Student Feedback

"Thank you so much for visiting our class.  I am too a writer and you really inspire me to never give up and keep going.  Thank you!  I look forward to reading your series." -- Candace, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"It was soooo cool having you come!  You've inspired my writing!  Don't stop!" -- Summer S., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thank you soooooo much!  I loved when you were talking about how hot the mom was!  I can't wait till I read your book!" -- Brittany C., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Wow, your book sounds so interesting, the way you talked about it.  It sounds so interesting.  Can't wait!" -- Kaysie, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thank you for coming and letting us know how it was for you to publish your book.  I love your creativity.  You are an awesome guy." -- Beatrice, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Dude, you're so cool.  I love your book." -- King, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thanks for taking time off to visit an 8th grade class!" -- Karolyn, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I would like to thank you for coming and visiting our class.  I look forward to reading your book next.  You inspired me to read your book [be]cause of how creative you made it seem." -- Kayla A., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thank you for coming to our class.  I liked your artwork.  I love drawing!" -- Lucero, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation.  My day was made better because you came.  I can't wait to read your book.  A lot of schools don't get to have the privilege that we got to have.  Thank you." -- Kelsey H., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thank you for coming to our class.  You were really inspirational.  I love how creative your book was." -- Cheyenne, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I am so glad you came.  It was awesome for you to show us your amazing books.  I would love to read one of them.  I am very excited!  I am sorry if I asked so many questions, but I wanted to know about your books.  Well, anyway, thanks for coming and taking your time.  Love the dog." -- Alma, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I'd like to thank you for coming to my class and informing me about your new book, Gamadin.  I personally can't wait to read it.  Keep writing, stay inspired!" -- Taylor M., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thank you for coming to our class and telling us about your book.  You put a lot of effort into writing it and getting it published, and it paid off.  Keep up the good work and thanks again!" -- Kayla, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I love to go to the Newport Wedge and go bodysurfing, too." -- Alex, Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thanks for coming to our class.  You are such a creative writer.  You are a great inspiration to never give up." -- Rosemary O., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I thank you very much for taking the time to come to our classroom.  You've inspired me greatly." -- Makenna H., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Thank you for coming and telling us about what it's like to be a writer.  I really enjoyed the posters and the autograph, too." -- Kevin S., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"I would like to thank you for coming to our school.  Your book sounds interesting and I can't wait to read your book." -- Tiffany B., Bear Valley Middle School, Escondido, CA

"Your book seems pretty interesting to me.  I am going to Barnes and Noble to buy it when I get my allowance.  I really like the picture you made of the dog.  I hope that your other books get published so that you can come to our class and talk about it.  I hope I could finish reading your book because I feel that it will take me a very long time.  Good luck publishing your other books!" -- Daisy H., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed your visit, even though I wasn't there the whole time.  I am going to finish reading your book.  Thank you for coming.  I wish you could come again." -- Jesus M., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really loved the book, Gamadin.  I liked the character robots.  Your book was pretty interesting.  It was cool that first you drew the characters and then you put the characters in a book.  I would really love to read your book.  If I read your book, I'll just bet I would really like it." -- Linda S., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It looks like a cool book.  I want to buy it.  I hope all the books you make get published.  My favorite character is Mowgi.  Thank you for showing us that book." -- Damiann R., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed the alien Mowgi.  He was so cool.  Thank you for coming." -- Socrates M., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It was interesting.  I think your book will be fun to read.  Gamadin will be a good series.  My favorite part of your visit was the preview.  Mowgi is cool.  Now I really want to read your book." -- Marie __., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I enjoyed looking at the posters.  I cannot wait to read your new books.  Since you've come in, I have started my own book about something completely different, but with your advice about the process, things will go a lot smoother.  I hope to see more of your books on shelves in stores." -- Morgan L., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I'm sure that I will enjoy your book, Gamadin.  You have inspired me to write more stories, thank you!  I hope you enjoyed coming to our class and presenting your book.  Since your book looks so entertaining, I'm going to read your whole series!  Bravo!  My favorite character is Mowgi.  He is so cute, but like you said, evil sometimes.  I also was hooked by your preview for Gamadin.  It looks so mysterious and interesting.  Once again, thank you Mr. Kirkbride." -- Molly C., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I might want to write a story now because of you.  Thank you a lot.  This book sounds so interesting.  It is such a good title.  Gamadin sounds like it is interesting and fun.  You are very inspiring.  