Talk to DP Forum

Submit a message

Steve Fink

Post #1073 – 20000323

March 23, 2000

Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

My name is Steve Fink and I am a 19 year-old college student at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie New York. I am writing to you because about 14 years ago my twin brother Dan wrote to you asking you to come to dinner in Maine after he read that you had always wanted to live in Maine. You politely declined due to the fact that at the time he had the chicken pox. He wrote to you about 5 years later, and once again you responded with a charming postcard ( I believe done by your wife) of yourself (many times).

Well, I have now learned you are living on the Hudson River Valley, and on my brother’s behalf I would once again to like to extend an invitation for dinner, either in Maine or in New York. The offer is serious, and it is totally up to you. I hope all is well in your life and thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Steve Fink

Daniel replies:

Thanks for your kind invitation to dine. I don't see how I can accept it without giving offense to your twin, whose similar offer I rejected 14 years ago. However, there may be a way to save face: The local chapter of Mensa has plans to give my wife and me pizza in early May. (I am not a member, but I believe they wish to discuss my proposal to create an organization to be known as Mensa Lite for intellectuals with a less than stellar numeric rating). It may be, given the informal nature of the event, (no reciting of the Mensa oath, chanting or secret hand-signals), that the Mensans would not object to the presence of a small number, (my disciple, Shaenon Garrity, President of the Non-Human Students Organization, and one or two others might wish to attend), of nice students, who would pay for their own pizza and behave in a manner to bring credit upon their college. I've put you and Bibi (the Mensa contact) in touch via an email, if you'd care to take it up with one another. My apologies to non-local posters for taking up space with this social matter.


Linda Frasier

Post #1074 – 20000323

March 23, 2000

Mr. Pinkwater,

Of course, my husband and I laughed our heads off when we read Lizard music to our (then) 6 year old son. He liked it, too. He was really worried about the rabbit when the kid left the island. I’m glad Chicken Man remembered to pack it. Made me realize it’s a great kid book, too.

Is it my imagination, of does the library’s copy of Fat Men from Space have more pictures than my paperback? I’m worried that I may be missing something. Should I look for a hardcover or am I just imagining things?

I’ve been busily digging up Yoborgle: Mystery Monster of Lake Ontario and The Snarkout Boys and the Baconburg Horror on the internet (both hardcover). Also scored a hardcover Hoboken Chicken Emergency and some Snarkout audio tapes for my friend with the brain tumor, who is now having radiation therapy. I think we may have to start a political movement to give this country a weirder sense of humor so that your books will be easily available.

My friend was very happy to hear that she mustn’t die, because you will write more books. I think it made her whole week. I think she’ll like the Baconburg Horror. She was in love with James Dean when she was a teenager and will really appreciate the poetry. She was a lot like the Rat.

Gee, what this about a demon in a drain? Did I hear something like that on NPR news? I think I may need to do some more looking.

Are 3 dogs too many? I think my giant 2 year old wolf-dog needs a playmate. The old dog would rather sleep. I take my dogs to the park so that the big one can find playmates, but a puppy seems like such a great idea. Do you have anything sensible to say about this, like the more the merrier?

Thanks,

Linda Frasier

Daniel replies:

 I don't believe in wolf-dogs as a matter of principle, if you mean a wolf-dog hybrid. They tend to be dangerously shy, or dangerously aggressive, or hyper-sensitive...and the good ones act like regular dogs you can obtain at the shelter without encouraging ignorant people to breed the problematic hybrids. Don't get another wolfoid. 
Get something nice and durable and good-natured, and big.


The Mad Librarian

Post #1072 – 20000321

March 21, 2000

I am about to graduate from My Masters Program and enter the real world, or the fake world as it may well be. I have been in academia for so long I forget what the real(or fake) world is like. Has it changed much? Is it any different than it was before?

BTW I am still planning to load up a library with your books and see if that doesnt change the gravitational pull of California thus avoiding all the earthquakes.

The Mad Librarian

Daniel replies:

 I wouldn't know, never having been there. Congratulations on the imminent Master's Degree! Librarians are cool!


