Contact Patricia
If you have any questions for me, please first refer to my personal FAQ page, or click on the covers below to see the FAQ pages for each book. If your question is not answered there, the Book Guides or my HarperCollins page may have what you’re looking for.
If you would like to contact my publisher about a school or library visit, please contact my assistant at pattymacmailbag@gmail.com. Otherwise, post a comment below and I’ll get back to you myself (please be patient!).
Patricia McCormick
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Why did you write cut? Did it just come to you in a dream, or did you experience this? What you did for Callie was good. She needed he. Please, if you would, can you be my Writing mentor? I would love it so much. Thank you. BT message me at 1(810)546-5326
Also, i understand callies pov. I am currently trying to stop cutting. My parents found out and they think its because of scool. Its not. The kids dont matter. Its the family. Being my sisters shadow, always made to fallow in her footsteps. Then on top of that, im really tiny for my age so im kinda like becca in the book. But i love food. Please be my mentor, and guide. I chose to ask you because you inspired me in ways i never knew was possible.
Do you have any good writing techniques? Like do you plan it out, or just go with the flow of it? Thank you.
A fellow novelist,
Becca
Hi Patty,
Would you recommend your book “Cut” for a young person who is currently cutting? Might he or she find solace in the characters’ stories and see that there is light at the end of the tunnel? A child I love is having a rough time with this at the moment and I’m looking for books that may help.
i think also that cut should be made into a movie becuase itr was such a powerful book that i will read forever anad people should all know!
Mrs. McCormick,
I am an English teacher in Albany, NY, and have read Sold with several of my classes. I just want you to know how your book stuck with even my most reluctant readers (and I have plenty of them). Sold really is a lyrically beautiful book, and it allowed me the opportunity to bring in a lot of outside sources that talked about the sex slave trade throughout south and east Asia, the middle east, eastern Europe, and even Canada and the United States.
I always take it as the greatest compliment when a student comes back after graduation and tells me how much they loved my class. I hope you take this as the equivalent compliment.
Brian Huskie
I think Cut should be made into a movie. I know so many people and have so many friends who self-harm, and maybe watching something would open people’s eyes. Just a thought.
Dear Patricia McCormick,
I just finished reading Purple Heart. It was a great book, and I learned a lot. For example, I never knew R.P.G stood for rocket-propelled grenade. Also, I didn’t know the compound where Saddam Hussein stayed was called the “Green Zone”. I have never really read a non- fiction book before as I usually read fantasy books where the author can make-up anything they want—believable or unbelievable. I am only 13 and since the Purple Heart is mainly about war, I didn’t have much knowledge but enjoyed learning.
In the book, I didn’t understand some of the terminology. Examples include: what the “business” end of an R.P.G. is, as well as all the acronyms. I noticed that your other books discuss a bunch of topics (cutting, drug addiction, war) not often covered in children’s books. Were you (or your parents) as concerned about causes when you were 13?
From your website, I noticed you described the town you grew up in as bland. I was thinking I would be very bored in a bland town but maybe that’s what makes you a better writer. Where I grew up for most of my life was in the countryside, often climbing trees and playing outdoors. It is hard to read about unpleasant things but I know it is important to become aware. Thanks for including the KONY video on your site.
Sincerely yours,
Matthew Leiferman
Dear Mrs. McCormick,
I noticed you use a lot of swear words in your book. Is that what it’s like in the army?
Do you only write historical fiction? I don’t think purple heart is historical fiction yet.
I liked your book a lot although it could use a bit more action. I hope in the end Justin gets better. I think the fight in the end was very accurate. It is very similar in airsoft. I hope Justin and matt get home safe. Why does Ali have shoes if normal Iraqui don’t have shoes? I also feel sorry for matt when he was in the hospital.
I think the book was very realistic. I play airsoft and the same drills are done sometimes in airsoft. The book was very exciting. I hope you write a sequel or something.
Dear Mrs.McCormick
My name is Leah Goldenberg. I am an eighth grade student in the Boston area. I recently did a book report on your book sold. I can say that it was the very best book that I have ever read. I knew things like that were going on in the world but I did not know how badly. I felt bad for Lakshmi. Like I had to go over and get her myself. When she was saved i can honestly say that i got up a cheered that she was ok. I dont do that for most books. haha. thank you for taking the time to read my message. Your book has moved me.
Sincerely,
Leah Goldenberg
Dear Ms. McCormick,
I read your book “Sold” and was amazed about the writing. I like how you wrote about an issue that should be made aware. One of my friends was trafficked years ago, and reading this book was like reading her voice. I actually shed a few tears at certain parts.
-Chris
Dear Patricia McCormick
I read your book “Sold.” I thought the book was very intriguing. The summary on the back really caught my attention because I have never read a book like this before. Your book was in my own way of saying intense. The way it was detailed was very simple yet I couldn’t help but keep reading. When I first started reading the book it did not seem as if it would make the sharp left turn that it did. From living with her family to being forced to sleep with men then sleeping with whom ever walked through the door just to so she would be closer to getting back home, yet it did not seem it would have had such a happy ending as her being saved but the Americans everyone else warned her about and told her not to ever trust. Only being 13 Lakshmi was very strong never shedding a tear for none of the pain that came her way but for the simple kindness she got from the Harish the gift he gave to her warmed her up and gave her only tears of happiness. She had so much dedication to her family it was inspiring, and for her never giving up sick or not she carried on as if nothing was wrong and everything that was going on would pass. Over all i think you are a great author, and I Loved this book and im planning to read other books you have written.
Dear Lupita,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. You are the kind of reader an author dreams of!
