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hey i just read the book runner for school, and im not much of a reader but this book kept my interest through out the whole book. THANKS. GREAT COMPLIMENT. I TRY TO KEEP THEM MOVING ALONG.
Mr. Deuker, Our reading class is currently reading Runner, Any movie deals in the works? I think it would be a great movie! Jay Lowden I'D LOVE TO SEE IT BECOME A MOVIE TOO, BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF BOOKS EVERY YEAR, AND PROBABLY FEWER THAN ONE HUNDRED MOVIES. IT'S A LONG, LONGSHOT.
i was wondering what shane hunter's dad's name was in your book hight heat NAMES ARE HARD FOR ME TO REMEMBER TOO. WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO "REPLACE ALL" IN MICROSOFT WORD, IT'S EASY FOR ME TO FORGET. THERE'S ALSO A CHANCE HE DOESN'T ACTUALLY HAVE A FIRST NAME IN THE BOOK. IN MY ROUGH DRAFTS, HIS NAME WAS GORDON.
hey i just read high heat because im a baseball player and i thought it would be good for me. it helped me on the field even when i thought i was just reading it to do a dumb book review on. its a good book with a good meaning and i liked it. THANKS. GLAD IT WASN'T A CHORE.
when were you born? need to know for a project 1950
um your website gives me nothing for info on my author study. i was wondering if you could update or put on some info about your self. Examples when u were born, or you could put some things like why you started writing, where you live. I'm just sayin if you could please these things on your website for future reasons. Please and thank you. bye THERE'S STUFF IN THE BIOGRAPHY PAGE--YOU MUST HAVE MISSED IT. FORTUNATELY, MY LIFE HASN'T BEEN WILDLY INTERESTING. PLAIN AND QUIET ISN'T BAD.
what is the time and place for the book Runner MODERN TIMES, SEATTLE
I'm doing a school project on you as most others i see have, but I was wondering if you could tell me what some of your other pieces of writing were, besides novels. Loved all your books especially gym candy. I'VE WRITTEN A FEW SHORT STORIES THAT HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED. SECOND STRING, IF YOU CAN'T BE LUCKY, THE WIND AND THE SUN AND THE RAIN. I USED TO WRITE MOVIE AND BOOK REVIEWS ALSO.
Mr. Deuker, I'm doing a school project on you and I'd like to get your opinion on your life so far. SO FAR, SO GOOD. FINGERS CROSSED!
Mr. Deuker, I'm doing a school report on you and your books because I like your books a lot especially High Heat, I was wondering if you could give me some information about your motivation to be a writer and who were some influential people in your life. Thanks
I ALWAYS LIKED WORDS--MAINLY FROM THE SONGS I GREW UP LISTENING TO. I HAD A TEACHER AT CAL BERKELEY, STEVEN BOOTH, WHO MADE ME BELIEVE THAT WRITING WAS WORTH ALL THE EFFORT.
Mr. Deuker, This month is National Poetry Month, any good poems that you like a lot? Tucker
YOU BET. I LIKE ROBERT FROST AND EMILY DICKINSON QUITE A BIT. TENNYSON, WALLACE STEVENS, WALT WHITMAN. FOR STUDENTS, I USE THE BOOK REFLECTIONS ON A GIFT OF WATERMELON PICKLE. POEMS IN THAT BOOK I LIKE THE MOST ARE "OVERHEARD ON A SALT MARSH," "AGATHA MORLEY," AND "BONES." THE WHOLE COLLECTION IS GREAT, THOUGH--I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Who influenced you and what are your goals SEE THE QUESTION ABOVE ABOUT INFLUENCES. I TAKE EACH BOOK ONE AT A TIME, SO MY PRESENT GOAL IS TO FINISH THE BOOK I'M WORKING ON, ONE PAGE AT A TIME. I DON'T SET LONG RANGE GOALS.
I was really impressed with the first chapter on your main page. Now I'm waiting for Mitch's (Stan's) lack of tact to show through in the rest of the the story. Are your books in any book fairs? Our library doesn't have many books of yours. I'm looking forward to reading the rest!
BOOK FAIRS TEND TO BE RUN BY SCHOLASTIC, AND MY BOOKS AREN'T PUBLISHED BY SCHOLASTIC. I'VE FOUND THAT IF YOU ASK YOUR LIBRARIAN TO BUY SOME OF MY BOOKS, THEY GENERALLY WILL DO SO. THE REVIEWS ARE GOOD, AND LIBRARIANS ARE ALWAYS PLEASED WHEN PATRONS REQUEST BOOKS.
What book are you writing next? I'M WORKING ON A BOOK CALLED CHASING ANGEL, A SPORTS MYSTERY. THE FIRST PAGE APPEARS ON THE HOMEPAGE OF THE WEBSITE.
did you win any awards I'VE WON BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS IN NEBRASKA, SOUTH CAROLINA, PENNSYLVANIA, TENNESSEE FOR DIFFERENT BOOKS.
hello mr. deuker. i just finished reading gym candy and i'm glad to say i absolutely loved it! i'm a girl and not really interested in football but i hav to say this book blew me away. can you relate to mick in any way? karen THANKS FOR GIVING IT A TRY, KAREN. IT'S A GOOD TRAIT TO BE WILLING TO PICK UP SOMETHING OUT OF YOUR IMMEDIATE COMFORT LEVEL. YES, I THINK WE CAN ALL RELATE. I CERTAINLY KNOW THE FEELING OF BEING UNDER A LOT OF PRESSURE, AND I KNOW THAT PRESSURE CAN SURE MAKE YOU THINK STRANGE THOUGHTS.
When are you going to come out with your new book.Also what subject you teach I'M HOPING TO FINISH THE NEW BOOK BY AUGUST, BUT IT WILL BE AT LEAST A YEAR AFTER THAT BEFORE IT WOULD BE PUBLISHED. I TEACH ALL SUBJECTS--I WOULD FIND IT BORING TO TEACH ONLY ENGLISH LITERATURE OR WRITING.
I am doing a school project on you because i like your books i think you are a good writer and so can u give me some information like what is your full name MY FULL NAME ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS CARL DEUKER. NO MIDDLE NAME--I GUESS MY PARENTS THOUGHT IT WOULD CLUTTER THINGS UP.
hey you now what you should come and play golf with me in Idaho plat at the circuling raven golf course n worley Idaho well any ways it will really be nice for you to come and meet me and meet me an my school it would cool you know so later what was you favorite sport GOLF ANYWHERE IS A GOOD THING. IF I'M IN WORLEY, I'LL DEFINTELY HIT UP THE COURSE THERE.
what where you thinking when you wrote night hoops and i love basketball and i was just wondering what do u think and do NIGHT HOOPS WAS BASED ON SOME STUDENTS I HAD. THINGS DIDN'T WORK OUT SO WELL IN REAL LIFE FOR THEM, SO I WROTE A BOOK IN WHICH I WAS ABLE TO GIVE THEM A HAPPIER LIFE.
Hi, Mr. Deuker, what is your favorite book that you have read? MY BOOK FOR A DESERT ISLAND IS MOBY DICK.
There are a few ?'S that i have for you for a school project. the following are as followed. 1.what year were you born? 2.Are you still living, if not when did you crossed over? 3.If possible can you name five things which you value the most in your life? '50; AND YEAH, I'M STILL ALIVE; FAMILY, FRIENDS, GOLF, BOOKS, COFFEE
is your book gym an insperationl book I DON'T THINK MOST PEOPLE WOULD CALL IF INSPIRATIONAL. PROBABLY CAUTIONARY IS THE RIGHT WORD.
HELLO I AM A BULOCK CREEK STUDENT AND WANTED TO SAY THAT I JUST GOT DONE READING "PAINTING THE BLACK " AND I T WAS GREAT!! WHAT MADE YOU WRITE THIS BOOK??? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK THAT YOU HAVE EVER WORTE ? WHY?
HELLO I AM A BULOCK CREEK STUDENT AND WANTED TO SAY THAT I JUST GOT DONE READING "PAINTING THE BLACK " AND I T WAS GREAT!! WHAT MADE YOU WRITE THIS BOOK??? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK THAT YOU HAVE EVER WORTE ? WHY?
