READER’S FORUM

April 20, 2025 at 07:40 pm Reply

Gemma Freeman

Dear Gordon Korman

Hi, my name is Gemma and I’m 12 years old. I love your books, they are keeping me going through middle school. I have a few question, I thinks it’s really cool how you got your first book published at 14 and I love to write and I wrote countless short stories but how can I get an idea and stick with writing to maybe try to get my own book published? Also I know this is a big thing to ask but, have you ever thought of collaborating to write a book with a kid? If so I’m the perfect kid I have a huge imagination and have lots of cool ideas. Thank you for reading,

Gemma Freeman
April 21, 2025 at 04:07 am Reply

Gordon

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Hi, Gemma,

Thanks for writing and for your support for my work.

Your problem is that you're used to writing short stories. A novel is a much more complex matter, calling for a lot of planning. And that's the key. Planning is everything. I write myself 6 or 7 pages of plot and characters and setting before I ever put down a single word of manuscript. You can't say anything well unless you know exactly what you want to say. And you don't know that until you plan.

As for collaborating, I have never collaborated with anyone, and I would probably make a terrible opinionated partner! Sorry, but some people (me!) just have to work alone. But you might want to find someone you really trust -- Mom, Aunt, a teacher, an older cousin, someone who will tell you the truth about what you're writing, and try to help you over the high fences.

Good luck, Gemma! -----Gordon Korman-----

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Hi, Gemma,

Thanks for writing and for your support for my work.

Your problem is that you're used to writing short stories. A novel is a much more complex matter, calling for a lot of planning. And that's the key. Planning is everything. I write myself 6 or 7 pages of plot and characters and setting before I ever put down a single word of manuscript. You can't say anything well unless you know exactly what you want to say. And you don't know that until you plan.

As for collaborating, I have never collaborated with anyone, and I would probably make a terrible opinionated partner! Sorry, but some people (me!) just have to work alone. But you might want to find someone you really trust -- Mom, Aunt, a teacher, an older cousin, someone who will tell you the truth about what you're writing, and try to help you over the high fences.

Good luck, Gemma! -----Gordon Korman-----