Patty
Hi Patricia,
I just wanted to thank you for your beautiful book “Sold”. I always knew that human trafficking was an issue, but reading about it with such grace, and tenderness was life changing for me. I am a mother of five children with one in kindergarten, one in college, and triplets in the fourth grade. It is difficult for me to donate too much to Maiti Nepal, or volunteer in Nepal or India, but I do try and spread the word about your book, and do what I can to support charities and businesses that support programs that help the victims of the sex trade. I have been saving money for a few years to travel once my children were all done with college. Now, I plan to visit Nepal on a buying trip to sell the goods made by orphans and victims of the violent crimes in the region. I really want to thank you for all that you have done to open my heart and mind to these children, mothers, fathers, and families who’s cries fall on the deaf ears of so many Americans.
Every time I recommend your book, and the reader is as touched as I was, I am full of gratitude for you. I have meant to tell you many times in the past the impact that you have had on me and my friends. I just bought a copy for my children’s tutor (who read it in a night), and after discussing it with her, I knew that I had to sit down, and let you know. It is quite obvious that I am not a writer. I don’t possess the eloquence that great writers such as yourself display so effortlessly, but I do hope that I have been able to express just how important you have been to me, and I’m sure so many others. Thank you.
Most sincerely,
Sandy Nintzel
P.S. I can’t wait to read “Never Fall Down”. I plan to start now.
Wow, Sandy, I am so impressed by YOU! With a life as full as yours – triplets! – I’m so grateful that you took the time to read the book and that you’re spreading the word.
Very few of us are in a position to make large donations or do work in the field. But it’s the moral and spiritual support of the many that make possible the work of the few. And you ARE making a difference – you are raising awareness and no significant change ever happens without a vanguard of people who are willing to speak out. Attitudes have to change first
just as important, I believe it helps those suffering from the cruelty of others to know that they’re not forgotten. Imagine what it would mean to a girl in a brothel in the slums of Mumbai to hear that a mother of five in the US cares about her!
thanks,
Patty
Hi, I’d just like to say that your book “Cut” is one of my favorites. I’m in the middle of writing a book that’s sort of like yours. I’m 14, and I really haven’t written anything before (well, I have, I just haven’t felt the need to finish any of it) except the story I’m writing I really like. A few of my friends have read it, and keep telling me I need to try and publish it, (and they wonder why I’m writing a story about a person that cuts themself) although I’m fairly sure no one would really take a 14 year old seriously while trying to publish a book. But like I said I really love your book and I’m very happy to have read it. Thanks.
Dear Olivia,
Virtually every writer I know – me included – started exactly the way you are. And don’t listen to people who say that no one would take a 14 year-old seriously. There are publishers – PUSH at Scholastic, for instance – who are LOOKING for books specifically written by people your age. Enter the contest. Or any writing contest you see. Your work is just as deserving of being seen as anyone else’s. Besides, who can describe the 14-year-old experience better than 14-year-old? I’m 55; it’s been a long time since I was a teenager. Your view is fresh, relevant and needed.
Keep going.
Patty
I’m writing a book right now too. My book is centered around a ten year old orphaned boy. it’s called first and last. It’s my saddest story. Little Gerald blames himself for his mom’s abuse on his dad, and he hurts himself. he cuts himself and his helpless dad sees the marks and trust everything in his power to help the boy. That’s the summery. Want to know more, contact me, or wait for the book to come out on the store shelves.
Patty, I sent a personal message to your mailbag address.
I was browsing the library shelves in the young adult section looking
for a few books for my homeschooling teens to read. I saw a few of
your titles and was intrigued. I pulled “Sold” off the shelf and
checked it out. My daughter just did a report on slavery around the world, including the sex trade. She is looking forward to reading this book. I was just hoping you could tell me about your religious beliefs if you have any. I do know that religious beliefs or lack of, do typically influence an author’s work and I want to prepare my teens accordingly before they read your
books. I am impressed with your topics and the reviews of your books.
I look forward to having my teens delve into these topics.
Thank you for your time.
hey its me again well i was wondering if i sent a copy of it to you would you read it its a story that i just want someone who is a writer to read! well let me know soon please! and thank you again!
Hi! My name is Samantha Bousquet and I am a book reviewer. I am the blogger of http://bundlesofbooks101.blogspot.com/. I was checking out your book, NEVER FALL DOWN, and it looks so good! I was wondering if you had a review copy to send me? I was also wondering if you had any extra copies of your other books? I hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Samantha,
The book doesn’t come out till May but I’ll pass you request on to the publicity department at Harper Collins.
Thanks for your interest.
That book is amasing!
Hey Patricia, my name is Trevor Gerwig. I am 14. I have just finished your book Cut. I don’t cut myself but I have friends that do. I don’t read that much because im not good at it and school isn’t my thing at all. Im more of a mechanic kind of guy. Anyways my teachers wanted me to acually read a book. So the picked this book out for me and I acually enjoyed it. I read the hole thing. Which is very unusaul. I am going to try and read some more of your books. I fell like I have a conection to some of these books. They have kind of helped me in my school year. I have started reading more because of you. This has also helped me in my addiction to chew. I have been chewing for some time now and it has helped me face this hard bump in my life. I have had some of my friend that cut themselves read this and it really inspired them. They really thanked you and they wanted me to come a send you a messege on you website, thats what Im doing. I just wanted to say thanks and I hope you read this and I want you to please reply back or send me an email. That would totally make my day!
