Samples of Students' Letters to the Author Mr. Graham Salisbury Portland , Oregon graham@grahamsalisbury.com
Dear Mr. Salisbury Greetings! My name is Joyce Dinh and I go to Santa Barbara Catholic School . My classmates and I had read your book Under the Blood-Red Sun. I thought that the book was very interesting because when I had first read one of the chapters, I couldn't stop reading; even though we weren't supposed to read ahead of the class. I got so caught up in the book because it had so much imagery that made me picture every scene, which is what I like in books. I was so interested in that book that I want to meet with you. There I can meet you and ask you some questions. Some of my questions will be why was your nickname Sandy ? In all the books you wrote what was your favorite? Had you ever tried to write poems? If not, why? Why did you choose writing instead of singing? Who or what inspired you to write your books? I also have plans on getting your book called Lord of the Deep.” When I read the descriptions on the internet about the book it caught my attention. There was a quote about lying and telling the truth. I like books like that because I can relate it to my life. I have a lot of decisions to make that have to do with that quote. I want to see people's views on what I should do. Maybe the book can help me out. Sincerely, Minda (pseudonym)
Graham Salisbury 20 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 830 Portland , OR 97204 graham@grahamsalisbury.com
Dear Mr. Salisbury, Our 8 th grade class has recently finished reading Under the Blood-Red Sun . We would truly appreciate it if you could visit our little island of Guam to talk about your book. Although Guam is smaller than Hawaii , in a way they are both similar. For example, both places have cities and beaches where people can escape from the noise and the polluted air that they find in the city streets. If you had the power to meet a character from one of your books, who would it be? Why? If you could meet one author from the past or from the present who would it be? Why? What was your favorite book as a child? When did you know you wanted to be an author? Do you think you would write a novel based on your children's lives? Although I only read one of your books I already like the characters you write about. One of your books I'm interested in reading is Lord of the Deep . My reason for this is that one of my classmates had presented it as part of our Book Talk. I was interested in what the book was about because the cover caught my eye. I wanted to know who the boy on the cover was. To me the cover looked kind of mysterious. I hope you will find the time to visit us to speak about your book. Sincerely, Zeny (pseudonym)
October 28, 2003 Dear Mr. Salisbury, Hello! My name is Gemma Datuin. I am living on an island called Guam. I have read only one of you books, which is Under the Blood Red Sun . Let me tell you something about myself. I only started getting into reading in the 8 th grade. The novel, Under the Blood Red Sun , was very exciting, but sad. When I first saw the book it looked boring because I'm not very into war books. When my class and I read this it only got interesting for me in Chapter 5. I've read some reviews of Lord of the Deep and I'm thinking of reading it because my classmate said it's a good book. If you want, we can meet on Guam. We can meet at Gameworks in the tourist village, Tumon. We can play games in there or maybe go kiking to Sigua Falls or Fat man's Cave. We can ride a boat to Coco's island and do a lot of ocean activities. We can go fishing at Hotel Wharf. Don't worry about the money, it's my treat. After all these activities you can relax in the hotel Outrigger with a nice pool with a really lovely beach. When you meet me at Gameworks can you answer some of my questions? First, why did you end the novel Under the Blood Red Sun like that? Second, why did you give up being a singer? Why was your nickname Sandy? Are you thinking of being an illustrator also, or are you going to stick to being an author? Finally, what inspired you to write and what's your secret to writing a novel? Don't forget to meet me at Gameworks on November 29, 2003, which is also my birthday! We could meet at 12pm. Maybe you can meet some of my friends. Well, anyway, don't forget about me. Thank you for your undivided attention and for your time. Your friend, Gemma Datuin |