I've been asking people if I can reproduce their emails - here are a few who have said yes. Thanks to everyone who writes to me - I do read them all and I do try to reply to them all. If you do email me and I don't reply, it's either because I didn't get to it in time and it got stranded behind loads of newer ones (send it again - or I may dig it up years later), or I never received it - it does happen. Aplogioes to everyone who doesn't get a reply - I do my best.
Since I strated doing this I've been getting some realy interesting emails from all sorts of people. Thanks to everyone who writes to me! As a point of confidence, I always ask people if they are OK with me posting their stuff and nothing goes up without your permission.
My email address is melvin@melvinburgess.net
You can also contact me on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/melvinburgess
Melvin
Hello! My name is Casey and I recently sent you a message via myspace but I dont know if maybe you check your email more often so I'll just send it too you that way too...
I live in the US, Texas to be exact. I messaged you because i wanted to tell you how much i loved your book junk, or smack as it called here in the states. i was just browsing through my school library one day (Im in 11th grade by the way, 17 years old) and checked it out. i started reading it that night and instantly fell in love with the characters. i have never done drugs other than pot and acid once, but i still felt like i could relate with tar so much... And it was just such a wonderful beaiutifully sad story...
but anyway i dont mean to drone on about it even tho i could... i just wanted to thank you for a great read and let you know im now a fan of yours and im going to look for some of your other books now =]
--
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.
Make the world a better place, PLUR! XD
Hi Casey, no I don't check out My space all that much - my publisher tends to put a work expereince person on it going through everyone who mentions my books and asking them to be my freinds, so I can't keep up. Anway, thanks for wriitng to me - so glad you like Smack Tar, yeah well, he's one of my favorite characters, too - as you say, said but likeable ... but also weak, I think. But I always feel that if only Gemma hadn't put her big foot in it, he migh thave had an easier ride.
Thanks again! Can I post your emial on my website?
best, Melvin
Oh course you can put it on your website thanks for asking! =] Yea Tar was a really cool guy, very nice and I could definatly see how Gemma was a sharp contrast with her wild and crazy self and her excentricness. But I saw that he really loved her despite all that. And it really hurt me when she left him in the end simply because I can tell even though she wasn't the best thing for him by any stretch of the imagination, she still loved her more than anything. I'm just happy that he at least will always have Oona. =]
By the way, which do you recomened I read next, Bloodtide or Doing It?
Melvin
i wrote a while ago, but you never replied. i just thought I'd try again.i just love junk! i was.........about 11 wen i first read it. I'd read a bit of blood tide before it and i enjoyed it but to be honest i lost interest,I'm dyslexic so I'm a slow reader, so i think blood tide disturbed me a little cause i was so young.
the thing is despite the fact i am incredibly slow at reading i could read very young, i was reading harry potter [with help] at 7. so by the time i was 11 I'd read nearly everything in the children's section. i had to move on to the teenage. i loved junk even when i was that young.
I bought the book wen i was shopping with my brothers, i new my mother wouldn't allow me have it but i was sick of storeys about princess and fairies. to be honest with you i didn't no Wat junk was about wen i read it, i simply picked one with a ''grown up'' cover i took it home and hide it in my bedside locker.I kept it a secret even from my friends and my brothers. i wasn't embarrassed i just couldn't bare to have it taken away!
from the very first moment i read it i loved it! it was grown up, it was fun, it was exciting. it beat the hell out of princesses!!
At start i loved Tar, there is something lovable about him isn't there? but lately [in the last 2 years] i stared to love Richard. He's just so cool. i dunno i can't explain it . i think he's soooo loveable he's so decent or something, he's good i think thats it.i understand some of the characters in junk are basesed on real people, was Richard one of them?
oh i forgot to mention i'm nearly 16 now and i'm Irish, so i'm sitting our jnr cert this year kinda like GCSE's i think, anyway i am being forced to read How Many miles to Babylon? by Jenifer Johnston. now don't get me wrong it its a wonderful book, its very well written, the imagery and characterisation [if thats how you spell it, you no Wat i mean!] is brilliant and vivid. but we are reading it to get a glimpse of harsh reality, why aren't we reading junk?
something relavent today! i mean they close use off from reality, in order to protect us? we'll only try for ourselves. if someone doesn't show us.
i just wish that people would realise doing it and junk aren't about getting high and having sex, but about friendship and people. Your book teachs us about life now. Not about wat life was like was like for an amazing princess, or in world war 1. i want to no about people in the here and now people like me!
to me you are an amazing writter and i really respect you.
please don't stop writting no matter wat the critics or parents or teachers say i think i speek for you peolple everywhere wen i say we need someone like you someone who gives us credit to make our own chooses....
phoebe...... xxx
P.S...i love dandelions
Hi Phoebe - what a nice email! So sorry I never got back to you last time. I do try to get back to everyone who writes, but I know some slip through the net, cos I'm fairly trash and getting on top of my emails and they do back up. |If you wrote not so long ago, it was probably because I was moving ...
Anyway, I'm on to it this time. I realy happy you enjoyed the book so much - it's just great that you got on to it when you were so young and still like it now. I like to think the book is written so people of any age can enjoy it, but I think there's stuf fin it you can;t really get on top of unless you;re that little bit older - so maybe you got another layer or two out of it when you came back to it.
I agrtee about Tar - he is loveable, but weak, realy, although in many ways that's not his fault. I felt that if Gemma hadn;t been a bit of a cow at first, he might have managed better - perhaps the fact that he's so vulnerable is what makes him loveable. As for richard, well he was based on a freind of mine, so I can;t but agree with you - gret guy!
Thanks once more for writing - and I hope you do really well in your junior cert - good luk!
Best, Melvin
I know you probably get thousands of these so I won't beat around the bush.
I have just finished 'Junk' this evening and it is an instant modern classic. I have recently read the book "Mandy" which dealt with similiar topics, however nowhere near was it delivered with such heart, momentum and believability as 'Junk' had. It is rare that a book can bring you to tears- a fantastic, brilliant, poignant and appropriate ending I am undoubtably going to be reading your other books, though I feel that Junk will be tough to beat.
Josh, 15
P.S it's probably been said a million times, but Junk would make an awesome film, if done properly- you should definatly approach some independant film-makers.
Hi Josh - thanks so much for your email - delighted to hear tjhat you got so much out of the book. Hope you enjoy the others (almost) as much!
Best,Melvin
PS - can I post your email on my website?
Hi Melvin, As you can see from my email address I'm a student at Trinity College. At the moment I'm in the process of writing an English Research essay based on none other than, you guessed it, you! If you could answer one or two questions for me that would be absolutely brilliant because I'd love to add it into my essay and put my lecturer in a good mood!
To be honest with you I have to admit I have been a little narrowminded. I feel i should apologise to you because i feel like I've judged you before i even got a chance to read your books. Which now, of course, i have! One word: amazing. I was hooked right from the beginning. I've been walking around college with my nose stuck in your books and have even been known to hide them under my desk during lectures. but lets keep that between ourselves! They are addictive. I really enjoyed them and found myself quite upset when i realised I had come to the end! Personally, I've never been the most academic of souls. Maths did my head in all the way through primary school. And I'm still struggling with them over a decade later in college (I'm training to be a primary teacher!) But when it came to english, aahhh i could work all night on an essay for days on end and be utterly blissful! But thats going off the point now. isn't it? What I'm trying to say is, I'm in my final year now. I worked doubly hard to get here and now I find myself writing my last english essay. It's due next Wednesday (the 9th of April) and I want to make it amazing ~ go out with a bang! Really impress the lecturer and, of course, myself!
I know your very busy and I promise I won't be your sworn enemy if you don't have the time to answer these questions, but I'd really appreciate it if you could.
1. In your book 'Junk' you are acclaimed for understanding but not condoning drug abuse. I for one know i felt no inclination or longing to go and stab myself with a needle of heroin after reading it! However, do you feel it is suitable for readers as young as 12 and thirteen? Put yourself in my position, in front of a class full of children with ages ranging from 11 to 13. Would it be appropriate for me, as an educator, to have this book on the shelves of our classroom library?
2. Your book 'Lady' got a lot of publicity for its frank exploration of the sexual behaviour of a teenage girl. Do you, personally, approve of or condone sexual promiscuity among teenagers in an age where sexual diseases are rampant? And was it your aim to subconsciously carry a message of approval in your book?
Thanks again for your time, I really appreciate it. Kind regards,
Hi Aoife,
A convert! How fantastic, I'm delighted. I hope your degree goes well - I guess you're coming up for the hideious finals., eh? I was in Dublin last weekend, and visited Trinity to see the book of Kells. It just bowls me over every time.
In answer to your questions ... first, most of my books from Junk and after are really for people who have their full set of hormoes present and correct. People who are about twelve are still on the road so to speak, and although they can often understand all the language and issues perfectly well, I feel quite a bit of it goes over their heads. Of course they can still get a lot out of it, but without the full impact. But that's not really what you're asking me, is it? You're asking about the moral effect of such a book, or if it might lead them into drug taking. The answer is, I don't feel that it would lead them into drugs, and I don't think it would or could in any way corrupt them.
The real issue of you standing in front of a class is not the kids, but the parents, or perhaps the management of your school. The issue for me isn't kids as young as twelve, who in general have the books in school they need, but kids aged fourteen and above, who rarely do. People of that age who read are very, very baddly catered for in schools. If you see the kind of thing they read in their own time and compare it, you'll see what I mean. As far as sex is concerned, I think it's a wonderful and healthy thing and definately to be encouraged. If people want to be promiscuous, that's up to them. But they need to know that there is a huge, often unseen, emotional weight attached to sex - you get so close to the other person (Needless to say!). You can hurt yourself baddly if you're unwise about that side of it - boys as well as girls. In that sense, I don't think it's a good idea to get into it when you;re too young. Poeple who do are usualy doing it for other reasons than sex, I think. Late teens or early twenties is soon enough for most of us.
Lady wasn't realy abotu sdex - it was about what is important and what isn't important, and also about the ethics of being bad. Everyone is being trained how to be good from the word dot - well all know that one. But being good is easy. The fact is, most ethical decisions are about being bad. If you decide to only have sex with the person you get marrie dto, that's being good. All the res tof it is about how bad, how often, with who? .. and so on. Good luck, Melvin PS - can I post your email on my website?
Thank you so much for your reply! It's true, i have to admit, I am a complete convert now! I had to give a presentation about you in my English Lecture and hopefully those who were present are all converts too after it. I had most definitely "judged a book by its cover" when i came across 'Junk' and 'Doing it' but i have to say i enjoyed every single one of your books. 'Sara's Face' was my favourite.
Thank you for answering my questions and i look forward to reading more of your books. You really opened my eyes in relation to literature for teens. Here's a bit of my essay that I wrote ~ I'm not the best of writers but I enjoyed every minute of my essay and would have no problem in writing it all over again!!
p.s. I have no problem with you using my emails ~ but could you make me anonymous? Thank you!
My essay:
"Tits and minge are actually very important things to me in a girlfriend. In fact, they're about the most important things I want in a girl. I dream about them. I think about them. I spend a lot of my spare time looking at them on my computer screen – tits and arses and minge til it comes out of my ears."
Doing it, by Melvin Burgess. (p. 150)
Would you approve of the youth of today internalising this reading material? Controversial content like this is a running theme in the work of Melvin Burgess. Although I have never taken much notice of this author; I had heard whispers of the areas he has covered in his conflict-ridden books. The scandalous nature of his diverse subject matter has most definitely preceded him and categorically defined him as an author.
When I went to find some of his books I found myself highly discomfited and, dare I say it; embarrassed? I was fully aware of how utterly absurd this was. However, that didn't stop me from discreetly turning the book upside down when I proceeded in handing it to the shop assistant to pay for it. I couldn't wait to flee from the shop before anyone discovered what lurked between the seedy pages of his notorious novels. And consequently labelled me a "pervert" in the process!
Burgess' books were extremely difficult to find. Most shops didn't stock them at all and those that did decided to opt for the less controversial variety. I had decided to look at four of Burgess' novels; Junk, Sara's Face, Lady: My Life As A Bitch and Doing it.
I must admit, in hindsight, I was quite narrow-minded when I came to picking up the first book 'Junk'. I found myself becoming more and more opposed to the subject matter in most of Burgess' books. I had read the remarks the critics had made and resolved myself to make a stand against such demoralising and corrupting ways of persuading the youth of today to "turn to the dark side". When I had come to the end of 'Junk' I found myself shocked. An interesting feeling had come over me; gratification. I had enjoyed the book! I didn't come away from 'Junk' feeling the overpowering urge to stab myself with a syringe of heroin. On the contrary, I found myself completely appalled and revolted by the lives these addicts created for themselves; prostitution, deception, addiction, theft, betrayal.
When 'Junk' was released in 1996, it was met with a tirade of criticism. The author later admits
"… it was fun. I enjoyed the publicity and the attention, which authors usually feel they don't get enough of, and I enjoy arguing my corner." (Burgess)
But what was it that had outraged and disturbed the general public and media so much so that they felt the need to do a great deal of
"…soul-searching about the loss of innocence, children growing up too quickly, and the dangers of sensationalists such as myself exploiting childish curiosity." (Burgess)
I certainly didn't find myself reeling with repugnance and resentment at the sheer cheek of Burgess for even thinking of dealing with the sinister subject of drug abuse among young teens. We hear about more traumatising tales at six o' clock in the evening on sky news! 'Junk' was, in fact, a fascinating read. The multi-first person narratives allow the reader to delve into the psyche of the characters and form our own impartial, introspective opinions.
We all know what its like to be a teenager. Being stuck between childhood and adulthood, yet isolated from both, predominantly the latter. Burgess avidly avoids patronising and belittling his audience. There is an unspoken understanding that passes between the author and reader saying "Yes I know its horrible being a teenager. Parents do make wrong decisions. You do too. But it's all part of growing up and one day you'll understand this and probably be a better person for it."
Burgess' critics have acknowledged this trait and rejoiced in his honesty. One such critic is Elizabeth O'Reilly who discusses an article in The Guardian where Burgess vividly remembers his own adolescence and identifies with teenagers, but also appreciates how unpleasant most of us are during this stage of our lives:
"Looking back at myself, I'd have to say I was a pain. I was rude…I had a rampaging ego… What about you? You were a teenager once. Can you remember what it was like? Admit it. You were a twat, too." (Burgess, The Guardian, 27th May 2006)
O' Reilly summed up Burgess' flair in one remark; "Burgess' skill is to understand without condoning…" That is simply what he does. He is not disgusted by the selfishness that Gemma portrays or the horrific heartache she causes her parents. He does not judge her or dictate to us that we must love our parents unconditionally and treat them with respect every minute of every day. We should. But the truth is; we don't. For the most part, teenagers do not appreciate their parents. They don't see the continuous support and love that they give them, because in some cases, especially Tar's, it isn't there in the first place. The world is a troubling place. As much as we want to believe in fairy tales and happy endings, the realities we are faced with in today's world are a far cry from sleeping beauty being awoken by prince charming. It is more likely that she would be mugged and assaulted first.
With a very different outlook, I picked up 'Sara's Face'. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. From the moment I picked up the book; I was hooked. The main character Sara is obsessed with fame and suffers from a disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is a mental disorder where an individual is excessively concerned and preoccupied with an imagined or minor defect in their appearance. The plot of this story is completely strange and bizarre. However, Burgess has a mesmerising way of capturing the reader's imagination and making the impossible seem bizarely possible. The words suck you in and bring you on a strange and sinister roller coaster ride through Sara's warped perception of fantasy and reality.
The descriptions are strange and disturbing. One image that has stayed with me is the moment when Dr. Kaye has removed Sara's face;
"Only half an hour before, Sara's face had been plucked up from the front of her head and laid neatly on the bloodied front of Heat's… Kaye had stitched it on to the tip of his nose." (Sara's Face by Melvin Burgess, p. 228)
This thrilling climax is distressingly worrying. As insane and impossible as it seems that someone could find themselves in such a vulnerable position where their face could be stolen without consent, this dilemma of cosmetic surgery and a desire to change our looks is not an uncommon issue, especially among teenagers. The rising epidemic of plastic surgery is reaching boiling point. Somehow injecting poisin into the skin on your face is not as alarming anymore as it really should be. It seems that a little poison between brunch and collecting the kids from school is accepted as a "social norm" as common aa brushing your teeth.
Clothes and shoes go in and out of fashion; why not bodies, noses, eyes and ears? Burgess has acknowledged this dilemma and taken a stand against it. Teenagers are exposed to this need to be societies idea of "perfection". It is everywhere; in magazines, on the television, in newspapers. Burgess acknowledges this common worry and thus re-evaluates the way in which teenage fiction is written. He deals with the real issues that teenagers want to be hearing about and discussing.
**There's a little bit of it! Hope I have convinced others to pick up some of your books!!
Dear Melvin Burgess,
You are my all time favourite author. i thrive on the text upon your book's my all time favourite book is bloodsong to me it is one of the greatest books of the 20th century i am contempt on your next book.
i wish to know is there any chance of a third book after bloodtide and bloodsong. i have one idea for the next in the series called blood-generation about the gods Odin, Loki, Allah, Jesus and finally Sigurd following the lives of the nibblins and others alike. i gain this idea from bloodsong on how Sigurd thinks to himself on how the gods live. this book will be the chance for you to express how you see the god's while you were writing bloodsong. i myself wish to hear how you see the god's. If not the book write to me and inform me on how you imagine the god's...
Yours Joshua M Wigg (age 16)
Hi Joshua - sorry to take so long getting back to you - I was so busy in october and now I'm just catching up.
Glad you liked the Bloods so much - they're my favorites of my books, as it happens. Not sure about following ALL the gods, though - I based Bloodtide and Bloddsong on pagan and christian mythology, and I think you need to stick to something specific. If you try and do everything at once, you come a cropper.
There is more of the story to tell. As you may know, the books are loosely based in the icelandic Volsunga story, and that saga does go on to tell what hapened to the Nibberlins. Not sure if I'm gong to try and tell it though - I think it looses some of its strength once the Volsons are all dead.
Can I post your email on my website? Thanks, Melvin
i am more than happy to let you use my e-mail on your website, i think the loss of the volsons can be an improvement they could feel the guilt of Sigurd's death on their hands and how you can use that in your stories i don't know. i have signed copies of junk,bloodsong and i wish for a signed copy of bloodtide. other books by you i have read are doing it, burning issy and tiger tiger. i have had troubles with my girlfriend and we are together now. i had a tag with her name on as a present so i gave it her yestarday when we got back together i said to her when we got back together "i guess that tag was my little jenny wren." i look forward to the next saga as i can not think what to expect please publish the story. i wish to read it so much. as i have already said you are my favourite aurther.
yours Josh Wigg (age 16)
Hello, I'm an English teacher from Slovenia and it's the first time I've conntacted a writer. So, hi, melvin. You're a fantastic writer! Respect!
A couple of days ago I came across your novel 'Smack' in the library. I loved it!!! I liked the style, the topic, the attitude, and the characters are amazing! And most of all I think you brought the addiction and what it does to a person closer to the reader. It feels like, ok, I've seen it, I've read about it, i've heard it ... but I've got a much better idea about it now that I've read the book as I had before.
I love reading and I don't often come across novels that make me think for days. 'Junk' is something rare! And it made me type in your name in the google and find information about you. That's a first for me. I teach teenagers from the age of 10 to 14 in the capital of Slovenia. Of course there are drugs around but among the kids I teach I don't think there's anything more powerful that hash or ecstasy. Still, you never know. But I wanted to say that I agree that teenagers should read this book. It's better to know about drugs than to be tempted out of ignorance.
I also wanted to ask you who your favourite authors are and which novels made you say, 'waw!'
And once again, WELL DONE!
Anka
Hi Anka - Well, thanks you so much - what a nice email! I'm delighted you got so much out of it. I supose you knew I was actualy in Slovenia the week before you wrote to me .. can't be coincidence ...? Hope the situation with your kids stays the same - hash and ecstacy aren't such bad things, comparatively speaking - I belive ecstacy is offically safer than asprin! Amazing, really.
Thanks for writing to me.
Can I post your email on my website? Melvin
Hello! I always feel awkward when I write emails/letters to people I've never met. That's just a warning, I suppose, for the tense sentance structure that may be found with in.
I read 'Doing It' the summer before I started my freshman year. It was the first book about sex I'd ever read, and man, I was shocked. Like, I had to put the book down and leave for a while. Then I realized I had to keep reading. I was hooked. I think I read it twice before I took it back to the library. A few weeks later I went to camp and met one of my best friends. We kept in touch, and one day she told me she was reading the greatest book ever, and that I would totally love it. It was about sex.
"I read a book about sexonce," I said. "It was called 'Doing It' and I loved it." "Oh my goodness! That's the book I'm reading!"
We talked about it every now and then, but I largely forgot about it until my birthday a few weeks ago, when she asked for my address. I realized she was sending me a gift, and wondered if it might be the book. It wasn't, and I was dissapointed, but I wasn't really expecting it. The point is, it got me thinking about your book again.