Mowgi is a good name for a Chihuahua." -- Tyler A., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for coming to Martin Luther King Middle School and telling us how it's been writing the book, Gamadin, how long it took and the frustrations you went through.  So I wanted to thank you; also, I would want to thank you for coming.  All the kids want to read your book, including me.  It was a great book and I love the title, Gamadin, and that you didn't give up.  You just kept getting rejected, but you kept on going and didn't give up.  You're a great author and I hope you keep on writing your books.  When I grow up, I want to be an author too." -- Alex C., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It looks like a good book.  Your speech helped me get interested in making stories.  The books look exciting, and that alien dog is funny!  I hope everything goes well with your book series, and I hope people like it as much as I thought it was good." -- Eric __., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed you showing us the posters.  They were really cool and interesting.  I also enjoyed the description of your book.  I hope you come back for your next book.  I really hope it can become a movie, even though the books are better." -- Becca K., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your story is very interesting, and I would love to read it.  My favorite character would be Mowgi because I like the fact that he is a gargoyle, or at least when he turns into one.  I hope the book turns out to be a movie; that would be awesome!" -- Jose P., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I liked a couple of things about the presentation.  One is how Mowgi is part-dog and part-dragon.  My second one is how the Dakadudes are trying to get a spaceship to stop the Gamadin from coming back.  Lastly is how a couple of surfers try to stop them." -- Nick D., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I haven't read Gamadin yet, but I am going to ask Mrs. M. if I can borrow it.  The thing I like best from your book is the excitement of hearing you and others talking about it.  I hope you have success in everything that you do." -- Danielle G., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your book sounds very interesting.  I will most likely buy that book.  I hope it gets made into a movie.  I would definitely see 'Gamadin, the Movie.'  Thank you so much.  Trust me, it was way better than regular Language Arts, so thanks for that.  I hope you have great success with your Gamadin series." -- Nick D., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your presentation was the best.  Your book is so cool.  The dog is cool.  I like how you drew him.  I hope you keep on writing more books.  They are going to be the best books.  I hope you really sell the books.  I also hope you can turn it into a movie." -- Monica R., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your books seem very interesting.  I would maybe read it, but definitely see it in the theatre if it becomes a movie.  I hope you become famous from Gamadin.  Thank you again." -- Shaunt D., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"You have inspired me to follow my dreams and to not give up when you want something.  It was cool that you came to talk to us.  Now when you become famous, I could say 'hey, he came and talked to my class when I was in sixth grade.'  Well, anyway, thank you." -- Alexandria B., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It was truly amazing to hear all about it.  I hope to read your book and hopefully to see the movie.  So I hope you do well on the rest of your books." -- Ariana I., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I liked your book and plan to read it.  I hope you make a movie about it.  It would be amazing.  I hope you make plenty of books, and hope you come to see us again." -- Kioshi M., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed it.  With all those pictures and the trailer of your book, you have inspired me to read your book." -- Russell S., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I enjoyed hearing about your book, Gamadin.  It sounds interesting.  I feel like I want to buy all the parts of the story.  Your characters in the story are awesome.  The spaceship that equals five football fields -- when I heard you say five football fields, I thought, that much space in one single spaceship!  The robots are awesome.   The design of it is cool because the heads of them look like Chinese hats.  So the story takes place 17,000 years ago but also has to be in the future because spaceships aren't even invented yet.  I wish I had robots that worked for me when I need help.  So thank you for coming to Martin Luther King." -- Moises V., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for taking your time to explain to us about your book, Gamadin.  Yes, I would read it because it looks interesting.  All those pages you showed us was awesome.  So thank you again.  Bye." -- Sabrina S., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It was an honor to say a comment to you, and I am very happy that you came to visit us at J-4 and introduce your book as well.  Now I wonder if Gamadin and the rest of the series will be as big as Harry Potter or Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Did you really like the comment I said?  You can Google-search "The Annunaki" online to find out more.  I will not forget to look up Gamadin the next time I go to a bookstore or something.  It was very nice to meet you and I wish to see you again." -- Kurt R., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It was interesting and I also like the dog.  He really looked random.  I hope you get to make more books.  I hope you also achieve and reach your goals." -- Ana S., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed you coming to our classroom and sharing your book, Gamadin.  I hope it comes out in a movie because it sounds like a cool story.  I'll be looking forward to reading the book, too.  Thanks for coming over to our classroom.  I love to read, so I'll be one of the people reading your books.  I wish you tons of success as an author." -- Michelle P., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It is pretty fun to have an author come to our school and inspire young writers like me.  I also like science fiction stories.  I hope someday you can come again and maybe with another book.  You're my hero!  Your presentation was really good.  I want to be like you when I grow up.  