Author Gordon Korman inspires students with stories of his own writing experiences

Gordon Korman began his fast and entertaining presentation with how he wrote his first novel when he was only twelve -- a four-month-long Grade 7 assignment produced This Can’t Be Happening At Macdonald Hall, which was published when Gordon was fourteen.  That story got him a B+ but more importantly, got him started on a career that would cover over thirty-five years and lead to more than 55 additional books. 

Korman’s presentation talked about brainstorming, developing characters, dialogue, rewriting and revision, and of course his trademark humour.   He advised students to write from their own experiences and about what they love – and to do research if they haven’t had those experiences. He told stories about researching the juvenile justice system, football and what he learned about surviving on Mount Everest or on a raft at sea.

For the more than 800 students from New Central, Maple Grove, Chisholm, Brantwood and E.J James public schools who heard him speak, it was an inspiring and entertaining morning.  Grateful students may wish to thank the New Central Public School parent volunteers for initiating and organizing the visit and E.J. Public School parent volunteers for generating interest in his visit with a reading contest.  Both New Central and E.J. School Council funded the author's visit for students.