Sarah Hunt

Post #1071 – 20000320

March 20, 2000

Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

For all your fans who can’t find the Pinkwater books they need, I recommend library surplus booksales. There are many books there that are too worn for library use but can have a new life in the hands of a gentle reader.

A few years ago at a University book store I bought a book that I thought many of the characters in your books would like: Zen Speaks: Shouts of Nothingness by Tsai Chih Chung (trans. Brian Bruya). It’s Zen stories in comic book form! The art is beautiful and each story is introduced by a monk who looks strikingly like your jacket photo.

I am glad that I became a librarian so that I can introduce your books to even more impressionable minds.

Sarah Hunt

Daniel replies:

So it's your fault! I only write them--I can't help that, it's my nature to do so--but you introduce them to impressionable minds! You admitted it! I feel so much better.


Ms. Grosshandler

Post #1069 – 20000319

March 19, 2000

Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

I work with the second grade. Your book “The Tooth Gnasher Superflash,” was the coolest. Our class in Far Rockaway, NY had a great time doing Reader’s Theater with the Popsnorkle Family.

The kids and the teachers worked together dilligently crafting our “Readers Theater.” The teachers and kids had a great time performing, as did the parents watching their Popsnorkles ride away in the Tooth Gnasher Superflash!!!

Thanks for writing such a fun book.

2-201 & 2-204

P.S. 43 Queens

Ms. Lesley

Ms. Mark-Geller

Ms. Murtagh and

me, Ms. Grosshandler, Paraprofessional

Daniel replies:

Thanks for mentioning it. Did you hear the excellent piece about Queens Scott Simon did on Weekend Edition Saturday, March 18? 
You can listen to it via Real Audio on the npr.org website.


Louie

Post #1070 – 20000319

March 19, 2000

Dear Daniel Pinkwater,

My favorite story of yours is “The Blue Moose”. When will you have that story on again. (I live in Salem, Oregon and listen to OPB out of Portland. You didn’t have that station in the ones listed in your web site, by the way.)

Keep on writting. Keep on reading your stuff on the radio- it’s great!!

love, louie

Daniel replies:

Chinwag Theater has moved from the station in Iowa to Michigan Radio. They plan to help us, which no one did for the first two years. Soon we will announce a new email address, and we hope to have an improved web site, which will include an up to date station list, and maybe even prior announcements of programs to come. This would be a very good time for people whose local public radio station does not carry the program, and who might wish to hear it, to bug said station to look into it. Thank you for bringing it up.


Mark Milotay

Post #1067 – 20000318

March 18, 2000

Mr. Pinkwater,

I have been trying to track down some books I read as a child about 2 children & a Malamute that could talk. They took place in British Columbia, Canada. Being a Malamute devotee, I was wondering if you would know either who wrote these or their titles?

Thanks,

Mark Milotay

Daniel replies:

Sorry, never heard of them. I'm pretty sure I didn't write them, and as I've never read much, it's not likely I'd know.


Nat Rounds

Post #1068 – 20000318

March 18, 2000

Okay, web search engines all work in the same way when looking for your friend Ken Kelman. They refer one to the 1960’s film reviews, essays and the like with which he’s associated. Is he alive? Gotta know, dear author, gotta know.

Warmest Regards,

Nat Rounds

P. S. Ever listen to Bob Dylan’s Time Out of Mind?

Daniel replies:

Back in the sixties there were already heated discussions about whether Ken Kelman was alive...and he participated in some of these. Today, it's anybody's guess, but the last time I talked to him, a couple of months ago, he sounded reasonably alive.


Natasha Shapiro

Post #1066 – 20000317

March 17, 2000

I once had a copy of the book Alan Mendelsohn, the Boy From Mars. I borrowed it from the library, told them I lost it and paid for it….I couldn’t give it back. I do not condone this dishonest behavior, but I felt that it was my only way to get the book. I was wrong, and I guess – as punishment – the book was destroyed in the Northridge earthquake. ( I know the ground around me is shaky…literally as well as figuratively.) It was my most valuable possession. Once, in a previous earthquake, we were evacuated from our home because of a gas leak (they thought we were gonna explode, but we didn’t), and we had no time to gather our stuff. I left the photo albums, but brought the book. True story!