Thank you very much for coming.  I'm looking forward to reading your book." -- Jonathan G., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed your presentation about your book.  It sounds kind of interesting.  Mowgi kind of scared me at first, when I saw the trailer, but then I realized that it was kind of a little dog.  Thank you so much for coming!" -- Bethany L., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed the presentation about your book called Gamadin.  The book has a good title.  I hope I can read it in class and over the summer.  Thank you again and come to the class again." -- Juan H., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I really enjoyed hearing about Gamadin!  My favorite part was when you showed us all those rejection letters because it showed me that you need to be patient.  I also liked it when you showed us the mini-video.  Thank you for coming!" -- Juliette R., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your book looks great and I want to read it.  I think your book will be a great movie.  Your presentation was great.  If you write another book, can I be the character named 'Daniel J.'?  How long did it take you to write your book?" -- Daniel J., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I think that Gamadin is going to be very cool.  I think that Mowgi is going to be my favorite character.  I want to get a lot of books in the series.  I'll keep reading if you keep writing.  By the sound of these books, they look like they are going to be very interesting.  Mowgi looks like he is a demon, but he's on the good guys' team.  I hope the Dakadudes don't capture Mowgi, but if they did, I'm sure he would break free." -- Austin H., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I liked so much all of your pictures.  I think that the book, Gamadin, is the best one.  I hope you come again and show us all of that books that you have done." -- Jacqueline Z., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I think your book, Gamadin, looks amazing.  I want to read it so badly because just how you described it sounded amazing.  You answered all of our questions perfectly and nicely.  All of your illustrations are great and the animation on your short preview.  Thank you again for coming." -- Michelle Y., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"The thing I really like is the little Chihuahua dog with the big eyes because he turns big and the powerful spaceship that flies faster than light.  The thing I like about your story is that I like the aliens that are in your story.  It is action and I think adventure.  I also like the book because I've always been writing stories about aliens also.  So thank you for coming to our class and talking about your story." -- Osvaldo O., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I enjoyed your visit and asking you questions.  I am going to start reading it very soon.  Please visit when you have written the second one." -- Joaquin K., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I enjoyed hearing your story about the Gamadin.  I hope I could read it.  It was fun having you come in." -- Besnik V., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"First, I want to start off by thanking you for coming yesterday.  I enjoyed listening, too.  Hopefully one day I will become an author.  Is it fun being an author or is it boring?  It was really nice having you here.  Hopefully I can read your book, Gamadin, sometime soon." -- Xavier P., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I am really excited to read your book, but I can't find it.  I would really want to learn about how to become an author and will want to know how to become a better writer.  I would like for you to come again and tell me more.  I'm the kid who said hi when you were leaving." -- Malavai T., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I'd like to thank you for sharing your book with us.  I think it will be a great hit.  Also, it was so fascinating where you came up with the ideas for the names!  Again, thank you for visiting!" -- Meilani P., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for coming to our school, for showing us how hard it is to become an author and how hard it is to make a book.  We enjoy what you have created.  I hope that I get to see you again and hope that if you make it into a movie, it will be awesome.  So thank you again for coming to visit us!" -- Erick L., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I can't wait to read your book.  I really enjoyed it when you came over.  The name of the book is a really good name for a book.  Enjoy writing all of your books.  I can't wait to read all of your books.  I wish I knew how to write a book, but it is too hard for me." -- Povai F., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"It was entertaining when you came to our class and showed us your books that you made.  The characters that you thought of were really cool.  You have a lot of creativity.  Your book looks fun to read." -- Fernando D., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your book, Gamadin, seems very interesting.  Thank you for coming.  The book was great and had very cool characters.  It also had great backgrounds.  I probably would have never seen your book if you wouldn't have come.  Maybe someday you'll make a movie.  Keep up the good work.  Thank you." -- Jonathan B., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for coming and showing us how long it takes to make a book.  I think those pictures that you showed us were really cool.  I like the one with you and the robot.  I think the books that you were talking about sounded interesting.  I hope you improve on your books so soon you will become famous.  Thank you again.  Hope you can come again." -- Nancy R., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"We appreciate you for coming and telling us about your book, Gamadin.  That was really kind of you to do that.  The details sounded really good.  I can't wait to hear the story.  I know it's going to be a great story to read.  I really liked the character which looked like a Chihuahua.  He was so cute.  I can't wait to watch the movie." -- Jasmine A., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I look forward to reading your book.  I know that it will be a great book.  I also want to thank you for showing us your cool pictures from the book.  