That day also happened to be the last day I had to get a required reading book for school, so, while in Hastings, I decided to search for Doing It. They didn't have it. I was upset. But I did find Smack, and read it in one day. That is a really incredible book, as well, though I still think Doing It is better.
I've gone back to the library and looked for Doing It countless times, by the way, and I can't ever find it. I'm not sure if someone decided to keep it, or if maybe the library decided it was too controversial. But I'd like you to know that Doing It is on my Christmas Wishlist. So is Lady, because it sounds killer interesting.
I hope you write more, because you're right, there aren't enough books for people my age. The closest I can think of are Sarah Dessen books, but those are a bit more preachy. Actually, a lot more preachy. I like the way you write. The end.
Hi Hannah - well, that's a very lovely email. You know, I get more people writing to me about Smack than Doing It, so it's a real pleasure ot hear that Doing It is getting through to people. Sex - well, it's quite a thing, isn't it? I wanted to writ esomehting that described that it was funny and rude, andpossibly even filthy and hilarious, as well as the thing you do when you fall in love and have to be all responsible about. I'm really hapy that you found it and that it meant a lot to you.
Thanks so much much for writing to me about it - it means alot when people let me know the book got through. Amazing coincidence, you and your freind both finding it.
I don't know Sarah Dessen but I'll lok out for her from now on.
Best wishes, melvin PS - Can I post your email on my website?
Hey, my names Kate.
I met you once at a booking signing at Canon Slade School, and remember being more than fond of you for making our school librarians scowl at your hilarious choice of language for the event. Clearly they need to get out more xD
Anyway, to the point. Junk is my favourite book, always has been, probably always will be, and last night I decided to have the sleeping pattern of a nocturnal hamster and stay up to write this. Reading it through again, it's pretty shite, but thought you might like to read it if you found the time. It's about Junk, obviously, and is entitled Hero-in. As you are a writer, and a bloody good one at that, you will probably see through the fact it isn't really about the physical drug, but injecting a glimmer of something amazing into you, but are overwhelmed by the effects of it all around you. I'll stop blabbering now :)
Hero-in
I watch as the marker steers past zero
And breathe as the pump pulls from full
Can you feel That intense syringe of hero
A kaleidescope of feeling thats far from dull
High's defined by the raising of mentality
And yet this depth is so far from reality
I've gone so far now, cannot you see
This chemical's bound to the bones inside of me
My breath is so rapid and my voice is spun
The weight on my shoulders is lifted, no more a tonne
And yet you're still blind to the way I live my life
Can't you see i'm the body, you're the knife?
This highs expiry date is approaching fast
I turn to more just to make it last
I bleed, I scream and scratch
Yet my weak and frail body's finally met its match.
An email back would be great, but I know you're probably really busy, so thanks anyway for taking the time to read.
Kate, an entertained reader and school librarian hater.
Hi Kate -
thanks so much for sending me this - it's great! - not shite at all. Late nite stuff is always fun. Only bit I didn;t get was the body/knife image, but the rhythm and the rhymes are fantastic. Glad you liked my choCie of language. what on earth did they expect? but I'm afraid it always goes above my head when they don'tl ike it - I only notice people loking happy, right up until they ask me to leave ...
Can I post your email on my website?
Best, Melvin
Hey again,
yeah, I was a bit unsure about the body and knife image, but I came to the conclusion that it was about Tars father, and how he'd led Tar to run away to Bristol, so in some way it was his fault that Tar ended up in the situation he ended up in, I think I metaphorically used Tar as the "body" and the knife was supposed to mean the heroin filled syringe and Tars father almost injecting it into Tar himself because Heroin or a real knife, Tars father is killing him either way. I might re-write that bit, depending on how artistically minded I feel tonight :) It's good to find someone else who finds their inspiration when the majority of the country are slobbering all over themselves and snoring.
Yeah, that is one of the things I admire you for, your ability to ignore peoples criticism and just write and say what you want to, if only every writer took that approach to their talent. Every writer? Why not every person? Maybe the freedom of speech right would actually come into practice! I laughed when I read that, I guess they expected some born and bred snob from the Shakespeare lookalike weekly magazine, or some escapee from a mental asylum who actually thought he was Shakespeare. I have to say, the colour of our librarians face was approaching the shade of red where I expected her to either ask you to leave, or give a robotic bleep everytime you said a word which went past toddler-friendly language xD Yeah, course you can put it on the site.
Best Wishes, Kate.
Interesting email from a librarian whose school I visited recently. I never do talks on Doing It unless specifically requested - it does happen from time to time - but the book was on sale.
The thing that always surtprises me is how rarely this happens. I think this is the first time in several years ...
I bleive the inccident was handled with no loss of blood!
Hi Melvin,
Just to let you know that 'even in this day and age' I have had one really horrible parent of a boy who bought 'Doing It' and 'Junk'. Seems that he was 'forced' into coming to the session and 'made' to buy the books! She had no problem with 'Junk' but took exception to 'Doing It' big time. He wasn't allowed to read it, but she did, how surprising.
The truly amazing thing is that anything to do with sex is still so much worse than drugs!?
Guess there had to be one. Cheers
Dear Mr. Burgess, I have never sent an email like before.... I wanted to explain to you the overwhelming excitement I am experiencing right now! Back in 1999 I watched a film on television that has stayed with me for 8 years, I have searched for this film countless times, and I have often wondered if it was based on a book. I cannot tell you how frequently over the years I have Googled what I remember of the film in hopes that somehow I could locate it. I still clearly remember the day I watched it, I was hooked on it immediately, unfortunately for me I was extremely ill and had been watching from the comfort of my couch, until just before it ended - I have not seen the last five or ten minutes and have always wanted to know how it all ended.
Today has been a fantastic day because I finally found a website that contained information on the film, I found your name and Googled you, which brought me to a website that provided your email address. I am now leaving my home headed to a bookstore in hopes of purchasing your book (Smack) and although I am sure there are differences between the film and your novel, I know I won't be disappointed.
If you know how I may purchase the film I would appreciate if you could forward the details to me. If not I just thought that I should share some of the joy I have and will be experiencing by finding a perfect stranger on the internet.
IA wish you a beautiful day!
Miss Sara McNamara
HI Sam - well, what a nice email! All those years and you never found the book! I only hope it's noit going to be a disapointment, going back there after so long ... I always felt that the BBC film wasn't quite hard hitting enough, myself, but I'm delighted you enjoyed it so much.
Can you let me know which website you found the information about the film on? People are always asking me about the film and I never can tell them very much - the BBC never released it and people can only hope to pick it up when they broadcast it, as they still do from time to time, I believe.
The book, by the way, is called junk here in the UK and Smack in the states.
Many thanks for writing ot me - Melvin Burgess. PS - can I post your email on my website?
Question from a fan from Chesire, who wrote to me on MrSpace ..
I'm a massive fan and have read nearly all of your books in the past few months. Bloodtide and Bloodsong are a favourite.
Just one question:- Saras Face Book Fact of Fiction? Found this book really interesting as have just finished it. Confused as to whether a real story, if it is where could i read about it? Let me know. Thanks for keeping my bus rides to work enjoyable.
Kay from Cheshire :-)
A bit of writing from a reader here - I think you can see, she has some real talent here ...
hiya melvin (is it ok to call you that?)
i'm 14 and contemplated becoming an author so i started writing a book about teenagers running with issues like drugs and love called High Tide and i was kind of surprised when started reading junk and it sounded a LOT like the book i had started!!!! i guess that's the downfall of the industry though, isn't it? anyway however much i didnt want to like it (because it you had thought of it first)- i loved it! i dont think i could ever have written such a deep novel so i'm very glad that you DID think of it first! my most memorable moments of the book (and certainly the most disturbing) were when lily was injecting heroin into the veins between her breasts and when rob and tar bust into their friends' flat to find them dead then proceeded to take their drugs and leave them there. i have also read sara's face which i really enjoyed!
if you have time here's what i started writing:
Life's a beach. That's what Destiny told me. You can either stay on the sand following sad little rules, paddle in the sea for a bit or jump in at the deep end, out of sight, having loads of fun. Destiny said that only special people like us could throw ourselves in at the deep end and stay afloat. We're the 'Strong Swimmers'
The problem is, most people are scared of the water; scared that it will suck them in and they'll drown, die a sad death. They don't realise that the water refreshes your soul, breathes replenishing life into you. The water is the ocean of free spirits. Destiny loved that idea, calling us the 'Ocean of Free Spirits'. I was well chuffed that I had thought of it.
Then those who paddle. The water washes over them and they feel a tiny bit if the magic but they're not like us. It doesn't fill their soul to the brim with everlasting energy; their eyes don't turn into fireworks; their bones don't grow stronger.
Words can't describe the deep end. It's like your first kiss, a fireworks display and a roller coaster ride all crammed into one. We actually live life. To the fullest. People on the sand ignore each other; the Strong Swimmers embrace each other whenever we pass another by. It's unreal. Sex, drugs, parties, jail cells, dreams, fast cars, music, friends- life has never been so simple. Love life and it'll love you back. Let life pass away and it'll let you slip through it's fateful hands.
I don't know why people cling on to life so much if they're not really living. I'm only 15 and I've already experienced more life than they possibly ever will. We're the only slice of the big cake of life with cream and two cherries on top. And if you don't like cream or cherries, then we've got any topping you like. I'm kind of going off the topic but that's OK, right? Life's unpredictable.
You're probably thinking 'hey, why's a teenage hippy girl lecturing me on her philosophies on life?'. Why should you care, eh? Well, we always need new recruits... Just joking! I'm just giving you a taste of what it's like on the Strong Swimmer's side. Then you can choose what end of the beach you want to be in. Make your choice- a strong Swimmer, a Cautious Paddler or a Cowardly Sand Beetle? Maybe I'm biased, but so what? So is everyone else.
Some people throw themselves in at the deep end and get caught under the waves. We, the Strong Swimmers, try to give them swimming lessons but they either don't want them because they're too proud or some just weren't meant to be. Some make it back to shore, some are lost in the crush. You sometimes get tired staying afloat, so that's why we all help each other.
The Ocean of Free Spirits has a different form for each individual. Some, like me, it's running away from home, some it's drugs, some it's just a never-ending party- but the basic form is freedom. What a delicious feeling that nothing or no one owns you and you realise that you own the world. Sticking to the beach theme, the world is your oyster. An oyster filled with all your favourite things.
We don't hurt anyone, we're the joy riders in life's big Cadillac car. Fun, fun fun! So fun, fun, funny! Drifting off the subject... OK, maybe I've exaggerated a bit but it's pretty fun being us. All we do is party! Life is a beach, an oyster, a big party... Life is whatever you want it to be! Life is for living. So when are you gonna take the plunge and start living?
obviously it's a different style to you're writing, but the storyline was too similar so i had to abandon that project. but don't worry because i don't hold a writer's grudge as i enjoyed junk soooo much and i'm glad i got to read it!!!!! i was wondering if you're writing anything at the moment? also, any tips on becoming an author? thank you for being an inspiration and reading this. pleeeease keep writing Demi xxx
Hi Demi - well, sure is a coincidence - your destiny sound sjust like Lily. Well, I wish you well with it. The great thing about writing is, when you've done abook, its something no one else will ever do or could ever do - unique. So I'd v certianly encourage you to finsih your bgokk. The chracter of Lily/Destiny isn;t my possession by any means - I can think of similar characters in ficiotn before I got there myself - who knows, maybe you can add something to it? Tips to be a writer? Keep reading, keep writing .. and don;t give up. If you keep at it you'll get there in the end. Writers need a thick skin - don;t let anyone grind you down. goo dl;uck - Melvin. PS Can I post your email on my website?
I Just want to say brilliant book. Not just the writing style but that it all true. All these things happen all the time in so many cities around the world- and I also write from past experiences(Many). Some people may say good book but if you can relate to it, its scary. Walter Wunderlich
Hi Waler - so glad you approve. Guess you must have bene there in some way yourself, which makes it even nicer to hear. Can I post your email? Best, Melvin
Dear Melvin Burgess,
Im a teenager of 17 and just finished your book Bloodsong. I thought it was the most amazing book i have read in a long time, possibly ever. The entire story retains such a sense of originality from start to finish. I read your book Bloodtide a few years ago and but thought Bloodsong was a even greater achievement. Sigurd and Bryony are so perfect for eachother and yet through events beyond their control they are so destroyed by their own love. At every turn some new horror appears to tear them apart. I was so glad though when Sigurd got his soul back from the wren and he didnt die a clone but then they still could not be together. Sigurd is a bit like a tragic hero; he is a good-hearted man but has a fatal flaw which leads to his downfall. This is even more original however because his flaw is the inabillity to betray which is normally a positive trait. A bit like Macbeth only better.
I was wondering if you as the author meant for the book to have a happy ending where Sigurd and Bryony live together in Heaven/Hel? I tried to explain the plot to my girlfriend but completely lost her. But god i loved your book! Another question I have for you is why your books are so tragic and sad? This is only my humble opinion but you don't seem to follow the usual thread of apprehension and relief that most stories do.
Could you please write back to me and answer my questions??? Please Please?? you are probably very busy but i would really love a response!!
Yours Sincerely Jake Volson
Hi jake -
Sorry to take so long in getting back to you - I'm slow but I got there in the end!
I very much appreciated your mail - great to find someone who likes those books so much, since they are my favorite ones - of mine anyway. A lot of people didn't like Bloodsong as much as Bloodtide, so it's nice to hear from you from that point of view as well. In answer to your questions - well, the stories are based on the icelandic Volsunga saga, so it was always going to be an unhappy ending for Sigurd and Bryony. Our pagan ancestors believed that the future was as fixed as the past, and that since you couldn't change the way of anything, all you could do was face it as bravely as you could, and I think Sigurd and Bryony both did that.
As for the sad at the end - I find happy endings just a bit too predictable. I like not to know how something is going to pan out, so realy, some of the book sshould end happy and som esad. But for some reason - I don;t know why - I seem to end up giving my characters a hard time. I suppose it depends why you read. If you read for that feel-good auality, I guess mine aren;t the ones. But you like your feeling sot be pulled around - mine ar the ones for you! tahnks so much for writing to me.
May I put your email up on my website?
Best wishes, Melvin
I have just begun my 5th year at secondary school and I have to select a book to do a personal study on. I would quite like to do Billy Elliot, but my teacher has said that you are one of her least favourite authors and that your work is more of an Intermediate 2 level than a Higher level! However, she slightly redeemed herself by saying that she did not know enough about Billy Elliot to pass comment! I just thought I would tell you how my teacher feels and how I disagree with her!!
I think it is fantastic that fans of your work can e-mail you!! It helps to understand a story more if you can correspond with the author too. Anyway, thank you for allowing me to e-mail you!
Rebekah Wright
Oh dear - least favorite author! That's a bit dire, isn't it? Wonder what I did - I expect it was Doing It. Well, it's interesting to know there are some people out there who are so down in me!
Tell you what though - there's an email from someone in the USA who had exactly the same attitude and then read one of my other books and changed her mind. Try showing your teacher this - maybe it will open youmind and show her mind! But even if she doesn't convert, thank you so much for writing to me and letting me know that I was your first choise - I'm, very flattered and grateful. May I print your email on my website? Best, Melvin ..
The email I sent rebeka is th eone from Anne Keller, just below ...
Hi Melvin,
I'm a 24 yr old from NYC and I just started getting into reading your work. I wanted to contact you and let you know the fiction you write is very real to me and I can relate to many of the characters and story lines. What got me hooked was "Smack." (i guess thats ironic). Anyway just wanted to say hello. let me know when they make "Smack" into a movie. Also, feel free to keep me updated on any up coming projects, releases or even book signings, things like that.
Thanks -ben garcia nyc.
Hi Ben, thanks for writing, it's much appreciated. I gues the thing about Smack is, it's based on real people, which is one reason why maybe you;ve come across those characters in life. I don;t tend to do email notyifications, but you can often find stuff on my website - see below. As for Smack into a movie, unfortunatley I let the BBC make a show based on the book years ago. They made a poor job of it, really - I don;t supose it'll get over to the US. Best, Melvin. PS - can I post your email on my website, please?
Dear Mr. Burgess,
I am a teen librarian in the US. I read a lot of teen lit, and I mean a lot. Check out my site - www.randomreads - .net if you don't believe me.
Anyway, Sara's Face was the first book I have ever read by you. I started reading Doing It a long time ago and was pretty disgusted. I mean I don't get offended by anything in literature, but the beginning was pretty graphic and such which I know is really how teen boys think. I guess there is that line in teen literature where sex is talked about but in such a way that doesn't cross the line. I have even read you wrote it for shock value. Anyway, ever since then I have been sort of put off by your books. I am on a comittee in Michigan where we select an award winner for the Michigan Thumbs Up Award and had to read Sara's Face. Honestly, I would have read it anyway because it sounded really good.
Well, to say it was bloody brilliant would be an understatement. Heat and Sara are two of the most complex characters I have ever come across. I loved loved loved this book. I can't stop thinking about it and in my book (pun intended) this is what are extraordinary books in my opinion. Sure I read good teen books that are well written but easily forgettable.
I am sorry that I misjudged you based on one book which I never even finished reading. I hate people who form opinions based on books that they have only partially read and here I did the same thing. I apologize. If your other books are even half as well written and intriguing as Sara's Face then I am in for some splendid reading.
This book was awesome. Did I already say that. Suspense, complex characters, romance, etc. It had it all. It was eerily fantastic is one way to sum it up.
Anyway, I will be reading all your previous works. I think you are very very talented and will be pushing all your stuff on my teens in the library. Thanks for listening.
Anne Keller
Dear Anne Keller -
Well, what can I say? Thank you so much for writing to me. What they say about one sinner is true - I'm really delightd that you enjoyed Sara's Face so much and, who knows, maybe you'll give some of the other ones a go. It was a hard book to write - I to re-write the whole thing almost, after the first few drafts - but I hope it was worth it in the end.
The whole thing about body image is facinating. The way that thinnness and ill health appear to have become the ideals of beauty, and the way that, although we must live in the age of more beautiful people than ever before, so many girls and women feel ugly and unatractive just amazes me. And the search not for eturnal youth, but the appearence of it ... all interesting stuff.
I got the idea of face transplants from an old french movie called Eyes without a Face, and there was no looking back. Thank's so much for letting me know how much you enjoyed it. As for Doing It .. well, it is true, I must confess, that I enjoy it when my books make a fuss, and I do think shock value can be a good thing, but only when there is something worth making a fuss about. That book did have a purpose. I believe that people are very down on teenage boys in particular, and male sexuality in general. The thing I love so much about books is when you open one up and think to yourself - "this is mine, this is about me!" and it seems almost impossible for teenage boys to get that from a book, because society in general disaprooves of their sexual culture so often, so much. So I wanted to do a book in which boys would recognise themselves, and which would show them - if not all my readers! - that you can have a filthy sense of humour among yourselves without it meaning that you're either sexist or disrepectful to your girlfriend or female friends in general.
I know not everyone finds smut funny, which is of course up to them - but I suppose I think teenage boys get disaprooved of far too much, and have to keep far too much of themselves private for fear of disaproval. I know some people find it hard to imagine, but i found the boys in that book charming - despite the crudeness. I think we need to find the charm in lads that age much more. I don't know how it is in the US, but over here the press is always full of horror stories about teenage boys. People are scared if they see them gathered on a street corner - they seem to think that they're stupid, clumbsy, dangerous and disrespectful. I just don't think we understand them enough, and that we need to find the charm inside the rudeness, maybe.
There, I've gone off on a rant, but it is something that is important to me. Having said that .. maybe it was a mistake putting that chapter right at the start of the book!
Thanks once agian for writing to me. May I have your permisison to put your email up on my wwebsite?
Best wishes, Melvin
hello! My namne is Amalia. And under if you have inspiration from your life in yours books you have wrotte. I under way you written about drug, abuse and like substance like that? Your books is very good.
Dear amalia
HI Amalia - thank you for writing to me. In answer to your question, some of the books I have written have come from things I have seen, people I have known and places I have lived in, but so far, none of them have been about my own life.
Best wishes, Melvin PS - can I put your emial on my website?
HEllo
My name is Stacey. I absolutely loves your book they really capture the heart and souls of REAL!!! teenagers Doing it was one of my Faveorite books because it shows you anything can happen
What i would really like to see is a girls version of doing it! Now that would be very cool lol
Hope you write another book soon Stacey
HI Stacey - thanks for writing. Glad you liked Doing It. It was a hard book>to write for me, but I'm very proud of it, because it's kind of stuff people don't like to talk about teenagers doing.
A girl version? I know, I know, that would be so great. Only thing is - I'm a boy. I love writing for girls and about girls, but to do real live girl sexual culture - I'm not sure.
Best of luck, Melvin. PS - Can I post your email on my website?
Couple of readers here want to see Bloodtide and Bloodsong made into movies So do I!
