David
Post #3500 – 20130813
August 13, 2013
I have read (and loved) some of your books Including Bushman Lives. However, I would like to know if you are going to write a sequel to Bushman Lives. I thought it was a very interesting book, but it seemed to end in the middle of the most exciting part and I couldn't find any information about a sequel. Thank you.
Daniel replies:
I did that on purpose--ended it just at the most exciting part--so you could have fun thinking about what might happen next. I might write a sequel.
Kevin A.
Post #3498 – 20130807
August 7, 2013
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
It was around twenty years ago that I made the mistake of picking up the first two books of the "Melvinge of the Megaverse" trilogy. I read a great deal in my youth, and it truly says something that these books have resonated for me for so long: the tale of a world full of people seeking some infinite grandeur of which they've only heard tales, that no one can agree on how to reach but which is so worthwhile that one should spend a lifetime just finding a place to park for it.
My mistake, of course, was that at the time I did not pick up the third book, "Night of the Living 'Gator", not suspecting how entirely elusive this volume would become and denying me closure until at last I finally paid a rather exorbitant price for a used copy on Amazon so that my search might finally be over.
Of course I was confused at first when I finished it %u2013 it is a marked departure from the previous books, with many characters casually tossed aside with no real explanation %u2013 until I realized that it too has its messages. One may find oneself exactly where one wanted to be, only to find that it wasn't what one expected and that one is nearly as lost as one was to begin with. Sometimes instead of a central conflict, life is just a series of bizarre sequential coincidences, and the looming confrontation one constantly anticipates ends up being dealt with swiftly by pet shop employees. Great mysteries thought to be lurking in the navel of the echidna can be swiftly dispelled if one merely bothers to look them up in any handy reference work.
It is only now that I notice you addressed these books here eleven years ago as the product of "poor advice from a schlocky agent". I don't suppose you got around to reading them in the meantime? Have you ever considered developing the original subject matter further?
Regards, Kevin.
Daniel replies:
It takes all kinds of readers to make a world. I myself am a finicky sort of reader--bad writing makes me a little sick. I congratulate you on your robust constitution. For the information of others, the books referred to were part of a deal with a ""packager."" On the advice of an agent I no longer employ, I was to write a ""bible"" like unto what is done for a TV series, and some general outlines. ""Top rank"" science fiction writers were standing by to execute the books. In the event, the packager saved money on hiring writers, the product was, the say the least, substandard, and a merciful providence dictated that there should be a trademark/copyright conflict about the title, and the whole project was more or less withdrawn from the market. Yet, copies are still floating around for those with a taste for such things and money to waste.
Steve Charney
Post #3495 – 20130803
August 3, 2013
Long time no hear. Glad to see you're still alive and kicking. All's well here. Best to Jill.
Daniel replies:
Steve Charney! The last great radio ventriloquist! I still remember many of your wonderful routines. Like the one in which your dummy, (sorry, wooden American), Harry, fell in love with your tennis racquet. You have been an inspiration, in that you are a superior artist, even more under-appreciated than me.
Robertson Thacher
Post #3496 – 20130803
August 3, 2013
Dear Mr. Pinkwater,
We have a skunk who lives in our back yard whom my kids and I have (affectionately!) named Daniel Stinkwater. (I hope you hear this as the heartfelt tribute we intend). This did get me thinking, though, as someone who had to suffer through some uninvited nicknaming in my younger days: have you ever been tormented by unwanted nicknames? Mean-spirited rhymes, unimaginative comments on personal attributes, etc?
Thanks,
Robertson, a/k/a Fat Bobby
Daniel replies:
I like skunks! They are sweet-natured animals, and friendly. (Don't get too friendly with them though, because they are carriers of rabies). I do not mine the smell of skunk perfume--a good thing, since my dog's head smells of it for the past week or so. My nickname in school was, ""Please don't hit me, Daniel.""
Pete Franks
Post #3494 – 20130731
July 31, 2013
Traveling from Iowa to New York City & environs for a couple of tourist days next week.
What to see in Hoboken aside from Tesev Noskecnil Park?
Daniel replies:
The single best thing to see in (or from) Hoboken is New York City. Weehawken is another good spot, specially at night, and most specially at 5:00 PM on a winter weekday evening.
Crystal Williams
Post #3493 – 20130731
July 31, 2013
Your books are profoundly inviting in their gentle provocation. I also think they are cool. If you had a musical twin it would by Mauricio Kagel. If you watch the opening five minutes of this musical piece listed here, you will see what I mean. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuM8sYuZPp8 Don't forget to write and write and write. And publish also. Crystal Williams
Daniel replies:
Seems pretty good, though I don't pretend to understand your ragtime jazz music.
Robert C
Post #3491 – 20130725
July 25, 2013
Mr. Pinkwater,
You were one of the largest literary influences on me as a child. I think I started with "Fat Men From Space" and eventually went on to Fish Whistle as an adult, but to me your magnum opus was "Alan Mendelsohn, Boy From Mars". Truly a masterpiece. As we speak I am attempting to indoctrinate my very literate young daughter into your wonderful world (starting her on "Fat Men"). Thank you thank you thank you for providing many happy hours of wonderful reading – Lizard Music, Yobgorgle, etc. I actually used to have an email address of Yobgorgle@ that I used to anonymously flirt with my wife before we started dating. As I said you've been a very powerful force in my life. Keep up the good work!