I also look forward to reading your second book.  I liked how you drew the pictures and robots and spaceship." -- Alejandro A., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your presentation was very good.  I loved your pictures.  I hope you come again, with no doubts.  Please make another book.  They're really good." -- Terriese S., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"All I want to say is thank you for reading to us.  You did great up there.  You work so hard.  It takes so long to make books.  I didn't know it would take that long to make a book.  Those were some cool drawings!  When you showed us your pages for the book, there was a lot of editing.  But I can't believe you went through all that!  You really worked so hard!" -- Liliana R., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your book, Gamadin, was really interesting.  I usually don't read books that often unless I have to for class or a project, but this I think I'm going to read.  Gamadin sounds like a cool book that I would like to read.  Aliens, robots, I never read a book like that, so I think it's going to be a very interesting book." -- Talia D., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for coming to tell us about your awesome story, Gamadin.  I can't wait to read each part of it.  Especially if you are going to make a movie about Gamadin, that would be super awesome because I really want to see how Mowgi gets big when he gets mad, but it would be the best part in your movie if you ever make one.  Also, that video you made was cool because it had nice graphics.  Also, it was kind of scary because the music and Mowgi's eyes, and Gamadin rocks!" -- Tommy W., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I think that your book, Gamadin, seems awesome because I like aliens, spaceships and adventures, too.  I also liked your drawings, and how you had the time to come in a class and just tell a little bit of information about your book." -- Nadia S., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for visiting.  I'm going to try to talk to my mom to buy the book for me.  As I already said, thank you for visiting." -- Arianna C., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Your story sounds very interesting.  The thing is, I don't like to read, but I might read your book.  Well, thank you for coming to our class; it was very nice of you to do that for us students.  I think it was fun listening to what you had to say about your story and looking at the big pile of papers.  I liked the part when you showed us the rejection letters." -- Daniela G., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Thank you for the wonderful story and movie you have shown us, and the little mean dog and robot pictures.  Well, I hope you have a good time with writing the book and movies.  I hope you turn rich and be famous.  Well, all I'm trying to say is thank you." -- Jacob P., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"Gamadin seems like a really interesting book.  I think I will read it after I finish my current book.  Harlowe's girlfriend, Leucadia, seems like a cool character, being half-alien and all.  Thanks for coming to tell us about it!" -- Julia G., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"The slide show was so awesome.  I like how you showed us what the book was before you turned it into a real book.  My favorite character was the robot.  The spaceship was cool too, but I don't know how to spell the name of the spaceship.  Thank you so much for showing us the slide show and the book." -- Jake B., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"I just want to say thanks for coming by and showing us your book.  And I am going to buy it; it looks like a good book to read." -- Austin T., Martin Luther King Middle School, Oceanside, CA

"...The discussion you held with my second period Journalism/Creative Writing class was very insightful and intelligent.  Your techniques and inspirations really got me thinking.  I've learned you can find ideas anywhere as long as you're open to them."
-- Rebeca E., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I'm not a very patient person, but the tips that you gave seem like they'll make writing a book a lot easier and more fun.  Your tips also helped with writing the short story Mrs. Jenkins assigned.  . . . You gave me inspiration to make mine the best it can be when you told me how long it took for you to write your books, and how they turned out!  If I could be that patient and determined, I might be able to make mine just as good." -- Kimberly O., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I loved your idea to write a paragraph for each chapter.  I think that's very smart to do since it will speed up the process.  I also liked your idea that you shouldn't rewrite the first paragraph [until the end].  When I try to write stories I take FOREVER to write the first paragraph, since I want it to be perfect.  . . . You helped me in more ways than one and now I can write school papers so much faster." -- Stephany A., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"It was really interesting listening to you talk about the book and what it took to get it written and published.  What you told us really helped me on my own story . . .   The whole thing about not [re]writing the beginning until after you're finished worked really well.  Once I was done, I re-wrote the beginning and it made a lot more sense." -- Davis S., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I would like to thank you for telling us all about your writing process and how you came to write a published book and a series.  Our class is also learning about writing short stories in class, and your tips helped us a lot! . . . All of your hard work that you put in your writing and books has really inspired us students, and we're sure that you and your books will make it big!" -- Tiffany L., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Your advice about not spending too much time on a story's introduction and picking the characters' names is very helpful, and I will think about that whenever I am writing a story of my own. . . . I feel that you gave us a lot of good advice which I will remember for a long time." -- Rahul B., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"You gave me some excellent pointers and suggestions to writing stories.  I plan to use your idea of outlining my stories by small paragraphs before I begin writing.  . . . I like the way you think the most important part to a good story is to make the reader feel connected to the main characters.  Your visit was inspirational to me and I wish you the best of luck with your newly published book series." -- Katherine C., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"It was a good experience to meet an author in person who talked about his/her book.  . . . I liked how you gave us tips about how to write and structure a story.  I think it will actually save me a lot of time because I tend to spend too much time on things like the title or a character's name.  Now I just move on and let it come to me.  . . . I was able to use one of your tips -- if you include something from the beginning of a story you have to use it someplace else toward the end.  . . . It really enhanced the end of my story.  Thanks for the tip."  -- David G., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"One thing that I found really interesting was when you told us how many words the editors took out of your original draft, before publishing your book.  I didn't know editors could cut out so many words! . . . the one [tip] I found most helpful was your suggestion to write a little every day.  . . . I also found the tip about outlining your story first also very useful.  That one really helped my short story writing process." -- Ania Z., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"You have given us an insight into the writing process.  You have told us the different ways that we could brainstorm for our short stories and different methods you use to write them.  You have helped us a lot and we used your methods to improve our stories.  . . . You also said that it is easier to write a story about someone you can relate to.  You encouraged us to use the personalities of other friends and family members to create a brand new character.  This strategy really helped me to choose a good character for my story.  Without a good character for your story, readers would not be able to relate themselves to the characters.  . . . You told us to use our personal experience to enhance your writing and make it more detailed.  You should choose a topic that you find interesting and can easily think about.  . . . You said that you agreed with most of what the editors told you to do.  Being the writer, you told us that it is very difficult to find your own mistakes because you are so close to your writing.  It needs to be read by other people who can see the mistakes and fix them.  You also told us that we should not be angry at the editors if they tell you to change something because they just want to help you improve your book." -- Apurva P., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I found your hint of writing every day very helpful and it has helped me move farther into what I'm writing than I ever have before.  I thought you were very inspirational for many of the young writers in my class, including me.  Thank you again for coming and speaking to the Creative Writing classes, your time was definitely not wasted.  Thank you for the suggestions that have made me, I think, a better and more confident writer." -- Christina G., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Being an amateur writer myself, I enjoy hearing the personal views of authors.  I hope one day to get my own book that I'm writing published, and I've taken your advice about writing at least once every other day.  I must admit, even though I may not be able to write much some days, it does help keep my ideas for my stories fresh in my mind." -- Sammie J., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Many of the writing strategies you mentioned were very useful, such as writing summaries for each chapter.  I am helping my friend write his book and now it is a lot more coherent and moves along at a better pace.  . . . Thank you again.  It was a fun visit with lots of helpful information." -- Alec A., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I learned quite a bit.  I have to admit, I was a little naive about publishing.  I thought it would be a piece of cake.  I was astounded to hear you got rejected so many times.  I would have thought the publishing companies would have seen your potential immediately." -- Morgan M., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I also found your tips for writing very helpful . . . I will take your advice in mind for the future.  I really liked the idea of writing and not stopping, not to lose your train of thought.  Working in a quiet environment has helped me a lot.  I can think much better and focus more on what I am writing about." -- Travis R., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"You have helped me better myself and the choices I make every day by encouraging me to never feel defeated, and to keep pushing myself until I accomplish what I want to.  'Sacrifice is not what you give up, but what you entirely gain' is what I believe you told us.  I have a bad memory, but that quote remains in my thoughts.  Thank you for that.  Well, just remember, everything pays off and you get what you work for.  Believe it or not, your visit has improved our students one way or another, including myself." -- Leicia W., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Your book looks rather interesting.  Normally I hate science fiction, and at the thought of it I just put it down.  . . . Like you, I have tried reading science fiction, but most authors do it no justice and it makes it look bad, which is the same reason I didn't want to read yours at first.  After you described it, however, my thoughts began to change and my mind was willing to give sci-fi another try.  So as soon as I possibly can, I am going to get my hands on a copy of that book and read, read, read.  I can hardly wait." -- Matt S., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I'm glad you are an author who likes to express his feelings about his own book.  . . . Many of the things you shared with our class can really help me develop my writing skills and I will definitely take your words into consideration.  . . . Some of the tips will be something I will remember for years to come." -- Molly W., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Just from listening to you speak about your book, I can tell it is a good one.  