David Polacheck
Post #617 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Dear Daniel Pinkwater:
I share my wife’s email address because she works for UT. I am David Polacheck and we share name initials which also stand for Displaced Person. I’m sure the other kids pointed this out to you when you were young as they did me; we were the types of kids they did that to. This is the first fan letter I have ever written. Borgel proves that you are a Great Author, just as the Magic Moscow books intimated. Your NPR commentary is always eagerly anticipated by my wife and I. Did you catch the reply recently to NPR about your “Lament for the Bagel”? This lady wrote in to say you can still get real bagels in Krakow, Poland, so why not have them flown in like french bread from Paris? Except she thought your piece was by Pinchas Zukerman! What a hoot! Where does “Nov schmoz ka pop” come from? I seem to remember this from a favorite comic strip. I am a big comic strip fan and was delighted and then saddened while listening to your commentary on the sad saga of Norb. Is there really no way in this electronic instant info era that we can see this work? We Want Norb! There’s gotta be a way!
Your fellow weirdo,
David Polacheck
Austin, TX
Daniel replies:
Tony Auth and I talk about bringing NORB back, but back where? We considered a series of children's books, but most publishers now make decisions by the numbers, and as influenced by accountants and the bottom line--so the concept might be beyond them. NORB did not make it as a daily comic strip. Comic books are more or less dead as a medium, and never paid any money. So far, we have not hit on an idea. Any suggestions?
There was a character, (called the hitchhiker, I think--and Seegar may have coined the word along with 'Jeep' and many others), in Popeye. He held a sign which read : Nov Shmoz Ka Pop? I think I have this right. Anybody know for sure?
Dave Booher
Post #718 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Daniel, I just have to let you know how much I have enjoyed your comments on NPR… A couple of Saturday’s ago you read some poems with Scott Simon. I loved it.. You are part of the reason I am an NPR fan, and supporter.. Dave Booher, Baton Rouge LA..
Daniel replies:
Today I recorded Chinwag Theater programs 7 and 8. It is not an NPR program, but many NPR affiliate stations carry it. You can call WRKF or WBRH in Baton Rouge and ask them if and when they are going to carry it. In fact, I wish you would do that. I wish every person who reads these posts would call their local public radio station and let them know they'd like to hear Chinwag Theater. They're supposed to be responsive to the listeners. You're listeners, yes? Ask for the Program Director, or the General Manager--they will be nice to you.
Tim Stallman
Post #506 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
I ordered “5 Novels” from amazon last week. I got it on wednesday, and by thursday i’d read it all. i really enjoy reading “Alan Mendehlson, Boy from Mars.” I think that is a great book. Are you going to make a sequel to it? Also, are you planning to write another snarkout boys book?
-Tim, age 14
Daniel replies:
Tim Stallman -- If you keep reading that fast, you will get too far ahead of me, and I'll never catch up. Worse, you'll get through everything I've done, and have to start reading good literature. Slow down. Remember, it takes me a whole week to write one of those novels.
David Polacheck
Post #629 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Dear Mr. Pinkwater:
With regard to our last exchange on the subject of NORB and my desire to view him in all his glory: from your response I take it you were not adverse to the idea in principle, but the issue is what publisher to approach with the project. As you ask me if I have any ideas, with some thought I must reply: yes, I do! As an avid fan of comics and comic strips I have become aware of the redoubtable Fantagraphics, an intrepid publishing/distributing firm specializing in reprints of comic strips of high merit and original work in the comic book/graphic novel genre. Their highly interesting catalog includes book reproductions of such strips as Pogo, Thimble Theatre, Krazy Kat, Little Nemo in Slumberland and much else. Naturally, they have a Webpage you can check out at (what else?) www.fantagraphics.com. Perhaps they can help to achieve the result I know all Pinkwaterites (I proudly count myself among them) crave: the resurrection and immortality of NORB. What you tink, hah?
In utmost respect and admiration,
David Polacheck
Daniel replies:
There was a collection of the daily Norbs brought out a few years ago by a completely unsatisfactory outfit called MU Press. The actual book, crummy binding aside, was not badly done. It is more or less competely unfindable now. I have some copies, of course, as does Tony Auth--but, speaking for myself, they're too valuable to give away, and I can't bring myself to scalp them to fans. Thanks for the suggestion about Fantagraphics. Should they ever get in touch with us, we'll be happy to talk to them, of course--but I make it a point not to initiate business deals.