Anyhow, I have been searching for a replacement for sooooo long, and Amazon finally replied to me saying that they found a copy of the book for me. Here is their reply…

Hello from Amazon.com. We have new information about your order and need to hear from you before proceeding.

We have excellent news from our out-of-print book buyers. They have been successful in searching for the item you ordered and you will be interested in what they have found.

Ordered item: Daniel Manus Pinkwater “Alan Mendelsohn : The Boy from Mars”

Price: $118.99

Shipping & handling charge: $3.99

Total charge for item: $122.98

Binding: Hardcover

Please follow the link below to your personalized price approval page on our website. From here, you will have

the opportunity to approve the new price or to cancel the item from your order.

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/price-approval/BB8EJ5QMY5GBQD/

**PLEASE NOTE** that this out-of-print item is not on hold. In order to have the best chance of securing the book,

we ask that you approve the price of the item within THREE DAYS.

Amazon.com guarantees that our out-of-print matches are in good condition or better. “Good condition” refers to a previously-read book that shows some signs of wear and may have minor flaws, but has all pages and leaves present.

All books are subject to prior sale. Since items are not on hold for us, we cannot absolutely guarantee that a match we’ve found will still be available when we contact our supplier to purchase the book. We will notify you immediately if that is the case.

Please be aware that if you do not approve the item within 30 DAYS, it may be cancelled from your order.

Is it just me or is that a bit much to pay? (Even though it really is the best book on the entire planet?)

Do you know of anywhere else (besides 5 Novels – which I already own – of course!) that I can purchase Alan Mendelsohn…preferrably in hardcover? And if I were to find it, is there any way to get it to you for an autograph?

Thank you soooooooo much for responding to me – you cannot imagine how much it means to be able to communicate with one of the most inspirational people in my life.

Most Sincerely,

Natasha

Daniel replies:

Natasha Shapiro -- That name again! Like music! Like the song of birds! Whenever I read it, I feel a gentle breeze and inhale a sweet fragrance. Ah! (Or, Oy!) Natasha Shapiro! And...it's clear...she loves me! Bliss!
Natasha Shapiro, are you a bibliophile? Must you have a hardcover? A first edition? Interesting that through this correspondence we discover who's responsible for the Northridge earthquake. While I'm sure amazon's price is fair, I am also sure that sitting somewhere on a shelf, (or more likely in a bin marked, ""Junk Literature $1.98 ea.""), is a copy of A. Mendelsohn such as you seek. Since you have the text in the handy 5 NOVELS package, you can afford to wait and seek, check alibris and other internet used book sites, possibly rummage in actual shops. When you find it, I will be delighted to inscribe it to you, and experience the joy of actually writing your name, and returning your self-addressed, postage-paid, mailer. Arrangements can be made through our good Webmaster.


Christel Gause-Weixelman

Post #1065 – 20000315

March 15, 2000

What color is your new Volkswagen?

Daniel replies:

Black with cream leather upholstery plus dog hair, and noseprints on the windows.


Fatjabber

Post #1064 – 20000314

March 14, 2000

Dear Pinky, (as I like to say)

I am 10 years old and I think I am your biggest fan who is 10. I’ve read about 25 books by you (and will keep on reading, the more I find). In my school we are having a read-a-thon, where we raise money to go to this sleepover camp, and people sponsor us money per… well who cares but the point is I am bored with reading, because I have read all the books by you I can find, and all other books (at the moment) seem boring except the one I’m reading now (Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech)! Do you recommended any other books by other authors besides you that I might like (if only 4 Fantastic Novels would come out sooner!)?

Another thing, whenever I look up books by you on Amazon.com, for the others you might like if you like you, it says J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) as one of them. Now most kids looooooove the Harry Potter books, but I don’t think she should be in that thing. You are a much better author and are much more original ideas than her. I think she’s just selling out! I also can’t wait to read Lizard Music 2, is that what it’s called?