HELLO I AM A BULOCK CREEK STUDENT AND WANTED TO SAY THAT I JUST GOT DONE READING "PAINTING THE BLACK " AND I T WAS GREAT!! WHAT MADE YOU WRITE THIS BOOK??? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK THAT YOU HAVE EVER WORTE ? WHY?
i thought that book was the best i have nver raeg a book like that. the story seemed alive it was so good.
How did you know you wanted to be an author? i think it is ver yin interesting how people can make up stories that can be sooo amazing well comment bacck! ily
I LIKED READING BOOKS AND LIKED TELLING STORIES, AND SOMETIMES EMBELLISHING THE STORIES IN THE TELLING. SO BECOMING AN AUTHOR WAS ALWAYS IN MY MIND.
MY class is about to start reading your book runner. im sure we will like it. PLEASE THANK YOUR TEACHER FOR CHOOSING IT. LOTS OF TEACHERS CHOOSE THE SAME BOOKS EVERY YEAR AND NEVER BRANCH OUT TO SOMETHING NEW.
Dear Mr. Duker, My name is Seth and I am a 7th grader at Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryeburg, Maine. Your book Runner was the best book I have ever read. I was able to relate it a lot because my dad used to drink and and he does not now, but when he did I would try to help him as much as possible. There was one time that I lived with my dad in a small trailer that had no running water, but now I live in a better place. I allso think that you should turn this book into a movie if you can. THANKS, SETH. CHANCE IS BASED ON A REAL PERSON, AND I THINK IT'S NOT BAD FOR YOU TO KNOW THAT YOUR EXPERIENCES ARE SHARED BY MANY OTHERS. LIFE ISN'T EASY FOR MANY PEOPLE, BUT YOU CAN STILL MAKE A GOOD LIFE FOR YOURSELF AND NOT REPEAT THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS. (AND YOU CAN FORGIVE AND LOVE OTHERS, TOO.)
Mr. Deuker, I just finished Heart of a Champion (again) and loved it. But i was wondering how Jimmy died. I know he was in a car crash, but i need a little more information. Tucker NO SEAT BELT--HEAD INJURIES.
i know painting the black is in seattle, but what time does it take place? IT WAS SET IN THE 90'S. YOU CAN FIGURE OUT THE TIME BY LOOKING AT THE BONUS MONEY HE GETS FOR SIGNING A CONTRACT AT THE END. NOWADAYS, THEY GET EVEN MORE!
what is the theme of painting the black? also, what is the conflict:external/internal THEME: SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STAND UP AND DO WHAT'S RIGHT, EVEN IF IT COSTS YOU A FRIENDSHIP AND A CHANCE AT A CHAMPIONSHIP.
Whens your birthday AUGUST 26
hey i found out a couple days ago that u were the vice principal of my school St. Luke in Washington. i that true YES, THOUGH REALLY I WAS JUST A 7TH & 8TH GRADE TEACHER WHO GOT A LITTLE EXTRA MONEY WITH THE TITLE VICE PRINCIPAL.
what literary techniques did Carl deuker use in his book Night Hoops ? YOU KNOW, I DON'T WORRY ABOUT LITERARY TECHNIQUES. I TRY, IN FACT, TO BE AN INVISIBLE AUTHOR. I WANT MY READERS TO THINK ONLY ABOUT THE STORY, NEVER ABOUT THE WRITER.
Hi love your books and i was wondering if you could relate to anything that you write about. Like did any of these things ever happen to you? just wondering love your books oh and i emailed you did you get it. P.S. keep up the good work YES, MOST EVERYTHING IN ALL MY BOOKS HAPPENED TO ME OR TO FRIENDS OR TO STUDENTS. A VERY FEW THINGS ARE BASED ON THINGS I'VE READ.
Mr. Deuker- Do you ever get a stretch of time that you can't think of anything to put down on the paper? Tucker SURE, AND THAT'S WHEN I EDIT THINGS I'VE ALREADY WRITTEN. EVEN WHEN I'M TIRED, I CAN REWRITE AND IMPROVE.
Mr. Deuker, your books are incredible and I love to read about sports so your books are perfect for me. Thank you GLAD YOU LIKE THEM, AND GLAD YOU FOUND THEM.
ur awsome how did u start writing I STARTED WRITING IN HIGH SCHOOL. A FRIEND OF MINE (HELLO JIM CANNING!) WOULD WRITE SONGS IN OUR ENGLISH CLASS AND THEN TWEEK ONE ANOTHER'S WORK.
what day where u Born on?? AUGUST 26 IS THE DATE. THINK IT WAS A MONDAY
Hey do actually play sports in real life? Also how old r u ? and were do u live? 57. YES, ESPECIALLY GOLF, THOUGH I ALSO RUN REGULARLY. SEATTLE
whats your favorite baseball team? MARINERS
how did you get started I STARTED WRITING SONG/POEMS WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND I'VE ALWAYS WRITTEN SOMETHING OR ANOTHER SINCE THEN. BOOK REVIEWS, MOVIE REVIEWS, STORIES--SOMETHING.
Dear Mr. Deuker, Could you give me a brief summary of your new book? Tucker GUY SHOWS UP AT HIGH SCHOOL. LOOKS A LITTLE OLD. SAYS HE DIDN'T PLAY FOOTBALL BEFORE, BUT HE'S REALLY, REALLY GOOD. VERY SUSPICIOUS? UNDERCOVER COP LOOKING TO BUST KIDS? CHEATER LOOKING TO WIN A TITLE WHEN HE'S REALLY TOO OLD. WHAT'S THE TRUTH?
sup, im reading night hoops. Just thought u would want to know lol, )WELL, THANKS.
What year did you write your first book? STARTED IN 1986, PUBLISHED IN 1989
i agree the comment about the steroids issue. I do think they should get a chance in the public eye. For example, Roger Clemens was accused by has trainer that he used hgh by his trainer. Sincerely, Jr. CLEMENS MIGHT BE INNOCENT AND HE MIGHT BE GUILTY, BUT HE SHOULDN'T BE CONVICTED IN THE NEWSPAPER.
I was just wondering when you were going to show the cover of your new book and when it was coming out??????
I'M ABOUT 120 PAGES DONE, SO THAT'S HALFWAY. I'D GUESS MORE THAN A YEAR . . . IF ALL GOES WELL. THE COVER IS ONE OF THE LAST THINGS THAT IS DONE--A LONG WAY OFF. COVERS ARE DONE BY ARTISTS. IF I HAD TO DO MY OWN COVERS, IT WOULD BE A TOTAL DISASTER. I CAN'T DRAW AT ALL.
i love the quote from gym candy "...sometimes the tears would well up and he would tell me that there is no crying in football i guess that was a joke from that tom hanks movie" that movie is a league of their own and i love that movie so i am going to check that book out because i have not read it yet Sean AGAIN!!! I LIKED THE MOVIE TOO.
a lot of your books have to do with problems off of the field. Recently a report for baseball has been released with names of players that have been accused of using steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. How do you feel about this report and the use of steroids? Robbie
IT'S REALLY A FORM OF STEALING. SOME OF THE GUYS WHO DIDN'T CHEAT GOT CUT FROM TEAMS THEY COULD HAVE MADE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEIR COMPETITION DID CHEAT. SO THEY HAD THEIR CHANCE AT A MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER TAKEN FROM THEM. THAT BEING SAID, I ALSO THINK THE MITCHELL REPORT SHOULD NOT HAVE NAMED NAMES. THE GUYS HE IDENTIFIES AS USERS (ESPECIALLY THE LESSER KNOWN PLAYERS)HAVE NO WAY TO DEFEND THEMSELVES. IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC, THEY ARE GUILTY, AND THAT'S NOT THE WAY JUSTICE IN AMERICA IS SUPPOSED TO WORK. THE WHOLE THING IS A MESS.
Runner is amazing!!! i have read it 5 times!!! julie
THANKS JULIE. I'M GLAD YOU LIKED IT.
my favorite book of yours is High Heat i feel that the ending left me with questions do you plan on making a sequel? Sean Zorn 8th grade BEING LEFT WITH QUESTIONS ISN'T THE WORSE THING. ONE OF MY GOALS IS TO GIVE PEOPLE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT.
