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I recently purchased a copy of your new oversized paperback collection of stories entitled "4 Fantastic Novels". Last night I finished reading "Yobgorgel: Monster of Lake Ontario" for the first time. I thought it was great, and I was very enthralled with the idea of a machine that could convert fish into any food with only a slight fishy aftertaste. This struck me as such an awesome idea with so many possibilities. The very idea of all types of fish being mixed and mashed, strained and sifted into an infinite number of other foods and products really got me thinking. I dreamt about fish last night, and I fell out of bed twice. Now, I must tell you that I have been a very faithful vegetarian for over four years. I refused to eat my favourite snack mix because it contained trace elements of anchovy powder; I wouldn't eat french fries that had been cooked in the same grease as chicken nuggets; I declined cheese sandwiches that had been cooked on the same griddle as hamburger patties; etc... But, for some reason when I woke up today I had fish on the brain. Not just one fish fillet, but the idea of a giant vat of fish mixing together for the greater good. I ate a tuna fish sandwich for lunch. Only you could convert a vegetarian with extremely strong convictions and will-power by merely describing a warm cup of fish cocoa. You have the stomach of a poet, Mr. Pinkwater.
A Delighted Reader,
Robin Dillon
While it was never my intention to convert anyone--I must observe that under different circumstances, the tunafish would be having you for lunch, and presumably liking you as much as you like(d) it. I am grateful that you read my book, but respectfully submit that it was merely a prompting, (the flipping out of bed tells me this:) your system was screaming for animal protein--enjoy it, and use it wisely. Chicken McNuggets may still be a bad idea. You are, of course, the sort of reader I hope for, and at the same time, fear.
Dear Daniel,
I don't know if I ever sent you one, but a friend published a picture of our house in the Mouth, a witty disability rights magazine and website (I'm not sure why, but it makes it easy to show off our house.) Just to let you know (I think I wrote once years ago) I read your book as a kid, then lost it (your book) for ten years or so, then suddenly remembered it one day out of the blue, and when I looked around at my life (even more-so now, with ten more years) and I think Mr. Plumbean was very influencial for me. Please accept and share this example of the inspiration you offered.
http://www.mouthmag.com/number60/2000.htm
Thanks,
peace b
Bruce Triggs
Listen, I write what I write. I deny that I am responsible for anything that happens as a result of reading my stuff. If you whacked yourself on the head repeatedly with a book of mine, would that be my fault? Nice picture of the house.
I am hoping this goes through
I am a mad librarian at the Loussac Public Library in Anchorage Alaska
I am requesting your presence here because they want to meet you
I have met you on occasion and have taken great pride in this fact
these librarians are jealous
what will it take to get you here
They have almost all of your books except the first one you ever wrote.
I am most in need of having you visit Alaska and especially this library. They are of the idea that you do not fly (although I know you levitate which is a similar feat).
Please come see us and I will shower you with rose petals and feed you tasty treats.
While I am very fond of you, I will not shower with you. I no longer fly at all, and even my former offer to possibly visit Alaska if a ride on Air Force One, or maybe Air Force Two, could be arranged, is retracted. I can envision a heavy-duty tour bus, or large luxury yacht as transport--if that can be done, we can discuss specific accomodations, equipment, itinerary, etc. Or, I could send you a cassette. Your call.
Honored Doctor Captain Pinkwater, Sir,
I am an English teacher. I am not especially proud of this fact as my ilk have been responsible for vast fields of destruction of imaginative youngsters, and yet I try to be a force for good.
I am trying to decorate my classroom with letters and emails from famous and substantial people who rule the world. My criteria are that the people in question wield virtually immeasurable power and that they all have something in their body type or aesthetic appearance that does not resemble the plastic clones which clutter the advertising world.
So, O Great One, I humbly request from you a line or two, if possible to Mr. B-C's Senior English students, giving them one or two book recommendations and a word of encouragement from the master.
