I just heard about your book by chance on the internet. I will definitely support you as I’m seeking to publish my rhymed verse as well. Maybe even restore an old novel in rhyme I left in unfinished and rusty. Thanks for the blueprint and inspiration.
Hey Mr.Weston, remember me from the last school you visited, the class that took a pic with you. Well I’m the girl that escorted you to my classroom and I was OVERWHELMED to see you. The way you made those voices were phenomanal! I wonder if you’ll visit again. It was a pleasure meeting you. On behalf of my class I give a ‘’stranger than strange ” extraordinary supercalifragilistricexpialidocius big thanks for you coming out .
Absolutely delighted to discover you have written a novel in rhyme. I’ve just ordered a copy and am really looking forward to reading it.
I’m very intersted in finding more books written in traditional verse forms. I’ve just finished reading “The Voyage of the Arctic Tern” by Hugh Montgomery, which is also a novel in rhyme, and loved it. Do you know of any other books like yours?
Yes, Montgomery’s novel was a definite inspiration when I was considering the question of “should I write this book?” (and its corollary, too: “should I abandon writing this book?!”). Apart from Montgomery’s, however, I’m not aware of other rhyming novels for children written in form verse.
In case you’re interested, while I was writing I did have other inspirations. The Golden Gate by Vikram Seth, for instance, which is written in Pushkin stanzas and The Wild Party by Joseph Moncure March, which is in rhyme, but with a looser form. Both of those are for adults, mind you, especially the latter.
I have died and gone to rhyme and meter heaven whilst reading the ‘meet the characters’ on the book site! Will be ordering a copy and reading it with my kids, and on my own, with gusto.
Haven’t felt this excited about a book purchase for a while so thank you for that.
Wow, thanks for the comment…and based on the character bios, no less! I hope you enjoy the book just as much. Please do stop by again and let me know what you think.
I stopped by your blog since I had absolutely adored your book and was excited to see my review was linked. Thank you! I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a young adult book quite as much. After reading a copy from the library I went out and bought a copy to keep. And sent one to my nephews and niece. I can’t wait to hear what they think. Keep up the excellent writing. I’m excited to hear that you have another one coming out in the future. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
I enjoyed reading Zorgamazoo. I admire anyone who can get a book written and published – congratulations to you!
The librarian in me compels me to point out that on page 49, you use the word repelling, but I think you mean rappelling (using the sheets to climb out the window). Don’cha just love nit-picky readers?
Aw, crud. I’m a stickler, too. But evidently not enough of one to catch that. How embarassing. (And I have no one to blame but myself! Except maybe the copy editor.) But thanks, Maggie. I’ll make sure that gets changed for the softcover…provided I ever get there. On the upside, I suppose this makes the hardback a collector’s item!
Hi Robert,
My name is Stephanie. Sunday September 27 I went with my parents to the festival “Word on the street.” I got your book called “Zorgamazoo.” I love the book so much I can’t even put it down! I like poem books, especially this book. I hope you write another book like this.
Glad you liked the reading! That was my first time doing Word on the Street and it was great fun. It may be a little while before I finish another novel in rhyme, but when I do, I hope you’ll still young enough (at heart) to enjoy it! RPW
Hello, Robert. I`m a children`s author too and a former JET like yourself. I`ve published some in the United States, but I was wondering if you knew of any English publishing houses or agents in Japan, for both the magazine and book market, along with any English writers conferences. Or anywhere in Asia, for that matter.
Hi Laura, the only Japanese publisher I know is called Hakuosya (http://www.hakurosya.com/). They put out a translation of a novel by a friend of mine, Ben Wood. However, I’m not sure if they do any children’s publishing. Other than that, I’m pretty foggy regarding publishing in Japan.
