Fan of Paul’s Book Blows Him Away with an Email

A local child from one of the PSD schools wrote me and told me I was his favorite author.

Oh yes, flattery will get you everywhere, son.

But seriously, he wrote me a very nice email, and I couldn't wait to write back. I was so excited to hear that someone really liked my book. People have told me that before, but nothing like this had ever come to me out of the blue.

Dear Paul,

In class we had to write to our favorite author and I chose you. I'm a big fan of your book Stranded in a Snowstorm. I have a few questions about your book. How did you think of your topic? How did you come about the characters in your book? Is this book based off a true event? I was wondering, maybe we could Skype some time? If you want to write me back my email is:

So, I wrote right back to him.

Andrew,

Thanks for the email. I’m so glad you like my book. I’d love to answer your questions.

First, I have a few for you. What grade and school are you in, and what class requires you to write to an author? Now, on to your questions.

How did you think of your topic?

Good fiction topics always come from conflict, trouble, or problems. Without conflict, there is no drama. The possible conflicts are Human vs. Human, Human vs. Nature, Human vs. Themselves, or Human vs. Machine, and many stories have more than one as the central conflict. Which ones do you think Stranded in a Snowstorm is based on? 

Then, as I develop story, I generally write about things that I know about, and skiing and being in the backcountry are right in my wheelhouse. So, I start with conflict and then work out how they found themselves in trouble and how they’ll find their way out. I describe it so it speaks to what the senses experienced, the feelings the characters have and the changes they go through.  

How did you come about the characters in your book?

Nico’s appearance is a copy of my friend’s son at like four years old. Nico the character is older, but the looks are based on the real Nicholas. He was just super cute, with this awesome bowl cut that can only really be worn well by a really young person. I just loved that look. His personality is just a creation. It has a bit of me and a bit of others I’ve met. 

Paul is based on me, because even though it is fiction, I wanted to be able to bring that character to life. There are so many ways to communicate, that being able to bring the character to life could happen on a website, on YouTube, or even better, in person. 

Hannah came together as a reaction to the other characters. Nico was blonde because the inspiration for him is blonde. I have light hair, too, so we needed a contrast in her look, so we went with red hair. Her sensibility and the type of person she is comes from a lot of people that I have met over the years. 

Is this book based off a true event?

The answer to that is on the book. Look at the outside cover, and it will tell you. If you can’t figure it out, ask an adult for help. 

I would love to Skype, or FaceTime or otherwise video chat. It has to be approved by your parents or teacher, if it is part of the class. Let them know to contact me so we can have approval to set it up.

Also, let you teacher know that I’d be happy to come in and talk to your class. I am available for that in the afternoons most weekdays. 

I’m stoked you like my book. Thanks for writing me. 

I hope I didn't sound like a lame-o telling him to find some of the answers himself, but, hey, if it's a teachable moment, might as well take advantage.

So, we continued our correspondence and I learned that he is in a 5th grade writing class at Werner, and I have set up an appearance at their school.

Check out Paul's book!

I'm giving away copies of my book during our 'Give the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season' giveaway from Dec. 7-22, 2015 on TRI102.5.