(P.S, Im sorry about my spelling)
Sincerly: Trevor Gerwig
Dear Trevor,
thanks so much for your note. I’m really happy the book appealed to you and that it may lead you to more reading. I’m a little like you; I read books to see how fictional characters are dealing with some of the things I’m dealing with in real life. It helps – because I don’t feel alone – and because sometimes it leads to ideas for solutions. Keep reading, it’s also a great escape from the real world – and healthier than a lot of other things!
take care,
Patty
Patricia,
I am extremely interested in making SOLD into a feature film; I see it was recently made into a short. I traveled through Northern India and Nepal for a few months last year and met a friend of yours. He gave me a copy of Sold and I read it in one sitting with a clear vision for a feature film. I just wrapped a film that is now in the editing process and want to script a drama based on the Calcutta brothels and trade. I would love to tell you more about this and would like to know if you maintain the feature film rights to Sold. Thank you.
Wow. That’s amazing that you actually met one of the same people I met in Nepal!
I’m so flattered by your interest in the film. A wonderful team – headed by Jeffrey Brown of Medicine Wheel Films – is already knee-deep in making a feature film.
Here’s the link to their site: http://soldthemovie.com/. I know Jeffrey would love to hear from you.
thanks,
Patty
Dear Patricia,
I just finished “Sold” and it had a tremendous impact on me. Your prose was both beautiful and haunting and I had never before encountered a book on that topic in that format. Thank you. Respectfully, I am curious why “an American” was “used” to save Lakshmi. There must be many local NGOs with devoted Indian nationals dedicated to saving these girls. I do not mean to be pejorative. I imagine there are many more Americans who join international NGOs than, for example, Indian nationals who work on sexual slavery in America. I am simply curious whether it was critical to your story that an American help Lakshmi – perhaps American involvement is vital to stopping these crimes. Thank you and all the best.
Rishi
Dear Roshi, I’m so glad you wrote and appreciate your honesty. The truth is that if I had to write the book over again, I might not have the American character ‘ride to the rescue.’ You’re 100% right; there are local NGOs doing an outstanding job in country – often a more sensitive job than outsiders.
But I made a choice when I was writing the book. I included the American character for two reasons: 1) to honor the real-life American photographer who was sneaking into brothels to document the presence of young girls there. He was the person who first told me about trafficking and inspired me to get involved. 2) to create a character in the book that young American readers could identify with. I wanted to show my readers – most of whom are in the US – that there are people like themselves who are deeply and courageously involved in working against trafficking.
hope this is helpful.
Patty McCormick
Dear Patricia,
My name is Matt and I am 21 from Australia. I recently spent a few months volunteering with children in Nepal…and happened to come across your book Sold in a very small stand run by some locals on my trek out to my placement, having never seen the book before and had no idea what it was about I just bought it on impulse. I have no doubt you are a very busy person, but I would just like to say that your book really had a profound effect on me.
After reading your book I then went to Delhi where I decided to walk through GB Road (as I’m sure you’re aware, there’s a difference between reading something and seeing it) and this just confirmed what I knew…that I really wanted to get involved in this cause.
I am planning to travel back to Nepal and India sometime at the end of 2012, and after reading your book would love to do the kind of work you described of the Americans in your book paying to be with the girls so that they could talk to the girls and try to stop them from running from the police raids. Obviously I have been researching through different NGOs etc…but there’s nothing like advice from someone who has actually seen this in action. Would you possibly be able to recommend an NGO where I could do this work? I really want to get into the thick of it….and will obviously have to improve my Nepali/Hindi, but I just feel that perhaps I didn’t come across your book out in the middle of no where by accident!
If you could possibly find time to shoot off a quick reply, I would greatly appreciate it!
Kind Regards,
Matt Macarthur
Dear Matt,
Your experience – and your desire to get involved – are inspiring.
here are a couple NGOs I trust very much. Maiti Nepal – based in Kathmandu, but does work at the India-Nepal border, too. And Apne Aap – based in Delhi, but operates thru out India. There are others in which I don’t have confidence: International Justice Mission. Trust the locally run and founded organizations and you won’t go wrong.
good luck
Patty
Dear Patricia,
I’m a student at Viera High School and I have recently finished reading your book “Purple Heart”. First and foremost I would like to say I really enjoyed reading this, it was thrilling to read and kept me thinking. I learned that you got the idea for this book by visiting veterans but my question is what was your motivation to write a book about these horrors of war? How did this particular subject come across your mind? In the time i spent reading this book my view point on wars and how different peoples lives are effected has changed. This brings me to my last question, has your research and the time you spent writing this book change your view of war?
Thank you for taking the time to think about my questions and thank you for this amazing book
Sincerely,
Kevin
HI Kevin,
Thanks for reading Purple Heart. If you look on my web site you’ll see a video where I talk about the inspiration for the book. The short answer: tens of thousands of civilians are killed in the crossfires of war. I wanted to look at one situation where no one – not the soldiers, not the civilian – is completely innocent or completely guilty, either.
take care,
Patty
Hi Patricia, my name is Eliza Petrie and I am an 8th grader at LREI; Little Red School House in the Greenwich Village. We believe you know our librarian, Jennifer Hubert Swan, and she is the person who informed us about your books and what you write about. A group of three students and I are embarking on a social justice project at our school and are very interested in possibly meeting with you and learning more about what you do, your job, and the cause. We have heard rave reviews on your book and hope to read them soon.
Thank you so much! You can email me back at 16elizap@lrei.org or call me at 347-417-3869
We look forward to hopefully speaking with you sometime in the near future.
Eliza,
Emma, Julia, and Otilia
Dear Patricia McCormick,
My name is Eli Hudgens. I’m a senior here at Deubrook High School and for a lit circle we had in my English class, I was assigned with a group to read Purple Heart. I enjoyed reading this book. I was wondering, what inspired you to write Purple Heart?
