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Hi, Graydon,

Thanks for posting. I’m glad to hear that EVEREST made such a big hit with you. I’ll try to get to all your questions.

The trilogy was completely planned before I ever wrote the first word. A trilogy is a story arc over 3 books, and that’s what this was. Books NEVER go wild — not my books! So the first funeral scene was meant to line up with the final funeral scene. I’m always in control and writing towards my final scene.

I did a lot of research and reading on the subject before I started to write. You really have to know what you’re talking about to write on a subject like high altitude mountaineering, about which I knew less than  nothing! I LOVED the research, which is something I really didn’t expect. Recommendation: INTO THIN AIR by Jon Krakauer. Amazing book about a real climbing day and a major disaster on Everest.

Names are easy. Everybody gets one. Find them in a phone directory, or the newspaper, or even on TV. I can’t explain why a name is right, mind you. I know I liked the name “Tilt,” and my main character had to be Dominic, but I really can’t explain why. It just has to feel right.

Lastly, YES! I really did enjoy the books, starting with the research and the history of Everest expeditions. And I’m very pleased with the way the series turned out, which is why I’m so glad your class enjoyed it.

OK? Thanks again for your comments. I appreciate them very much. I hope you’ll look for my other trilogies: DIVE, ISLAND, TITANIC, THE HYPNOTISTS and more. Stay well in these tough times.

                                                                                                                       —–Gordon Korman—–