[Charlotte R]

Dear Mr. Gordon Korman,

Hello! I know that this is just another fan letter, so I’ll try to keep this short. I have chosen you for an author study unit we are doing because I read your Masterminds trilogy, and I fell in love with it and the rest of your books. As of the day I’m writing this, I have read 7 of your books. I hope you are doing well, and that you are drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep.

 

I have a question for you: How do you get so many ideas for all of your books? Is there some sort of extra pocket in your brain that makes you come up with idea after idea without stopping? (If so, then the scientists and doctors in charge of your autopsy will be in for a pleasant surprise) Do you make up names, then build characters around them? Do you do the exact opposite, where you make up the plot and save the names for last? Or something else?

 

Anyways, thank you for taking the time to read this! It means a lot to me.

A fan of your books,

 

Charlotte R., 5th grade

 

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Charlotte.

Thanks for posting. I'm pleased to hear that my books, especially MASTERMINDS, are going over well with you.

Your questions: My ideas for books, settings, and characters come from plain old hard work, and a lot of thinking and plotting. No big mystery; it's just work. The basic plot and the main character -- that's what comes first. I build and expand on that until I have a detailed outline that I write down. It can be a short book in itself, often coming to 8 or 10 single-spaced pages. The book grows from there. That is, I plan the ending, and then write towards it. I believe that, in writing, planning is everything. You can't say anything well unless you know exactly what you need to say. And you can't know that unless you plan.

Good luck with your project, and Happy New Year!                               -----Gordon Korman-----

[Olivia A. 7th Grade]

Dear Gordon Korman,  

Hi! My name is Olivia, and I am from Louisiana. I have read your book Masterminds repeatedly. I LOVED IT SO MUCH! When I first got it, I fell in love with it and just could not put it down. I loved how you put each of the characters with their own chapters, from their own point of view. But I wished that you had put in a chapter in the perspective of Dr. Felix Hammerstrom and a Purple People Eater/Surety. I haven\'t gotten my other 2 books in the series yet, but, I know there gonna be just as good as the First 1.

There is a few things that I didn\'t like about the book. 1 things was how short the book was. 2. Was how you left it on a small cliffhanger that made me wonder so much. and 3. How you left a big suspense about what happned to Hector. 

There is a few questions I have though. What makes you come up with all the ideas for your books? How many books do you plan to write in your lifetime? What made you want to be a author? What is your next book idea? What would you do if you could get another Job and Why? Would you keep your job as a author? What is your next book gonna be called? Would you ever want to travel the world? I hope you the best in life and hope you stay well.

                                                                                                                  Sincerly your biggest Louisiana Fan,

 Olivia A.

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Olivia,

Thanks for posting. I'm glad to hear that Book #1 of MASTERMINDS made such a big hit with you.

Your questions: 1. The book was pretty normal in length for a middle grade novel. 2. And the cliffhanger was on purpose -- I wanted you to look for the other 2 books! 3. Same with Hector -- you have to read on to find out about him, right? Forgive me. That's just good business.

My story ideas come from plain old hard work and a lot of thinking and plotting. No big mystery -- it's just work. I've been at my job for almost 45 years, so yes, I think I'll keep it. And the newest release just came out 2 days ago. It's called OPERATION: DO-OVER. How many books will I write? Lots, I guess. Next summer is kind of a milestone -- THE FORT will be my Book #100! (I can hardly believe it myself!)

Thanks again for your interest, Olivia. I hope #2 &#3 of MASTERMINDS live up to your expectations.

                                    Best regards,                                                 -----Gordon Korman-----

[Reid]

 

January 27, 2022

Dear Gordon Korman,

 

My name is Reid. I am 9 ½ years old. I live in Nova Scotia. I recently started reading one of your books, Restart. I find it interesting how Chase fell off the roof and got amnesia. I have a few questions for you. Why do you make Chase so mean in the start of the book? What is the reasoning behind Joel getting hit with the fire extinguisher and having a black eye? My last question is, why would you make everyone hate Chase in the book? 

 

I hope to hear back from you!

 

Reid

Grade 4

 

 

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Reid,

Thanks for posting. I'll try to answer your questions.

Every story is about something. RESTART is about second chances and forgiveness. If Chase had not been mean in the beginning, how would he grow to be nicer in the story? Think about the story and what is required to tell it. The same goes for Joel getting a black eye. That was the climax of the story. Chase had a bad reputation, so people automatically believed that he hit Joel on purpose -- which was NOT the truth, right? There again, that incident was part of the story, which was basically about Chase turning his life around after his accident. And why did everyone hate Chase? Well, wouldn't you? He was a bully and an all-around rotten kid before he lost his memory, saw his world differently, and got the chance to start over.

OK? I hope that helps you understand the workings of storytelling and the whys of RESTART. Thanks again for your letter.

                                                                                                              -----Gordon Korman-----

[Chloe P]

Hello Mr.Gordon Korman,

My name is Chloe and I am 11 years old, I know you are probably busy so i\'ll make this short. I was just wondering , what inspires you to write you books? Another question, what made you want to be an author?

 

    Hope you reply!

  Chloe

 

 

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Chloe,

Thanks for your interest in me and my work.

Most authors don't really need what you call "inspiration," Chloe. We write because we have something to say, a story to tell. Often that's all it takes to start us scribbling. Plus I can't speak for anyone else, but writing is my chosen profession. I do it for a living. Also, I wrote my first book when I was 12, in 7th grade. I wasn't trying to be an author; I was trying to get a good grade in English! (THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING AT MACDONALD HALL became a bestseller, and I got a B+. Apparently, neatness counts.)

OK? Thanks again, Chloe.                                                              -----Gordon Korman-----

[Hannah and Emily]

Dear Mr.Korman, 

you are probably busy so I will try to keep this short. First I just wanted to say I love your books and you are my favorite author. I even chose you as my story topic for my essay. My question. Is out of all the books you have written which one is your favorite and why. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Emily and Hannah

[Gordon Korman]

Hi, Hannah & Emily,

Thanks for posting. Tough question, because I really do like all my books. I'm usually the most "into" the newest release, so that makes my current "favorite" OPERATION DO-OVER. And next June 28th, my "favorite" will become THE FORT when it comes out. THE FORT is my #100, so I have the feeling it's going to be my real favorite for a long time because it's such a milestone!

OK? Thanks for your interest.                                                       -----Gordon Korman-----