Its a great book and I did enjoy reading it. I’m hoping that you’ll be able to reply to this, if possible. I’ve read some of your other books and I found them as good reads too.
From a fellow writer,
Eli Hudgens
Hi, Eli,
I love that you signed your note ‘fellow writer!’ I started writing in high school too; it saved my sanity.
Anyhow, I wrote PH because I was curious about how trauma affects memory and because I wanted to explore the role of kids in war. by kids I don’t just mean Ali. I mean the two 18-year-old american kids, too. All of them are under enormous pressures that because of their age put them in the position of having to make impossible choices.
keep writing.
patty
Patricia,
I have just finished reading your book, Sold, and I have to say that you have done a tremendous job. I’m honestly going to say that I am not much of a fan when it comes to reading, but after I started Sold, I had a hard time putting the book down! You are an amazing writer as well as an amazing person for writing Sold. I am looking forward to reading more of your books in the near future.
Thanks again!
Morgan Brown
Deubrook Area Schools
Hi Morgan,
It’s one thing to get fan mail from someone who’s a regular reader. It’s really special when it comes from someone who isn’t a big reader but who is drawn in and stays with the book – especially since it’s not an emotionally ‘easy’ book.
Thanks,
Patty
I am currently reading cut. I love the book I will read it over and over thats how good it is. I like how many book deal with cutting, but they never get sent anywhere and nothing ever happens they just stop on there own. What happens in the books is never true My friend Gabbe cuts herself and she would never be able to stop on herself as amny other girls would not. So I loved how you made Callie go to Sick Minds. lol. I am on page 110 and hopeing that Amanda will be nicer to Callie since they have so much in common. Well bye! got to go read!
Julie 13
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your note and for your comment about how real it is. Sounds like cutting is a little too real in your life, if you’re trying to support a friend who self-injures. You didn’t mention whether your friend is keeping this a secret – or asking you to keep it secret. If she is, the best way you can help her is to encourage her turn to some trusted adult for help – school nurse, teacher, relative, counselor, therapist. If she doesn’t open up after a certain amount of time you may want to think about telling someone on her behalf. She may be mad at you for a while, but it’s unlikely she can get better on her own – it’s a lot of pressure for you to keep a secret that big.
take care,
patty
Hi Patricia!
I’m a high school student, and I’m doing a research paper on Human trafficking in India. I read your book , Sold, faster than I’ve read a book in a long time, it was so touching. I put the book in my reasearch paper, but my teacher says I can’t use it unless I know the research behind it. I would appreciate it soooo much if you could help me out there.
Thankyou!
Olivia Barker
Hi Olivia,
You can learn more about the research I did by looking at a couple of interviews I did; they’re posted on the About Me section of this site.
hope this helps.
Patty
Dear Ms. McCormick ,
I’m a student at East Leyden High School in Illinois. Since we had to do a book project, I decided to express how I felt after reading one of your books. One of my close friends read Sold. After he was done with it, we had a conversation about books, and yours came up. He suggested me to read Sold, and I did. He described your book with such a passion that I was so anxious to read it, too. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. It was so catchy. One of the parts I thought were very intense was the one where Lakshmi described how she felt after the men she was sold to left. Even though this is a fictional novel I can say that it is moving because in reality there are cases where innocent girls are sold in prostitution.
Thank you so much for being the author of this incredible story because books like yours make reading more fun and interesting to read. I can say that you are one of my favorite authors of all time. The next book in line I’m going to read is Cut. I can bet that it is as fascinating as Sold is. Once again, thank you for letting us discovered the world by writing these kind of books.
Sincerely,
Stefani Garcia
Thanks, Stefani,
Your feedback is really important to me – especially on a day when I might be having a little writers’ block and answering emails instead of working on my new book! Your response is just a writer dreams of – and inspires me to get back to work!
Patty
Dear Patricia,
You’re an amazing person. I chose Sold to read for a project for school, and I was so touched. I read Sold within a day, I couldn’t put it down. It was a true inspiration to me and really opened my eyes to the horrors of this world. Since I am doing a full report on the book, I am required to answer questions regarding your life, also.
1.) What is your home country?
2.) What audience did you must intend to hear Lakshmi’s story?
3.) Why did you want this story to be heard?
Thank you so much! You are so an inspiration to me!
Ms. McCormick:
I am about to publish two books: Dear Dr. Wes: Real Life Advice for Teens; and the companion volume, Dear Dr. Wes: Real Life Advice for Parents of Teens.
The books are based on Double Take, a weekly advice column published in the Lawrence Journal World since 2004. The column and books are unique in combining my 19 years of training and experience as a family psychologist with the wisdom of a high school author, selected each April in a writing contest from area applicants. The winner gets an $1100 scholarship and the chance to churn our 51 no-holds-barred columns responding to reader’s questions as well as topics chosen by the teen author and me. A quarter of the profits from book sales will be split among the eight co-authors, some of whom are still in college or starting careers and will appreciate the added cash.
Like Cut, our material is straight from the trenches, and in fact one coauthor cites your book as a good resource in a column on that topic. While we’ve discussed the lighter sides of adolescence (“I didn’t invite my friend to a sleepover, what do I do?”) we’ve often tackled sex, love, substance abuse, sexual (and gender) identity, bullying, teen ethics, school, parent-child conflict, and planning for the future, from both the teen perspective and the adult.
I presently have several noted authors signed on to do reviews for the parent book, and two others considering. I believe your review and (hopefully) positive comment would help introduce the teen volume to the marketplace. I will gladly return the favor if you wish at some point.