Ian Stoba
Post #594 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Dear Daniel Pinkwater,
Not all that long ago I saw something in the Powell Books web site that got my attention right away. I think it was a misprint, but I still like the idea. They listed for sale a book by you called _The Hoboken Chicken Emergencyclopedia_. As far as typos go, I think this was a cool one.
It made we wonder; have you ever thought about having someone do an annotated edition of some of your novels? It could be sort of like a Pinkwater reader’s guide, pointing out that _Lizard Music_ contains a pretty complete early plot treatment of _Fat Men From Space_ and takes place in the same town as the Snarkout books. Part of the fun of reading one of your books is chasing down all the references to the other books and spotting the recurring characters that hide in the shadows.
With the set of five novels being published this year maybe you could even get some snooty university press to publish it. That way you might actually make some money selling it to university libraries. What do you think?
Daniel replies:
There are times when my whole life seems to be an emergencyclopedia. Not that I don't enjoy every minute of it. (See my response below). A university press? Like regular publishers aren't ghastly enough?
Hal
Post #595 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
This message is in response to Ian Stoba’s call for a DMP research guide. Several years ago (this is kind of embarrassing to admit) I wrote a bare-bones DMP glossary, mainly so I could see how often robes with dragons on them appear in his books, or how many DMP characters are named Melvin. Well, I wrote it, and then didn’t know what to do with it. You think there’s a market for such a book? Think I could get a grant? Man, what should I do?
Daniel replies:
The world is waiting for a book that compiles how many of my characters are named Melvin. I see no reason why you shouldn't get a grant so you can continue this important work. How many of my characters _are_ named Melvin anyway? I should really reread some of my stuff so I can do radio interviews when 5 NOVELS comes out. Or maybe I'll just fake it like when I wrote them.
Zach Priddy
Post #563 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Hi Mr. Pinkwater.
In August of 1994 (I believe) you read a poem about young ripe girls and comparing them to the deep days of August. I thought this was a very beautiful poem, can you tell me where to find it?
Daniel replies:
The vagaries of auditory memory--it wasn't Pinkwater reading the poem. But tell me if you find out the title, it sounds like a beaut.
Richard Leonard
Post #714 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
You are the greatest. i appreciate everything you do — children’s and otherwise. Hearing you and Scott Simon read Arctic Antics was wonderful. I am going to get the book for my twin little girls, and would love to play the readings for them, too.
Is there somewhere I can get that ? Of course, I don’t want to violate anyone’s copyright laws …
Thanks for everything.
Daniel replies:
The program may be available at the npr.org site, on RealAudio. Failing that, you can order cassettes of most NPR programs for a nominal fee. For additional fun, you can listen to Chinwag Theater, (carried by numerous public radio stations--yours may be one, or planning to be), on which you can hear me read various things...and rumor has it that you may hear another familiar radio voice or two from time to time.
P.S. ""Young Larry,"" by Daniel Pinkwater, has twins in it.
Fred Robey
Post #633 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Captin Pinkwater,
It is I Fred again. I have a question that has developed since starting Chicago days/Hobboken Nights. The Question about your picture on the cover. You looked very pleased in a sly way is it because you are happy you wrote the book ? Or is it The fact you will get people to write you and ask you questions on the cover of this book? Well one last thing, I read Fishwistle I cried at the part where your dog passed on. I wanted to share that with you because…….well I guess I just did.
Reading your Books,
Fred Robey
p.s.
Mush was very good I laughed very hard at the end.
Daniel replies:
The fact is I am usually pleased in a sly way because the features of my life suit me so admirably, and here I am, doing just what I like to do, and people like it, and I even get paid, (after a fashion). I'd be some ingrate to look anything but pleased.
Mike
Post #508 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Dear Mr. Pinkwater, are you aware that deep mole space aliens are using your bulletin board to communicate? Irving Park Jr.
Daniel replies:
That's what the bulletin board is here for, Irving.