Hi, Recently i was given a copy of your book bloodsong,i saw that it was a sequel so i got myself Bloodtide to read first. What i started to realise quite quickly after starting the first book was how good the story would translate into a film,the imagary your writing creates is quite brilliant in my opinion. The second book would do well as a film too i think although the similarity to lord of the rings would have to be quite closely monitored,any mention of a special ring in any film plot in say the next ten years is going to throw up all kinds of comparisons to Peter Jacksons trilogy,fairly or not. Anyway,i just wondered wether you had anything in the pipeline concerning film adaptations or not? I will be passing my copies on to my partners younger brother,he is of the target age the books are aimed for and i am not,i will be interested to see what he makes of them. Like i say,i enjoyed both books immenseley even though i am older than the target age they were aimed at.
All the best. G.
Hi Graham - thanks for the vote of confidence - it'd be very happy indeed for the Bloods to made into a film or two. Trouble is, it'd have to be a big budget thing. People express interest from time to time but so far, no one's been able to raise the necessary readies. There's some Americans expressed a bit of interest recently - we'll see how that goes. As for the ring - well, Tolkien got the idea of the ring from the Volsunga in the first place, so I can fairly say - this came first! Thanks for reading the book. I have to say, the Bloods in particular get read by people of all ages. Hope your brother enjoys them as much as you did. Can I post your email on my website?
Melvin
Yeah,sure post away.
Tolkien may well have ripped off the ring idea but unfortunately putting in now,after the lord of the rings is so successful i rekon you will be explaining it away for the rest of your days! It would be like being in a one hit wonder band, groundhog day type scenario,nightmare! Yeah,i totally agree that the films would have to be big budget to do the story and scenery justice. Good luck with it, i hope the americans see sense,dont for godsake let them water it down for the masses though like they allways do,i really hate it when they take a good story and spoon feed it to you! God i hate hollywood! What they did to the Hitchikers guide to the galaxy made me feel ill,it was awful!
You should insist that Peter Jackson directs it,see what they say!
Cheers.G
hi
PLEASE MAKE BLOODTIDE INTO A MOVIE! I beg of you to consider making Bloodtide into a movie and im sure that this is not the first email you have recieved about this topic. I read the book a few years ago when i was 13/14 and i loved the graffic imagery and the detailed instie into the characters emotions and i think you could turn it into an epic of a movie, im now 16 and iv started to appreciate books more,for instance i Reread junk recently and i loved it as i am also growing up in Bristol and i could realate to the story as i have seen what heroin does to people around me. Iv just finished reading Bloodtide for the second time and i would love to see a movie of it, i could easily see directors like Zack Snyder,Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez making a master piece of that brilliant book, thank you for your time.
Your Sincerly. Jamie W.
Hi Jamie - well, there's nothing I'd like better than to see Bloodtide and Bloodsong made into movies, but it'snot up to me - the someoine else has to do it, adn so far, no one's been able to find the money, although several people have sniffed around. I was certainly thinking very visually when I wrote those books. But you never know - just at the moment an American production company is thinking about adapting Bloodtide for the Sci-fi channel - watch this space!
Melvin - PS Can I post your email on my website?
Here's some correspondence from a reader who wrote snail mail to me - and was very patient! I'm bad at letters - it took me shamefully ages to get back toher! Sorry, Sophie, and thanks for beign so patient.
Hi Sophie - well, it's not often I write a letter and get a response like that - you made my day, too. Yes, it took me ages to get back to you, I feel bad about it but I'm hopeless with letters - I'm getting so used to email, I guess. Glad you liked Doing It - you're right about the ending. I found the ending very hard with that book. I guess it's the kind of story that doesn't end - you just stop writing what the characters are up to. Clockwork Ornage, it's a little masterpiece. No relation! But it's nice you like the same books I do. Glad to hear you've got a little more room - it's ncie to have some private space, eh? Thanks for writing to me and beign so patient about me wriitng back. And good luck with everything! Can I post your email on my website, please? Best, Melvin
Hello, I'm Sophie Meehan (36 bulfin rd, Ireland?)-I wrote you a letter last year and you wrote BACK.......AH!
I couldn't belieeeeeeeeve it! You're so great for writing back to your fans, weely weely weely it meant sooooo much. I didn't have an e-mail adress when I got it but now I have so I thought I say thanks.
Here's my response. I got home from school and wondered why my aunty was writing to me at my dad's adress, cos she's my mam's sister and the writing on the envelope looked like hers. So I sat down on my bed and ripped the top off and dropped it like a hot snot when I saw your name......I never thought you'd write back.........I mean, I understand....cos I'm crap at replying too but...I'd pretty much given up the hope of you writing back, I know you're probably busy. So anyway-I squeeeealed and called my brother upstairs, I couldn't belieeeeeeeve it I was soooooooooo HAPPY! I read it again and again and showed my brother and Dad and I was SHAKING! God, i'm a real geek-but I didn't give a shit, oh wow I was soooo happy! I rang my friend even, and brought in to school the next day to show off *ahem* I mean...SHARE. I wrote you a letter right after I got yours but I decided not to bother you again-it was mostly gushy cries of ecstasy.The letter's still in my locker but somewhat crappised by my schoolbag. But really, it was so great. Ever time I feel poohy I can just have a look at my SPECIAL letter from very SPECIAL you and then I feel all SPECIAL =). Thank you.
Since I wrote that letter; I've moved out of my Mam's room, I'm in my brother's room now he's in New-Zealand, I miss him, but now I can blare The Clash and stay up writing and reading and not have narky little noises from the corner. Aaaaand, I think I was in first year, I'm in second year now, it's oookay. Oh and I read Doing It--another great one, especially the Ben-Ally relationship, how do you make up relationships sooooo complex and yet so believable? My favourite line--(yes I can remember) - "He stroked her head and let her cry". Great book, but the ending was a bit......neat. The last book I read was A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, what is it with Burgesses-they all rokkkk! So that's the third book that has shockied my parents.....poor sods, and I care too....yuk.
Anyway, just thought I'd let you know juuuust how much that meant, you wrote....to...me? =D You're wonderful Melvin, keep writing Xxx Sophie
Hi Sophie - wow, your english teacher is really out of touch with modern teenage fiction. You should get her to read Kevin Brooks, he'll make her scream. gald to have cheered up your day again. Hoep you enjoy your new room and that your dad doesn;t boil over when he sees your brothers tongue piercing! Best, Melvin
Yay! You wrote back again! It's just made me a ickle bit happier cos I've had a pretty crappy day I forgot my lunch and I have a sore throat then I borrowed money and bought lozenges but then one of the lozenges broke and stuck in my throat and made it sorer! And then? Maths YIKH! Loooooong day and verrrry boooooring. But getting home to tea, an empty house and an email from yer favourite writer make everything that snipsy bit betta. =) Yeah Doing It was a no-ending story but then, so was junk and loose ends can be good sometimes. I suppose with Junk it had to be fairly loose cos you don't just stop being addicted to heroin like that. Much to the dislike of my English teacher to whom I tried to explain when we were talking about novels "Well that sounds like a cheerful little book!" "NO I'm not the SLIGHTEST bit interested in reading about heroin addicts!" "Well sophie did they get off them in the end?" amid squirmy squirm blush and "kiiiiind of" from me....yaaaar! Ah but it was funny watching her face contort as she asked around the class hearing stories about wizard families whose uncles shoot thier dads and teenage pregnancies etc. etc. Teen books these days! I'm still waiting for Clockwork Orange back from a friend who promised me she'd keep it in the bubble wrap--I just the other day got Doing It back from last year and the staaaate of it!!
Tis nice to have private space yes but I hope my brother moves out when he comes back from NZ cos I am NOT giving up his room. Well he probably will since he has a motorbike now and knows how to cook beans and also, apparently, has a tongue piercing. Dad'll love that!
Don't feel bad about taking ages to write back (I know how you feel-I still have about 20 very dissapointed German penpals around somewhere....) you're absolved. Yeah sure you can post my email on your website-I'd be happy!
Boi boi, Sophie Xx
P.S HAPPY PADDY'S DAY!!!
Dear Melvin Burgess, To be quite honnest i wasn't going to write to you because i didn't really know what to say... What do you say to your favourite author? I guess just that i really like your novels and have read almost all of them!! So keep writing!! I saw your live space it's cool!! I'm just creating mine so i'll add you when i'm done if that's ok?
Oh i've just realised that i haven't introduced myself...there's not much to say, i'm just your regular teenage girl i suppose.I started reading your books when i was 12 i think and now i'm 18 and still enjoying what's new! I read sarah's face- it was really good!! I was born in Scotland and grew up there and now i live in france (its been 6 years now). you probably get messages all the time from fans but i still wanted to thank you for your books they got me through some hard times!!
Thanks again!! Adčle Sawers
HI adele - Well, you've travelled a bit, then - very nice to live in both france and scotland, you're the lucky one! Thanks for writing to me about the books, especialy your comments about Sara's Face - it's nice to hear that the new one is going down well. Nice to hear my work's helped through some hard times, too - not too hard, I hope. Thanks for writing and letting me know! Can I post your email on my website, please?
Best wishes, Melvin
before i go on about what a cool guy i think you are i just want say that the school you visited on the 24 of jan was called st wilfrids not winifreds as your diary says... lol well i'm the lad who was sat on the front row wiping your spit of my knees. (only jokin) who was bein sarcastic about the days of the week in terms of mythology... well i've started reading doing it and i love it, i find it hard to read non fiction books but this book has been a very good one to start on, so after i've read that i'll read junk. thanks for signing my billy ellliot book, i also love that story as well!! thanks for visiting my school.
jack c :]
l
St Wilfrids! That's completley weird, I was reading Winifrid the whole time - even noticed how odd the spelling of winifred was ... must be more dislexic than I thought. Glad to hear you got a free shower that day. I'm sure you weren't joking. Don't worry, though, I have nothing all that contagious ...
Glad you liked the book, I think it's my best one, although not everyone agrees. You should try Bloodtide if you liked it. Junk's the most popular though. I had a good day at your school - nice library, the staff seemed to like you guys which is iomportant. You go to some schools and you can almost taste the dislike. Anyway, thanks for writing.
Best, Melvin
Hi, I read two of your books and I loved them both. I read Giant and An Angel for May. I like your style. It is very unique. I am glad I found you at my local library. I find your work very strong. I am quite inspired by what you write. I am not a teenager. I'm 35 years old and I live in Montréal, Québec. I was interested in reading pre-adolescent litterature because I would very much like to write myself. I started writing for 6 years old and I think I am ready to send it to a publisher. I am writing to you because I would like a suggestion. What do you suggest to a young writer ? I feel I never work hard enough to obtain what I want from writing. I feel I am never satisfied with my writing. Is it normal ?
I will continue reading your books because I think they are real litterature.
Thank you for reading my letter, merci Mélanie Robert
Hi Melanie, Many thanks for your kind words - it's realy nice to hear from someone from Quebec, I don;t get many letters from there .. although, oddly, I had another one just the other week. The books you mention are interesting - not the ones people usually pick on, so it's particularly nice to hear from someone who like sthem.
As for advice - all I can say is, never give up. In the end, it's the ones who never stop writing who get there in the end, rather than the ones who work the hardest or appear to hav the most talent. Writing is like palying an instrument or learning a language - it's practice that counts. No practise, no success, never mind how talented you are. As for that feeling that no matter ho hard you work you never get what you want ... I don't know how normal it is, everyone feels different - but I do know it's pretty common to feel that way. Gerorge Orwell - I don't know if you know him but he;s one of my big heros - said that he never felt as though he worked hard enough, even when he was writing novels, plus essays, plus journalism as well as editing a magazine all at the same time. Maybe you're just driven. For myself, I think it's possible to take it too seriously. It isn't life, after all, and you have to accept what ever comes along...
Best wishes, Melvin Burgess.
hi, my name is Suleyman, i'm Turkish but i live in Montreal,Quebec. I just want to ask you a fewquestions about your book Junk. I don't like to read books, but this one,was awesome. I do drugs, and when i finished the book, i was in chock. I just want to know Gemma was real person and if Nico was you.Because at the end of the book, she survived and not Nico. I even cried at the end. Sorry to bother you with allthose questions, i'm just curious
Thank you for your time.
Suleyman
Bye
Hi Suleyman, Nice to hear from a turkish person - and all the way from Quebec, too. Thanks for writing.
In answer to your question, Gemma was based on a real person - so was Nico, and Lily and Rob and Sally - five friends who got in deeper than they knew how to cope with. I wasn't one of them. I've done a lot things in my life, and some of them have caused me a lot of toruble, but I've managed to avoid both needles and heroin.
Gemma did escape in real life - she's got a good job now and is doing realy well now; Nico, well, he did really well for a well and then it all went wrong. He ended up on alcohol - in a bad way these days I believe. Well, there you go - drugs are fun but they're also a risk, some more than others. As I say, I manged to avoid needles and heroin - they're both complete bastards, they take so much more than they give. Hope you're OK! What sort of drugs do you do? Can I post your email on my website? I can change the name and so on if you like. But don't worry, I won't post anything without your permission. Have a look if you like on the readers page on my website, and see what other people have written..
Thanks Suleyman, and good luck,
Im very glad that you answered me, im suprised. And yes you can put my mail on your website with my name and all. But goddamn, i never thought that you will answer me. I got your mail now because i'm at school and i have no internet at home.
As i said before, i really find your book amazing. I read it in french , and it was so nice. But what i realized at the end, its.. Gemma.. shes very in love with nico , but not Nico anymore. Sincerely, i read this book for a homework. So i took this book and i read it. For the first time i read a book around 1 2 hours.And i saw some critics about your book, and i think they're stupid. To answer your question, i smoke weed, and i pop pills, i tried 2 times to sniff some coke. I'm still smoking, i don't pop pills anymore because i was always puking. My french teacher's always asking me if i want to be a writter, but im not interested. I do rap, i rhyme a lot. I like it. You know , im only 16 years old. When i finish school, i roll up a joint, and i puff it. And when i get home, i rhyme. And you probably wonder why do i smoke? Bleh , not because i wanted to be 'cool' or wtv. Because the pressure is too much so....But i never gave up, no matter what.I tried to stop smoking for 3 months, with no success.Anywayz, i wanna read again one of your books, just advise me one and ill be very glad.
Thank you Suleyman
hit me back
HI Suleyman, Nice to hear from you. Why shouldn't I answer you? I don't get so many that it takes all day and it's nice to hear from people. Anyway, it's only polite to say hi if someone's taken the toruble to write and tell me they like my stuff.
Yeah, you're right about Gemma, she's in love with Tar - Nico - but he's lost. Shame of it was, he was on his way to finding himself before she came aloing and followed him to Bristol ...
Sorry about asking you what you took, it isn't any of my business really - I was just worried you weren't doing any of the dangerous things, although I don' thtink I realy know my way around that sort of stuff any more. I used to think hash was pretty safe, except for the tobacco people smoke with it, which realy is additive and damages your health. I don't smoke everyday but I still have to have a few ciggies when I'm stressed, even though I don't even like the little swines any more! But even hash is so much stronger these days, it does some people's head's in. E's seem abou the least dodgy ones now - but what do I know? Anyway, good luck. Keep rhyming! I think rhymes are just fabulous.
Melvin
Hi, I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Sarah's Face. It is the best book I have ever read. I have to be honest my mum bought it me for my birthday and I took one look and thought I will never enjoy that book!!!!!!!!!!! I was sooooooooooo wrong it is amazing and slightly disturbing. So thank you very much for making me realising that I maybe will like things even if I think I wont. Also is it a true story.?
Thank you for your time,
from Antonia
Hi Antonia - well, thanks so much. I'm realy yhappy you got so much out of it. One thing I'm curious about .. what was it that put you off it in the first place? Thanks for writing.
Best wishes, melvin
Hi, The only thing that put me off the book was thepictureon the front!!!! I should know better than to judge a book by its cover!!! Yes you can post the email on the website I would be honoured.
Thank you Antonia.
Hello Melvin!
I'm a 20 year old American who loves your books. I read Smack when I was... hmmmm... 14? And I still read it to this day. I find myself looking for your books and hoping there is a new one in stores! I have an odd attachment to the books Smack and Doing It and actually find myself sad when I reach the end of them, even though I've read both of them a number of times. No matter what age I reach I will always read your books. They feel so real. I agree with the girls' email that's posted on the website, you should definately look into getting Smack/Junk AND Doing It made into a screen play, teenager or not, I know a lot of people that would enjoy it. I wish there were more authors like you or you could write 100 more books so I could forever be entertained..Keep on writing. Seriously. Never, ever stop.
--Mandy
Hi Mandy - Sorry to be so long in getting back to you - I had a very nasty dose of flu that month - then xmas, new year, then I had a lot of publcity to do - I'm just back at me desk this week, really. Delighted to hear you like the books - and still reading them despite your advanced years! There's a couple more coming out this year in the US - keep an eye on the website and I'll post the dates up when I get them. Bloodtide and Bloodsong are very diffent from Smack and Doing It - Sara's Face a bit more like them. Well, it helps to do different things, I guess. Haven't run out of ideas yet, so I won't be stopping very soon.
Thanks for writing - Best wishes, and happy new year - Melvin
Oh yes, all my advanced years!! Feel free to post whatever you want. I have a myspace too, but I guess most people do.. so I'll check your's out. Thanks for replying! It's neat to hear from one of my favorite authors. -Mandy
Hi Melvin, I don't know if this is the right address to contact you, i hope it is! I'm a bit of a book nerd, and I've recently been reading your book bloodtide, I was given it years ago but just never got round to reading it. I think its an amazing book, really powerful and well written- id be really interested to know your reason for writing it? what was your inspiration? how did you come up with the story?? Its quite disturbing at parts, really violent, and thats what made me interested. I came to a talk you did at a library with my school a couple of years ago, but i'd never really read your stuff before so i wasn't that keen to ask you anything! we might be doing reviews in english lessons soon on novels we've enjoyed, so it'd be great to get a bit of background on bloodtide- like why you wrote it etc. Anyway, if you've got a spare minute i'd be really grateful if you wrote a quick email back!
Thanks a lot
Rebecca
Hi rebecca - Yes, this is the right address. Sorry to have taken so long - I've been getting really behind. Reasons for writing Bloodtide? I read the Volsunga saga when I was a kid, couldn't have been more than 10 or more, and I loved the story ever since. When I became a writer, I knew I had to have a go at re-telling it for a modern audience. I know it's violent in parts, but all old stories are. In fact, a lot of the modern ones are too. I guess it's just such a great story, I couldn't leave it alone ..
Best wishes, Melvin Burgess
Hi, thanks for the reply Ive finished the book now, it was great. though i wanted to know what siggy would do next! And yes thats fine for you to post the email on your website. Thanks again, and good luck with everything!
Becca
Here's a letter from a reader whose email I missed - that is, I answered it but never got round to posting it. It happens! Apologies to Laura and very many thanks to her for her thoughtful letter.
Dear Melvin,
Having just read about your visit to Lowton High School i found it almost impossible not to write to you. I think what that school did was utterly ridiculous, and have lost what would have been a great opportunity for the students at the school.
If im not mistaken, aren't school trying to educate students on drugs and the dangers of drugs? Surely they could see, being english teachers also, that this book highlights what they should be teaching? I feel that 'Junk' lets readers make up their own minds on drugs, it doesn't encourage it at all though i can see why some teachers may feel it does, simply because they can't be bothered to read it! If they looked past the title of the book they would see that along with the style and audience it is directed at it is better at discouraging teenagers from taking drugs then teachers are.
I sincerely hope and doubt that something like this would put you off visiting other schools, Im currently in year 10 at Gordano school, Portishead (near Bristol) where, if im not mistaken 'Junk' is set, im currently reading 'Junk' in my english lessons for the 7th time! I know many people at my school who would benefit so much from your books but have the common attitude of many people my age and claim to not read. I think what Lowton High School missed out on so many other schools could have gained from the same experience.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your many of your books and will continue to do so, keep up the good work! Yours sincerely Laura Lindsay
Here's an interesting case going on in the US, from a teacher who wants to remain anonymous. Hopefully I'll hear more. It may be of interest to other US teacher with similar problems.
Mr. Burgess, I am the librarian for a small, rural high school in Virginia (USA). Our school has just received a parental book challenge concerning "Smack". Thank you for providing such a wealth of information concerning yourself on your website. I will support your work to the best of my ability.
Many thanks, - I hope you're able to fend them off. It might be worth pointing out in the eight years since Smack was published (as Junk here in the UK) I've had no emails attacking the book and hundreds from people who have found the book useful in their personal struggles against addiction, or to help them understand friends and relatives who are going through the same kind of thing. Let me know how it goes.
Melvin
Hi Mr Burgess,
I dont know if you remember my email. And i am sorry for emailing you again. I just wanted to tell you that your book "Junk" was my inspiration to start writing my own book. I have not always been interested in English. It was all down to my English teacher in year 8. I now have an A and a B in my English GCSE. I am studying English Language as an A Level, and i am really enjoying it. Anyway, I love all your books, and your style of writing is so amazing. My book, is about 4 friends. I have called it SLAK, named after the 4 characters in my book. I have based them on people i know, did you do this for any of your books? If you have time, it would make me smile if you could reply.