Hi Todd, great to hear from you. Where should you buy the book? I recommend any local, independently-owned bookshop full of wood panelling and cushy armchairs. But seriously, it should be available most places and as long as folks are reading it, I don’t care where it came from! As for reading aloud: Yes, yes, yes! In the rain, however…hm, not so much. Hope you’re well, Rob
I just finished reading your book to my seven year old daughter and it is a toss up as to who enjoyed it more. We both absolutely loved, loved, loved your book! It is definitely a keeper and I’m sure my daughter will enjoy reading it on her own when she is older. It will make a great Christmas gift for every boy or girl I know. And my daughter thinks it would make a great movie! Can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks Mara, very happy to hear you and your daughter both enjoyed the book! And as for the big screen, if your 7-year-old happens to know any movie producers, please tell her to send them my way! Best, Rob
Hi Katie, Dust City will be a VERY different book from Zorgamazoo…namely, it won’t rhyme. It’s also aimed at an older audience and quite a bit darker. I do hope to do another rhyming tale one day, but it could be quite a while before I have the time necessary to devote to it. But here’s hoping! R.
Hi Robert,
I was wondering if your book is or will be available in an audio format for the visually impaired. I have a nephew who would absolutely love it!
I’m certainly pushing for one, but sadly there’s no plans as yet. Seems I need to garner a bit more of an audience before my publisher can justify it. It’ll have to be your own personal rendition for the time being (which I certainly encourage!) But please stay tuned; I hope to soon put up some more of my rumbly, static-y, homemade recordings on the audio page, above. Very best, R
27 Comments
March 31, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I absolutely LOVED your book!!!! It was great! Thanks for writing it!!!
Love,
Shayna
May 2, 2009 at 4:19 am
Thanks, Shayna, very happy to hear you enjoyed it.
April 1, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Video from
JET Alumni Author Showcase: Kelts, Kennedy, and Weston
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E204A157B05C1AEC
I enjoyed your reading and voices.
April 8, 2009 at 8:27 pm
My sister and I both really loved your book!
Shayna!
April 12, 2009 at 11:42 am
I just heard about your book by chance on the internet. I will definitely support you as I’m seeking to publish my rhymed verse as well. Maybe even restore an old novel in rhyme I left in unfinished and rusty. Thanks for the blueprint and inspiration.
May 2, 2009 at 2:19 am
Hey Mr.Weston, remember me from the last school you visited, the class that took a pic with you. Well I’m the girl that escorted you to my classroom and I was OVERWHELMED to see you. The way you made those voices were phenomanal! I wonder if you’ll visit again. It was a pleasure meeting you. On behalf of my class I give a ‘’stranger than strange ” extraordinary supercalifragilistricexpialidocius big thanks for you coming out .
May 2, 2009 at 4:17 am
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the presentation. I had fun as well; it was a wonderful school. Thanks for stopping by to read the blog!
May 23, 2009 at 11:10 am
Absolutely delighted to discover you have written a novel in rhyme. I’ve just ordered a copy and am really looking forward to reading it.
I’m very intersted in finding more books written in traditional verse forms. I’ve just finished reading “The Voyage of the Arctic Tern” by Hugh Montgomery, which is also a novel in rhyme, and loved it. Do you know of any other books like yours?
May 24, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Yes, Montgomery’s novel was a definite inspiration when I was considering the question of “should I write this book?” (and its corollary, too: “should I abandon writing this book?!”). Apart from Montgomery’s, however, I’m not aware of other rhyming novels for children written in form verse.
In case you’re interested, while I was writing I did have other inspirations. The Golden Gate by Vikram Seth, for instance, which is written in Pushkin stanzas and The Wild Party by Joseph Moncure March, which is in rhyme, but with a looser form. Both of those are for adults, mind you, especially the latter.
May 30, 2009 at 2:25 pm
My goodness,
I have died and gone to rhyme and meter heaven whilst reading the ‘meet the characters’ on the book site! Will be ordering a copy and reading it with my kids, and on my own, with gusto.
Haven’t felt this excited about a book purchase for a while so thank you for that.
May 30, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Wow, thanks for the comment…and based on the character bios, no less! I hope you enjoy the book just as much. Please do stop by again and let me know what you think.
