Get Inspired: Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman was born October 23, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec in Canada. He wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall when he was 12 years old for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English.

His first book found a home with Scholastic, who also published his next 20 or so books, including six more Bruno and Boots titles, and several award-winning young adult titles.

Gordon lives on Long Island, outside of New York City, has approximately 55 books to his credit, and is currently contracted for several more.

1. How did you become a writer? Why do you write books for young adults?

I wrote my first book when I was 12. I don't think I consciously wrote it for kids. I just happened to be one at the time.

2. Did your education prepare you to become an author? Were there experiences you felt were helpful in preparing you for a writing career?

I was a New York University film major for a while, and ultimately graduated from NYU's Dramatic Writing Program. I think that background continues to be an enormous asset, since one of my strengths is writing dialogue. In my case, though, I was a published writer long before I was a university student. It's entirely possible that – early on – simply being the age of my characters and readers was the most important resource of all.

3. What's exciting about being an author? What are the not-so-exciting parts of being an author?

I love the idea that a new novel starts out so private. It's just between you and your computer and only a handful of people even know it exists. Fast forward a year to when the book is out, and hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of people, are reading those words.

4. Today North American young people are constantly bombarded with faster entertainment options such as the internet or TV. Where does reading fit in?

Just because kids have other – and faster-paced – entertainment options doesn't mean books don't have a place. Yes, this is the era of Twitter and X-Box and iPods and YouTube, but it's also the era of hundreds of thousands of kids dressing up for midnight launch parties of the latest Twilight or Harry Potter book. Kids read – in many cases a lot. I don't feel as if we have to "defeat" all other media to feel comfortable about the future of teens and reading.

5. Do you feel there's something special about Canadian literature for young adults?

I'm impressed by the achievements of Canadians in all of the arts – literature, film, TV, live performance – particularly in the area of humour. Why are we so funny?

6. Why is it important for young adults to get involved in their communities?

I think there's a direct correlation between happiness and connectedness to others. The best way to improve your mood – at any age – is to get involved.