Thank-you.
Hi Gemma - sorry not to get back - I've had the flu. I;ve been ill in bed for a week - yuk! Really horirble ...
I'm delighted to hear that ytou write yourself, and that you did so well in your gcses. well done you! I did really baddly at mine .. I was away with the fairies half the time. And of course, hugely lazy ... As it happens, the characters in Junk are based on real people .. Gemma , Tar, lily, rob and Sally are all base don real people, who I knew in Bristol. Good luck with your work - and a happy christmas! Melvin
Hi!
I wrote to you while ago, my names Kitty, and i just wanted to say, my M.E relapsed badly a while ago, for some of it i couldnt read, but when i could your books totally got me through! I read , Sarahs Face, Baby and Fly Pie, Doing It, Bloodtide and Bloodsong, and there are really totally amazing! Its so nice to get into a book thats not Disney like!
xxx Kitty xxx
Hiya Kitty,
yes I remember. Crikey, that sounds grim - not even being able to read! I had flu over christmas - a very-pale illness beside yours but it was really vile, and I couldn't read either. Mind you, I didn't care - I was just lying in bed, steaming away like a nicee piece of cod on the cooker. What did you do, watch films? Listen to audio books - or are you just so out of it you don't care?
But I'm delighted that my books helped your through. Disney they're not! And thanks so much for telling me about it ...
Best wishes - hope you have a fabulous 2007 - Melvin
A correspondence here with an American reader who's going through some difficult problems with someone else, and doing his best to help. Well done, Ben - I realy hope it all works out.
I just ended my addiction of reading “smack”. Ha I have never touched H in my life, but I have a girlfriend who has done quite the rounds with it. And is stumbling in trying to come off Oc. (oxy cotin). But however, I just wanted to let you know. I feel as if just reading that book gave me an insight feeling into how my life is right now.
In a way I feel a whole lot like tar, in the beginning. I am glad I definitely read this, and I must say I am no clean child. But knowing where I am and where I want to be in my life is great to hear after something like that.
I just wanted to let you know, you have a way with words that make you feel the situation, and honestly realize what the hell is going on with yourself. No matter if you use don’t use, have used other drugs… etc.
I hope to hear a response to you, but if I don’t I understand. If I do maybe you can give me a suggestion on how to help my girl out. She is really struggling and wants to be done with it. God bless
Hi Ben, wow that sounds hard, for both of you. Hope you make it through, it's so often that relationships don't survive this sort of thing. Often, the hardest time is when someone gets finally clean.
As for your girlfriend, well, if she realy wants to come off, that's the first step. It takes a long time before someone wants to come off body and soul -and you do have to want to come off body and soul before you can. I don;t know what this oxy is like - I know people are trying it - hopefuly it doens't have the awful withdrawal symptoms of methadone. I don't know if I can offer any real advise, except to say that those who realy want to, do come off - and the more things you have in your life around you, the better the chnaces are of making it. Good luck to you both!
Melvin
Thanks for the reply Melvin. I definitely appreciate your advice. I understand its going to be rough and often times it doesn’t work out. But I really hope it does, and I am going to try my hardest to see that it does.
Yeah she has told me she wants to but she feels the need to have to be on something. She has been prescribed anti-anxiety pills and medications for 5 years now. And Oxy Cotin is just one of the many things that can fill her satisfaction. I myself find it not the great haha. I don’t personally like it. But I have watched many people ruin there life off of it. Here in Utah this guy the other day robbed like 10 pharmacies at gunpoint for oxy. Its insane Melvin.
As to the more things in your life. My girl was saying something about that exact thing last night. It sounds like she has it figured out and wants to change. It just getting to those steps and making it final. I know coming off any drug can be hard. I mean It took me awhile to be mentally able to stop smoking pot for awhile, and shit that’s nothing compared to H. SO I can see where she is coming from. You have my permission to post my email for sure dude. Do you know of any out-patient therapy sessions that are helpful in the u.s.? or any general help I can look to for her? IF you do that would be absolutely awesome.
And I am having her read smack. She is almost done with it and by the time she finishes I hope she will have learned a great deal. I know I did.
Hi Melvin
I am doing an English PGCE at xxxr at the moment, and we have to do a collage of a children's lit book.
Unlike most people on my course, I think "Doing It" is a brilliant book to get disaffected teenage boys into reading, so I have chosen your book for my montage to illustrate the complexity of the issues that are within it. I was disappointed that the book was presented to us as if it were a load of shagging stories and a vague storyline about a boy whose mates were doing it but he wasn't. Having read "Junk", I knew there must be more to it than that, and was pleased to be proved right after reading it. If you would like a photo of my collage I will be happy to send it to you. Any suggestions would also be gratefully received as I am still in the planning stage.
Rest assured that your book will be recommended to the next generation in my classes (although perhaps with parental consent!). Kind regards Kathrine Bacon
Hi Katherine - well, well, there you go - I thought people had cottoned on about that book by now. I wonder if they've read the thing at all?
Just had an email from a woman who got chucked out of her coffee morning for> discussing Junk with her daughter ..(see letter below) maybe things are getting worse out there!
I did Doing It exactly becaue I felt that boys weren't getting a fair crack of the whip - it's sad that people still think that if it's rude it> must be cheap - can't see the boys for the wood, so to speak ...
I'd love to see your collage. I could perhaps put it up on my web - that'd be nice.
Thanks for geting in touch.
Best, Melvin
(I should add I just had another email from someone at the same university, complaining about the same thing. Is it time to NAME AND SHAME?)
Here's a fantastic letter from Shelly, who has been dismissed from her coffee circle for discussing my bok with her child. Those of you who live in SW14 need to move at once, before they get you, too ...
Melvin,
I am a 36 year old mother of two young kids studying for a MA in children's literature. I was really shocked that you were dismissed from Lowther school. Reading Junk allowed me to reconnect with my own youth and the issues surrounding young people. My eight year old daughter wanted to know what the book was all about so we discussed it. She wanted honest answers. I admitted discussing your book with my daughter to other mothers. I could not believe the response I got. The coffee morning mafia have finally dismissed me...I can't thank you enough!!
Adults are very frightened that young people reading your material will amount to a loss of innocence. However, I think it is a case of catharsis, not mimesis, but what the hell do I know!
Shelley
My god - expelled from the coffee morning! I'm truly amazed. What sort of a coffee morning is that? I can only say you obviously din;t belong there, but it's their loss. Do you know if any of them had read the book? I usually find the answer is no, but I'm intrigued by people who've read it and still think it's poisonous ... strange. I never meet these people - they're like unicorns to me, I only ever get to hear about them ... Thanks for letting me know about it. Can I put your letter up on the web site? It's a real beauty, I;d love to headline it ... Thanks so much for making me smile!
Melvin
I studied classics at university and some ancient literature is x-rated...nothing could shock me!! My problem is that I come from a lower working class background and say what I think. The middle classes in the posh part of London where I live just don't get me! I forgot to say that mothers around (SW14) here do not and would not read your material...no offence! Go and find some poetry by Cattullus before Augustan censorship - it is outrageously rude...makes you look tame!
Shelly
Reminds me of someone actualy giving a name to the technique in Doing It of having someone talk to his own penis, taken from something Roman - maybe the very stuff you were refering to. I shall certianly go out and get some Cattullus - it souinds great. Maybe I can pick up a few tips, so to speak. Melvin
Dear Mr Burgess,
I literally just finished reading Bloodsong. It is the most amazing book I have ever read, I thought Bloodtide was brilliant and Bloodsong is WOW! I felt like I was there in the story I love all of your books and I am trying to get them all, last week my mum brought me four of your books and I read them all in a week I just could not put them down! Bloodsong is just indescribable I have never read anything as good as that. I read Sara's face last week and I have not been able to get it out of my head it was truly brilliant! I think I might have to go and read it again now! :) Your books are so unique, they don't stereotype teenagers which is makes a really nice change.Please please keep writting for ages and ages! I really want to be a writer and I hope that I can be half as good as you are. Your books have made a real impact on my life. Thank you for reading this
Abi aged 15 xx
Hi Abi - well, that's high praise indeed. Bloodtide and Bloodsong are my favorities of my books - I read the story of the Volsungs when I was young and it's stayed with me always, I always wanted to do it in some form or other, so it's real pleasure to hear that you enjoyed it so much. Thanks.
Good luck with your own writing. Sure you can be as good as me, why not? And do';t try to be as good as me - try to be better! Why not?
Thanks again, Melvin
I had a trip to Portugal with the British Council last week -had a great time, enjoying Lisbon and Porto, enjoying the lovely Portuguese food, drinking the wine and meeting some interesting people. Also, giving some talks at schools, where I was most impresed by both students and teachers.
Here's a letter from one student, writing to me before I left ...
Dear Mr. Melvin Burgess,
You are coming to my school, St.Julian’s, next week. However you're only being interviewed by the IB students. My teacher has sent you an e-mail previously, and she has told you how disappointed we, Year 9s are that we will not be able to attend this interview as we are "too young". I have read a book of yours, ‘Junk/Smack’, and found it truly remarkable. I loved the way you explained the 'journey' the teenagers went through by including details, yet not too many. It is definitely the best book I have ever read. I obviously take into consideration that teachers believe it is not for our age as it talks about drugs and a lot more. Nevertheless, I'm getting a short letter from my mother to assure them they are all right with me reading these books, and will try to allow me and some friends to converse to you as well. Thank you for coming to our school, and I hope your books continue as extraordinary as the rest.
Yours Sincerely, Mariana Carvalho. P.S. I'm currently about to read 'Lady: My Life as a Bitch'
Dear Melvin
Firstly I would just like to say "thank you". A few months ago a friend gave me a copy of The Baby and Fly Pie. It wasn't until I went camping with my daughter and partner that I remembered the book. I have always encouraged my daughter (8 years old) to read but have never found the time myself. Anyway, I packed the book and started to read it in the car and found that I could not put it down, I needed to know what happened. Usually I am the one in the family who insists that we "do something" but to their amazement I wanted to sit and read the book to the end pausing only to explain what was happening. It was fantastic. Great ending, breath book. I have since read Junk and The ghost behind the wall and starting to read The earth giant.
I noticed on your website that there is a stage version of The baby and fly pie. Could you give me any information regarding how I could get a copy. Hope to hear from you soon and thank you for your time.
Many thanks Rachael Morton Riley
Hi rachel,
Well, many thanks for your very warm letter - I'm so glad you liked Baby so well. It's an old one, but one of my favorites of my books. And you liked the ending! That's great - I got into some trouble because of that. The thing was, the book cam eout of stories about the Death Squads in Bolivia, where they shoot street kids, and I felt it was one of those situations, like world war one, where you just can;t have a happy ending - it's an insult to al the people who have and will lose their lives. So I'm particularly glad you like dthe ending ...
As for the play, yes, they did an excellent job. I don't know if the script is available - I know it was for a while. I'll make enquries with the writer, but you might want to sniff around at the Royal exchange, who did the production. http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/new/home.asp
Had a quick look myself, couldn't see anything. I know they were offering it ... I'll get in touch with Lavinia, anyway. Thanks so much for writing - much appreciated. Can I post your email on my site?
Thanks, Melvin Burgess
Dear Mr Burgess I have just finished 'junk' and have read 'bloodtide,bloodsong and lady:my life as a bitch' and i have to say 'junk' really touched me. I felt so sorry for Gemma having to become a prostitute and on Tar in letting her do it and the pain all the characters went through and it has really changed my mind about teenagers stuck on drugs and how helpless they are! I've never tried drugs and after reading junk i won't be! You really show how they ruin lives so blatantly and destroy a person. Did you have to meet actual junkies to do the book and other heroin addicts? Why did you pick the dandelion as there are much prettier wild flowers does it have a special meaning? and is there anywhere these poor kids can actually go to get help? I couldn't imagine being in that situation but you portray a horrendous journey that many teenagers go through and if more schools read junk i'm sure it would warn them all off drugs forever it certainly did me! I just have to say I love Lady my life as a bitch as well I picked it up from the library just for a quick read and i loved it! it was soo funny as i know so many girls who are like sandra who are a bit slutty and have no regard to anyone else it would be nice if they all turned into dogs as well! Also I loved bloodsong and bloodtide as i love mythology especially greek and i love how you intertwine it to a story! I'm trying to write a book as i've just finished school and have 3 wonderful months off and need something to occupy me or i will go mad! I have bits of stories and desriptions all in the back of my wardrobe and I get little ideas but I read through them and they seem really stupid like typical teenager writing. Anyway i'm going to bug my librarians to order all your books as I want to read them all and i'll be ebaying the junk series as i haven't seen it and im sure its very good! Good luck with all your writing!
lots of love from Louisa aged 16 xxxxxx
HI louisa - first of sll, sorry to ahve taken so long to answer your email. It came just before i went away for a long holiday and I have to admit it got stacked up under a load of other emails - I got it this morning becaue I'm going through looking for missed bits and pieces! Such a lovely letter as well ...
I'm delighted you enjoyed Junk so much, and thanks so much for telling me .. In answer to your question, I did know some junkies. My brother had a drugs problem and I lived in Bristol for a number of years. I picked the dandilion because, well, aactually it is a very pretty flower indeed - the most yellow of all wildflowers, and in it's season it appears in such glorious profession. And yet it's regarded as such a common weed that people hardly ever take the time to look closely at it. You look at a verge or a field full of dandlions next spring, and you'll what I mean.
There are charities that give good drugs advice. There are some charities named on my website, on the first page a bit of the way down under the heading, drtug's adviuce. As for actualy places to go for help, there are such places, although of course far to few of them. I think they're organised locally. And you liked Lady as well! - that's grat. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but I realy like that one ... Thanks again, Melvin.
Dear Mr Burgess of course you can post my email on your website i'm very happy you want to put it on your website! I recently saw a field full of dandelions and it took my breath away I immediately thought of junk and realised maybe that was why you chose the dandelion and I wasn't far off! I must say though the people who don't like lady are mad I adored it I love the way you keep writing regardless of what the snobby people who want every book sugar coated for teenagers but you say how it really is! I'm so sorry that your brother had a drugs problem thats so sad! You've inspired me for my english AS coursework we have to write a short story and I am thinking of doing it on a drugs realated story but from the point of view of a girl. I really wish people would make your book more widespread to help with drugs as today I heard this girl who is 16 and had a baby a few months back asking another girl for weed but she has a nice family life but I can understand her need to get away from it all but if someone promoted your book more I think it would help teens like her to realise life worth living for you really made me see that so thank you!
love from louisa xxxxxxxxxxx
Hello,
My name is Keiara P. Smack was the first book I have ever read by you and the ending literally brought me to tears I read the book in the same day I bought it and that was only one day it was a great book. I know this sounds crazy but will you please make up or tell me that tar and Gemma got back together.I can't live with out knowing it's been a whole two weeks and that's all I can think about is what happens next. This the only book that's really made me have real emotion and cry. You are an amazing author lease tell me what happens next even if there wasn't meant to be an ending It would really mean a lot. Thank you.
Hi Keiara, Sorry I've taken so long in writing back - I've been away on holiday and only got back yesterday. Gosh, the book really got to you? I hope you haven't been spending too many sleepless nights over it. Your request is a very difficult one for me to deal with, because the book is based on real people. The whole point was to keep it as true to life as I could, so it goes very much against the grain to to go against what really happened. It's becaue the book is authentic, that gives it much of it's strength.
Gemma is very much based on a girl I knew in Bristol at that time. Tar is a bit more of an invention - he's based partly on own brother, who had a heroin problem, and partly on Gemma's real-life boyfriend. Unfrotunately, it happened between them just as I wrote it - they never did get together again. The thing is, relationships based on drugs often happen like that - once the drug is taken away, the relationship falls to pieces, because it was based on drugs, and not, in the end, on real love. Exactly the same thing happened to Lily and Rob in real life too - once they got clean, their relationship just stopped dead in it's tracks.
I can tell you that Gema went on to have a good life, although Tar, poor lad fell on hard times. He met someone he loved very much and they had children and lived togehter a long time, but his old problems caught up with him - addiction; not to heroin, but to alcohol, and at the moment, he's in a bad way. Sorry! I wish I could make you happy, but the book is about real things and although real life can be just fantastic, in this case, it has it's bad side ... Sorry to disapoint you - Melvin
Mr Burgess, The other day I was looking around Borders when the cover for “Sara’s Face” caught my attention. . .it’s such a crazy picture! Hah. Bit creepy but really captivating. So yes, I bought it and read it - it was fabulous. I really felt a connection to Sara’s character. I have self loathing problems, and the mentality of someone with an eating disorder, and it’s an utterly crappy thing to suffer from to be honest, but it was amazing to read about something that had a serious substantial flavour of what it’s really like. So thank you for that.
Furthermore, I went on to buy “Junk” and “Bloodtide” - I finished “junk” in three hours - I’m a fast reader =] - and will begin “Bloodtide” as soon as possible. “Junk” was such a breath of fresh air to read. I loved it because of the many different points of view you included. The way you showed that just because you’re in a squat or taking drugs doesn’t mean you don’t want to, or can’t eventually, help yourself and turn your life around. I adored your Lily character, she was divine to read about; I demand to play her should this ever go to stage! - unless it’s already on stage at which I shall dream of playing her instead! Hah. She really was an intricate piece of work; very tragic too, leaving home at twelve - I think that’s correct - and becoming who she was. Though it was clear she lived in fantasy to perhaps hide the reality from herself.
You have fast become one of my favourite authors and I intend to go out and buy many more of your works. The way you weave your words is in a very real, unguilded way. . .and I respect the way you do not sugar-coat some of the issues you address in your literacy. Your books have inspired my muse to start me writing more of my original works too, which I thank you for. Adoring your manipulation of the English language,
Natasha O’Neill x
Hi Natasha, Always lovely to hear that my work has got someone trying it themselves. Writing - it's the best thing! My favorite bit is whenm you;ve got it all down and are gong through it, polishing it up and makign it just right ...
Many thanks for your kind words about sara's face. I find the hwole thing about beauity in this day and age facinating - so many people feel ugly, so many people feel inadequate, and yet from outside they seem to be gorgeous and clever and on top of things. Why is that? There must be something wrong with society that we can't hardley see ...
Anyway, I'm glad you're writing and reading and thinking. From your letter you come across as someone worth knowing,that's all I can say. Hope you get on with Blodtide as well as with Junk and Sara's Face. Best wishes and good luck, Melvin
Melvin, Thank you for the response. And just to let you know, I’m very much in the thicket of planning my writing at the moment, and just bursting with ideas. . .so I can not wait to have it all ready to begin writing properly.
Also for my Birthday I received “Lady” and “Doing it”; I haven’t yet read “Doing It” but “Lady” was interesting, to say the least! Very raw and course and brusque, but utterly wonderful. It was sort of strange to see the main character flip from Sandy to Lady, one minute wanting family the next not ect. But it really showed us how Sandy was becoming more lost, the fact that her visits became more sporadic towards the end of the book. This made me wonder if it was her choice to consume herself as Lady at the end or it was coercion from her canine alter ego, as it were.
Anyway, as soon as “Doing It” arrives I shall read it; I’m very intrigued by the amount of ripples it caused in the media, as well as, “Burning Issy” -- I do like it when things cause controversy in this world and make people sit up and use their brain functions for once.
Oh yes, and society is one of the most crushing and powerful forces in the world, media and majority nearly always on it’s side; be thin, be curvy, be tall, be short, wear red, don’t talk too loud, don’t laugh so raucously, blah, blah, blah. Ridiculous pressures.
Anyway - I didn’t mean to nearly write an essay type of response - of course these can go on your site. Good Luck with your Muse, Inspirations and Talent,
Natasha x
Well, all I can say about society is - just pick the bits you like whenever you can and deal with the rest as gracefully as you can, and if you can;t just laugh. It isn't a package, after all, but we can't pick and choose as much as we'd like.
Good luck with your own writing! and keep laughing. Melvin
Dear Mr Burgess, When i first read Junk i was about nine and i took so much comfort from knowing that people had seen what i'd seen and experienced what i felt i would unquestionably later experience,and even now just knowing that it exists makes me feel better about myself
. p.s.i always loved dandelions
dear Lima -
That's a very touching email. Thank you so much for letting me know how you feel. It's a bit of cliche to say it make sit all worthwhile, but honestly, it really does. Will you tell me - have you managed to avoid experinecing those things yourself so far ...?
I agree about dandlions. People overlook them because they're so common, but I think they're the most beautiful of all our wildflowers. So yellow! Even more yellow than daffodils.
Best wishes, Melvin.