July 6, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I stopped by your blog since I had absolutely adored your book and was excited to see my review was linked. Thank you! I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a young adult book quite as much. After reading a copy from the library I went out and bought a copy to keep. And sent one to my nephews and niece. I can’t wait to hear what they think. Keep up the excellent writing. I’m excited to hear that you have another one coming out in the future. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
July 21, 2009 at 12:41 am
Thanks, Cat. I hope your niece and nephew like it! If so, please let me know. And if not…well, then thanks for your very kind comment! R
July 24, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I enjoyed reading Zorgamazoo. I admire anyone who can get a book written and published – congratulations to you!
The librarian in me compels me to point out that on page 49, you use the word repelling, but I think you mean rappelling (using the sheets to climb out the window). Don’cha just love nit-picky readers?
Maggie K.
July 24, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Aw, crud. I’m a stickler, too. But evidently not enough of one to catch that. How embarassing. (And I have no one to blame but myself! Except maybe the copy editor.) But thanks, Maggie. I’ll make sure that gets changed for the softcover…provided I ever get there. On the upside, I suppose this makes the hardback a collector’s item!
September 28, 2009 at 12:12 am
Hi Robert,
My name is Stephanie. Sunday September 27 I went with my parents to the festival “Word on the street.” I got your book called “Zorgamazoo.” I love the book so much I can’t even put it down! I like poem books, especially this book. I hope you write another book like this.
September 28, 2009 at 6:49 am
Glad you liked the reading! That was my first time doing Word on the Street and it was great fun. It may be a little while before I finish another novel in rhyme, but when I do, I hope you’ll still young enough (at heart) to enjoy it! RPW
October 5, 2009 at 12:31 am
Hello, Robert. I`m a children`s author too and a former JET like yourself. I`ve published some in the United States, but I was wondering if you knew of any English publishing houses or agents in Japan, for both the magazine and book market, along with any English writers conferences. Or anywhere in Asia, for that matter.
Thanks,
Laura Popp
October 5, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Hi Laura, the only Japanese publisher I know is called Hakuosya (http://www.hakurosya.com/). They put out a translation of a novel by a friend of mine, Ben Wood. However, I’m not sure if they do any children’s publishing. Other than that, I’m pretty foggy regarding publishing in Japan.
October 14, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hey Rob, long time no see! Glad to see you’re making the rounds with the book. Where SHOULD I order it from? I’m dying to read it. Aloud. In the rain.
October 15, 2009 at 10:14 am
Hi Todd, great to hear from you. Where should you buy the book? I recommend any local, independently-owned bookshop full of wood panelling and cushy armchairs. But seriously, it should be available most places and as long as folks are reading it, I don’t care where it came from! As for reading aloud: Yes, yes, yes! In the rain, however…hm, not so much. Hope you’re well, Rob
October 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Dear Robert
I just finished reading your book to my seven year old daughter and it is a toss up as to who enjoyed it more. We both absolutely loved, loved, loved your book! It is definitely a keeper and I’m sure my daughter will enjoy reading it on her own when she is older. It will make a great Christmas gift for every boy or girl I know. And my daughter thinks it would make a great movie! Can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks for the great read
Mara
October 15, 2009 at 10:19 am
Thanks Mara, very happy to hear you and your daughter both enjoyed the book! And as for the big screen, if your 7-year-old happens to know any movie producers, please tell her to send them my way!
Best, Rob
November 16, 2009 at 2:38 am
Hi RPW,
I loved your book, and I am really looking forward to Dust City! Is Dust City going to be in ryhme?
November 16, 2009 at 2:55 am
Hi Katie, Dust City will be a VERY different book from Zorgamazoo…namely, it won’t rhyme. It’s also aimed at an older audience and quite a bit darker. I do hope to do another rhyming tale one day, but it could be quite a while before I have the time necessary to devote to it. But here’s hoping! R.
December 6, 2009 at 1:00 am
Hi Robert,
I was wondering if your book is or will be available in an audio format for the visually impaired. I have a nephew who would absolutely love it!
December 6, 2009 at 1:36 am
I’m certainly pushing for one, but sadly there’s no plans as yet. Seems I need to garner a bit more of an audience before my publisher can justify it. It’ll have to be your own personal rendition for the time being (which I certainly encourage!) But please stay tuned; I hope to soon put up some more of my rumbly, static-y, homemade recordings on the audio page, above. Very best, R