Hi mr. Deuker, im briana. i just finished you book Runner and i just wanted to let you know i thought it was really good. It is one of my favorite books.
THANKS BRIANA--I'M GLAD YOU LIKED IT.
Hey Mr. Deuker I am doing a school project about you and was wandering if you could tell me if there is something special about you that you think you think I should include. NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT ME, THOUGH I'LL CONFESS I THINK MY DAUGHTER IS PRETTY TERRIFIC.
What is the introduction on the book Runner.
I'M NOT COMPLETELY SURE I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN, BUT THE BOOK BEGINS WITH CHANCE IN A TOUGH SPOT--UNHAPPY AT HOME, UNHAPPY AT WORK, UNHAPPY AT SCHOOL, CONFUSED IN HIS SOUL.
what are the names of nicks parents in the book night hoops YOU KNOW, I DON'T REMEMBER IF THEY EVEN HAVE NAMES. IF THEY DO, THEY WOULD COME UP EARLY ON.
Hey!Basketball is very important in Texas so please keep writing them. And Night Hoops was great it was story that had so much action and Kept me up all night.
GLAD YOU LIKED IT. I'M DOING ANOTHER FOOTBALL STORY RIGHT NOW, BUT I'M SURE I'LL GET BACK TO BASKETBALL AGAIN. GREAT GAME
By the way - the book "A single Moment" you were writing about....the one about the great player in high school that has no past, when's that coming out? Tony I'M BATTLING MY WAY THROUGH IT RIGHT NOW. ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT BEING A WRITER IS THAT YOU CAN NEVER TELL HOW LONG A STORY OR BOOK WILL TAKE, BUT YOU ALWAYS KNOW THEY DON'T COME EASILY.
Mr. D - What book are you working on currently? And do you have an idea of what the next book will be about after this one? MYSTERY FOOTBALL PLAYER WITH A MYSTERIOUS PAST. I'M TOO INVOLVED IN THIS ONE TO THINK ABOUT THE NEXT ONE.
Mr. Deuker, I loved Gym Candy! Im wondering have you ever been able to experience personally High School football in the deep south? For some it is truly a religion. I READ FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS AND ANOTHER BOOK ABOUT U. OF ALABAMA FOOTBALL. YES, IT DEFINITELY SEEMS WAY MORE INTENSE THAN WEST COAST FOOTBALL, WHICH IS CERTAINLY NOT A RELIGION. OUR STATE TITLE GAMES IN WASHINGTON DRAW ABOUT 10,000.
Mr. Deuker: I recently have read Gym Candy and really enjoyed it tremendously. After reading Gym Candy I picked up Painting the Black and I really enjoyed it as well. Keep up the great work. I am a high school teacher and teenagers need good books to read. Matt Smith THANKS, MATT. AS I'M SURE YOU KNOW, WRITERS OF YA BOOKS ARE COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON TEACHERS/LIBRARIANS/PARENTS TO GET OUR BOOKS INTO THE HANDS OF READERS. I APPRECIATE YOUR WILLINGNESS TO TRY SOMETHING NEW--NOT ALL H.S. TEACHERS DO.
high heat was amazing sean THANK YOU
Thank you very much Mr. Deuker. I really would like to thank you for writing so many good books. For example the 'Heart of a Champion' is a book that I can't put down. I started reading it on 19th of November and I finished it a week later. I didn't expected what had happened to Jimmy, and I nearly cried out (Sorry), I imagine what happened and can't accept what happened. Anyway, I loved your books and my english teacher told me to stop reading too many baseball books. Thank you.HERE'S A TIP. TELL YOUR ENGLISH TEACHER THAT THEY REALLY AREN'T BASEBALL BOOKS, BUT THAT THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS GOING ON BESIDES BASEBALL.THEN MAYBE HE/SHE WILL LET YOU KEEP READING THEM. GOOD LUCK.
Dear Mr. Deuker My 8th Grade English Class was wonder if you could answer our question. Who was with Josh when he attacked Monica in Painting the Black? If you cloud answer this for us it would be great. Thanks THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, AND THE ANSWER IS -- I DON'T KNOW. ALL I KNOW IS THAT HE HAD AN ACCOMPLICE.
DEAR MR.Carl My name is sebastian v. from Norwalk,CT. I also think you should make a second book of GYM CANDY. And in the book Mick has to struggle being second string to Dave Kane. And he has to make a desicion to take steroids or not. THAT IS DEFINITELY A GOOD PLOT AND SOMETHING I MIGHT DO.
DEAR MR.Carl i think your book gym candy was so good. I think you should make a second gym candy book. I think it should be about how mick struggles to be a 2 string running back. And how he might go back to steroids.But also how he tries to be better then that kid named dave kane. I AGREE -- MAYBE AFTER THE ONE I'M DOING NOW.
Dear Mr. Deuker, I am Ethan from Pelham, NY, and I love writing, basketball, and your work. I am a HUGE FAN OF YOUR'S. I am also a die hard New York Knicks fan, and my favorite Knick, Jamal Crawford, is from Seattle and he went to Rainer Beach High. When I just looked at your ballot for my favorite book of yours, it was immpossible to chose. I have only read "Runner", "Night Hoops", and "On The Devil's Court". I definitely think you should write more basketball books or other books in different genres, such as "Runner". I loved "Night Hoops" because my parents are divorced and I really understood what Nick was going through, and it not only just focused on sports, it tied into so many other things in life. It was easily one of the best books I have ever read. I love the way that you write sports novels without making them sound to focused just on the game, to tie them into other things. You have become without a doubt my favorite author. KEEP WRITING AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!! Thanks, Sincerly, Ethan. THANKS FOR WRITING ETHAN. WHEN I SIT DOWN TO START A BOOK, MY GOAL IS ALWAYS THE SAME--A FAST MOVING STORY WITH SOMETHING EXTRA TO THINK ABOUT, SOMETHING MORE "REAL LIFE" THAN JUST THE GAME. I WANT TO WRITE THE KIND OF BOOK I WANTED TO READ WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. (JAMAL CRAWFORD IS AMAZING. RAINIER BEACH HIGH HAS PRODUCED A LOT OF GREAT PLAYERS. ANOTHER KNICK, NATE ROBINSON, IS ALSO FROM SEATTLE--HE MAY BE FROM RBHS AS WELL, BUT I'M NOT SURE.)
Hello, Mr.Deuker. I am reading your books, ALL OF THEM, and i am enjoying them very much. You are an AMAZING writer and I can't wait untill I get to read your other books. When I get home I am going to get on my e-mail, and e-mail you. I really hope you get them in time. I just want to thank you fro being the BEST AUTHOR in the world. YOURRRR AWWESSOME! ~EMMAAA~ (Highland Park) THANKS FOR WRITING EMMA. I'M WORKING ON A NEW BOOK RIGHT NOW, THIS ONE ABOUT AN ATHLETE WHO SHOWS UP AT A SCHOOL AS A SENIOR, CLEARLY WITH A MYSTERIOUS PAST.
Hello Mr. Deuker, High Heat is the best book ever Written. Better than gone with the wind, anyway you should seriously consider writing a sequel. By the way, how many pages are in the paperback book of heeart of a champion. Night Hoops is great to. Thank You, Chaz
SORRY FOR MISSING THIS THE FIRST TIME THROUGH. THE NEW VERSION OF HEART OF A CHAMPION IN PAPERBACK IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ORIGINAL HARDBOUND. I'M GLAD BECAUSE THE FIRST PAPERBACK HAD A BUNCH OF TYPOS IN IT. THE NEW ONE PROBABLY HAS A FEW MISTAKES, BUT NOT SO MANY. SEQUEL--MAYBE SOMEDAY. CARL
Dear Mr. Deuker, Hi, I am doing a project on you at my school, and I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me...? What was the worst and best childhood memory, and how has it effected your writings, and why? Question #2. How did writing come to you? Was it something that came naturally, or did you have to work at it to get good. Question #3. Has anyone in your life inspired you to be a writer. Who? Why? Thank You Mr. Deuker. You do not have to answer all of my questions, for I know you must be pretty busy. I will e-mail you a few question, when I get home from school. Oh ya and I am about to be finished with Gym Candy. It is like a movie, when I have to put it down I get in a bad mood, and IT IS MY #1 FAVORITE BOOK IN THE WORLD. ( Can't Wait to read High Heat, for my project as well. Thank you agian, Mr.Deuker. Keep up the good work. ~Emma~ :D (Highland Park Middle School)
1) WORST MEMORY ISN'T REALLY A MEMORY. MY FATHER DIED WHEN I WAS THREE, SO IT'S MORE OF A BLANK IN MY LIFE AS I DON'T REMEMBER HIM. 2) I ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING AND TELLING STORIES, SO THE PLOT PART CAME NATURALLY. BUT THE ACTUAL WRITING??? HARD WORK EVERY TIME. 3) TEACHERS INSPIRED ME, AND SO DID MUSIC. ROLLING STONES, DYLAN, THE BEATLES--ALL THOSE SONGS MADE ME FEEL THE POWER OF WORDS.