Did you know Art Thieme in Chicago? He's from the neighborhood?
Frank Kelly
Post #713 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
First: I have always enjoyed your items on NPR. Your piece on the BMW with doors as wide as a church and an operators manual with driving exercises has to be the best bit I’ve heard in years …. not since the days of comedy albums.
Second, please confirm if you are the author of the theory of maximum human capacity to absorb misery. A friend urged me to buy a Fiat or a Renault to displace my attitude during a period of self-pity. He said it was your theory. I hope it is because I attribute it to you whenever someone self-absorbed in misery crosses my path.
Finally, what is your writing routine? Or do you have one? A certain amount of time or time of day? A specific location?
I’d like to hear.
Ah, yes, one more thing …. I like your written work.
Daniel replies:
That's the Theory of Displaced Misery, and it pertains specifically to French cars invariably becoming the focus of the maximum suffering and frustration an individual life can sustain. Many people have volunteered that the theory seems to apply to their lives, or did when they got a Peugeot.
I don't understand your question about writing.
Mark Milotay
Post #631 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Mr. Pinkwater,
I had a dream this afternoon about cows singing Carmen. It is you I thank for this wonderful event. If it hadn’t been for the hours I spent reading and re-reading your books I wouldn’t be visited by such mystical visions.
Daniel replies:
That's right, blame me, blame me. I'm getting a lot of this lately. Some guy dreams about cows singing Carmen, and right away it's my fault. I'm just an artist, reflecting the greater culture. It's nothing to do with me if your dream cows warble Bizet. I never forced you to read my stuff. In fact, I have consistently chosen publishers who ensure that the fewest people will be exposed to them. I am blameless. Besides, what were you doing sleeping in the afternoon?
Lucinda Durstewitz
Post #535 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
I can’t tell you how great it felt to have stumbled upon this web site!! I was one of those kids in school that never liked to read. When I was in 4th grade, I transferred to The Mustard Seed School in Hoboken. It was there that I was first introduced to your books. Somewhere in between Lizard Music and CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I became an avid reader. For that, I thank you. You may or may not remember this but our class had an ongoing correspondence with you… (until you were kidnapped by Reynold and we had to send in a gazillion soda can tabs for ransom!) Anyway, I’m a mother now and I’m just counting the days (more like years, he’s only two) until I can share your books with my son.
Daniel replies:
That I had a part in getting you to like reading is such a joy to me. I can't say it's what prompts me to want to write--but it's a fantastic by-product. I understand the City of Hoboken has constructed an enormous illuminated hand with a pointing finger to indicate the spot where I consumed clams and thought up so many of my books (the interior of the hand is rented out as advertising space to defray costs--but it's there to commemorate my artistic activity). A touching gesture, as it were, but not so heartwarming as a post like yours.
Dave Barber
Post #586 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Dear DP,
I was happy to hear you had a website. I want to thank you for all the great stories you have told over the years on the NPR evening show. During my long alone car ride home, I can see all the visual images you describe. Like the time you trashed the ferry, the time someone next door set off fireworks and they rained down on you, or you went to a special store just to get a polish dog. ( I almost starved to death before I got home. I live on a lake about 90 miles north of Houston, Texas and look forward to your next story. Thanks, Dave Barber
Daniel replies:
Thanks. I enjoy doing the radio job. I'd do it more, and write longer pieces, if they'd air them. atc@npr.org is the address of the program. I don't know why I mention that. Just occured to me for some reason.
Michael Cornett
Post #623 – 19970101
January 1, 1997
Gosh, once I can say something besides “Gosh, I really love your books”, I will….Well, maybe that I read “Lizard Music” as a kid of 12, then started reading the rest when I was 30, and I think I appreciate them even more now than I would have as a kid. Keep writing, Dan, keep writing. Oh, and I really loved “Norb”!!!!!!
Daniel replies:
Thanks! I'm writing, I'm writing. Just about to finish and hand in THE EDUCATION OF ROBERT NIFKIN. Total of six books, incuding the 5 NOVELS collection, a paperback reprint of something (I forget at the moment) and 4 new books illustrated by Jill, in fall 97.
