Hello George,
I love your books and you are a great author.
You came to my classroom today i loved your engaging storytelling and your enthusiasm for writing i really like your way of planning stories.I hope to be a marvelous writer like you.
From Marcus
Hi Marcus,
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed visiting Serpell and had loads of fun answering all the questions. Looking forward to seeing your name on a book one day.
George
thanks for visiting my school today ( Mazenod college) you gave a great and inspiring introductory session and a Fantastic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs5zvzTcqrE character study workshop. I have stopped writing stuff this year, but because of your presentation, I am gonna start writing again. and I am gonna pick up one of those Other World books you mentioned. again thanks very much for presenting, also very nice 12th doctor screw driver. Allons-y
Hi James.
I’m so pleased that you’re going to give writing another go. Yay!
I enjoyed visiting Mazenod College and am flattered that you’re going to read an OTHER WORDS book.
All the best, George
hi george you visited my school at marist college ashgrove and yo inspired
me to read more books. my first book i readwas other worlds: beast world
plz write back to me p.s this is my mums email
Hi Isaiah. I very much enjoyed visiting your school and I am so pleased that I’ve inspired you to read more. Reading is such an important part of life… and heaps of fun.
Dear George
today you visited our school. you presentation was so good I don’t realy like reading books but you have inspired me
hope you get bake soon????????
love from Alisha
Hi Alisha. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my presentation, and that I’ve inspired you to give reading a go. I think that all you need to get interested in reading, is to find the right book.
Dear George,
You are a great Author.
I love your fantasy books and you choose books.
You have inspired me to read and make some of those type of books.
your so funny and entertaining and you came to my school about a month ago (kew east primary school) I am one of the students that had that writing lesson with you! hope to see your next book soon (no pressure ) hope to see you again sometime.
Hi Yoonseul,
Thanks for your message. I remember coming to Kew East Primary School in July. I really enjoyed my visit and the workshops were fun. So many creative ideas. As it happens, my next book YOU CHOOSE AFL: FOOTY FEVER comes out next week.
George
Hey George. My name is Jaden, I live in Canberra (Shout out to Southsiders!) and I’m eleven years old. I’ve read your “You Choose” series (love “Maze of Doom”!!!). I love the way you write interactive fiction and do you have any tips on how to write an interactive fiction book? Also… I love Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Raisin and other detective shows and books and thought that you should try a “You Choose” book for teenagers where you like solve a murder. You could maybe be an intern or something, that gets to help with the case. Like the Maze of Doom, rather than turning left or right, you choose which suspect to investigate. That would be really cool (I would TOTALLY read that!)
- Jaden. P.S. How do you come up with character names? I write books and find that the hardest part.
So pleased that you are enjoying the YOU CHOOSE books. I have a great time writing them. As for tips about writing them… it’s all in the planing. I spend a long time plotting things out on my whiteboard before I actually start writing. There’s a photo of my whiteboard in this blog post: http://georgeivanoff.com.au/2014/01/29/the-full-monty/
I am a HUGE Sherlock Holmes fan. I’m about halfway through re-reading all of Conan Doyle’s Holmes stories. Yes, I think a YOU CHOOSE book with a mystery theme could be very interesting. I will keep it in mind. But at the moment I’m working on a new project. Can’t tell you much yet… but I hope to announce it in the New Year.
Character names can be tricky. Sometimes the names is a clue to what the character is like. Sometime I just choose a name at random.
OMG! You responded so quickly! Conan Doyle is such a talented author! Am SO surprised that you love Sherlock Holmes as well. I try using online name generators like www. name_generator.com Can’t wait for the new book!!!!!!! All the best to you too – Jaden.
Hi George
I really enjoy your books. I would love you to write a book about a condition called Marfans Syndrome. I have Marfans and I think it would be a great subject for your next book to be. I would like other people to know about Marfans Syndrome.