Please advise if this is something you’d consider doing and I’ll get proof copies to you as soon as they are ready. Each volume is about 200.
Thanks!
Wes Crenshaw, PhD ABPP
Dear Ms. McCormick,
My names Savannah and I just read “Cut” three times in two days after my friend recommended it. Each time I’ve cried because it reminds me of whenever I was sent away for thirty days during Christmas after my cuts were discovered. Reading it I truly felt all that Callie felt. While I was gone I never talked to anyone else there except the therapist. I’m happy someone took the time to research and write a story so amazing and moving. I fell like I’m in this book everytime I read it. I understand everything she feels. It did feel like a necessity and something I had to do, but I did want help, I wanted someone to notice and ask what was wrong. I only hope more people read this book. It’s a great story and thank you for writing it.
Dear Savannah,
Thanks so much for your very honest, very thoughtful note. You probably can’t imagine how much hope your post will provide to someone else!
I understand that impulse to ‘hide’ and not talk to anyone – especially when I need help. But am so glad you got the help you needed and are in such a healthy place now.
It’s also really gratifying to hear you say that the book feels realistic; I do a lot of research but no one understands like you do!
thanks again,
Patty
Mrs. McCormick,
Hello! I am a senior at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am currently working on a research paper based on an author. I chose to read SOLD and I am enjoying it so far! For my paper, I am supposed to have background info on the author, and I have been unable to find much. I was hoping that you could help me out. Some of the key things are place of birth, early family life, married family life, problems and how did you overcome, influential events/person/people, and your qualities and values. I would really appreciate it if you could help me out! Thank you so much!!
Sincerely,
Rachel Boyce
oh, goodness, hope I’m not too late:
I was born in Washington, DC, grew up in Central Pennsylvania. I have 3 sisters and we lived in a very Catholic home. There was physical abuse in my home and one way I dealt with it was to escape into my writing; I hid in the garage and wrote very bad poetry!
Patty
Hi, patricia my name is Savannah Gonzales and i absolutely love your novel “Sold”. It gives a great awarness to what is going on in the world and is very touching. I am writing a paper on how to write and generate ideas and was wondering if there was any way i could send you questions via email and put your response in my college paper. Please let me know!
Thanks,
Savannah Gonzales
Colorado Mesa University
Hi Patricia, My name is Colette Robak and I am a librarian at a K-12 school in Grandview Manitoba. We are huge fans of yours here! I wanted to thank you for writing Cut…I’m sure you hear this all the time, but it is a very powerful book that I recommend to all our students. We even have a copy in our Guidance Office. I’m currently reading Puprle Heart, and has captivated me from the very beginning. You are a very talented author!
We have a Wall of Fame here at our school, where we post up our favorite authors autographs…could you possibly send us a letter, or bookmark…anything with your autograph on it? Thanks!
Colette Robak
c/o Grandview School
117 Rose Avenue
Grandview, MB R0L 0Y0
Canada
Dear Collette,
I sent you a signed copy of the cover of CUT. Thanks so much for thinking of me for your Hall of Fame!
Patty
Thank you!!!! A sign copy would be wonderful!!!!! Thank you so much!!! I will pass it around to my group members to read!!!!
Sarah Brecht
3565 Medina line rd
Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
Dear Patricia,
I started reading your books last year and I every time I begin a new book I cannot put it down. Sold and Cut are two of the best books I have ever read. I am now reading My Brother’s keeper, I have not gotten too far yet, but so far it is an amazing book. I am a freshman in high school and I am currently working on an author study in school where I have to read a few books from a particular author and write creative pieces on each book and about the author’s life. I was wondering if, through e-mail, I could send you some questions about the various topics mentioned in your books and about your life and you could answer the questions. It would mean so much to me if you could do this! There is no rush for this to get done because this project is due in the spring. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Stephanie
sure, Stephanie. why don’t you take a look at the FAQ section of my website to see if some of your questions are answered there. Also take a look at the Q & A’s for each book, the interviews on this site, my bio, etc. If you have questions after that, just write again.
thanks,
Patty
These are the questions!
If there are any that you have already answered in an interview, or they are on the FAQ page, then don’t answer it. Thank you, I appreciate this very much!
-Stephanie
1. As a teenager, how did you cope with your emotions? Did your emotions compare in any way to Callie’s in Cut?
2. In the book Cut, did Callie’s stubborn attitude relate to you in anyway?
3. How would you describe your experience in researching for Sold?
4. Who is your biggest inspiration?
5. What was your inspiration for My Brother’s Keeper? Does the book relate to your own life experiences in any way?
6. How do you decide what topic your next book is going to be about?
7. What has been your favorite experience as an author?
8. Did you have another ambition or occupation you wished to be, or have you always known you wanted to be an author?
9. What inspired your book Purple Heart?
10. What is the strangest thing you have done as an author?
11. Do you ever re-read your books years after writing them?
12. What process do you go through when writing a book?
13. What is the best thing about being an author, and what is the worst thing?
14. How do you react to a bad review of your book?
15. Is there a certain thing, food or drink that you must have with you when you write?
16. What makes you laugh and what makes you cry?
17. What is the last book you read?
18. What past jobs did you have?
19. How would you describe yourself in three words?
20. What is the last movie you saw?
21. How long did it take you to complete each of your books?
22. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author, what has been the biggest compliment?
23. Will you have a new book coming out soon?
24. What do you do when you’re not writing?
25. Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Dear Patricia,
I wanted to thank you so much for your novel, SOLD. It has made such a tremendous impact on people’s awareness of sex trafficking, and brought the topic to the attention of the mainstream media.