Thank you, Doctor, for your attention to this matter.
Humbly,
William Boerman-Cornell
Teacher, theater-goer, and corn-dog aficionado
First I have to know what other individuals you have honored in this way.
Dear friend,
Today-Sat. Sept.2 you did a show with Scott Simon where you spoke about a book about the haiku poet Basho and some fox. Could you please tell me the name of the book, the author etc. Thank you.
That's _Basho and the Fox_ published by Marshall Cavendish, author Myers, illustrator, Han.
I wonder if you can help me on two books on which I heard portions of reviews by Daniel P and Scott Simon.
1) I heard mention of a previous review (in correspondence) of a book on New Zealand history today, Sat 9/2, on Weekend Edition.
2) Maybe two years ago I caught a bit of a discussion between DP and Scott S of an international childrens' anthology.
If it helps, I did dash over to Amazon and order DP's new Four Novels on hearing it was out...
I know the New Zealand book you mean, but can't think of the title. As to the anthology--I'm drawing a blank. You can inquire of the program. I think it's wesat@npr.org. Hope this helps, and thanks for ordering 4 Fantastic Novels!
Daniel - I am a public school librarian who loves Wuggie Norple. I have moved to different libraries and keep trying to get a copy of this book and always find that it is out of print. Any indication that someone would reprint this great story?? Do you have any extra copies lying around?? Young kids just love the lunacy in this story - as do I . I have recently acquired a St. Bernard puppy who like Wuggie Norple grows when you aren't looking! Help!! Sandy Shepherd
One has to pick one's fights. Getting publishers to see the point can be a very lengthy affair, with much repetition, and giving them little liver-treats. I have been successful in getting various companies to bring out paperback anthologies of some novels, (5 NOVELS, and 4 FANTASTIC NOVELS), Simon and Schuster has brought out a new edition of THE HOBOKEN CHICKEN EMERGENCY, with illustrations by Jill, there is going to be an updated SUPERPUPPY, after 24 continuous years in print...and there are a couple of other things under discussion. So, really, it's lots better than it has been. I'd love to see WUGGIE NORPLE come back, and I can't imagine that Tomie DePaola would have any objection. If you got fifteen or twenty of your librarian colleagues to send letters to Simon and Schuster saying you all want WUGGIE NORPLE, you might get them to republish it.
DP,
Lizard Music changed my life. I was 12 (30 now) & it helped me realize that I'm not so wierd - and that if I am, it's a good thing - at a time when I really needed it. I will never be able to thank you enough, so my way of thanking you is by giving the book as a gift every chance I get! I think I have given out at least 9 or ten copies, to children & adults. I just got another one for my boss's daughter. I can't wait for my 2 y.o. son to be old enough for it. Again, thanks!
What can I say? I complain about dumb or dishonest publishers, privately feel like a fool because I didn't know how to protect myself from destructive and wasteful business-heads, worry that I haven't developed or evolved enough as an artist...and then you tell me--18 years after the fact--that a book of mine changed your life. Thanks.
Dear Sir:
Are you familiar with splinter Reform Party candidate John Hagelin, a former scientist who claims to be a student of Transcendental Meditation and who once brought a bunch of people to DC to try and meditate down the crime rate? I'm sure you distance yourself from politics, but he's worthy to be out of one of your books. Of course I wouldn't vote for him though. (He lacks the magnetic charm of Clarence Yojirushi...)
No, I was not familiar with him, but he frightens me now that you've shared a few facts. If groups of people meditating on matters external to them accomplished anything, it would be possible to get decent baked goods where I live. You won't go wrong by voting for Clarence Yojimbo--I always do it.
Mr. Pinkwater,
I realize this may not be your e-mail address, I'm gambling this will find it's way to you. During the broadcast of C.W. Theater on Sun. Aug. 20th, I believe you made reference to "My old pal" Ken Nordeen. (please excuse any misspellings) Needless to say my ears perked up, like they have not perked up in years! I was wondering............
