Avi's Blog, page 31

I recently received a letter from a young fan concerning my Crispin books. The writer informed me that when he read the second book in the series (At the Edge of the World), he “fell in love” with the character Troth. Then, when he turned to the third book, and realized Troth was not part […]

Consider: what is the purpose of a book review? Is it simply to register a reader’s subjective response? Is it to evaluate the writing within the broader context of literature? Or is it the reviewer’s task to determine what the writer wanted to achieve, and evaluate if those goals have been achieved? Are reviews meant […]

When an author dedicates a book to an individual—sometimes to more than one person or even to a group of people—it is a gift of appreciation, recognition, or in some way acknowledging a very positive personal connection. (The detective book writer, Robert Parker, always dedicated his books to his wife.) The writer is bestowing a […]

While Shakespeare once wrote, “A rose by any other name will smell as sweet,” a good (or bad) title can make a difference for a book. The book’s title is the introduction of a book to the reader. It is enormously important. Curiously, you cannot copyright a title. That explains why some titles reappear for […]

I work on a book for a year, or more, rewrite it endlessly, read it aloud to my wife, share it with a friend whose criticism I greatly trust, rewrite some more, and it is, I tell myself, mostly done and not bad. I send it to my editor, and don’t hear anything for a […]

My thanks to J.B. Petty, who wrote in this Booklist starred review of Gold Rush Girl, “With his characteristically suspenseful style, Avi crafts a rousing historical adventure helmed by a spirited protagonist whom readers will love. Tory’s first-person narration further connects readers to the gold rush–era story, which concludes with room for future exploits. One […]

Questions I am often asked about my book, Nothing but the Truth. Q: Is the story based on something that happened to you? A: Not at all. Q: Then what gave you the idea for the story? A: I was living in the East Coast (Rhode Island) and read a news story about the turmoil […]

The community of children’s book authors is quite wonderful. I love being a part of it. I find illustrators and writers in the field to be friendly, open, and welcoming, willing to share of themselves and their experiences. Is that one hundred percent true? I suppose nothing in this world is one hundred percent. But […]

No. That said, these days most publishers extend me the courtesy of showing me potential covers and responding to my reaction. (They are not required to do so.) Early on, that was not always the case. There have been covers I have liked, and covers I liked far less. I have even disliked some. But […]

You said you read Dickens’ A Christmas Carol every Christmas. Why? I have no idea when I first read A Christmas Carol. Perhaps it was read to me. I might have heard it on the radio, if you can believe in such ancient times. Many times I have seen the British film, in black and […]