I have a ton of questions to ask that will only be answered by reading the book, so thank you for intriguing me to such an interesting book that I definitely need to read." -- Justin W., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"You have inspired us to read and write stories.  Thanks for all the tips and suggestions you gave us when writing a story.  . . . It seems like a really neat and cool book that I am dying to read.  . . . It was great to see an author getting everyone tuned into what he was saying.  . . . You know how to get teens interested in your book.  When you left, everyone was in line to read your book.  We all talked about how much fun and entertaining it was." -- Maddie W., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I really appreciate your time and generosity about sharing your ideas and process on making your books.  I look forward to reading Gamadin and the other series that come with it.  . . . Science fiction books sound really interesting to me now, and I am definitely excited about reading your books.  I always love finding new authors and discovering their talent." -- Jenna S., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"The story itself was so interesting and unique.  . . . I hope the second one comes out fast because I need to know what happens next!!" -- Zohal H., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"It was very interesting to hear about your book, because there are not a lot of books like yours.  All your tricks about writing really helped me on my short story." -- Shireen D., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"The book sounds very interesting, and I normally don't read many sci-fi books.  I have not yet read it, but I would really like to." -- Jamie M., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Thank you so much for your insight into the authorial world.  It has really taught me a lot about writing and the effort it takes to make a career out of this.  . . .  I love that you were not afraid to admit that J.K. Rowling inspired you.  I find that some authors have a hard time saying that other authors are inspirational.  Again, I really appreciate that you took your time to come out to Northgate High School and talk to us, young but eager teenagers about your career."  -- Rachel S., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I like how all your inspiration was from your own dreams.  Most authors say that they look up to former authors or their own family, but you are your own!  I love that!  Your story for Gamadin is truly very creative; it's a change from all the other science fiction stories because yours is very exciting, and not too confusing.  In all other science fiction stories I get lost, and it's boring; but not yours.  . . . Thank you again for coming to our school to tell us about the book and writing.  I'm very excited to keep reading your books to see how this story turns out!" -- Morgan K., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction, your book sounds really interesting.  I can't believe that it took many years to write your very first book, and how long it takes to get it edited too.  That is just amazing how patient you have to be!  I loved hearing about all you do.  I really enjoyed having you come to my school." -- Whitney N., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Thank you so much for coming all the way out to my high school to meet with our class and talk about your book series.  It was really a great honor having you discuss your creations with us.  Hopefully one day all of us writing students can grow up and become novelists like you.  I found so much of what you had to say so interesting.  You mentioned how you used to be a lifeguard back before you became a published author.  It's interesting that you would weave that into your story line and use what you learned from life guarding and add a character that resembled a lifeguard into your books.  It adds a whole other dimension to the life that goes on in your books." -- Devan D., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Normally I am not interested in science fiction books, but after hearing you talk to us I am suddenly interested.  I think I am going to go get it this weekend because I am so excited about reading it.  I wish you good luck on the rest of the series and I am looking forward to reading them." -- Anthony D., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I thought that your visit was very helpful to my short story and it was fun to have you over.  I really think it was funny, the way you said things.  Your imagination has no bounds.  I wouldn't think about surfers finding a spaceship.  I was also thinking about your stories, about how they travel around the universe.  I think it would be cool to travel to different worlds.  And the robots that you created in your story sounds very interesting.  I wonder if something like this would ever happen to people in the future.  I know that you did many different types of jobs that built your story up and how you felt about it.  You also said it would be cool to have your very own spaceship.  I think because of this you could make your story so good!  I hope I will see you sometime again.  You were one of my favorite authors that visited." -- Alan S., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"I would like to thank you for taking time out of your day to teach us teenagers about your wonderful book.  Your book seems very interesting and exciting.  I would definitely read your book with great excitement.  I am very happy that you drove all the way from San Francisco to Walnut Creek to talk to us; it makes me seem very special inside." -- Noah V., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"Thank you for coming to speak to our creative writing and journalism class.  I am personally working on my own novel, and so was especially interested in your advice for writing stories and novels.  I will certainly take your great advice of writing a one-paragraph summary of each chapter for my novel.  I also thought it interesting that you made all your own artwork for the story because I love to draw as well, and am not bad at it, so it kind of gave me some inspiration for my story.  I really got a lot out of your coming to speak to us.  Thank you for your time and interest in speaking to our class; and I wish you good luck with your current and future novels." -- Brittany B., Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, CA