Any & all Information on this subject would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,
Rodney (curious in Cedar Hills) Koch
Like any listener you heard/remember somewhat selectively. What I said, in a mock derisive tone, to my esteemed colleague and producer Charity Nebbe, who had just stepped on a rather lush word-picture I was painting, was, "If Ken Nordeen and Jean Shepherd had you for a producer, we'd have had National Public Radio even sooner."Nordeen is not my "old pal," except in the sense that as a wonderful sound-artist he's a pal to all of us. As far as I know, he lives and produces work. As to a web site, I don't know if he has one--but by this time, who doesn't? Do a google-search.
Dear D.P.,
I heard there was gonna be a Lizard Music 2, do you have any idea when it will come out? If so, when? Also, I just read The Magic Camera and Devil in the Drain. I had never heard of them, and on all your list of books they're never there (at least of what I've seen.) What's up with that? And finally, why does Jill never show her picture? From reading all you're biographys I'm curious to see how she looks, I've only seen that painting thing in Rainy Morning.
I think I'm supposed to hand in the sequel to Lizard Music before the end of this year--which means I haven't started writing it yet. I see a folder with LIZ MUS 2 written on it, which means I must have thought about it, and made some notes, but goshdarned if I can remember what they are, and I dare not look in the folder because I'm supposed to be thinking about something else. Some people will be surprised, and others not surprised at all, to learn that in order to make a living as a children's author I have to do everything fast, and have no time to go back and correct things. Jill's people believe that if you have your picture taken, the Republicans will get your soul.
Dear Danial:
I always claim to belong to the Church of the Chenwag Theater and Danial Pinkwater is my guru. To belong I believe (and practice) one needs to pour a glass of red wine on Sunday evenings (In Lorane, Oregon - 7:00 PM from KOAC in Corvallis) and fix dinner while listening to the latest sermon on the philosophy of life from the resident guru. (You may wonder why we are begining dinner at 7 PM and that is because we are old hippies that make artistic products and work all the time. We also drive a '77 Ford Econoline Van with many bumper stickers and our van's 'captian chairs' are a copious PINKWATER.)
Best regards,
Cathleen Coulson-Keegan
Most people with gurus send the guru substantial amounts of money. By making me yours, and getting guruisms over public radio, you realize a considerable saving. I hope you send a check to the radio station once in a while.
Mr. Pinkwater,
I don't have an actual question, I just have something I would like to say (I hope this is the appropriate place). When I was much younger (relatively, I am only seventeen), my mother bought an audio cassatte of Fish Whistle. I forget how old I was, but I know that it was a very crucial age in deciding what kind of person I wanted to become. I have loved to write ever since I was capable, and nothing gives me more pleasure than to write something which might entertain. I therefore do a humor column for my school paper. If you were to read some of my columns I am sure you might notice a slight influence. This is because your stories (along with several choice works of literature my parents read to me when I was even younger) caused me to realize what I wanted to do in this world. I find it difficult to express the amount of gratitude I feel towards you, sir. I honestly believe if it wasn't for that book, as well as the Narnia chronicles by C.S. Lewis (I think, it is really late) which my parents read to me at an early age, I wouldn't be the person I am proud to be today. I hope, well more than hope, I will become a writer someday soon, and write the sort of nonfictional humor stories featured in Fish Whistle. Although I would probably list Grizzard and the currently popular travel writer Bill Bryson as influences, I want you to know that you are the one true influence on the way I express myself. Perhaps you get letters like this constantly, and perhaps you don't and find this hard to believe, but either way I have always wanted to thank you. Someday when I am a known author, world reknowned and adored by beautiful women, I will think "If it wasn't for Daniel Pinkwater none of this would have been possible, and I most likely would have lived a quiet and miserable life as a military land-mine inspector, just like dear old dad."