I heard about your novel as I was writing my novel, TRAFFICKED, about a girl who comes to America to be a nanny and ends up a modern-day slave. Of course, everyone told me I had to read SOLD. The funny thing was that I was nervous to read it at first, afraid that it would be just like my story and that I’d have to give it all up. So, I kept writing. Finally, when my agent was ready to send it out, I picked up SOLD. Of course, the two stories are very different, which was a relief, but also reading SOLD was tremendously inspirational, on two fronts. First, it’s so well-written, it made me want to stretch myself, so that when I had to rewrite draft after draft for my editor, I thought of the bar you’d set in terms of the quality of writing. Second, it was inspirational because it made me see what telling these stories in fiction can do to create awareness about this issue.
In my research on trafficking and modern-day slavery, I read a great deal about sex trafficking and it was so impressive how you nailed it. I just watched your video on the writing of it and I loved particularly how you said sharing your own sexual assault helped the girls know that they could trust you to write their story. I taught English as a Second Language for many years and I heard so many sad stories about how my students had been mistreated in America and also, how they’d mistreated others, and this was what started my research on the subject of modern-day slavery. I think my students shared so much of themselves because I shared a lot of my own pain with them. Anyway, I think it’s very brave of you to share that with all of us and I wanted to thank you for your work and its impact on my life.
Warmly,
Kim Purcell
Dear Ms. McCormick,
My name is Saurabh Ghulati; I have read your book Purple Heart. I really enjoyed the book. It is particularly special to me, because I hope to enter the U.S. Military as an officer in the Air Force. It really struck me how accurate your book was! I know a lot about the military (being in Civil Air Patrol) but your book really taught me things! Small things like I didn’t know about Stay Alert Gum or Ripped Fuel (I intend to buy some Stay Alert gum to help me on all-nighters) It taught me more important things like how life was for a soldier in Iraq. Hopefully the War on Terror will be over by the time I’m commissioned (for my Mom’s sake). The book really taught me how devastating war is on a completely new level. I’ve seen the documentaries and stuff like that but your book actually put me in the hospital with Matt, or in the alley, or in that firefight at the end of the book. I really liked Wolf’s opinion of war, I personally despise it. Like Wolf I realize that instead of helping the people of Iraq or Afghanistan we are pretty much killing them. I only want to sign up because it is my obligation to serve my country. Though I also feel how Wolf feels in the uniform, like I’m “ten feet tall, like I’m superman.” I view this novel as what my future could be. Sure the war could be over then and I could be deployed in a non-combat place like Japan, Germany or South Korea, but I have a feeling that this war is going to continue for some time more. Even if we withdraw I have a feeling we’ll be back. I plan to show your book to my Mom, and tell her that this might be my life. Also, if this war is still going on I plan to bring your book with me on my tour. I thank you for publishing this book it really changed my life.
Very Respectfully,
Saurabh Ghulati
Dear Saurabh,
thanks so much for your deep and thoughtful response to the book. All I can say -it sounds to trite – is thank you. Thank you for your willingness to serve our country. You are a rare young person willing to make such a sacrifice – and it sounds like you (and your Mom) are acutely aware of how dangerous this is.
My husband is a Vietnam vet; his mom was worried sick when he left. He was injured – badly – but he still believes that his service was the defining experience of his life.
I wish you safety and a sense of satisfaction however you choose to perform your service. Godspeed,
Patty
Dear patricia,
Hello my name is elijah and i am doing a report on authors. Out of all the authors in the world i pic you. I have read purple heart, one comment……amazing! In this report i need to know about your background former jobs, collages you went to , and why did you become a author. I would be amazed if you send me a emai, hopefully you will.
Hi Elijah,
sorry to be so slow getting back to you. Take a look at various places on my website. Check out the FAQs, the questions and answers for each book, my bio, etc. If you still have questions write again.
and thanks for choosing me for your report.
Patty
Dear Patty McCormick,
I’m doing a poetry explication for my college prep class on your poem “What You Hear”, and I was wondering what “it” refers to in the poem? And also, any information about you that would help me with this would be great. So far, I’m looking into your novels, they seem really interesting. Please contact me back as soon as possible. Thank you so much!
-Allysa B
Hi Allysa,
I guess it’s open to your interpretation, but I intended it to convey Lakshmi’s experience as she’s with a customer.
Take a look at other spots on my web site, FAQs, Q & As for each book. You’ll find more there.
Thanks,
Patyt
Patricia,
Thank you for your kind comments to an earlier note. I have written a review of “Purple Heart” for my blog and plan to run it around Nov. 7, just before Veterans Day. I have included a YouTube video of you talking about the inspiration behind your book. Just want to make sure that you don’t have a problem with my using the video. My blog is: http://www.childrensbooksheal.com. I will send you a link of just the blog, once it is posted, if you like.
Patricia Tilton
Posted my review about “Purple Heart” on Nov. 7, and have received comments and a lot of views. Also heard from an Craig Wiesner of Reach and Teach and he posted my review on Purple Heart on his site which promotes books that are related to peace and social justice issues. My blog is listed above. The following is his site. http://www.reachandteach.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1264
Glad to hear that SOLD is being made into a movie. Watched the trailer and interview.
Thought you might like to know that you have listed Emma’s name wrong on the interview with the Hub. Emma Walton Hamilton.
Patricia Tilton
Patty,
Not a problem! Congratulations on SOLD being made into a movie. I know you are busy and must be excited. Wanted to review Sold, but a close friend did.
I’m glad you were happy with the review. I received about 100 views the day it was posted, although you only see comments left.