P.S.- Did you know that Matt Groening is a big fan of yours? I think that is a really big honor being a huge fan of THE SIMPSONS!!!

Daniel replies:

You want to read a good book? Actual good book? OK. Try Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. If you like that, come back here, and I'll tell you to read Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. All those people. 10 years old, who have handled two or three Harry Potters with lotsa pages and no pictures, now have big enough reading muscles to handle some books that will make you jump straight up in the air and holler ""whoopee!""


Suzanne Whitney Smith

Post #1063 – 20000314

March 14, 2000

Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

BEAR’S PICTURE is my all time favorite book. I teach pre school and use the book regularly in the classroom, at parent meetings and at workshops that I give for teachers and non-artist adults. The book is an absolute classic. The problem is it is out of print. I can only get it from an out of town library system, the copy is old and on its last legs and I fear this source may soon disappear. I have tried to buy it through out of print books (Alibris.com) and they have a copy for $99.00 way beyond the means of a preschool teacher. Is there anyway you could get the book reissued/published? It is an absolute classic in understanding creativity and is perfect for adults and children alike. I would happily buy a dozen copies at a regular price to give as gifts but I cannot buy 1 copy for myself at $99.00. I am sure the book would be a great success if reissued.

Daniel replies:

You have my permission to pester publishers to reprint BEAR'S PICTURE. It's been published twice at least, first by Holt Rinehart and Winston, and another time by Dutton. There are copies around, from $99.00 on down--but you have to be lucky to find one. Of course, I can't advise you to color Xerox the copy that's available to you--but no one is stopping you.


Kathleen Casey

Post #1062 – 20000314

March 14, 2000

I heard part of an NPR interview on Saturday, Feb. 26, You were reading from what I understood to be a new book related somehow to Thoreau and Walden Pond. It sounded great. Is such a book available?

I might add, my father was born in Hoboken in 1908.

kathleen casey

dallas, tx

Daniel replies:

It's ""Henry Hikes to Fitchburg,"" by D. B. Johnson, published by Houghton Mifflin. A sweet book.


Gurupreta

Post #1061 – 20000311

March 11, 2000

1. How exactly do you write your stories? Do you make them up as you go, or plan them out, or what?

2. Are there any different planes of existence aside from Waka-waka, Atlantis, Shabomm, Lemuria, and Mu?

3. How does one come up with cool (fake) words?

Please send reply as soon as possible.

Daniel replies:

1. I plan them, and then make them up as I go along. I do not have the facilities here to write them the way I would like to--but, ideally, I would have a high ladder, (maybe 15 feet), in a large room, and I would climb to the top to think, and then come down and write. If I were rich, I would dictate notes to secretaries, who would write them out on pieces of poster board with brushes or thick markers, and spread them on the floor below my ladder.
2. Yes. There are 15.
3. I only use real words, and in the rare instances when I make them up, the are real once I write them.


Robin Lyons

Post #1059 – 20000308

March 8, 2000

I run an animation studio in the UK. We make films and series for television, and occasionally, the cinema. We’re interested in developing a series based on one of your books. I’ve contacted the publisher, but had no reply yet. In any case, it’s only going to make sense if you are keen enough to get involved developing stories, etc.

If this is the sort of thing that might appeal to you, perhaps you could e-mail me and we can talk about how we might take it further.

I have recently become a fan, mainly because of Amazon, which allows people like me access to books that are not readily available in the UK. I cannot understand why so few of your books are published here. The British public is missing out!

Kind regards,

Robin Lyons

Siriol Productions,

Cardiff

Wales

Daniel replies:

My mother claimed to have been born in Cardiff, Wales--but she was notably unreliable. I was there once, and didn't see anybody I recognized. Unless, of course, I have the wrong town in mind. Cardiff is on the sea, and has a big castle, right? I am all for your developing an animated series based on some book I wrote, and I will do all I can to help you, (unless, for some reason, I'm not able to).


1 … 170 171 172 173 174 … 210
Submit a message
  • September 2025
  • August 2024
  • October 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • November 2019
    • « Back
    More »