Madison #1 Middle School

Phoenix, Arizona

Hello, Madison #1!

I had a great time talking to you about researching and writing nonfiction as well as writing fiction. I talked to you about my books Bodies from the Bog, How to Make a Mummy Talk, 3 NBs of Julian Drew, and The Very Real Ghost Book of Christina Rose. I also talked about the first chapter book I tried to write (The Strange Tracks Mystery) and the first short story I ever wrote (The Invasion of the Green-Eyed Monsters--WARNING!! It wasn't so good, but I really had fun writing it!)

I received some very special gifts from you: a book of ghost stories from Mrs. Preston's students (After reading Christina Rose), a Madison #1 t-shirt (which I am wearing right now), and a mummified chicken (that died at least 3 years ago!) from Mrs. Armstrong and her students. Thank you very much! And yes, I took the chicken mummy home.

A present from Mrs. Armstrong: My very own chicken mummy

I also was treated to a reading of ghost stories written by John B., Lee F., Lindsay D., and Louis C. (Samantha K. and Bethanie K. didn't have time to read their stories out loud...but I read them to myself later and got the chills!) Thank you very much. I have placed them (and the ghost stories written by all of Mrs. Preston's students) in a special place on my bookshelf.

	Fans get their books autographed

I want to thank Mrs. Stemple for planning a great day--and all of your wonderful teachers who prepared you so well for my visit (and who were so much fun to talk to at lunch). I had a great time with all of you.

Remember: writing and reading ARE fun!

If you want to say hi or ask a question, you can e-mail me here.