Hi, Jack,
Thanks for posting. I’m pleased that you enjoy my books and that MASTERMINDS made such a big hit with you. I’ll try to answer all your questions:
When I was a 7th or 8th grader, I read THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY about twenty times! I adored that crazy book!
I admit to planting a few Easter Eggs, but they’re shout-outs to specific people, not my general readers.
I write in an upstairs room in my house, facing a picture window that looks out onto a very dull back yard. I also write on planes, in hotel rooms, and in airports during the inevitable delays. But home is best.
I think you’ll find most authors don’t require what you call “inspiration,” Jack. We write because we have something to say, a story to tell.
The names of the characters are in line with the plan for the town of Serenity. Laska is Polish for mercy or pardon; Bruder is brother in German; Pritel is Czech for friend; and Frieden is Freedom, also German. The clones were all given names in line with harmony and contentment.
Hector was a complicated kid who always felt like the odd man out. When they all disappeared after the escape, he thought they’d deserted him. He went back to Serenity and turned himself in, making peace with the Osiris people and doing their bidding. He didn’t have much choice. When he betrayed them, it was part of his resentment and his feeling of abandonment.
Hope that covers everything you were asking about. I’m going to be in Cincinnati on Monday — am I visiting your school, by any chance? I’m on a promo tour for my newest book, SUPERGIFTED.
Thanks again, Jack.
—-Gordon Korman—-