Melvin, Thank you for the response. And just to let you know, I’m very much in the thicket of planning my writing at the moment, and just bursting with ideas. . .so I can not wait to have it all ready to begin writing properly. Also for my Birthday I received “Lady” and “Doing it”; I haven’t yet read “Doing It” but “Lady” was interesting, to say the least! Very raw and course and brusque, but utterly wonderful. It was sort of strange to see the main character flip from Sandy to Lady, one minute wanting family the next not ect. But it really showed us how Sandy was becoming more lost, the fact that her visits became more sporadic towards the end of the book. This made me wonder if it was her choice to consume herself as Lady at the end or it was coercion from her canine alter ego, as it were =P Anyway, as soon as “Doing It” arrives I shall read it; I’m very intrigued by the amount of ripples it caused in the media, as well as, “Burning Issy” -- I do like it when things cause controversy in this world and make people sit up and use their brain functions for once. Oh yes, and society is one of the most crushing and powerful forces in the world, media and majority nearly always on it’s side; be thin, be curvy, be tall, be short, wear red, don’t talk too loud, don’t laugh so raucously, blah, blah, blah. Ridiculous pressures. =] Anyway - I didn’t mean to nearly write an essay type of response =/ - of course these can go on your site. Good Luck with your Muse, Inspirations and Talent, Natasha x -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Melvin Burgess"
To: "-xTasha O'Neill"
Subject: Re: Fan Mail =] Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2006 08:00:39 +0100 Hi Natasha, Always lovely to hear that my work has got someone trying it themselves. Writing - it's the best thing! My favorite bit is whenm you;ve got it all down and are gong through it, polishing it up and makign it just right ... Many thanks for your kind words about sara's face. I find the hwole thing about beauity in this day and age facinating - so many people feel ugly, so many people feel inadequate, and yet from outside they seem to be gorgeous adn clever and on top of things. Whyt is that? There must be something wrong with society that we can;t hardely see ... Anyway, I;'m glad you're writing and reading and thinking. From your letter you come across as someone worth knowing,that's all I can say. Hope you get oin with Blodtide as well as with Junk and Sara's Face. Best wishes and good luck, Melvi.
Dear Melvin,so far i believe i've avoided experiences where the dangers vastly out-weigh the benefits,but at the same time i don't think i'll ever lead a completely normal life,i don't think i really want to.And of course you can post my email.
... and by the way, Lima, on an entirely different, writerly note - that's a very beautiful sentance you composed there.
Thank you,i'm glad you liked it,it took me fifteen minutes to get right,and it's a very big compliment. p.s.I don't mean to pry,but are you mourning Syd Barrett too?
Yes, I'm mourning Syd Barrett. He wrote the Bicycle Song .. you know, I've got a bike you can ride it if you like ... a real one off. Such a shame what happened to him. Too much acid, they say, although I think he must have been on that road anyway, to some degree. I just love the simplicity of his songs.
Glad to hear you're doing well. Not normal and safge sounds pretty good - and a few risks besides! Do you write? You have a great sense of rhythm in your prose. Melvin
Hello, I' ve read your books "Junk", "Doing it", "Billy Elliot" and "Verdammt nah dran" (I'm sorry but I don't know the English title because I'm German). Well, I only want to thank you for writing those fantastic books... Those books especially "Junk" helped me to tolerate people...I don't have any prejudices now because after reading your books it's easier for me to understand some problems.
Well, I hope you can understand what I mean although my English isn't good. So the last thing I want to say is, that I hope you will write a lot of books in the future!
Hi karina - Grat to hear from you, I don't get so many letters from germany. I certainly understand what you mean - your English is actually very good, your meaning comes across beautifully. I'm specialy pleased to learn that you got so much from the books.
Best wishes, Melvin Burgess
xxx Karina (15) from germany
Hi thank you so much for answering my email. I'm not sure what "post your email mean". But if it mean that you want to put the email on your homepage or somewhere else it's ok...you can certainly put it there.
By the way, I've presented "Junk" in my class and the other students sayed that they think you are a very good writer because you say erverything how it is...maybe that is interessting for you...
xxx Karina
Dear Mr. Burgess,
My name is Zoe Hallam and I am 15 years old
Recently, I've been studying you novel, "Kite" and I found it an extremely interesting subject. I was just wondering if red kites are a subject close to your heart? You seem to know a lot about them and the way you portray Teresa is very passionate. Are you an ornithologist? Or was it a genuinely random decision?
Please reply, as this question has been bothering me! Many thanks, Zoe
HI Zoe -
Well, I was very keen on al things to do with nature whern I was younger - still am, actually. Kites were fabulous things since at the time there were only a tiny handful left, living in a secret place in mid-wales. They were on thevery edge of extinction for years and years, and they wer ein my mind like fabulous animals, like uinicorms or griffons. I couldn't imagine actualy seing one ....
So I'm not an ornithologist .. just a bit of nature lover.
Best wishes, Melvin
Here's a nice letter from my old english teacher, Stella Stafford. Mrs Stafford was one of the very first people to like my stories, and she showed me a huge enthusiasm for them at a time when I was feeling very low about being good at anything. It was after her lessons that I first started to want to be a writer, and for that I'll always be grateful to her. Overall, school wasn't something I enjoyed very much, but there were one or two peole who helped me on my way. Top of that list is Mrs Stafford, as I shall always think of her - a marvellous teacher, who performed the marvellous trick of pulling me out of a hole and making me feel good about myself. Magic!
Dear Melvin,
What a coincidence! I just happened to be listening to the radio last night when who should be being interviewed but your good self ! I had already read a very complimentary review of your latest book on Saturday so was a little familiar with the theme. However, it was somewhat unnerving suddenly to hear one being directly spoken to through the medium of radio (Hi, Stella!) in the middle of a programme!
Thank you so much for the acknowledgement and flattering words. Most gratifying.
I'm so pleased that you're doing so well.I'm most envious of your imaginative powers and your ability to manipulate language so confidently and successfully.
Although I retired from Maiden Erlegh nearly 5 years ago I still go in on a regular basis to do supply(in fact I'm going in after I've finished this. I think I'll soon be the oldest practising teacher in the country!)
Again, many, many congratulations on your continued success and I hope "Sara's Face" brings you even more accolades. With sincere good wishes, Stella Stafford
Hi Stella!
How nice to hear from you. Well, you know, it's always a pleasure to give thanks where it's due, and you'll be pleased to hear that I often mention your name when people are asking me how I became a wroter and that sort of thing. I usualy contrast it with another teacher I had at my prvious school - I only went to Maiden Erliegh in Year 8 - 2nd year then, wasn't it - and the previous place had been a real beast of a Secondary Modern.
So - still teaching after all these years. And still inspiring would be writers, I'm sure. I can still remember how much you lik dmy stories. I can even remember one of them - somethign about a horse who had his eye out with the whip and ended his days in misery. See, I liked unhappy endings even then.
How's things with you? All well, I hope. Thanks for you good wishes for Sara's Face - let me know where to send it and I'll post you a copy. Oh - and can I post your email on my web site? I'm sure peole will be ever so curious to read it! Very best wishes - and very many thanks yet again - Melvinx
Dear Melvin, Thanks for such a prompt response. Of course you may use my message if you feel it's appropriate and it could help you.
I was telling a year 8 class this p.m. about my uncanny listening experience last night re your interview...but it says a lot about today's new generation in that they didn't believe a word!! So trying to expand my reputation by proxy failed dismally.Such cynicism!
Kind regards, Stella
HI Stella - well, you'll be able to tell the Year 8's to look on my website and they'll see your letter! What can I say? Keep up the good work! You really made a difference to this child at least.
Oh, by the way ... I didn't get all that many qualifications at Maiden Erligh, but I'm getting an honary doctorate tomorrow, from Bolton Uni. Strange old life. I always suspected if I sat on my arse long enough, someone would give me a qualifiaction after all
Best wishes, Melvin
Dear Melvin.
I know i'm very young to have read Junk(12) but i do have reading/mental age of 16! I have M.E and that mean i have irregular sleep patterns. So i was up at about half one and turned on the t.v and Junk came on the screen. I watched it all and it was amazing. I loved it. I must have been 11 then, but i did understand everything prefectly. My mum has nothing against me reading/ watching stuff like that. I only discoverd it was a book two or three months later. I turned over every book shelf in my library to find it. And when i did. Oh my godness. It rocks!! I'm sorry i can't put it into more describing words. It was totally amazing. I know you didn't like the tv series much. But i thought that was good too. But the book. I rented it nearly 7 times before the told me to buy my own. Which of course i did!! If you were to reply to me. Then i wouldn't get the reply as i can only send emals. I can't recive. But if you printed it up on your Readers Comments, then i could see. (not trying to black mail you, sorry if i sounded a bit pushy!) You can print it up if u want tho, that wud be cool! I was wondering, can i get hold of a copy of Junk the tv version? Because i was half asleep at the time i watched it! Also, did people ever say bad things to you because you were writing about such a dark subject?
xxxxxxxxx I have to be ur biggest fan!xxxx Kitty
Hi Kitty - well, it's very nice to hear from you - of course I'm always delighted ot hear form soneone who has enjoyed any book of mine as much as you have. Sorry I can't email you personally, but I guess this is the next best thing. You borrowed Junk 7 times?!? Amazing - you must have really enjoyed it. I think that if you enjoy soemthing, then you;re old enough for it, especaillyu as regards books. If it's boring - it's unsuitable, that's how I think of it.
As for the TV version, the wretched BBC keep it all to themselves. I get so many requests from people asking me where they can get their hands on it, they realy ought to bring it out for sale. Maybe I'l have to get on to them about it ...
Best wishes, and thanks for writing again - Melvin
Dear Melvin
Ohmygoodness! When i saw my comment on your Reader's Comment, i started to scream because, wow!! I didn't think you'd actually print it up! Thankyou so much! It means to much to me that you replied because i dunno, it might be the fact i don't go to school or something, but i was just sooo happy to see it on the Readers Comments.
Me and My mum both really agree with what you said. If it's boring put it down! I think it's great that you've set up this page because most writers don't really do stuff like that. Your an amazing writer, thankyou soo much, you've got no idea how much it's meant to me.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Kitty xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Kitty - glad to be of service - very happy you enjoyed seeing your words!
Hiya Melvin! You can post alll my previous and future emails. I have just started reading The Baby and Fly Pie, and that's brillianat. I'm only up to the first few chapters.
Out of all the writing you've done, what do you think is your favourite piece of work? xxxxxxKittyxxxxxx
Well, you know, Kitty, The Baby and Fly Pie is one of my favorites. It came to me so suddenly, and I like the story. BUt over all, I like diffeent books for diferent reasons. I like The Cry of the Wolf beaue it was my very first one. I like Junk becaue it brought me success. I like Blkoodtide and Bloodsong because I think they are my bext books. But I also usually like the current one, I don't know why. Perhaps because it's just been turned into a book ... that's always a thgrill, when the stuff ont he computor screen gets turned into a book.
Hope you're well! Keep reading!
Best, Melvin
And in answer to your last email, Kitty - my pleasure! Give me permsisison adn I'll post that one, too.#
Dear Melvin,
I am currently immersed in the final stages of my degree in Englsih Lit. at Kingston University, and 'Junk' formed an integral part of my Children' Lit. module - especially interesting as I grew up in Bristol.
I am attempting to construct a comparison between your fantastic novel and Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, specifically 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' in terms of what is suitable for a young audience. The obvious starting point is adult censorship and adult investment in terms of the construction of the child within literature. My arguement centres around a psychoanalytic reading of Lewis and what I feel are the covertly inappropriate semantic properties of Lewis' writing, which I completely missed as a child. This is in stark contrast to your approach, it seems, and I was wondering how you think 'Junk' relates to the construction of the child in terms of adult investment. Was this something that consciously affected you? Did this have a bearing on the re-structuring of the narrative into a multi-strand first person fragmentation? > Any response would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Josiah Jackson-Taylor
Hi Josiah - well, Junk seems to be doing the rounds in Kingston - yours is the second enquorey I've had recently.
Well, this is kind of difficult for me, you know. There is a big gap in between writing and critisism, and while I've spent a lot of time learning how to write, I've spent very little time learning much about lit crit - in fact, I've tended to avoid it, on the grounds that I'm suspicious frankly, of the kind of effect it has on writing fiction.
I'm not really sure I undwerstand what you mean in terms of the contruction of the child, in terms of adult investment. You mean, how adults want to think of childrem, and how they want children to think of themselves, I presume? In that sense, my aim with Junk was really to write for teenagers (different from Lewises audience) in such a way as to by-pass the adult - in other words, the aim was to construct my characters in an authentic way (as much as possible) and to understand exactly what it was they were thinking. I did this to the extennt of basing the characters not just on real people, but on real pope within relatiionships - the five main characters are all based on real people in that place, in those relationships ...
The multi-strand styule of narrative came out of need - it was done all in Gemma's voice to start off with and, as someone pointed out - she doesn't half go on! Once I adopted the multi-voice style,though, I found it a good, fast moving way of telling a story. My aim in doing it was by and large to present diferent attitudes to drugs directly through teh characters - Lily, wanting to do everything, Vonnie, being resonsible about her irresponsibilites, so to speak, and so on. You could certianly aruge that it doing so, I was trying to present the child in a very different way to Lewis - in fact, that I was trying to subvert the usual way in which children are presented, by presenting them in their own right. But my concious aim was directly invovled with authentic culteral attitudes, rather than character construction .. Hope that helps, and good luck with your degree! Can I put your email onto my webie?
Best, Melvin
READERS MIGHT BE INTERSTED IN SEEING JOSIAH'S ESSAY, WHICH CAN BE READ HERE.
Dear Melvin,
After many years of admiring your work, i thouht id just let you know, i read Junk first when i were about 12, i hadnt really read much before that and i have to say that it was absolutly amazing, iv never read anything like it, except maybe a few of your other books, i think Junk has alot of messages in it which really helped me at the time of reading it as i was going through quite a bad time. So looking back now, at 18, i have to say thank you so much for helping me through it!! I have lent junk to all my friends, even my french teacher in y10 and even she loved it and has bought al your titles since!, as have i, your an amazing writer and i cant wait to read Sara'a face which i bought this morning, i am sure it will not dissapoint! so again
Thank you so much for the past six years, even though you may not feel you have done anything specifically for me. Gemma x
Hi Gemma - Well, I'm always amazed and incredibly pleased when something I've written helps someone in their life - it's one thing that people like the book, but something else when people find stuff in it that means so much to them. Thanks for letting me know!
Hope you enjoy Sara's Face - well, if not quite as much, I hope you get a lot out of it. Thanks once again.
Permission to post your email on my website? Melvin Burgess
Of course you can post the email on your website! hope it makes more people want to read your books, and thank you for emailing back, you've made my day!! Thanks again! Gemma
Hi, how are you? I just had to write and let you know how much i love your work, especially bloodtide. i've just finished reading bloodsong. i read on your website that there might be a film of bloodtide, which i would love to see, but i'm also worried that the film won't live up the book, like so many adaptations. i hope you have a lot of input into the casting and sets as well as the script. I'm trying to write a book at the moment, your style of writing in first person has really inspired me, but i've been at it for about 4 years now and just keep starting again, i don't seem to be able to get past the first couple of chapters! i wondered if you have any advice? i'd love to hear from you
Jen
Hi jen - thanks for wriitng - great to hear from someone who likes Bloodtide and Bloodsong. Bad news about the film - that's all off. These things tend not to happen, I realy did feel that this one was going to go somewhere, but unfortunatley not. Oh well - upwards and onwards! Great that you're trying to write yourself! You ask me for advise - well, all I can say is, don't be in too much of a hurry. It took me years and years. I got there in the end, but I took a very long view on it, I didn;t beat myself up over the fact that nothing was getting published, or that most of it wasn't even getting finished. I just kept on trying. And that's my advice - keep on trying, keep on writing, keep on reading. Don't get your knickers in a twist when it doesn't work - just enjoy what you do. It'll come in the end, so long as you don't give up ...
Good luck, Melvin Can I post your email, please?
Thanks very much for replying, and for the advice! yes, you can publish my email
i read your article in the guardian the other day, and i have to say i disagreed with what you said about tennage years being a bad time! it's probably true for most people, but for me the times i had between the ages of about 15 - 19 (i'm 22 now) were great! even the bad stuff like falling out with friends and relationships breaking up all added a bit of interest > and excitment to life! that's the story i'm trying to write, about teenages > just enjoying life - as i said before, your books have really inspired me, so many thanks :)
sorry to hear the film's off, but maybe its better that people read the books and can imagine it all in their minds... the way you write makes it very easy to visualise the people and places you write about. thank you again for the reply,> jen
Hi Jen, Well, I'm realy pleased that you had a good time at least! I know of course that some people do, it's jjust that so many people don't, I think something must be wrong ... Hope the next years are just as much fun for you! I think it's geat that you want to write about poeple just enjoying life - if yo manage to do it well I'm sure everyone will want to read it .. good luck!
Thanks, Melvin
Melvin, I just read Bloodtide, and I just wanted to say...WOW! It is the most incredible book I have ever read in my entire life! I am 15 years old, male and dyslexic. My intrests include, acting, dancing, singing, Sci-fi, Norse Legends, computer games, and Pink Floyd! I have only just started reading your books, and I find them remarkble! I have so far read Bloodtide and Bloodsong. I read Bloodsong first, this Christmas skiing in France, and I liturally, could not put it down (meaning that I read it in two days it was so good)! Then, once i finished it, I learned that you had made another book in this viking-sci-fi period, and when I got back to England, the first thing that I did, was go into Ottakars in Banbury and buy Bloodtide. This is my favorite of the two. Now, I am trying to get all my friends to read these two masterpieces, and I think I have suceeded! I have only one question about Bloodtide...and that is...Why oh why, did you kill off Dag Aggerman and Doomsday Chop? They were my two favorite characters!
I am looking forward to the film version of it, and I hope they don't "Americanise" it too much...also...if you want anyone who is a fan of the book to be in the film...well...I am here! I have tried to get my schools library to get in a few of your books, so others can experence the enjoyment I had, when reading your books! Also, when is the seaqual coming out to Bloodsong? I can't wait! The next book of yours I want to read, is "Doing It". I have read a lot of good reviews on it. Oh well, I should go now, "Have I got News fo You" is about to start...Maby something about your books will be on it...cool! I'll try to write back as soon as I can,
Your gratefull fan, Hugo! P.S. ...What games enspired you to write these books...I would'nt mind playing on them myself... to see the things that enspired the masterpieces!
Hi Hugo - thanks for writing to me about Bloodtide. It's my favorite of mine - except perhaps for Bloodsong - so it's great to hear from someone who like sit so much.
Dag Aggerman and Doomsday Chop - they had to go. Your heart must be broken, you see ... As for the film, well, that's all fallen through now. Shame! Nine out of ten of these things fall to bits, but I realy thought this one was going somewhere. Hi ho! Maybe someone else will pick them up ...
Hope you enjoyed Havee I got news for you - I like it too, but I have';t sen it for ages .. Can I pot your email, please? Best, Melvin Burgess
Hi Melvin! Cheers for replying to me! much apreciated! Real shame about the film...Never mind, the films are never as good as the books...and especially YOUR books.
I was wondering... When is the next book in your sci-fi norse series coming out? I cannot wait until it does! I have succesfully managed to get two of my best friends to read Bloodsong and Bloodtide and they both think they are incredible and are eagerly wating for the sequal...as I am, as I said. I wanted to read Doing it...but my Mum won't let me. For some reason, she thinks it is not sutible for me! Oh well...I read some of your other books until I am "old enough!". Also...what games enspired you to write your books? I can see why Alien and Blade runner enspired you, they're great! Hope to write back soon,
Much thanks, Your fan, Hugo!
Hi Hugo - well, sorry your mum is being so obstinate. Still, I guess you'll get to it in the end. Next one of the norse myths ... well, there is more of the Volsunga saga, butI'm not so sure ... it doesn't seem to me to have that special factor that's in the first part of the story. The Volsungs are all dead, of course, it follows what happens to the Nibberlins - Hogni, Gudrun and Gunar. I was thinking the next one will probably be an adaptation of the story of Volund the Smith - fantastic story, that one! But I won't get to it for a year or two yet ..
As for games, it wasn't realy any game in general that I thought of. Doom, perhaps - the old version. I don't do much gaming myself, but I watched my son, and it was all those city scapes. But not one in particular.
Thanks, Hugo - Best wishes, Melvin
Hello Mr. Burgess,
Thank you for posting the comments from your readers (on your site). It was particularly useful because your response answered some of my questions about Junk. I am a 3rd yr english lit. student at Kingston University attempting to show how the author's intention of escapism allows a real voice for teenagers to penetrate where parental guidance or the seemingly " moral voice" is absent. In effect, my interpretation of the book is that the teenagers did not have a voice while they were living with their parents and however unfortunate the outcome of their trials and the expense of their tale, they were able to use this link outside the boundaries of social convention. Well, this is partly my interpretation. The kid in me says, Wow, how come this kind of book wasnt around when i was a teenager? You have another fan on your hands.
Since I was brought up in the Caribbean the precaution of drugs was clearly identified on packets of any type "DO NOT TAKE DRUGS" and I am sure it is still labelled on every crisp packet or box of matches (in the rum shops), along with a warning not to litter. Being exposed to friends who took it meant that I had to cut off all relation with them as told by my relatives. Some of our family who consumed drugs were seen as insane "because part of their brain was missing due to drugs" was the explanation. This misconception can only be seen to me as a fear of the unknown and fear for their children. Thank you for a refresher course that doesnt involve prejudice.