Dear Mr. Deuker, I have finally found a book idea to stick with. It's a baseball and football book about Drew Taylor, a sport fanatic and athlete at heart (sixth grader). The story takes place in Oakridge, Oregon, present time. The first half of the book is about Drew stuggling to keep his position at Fullback and Linebacker. Two hard positions to keep delivering high quality football at. He soons gets up rooted by Sean Lancey, a big, strong, and fast kid, who can domInate at any position. Soon Drew finds himself in the weight room in the local work out facility, trying to become stronger, but he soon becomes weaker, and he is in for a showdown one on one with Sean. I'm still not quite sure about the baseball, which is my favorite sport, (and my best). I still deciding to make that the second book, or not. Any advice? Your Fan, Tucker
JUST KEEP WORKING AT IT LITTLE BY LITTLE. IF IT STARTS TO FEEL 'WRONG,' THEN GO BACK AND REWRITE. MINE GO WRONG ALL THE TIME.
Where did your title come from? J.Q.,A.W.,B.T.,C.B.,J.B. TITLES ARE COLLABORATIVE. THE EDITOR OF MY BOOKS, ANN RIDER, MAKES SUGGESTIONS; I MAKE SUGGESTIONS; READERS MAKE SUGGESTIONS. USUALLY, ONE JUST STICKS LONGER THAN THE OTHERS. GYM CANDY WAS A SUGGESTION FROM A READER.
Why did you decide to write the book "Heart of a Champion" is there a movie about it? J.F., S.M.,G.B.,D.C. THAT ONE IS BASED ON MY OWN CHILDHOOD, AND ON A STUDENT I HAD WHEN I BEGAN TEACHING. SORT OF A MERGING OF PAST AND PRESENT
How did you become a famous author? If someone wants to become an author how do you start the process? How do you become good at it? E.M.,K.S.,J.E., D.S. F.D. I'M A TEACHER WHO ALSO WRITES, A LONG WAY FROM BEING A FAMOUS WRITER.
Our class played a game of baseball using a tee-ball bat and poof balls...the bases were buckets with questions from your novel. Do you think this is a good activity for the classroom? A.R., S.T.,J.P. SOUNDS VERY COOL. I USED TO PUT A PILLOW IN MY FRONT ROOM AND "SHOOT" A WALNUT AT IT, PRETENDING I WAS A WARRIOR BEATING THAT &*&*& JERRY WEST AND HIS LAKERS.
Why did you think about writing the book, "Heart of a Champion?" What brought it to your mind? R.D., L.S.,J.M. THE "SETH" PARTS ARE AUTOBIOGRAPHY. "JIMMY" IS BASED ON A STUDENT I TAUGHT MANY YEARS LATER. I MERGED THEM IN THE BOOK.
As a teacher how do you write novels and teach a class? A.J., T.F., K.B. HARD TO DO. I TRY TO WRITE EVERY DAY EVEN IF IT'S JUST FOR 40 MINUTES. IF I THINK "I'M GOING TO WRITE FOUR HOURS TONIGHT, THEN I GET OVERWHELMED AND DO NOTHING."
Mr. Deuker- Your novel "Heart of a Champion" is part of our curriculum at Bennettsville Middle School in SC. My eighth grade class is approaching Part 4 of your novel and I have asked them to pose a question for you concerning your book so far. (I just located this site!) This is a wonderful way to connect to the readers! Thank you for having this! I LIKE IT TOO. I CAN BE QUICK AND STILL BE POLITE. EMAIL HAS ITS VIRTUES.
when are you going to put up that one book Fourth and Forever I COULD PUT THE FIRST PAGE UP NOW, I SUPPOSE. BUT I'M STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF WRITING IT, SO EVERYTHING MIGHT CHANGE.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?, and if not what inspired you? FROM ABOUT 8TH GRADE I KNEW I WANTED TO WRITE.
hey i really love soccer and i really love your books. have you ever thought of writing a high school soccer book? the only decent high school soccer book i have ever read was home of the brave by david klass... it would really make my day if you wrote a high school soccer book I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT. THERE SURE IS A NEED FOR A GOOD SOCCER BOOK. I NEVER PLAYED THE GAME, THOUGH, SO EVERY TIME I'VE STARTED A SOCCER BOOK I'VE FELT A BIT OF A FRAUD. I'M SURE YOU'VE READ 'SPORTS' BOOKS WHERE IT IS CLEAR THE AUTHOR HAS NO CLUE ABOUT THE GAME HE'S DESCRIBING--I DON'T WANT TO MAKE THAT MISTAKE.
where do you live? Give complete description!!!!! I LIVE IN THE CITY OF SEATTLE IN A SCANDINAVIAN NEIGHBORHOOD CALLED BALLARD. MY HOUSE IS ABOUT ONE MILE EAST OF THE PUGET SOUND, ONE MILE NORTH OF THE BALLARD LOCKS, FOUR MILES WEST OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, AND FIVE MILES SOUTH OF SEATTLE GOLF CLUB, A COURSE I'D LOVE TO PLAY SOMEDAY (NOT A MEMBER.)
Mr Deuker, I really love your books and have finished every one of your books at my school library. I just wanted to let you know your books have helped me to deal with my family's (myself included) issues with my detatched brother. I especially like Heart of a Champion. THANKS. IT TAKES A WHILE TO WRITE THEM, AND WRITING IS A LONELY JOB, SO HEARING THAT THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOU MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO ME.
how do u write ur books I WRITE IN WAVES. I'LL DO ABOUT THIRTY PAGES, THEN GO BACK TO PAGE ONE, REWRITE 1-30, AND THEN WRITE IT OUT TO ABOUT PAGE 50. THEN I'LL GO BACK TO PAGE ONE, REWRITE 1-50 AND PUSH OUT TO 75. THE HARD PART IS GETTING THE VOICE OF MY MAIN CHARACTER TO SOUND RIGHT. SOMETIMES I GET MY PLOTS TOO COMPLICATED AS WELL. I'D LIKE MY BOOKS TO BE UNDER 200 PAGES.
Hi my name is josh I LOVED your book high heat I love how you keep the readers hanging and you never know what’s coming next what make the book even cooler is I live in Washington and in the story they had my school in the story Marysville I TRY TO USE SETTINGS NEAR MY HOME SO THAT I CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT I'M DESCRIBING. GLAD YOU LIKED THE BOOK.
i am doing a book report on The Runner and one of my questions ask me "Why is the setting set where it is? could you help me answer that. And i cant really find a leason learned in this book and that is one of the questions too. please help me i am at home and it is due 6th and 7th period. i got out of school to do this so please write back.Also in which ways are Melissa and chance different... WELL, THIS ONE IS YOUR ASSIGNMENT, NOT MINE, BUT I'LL HELP A LITTLE. IT'S SET ALONG THE WATERFRONT IN SEATTLE TO MAKE THE SMUGGLING PLAUSIBLE; IT'S SET IN CURRENT TIME BECAUSE TERRORISM IS A CURRENT THREAT. LESSON LEARNED: PERHAPS THAT IT'S DANGEROUS TO DO THE WRONG THING, EVEN IF YOU PLAN ON DOING SO ONLY FOR A LITTLE WHILE. AS FAR AS HOW MELISSA AND CHANCE ARE DIFFERENT, I'LL LET YOU FIGURE THAT OUT FOR YOURSELF.
