Archive for Fan Mail

Fan Mail Wednesday #253: From Selasie, a Writer in Texas!

August 4, 2017 / / No comments

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This one comes from a young author in Beaumont, Texas . . .

 

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I replied:

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Dear Selasie,

Thank you for your letter and your kind comments about my Jigsaw Jones books.

I am impressed that you belong to a writing club at such a young age. When I was going into 3rd grade, my big life ambition was to see how many marshmallows I could cram into my mouth. I didn’t even begin to form the faintest dream of becoming an author until high school. But I did write, and really that’s where we all begin. With pen in hand, staring at that blank page.

So you are way ahead of me.

Sure, yes, please send along a manuscript. I’d love to read it. That said, please know that my belief is that the best thing you can do at this point is to write and read –- often, and widely –- rather than focus on publication. Enjoy yourself, follow your enthusiasms, have fun with it

Joey and Danika visit Jigsaw's house in THE CASE FROM OUTER SPACE. This wonderful illustration is by R.W. Alley.

Joey and Danika visit Jigsaw’s house in THE CASE FROM OUTER SPACE. This wonderful illustration is by R.W. Alley.

There is a new Jigsaw Jones book coming out this August 8th, The Case from Outer Space, along with four other titles. By November, there will be 8 “classroom classics” available for the first time in years –- previously published, newly revised and updated, all from Macmillan. Ask for them at your local bookstore.

I’m always glad to hear from my friends in Texas. I’ve wanted to get invited to visit schools in TX for years. It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m not giving up hope!

Oh, and thanks for the SASE. I’ll save it for next time you write. I am sending along two posters, one for you and one for the kind teacher who hosts your writing club.

Keep writing. You inspire me!

James Preller

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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , , , ,

Fan Mail Wednesday #252: I’m Working on it, Beattrice!

May 25, 2017 / / No comments

 

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Here’s a letter from sweet Beattrice in Indiana, who clearly loathes the idea of me lazing around & relaxing. Work, work, work, work, work.

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I replied:

 

Dear Beattrice:

I AM TRYING!!!

I mean to say, thank you for your request. I very much appreciate that you’d like for me to write more books.

It’s so much nicer than if you wrote, for example, “Please stop writing books. Seriously. Please. Stop.”

Ha, that would have been kind of sad.

Outer Space_FCThere is a new Jigsaw Jones book coming out this August, The Case from Outer Space. And by November, there will be 8 “classroom classics” available for the first time in years –- previously published Jigsaw Jones books, newly revised and updated, all from Macmillan.

In the meantime, just to make you happy, Beattrice, I’ll stop writing this letter . . . and start working on the next book!

Have a great summer.

James Preller

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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , ,

Fan Mail Wednesday #251: Gone Fishing!

May 23, 2017 / / No comments

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This one took a slightly smelly detour . . .

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I replied:

 

Dear Brandon:

I read and enjoyed your letter. Then, when I wasn’t looking, my wife threw the envelope in the trash.

Don’t blame her, she’s a neat freak. Always tidying up. But I was like, “Honey, dearest, where’s the envelope that came with this letter? I need that return address.”

Anyway, long story short, I rolled up my sleeves and fished it out of the garbage can. Pretty much disgusting, if you ask me. But you’re letter was worthy of a reply.

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You wrote a thoughtful review of The Case of the Runaway Dog. Excellent and observant! I’m glad you liked it.

To answer your question: Yes! There is a new Jigsaw Jones book coming out this August, The Case from Outer Space. And by November, there will be 8 “classroom classics” newly available –- revised and updated.

51i1BhhTBDL._SX318_BO1,204,203,200_You suggested a story where two detectives verse each other to see who can solve the case first. Well, I think I wrote one similar to your idea, titled The Case of the Double Trouble Detectives. In that story, rich-kid Reginald Pinkerton Armitage starts a rival detective agency. But as Jigsaw says to him, “Sure, you’re as rough as a pussycat. Why in the world do you want to get mixed up in this racket?”

