James Preller's Blog

Hi. My name is Christopher and I am in the 3rd grade. We were given a project to do on our favorite author and I picked you. I have to do a visual aid that needs to include some interesting facts about you. Can you give me some interesting facts about you? What are some of your favorite hobbies other than writing?

Christopher, thanks for selecting me as your favorite author. I have three kids and I can’t even crack their Top Ten List. Interesting things? Oh dear. Let’s see:

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1. I suffer from terrible dandruff.

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Actually, this photo is from a recent trip to New York City. And guess what? It snowed. A lot.

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2. I sat in the last row of Shea Stadium, up high in the clouds, for the 5th Game of the 1969 World Series when the New York Mets won it all. I was in 3rd grade, just like you, and I remember it like it was yesterday. However, yesterday I don’t remember all that well.

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3. The funny thing about hobbies is, well, I don’t really think of anything I do as a hobby. I mean, I don’t carve wooden ducks in the basement. I don’t collect anything (except dandruff: see above). Hey, wait. I once got hired to write a book about Baseball Card Collecting, and as a result I decided to collect a complete set o 1969 Topps baseball cards. The most valuable card I own is probably this one, it cost more than $100:

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4. I love music and listen to it all the time. My favorite songwriter is Bob Dylan. But if I’m really concentrating (unlike, say, now), I have to switch to something instrumental, in which case I prefer jazz: Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, etc.

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5. I once wrestled an alligator on a trip down to Florida. Just for kicks, Christopher, because that’s how I roll. It did not work out well for the alligator:

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Seriously, Christopher, I don’t know that there are any interesting facts about me. I’m just a guy, a husband, a father. My life isn’t extraordinary. Whatever limited magic I might have, I try to put into the books. However, for your report, you can find more information about me with a little digging in this very blog. 1) Up at the top of the page, click on “BIO,” and; 2) Click on “Q & A.” If there’s any interesting stuff (unlikely), you’ll find it there.

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Good luck on your report!

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JP