Hi Tailah,
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my books. And I’m really sorry to hear that you have Marfans Syndrome. A quick bit of Google research has shown me what it is you have to deal with. The only non-fiction books that I write are commissioned, which mean I have no say in the topics. In terms of fiction, I include conditions when they serve the needs of the story – such as the inclusion of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome in the RFDS book “Fast Flight” (which is actually based on a real-life case handled by the flying doctors). My next few books are already planned out, but I will keep Marfans Syndrome in mind as a possibility when planning future books. No promises that I will end up using it (because it all depends on the story), but now that you have brought it to my attentions means that I do know it exists.
All the best, George
Hi George,
You were at my daughter’s book week last week. She absolutely LOVES your books!!
Imagine how upset our 9 year old was when you refused to autograph her school book, because “you had another class coming in”!!
Gee thanks heaps for your commitment to children! Do you think you are Justin Bieber or something??
I am thrilled that your daughter enjoys my books. I too was disappointed that I was not able to sign autographs for her and the other kids. Talking to children directly and signing autographs for them is one of the best parts on my job – I even carry a signing kit around with me, as I have a different stamp for each series of books I write, which I stamp along with my signature so that kids get a little something extra. I love it and they seem to as well!
However, with a school visit, these things are out of my hands. Some schools want me to sign autographs for the kids and so they set aside time for me to do so, some do not. This school had me on a tight schedule. I had already gone slightly overtime on the first presentation and another group was ready to start. The teachers were trying to get a quick change over. Lots of the kids wanted autographs, but if I stopped to sign one, I would have had to stop to sign all of them, otherwise it would have been unfair on the other kids. The teachers were trying to get the kids moving out of the room and it would have been disrespectful to them for me to disrupt what they were trying to do. As it happens, the second group didn’t get the chance for autographs either, as they were bustled off to their next class.
I hate refusing autographs. I really do! But when I have to, I try to do so politely and explain why I can’t. It was all rather chaotic as the kids were leaving, and I certainly did try to explain and apologise as they left. I’m sorry if your daughter didn’t hear my apology and explanation.
I really am very sorry that your daughter was upset. That is the last thing that I would have wanted. My goal is always to try and encourage a love of reading in kids, and disappointing them is not the best way of achieving this.
I am in Junior Library at a boys school and the boys are loving your You Choose series. Some of our reluctant readers have really taken to them and we have a flow on effect in that they are reading more and are more excited by reading. Thanks so much!
Hi Michelle,
So pleased to hear this. As someone who started out as a reluctant reader, I am so happy when my books encourage other reluctant readers to become excited about reading. Thanks for letting me know.
George
Congratulation on the Ditmar! You don’t have your books up as epubs yet? I don’t buy paper anymore because I don’t have shelf space anymore. Post a link if they are up as epubs, I’d like to spend my money on you!
Hello George,
I love your books and you are a great author.
You came to my classroom today i loved your engaging storytelling and your enthusiasm for writing i really like your way of planning stories.I hope to be a marvelous writer like you.
From Marcus
Hi Marcus,
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed visiting Serpell and had loads of fun answering all the questions. Looking forward to seeing your name on a book one day.
George
Hi George love your books keep up the good work. I’m a big DoctorWho fan as well. Who is your favourite doctor? Cheers Con
Ps: My favourite Doctor is Davent Tennent the 10 Doctor. Hope you reply soon, Con ????????
Hi Con. My favourite Doctor is No.3 Jon Pertwee. Although I am very much looking forward to seeing the new Doctor.
All the best, George
Hi George
thanks for visiting my school today ( Mazenod college) you gave a great and inspiring introductory session and a Fantastic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs5zvzTcqrE character study workshop. I have stopped writing stuff this year, but because of your presentation, I am gonna start writing again. and I am gonna pick up one of those Other World books you mentioned. again thanks very much for presenting, also very nice 12th doctor screw driver. Allons-y
James Kwan
Hi James.
I’m so pleased that you’re going to give writing another go. Yay!
I enjoyed visiting Mazenod College and am flattered that you’re going to read an OTHER WORDS book.
All the best, George
hi george you visited my school at marist college ashgrove and yo inspired
me to read more books. my first book i readwas other worlds: beast world
plz write back to me p.s this is my mums email
Hi Isaiah. I very much enjoyed visiting your school and I am so pleased that I’ve inspired you to read more. Reading is such an important part of life… and heaps of fun.
thank you for messaging back your a really good author. by the way do you know any other authors
Yes, I get to meet lots of other authors at festivals and other literary events… which is really cool.
