but I really enjoy playing tennis I just need to get better before I play for school. I also do kung fu. I also like running and I’m trying to get better at it. Cheerleading is cool.

Astronomy club sounds really cool. So far I joined Debate and Key Club (volunteering club) and I’m joining Quiz Bow next week.

APHUG is the most tiring class ever but it’s worth it because it’s still fun. Unlike my other classes where kids just stay silent we actually interact in the class.

On the writing side, my head is overfilling with ideas for my novel. I just can’t find a lot of time to write.

Well, that’s pretty much it. How’s school for you?

With best regards, Logan

[Jade]

I could have sworn I replied to this... bruh. I am just. Bruh! 

Anyways, hi! Lol, I used to be like that with sports too. But athleticism is a skill! It can be learned! All of those things, Kung Fu, running, tennis, are great! My friend is really good at tennis. I bet you can get good at it too. And thanks! You joined Key Club?! It's so much work! Good on you! My friends are in Quiz Bowl! Dude, you are picking some real nice clubs to be in. Ah, the days when APHUG was my hardest class. I miss those days. But not really. Trust, it will get better soon! Speaking of, is it still hard?

Me either bro! I'm so busy! I haven't written a lick since summer! School is, well, a lot for me. If I could describe it in one word I would say "busy." But that's not even the hard part, you know, the actual academics. The hard part is my extracurriculars. I'm just so busy!  It may or may not be slowing down right now, but that's why I've been so inactive on the Forum. Also, my mom has showed me this new thing I could apply for so I need to try that now. My classes are honestly pretty light

Be blessed,

Jade

[Logan]

Hi. I have been really busy and not able to come on here in a while.

I still haven’t written too much but my brain has been overfilling with inspiration. I now have the idea for 9 books including sequels. I wish I could write, but at least I have ready ideas.

Yeah, my clubs are going pretty good. I think Quiz bowl is going to be my main club focus for now. 
Anyways, how are you?

With best regards, Logan

[Marlo]

Logan, if you need a book cover for your books, I suggest checking out this website https://www.jcharriswrites.com/

[Marlo]

Be sure to tell her you’re Logan!

[Andrew Morgan]

Wow, the original thread goes far back. I was reading through it, and it is a lot.  I don\'t mean to be nosy and sappy, but it\'s really cool you guys became friends by using this thread