Good luck tracking it down! It’s been out of print for a few years. Maybe you can find it in your library or on eBay. But never fear, there’s lots more Jigsaw Jones coming out soon!

My best,

James Preller

 

 

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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , ,

Fan Mail Wednesday #250: The Book Is Now a T-Shirt!

May 8, 2017 / / 4 comments
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First, look at this face.
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Can an author say “no” to a face like this?
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I would juggle live fire if this young girl asked me to do it.
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(Um, hoping she won’t ask. Please, Aubrielle, don’t ask me to juggle live fire!)
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aubs and her doll
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Anyway, a letter too sweet not to share . . . and it came with photos. Also, hey now, the 250th Fan Mail Wednesday. So grateful for these kind letters!
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Dear Mr. Preller,
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t shirt My grand-daughter Aubrielle is 5 years old and is in Kindergarten at ________.   She LOVES to read . . . and the other day she came home all excited because she was told that you would be coming to visit school on the 16th of May.  I didn’t know many of the details . . . but I sent a note to the librarian and was also happy to hear of your upcoming visit to our area.  One of Aubrielle’s favorite books is “Wake me in Spring” . . . and she decided to do a special t-shirt to honor your visit. We brought it to school today and they have it on display in the Library which made her feel so proud.  We are hoping when you come that maybe you could sign it for her….and I could take a photo of you and her together.  I am enclosing a photo of Aubrielle and the t-shirt. Looking so forward to meeting you. Have a great day!!!
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Sincerely,
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Carol and Aubrielle
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I replied:
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Carol,

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That’s so sweet, thank you for sharing those pictures. Of course I’d be happy and honored to sign the shirt and take a photo with Aubrielle.
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Could I share these photos on my blog? If yes, I would not identify Aubrielle’s school nor include her last name. I just sometimes like to share details from school visits without violating anyone’s privacy. That said, I understand if you prefer to keep this between us. It’s all good.
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My best,
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James Preller
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Category: Fan Mail / Tags: , , ,

FAN MAIL WEDNESDAY #249: “I want to nok your adress so I can vist.”

April 26, 2017 / / No comments

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This one included a kind teacher as an intermediary, helping a student make a connection. We ended up shooting a few emails back and forth, but I didn’t post those here. Stacey wrote:

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I have a letter I would like you to read and hopefully write back to this young man.  Thank you for your consideration.

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I replied:

Dear Collin,

I hope I got that name correct.

First of all, my gosh, I love that you live in Osh Kosh.

What a name!

I’ve heard of it all my life, but you are the first person I’ve ever “met” who actually lives there. Are you a big Packers fan?

Thank you for reading The Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards. I’m glad you liked it. Usually it takes me two months to write a Jigsaw Jones book. The first month, I bang my head against the wall, hoping to find ideas. Guess what I’ve learned? There are no ideas in the wall.

Eventually I get down to work. I get my butt in the chair, open to a clean page, and start to write. That’s the trick, mostly. Getting in that chair, getting away from all the distractions — the tv, my cell phone, the dog, my children, and a million other things — and writing.

Outer Space_FCI just wrote the 41st Jigsaw Jones book, titled The Case from Outer Space. It is coming out in August, along with four other “classic” titles that have been hard to find the past few years. Jigsaw Jones is back! By November, there will be 9 Jigsaw Jones books available in stores. I’m super happy about that — and I know that it couldn’t have happened with readers like you.

And, yes, I depend on teachers like Ms. ______, too!

BTW, I live pretty far away from you, in a town called Delmar, NY, just south of Albany. I’d love for you to visit if you are ever in the neighborhood. Though I am concerned that the brownies might get stale.

That would make me sad. Stale brownies. Sigh.

I think the rice krispies treats, however, should travel well.

Come see me anytime. And thank you so much for your terrific letter.

James Preller

 

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Category: Fan Mail, Jigsaw Jones / Tags: , , , , , , ,
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