I dont want to put you on the spot but I hope that you could answer some of my questions that I intend to use in my essay like... what is the symbol of the daffodil in the book, did you intend to show Gemma as blameworthy for Tar's future/present, and whats my most important question, would you consider that Bristol was an unknown territory (almost a parallel world) like a Neverland where the link of parent and child's thoughts were totally disconnected. The reason I ask this is because I wanted to show that the teenager's empowerment in Bristol became real only away from Minely. Also, your book can be seen as politically focused on the voice of the children/teenager being disregarded like that of Alice In Wonderland placed in a nonsense world. Would you agree or disagree that your book is a political statement that tries to bridge these social problems? I hope that you can answer some of these questions since it would look great if I can show proof from the direct source! Any student's dream :-
Hoping to hear from you soon, Best wishes, Shanta
Hi Shanta - well, interesting interpretations! First off, glad you liked the book so much - very happy to have another fan.
In answser to your questions, well - the daffodil as a symbol - tricky. I don't actually ever think in terms of symbolism - in fact, I postively dislike it, since it's almost always presented in an academic style. Not that I have anything against academia - it's a great form of study but a crap form of ficiton, if it's styles are adopted. Fictionally, symbols only work if they work emotionally, in terms of resonance; for some reaosn, everyone wants to understand them in terms of something that can be expressed in exact terms.Having said all that, the daffodil is of coure a symbol ... First of all - it's not a daffodil, it's a dandilion. If you read what Tar says about it, that's exactly it - what it represents to him is what it represents in the book. No secrets there ...!
As far the idea of Bristol being a kind of Neverland, well, that's an interesting idea. It#s certainly true that children's ficion very often removes parental or authotative voices on purpose, in order to allow the children in the book an iundependant oice; and that Junk employs the same trick - the story only really starts when Gemma and Tar leave home. On the other hand, Bristol is actualy very real - I wanted to set the book very definately in a concrete time and place. The people in the book are based on real poeple, the music is based on real music and the places are all literaly real places. That kind of authenticity was important to me because the book was so controversial at the time, and people understyand "truth" in terms of real things much more easily than they do in ficional terms. That doesn't necessarily deny your argument though. Whether the place portrtayed fictionally is real or not real, it performs the same function of removing the children from authority - giving them control over their own lives which so so few children have. In a more literal sense, because of the riots that took place in Bristol a little before that period, policeing was very different to what it was in the rest of the country, and it might seem like another world to the reader.
Hope that helps! Good luck with your degree.
Best, melvin
Hello Mr. Burgess, Of course I knew it was a dandelion, silly me! Thank you so much for your comments and although I have given in my essay already, I think that my professor would be delighted to read your response and share it with anyone interested on tackling the subject. It would be an honor to be part of your site by having my comments posted! Many thanks again and thank you for the luck1 Ill need it :) Best, Shanta
Hi Melvin,
Thank you for your awesome books, I have currently read Junk and Blodtide and was amazed by the free style in which you right. I am a 24 year old male, art student, and this has given me a drive to produce my current line of work. Am I correct in thinking that there was a video adaption of Junk released sometime ago? I think I got shown it when I was at college and remember it being equally as moving as the book. Do you know how I could get hold of a copy?
Kind regards, Martyn Thompson
Thanks for the appreciation! An art student - that sounds like an awful lot of fun, I hope you're really enjoying it. So what exactly is your current linie of work - I'm curious.
As for the video - I keep getting requests about this, but unfortunately, the BBC just don't tend to use it very much. It's not out on vid and just once in a blue moon, they seem to re-broadcast it to schols at about midday or something, for them to record and show for educational reasons. I was never too happy with that film - it just didn;t capture the spirit of the thing, but I know some people realy enjoyed it. Sorry I can't help - all I can suggest is writing to the BBC and askign them to release it - there must be amarket out there for the number of mails I get about it.
Best, Melvin
hi melvin,
thanks for your reply and sorry its taken me so long to reply again! if you want to post my comment on your site, then i have no problem with that what so ever.
my line of art work at the moment is about 3d dimensional spaces that create an emotional reaction within the viewer. i am currently applying for funding from the british arts council for virtual reality headware, in order to create a virtual interactive enviroment (its a bit epensive, but they say if u dont ask then u dont get!)... i was actually thinking about using one of your scenes from bloodtide, the one where siggy, ben and had are tied up and left for the pig to eat. your books have a way of creating an enviroment in my head, which i can almost seem to walk around as im reading it.
do u have any new projects on at the moment? im hoping to do a bit of reading over the summer now that uni is nearly finished, so any reccommendations would be much appreciated.
martyn
Hi martyn -
well, that soudjs ike interesting work - I'd love to see the results, especialy if they come from one of mine. Good luck with it ...
As for reading - well, I had one out, a sequal to Bloodtide called Bloodsong last autumn, and there's a new one out, rahter different from other things I;ve done, Called Sara's Face - that's out 1st June. Otherwise, I'm currently getitng off on 1950s sci-fi. Try Clifford D Simak, Time is the Simplest thing. Fantastic!
Melvin
Dear Melvin,
I was hoping that this e-mail was not going to turn into another "I love Junk, Doing It, Bloodtide and everything else you have ever written", but I'm afraid that to begin with, it is. I also should have sent this e-mail a good few years ago after first reading Junk, which did completely change my attitude to reading, yet I have no idea why I did not. I very clearly remember purchasing Junk from my local Waterstones at the age of 14 (I am now 19) and the looks I received from those behind the counter, particularly the older lady whom somewhat reminded my of my very nasty Primary School Headmistress. Anyhow, I did not leave my bedroom all weekend for reading Junk and putting it down once finished was very hard to do. I simply did not want it to end. My English teacher at the time stated that she could not read it, but not because she did not want to. just if she did not then she could not give an opinion upon it to us. This was to do with the taboo factor it had caused, and of course political correctness. Although teaching about sex at the age of 13, drugs and murder through Shakespeare was fine. Anything contemporary was completely out of the question. After a few weeks of writing small extracts at the bottom of essays and homework's, she went and bought her own copy. She came in the weekend after, looked at me open mouthed and finally got round to saying "Wow!" She too had not been able to put it down, and did in fact recommend it to those of us who could "deal" with it, and Sixth Formers she taught. I say "deal" with it, but there were some very immature people whom would not have realised the true nature of such a novel, or those that honestly would be utterly disgusted and whose parents would complain. My parents have always let me read anything, and my father in particular who introduced me to Allen Ginsberg's amazing poetry and Jack Kareouc's Howl at the age of 11. I was reading Enid Blyton before starting Primary School. Nothing ever fazed me.
That's not really relevant to what my original e-mail was going to be about. But from the amount of flack and hassle you recieved, I thought you may appreciate it. I read Anne Fine's comment written for The Guardian on Doing It, and especially liked "No girl or young woman should ever have to read these vile, disgusting musings about themselves" and "All of the publishers who have touched this novel should be deeply ashamed of themselves. Astonishingly, they are almost all female. It's time they sat round a table, took a good long look at themselves and decided that it was an indefensible decision to take this book on. They should pulp their own copies now. If it's so "brilliant", let an adult publisher pay Burgess another advance, and take it on to their own list to make a profit. (Fat chance!)" I would just like to add that having read Flour Babies and Goggle-Eyes, neither have left lasting impressions on me like your novels have. Doing It not only helped a lot of my male friends come to terms with certain things, it helped my female friends, and myself, realise what boys go through. Just because boys give off a macho persona, they are in fact just as bad as we are, if not worse in some circumstances. Even my older male friends now relate to this. Teenagers are growing up so much faster than they used to, that sex, drinking, drugs and general experiments with certain things are common among a very high majority of teenages. You should be praised for what you have achieved, even conquered. Having a condom on the front of a novel is not a majot issue, if anything it is promoting safe sex. Those that state otherwise need to get off their high horses. Anne Fine is a typical feminist, and it really irratates me from a female perspective. Women can enjoy sex too and it is not a taboo subject anymore. One can talk freely about it, share advice and experiences. Yes, even women!
Again, this has no relevance to my original e-mail whihc was going to be just a simple question. I have searched the internet continuously without any luck whatsoever. But all I really wanted was to know if I could purchase a copy of the BBC version of Junk, and if so, where from?
I am sure you have had many similar e-mails, but that is my take on things. Long I know. I just cannot do short and sweet!
I would just like to thank you for being brave enough to keep writing, and with the support of your many fans, just ignore people like Anne Fine and the others. They are only jealous Yet by them writing bad reports surely has the adverse effect? Just a thought. Take care and many regards,
Kate Lawrence.
Hi Kate - Apologies for not geting back to you sooner - I've ben really behind with my emails lately.
Well, yes, it's funny that anything can happen in the past, but very little can happen now. It's a lesson in how the past is a distant place - people feel conformtable with it. There's a lot of fear about young teenagers - everyone seems to think they're so stupid they'll rush out and take every drug known to man and sleep with the whole street if anyone suggests that either drugs or sex can be pleasureable in any way. But of course, we all know they are. Funny old world.
You know, I do think that most of the fuss is in the press. I've never had any complaints, personaly - which seems odd when consider the amount of fuss that can be caused about books like Junk. A lot of it is, it just makes agood story. Of course you do get a few parents who will complain, but they are almost always bullies and need to be stood up to. I think your english teacher should have known this - if you let those people have their way, the whole school knuckles under to their way of doing things. And their way of doing things is restrictve, ugly, un-educational and stupid.
Anyway - as to the BBC version of Junk - It's almost impossible to find. The beeb occasionally broadcast it for schools to record, but I don't hink you can buy it - much to my disgust! I get loads of enquiries about it ...
Thanks for the email Kate! Can I post it on my website, please? Melvin Burgess
hello how're you?
this is Nouran, i used to email you from ....? its ok if you dont remember :) i just wanted to tell you that im very much looking forward to your next book and that i think the cover for it is really great.
hope you're wel
Nouran
Hi Nouran -
Well, my memory is poor - but I keep emails from readers, so I did a quick check. Did you ever find Lady? I hope you liked it as much as the Junk and Bloodtide.
Thanks so much for letting me know what you think about the cover for Sara's Face. The book was a lot of work buyt I'm very happy with it now. All the best, Melvin
hello again its Nouran,
thank you for replying to my email, it made my day :) im delighted to say i did find lady and i thought it was brilliant, i really didnt expect the ending it had which made me like the book even more!
Thankyou! Nouran
Hello, My name is Siobhan, I am 15 and I live in London I am sure that you recieve a lot of very similar messages praising you on your books but even though I would like to do so anyway.
I read 'Junk' during the summer holidays this year. My family and I travelled 10 hours on an aeroplane and whilst everyone else slept through the night I continued to read your book. I enjoy books aimed at teenagers very much although yours do tend to use more adult language and this is refreshing from all the other books that we are forced to read because there are no other books that interesting or that relate to the reader as an adult.
I did read 'Lady: My life as a bitch' about two years ago and I also found this book interesting although I do prefer 'Junk' not only compared to your books but of any book that I have ever read. It was an original book and I have never read anything like it. I am a devoted reader but found that this book tackled issues that most books do not even touch on.
I felt that you managed to relate with the reader very well because, myself as a teenager, felt as though I could relate to, not only, Gemma but also the weaker side shown in Tar. I felt that the effect of the drugs was explained very well, not that I would know, although it made me feel as though I had experienced the effect myself and the section where the two people die is enough to truly scare any person away from the thought of experimenting with drugs.
The only criticism that I would make of the book is that I felt as though at the end of the book I would have liked to hear from Gemma's character and her thoughts on the person that Tar has turned into and how he has become like his father. I found his character very interesting because he is most likely the weakest of all the characters and yet in the beginning he appeared to be a 'sweet' person or character. The issues dealt with involving Tar's mother, father and himself also add for entertaining reading and I felt as though, not only, was this interesting for the younger readers but this would also be a section that possibly adults could relate to and this also continues with the theme of drug abuse because of his mother's addiction to alcohol and the physical abuse in the home.
My initial thoughts when putting down this book after I had finished it were that I think it would be an excellent idea to turn it into a film. I think this would prove for very interesting viewing although hopefully it would not be presented as a documentary style film, such as the film 'Thirteen'. I read in some comments that you made that this had been turned into a television show and I would have loved to seen that. Also, I think it would continue having the effect on people's lives that the book already has.
You are my favourite author and I highly enjoy your style of writing, the types of books you write and the topics you cover. I plan to purchase 'Doing It' this weekend and i'm sure I will end up emailing you again with praises on your writing in that book too.
Thank you very much for your entertainment.
Yours Sincerely
Hi Siobhan,
Many thanks for your very kind letter - I'm delighted you got so much from Junk.
Your interest in Tar in particular is interesting - I suppose the axis between Gemma and Tar is what the book is all about. You're right, Tar was very weak and vulnerable. I always felt sorry for him, even as I was writing the book, because Gemma was actually a strong character, although she got herself into so much trouble, and he was weak - but he was doing his best to sort out his problems, and who knows .. maybe he would have done much better if she hadn't come along and mucked it up for him.
He was doing very nicely with Richard and Vonnie. He really needed to get away from home, whereas Gemma, although she admittedly had a few problems, it was nothing really serious. Very sad.
Thanks for writing to me. Best, Melvin
dear melvin
i am 45 and a great fan of your books. do you have many adult fans
? i bought Junk for my 15 year old ( as she was then....now going on 17) daughter and she loved it so much she told me to read it too. i was really knocked out by it and subsequently we have read Doing It and Bloodtide.......both excellent, the latter brilliant.
my 14 year old son, who doesn't read much, has read Junk and Doing It now as well, so i am very grateful to you for getting him reading a bit. My kids live in France and many of their friends have read Junk and Bloodtide too.....do you have healthy sales there ?
I bought Bloodsong within days of it being published but have yet to read it ( no offence, but others are on my list ahead of it !). i don't understand why it seems to have been ignored in the press.....what are your publishers playing at ??? how are the sales figures ?....or do you not expect much from hardback sales ?
do you do any book signings or talks/ lectures/appearances ? i live in London and it would be interesting for me and the kids to hear you talk. If only there had been such good young adult literature around when i was their age !! i read a lot of contemporary young adult lit. these days...i like to recommend good stuff to my kids and they reciprocate.it was they who introduced me to His Dark Materials and the Windsinger trilogy. I am generally very impressed with the quality. Do you have any favourite authors, of either adult or young adult lit ?
finally, are you on any GCSE syllabi yet ?....in my view your books should be compulsory teaching to teenagers.
best wishes
david chalcraft.
Hi david - Sorry, I think I missed your email! I usually read them and then go back to them, but I must have opend yours without noticing. Sorry about that!
So in answer to your questions - well, I do have a fair few adult readers, of all sorts of ages. A lot of people who deal with youg people come into contact with them, of course, and there's a lot of peole who read them when they were young and are still curious about what I'm doing now. And then some people just like my books, I guess ...
I think a lot of my books are published in France. Just as over here, it's Junk and Doing it which are the popular ones. As far as Bloodsong - I don't know. It's not done as well as some of the the others. Whether that's my publishers or just that that sort of book is never going to be so popular as the social realism ones, I don't know. And finally, as for talks in London - can't think of any planned just at the moment. But keep an eye on the diary page and I'll post whatever comes along! I;'ve been a bit slack about that, really - must do better!
Thanks for writing - Melvin
Hi Melvin, Excuseme, but i'm italian, and i don't speak a perfect english. I read your book "il chiodo fisso" this is a name in italy, the real name, I don't know, but after read this, i'm shoking,the end is merciless, I wanted only to ask you the consent, to write the succession, of your book and you don't know how I have labored for finding your email, however I hope you give me the consent. Manuel, Can you Answer please? Thank you for this time.
Hi Manuel, Il chiodo fisso - well, I had a look adn the bok in English is called Doing It. I'm so glad you liked it! And thank you for writing to me - I don;t get many emails from Italy, which is one of my favorite countries. You want permission to write a follow-up? Well, I have to say, if anyone is going to write a follow up, it'll have to be me. Sorry! I can't gie my characters away so easily. But if you want to write something for your own pleasure, please go ahead, and I;d be very happy to see it. Thanks again for writing to me - Best wishes, Melvin.
Hello
As a fan of your books, i wanted to tell you about a book i have written that was inspired by your book Junk.
My book is about a 15 year old girl, she is quiet and always keeps her head down. She is this way because when she was younger she saw her mother commit suicide. This has forever haunted it her and before she died, she wrote her daughter a letter which was to be opened when her 16 birthday took place. When this day came she read the note only to be told a horrifiing secret about her father, and this was to be the reason her mother killed herself. With this knowledge, she fled from her home to start a new life to leave her father and his terrible ways behind. But once out in the big wide world, she gets caught up in drink and drugs. Sooner or later, she can no longer afford the drugs and prostitution seems the only to feed her addiction.
My story is a dark story, but one that highlights all drug aspects and the thought and feelings on taking illegal drugs. You feedback would be greatly appreciated as to become a writer is an ambition that i would most definatly like to achieve.
Your Sincerely Nadia Amico 14 Hertfordshire
Hi Nadia - How fantastic that you're wiriting a book iunspired by Junk - that's great. The story soundss very storng - dark, as you say, but very powerful and heart-wrenching. Writers have to learn their own way in many ways, but if you want a piece of advice, I'd say that no matter how dark things get, the human spirit shines through - not necessarily in the form of a happy ending or in anything working out well, but just in theway people keep going and find hope in all sorts of strange places. This is somethign I always want to come through in my books.
Writng, you know, is a hard thing to do well - it takes a lot of practise. But in my experince, if you keep at it, you get there in the end. So keep writing - and I look forward to hearing of your success in years to come.
Best wishes, melvin
Hello! My name is Kirsten. I am 18, I live in Canada, and I have been a huge fan of your writing since I first read Bloodtide when I was 14. It has truly been the greatest book I have ever read, and maybe once a year I just have to take a few days off from life and re-read the entire thing. I never get tired of it! As you can imagine, I was peeing my pants with excitement when I found out about Bloodsong. My family owns a bookstore in the town we live in, and i had preordered it months in advance. I finally got it yesterday, I'm about three quarters through, and it's just as good as the first book! I force Bloodtide on all of my friends and get them to read it, and they've all come out of the experience saying "That was AMAZING!", and I plan on doing the same to them with Bloodsong.
I have also read Bitch, Doing It, and Junk, which were all just as exciting to read and memorable as Bloodtide. You are an amazing, and my favourite, author. I look forward to whatever book you write next! I'm sure I'll have re-read Bloodtide and Bloodsong several times by the time it is out :)
Sincerely, Kirsten Skow
Hi Kirsten,
Wow, what an email! I'm really, really flattered. I have to say, Bloodtide and Bloodsong are my favorites, so it's great one someone gets so much out of them. Thanks so much for letting me know, and thanks as well for introducing them to your friends! Hope you enjoy Bloodsong just as much. Let me know what you think of it ...
Best, Melvin
Melvin- I’ve just read Smack and Doing It and I for one am grateful that you exist to write about such provocative and important matters (and doing it all with a sense of humor, no less). I have a YA graphic novel and free verse book coming out next year and my first legitimate YA novel after that, hopefully. All are rather controversial and deal with vital teen issues that have never been addressed in YA form before in this country. But seeing how you’ve handled yourself and continue to be supported by the public and the critics here (and the librarians and teachers) gives me great hope. I can always point to you and say “Look, see there, he done it and they even gave him a prize.” Good for you Melvin. Yours is one of the few true male voices for teens out there that I believe in.
I just read something Spike Lee said: “I don’t like the term ‘controversial. I like ‘provocateur.’ It is never the filmmaker’s job to have all the answers but to raise questions and promote dialogue.” Thanks for being a worthy provocateur. All the best, Greg Neri Tampa, FL, USA
Hi greg - Well, thanks for that - I do my best. Actualy, I think YA is one area that people have shied away from, there's loads of stuff that can be looked at froma fresh viewpoint. you just have to get away from the idea of educating people and write about - well, real things, I guess. As you say, there's alot of support from people wholike books and kids. It's the one who doen't like people you have to watch out for ... So you;re a writer yourself. Well, good luck with it - I hope you mange to kick up a storm. I'll keep an eye open for your books! best, Melvin
Dear Melvin Burgess, I will like to know if you are going to add more to the story The Baby and FlyPie. Because I want to know if Jane really did get shot, and what happens after Fly Pie runs away because I really liked it and I want to find out more about the characters. Please answer this queston.
Thank you Virginia Rickerman
Hi Virginia - well, I hae to tell you, yes, that Jane really did get shot.
They came upon her in a clearing in the woods, where she was waiting for them so she could try to tell her story, and shot her in the back of the head. I don't think she was surprised - but being Jane, she was never going to give up, she was gong to keep on trying even in the face of impossible odds. Towards the end I think she knew it was hopeless but to her, trying to make things come right wasn't always to do whether it was going to work or not - she just believed you have to try.