Yes, I would love ro receive notices about your new books. I don’t want to leave my e-mail address here. You may already have my e-mail address when I signed in here. I am member of your facebook. Wish there was a way to get my e-mail to you.
Pat Tilton
Hi Patricia,
Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, but I’m happy to see you used the video on your site. Thanks, too, for your very moving and informative review of Purple Heart. Your perspective really carries weight.
OK if I add the address of your blog to my mailing list? When my new book comes out, I can send you an email if you like.
Thanks again,
Patty
Hi, I am a huge fan of your book CUT!!!! Thank you for writing it. I found it very helpful as a recovering self injurer. I also run a self injury support group in Akron Ohio and was wondering if you had any extra copies that I might be able to pass around to group members and their family members??? Please email me. Thank you so much for your time!!! Sarah Brecht
Hi Sarah,
sorry I didn’t reply sooner. if you send me your mailing address, I’ll send you a signed copy of the book.
as for discounted copies I have a few ideas. Scholastic Book Club sells the book at a significant discount. Amazon and other outlets sell used copies. And I think amazon offers a discount when you order a case of books – how ever many that is! also, you can buy an electronic copy and share it.
Thanks for the work you do.
Patty
Thank you so very much !!!!!! A sign coly would be wonderful!!!! I will pass it out to my group members to read!!!! Thank you!!!!
Sarah Brecht
3565 medina line rd
Wadsworth Ohio 44281
Dear Milica,
I’d be happy to Skype with your class. Why don’t you offer me a few times that would work for you and your teacher and we’ll make it happen.
PS I’m sorry to have taken so long to get back to you. My mother passed away two weeks ago and I have been out of commission.
Patty
Dear Patricia,
I just finished Sold, and I absolutely loved it! It made me realize a lot of things, like how bad life was for Lakshmi and her family, and how they struggled often. I felt so bad for the girl, she lost so many things and it just wasn’t right how she had to go through such brutal situations. She was very brave about the whole thing even though inside she was in so much pain. I was an immigrant not too long ago, so I can kind of relate to Lakshmi in a way. I loved the way you wrote the book, with headings for almost every page. That made it much more clear to understand the topics. I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in two days, and it always left me wondering what was going to happen next. I picked this book out for a history project, and I know I picked the right book. I’m in tenth grade, and I go to Conestoga Valley High School. I’m not in Mrs. Pontz’s class, but I am in Mrs. Boyer’s, and she is a very good friend of Mrs. Pontz. It would be such an honor if you could Skype with our class for at least a few minutes. That would be so amazing! I’m so glad I found a way to contact you. Thanks so much for your time and I hope you can consider this idea. You are a great author and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of your books!
Sincerely,
Milica Maran
Dear Patricia,
I just finished your book Cut. I couldn’t put it down. Not only was it riveting, but it spoke to me on an incredibly deep level. I’ve always suffered from low-self esteem and have a tendency to hold the weight of the world on my shoulders so Callie’s story touched me where very few books ever have before.
I’m glad to say I’ve never cut myself but most of my friends do. They claim the physical pain replaces the emotional pain, but at the beginning of the school year, I started talking to a freshman who used to cut. I looked him dead in the eye and asked him, “Did it really make you feel better? Did it really make the emotional pain go away?” His first response was “Yes,” then he stopped himself, thought about it, and said, “No, I guess it didn’t.”
That right there is the struggle I have with my friends every day. They’ve trained themselves to believe the physical pain replaces the emotional pain instead of talking about it. I’d like to hope that they will call me before they turn to their blade next time. I have one friend who once cut three rows of tally marks across each thigh. I made her promise to call me first next time. You wouldn’t imagine how incredibly happy and relieved I was when she called me a few nights later.
It was actually this incedent that prompted me to write “Rubies and Diamonds.” I had been battling with these mixed emotions over my friends’ cutting for a long time when my English teacher gave out a creative writing prompt. I took the chance to finally put these feelings on paper (which I’m surprised I hadn’t done already since writing is my usual outlet) and turned it in. My teacher nominated it for a couple of competitions. In one of the competitions, one of the judges was a former counselor. And…. I found myself sitting it my school’s guidance office a few days later, the counselor demanding to see my arms. I remember sitting there, shocked by her concern. Or more importantly, her obliviousness to the issue. She thought I was cutting. But she didn’t even bother to ask if any of my friends were. Even when I told her that the story was my way of coping with a friend’s cutting, she didn’t even ask for a name. She was obligated to meet with me since I was reported. But she couldn’t have cared less about the kids who were cutting, the ones slinking through the shadows, hiding while desperately waiting to be seen. I couldn’t believe how the whole world just seemed to turn a blind eye.
So I suppose the entire point of this letter is to say thank you. Thank you for seeing them like I do. Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for not turning a blind eye. Now if only the rest of the world would do the same.
Sincerely,
Jessica Nelson
Oh, Jessica, I’m so sorry to hear about your experience. You did all the right things – including to transform your feelings into what sounds like a powerful piece of writing. It is really disheartening to hear that the guidance counselor misunderstood so totally.
I usually encourage readers with friends who are cutting to turn to a trusted adult. That kind of secret is too big to keep. But how depressing to hear that at leas that one adult – the one in a position to help – blew it.
It is possible, though, that your work will have a slow, steady impact. That your story will seep out into the general consciousness in a way that you may not be aware of. I can only hope that you’ve started something by your actions. And that some other adult – or kid – will understand and get your friends the help they need. Trust that this will happen. Maybe not today. And maybe not from the source you’d expect.
