Hi, Jonah,
Thanks for posting. I’m honored to be your “Canadian Icon.” Thank you for choosing me. I’m pleased that you enjoy my books, and I’ll try to deal with your questions.
1. I’m certainly not out to change the world, so I’ve never thought about making an impact on society rather than on the average reader. I hope my audience is entertained. I also hope my readers notice that, although I don’t preach, my main characters are essentially decent, honest people. Is that preaching by example? Maybe.
2. Would you believe I’ve never had real writers’ block? Sure, I get stuck now and then, but a conversation with someone I’m close to usually gets me unstuck in a hurry. My Mom is a good sounding board.
3. Writing isn’t my hobby, Jonah. It’s what I do for a living. My main hobbies are my family, weight training, ocean beaches, and the New York Giants. Big football fan, along with my wife and 3 kids.
4. I’m sure my childhood memories reflect who I am. I remember being happy, and laughing a lot. I was an only child, but I had a cousin who was as close as a brother to me. And my Mom and Dad were amazing!
5. My characters are fictional, which means I make them up. There may be bits and pieces of real people in the occasional character, but basically they’re all invented.
6. I presume you’re asking about video games because you’ve read SLACKER. I’ve played, and I’ve enjoyed them very much. My older son, now 18, is an absolute whiz. I’m pretty sure he could win “Rule the World!”
OK? I hope that covers everything you wanted to know. If there’s anything else, you know where to find me — right here on the website. Thanks again for your interest in me and my work.
—-Gordon Korman—-