Dear Deuker, I just finished Gym Candy yesterday, and I also just got it yesterday, haha. I couldn't put it down, and I think its another great one to stack on to the others. A few days ago I asked you if you'd write another basketball book, you told me you would and I became more curious. When Do estimate that the book will be out? Or have you even started writing it? One more question - Do you use the same set of schools in every book and are they real schools? I'M WORKING ON A MYSTERY/FOOTBALL BOOK RIGHT NOW, SO THE BASKETBALL BOOK IS WAY OUT IN THE FUTURE. I MODEL THE SCHOOLS ON NEARBY HIGH SCHOOLS. I USE A "REAL" SCHOOL'S NAME FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS. BUT THE MAIN SCHOOL IS FICTITIOUS. I DON'T WANT ANYONE IN SEATTLE THINKING I'M WRITING ABOUT THEM.
Who are the characters in the book Runner? MELISSA AND CHANCE ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERS--TAKE A LOOK AT IT, YOU MIGHT ENJOY IT.
Why did you decide to write. I WAS AN AVID READER. WORDS SEEMED (AND STILL SEEM) VERY POWERFUL TO ME. IT WAS NATURAL TO WANT TO WRITE. I'VE ALSO ENJOYED TELLING STORIES ALL MY LIFE, SOMETIMES EMBELLISHING ON THE TRUTH A BIT. SO FICTION COMES NATURALLY TOO.
I have just finshed High Heat it was awEsome, I like football so maybe I will give Gym Candy a try. GLAD YOU LIKED HIGH HEAT & HOPE YOU DO TRY GYM CANDY.
how do you get your ideas when writing
LOTS OF DIFFERENT PLACES. GYM CANDY CAME FROM READING ABOUT THE DEATH OF TYLER HOOTEN, A PITCHER FROM TEXAS WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE AND WHO WAS ALSO A STEROID USER. MANY PEOPLE WHO KNEW HIM THOUGHT THE TWO FACTS WERE CONNECTED. THAT GOT ME THINKING ABOUT STEROIDS AND HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES.
Mr. Deuker, I'm stuck, i can't think of one story idea. I am going crazy! Any advice? Tucker
HERE'S HOW I GOT STARTED. I TOOK AN EXISTING STORY, DAMN YANKESS, WHICH WAS ABOUT ADULTS PLAYING BASEBALL, AND USED THE EXACT SAME PLOT WITH AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT SETTING, HIGH SCHOOL KIDS PLAYING BASKETBALL. SO, THINK OF A GREAT STORY, AND THEN SWITCH THE PLACE, THE CHARACTERS, THE TIME -- SOMETHING. ONCE YOU MAKE THAT CHANGE, THE STORY WILL BE YOUR STORY, BUT YOU WILL HAVE AN EXISTING PLOT TO KEEP YOU GOING FORWARD. GOOD LUCK--AND I OFTEN FIND IT HARD TO WRITE TOO. THAT'S WHY I'M ANSWERING THESE NOTES RIGHT NOW. I'M STUCK.
Ooops, sorry to bother you again, but I'm the kid that just left that last comment, is it called "A single moment" or "Fourth and Forever"? -Tony P.S.- that comment below about barry bonds.....priceless
TITLES ARE ONE OF THE LAST THINGS THAT HAPPEN FOR A BOOK.GYM CANDY WAS SUGGESTED BY A READER IN ILLINOIS. BUT RIGHT NOW I'M LEANING TOWARD FOURTH AND FOREVER. HAS A LITTLE MORE MYSTERY FEEL TO IT, I THINK
Dear Deuker, I want to start out just thanking you for such great books. You should feel proud and its a great accomplishment. I'm in the 7th grade and I just thought I'd notify you that Night Hoops and High Heat are both great inspiration for kids that need help to try and recover from or overcome adversity. I'm not much of a baseball player but reading High Heat really got me thinking about the realities you have to face in life. Night Hoops is an outstanding book, I read it before every basketball season and am now averaging 26.8 ppg. I just wanted to wish you good luck on "A single moment" and you'll have my vote. By the way, if theres any possibility, I'm really looking forward to another basketball book, do yo think you're going to write one?
I'M GLAD YOU LIKED THEM, AND SADLY THERE ARE SOME TOUGH THINGS THAT COME EVERY PERSON'S WAY IN LIFE. YES, DEFINITELY I WOULD WRITE ANOTHER BASKETBALL BOOK. I'M ACTUALLY SURPRISED THAT THE NEW ONE IS ALSO ABOUT FOOTBALL, BUT THE IDEA JUST CAME TO ME AND SO I WENT WITH IT.
hi um this might be a stupid comment but you should make some movies based on your books because they are incredible i hope you make more books. THANKS. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF BOOKS EACH YEAR, AND PROBABLY NOT EVEN 100 MOVIES, SO IT'S NOT TOO LIKELY THAT MY BOOKS WILL EVER BE MADE INTO A FILM. BUT I APPRECIATE THE COMPLIMENT VERY MUCH--IT MEANS YOU COULD PICTURE THE ACTION, AND THAT'S MUSIC TO A WRITER'S EAR.
is it easy to write books
NOT FOR ME. RUNNER AND HEART OF A CHAMPION WEREN'T TOO BAD, BUT ALL THE OTHER BOOKS HAVE BEEN A STRUGGLE. I KEEP THINKING I'LL GET THE KNACK, BUT IT HASN'T HAPPENED YET.
Are you going to make any other baseball novels like Heart Of A Champion? I HAVE TWO OTHER BASEBALL BOOKS--PAINTING THE BLACK AND HIGH HEAT. I WILL PROBABLY WRITE ANOTHER ONE SOMEDAY AS I LOVE THE GAME.
Is there any chance of a sequel to "High Heat". btw Carl, I will only read books if their written by you. I have read all your books, and have ordered "Gym Candy". :) From Jim
THAT BOOK, AND PAINTING THE BLACK, ARE THE TWO BOOKS THAT I'VE THOUGHT ABOUT DOING A SEQUEL FOR. I'M STILL WAITING FOR A STRONG STORY TO COME TO ME, THOUGH. I'M USUALLY DISAPPOINTED IN SEQUELS--AND I DON'T WANT TO WRITE A LOUSY ONE MYSELF.
Mr. Deuker, Whats the next book you're starting on. Tucker
I'M WRITING A MYSTERY/SPORTS BOOK THAT I'M CALLING FOURTH AND FOREVER. A KID SHOWS UP AT A HIGH SCHOOL AS A SENIOR. SOMETIMES HE SEEMS LIKE HE'S GREAT, OTHER TIMES HE SEEMS LIKE HE ISN'T TRYING HARD. HE SAYS HE HASN'T PLAYED BEFORE, BUT HE'S TOO POLISHED NOT TO HAVE PLAYED. WHO IS HE? AN UNDERCOVER POLICEMAN MAYBE? A CHEATER, TRYING TO PLAY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WHEN HE'REALLY IS TOO OLD? THE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER REPORTER IS DETERMINED TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH.
i just wanted to say dat night hoops is a good book and i am reading it for my english class. THANKS. AND THANK YOUR TEACHER FOR USING IT IN CLASS. LOTS OF TEACHERS ASSUME A SPORTS BOOK IS NOT WORTHY OF AN ENGLISH CLASS. IT TAKES A TEACHER WITH AN OPEN MIND TO GIVE ONE A CHANCE.
Dear Deuker, I can not find any reviews for "On the Devil's court." Can you give me one?
WELL, YES. HERE'S MY REVIEW: ON THE DEVIL'S COURT IS A A GREAT BOOK!
SERIOUSLY, GO TO AMAZON.COM, PRETEND YOU WANT TO BUY THE BOOK, AND YOU'LL FIND REVIEWS.
I have just started "Heart Of A Champion" and it is very good so far! I am on page 27 right now... and do YOU like the San Fransisco Giants or did you just make that up for the character?