As for Davey, well, at first it was a big release for him when he heard the shot that killed her because Jane was something of a saint and like all saints she was very demanding and very hard, if not impossible, to live with. But she gave him his chance to get away, and he took it gratefully. I think he disapeared into the crowds of street kids and tried to get on with the thing that he did best, which was to live an ordinary life, doing ordinary things and getting his pleasures from the small things of life.
Even thought Jane failed to make good, Fly learned this from her - that no matter how hopeless things are, the human spirit always survives,and in Jane, that spririt burned particularly strongly. He would have treasured that always, and rememebred neve to give up when his next chance came along. Hope that helps answer your questions,
Melvin
Here's an interesting question from one of favourites of my early books, Baby and Fly Pie, which was adapted wonderfully recently at the royal Exchange here in Manchester by Lavinia Murray.
Dear Melvin Burgess, I wouldl like to know if you are going to add more to the story The Baby and FlyPie. Because I want to know if Jane really did get shot, and what happens after Fly Pie runs away because I really liked it and I want to find out more about the characters. Please answer this queston. Thank you Virginia Rickerman
Hi Virginia - well, I have to tell you, yes, that Jane really did get shot. They came upon her in a clearing in the woods, where she was waiting for them so she could try to tell her story, and shot her in the back of the head. I don't think she was surprised - but being Jane, she was never going to give up, she was gong to keep on trying even in the face of impossible odds. Towards the end I think she knew it was hopeless but to her, trying to make things come right wasn't always to do whether it was going to work or not - she just believed you have to try.
As for Davey, well, at first it was a big release for him when he heard the shot that killed her becaue Jane was something of a saint and like all saints she was very demanding and very hard, if not impossible, to live with. But she gave him his chance to get away, and he took it gratefully. I think he disapeared into the crowds of street kids and tried to get on with the thing that he did best, which was to live an ordinary life, doing ordinary things and getting his pleasures from the small things of life.
Even though Jane failed to make good, Fly learned this from her - that no matter how hopeless things are, the human spirit always survives, and in Jane, that spririt burned particularly strongly. He would have treasured that always, and rememebred never to give up when his next chance came along.
Hope that helps answer your questions, Melvin
Here's an interesting one from Irmante, from Lithuania, wher i had such a nice time earlier this year. She seems to be doing very well for herself!
Hi, hello, Mr Burgess. There's a large amount ways to say hello. and I like that. I sure hope, that you still remember me. I'm Irmante from amber and sculpture of Zappa country-Lithuania. How's your tooth gap doing? Still doesn't afraid of dantists?
You know, I'm writing this letter with kind a feeling, that I'm doing this to an old friend. I really enjoy letters or even small messages. oh, and it's nice thing to divvy up your felicity or sorrow with mates. No matter how far they are. The best cure from all wormies in heart- tell someone about you. Scream that you are opposite, under, between, behind. Or just write with chalk on stairs "You gonna make it". Actually I did.. Just don't tell my neighbours, but I'm sure, that they were astonished by that. Sweet social commercial. Maybe you did once like that? Easy way to fill good and extreme sensesations, believe me!
I'm doing quite well. I started to write articles into one of the biggest Lithuanian daily newspaper. I'm enjoying that. And also had found a wonderful cinema club for people whom are hungry for pure movies.
Therefore, I'll try my luck in one scoolarship program which is looking for young people with creative, adaptive, extraordinary personalities with perfect english skills. My speaking and writing knowledge aren't deeply developed, but as Charlie Chaplin said: "pantomime serves well where languages are in the conflict of a common ignorance." . If I won't be able to see, then I try to show words, heh.
Promise to write you sometimes. If there's no possibility to reply me, don't worry (be happy). It was pleasure to tell you about my situation at the moment.
Goodbye, au revoir, hasta pronto, see you soon. There's a large amount ways to say goodbye. and I like that.
yours sincerely - Irmante/from autumn leaves covered place.
Hey,
Firstly I'd like to say how amazing I thought 'Junk' was. I first read it about 3 years ago and thought it was a totally remarkable book, the first time I finished it I cried, I was on a train with my mum and I think some of my fellow passengers thought I was 'a bit weird' . I have recommended it to all my friends, and they too have all been blown away by it.
I'd also like to ask you whether 'Junk' has been scripted? I am doing AS drama at the moment and we have to do a duologue and I think 'Junk' would be perfect. If you know where I could get a copy of a scripted version of Junk I would be more than grateful for any help. Also I saw on your website that some of your books may be turned into films, and that Lady- My Life as a bitch was one of them, would there be open auditions for it and how could I get more information about it? > > Look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest regards
Maisie Turpie
Hiya Maisie - Thanks for liking my book so much. It made you cry on a train - that's just great. Wish I'd been there!
In answer to your question, Junk has been scripted. It was done by John retallack, it's published by Methuin. He did a good job - the stage version was fantastic. The BBC did a tv versioin which was crap. That's not available as far as I know, but you can get the play from Amazon, I'd have thought. As for Lady - I haven't heard from Suzi Ewing, who wants to do it, for ages. These things can take years to come to fruition - it takes so long for small, independant producers to scrape together the money. I'll post it on my website if it ever comes off, and you could get in touch again then.
Good luck with the AS levels, and thanks for writing.
Best, Melvin
Here's a nice email from an ex student of Madien erligh school, where I went, reminding me of Mrs Stafford who taught me english there. Stella Stafford was a really fine teacher. I don't remember what she taught me or very much about the lessons, but I do remember that after being taught by her I felt confident and proud of my work, and that I had something I could do really well. Now, that's what I call good teaching!
I'd like to hear from her again. If you're out there, Stella, drop me a line
Hello
I am nearly 24 years old and going through a nostalgic period of reading when I came across The Cry of the Wolf. It brought back a lot of memories as I saw a little message and your signature in the inside cover, complimenting me on my name!. I remember purchasing this book for the exact purpose of you to sign when you came to visit my school. I was in my second year (1994) at that school with an english Teacher you may be familiar with. A very proud Mrs Stafford had told us she had an ex pupil coming to visit!
Anyway, sorry to ramble, to cut a long story short I had a visit to your website today and wanted to compliment you on it, also looking at your extensive list of releases... I definately have some reading to do. Congratulations on your success and good luck for the future.
Carla
Hi carla,
Ah, yes, I rmember visiting Madien Erleigh - surpsied that Stella was still there,and Mr Watts, who insisted that he'd had to send me home for being drunk one day in the sixth form. I didn't remember it - I can't have been that drunk! I only had Mrs Stafford for the first couple of years but she was a great influence, mainly by telling me how much she liked my stories. I remember the teacher in the school I was at before that one really put me off - it was after Mrs Stafford that I decided to become a writer. Writing as about the only thing I was any good at, so it was just as well.
Anyway, thanks for writing and reminding me of her - I haven't heard from her for years. Be nice to hear from her again.
Thanks, Melvin
- Hello, sorry to reply again but i had to write to you. i was absolutly disgraced when the daily mail slagged off your two books in yesterdays (13/8/05) paper.
They were saying about age limits should be put into books and they mentioned your two books doing it and bloodsong. For Doing It they said it should have a age rate of 16+ because it was "seriously pornographic" or something stupid like that. I admit that doing it is abit of a explicit book but hey, what REAL teenager wants to read books about ponys,flowers and magical creatures that live on rainbows! Us teenagers want real-life storys that i think that you potray brilliantly and thats why i love your books. I wanted to write into the mail to say really what i've just written to you but it apears that they dont have a write in collum or something so ill just have to be annoyed about it. Anyway im going away for 5 days today so i doubt the matter will be in the paper again.
Thanks Archie Burbidge
Hi Archie - Well, thanks for the support. The Daily Mail - well, I wonder if anyone really takes it seriously any more. Even the people I know who read it are perfectly cheerful about what a pointless rag it is, but it is fun to read a load of drivle every now and then. The thing is not to take it seriously. The only people who genuinely share it's views on many subjects died years ago, in one form or another. I don't know if they have a letters page, but they do have an onsite forum where peole canexpres their views. Having said that, my experince of most of these forums are that most of the people who bother with them are the professionals grizzlers.
Best, Melvin
A real pleasure to get an email froma French reader ...
Good morning
I am french and I speak english very bad. I read your book Junk and Obsession. I love your books.They are very good and the style of write is nice. I discover your books at the saloon of book in Paris but I don't find in my region.
I hope you see the prochain year at Paris. If i write you, its because I wanna write as you. In junk, I love this reflect of reality, whose is inside.But I know that I can say so much for obsession, yet junk seems to me more crude and terrible maybe because i don't face at this life even if drug touches everybody. This very particular way to take the place of the character is very fabulous and I hope to succeed a little too, its a dream. I love too Amélie Nothomb, maybe do you read.
i'd like to know the way you write, can you tell me?
Good bye, Maéva
HI Maéva,
Well, your english is better than you think - you got across everything you wanted to say very clearly. Thank you so much for writing to tell me how much you enjoyed my books.
So, you are a writer yourself. I hope you succeed - it's the best job in the world, I love it every day. And when someone writes to tell me how much they got from one of my books, it makes it worthwhile all over again.
You ask me how do I write. That's a hard question to answer. Writing well takes a lot of practise and a lot of reading, too. The people who get there in the end are the ones who just never give up. So I could say, to write like me you ned practise, but I suppose in the end, what you have to learn to do is learn how to write like you. It's dwevelopiong your own voice with is the thing. But I can tell you that I try to make my writing as vivid and as real as posible. I belive that everything should be easy to understand - there is no such thing as difficult ideas, only baddly expressed ideas; a good writer should make everything accessable. I also try to make everything real -to imagine what it would realy be like to be there, as a living, breathing, thinking, seeing hgearing creature, in the places I put my characters.
Good luck! And thanks for your kind remarks. Melvin Burgess
Hello Mr Burgess. I'm just writing to say that I saw the production of Baby And Fly Pie at Manchester's Exchange Theatre and it was amazing. I don't know if you've seen it yourself but it's most certainly - original. I went with my grandmother and we both really enjoyed it. She was suprised at how deep the story was but enjoyed it none-the-less. Are you planning a follow up book? If not I shall have to hang from the cliff your story left me on for the rest of my days.
Thank you for your time. Good luck with Bloodsong! - Nathan
HI Nathan, Thanks for the comment - I thought they did a really amazing job on it. Original is the word! Sorry, I'm not planning a follow-up book - you'll just have to keep hanging on! Melvin
Hi Melvin, of course you can put my last email onto your site, it would be an absolute pleasure. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your summer, as am I, having finished school in June. I am now awaiting my GCSE results, which I'll have to collect from school on the 25th August, and I'm quite anxious because I was hoping to get a B in English, but completely mucked up the exam..in the last minute, I noticed that I had missed the last question on the back page, which counted for HALF the marks, argh! I don't know how I could do such a thing, it didn't happen to me in the mock exams..why in the real thing? Ah well, these things happen I suppose.. end of rant. For now, I'm looking forward to going to Greece with my family on Tuesday for a week. Which basically means sitting round the hotel reading and eating foreign food all day. But I don't think I'll ever have another holiday as awesome as the one I went to in July, I went to Amsterdam and Stuttgart with 5 other friends for 10 days. Not only are the people really friendly, the Amsterdam culture was very enjoyable too. And another of the great things about it was getting out and about without any adults, and instead, feeling more grown up yourself : )
Take care, from Zena xxxx
Hi Zena - So I was 3/4 of the way through Bt2 when you were 13 0r 214? crikey, it makes me realise how long it takes to write these things. Well, I hope you like Bloodsong - I agree with you about Bloodtide being my best book, although I did rather muck up the second half; but I do think this new one is my best. Thanks so much for writing again - I'm glad the books still hold they're magic as you;ve got older. Thanks for your comments on the cover, too - although it's too late to do anything about that now. I have the finsihed books already.
Thanks, I AM having a good summer - hope you are to. Best wishes, Melvin.
I read your book – Junk about 6months ago and really enjoyed it although the characters ages were a few years younger than myself (18) I’d love to buy more of your books but wondered which I could enjoy most in light of my age.
Hi Kate - well, I like to think, if it's a good book, anyone's going to like it, but I see what you mean. The thing is, I find it difficult to woirk out what age some of my books are for at the best of times. They say I write for teenagers, which you still are, I guess. All I can say is, the books that are for tenagers are, in my mind, really about being that age - and that's an interesting thing in itself.
I guess if you liked Junk, you might like Doing It and Lady-My Life as a Bitch. You coudl also try Loving April. If you like futuristic sort of stuff, you could try Bloodtide and Bloodsong as well. I'd be interested to know how you get on with books, if you read them ..
Best, Melvin
Melvin Burgess your books are amazing, my top favourite's are 'doing it' and 'junk'. You have great ideas and visions of what goes on in a teenagers mind. You have inspired me to start writing and get my feelings, imagination and heart into my own stories. I just wanted to know what type of agents and publishers should i look out for myself as a newcomer. I really want to make it into the world as a writer.
I hope I hear from you soon
Yours sincerley Victoria Adeluwoye
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for writing to me - it's always nice to hear from someone who likes my books. Junk and Doing It are two of my favorites, too - I'm very proud of both of them, I suppose because I felt they broke new ground in their own ways.
So you're a writer yourself? Well, if yo can put your feelings, your heart and your imagination into your stories, you'll go far. It isn't always easy though ...! But I will say this - if you keep trying, you'll get there in the end. Writing successfully is very difficult to learn, but not because you have to be oh so clever; becaue it takes a long time to learn to do, like playing an instrument, for exampl;e. It's those who just won't give up who get there in the end.
As for agents and publsihers and so on - well, you don't say how lold you are, but if you're still young, I'd advise you not to worry about that at the moment. Sometimes people get published young, but I'm not convicned it's really good for them to get success too early - it tends to stop the writing developing. If you do want to try and send your stuff off, you need to read other people's books and find out who publishes the same kind of thing you write. For agents, get the Writer's and Artist's Year Book and have a look in there - they have them all listed.
Another way to try out your stuff when you're just beginiing is to use the small press. Go to the Artists and Writer's Year book again and have a look under magazines publishing poetry. You'll find a host of little magazines that publish poetry and pieces of short prose. Some of them are well-fuinded, others are just people whop like wirting makign their own little mags. Either way, it's agood way to get in touch with other people, to get some fedback o0nj your stuff - most editors of publishing houses just sned you a rejection slip - I have thousands! - and you stand a much better chance of having something printed.
Good luck with your writing. In my experience, you need a tick skin - I was writing for years before anyone published my stuff - but it's the nicest thing ever. I'm still happiest when I've got a good story and it's just whizzing along!
Melvin
Nice to get an email from Romania - that's something that doesn't happen every day.
Hello Mr Burgess.I am Corina.I am from Romania.
I am 14 years old.I read your book Junk wich was the most interesting book ever.It is great.I have a thing for stories about drugs you know so i like it a lot.I'm very sad because in Romania, Junk is the only book written by you that i can buy :( I've searched in lots of libraries and nothing.)
This summer I will go to england and maybe i will buy some books from there.I can't wait! I hope you'll read this email.In Romania your book is not so known but I am a big fan.
My friends started to read it too.My romanian teacher loved it too.I made a composition about it and I got a very good mark.
Respect, cory
Hi Cory- Well, I was going through my emails and I found yours - I'd read it but according to Outlook I hadn't answered it. Sorry for that - I always try to reply to everyone, I guess you must have slipped through the net. Sorry for taking so long - but I got round to it in the end, as you see! It's not often I get an email from Romania, which makes yours special.
So Junk is the only one published over there? I'll ask the person at my publisher who deals with foriegn sales and she'll tell me know if there are any more in the pipeline, then I'll let you know. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the book, I'm glad you got a good a mark. And thanks so much for writing to me!
Best wishes, Melvin.
Dear Melvin, I am a HUGE fan of yours and very, fussy reader of a teenage age (14 ) and I only read books of an explicit content and with a deep meaning - which you seem to have perfected, which is why I admire you so much. I found your book - junk, a very,very good read - I couldn't put it down and I was then so taken by the story, I borrowed the video and the book was overdue by a month! I know this sounds a little obsessive but your writing was so powerful I could feel all the characters emotion and I think the story was so good because the storyline could actually be real - so its believable.
I was also very impressed by your humour in Lady: my life as a bitch, I though that book was brilliant! I was absolutely falling about the place with laughter - how on earth do you come up with a dog dressing up in a girls clothes to convince her family.Genius!
As for Doing It - I was absolutely gobsmacked by this book! Again you've taken a controversial subject and created a total masterpiece! I was totally hooked on the story! You got the characters of the boys to a tee, and you could really relate to the characters again.
After Reading your work - im now about to start Bloodtide and I cant wait for any sequels ....... junk maybe??! On a more resent note - I come from Harrow way school and I was the one to ask our Librarian, Louise Caulfield to ask for a visit from you to our school in Andover - It was a real shame you couldn't make it! However I know that if you did make it, it would be as fantastic as your books!
Anyway, I hope you get to read this email and hopefully hasn't wasted your time. I know you've defiantly inspired me and im sure lots of other people have been moved by your work. so keep it coming
Best Wishes Archie Burbidge
HI Archie - So it was you got me asked to that school? Well, I'm sorry I couldn't makle it. Andover's such a long way from here, it takes a couple of days at least when you start thinking about travel. Well, I like to get out and meet peolpe ... maybe it'll happen some other way.
But thanks so much for writing about the books. Junk, well that';s the most popular one. So you got the video? I wasn;t so keen on what they did with it for TV - but how did you get hold of that? I get mails frompeople asking how they can get hold of it, but no one seems to be able to ...?
I'm glad you liked Ladey too - that's not everyone's cup of tea, but I liked writing it a lot. You seem to have all the ones for teenagers, really - well, except for Bloodtide. I hope you like that one, and Bloodsong, just as much.
Best wishes, Melvin
oh goodness, i've become an obsessionist (again)
i know i already e-mailed, and as much in my life, probably had no impact on you, but i started to read your e-mails and was like 'oh dear, same stuff is being reggurgitated'. for instance, i too started writing the screen play of bloodtide. i was roughfully half way through with my friend, but it was 4 in the morning, and we were tired.
what movies inspired your work for the blood song? lock stock and two smoking barrels? the usual suspects, heh. i love those movies. anyhoo, sorry for seemingly being another crowd member, and i'm soo upset i missed you on tv. i'd have loved to have seen you defending yourself to a crowd of people who usually haven't a clue , and hear you actually speak... my subconscious dream is to be defending my work from controversialism. i'm guessing this was some time ago, probably around lady my life as a bitch. i think when your new book comes out i'll be in a cuccoon in my room eating bran flakes and listening to the foo fighters, or rage against the machine - war fighting music.
so sorry for bombarding you, i have nothing better at 1:18 am in the morning. so again, if you reply, i'll jump up and down, and probably become a serial e-mailer.
so good luck with your life as of now, and always, yours faithfully, phoebe
HI Phoebe, Oh, you mustn't worry about being one of the crowd - I'm sure you never will be. It's a funny thing about being human, we're all the same and all different at the same time - weird, really. Being obessesed ain't so bad either - so long as it doesn't take over your life!
What movies inspired Bloodtide? Well, it was Bladerunner, actually. And the Alien movies, Alien 3 in particular, where they're on a prison planet. I also had in mind the 2001Ad comics -- Jude Dredd. It was great recently to see Sin City at the cinema - fabulous recreation of the comics, I loved it. Hope you like Bloodsong just as much when you get your hands on that. As for defending myself on TV - well, it's such a load of nonsense. And the TV people know it as well. The last time was after an interview on Sky News in which I pointed out that young people take drugs to have fun, and there it was, all over the Daily Mail - "Children Ought To Be told Drugs are Fun, Says children's Author." It makes you wonder what these poeple are on. So the TV people get onto to it, ring round all the drug charites and so on to find someone to arge against me and of course they can;t find anyone sensible or with any authority, so they go and find some barking mad person who things that babies come out of your tummy button and that children should all be reading Dickens. Oh well - it gets me out of the house, anyway. Thanks for writing.
Best, Melvin
Hey Melvin, I'd like to say thanks. I've always had a hard time reading books until I found my right type of book. Junk helped me a lot. I've always been sensible about drugs and such so Junk surely did a good job. I only heard about it not long ago when I was looking for a good book to read at the library. I end up buying Junk and I loved it.
It teaches so much about the life junkies live in. It helped me a little with my own drug problems, also. I was starting to fall into them and spending all my money on them, but after I read Junk, I thought "why do I even take them?" I guess it was a little to escape this world, like so many others.
I read a comment someone posted about Junk. She said she helps people with drug problems because Junk made her feel like doing that. Funny, I also want to do that. I'm only 16, looking for a reason to live and I guess Junk helped a little. I'm still not sure, but I'd like to help homeless people that have drug problems. Junk made me realise that option. I have friends with drug problems also, so I guess it would be nice to do that.