Dear George
today you visited our school. you presentation was so good I don’t realy like reading books but you have inspired me
hope you get bake soon????????
love from Alisha
?????????????????
Hi Alisha. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my presentation, and that I’ve inspired you to give reading a go. I think that all you need to get interested in reading, is to find the right book.
Dear George
Today you visited my school. I loved your visit. your books sound realy good I hope Iget to read them soon.
Hi Madeline. I’m pleased that you enjoyed my visit to your school. Your school library has lot of my books, so you can read them there.
Dear George,
You are a great Author.
I love your fantasy books and you choose books.
You have inspired me to read and make some of those type of books.
From Penni.
Hope you reply soon.
Hi Penni. I’m so pleased that you felt inspired by my presentation.
Dear George
I really like your books. They are adventurous and cool
Thanks, Hudson.
your so funny and entertaining and you came to my school about a month ago (kew east primary school) I am one of the students that had that writing lesson with you! hope to see your next book soon (no pressure ) hope to see you again sometime.
byyyyyye,
Yoonseul
by the way i’m 11 yrs old
Hi Yoonseul,
Thanks for your message. I remember coming to Kew East Primary School in July. I really enjoyed my visit and the workshops were fun. So many creative ideas. As it happens, my next book YOU CHOOSE AFL: FOOTY FEVER comes out next week.
George
your so cool
Hey George. My name is Jaden, I live in Canberra (Shout out to Southsiders!) and I’m eleven years old. I’ve read your “You Choose” series (love “Maze of Doom”!!!). I love the way you write interactive fiction and do you have any tips on how to write an interactive fiction book? Also… I love Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Raisin and other detective shows and books and thought that you should try a “You Choose” book for teenagers where you like solve a murder. You could maybe be an intern or something, that gets to help with the case. Like the Maze of Doom, rather than turning left or right, you choose which suspect to investigate. That would be really cool (I would TOTALLY read that!)
- Jaden. P.S. How do you come up with character names? I write books and find that the hardest part.
Hi Jaden,
So pleased that you are enjoying the YOU CHOOSE books. I have a great time writing them. As for tips about writing them… it’s all in the planing. I spend a long time plotting things out on my whiteboard before I actually start writing. There’s a photo of my whiteboard in this blog post: http://georgeivanoff.com.au/2014/01/29/the-full-monty/
I am a HUGE Sherlock Holmes fan. I’m about halfway through re-reading all of Conan Doyle’s Holmes stories. Yes, I think a YOU CHOOSE book with a mystery theme could be very interesting. I will keep it in mind. But at the moment I’m working on a new project. Can’t tell you much yet… but I hope to announce it in the New Year.
Character names can be tricky. Sometimes the names is a clue to what the character is like. Sometime I just choose a name at random.
All the best, George
OMG! You responded so quickly! Conan Doyle is such a talented author! Am SO surprised that you love Sherlock Holmes as well. I try using online name generators like www. name_generator.com Can’t wait for the new book!!!!!!! All the best to you too – Jaden.
Sorry! If anyone’s reading, I meant to say http://www.behindthename.com/random/
I know people who’ve used name generators. I haven’t because I’m too much of a control freak.
Hi George
I really enjoy your books. I would love you to write a book about a condition called Marfans Syndrome. I have Marfans and I think it would be a great subject for your next book to be. I would like other people to know about Marfans Syndrome.
Hi Tailah,
And I’m really sorry to hear that you have Marfans Syndrome. A quick bit of Google research has shown me what it is you have to deal with. 
The only non-fiction books that I write are commissioned, which mean I have no say in the topics. In terms of fiction, I include conditions when they serve the needs of the story – such as the inclusion of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome in the RFDS book “Fast Flight” (which is actually based on a real-life case handled by the flying doctors). My next few books are already planned out, but I will keep Marfans Syndrome in mind as a possibility when planning future books. No promises that I will end up using it (because it all depends on the story), but now that you have brought it to my attentions means that I do know it exists.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my books.