Rob C from Long Island
Daniel replies:
Yobgorgle? Really? And she married you?
Ruth
Post #3488 – 20130718
July 18, 2013
Last Guru is one of my favourite Pinkwaters. Thank you thank you thank you for the podcast. I taught my niece about Silly Hats before she was even 4. I can't wait for the next chapter.
Daniel replies:
It turns out there is something quirky about the way my brain works. I suppose this will come as quite a surprise to readers, as well as people who know me. What I'm referring to here is that I can read a book written by myself a long time ago, or even a year or two ago, and it will seem completely unfamiliar to me. At the same time, if there is an editorial insertion, or a typo, I will notice it. So, I am enjoying it along with you. More or less.
Kevin Cheek
Post #3487 – 20130718
July 18, 2013
You know about bagels–I know this. However, this week I believe I can safely say that I know the best bagel in New York city. My nickname for my daughter has always been "Bagel." I've never really known why–perhaps I was just too lazy to pronounce all the syllables of "baby girl" and it just came out "bagel." This week, my daughter is in New York City, dancing with the Joffrey Ballet. So from my parental point of view, I know the best Bagel in New York City.
Daniel replies:
I can only hope this high honor for your daughter will eventuate in a choreographed bagel ballet. When the time comes, if I am still compos mentis, I would like to have a chance to write the story.
natalie Wrigley
Post #3475 – 20130716
July 16, 2013
hello!
I am so lucky to have discovered you today! I picked up a couple of books on cd from the library to listen to on road trip from Hartfordto the Adirondacks. The Neddiad has kept us entertained all day. My seven year old son keeps saying "what a great story" and it is, we were hooked after the discription and explanation of how the father became so rich and of course the cast of "characters" are great. fortunately or unfortunately our road trip is not as exciting. not even a ghost in our hotel room:)
imagine my surprise when I looked you up and you maybe close by in upstate new York. We would love to stop by and say "Hi" , not quite as great as hooking up with Aaron Flynn but close!!
Take care,
natalie and Owen
Daniel replies:
There's a Neddiad CD available? I don't think anyone ever thought to send me a copy. This is how authors are treated. You can't always tell if there's a ghost in your hotel room. Sometimes they're shy.
Mike
Post #3476 – 20130716
July 16, 2013
I remember a story from an old tape I had that involved lighting a fire cracker to get revenge on an otherwise horrible dorm mate. What was it called and where can I listen to it again?
Daniel replies:
It's probably in Fish Whistle. I don't remember what it's called. You can download the whole book from Amazon.
It's called """"Pyrotechnudnik,"""" and is indeed in Fish Whistle, which you can get from Amazon as a Kindle e-book or from Xlibris as the combined Hoboken Fish and Chicago Whistle. Unfortunately I don't think there are any audio versions available currently. --- Ed
tudza
Post #3478 – 20130716
July 16, 2013
Sorry to say several respected tomes reject the claim that "It's a doozy." originates with a big fancy car.
Daniel replies:
I am crushed, humiliated, desolate that I contributed to a corrupt etymology.
Elizabeth
Post #3474 – 20130714
July 14, 2013
This is not really a question, but upon discovering your podcasts, I remembered that I'd meant to drop you a fan note. I grew up in the midwest devouring your books. On a recent business trip to Jersey City, due to blindly following instructions that failed to take the weekend PATH schedule into account, I found myself in Hoboken. I felt oh-so-briefly that I'd taken a wrong turn and ended up in some fantastical land with a nonsense name. Sadly (or perhaps not), I saw no giant chickens. Even so, you made what was otherwise yet-another-business-trip far more exciting. Thank you!
Daniel replies:
You say it was the weekend. No wonder you didn't see any giant chickens. They only work weekdays.
gallagher bares
Post #3473 – 20130714
July 14, 2013
I love your books and i want you to write a book that is called "the boy who lives in a washing machine." the book title sound so daniel pinkwatery. so please tell me what you think.
thank you your twelve year old fanatic ,
gallagher
Daniel replies:
It not only sounds Pinkwatery...it sounds just plain watery. Why don't you write it? It could be about a boy who wants to train as an Olympic swimmer, but doesn't have a pool to go to, so he lives in the washing machine, and gets practice swimming amongst the laundry. He tries out for the Olympic team, but doesn't make it because he can't swim in a straight line. But there is a happy ending--he gets into the Octopus Olympics, and wins a silver medal and a scholarship to a school of fish. If you write it, and it gets published, I get 10% of the money for giving you the plot.
Elizabeth McGough
Post #3472 – 20130714
July 14, 2013
Hello.
I had hoped to send Mr. Pinkwater a short children's story about a small bear who has a big adventure, written by my mother, which she used to tell me at bedtime. This would be just for his enjoyment – no feedback, review, comments, advice, editing or anything else requested.
However, after reading the above caveats, I am not sure if and how I should proceed.
Hesitantly but sincerely yours,
Elizabeth McGough
Daniel replies:
I really cannot accept, and will not read, unpublished works. Of course, nothing of this kind would happen with you, but someone might send me a story about a bear, and then ten years later I write one, and suddenly I'm accused of having stolen it. I know, I know, you just wanted to send me yours for my own enjoyment, but the world is such that I have to make this policy. Thanks for the thought.