Thank you for the inspiration,
Lucas Flatt
No, I don't get all that many letters like yours--that is, letters which refer to the craft, or artistry, or whatever the hell it is that I do, that makes my stuff work as writing. I tend not to want to discuss it myself, only because much talk, (not to mention courses, conferences, and how-to books), are just so much twaddle. However, I fully appreciate what you say--and for me, even after all this time, the simple pleasure of putting words together, putting them on paper, or on a screen, remains utterly diverting and delightful. How wonderful when someone else can appreciate the results!
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
In the past, my husband read where you described the best-ever hotdog in the Hudson Valley, and where it could be purchased and happily consumed.
Please post this info, as we are hungry to know. We live in Orange County and are willing to drive to Fishkill and beyond. Price is no object. We'd like to try it before the winter kicks in.
Sincerely,
Phyliss Liverwitz
P.S. I also enjoyed "Uncle Melvin" very much.
Alas, the authentic Chicago hot dog establishment is no more. The proprietor, an excellent man, died...very likely from eating his own product on too regular a basis. So it will be a longer drive if you still want to have the experience. (I understand there are 600 hot dog stands in Chicago).
ive read 6 of your books: Robert Nifken,Alan Mandelson,the snarkout boys and the avocado of death , slaves of spiegel,the last guru ,and young adult novel. im 12 years old(this month)and ive learned about your books through my mother who is a childrens librarian.i like the books because they are funny and clever.im iterested in rock music and guitars,im learning how to surf in the cold atlantic.
I am discussing with publishers the possibility of waterproof bouyant editions of forthcoming books, to enable simultaneous reading and surfing.
When will you come out with the 2nd tape in the fishwhistle triology?
Cheers,
Sonny
No plans at present. I have all this writing to catch up with, and there's the radio show, and the halvah mine. I'm pretty busy.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I have been wondering a bit about Cat Nip. Specifically; when Van Veen enjoys some Cat nip is he actually impaired like a tipsy human? I mean, for example, could he get hurt operating a car or other heavy machinery? I've asked several people and no one seems to have an opinion. Also do you ever need any alternates for Charity on Chinwag Theater? Like when she's on vacation or something????
Best Regards,
Doria Summa
I don't know where you are, but in NY state a cat has to be 16 before s/he can operate machinery. Charity Nebbe takes her vacations in Iowa, and we play repeats while she is gone.
Hello Mr Pinkwater,
I like your books every much. I recently decided that I would like to be a kindergarten teacher and write decent kid stories at the same time. Everybody tells me it's a bad job. What do you think of it and do you have any advice at all?
Thanks,
Loretta
Writing decent kids' stories is a great job, and you're approaching it intelligently, since indecent ones are impossible to get published. As to teaching kindergarten, I hear it's ok after the first year when you catch all the colds.
Dear Mr P,
Since you so kindly unauthorized the (sort of) Official Daniel Pinkwater Website, I wonder if you might do me the honor of unendorsing the new eGroups mailing list just started up at:
http://www.egroups.com/group/dadaducks
Of course, since you consider *yourself* a fictional character, I suppose I should find out who writes *your* lines, and ask them to unendorse the list!
YC-H
Consider it undone.
Dear 'O Great Won,
You are 1 of the greatest authors in the world (the others being Orwell, Tolkien, etc...) and i have always had a prattish dream that I'd have the Onner to how to you say "speak" to you. I hope you don't mind me taking some of your "creations" (Alan Mendelsohn, Borgel) as my heroes. Oh yes, i have a friendy who has requested to know if there is any connection between the titles of Borgel, and Yobgorgle.
Dolefully,
A. Nan Imnouss
p.S. Have you aver bean to Greese?
There is a connection between Borgel and Yobgorgle in that the same author wrote them both. I was in Athens for a couple of days once enroute to Africa. I found out that those grooves in the columns that hold up the Parthenon are good backrests, and there were a lot of butterflies around the place.