All the best, George
Hi George,
You were at my daughter’s book week last week. She absolutely LOVES your books!!
Imagine how upset our 9 year old was when you refused to autograph her school book, because “you had another class coming in”!!
Gee thanks heaps for your commitment to children! Do you think you are Justin Bieber or something??
Hi Peter,
I am thrilled that your daughter enjoys my books. I too was disappointed that I was not able to sign autographs for her and the other kids. Talking to children directly and signing autographs for them is one of the best parts on my job – I even carry a signing kit around with me, as I have a different stamp for each series of books I write, which I stamp along with my signature so that kids get a little something extra. I love it and they seem to as well!
However, with a school visit, these things are out of my hands. Some schools want me to sign autographs for the kids and so they set aside time for me to do so, some do not. This school had me on a tight schedule. I had already gone slightly overtime on the first presentation and another group was ready to start. The teachers were trying to get a quick change over. Lots of the kids wanted autographs, but if I stopped to sign one, I would have had to stop to sign all of them, otherwise it would have been unfair on the other kids. The teachers were trying to get the kids moving out of the room and it would have been disrespectful to them for me to disrupt what they were trying to do. As it happens, the second group didn’t get the chance for autographs either, as they were bustled off to their next class.
I hate refusing autographs. I really do! But when I have to, I try to do so politely and explain why I can’t. It was all rather chaotic as the kids were leaving, and I certainly did try to explain and apologise as they left. I’m sorry if your daughter didn’t hear my apology and explanation.
I really am very sorry that your daughter was upset. That is the last thing that I would have wanted. My goal is always to try and encourage a love of reading in kids, and disappointing them is not the best way of achieving this.
Hi Peter,
George is a busy author and I don’t think you need to be rude to him. Give him a break… just saying!
Why did you decide to write child books?
Because I’ve never completely grown up.
And writing kids’ books is fun!
Hey George.. Remember me?? I am Vikki pertraitisis’s Niece and you came to my school!! You worked at TE library and yu saw my class
Hi Lily. Yes, I do remember you.
I really enjoyed visiting your school. And I’m looking forward to coming back during Book Week next term.
I am in Junior Library at a boys school and the boys are loving your You Choose series. Some of our reluctant readers have really taken to them and we have a flow on effect in that they are reading more and are more excited by reading. Thanks so much!
Hi Michelle,
As someone who started out as a reluctant reader, I am so happy when my books encourage other reluctant readers to become excited about reading. Thanks for letting me know.
So pleased to hear this.
George
like your books and your personalty
its cool
Thank you.
Thought you might be interested in the review I just did for the You Choose series for Random House.
Great job!!
http://losangzopa.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/you-choose-series-george-ivanoff/
Oh, WOW! That’s an amazing write-up! Thank you so much, Sue. As a one-time reluctant reader myself, I am so pleased that Lochlan enjoyed the books.
Sorry, congratulations on the Chronos ………………………..
Congratulation on the Ditmar! You don’t have your books up as epubs yet? I don’t buy paper anymore because I don’t have shelf space anymore. Post a link if they are up as epubs, I’d like to spend my money on you!
Thanks, Jules.
Actually, the Gamers trilogy is available in ePub, as are Life, Death and Detention, the You Choose books and a couple of anthologies I’ve been in. Here’s the link…
https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/george-ivanoff/id541774845?mt=11
Have you seen this – there is a Tennant Tardis in Brisbane!! http://www.hireatardis.com.au
No Jayson, had not seen this. Thanks for the link. Rather cool! Maybe I’ll hire one for my 50th Birthday party… if they’re still around in 6 years.
Your the best author ever!!!!!
A little over stated perhaps, Tregan. But, thank you very much. It’s very kind of you to say.
George
hi how are you i would really like to meet you some time anyway i <3 your books alot
Hi Laura. Glad you like the books.
I do school visits every now and then, so maybe I’ll get the chance to talk at your school one day. George
Your awesome
Gosh! Thanks.
Thanks, Natasha and Tegan. I will certainly keep on writing.
i think your website is great keep writing your books