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Hi, Lydia,

Thanks for posting. I’ll try to be helpful, but I don’t know …

1. The gifted characters were loosely based on very bright people I grew up and went to school with. They’re not anyone I actually knew, and a lot of their quirks and attitudes were strictly fictional. In other words, I’m admitting I did no research at all. But I believe I do know gifted from ordinary.

2. Most writers don’t require what you call “inspiration,” Lydia. We write because we have something to say, a story to tell. That’s just about all it takes to start us scribbling. The basic plan for Book 1 was ungifted student among the gifted, tap-dancing as fast as he could just to catch up. Book 2 was written because #1 was a big hit. Also, even I wanted to know if Noah was going to manage to escape his own brilliance.

3. The i.q. scores were just a titling gimmick. Also a reminder that these characters weren’t just extra-bright, nor was it a simple advanced class. They were truly gifted. 

I hope that’s helpful. If you have any follow-up questions, you know where to find me — right here!

                                     Regards,                                                              —–Gordon Korman—–