But you’ve done your part. You took a courageous action – and rediscovered how much writing can help the writer. (If not everyone else.) The work speaks for itself. Some people understood – and gave you really positive feedback. The rest will come along in good time.
All the best,
Patty
Dear Ms. McCormick,
My name is Holly Holbert and I am writing to tell you about a project that I have decided to take on. Last year one of my youngest son’s best friends was molested by the father of a peer and then severely bullied on Facebook and at school by the assailant’s wife, daughter and daughter’s friends. The lack of legal protection she received despite clear violations of the law sent her to a psychiatric ward for a month and then a new school. All children, including my own, have dealt with some king of intimidation and bullying at school or on the internet, but the levels to which this harassment rises is frightening and sometimes life-threatening. My husband, Bruce, a high school teacher for more than twenty-five years, has seen this behavior escalate throughout his career.
What I would like to do is collect stories from people who have overcome such trauma for a book that would help people like my son’s friend Aubrey and her parents. It seems to me that stories from prominent people in all walks of life who have struggled through such bullying, and succeeded despite it, would be of some comfort to kids like her and their parents in similar predicaments.
I am writing to ask, if you have had to face anything like this, that you would consider sharing your story for this book.
Last year Bruce and I published a book called Signed, Your Student (Kaplan Publishing.) The book was about teachers and how much they influence our lives. It included stories from such notable people as Jim Belushi, Sherri Shepherd, Dionne Warwick, John Glenn and Tess Gerritsen. My husband is a novelist and short story writer who has several creditable publications and is on board to help guide the book, as well.
If you have any questions or would like to share a story please feel free to email me at hollymholbert@hotmail.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Best Regards,
Holly Holbert
Patricia,
I have long been a fan of your work. I read Sold a year ago and that book has been heavily on my heart. I work for a non-profit organization that mentors and supports teen moms and pregnant teens in my city. There are a few girls that are looking to do a book club together, and this one keeps coming to mind! I would love for them to experience a different culture, lifestyle, and exposure into how other young women live; as well as the struggles they face. My hope is that these young women’s eyes will be opened; that despite their own struggles, they see that they are capable of making a difference in their community and world! I’m wondering if it’d be possible to get a dozen copies of Sold at a discounted rate? I would love more info on how I could go about this.
Thank you for your continued work, you have a gift!
All the best,
Amy
Dear Amy,
Thanks so much for your note. I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. My mother recently passed away and I have been out of commission for a while.
I don’t know much about how you could get a dozen discounted copies. I do know that you get a discount if you order a case of books – from the publisher.
I know you can get inexpensive used copies on amazon and from other on line sellers and that the e-version is very affordable.
Hope this helps.
And thanks for your interest in spreading the word.
Patty
Patricia,
I’ve always loved to write and you are one of my favorite writers. I just finished “Purple Heart” and couldn’t put it down it was so good. I especially liked how it gave a different perspective on how war really is. I felt like I was right there with Matt, dealing with all of his struggles.
I’m in 6th grade and am doing a school project on how math is used in different professions. We are supposed to pick a job we hope to have someday and I picked author. I am hoping you will be able to help me out with this project. It will only take a few minutes of your time and can all be done through email. If you are able to help me, I will need to know by Wednesday, September 21st so I can give the contact information to my math teacher.
Sincerely,
Madison Galvez
Just saw your note. Hope this reaches you in time. In short, yes! And, yes, there are ways that math features in my work as a writer.
Patty
Patricia,
Enjoyed your interview with Emma tonight on the Children’s Book Hub. I read three of your novels, and could not put them down. I am a journalist, and I loved writing about important issues of the day. You write what I’d like to write, but I’m not sure I’m ready yet — I write picture books. Best move I made was to work with Emma.
I loved Sold, but Purple Heart touched me the most. Matt’s story was my grandson’s story. I am the grandmother who lost her grandson to suicide. My grandson was just 20 yrs old, and unprepared for the horrors of being a gunner. He was ordered one day to shoot an 11-yr-old boy and his father when they stepped into the green zone. He knew both the father and son as he interacted with them frequently. They did not have explosives. After shooting them, he jumped out of the Humvee and held the child in his arms because he didn’t want the child to die alone without someone’s arms holding him. It tore Greg a part because he had an 11-yr-old brother at home. There were many instances like these. He suffered terrible PTSD. He returned home in Oct. 2009 from Bagdad after a year-long tour. On Thanksgiving 2009 he took his own life. He couldn’t live with his demons. But, his soul left in service as he donated his organs so that others could live.
I plan to revew your book on my blog Memorial Day Week. I did a week-long series last May, and featured the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) which has been of great help. Our young grandson attended the good grief camps. Thought I would share this with you, just in case you weren’t familiar with the program.
Again, thank you again for the outstanding discussion tonight. I learned a lot.
Best,
Patricia Tilton
Dear Patricia,
I’m so glad you wrote. Your story moved me to tears and left me wondering what words I can offer – except admiration for your honesty and courage in sharing your grandson’s story; horror and profound sadness at his struggle; and admiration for your family’s way of honoring his memory by recovering and living lives of purpose.
What happened to your grandson is perhaps the worst thing that can befall a soldier. And at 20, he was, to my mind, a boy soldier under unspeakable pressure. I understand – as a wife, although that cannot possible compare to your experience as a grandmother – because my husband is Vietnam vet who still suffers from PTSD and from horrendous memories from his service.
I had hoped our nation would do better by this generation of vets and am deeply saddened to hear that somehow we failed your grandson.
Please know how humbled I am by your response to my book and how grateful I am for this opportunity to thank you and your family for the sacrifices you have made on behalf on the rest of us.
All the best,
Patty McCormick