I WENT TO CANDLESTICK EVERY TIME I GOT THE CHANCE. JUAN MARICHAL WAS MY FAVORITE PLAYER, BUT WILLIE MAYS WASN'T FAR BEHIND. BARRY BONDS, HOWEVER, IS A DIFFERENT STORY.
I just finished Gym Candy (9/3) and i loved it. I have one question though... will you make a sequel? Tucker
WOW! YOU MUST BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO HAVE READ IT. GLAD YOU LIKED IT. I'M NOT PLANNING ON A SEQUEL RIGHT NOW, BUT PERHAPS DOWN THE ROAD. IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO FOLLOW MICK'S COMEBACK.
I am reading Gym Candy and loving it. I fly threw the book it makes me feel like i'm in the story. Thanks for the great book, Mr. Deuker! Tucker GLAD YOU ARE ENJOYING IT--THAT'S THE MAIN REASON I WRITE THEM!
Do you think Gym Candy will be your biggest hit? If so, why? Tucker I HOPE SO, BUT IT IS HARD TO SAY. MANY GIRLS READ MY BOOKS BECAUSE THEY PLAY SOFTBALL/BASKETBALL AND SO CAN ASSOCIATE WITH THE GAMES AS WELL AS THE CHARACTERS. GYM CANDY, BEING MAINLY ABOUT FOOTBALL, MIGHT NOT DRAW THEM IN AS MUCH
I read your book On the Devils Court and im doing a book report. I completely forgot which team won the championships. The Loyal High team or Joe Faust's Team. (sorry i forgot the name of his school)
THAT'S OKAY. IT'S ACTUALLY A COMPLIMENT BECAUSE I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT THE THEMES IN MY BOOKS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MERE PLOT DETAILS. ANYWAY, JOE'S TEAM (EASTSIDE) WINS ON A LAST SECOND DUNK. I STOLE THE SCENE FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE'S VICTORY OVER HOUSTON? IN THE NCAA FINALS WHEN JIM VALVANO WAS THE COACH.
what is your favorite book to write?
HEART OF A CHAMPION AND RUNNER BOTH WENT VERY SMOOTHLY FROM BEGINNING TO END. THE OTHERS ALL GAVE ME MANY LONG NIGHTS OF WORRY--WILL I EVER GET IT RIGHT????? PAINTING THE BLACK WAS PROBABLY THE HARDEST.
i have a project on night hoops and was wondering what is the setting, a third main character, 3 conflicts, and 2 themes.
WOW--THAT'S A LOT OF QUESTIONS. I'LL GET STARTED . . . SETTING IS BOTHELL, WASHINGTON IN PRESENT TIME. THIRD MAIN CHARACTER COULD BE THE SAXOPHONE PLAYING BROTHER. THE REST, MY FRIEND, IS YOUR ASSIGNMENT.
Did you play any high school sports? JV ATHLETE. I ACTUALLY HAD A BETTER TIME PLAYING INTRAMURAL SPORTS IN COLLEGE. BASKETBALL, VB, SOFTBALL, EVEN PING-PONG. NO COACHES, NO PRESSURE. MORE FUN
Mr. Deuker, What made you want to be an author, and what year did you first start on On Devil's Court? Tucker
STARTED ON ON THE DEVIL'S COURT IN 1987. I LIKED MUSIC--DYLAN, ROLLING STONES, BEATLES--AND THE LYRICS OF THEIR SONGS GOT ME GOING WITH WRITING.
You said"You might pick up one of your old players in Triple AAA ball" which one?As far as we know Painting the Black ended with him going to try out as a catcher,what about that one?Have you ever been a reporter or a magazine writer?Cameron
YES, IT WOULD BE PAINTING THE BLACK OR HIGH HEAT. BOTH OF THEM END WITH CHARACTERS JUST ABOUT TO MOVE UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL, BUT WITH BAGGAGE FROM THE PAST. IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO THINK THROUGH HOW THEY'D HANDLE THE NEW PRESSURES AND THE OLD GHOSTS. AND YES, I HAVE WORKED FOR NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES: LOS ANGELES DAILY JOURNAL, SEATTLE SUN, PACIFIC NORTHWEST MAGAZINE. I HAD A FEW STORIES PUBLISHED IN BOYS LIFE AS WELL
hi mr. deuker What's YOUR favorite book YOU have READ?
MOBY DICK AND THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV ARE MY TWO FAVORITE NOVELS
Why do you not write about pro sports?
I DON'T KNOW. MAYBE I WILL SOME TIME. WITH RUNNER, I TRIED A 'THRILLER,' NOT A 'SPORTS' BOOK, AND I LIKED BRANCHING OUT. PRO SPORTS MIGHT BE A GOOD CHALLENGE. MAYBE PICK UP ONE OF MY EARLIER CHARACTERS AS HE STARTS OUT IN AAA BASEBALL. GOOD IDEA.
We hear you are already starting on a book about baseball,so how long ahead of time do you write your books? Cameron
FROM START TO PUBLICATION, IT TAKES ME TWO AND HALF TO THREE YEARS. I'M NOT FAST, AND I'M USUALLY ONLY GOOD FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF OF WRITING A DAY, WHICH IS WHY I'VE NEVER BEEN TEMPTED TO BE A FULL-TIME WRITER.
Are you ever going to write a book about boxing or do you only write about the big sports? What about soccer,wrestling,fencing,biking,running,or car racing?Well thankyou any way
I WROTE A SHORT STORY ABOUT WRESTLING WHICH IS INCLUDED IN ULTIMATE SPORTS. THE GENERAL RULE FOR WRITERS IS TO WRITE ABOUT THINGS YOU KNOW, SO I STICK TO SPORTS I'VE PLAYED, COACHED, OR WATCHED A LOT. GOLF, VOLLEYBALL, AND TENNIS ARE POSSIBILITIES BESIDES THE BIG THREE.
Dear Mr. Deuker, When you were younger, 11, 12, or 13, did you have any book ideas? Tucker
I USED TO PLAY IMAGINARY GAMES IN MY HEAD IN WHICH THE SF GIANTS, 49ERS, USF, AND WARRIORS WON THE TITLE. THEN I'D WRITE DOWN SOME OF IT IN A MARBLE NOTEBOOK. USUALLY I'D QUIT AFTER ABOUT FIVE OR SIX PAGES AND THEN START SOMETHING NEW.
Dear Mr. Deuker, What is your favorite book you have written of all time? I ALWAYS LIKE THE BOOK I'VE JUST FINISHED THE MOST, SO RIGHT NOW IT'S GYM CANDY. THERE IS A GREAT FEELING OF RELIEF AND OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WHENEVER A BOOK FINALLY REACHES PUBLICATION. EVERY SINGLE BOOK IS A STRUGGLE--WRITING DOESN'T COME EASY FOR WRITERS EITHER!
What position does the player in gymn candy play? And what subject do you teach and what school
MICK IS A RUNNING BACK FOR HIS TEAM. I TEACH ALL SUBJECTS TO A 6TH GRADE AT SHELTON VIEW SCHOOL IN BOTHELL, WA. I TEACH ALL SUBJECTS--I LIKE MATH AND SCIENCE QUITE A BIT. IF I TAUGHT HIGH SCHOOL, I'D TEACH ONLY ENGLISH AND CREATIVE WRITING.
Dear Mr. Deuker, My name is Tucker. I play baseball for West Linn, Oregon. I'm 11 years old. My dream is to become a Major League baseball player. Either that or have a book published before i reach college. My favorite book i have ever read was Heart of a Champion. It has a great story line and baseball action that kept me wanting more and more. Painting the Black was a great book also. It gave me the real outlook of what catchers half to go through to become a catcher. Night Hoops gave me the feeling of wanting a life just like Nick's. Runner was a thriller that I enjoyed to read. With your great imagination (however you spell it) gave me the opportunity to really get the hang of what Seattle is like and what terrorists try to do. High Heat was my first 300 page book. It was great with drama and it was like it was a movie to me. I just need to read On Devils Court. Keep up the great books and i hope to enjoy Gym Candy! Sincerely, Tucker
THANKS FOR WRITING AND FOR READING SO MANY OF MY BOOKS. THERE IS NO REASON WHY YOU COULDN'T GET A BOOK PUBLISHED. I DIDN'T DO IT, BUT S.E. HINTON WAS ONLY 19 WHEN SHE WROTE THE OUTSIDERS, AND THAT BOOK STILL SELLS THOUSANDS OF COPIES EVERY SINGLE YEAR. MAYBE YOU'LL END UP BOTH A BASEBALL PLAYER AND A WRITER.
do you think your gonna write another book after gym candy ? if so what sport? I'VE STARTED ON A NEW BOOK WHICH I'M CALLING "A SINGLE MOMENT" RIGHT NOW. IT'S ABOUT A FOOTBALL PLAYER WHO SHOWS UP AS A SENIOR AT A HIGH SCHOOL. HE'S GREAT, BUT HE SEEMS TO HAVE NO PAST. HE TELLS EVERYONE HE HASN'T PLAYED BEFORE . . . UNLIKELY. WHAT'S THE TRUTH? A MYSTERY-SPORTS BOOK WITH A SURPRISE (I HOPE) ENDING.
Mr.Deuker, Hi My Name is Marc, I read your book night hoops when I was In middle school about 4 times and even shared it to some of my friends when I got to high school, I am now an upcoming senior in High school and I play Varsity soccer and varsity football. I also read On the devil's court, but My all time favorite has to Be Night hoops, that is my favorite book ever. Do you ever think that you would make a sequEl. If not, you should really turn it into a movie. I could visually see it into an instant blockbuster! What do you think?
I'M ALL FOR A MOVIE VERSION. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF BOOKS PUBLISHED EACH YEAR, BUT ONLY HUNDREDS OF MOVIES. MOVIES TAKE LOTS OF MONEY TO MAKE, SO WRITERS CAN'T, ON THEIR OWN, DECIDE TO MAKE A MOVIE. HOLLYWOOD HAS TO COME CALLING, AND SO FAR HOLLYWOOD HASN'T FOUND MY NUMBER. GLAD YOU LIKED THE BOOK, THOUGH!
Hi Mr. Deuker, i was wondering if you are going to write any other baseball books. I have read Heart of a Champion and High Heat. I loved them both. High Heat was my first BIG paperback book. I'm now starting on Painting the black. Any recamendations on any other books bye you. I'm not a huge Basketball fan but i have never read a football story, so Gym Candy moight be cool to read. Thank You PAINTING THE BLACK IS MY ONLY OTHER BASEBALL BOOK.
YOU MIGHT TRY DEAN DUFFY BY RANDY POWELL. WILL WEAVER HAS SOME BASEBALL BOOKS AS WELL. LOTS OF GOOD BOOKS OUT THERE!
Hi Mr. Deuker, i am writing a book called Going Going Gone. My main character is Brian. I write it in 1st person. It is coming along pretty well. If i e-mail it to you will you read it? I'm just on chapter three, so it's like a preview. And any advice would be super. Thank you SEND ME THE FIRST CHAPTER VIA EMAIL AND I'LL SEND YOU BACK MY THOUGHTS. THE MAIN THING WITH ANY STORY IS GETTING THE VOICE RIGHT. ONCE YOU GET THE RIGHT VOICE, THEN YOU JUST FOLLOW IT AND THE STORY COMES ALONG.
Hi Mr. Deuker, i was wondering what your favorite book was that you wrote. Baseball, football, or basketball.
BASEBALL IS THE EASIEST SPORT TO MAKE EXCITING TO READ ABOUT BECAUSE THERE IS TIME IN THE GAME FOR THE PARTICIPANTS TO THINK. BASKETBALL GOES FAST, NO TIME TO REFLECT. FOOTBALL IS SO PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTING THAT PLAYERS CAN'T THINK, THEY'RE JUST BATTLING ALL THE TIME. THIS IS PROBABLY WHY BASEBALL CAN BE THE MOST BORING TO WATCH--TOO MUCH THINKING AND NOT ENOUGH ACTION
hey Mr. Deuker, i am doing a report on Night Hoops and i was wondering if the whole thing about Michael Ushkov getting shot would be a good sub-plot, and if it isn't is there something else? and when Trent Dawson walks into the gym at the final championship- that's the climax right? YES AND YES--YOU NAILED BOTH OF THEM.
thanks for on the devils court from dj oh yeah do you like football and basketball from dj I PLAYED A LOT OF BASKETBALL AND LOVED IT. I WAS NEVER BIG ENOUGH TO ENJOY FOOTBALL. MY IDEA OF FOOTBALL IS BEING A WIDE RECEIVER RUNNING FLY PATTERNS CATCHING TOUCHDOWN PASSES. BLOCKING, GOING OVER THE MIDDLE--NOT FOR ME.
I am a middle school reading teacher. I was wondering if you know of any supplemental books to go along with "Night Hoops". I'm hoping to teach it to my 8th graders next year. Thanks! SORRY, I DON'T. ONE OF THE PROJECTS I'VE SET MYSELF IS TO TRY TO WRITE SOME AS I GET THIS REQUEST WITH SOME REGULARITY.
~*~ hi, question, im doing a project at school on heart of a champion and i was wondering what your inspiation was, and what were you trying to get across to your readers, mainly. wow that was a mouthful. anyways i loved your book, ill probably read your others this month. [by the way i read heart of a champion in 2 days]~ *~ .:: Rachael ::. BRIEFLY, THAT LIFE IS FRAGILE AND THAT IT'S EASY TO FORGET, OR NOT UNDERSTAND THAT FACT, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG. INSPIRATION--SADLY, THE BOOK IS BASED ON FACT.
High heat was a great book even though i wanted them to play on to state! I loved how you tied baseball and real life conflicts into one interesting book. I was hooked by your book as soon as i started reading it! What inspired you to write your book? A COUPLE OF THINGS--I WAS BEANED AS A TEENAGER AND NEVER MADE IT BACK TO BEING ANY GOOD, AND I HAD A CLASSMATE WHOSE FATHER COMMITTED SUICIDE.
hey Mr. Deuker, i am doing a book report on Night Hoops, and i was having trouble frinding the main conflict of your novel. i was thinking it might have to do with something about trent and zack, or maybe the family's reputation. could ya help me out?
THE MAIN CONFLICT IS INSIDE NICK. HE'S TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO HE IS. HIS FATHER, HIS BROTHER, HIS MOTHER, AND TRENT ALL CHALLENGE HIM IN SOME WAY OR ANOTHER, AND HE HAS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS. THE BASKETBALL GAMES, AND HIS PLACE ON THE TEAM, MORE OR LESS MIRROR HIS CONFLICTS (AND HIS SUCCESSES) IN LIFE.
hi what year were you born 1950
I finished reading your book High heat and i wanted to know how they did at state!!!!!! how would you end the book differently! please give me something! im dying here!
I'M GLAD YOU'RE SO INVOLVED WITH THE TEAM, BUT I ENDED THE BOOK WHERE I DID BECAUSE FOR ME THE CONFLICT WAS ALL ABOUT COMING BACK FROM THE LOW POINT IN HIS LIFE WHEN HE THROWS AT REESE. WHEN HE STRIKES REESE OUT, HE'S ALL THE WAY BACK AS A PITCHER, BUT HE REALIZES AS A PERSON THAT HE CAN'T UNDO THE MISTAKES HE'S MADE. HE HAS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEM, LEARN FROM THEM, AND THEN MOVE FORWARD.
Dear Mr. Deuker, What are your hobbies? GOLF, RUNNING, MY GARDEN
i was disappointed with the ending of high heat. please make a sequel or just let me know how you would have ended the book if shane's team went to state. SORRY YOU WERE DISAPPOINTED. I THOUGHT THE STORY SORT OF ENDED ONCE REESE AND SHANE HAVE THE FINAL CONFRONTATION. AND IT WAS GETTING A LITTLE LONG FOR MY TASTE.
Dear Mr. Deuker My name is Chris and i wrote you about a month or two ago and you responded to me and i want to say thank you for taking the time and writing me back. I also want to say that i have reading your books with me little brother and he is starting to like them as much as i do. He likes the baseball books ,but his favorite sport is football and he asking me when your new book is coming out. So mr. Deuker i just want to say thank you for your great books, and i hope your newest book brings you even more fans. THANKS . . . AND THANKS FOR BEING A PUBLICITY AGENT FOR ME WITH YOUR BROTHER.
Dear Carl For a project for school i have to write a letter to an author. I chose you and i was wondering if you write a return letter. Thanks a lot By the way i love all your books though I don't play some of the sports SURE. JUST CLICK ON THE EMAIL UP ABOVE AND SEND ME YOUR LETTER, AND I'LL BE GLAD TO WRITE BACK. IF YOU NEED TO SEND YOUR LETTER BY REGULAR MAIL FOR YOUR ASSIGNMENT, JUST USE THE EMAIL CONNECTION AND I'LL GIVE YOU MY ADDRESS
carl, i was wondering if you had any suggestions for me? i love to write and my goal is to have a novel published by the time i am 40! the problem is that i have many ideas for a book but then when i start to write i cant think of where the stoy is going! in about 4th gr i started a book and i have got pretty far in it and everyone that has read it liked it and wants me to finish it but i just dont seem to like it.i am now in 6th gr and i really want to write. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU'RE DOING EVERYTHING JUST RIGHT. MY ADVICE WOULD BE NOT TO WORRY ABOUT FINISHING THINGS. WRITE UNTIL YOU LOSE INTEREST OR THE STORY JUST DOESN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING. THEN START A NEW STORY AND DO THE SAME THING. SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE, YOU'LL GET A STORY THAT MAKES SENSE BEGINNING TO END, OR YOU'LL GO BACK TO A STORY THAT YOU PUT DOWN BECAUSE YOU'LL BE INSPIRED. ALL WRITING IS GOOD PRACTICE . . . NEVER WASTED TIME.
dear carl' my name is molly and i just finished your book "runner" and i loved it i have to say it is tied with "cruise Control" by terry trueman for the second best book i've ever read!! i cant tell u my first favorite because i have not yet read it.lol.in twenty i cried through the entire chapter. THANKS, MOLLY. I'M GLAD YOU LIKED IT. IT IS SAD AT THE END, BUT SOMETIMES LIFE IS SAD, TOO. KEEP READING!
When were you born, i am doing a biography about you?
SAN FRANCISCO 8/26/50
i love your book runner! i am just finishing it now.... and i started 2 1/2 hours ago! its rlly gr8 an i just wanted 2 let you know that -erika I APPRECIATE IT. MY GOAL WAS TO WRITE A BOOK THAT WOULD BE A PAGE TURNER AND GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT TO THINK ABOUT AS WELL.
My name is patrick and i have read 4 of your books already and i am reading painting the black now i have noticed that there is a problem with the parents in almost all of your books.why? STORIES ARE BUILT ON STRUGGLES, SO IT IS ONLY NATURAL THAT TEENAGERS WOULD STRUGGLE WITH PARENTS. I BET YOU'VE GOT A FEW FRIENDS WHO DON'T ALWAYS SEE THINGS THE WAY THEIR PARENTS DO.
Im a sophomore in high school and i don't like to read and it's rare if i finish a story but i wanted to say good job cause i would say you wrote one heck of a story cause i read the hole thing(heart of a champion).
THANKS. GLAD YOU LIKED IT. I HEAR FROM A LOT OF READERS THAT THEY DON'T THINK THEY LIKE TO READ AND ARE SURPRISED TO HAVE ENJOYED ONE OF MY BOOKS. HERE'S WHAT I THINK--IT'S NOT THAT YOU DON'T LIKE TO READ, IT'S MORE THAT YOU HAVEN'T FOUND THE RIGHT BOOKS. SO READ MINE, AND WHEN YOU WANT TO MOVE ON, GO TO A LIBRARIAN AND ASK FOR A LIST OF YA TITLES OR FOR RECOMMENDATIONS. I HAD TO READ PRIDE AND PREJUDICE IN HIGH SCHOOL. IT'S A GREAT BOOK, A MILLION TIMES BETTER THAN ANYTHING I'VE EVER WRITTEN, BUT I HATED IT THEN. WRONG BOOK FOR THAT TIME OF MY LIFE.
Mr. Deuker, My name is Clint, I have written and emailed you before. I've read all of your books and Ive loved everyone of them. Ive told you before that "On the Devils Court" is the book that sparked my interest in reading alltogether. My question for you is this, I have been considering writing a book of my own about High School football in Alabama. However, I never played much and dont really know a lot about formations and the like, Do you have any suggestions about how I might research, or should I scratch the idea all together? NO, DON'T SCRATCH THE IDEA. IN FACT, KNOWING TOO MUCH CAN MAKE YOUR BOOK TEDIOUS. HERE'S WHAT I'D DO. LISTEN TO GAMES ON THE RADIO. THE ANNOUNCERS WILL DESCRIBE FORMATIONS FOR YOU. JUST GET A HALF DOZEN OR SO CLEAR IN YOUR HEAD, AND ROTATE THEM.
IN ON THE DEVIL'S COURT, I HAVE THE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT OVER IN THREE GAMES. IN REALITY, IT'S A DOUBLE ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT THAT TAKES ABOUT THREE WEEKS. WAY TOO COMPLICATED FOR A GOOD STORY! KEEP IT SIMPLE, AND WORRY MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTERS THAN YOUR FORMATIONS. GOOD LUCK!
In Night Hoops, how come Nick was a sophomore if it was his first year in high school?
IN SOME SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE SEATTLE AREA, THE JUNIOR HIGHS GO FROM 7TH TO 9TH GRADE, AND THE HIGH SCHOOLS ARE 10TH TO 12TH. THAT'S THE CASE WITH THE SCHOOLS IN BOTHELL WHERE NICK LIVES.
Dear Carl Deuker My name is Chris I am eighteen years old and i have read all your book's and i enjoyed everyone of them. I have played sports, mostly baseball. I am not good enough to make pro, but i always was an all star or just a regular starter. I like the way you write feelings and emotions into your stories. Whenever i pick up a book you wrote i don't put it down till i am down. I just want to say thank you for the books you have. My favorite is High Heat because i use to pitch. I APPRECIATE THAT. I DIDN'T PITCH--I GOT HIT IN THE HEAD!
What kinds of things did you write at first? Why did you decide to become an author? where do you get your ideas? Where do the ideas for your characters come from? How do you develop a story once you get an idea? In what genre(s) do you write? Do you do your own illustrations? If not, who does?
I FIRST WROTE POEMS AND SONGS. I ALWAYS LIKED WRITING FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. MOST OF MY IDEAS COME FROM THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO ME OR FRIENDS. SOMETIMES THEY'RE FROM THINGS I'VE READ. I WISH I COULD DRAW 1/100TH AS WELL AS THE ILLUSTRATORS FOR MY BOOKS. I'M STRICTLY STICK FIGURES--CARL.
How do you develop a story after you have the idea?
I DO A LOT OF FREE WRITING. I'LL WRITE 30 PAGES WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT GRAMMAR, SPELLING, ETC. JUST GO. THEN I'LL GO BACK AND CLEAN THAT UP. THEN I'LL FREE WRITE THE NEXT THIRTY PAGES. THEN GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING AND REWRITE 60 PAGES, AND SO FORTH. THE BEGINNING ALWAYS TAKES LONGER THAN THE END. ONCE I FIND THE RIGHT "VOICE," I'M OKAY--CARL.
Mr. Deuker, This is Renaldo from Columbia, MO. I have read two of your books, "On the Devil's Court", and "Heart of a Champion". I think that they are phenomenal pieces of literature. You are definItely my favorite author. I plan on reading more of your work. Keep the good stuff coming! - Renaldo
THANKS RENALDO
What was the inspiraton to "On the Devil's Court?!?!?!?!?!"
THE MOVIE "DAMN YANKEES" GOT ME THINKING THAT I COULD USE THE SELL-YOUR-SOUL PLOT FOR BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN HIGH SCHOOL.
Why does Chance's father die in Runner?
HE WASN'T LIVING THE LIFE HE WANTED TO LEAD, WHICH WAS SAD, BUT ALCOHOLISM DOES THAT PEOPLE. THE DEATH IS ALSO SAD, BUT AT LEAST HE HAS THE KIND OF DEATH HE WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD OF. BITTERSWEET.