Hmm.. well, one more thing, if you're not too busy and can reply, I was wondering if you would know any other book that talks about junkies, squatters and stuff like that. I've read Go Ask Alice (don't know if you know that book. It's a journal from some girl that fell into drugs herself) and I really like these types of books. I will get another of your books (The baby and Fly Pie) but I was just wondering if you wouldnt know any other, because I like staying occupied by reading. If not, I can keep searching.
Thanks again and keep doing what you're doing. You're really amazing :) Cindie
PS. I got to discover The Buzzcocks. I've always liked this type of music, so its pretty awsome that you wrote lyrics from such bands in the book.
Hi Cindie -
Thanks for writing to me. Glad you liked Junk so much, and glad if it helped clarify somethings in your head. Although in the end, if you're sensible about drugs, it was you that decided it, not any book. So you want to help people? Well, good luck with that, it's an important thing to do, and a hard job as well, though. But also something that's very satisfying.
As for recommendations of other books like that - hmm, difficult. I read soemwhere that Go Ask Alice was actually not a real diary at all, but written by a social worker or soemthing to influence people away from drugs - which, if it's true, is fairly disgusting. Have you read Train Spotting? That's a very good book about addiction.
Hope you like the Baby anbd Fly Pie. It's all made up, of course, but the old man, Scousie, who's in it, is real.. He was in Bristol - he was squatting, a good few years older than the rest of us and looked just like he;s described in the book.
Good luck with everything, Melvin.
Thanks to Victoria for writing and telling me about this - I never thought anyone would use my books like this!
Hi, I just wanted to say Thank You so much for writing every one of your books - they have honestly shaped my life. You are incredibly talented and I hope you continue you to write for a long time to come.
I also wanted to tell you something else, though it may sound extremely childish or silly, or something - I am sorry to say that the words do not seem to be flowing as well as I would hope. I have been friends with a boy, though more of a man now, Nathan (one of his emails is posted on your website) for a long long time. I moved many miles away from him though we stayed friends, or I hope we have anyway. However, at one point in our 'relationship' (i hate to use that word, it sounds so American-how-do-you-feel-about-that) we were, or I was, finding it hard to talk to him. In an attempt to strike a conversation I mentioned one of your books, Junk. He had read it. And it went from there .We found somethnig in common and it broke through whatever was going on. Now, still good friends, we pretend to be characters - he is David and I Lilly, and through this we can talk about anything at anytime. This may sound silly to you or whoever else is reading this, but it made us better friends and I want to thank you for that too.
Can't wait for Bloodsong and any other books that I hope you will publish in the near future.
Love, Victoria Hughes, Hartlepool
Hi Victoria,
Well, that really is an intreguing story - using characters in a book as a facilitator. I'm very happy and flattered that you use mine. It sounds like an interesting way to break through. Very clever, really. Not childish or silly at all - or if it is childish and silly, it's in a way that we should all be through out our lives. I always think that playing is much underrated - you get much beter eresults when you approach something playfully. And thank you for writing and telling me how much you got from my books.
Best wishes to both of you, Melvin.
Here's an interesting mail from someone who liked Junk very much, but didn't enjoy the ending.
I finished reading Smack (which I guess was originally called Junk. I remember thinking while reading the book that Junk would've been a more appropriate name. heh.) a while ago. A month, I think. Whenever I think about it, I still get a surge of emotion, for better or for worse. It was great. The only thing that I didn't find so great was the ending. It seemed a bit weak. I myself attempt to be a writer, but at 14 I hardly measure up to you, or anyone else for that matter. I don't know. Everything resolved and all, and it wasn't the ending as a whole (which, even though it was very well written filled me with that feeling of "No! They're not supposed to all split up!" I don't know, I guess I just hate them all splitting up.), just the last paragraph or so. I imagined you maybe struggling a bit, trying countless endings then giving up. And I understand. Oh well. It was great. Wonderful. I loved Lily. Love love loved her! Or what she was before they got into herion. I also loved the part where Gemma went to the punk club. It really helped me with something I'm writing. Well this is getting too long. I tend to ramble. Again, it was great. Any books you could recommend to me? That'd be great. always, Nadirah
Hi Nadirah, Thanks for your interesting email. Great that you still get a surge when you think of Junk. I think the reason why the book works as well as it does is because it's based on real people, in a real place, at a real time. The ending - well, endings are hard and I can think of certain books I've done in which I'm not happy with the endings, but I have to say that Junk isnt one of them. The thing I wanted most out of that book was that it was authentic. The second half in particular is based on real people and the things they did, including the ending. I have to say, i didn't struggle with it at all.
You say you didn't want them to split up - but of course they would - in fact, they did. Relationships with addictive drugs are just like a love affair, which is why so many rock musicisans who have that problem write the songs about it that sound like love songs. When its boy-girl-drug and the drug goes, the couple split up almost every time. In real life, Gemma and Tar spllit up in exactly the way I described, and Lily and Rob split up as well; when they came out of rehab, they just looked at each other and there was nothing there. Also, after a good long spell of using heroin, people very rarely just come off in one go, so it was necessary for the ending to be ambiguous - although reading your letter, that didn't come across to you, perhaps ...? Certainly I intended the feeling to be that Tar would be coming off and going on for ages. And in fact, so would Gemma ...
Anyway, interesting that it didn't work for you - thanks for writting to me about it. I get a lot of people saying how great things are, it's actually nice as well to hear what didn't work for you - it's one of those things that can help writing in the future, even though I don't think I'd do that one differently again. Oh, and finally - Junk is the brit name for the book. They called it Smack in the US, for some reason.
Recommmendations? well, of mine there's Loving April, Lady and My Life as a bitch. There's also Doing It, although the publishers recommdn that for 16+ becaue it's a bit filthy - you might want to wait a bit for that one. Have you read any Kevin Brooks? He's very good. Have you read Alice Sebald,a book called The Lovely Bones? I think you'd like that one.
Thanks again, Melvin. PS - Can I post your email on my website, please?
Here's a truly amazing mail from a reader who wants to remain anonymus. What can I say, except that I was very moved to receive this. I've seen people in similar situations and I know how hard it is to keep your head above water. have tremendous respect for anyone who is struggling so hard to get these sort of problems behind them.
The similarities are very close, including the addictive relationship, which must make things very hard. I the young woman who wrote this carrie son doing well, and if there are ups and downs, remebers how strong she can be. Good luck!
Hi. I want to thank you for writing Junk. I'm nearly 16 and had been a user for nearly 2 years. I'm now 8 months pregnant. I wouldn't of coped as well as i have without Junk. I can relate so well to the book and have avoided many mistakes by those made by Gemma and Lilly. When i first found out i was pregnant my instinct was to keep. But i had doubts because i was using and i kept thinking of Lilly. My parents tried to force me into an abortion and after pulling out a few inches from the fate, i knew i had to do right. I followed Gemma and decided to get clean and keep my baby. I had a easier time than Gemma because my boyfriend isn't a user and is supportive. However, he is a gambler, which is sometimes as bad. I slipped up a few times, and i know it hasn't done my baby well but i can now say no and feel strong. I know it's still just the beginning and it is hard, especially when my boyfriend gambles as this makes me weaker and thus, harder to resist. It's so similar to Gemma and Tar in my mind as they pulled each other down with their addictions. I look forward to giving birth to a beautiful Daughter 28th July. I will name her Oona in honour to the book. My parents are divorced, i don't see my father since i did not go throught with the abortion. My mother is coming around to the idea tho. I don't see her much. My boyfriends parents have supported me along the way. I know the situation isn't entirely the same but i want you to understand the help you have given me and others just from this book. I read it over and over like my bible. When i reach the last page i get a pang of emptiness and end up turning back to the first one and starting over again. I could probably recite the whole book word for word by now. Keep up the good work Melvin. You are an inspiration, a genius of words, an utter godsend.
My best wishes and utmost respect.
Here's another one from Jess. Many thanks Jess. I'll lookl out for your books on the shelves in a few years!
Sorry for emailing again, u may think im a little freakish right now - just wanted to say I really really do like the cover for Bloodsong thats on the homepage - except it doesnt fit with the format of your other books - but at the smae time it is really awesome, so i dotn know if its a critiscm or not - i just like things all the same, im weird with that kinda thing. My friend emma and I have always imagined Junk as a film (she always wanted to be lily!) it would be so powerful, so Ive decided to try and write a screenplay for it (and dont worry, im not actually going to do anything with it so dont worry about copyright issues etc... - not that it would be far good enough anyway), but the point was....thanks for inspiring me to write, if I can write half as well as you I shall conisider myself blessed and very very lucky, Thanks again, Jess xx
Hi Jessica Soprry I've taken so long - I've just about ignored my emails for a couple of weeks. Actually, you might not be aware but nearly all my books come out in hardback with Andersen Prews before they come out in Penguin or Puffin, which I suspect are the ones you'r ehtinking. The andersen ones always have different covers. But thanks for the comment.
Best, Melvin
Here's a really nice email from Nali. Isn't all that enthusiasm great? Thanks so much Nali - I'l keep at it.
Hi Mr Burgess- might be rudeness, sorry I'd just like to say I think your books are amazing. I've read Bloodtide, Loving April, Junk and Lady. I'd like to read Doing It but my parents would disown me.... I was given Bloodtide when I was 9 for my birthday. It didn't make much sense then so I left on the bookshelf. I picked it up 4 years later (I'm 13 now) and WOW! It was so cool. I liked the way you used different voices. You could see both why Signy loved Connor (at the begining) and why Siggy felt betrayed. The detailed descriptions of the Volsons being eaten by the pig and Signy being hamstrung were really graphic and a bit scary.
After that I read Junk and it was sooo cool. It was a bit stupid of Gemma to run away for no good reason ( apart from Tar). At school we've always been told that we shouldn't take drugs, blah, blah, but I've probably learnt more from you're book about why you shouldn't (cos when you stopped it was horrible) than in PSHE. It was sad about Lily taking drugs even when she had Sunny (spelling?) Then I read Lady. It was different to all the fairy stories you read about finding true love and stuff. My favourite bit was when Sandra bit the man!
Loving April was very good. I liked the way you made April come across, and the fact that it seemed only Toni really accepted her. I think your books were probably the best I've ever read. My mum read Anne Fine's review of Doing It so I won't be reading it any time soon.
Thanks 4 ur time (You probably didn't read this)
Nali, 13
Hi Nali, Well, I see you've gone through pretty all the teenage ones except Doing It. Personally, I don't think it'd do you any harm, but on the other hand, I don't think you'd get all you could out of it. Maybe a couple of years would help - as it did with Bloodtide. I'm glad you liked Bloodtide so much - it's my favorite book of mine. I've just done the sequal, Bloodsong, which is out in September.
As for Junk, you're right about Gemma being a bit stupid, and I still feel sorry for Tar, he was doing well before she came to join him in Bristol. Anyway, what can I say? I'm really flattrered that you like my books so much, and it's great that you wrote to me about it - It really helps make my day! And I hope you like Doing It as much when you get round to it!
Many thanks, Melvin.
Here's one from Jess Tomklins - who I see wrote to me a couple of years ago as well. Glad the books are still doing it for you Jess! Thanks for writing.
hi, im Jess and im 16 (17 in 4 weeks!!).I just wanted to say how truly amazing and inspirational your books are. By not confining yourself to the usual standard of teenage writing(aka boring and non-challenging reads), your books really stand out to me.
'Junk' was one of the best books I have ever read (honestly). It was so powerful in both its subject and impact on the reader. But I have to say, 'Junk' doesnt even compare to 'Bloodtide' (well it does, but you know what I mean!). I would honestly say that 'Bloodtide' is the best book I have ever read; its taken over 'The Lord of the Rings' in my top 5 books, which was a pretty hard book to beat. The way 'Bloodtide' mixes futuristic ideas with the our modern concepts on humanity and the world, mixed with the age-old original stroy is breath taking. Im hoping to contrast and compare it with another book (maybe Bloodsong!!) for my A level coursework in September, for English Literature. Although I do hope that I dont over analyse it so that it becomes non enjoyable, but i doubt that would happen.
I recently watched 'Life As We Know It' on LivingTv, and I really enjoyed it. Im glad they did show more than they did in America, I was hooked!! I thought Kelly Osbourne was actually quite good in it, seeign as when i heard she would be Deb, i thought she would ruin the whole thing, but it worked out well in the end. I'm surprised that it didnt get enough viewers in America, I thought it was something they would really take to, a kind of light-hearted Dawsons Creek kind of thing.
Theres much more I could say, but i've just seen the length of the email, Im not surprised if you havnt got bored by now and deleted the email(but then why am i writing this??). Anyway, Im looking forward to 'Bloodsong' and dont ever stop writing,
Thanks for your time, Jess Tomkins
Hi Jess - Well thanks for writing and such a bice mail. It's always realy nice to hear from someone who like smy books - and I'm always pleased when people like Bloodtide, since that's my fave one of mine, too. Those old tales are just so strong, so bloody and strange and full of passion, I'm surprised they haven't been used more in the past. After Bloodsong, The Volsunga saga kind of treails off in my opinion, but there's lots of other stuff I want to do ...
You know, I didn't get to see all that much of life as we know it - they kept promising to send me the vid but they never have. I liked the bits I did see, and yes, I agree, Kelly O was really good - surprising. when I heard she'd got the part, like you I thought - oh heck. But I guess she's had some good acting lessions. It makes you wonder how much of her persona on the Osbournes is made up, too.
Thanks again for wriitng - good luck with your A's.
Best, Melvin Burgess.
Dear Melvin I am currently studying a degree in Professional Writing and one of my assignments this term is analysing speech and meaning in 2 fictional texts of my choice, with reference to issues of representation, ideology and the relationships between those texts and their audiences.
I have chosen your novel 'junk' (which I thoroughly enjoyed - though very sad in places), to compare with 'the railway children' because of the stark contrast in language used, and was hoping to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind. Firstly, did you decide to use the taboo language in order to give a sense of realism? There seems to be more of this language during the period when Gem and Tar are at the height of their addiction - was this purposeful in order to portray that social group and/or Gem and Tar's situation in a more shocking way, or was it again, for realism? I've searched the internet for reviews of 'junk' at its time of release, but can't find anything. I read on your website that there was some controversy surrounding it at the time. Did you receive negative comments about the language used? I read with interest your experience at Lowton High School, and agree with the point you raised about films for that age, and censorship.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from you soon.
yours Kerry Drewery
Hi Kerry - well, ths is interesting - I've just answered an email to someone who wants to discuss a crit of the book, in that there wasn't enough swearing in it. Of course, in real life, people would be swearing, far, far more than they were in Junk, which in that sense is toned down. You two should get in touch - can I send the other person - who's doing an MA - you emnail and details? You should at least discuss having such different views. She's doing her finals on Friday, you'd have to do it quickly ...
In answer to your quesition from my point of view - Junk does include taboo language in terms of children;s books, but in terms of social realism, it really doesn't. It was a case of striking a balance. I didn't want the book to be taboo just for language - the content was much more inmportat - but neither did I want it to be too sanitised ... Permission to put your email on my websiote, with my anszwser? Poeple find such stuff useful.
Thanks, melvin
Dear Mr Burgess, My name is Vanessa and I am a student English teacher from Lancashire. I had no idea that people could email you, otherwise I would have done this sooner.
I can't remember the first time I read Junk or how old I was at the time. What I do remember is becoming totally wrapped up in the characters and their decisions and lives. I thought the end was really good as it shows reality rather than a traditional happy ending which i suppose not a lot of people who become addicted to drugs get. The book really helped me to see that a lot of people are worse off than me so i should be grateful that I have a family that cares about me.
I don't know how many times I've read Junk but everytime I do I'm surprised at the emotions that your writing can bring. As a trainee teacher I like to recommend books for my class to read and although I know that some parents would not be appy about this, I like to encourage pupils to read your book as I think it can really help them to understand and empathise with others.
Thank you for writing this thought-provoking and emotional book.
Vanessa
Many thanks for your mail, Vanessa - it's nice to know that the book has lasted for you at least. hope you have luck giving it to kids to read in school. Most places seem to be OK with it these days, but you always get the odd one, don't you?
Can I have permission to put your email on my website? Thanks, Melvin
Here's a very weclome email from a reader in France - in two languages, too! really nice to get this one. ..
Hello!! My name is Eva, I am 14 years old and I live in France. Two years ago approximately, a friend made me discover one of your books since ("Junk"), I try to find them to read them all!
I find them really brilliant, and I never read a book which I prefer with yours! It is for that that my address e-mail, that I created just after having read "Junk", comprises two words which return some times in the book: ladybird and dandelion. As soon as I in finished one, I have envi to read again it immediately, but I arrange it with regret for later.
I like to also write, but I do not think of being able éditier no matter what is for the moment. I will enter (I hope!) in a school of art, I do not have yet a precise idea of a trade which I can exert, but I would like to be: writer, illustrator (or both!), or of the creative trades such as architect...
I would like to know if all your books were translated into French (I am only at the beginning of the appentissage of English me, and I do not think yet of being able to read an English book). I have just finished "Doing it" which I five days ago, I acquired liked it well! And excuse me please, if I made English faults! And if a sentence would be incomprehensible, I have to leave my French version.
So long! Eva Bonjour !!
Je m'appelle Eva, j'ai 14 ans et j'habite en France. Il y a deux ans environ, une amie m'a fait découvir un de vos livres ("Junk") depuis, j'essaye de les trouver pour les lire tous !
Je les trouves vraiment géniaux, et je n'ai jamais lu un livre que je préfčre aux vôtres ! C'est pour cela que mon adresse e-mail, que j'ai créée juste aprčs avoir lu "Junk", comporte deux mots qui reviennent quelques fois dans le livre : coccinelle et pissenlit. Dčs que j'en fini un, j'ai envi de le relire tout de suite, mais je le range ŕ regret pour plus tard.
J'aime bien écrire aussi, mais je ne pense pas pouvoir éditier quoi que se soit pour le moment. Je vais entrer (j'espčre !) dans une école d'art, je n'ai pas encore une idée précise d'un métier que je puisse exercer, mais j'aimerais bien ętre : écrivain, illustratrice (ou les deux !), ou encore des métiers créatifs tels qu'architecte... Je voudrais savoir si tous vos livres ont été traduits en français (je n'en suis qu'au début de l'appentissage de l'anglais moi, et je ne pense pas encore pouvoir lire un livre en anglais). Je viens de terminer "Doing it" que j'ai acquis il y a cinq jours, il m'a bien plu ! Ŕ bientôt ! Eva
Hello eve - Many thanks for writing to me - and in English as well - I'm impressed! Your english is far better than my French. Sometimes people write to me in French and I'm annoyed and frustrated with myself for not being able to read them.
I'm really pleased that you've got so much from my books - it's so nice that you used words from Junk in your email - I don't think anyone's done that before. Very nice! As far as I know, all my books have been translated into French, although I don't know which ones are still in print. If you gtet in touch with my puiblisher in France, I'm sure they'd be able to tell you. Good luck with your career - I'm sure you'll make a sucess of whatever you chose to do, and be creative in one way or another all your life. Many thanks for writing
Hi !! You to write already did me pleasure, but to receive your answer - so quickly - pleased still more to me! I thank you.
I will acknowledge you that I was made a little help to write in English, a friend who spent five years to England corrected me some sentences!
It is a pity for people who write to you in French, but they could can be to suspect that it is easier to you to read English; one can make translations on Language Tools .
I wanted to as to say you as the friends with who I advised your books - which were not large lectrices - are not disappointed their readings, and take now more pleasure to read a book! I do not know how to contact your publior in France. Thank you to think that I would succeed later, it is very nice! You can without problem put my e-mail on your site!
So long! Eva
So - not only clever but also enterprising, getting a friend to help her. I remember training as a journalist adn one of the first thing they told us was that there are two kinds of knowledge - the things you know and the things you know how to find out; and the second one is more useful.
Eve's language site looks a great resource -I tried it on her letter in French to me and it came out like actually very good. Here's my reply ..
Hi Eva - many thanks for the translaton site - that's fantastic. I did have some software to do that once, but it all came out as nonsence. Thanks for geting your freinds to read my books. And my publisher in France are Gallimard Jeunesse - http://www.gallimard-jeunesse.fr I just had a look - if you search for me it will bring the titles up, but I think that Lady, Junk and Une Idea fixe are the only one for young adults.
Thanks, Melvin
Hi, my names Rob and im 16 living in liverpool. I absolutely adore your books and think they are so inspirational and insightful. I first read junk at 13 having been refered by a friend and was just entranced by it. I read it in just over a day (only got 3 hours sleep) and then read it 3 more times straight after. I now read it at least twice a year as well as your other books. It also helped me understand what had been going through my friends mind when he died of a drugs overdose last year. My reason for writing this e-mail, however, was not primarily to praise you, although it has to be said you deserve it. I saw the adverts for life as we know it before it actually came on and was quite interested by it, but knew that i couldnt watch it as it is shown on nights that i am busy. I have only today been informed that it was the film version of doing it and was horrified to realise that id missed it. can you please tell me if it is going to be released on DVD or wether there will be a time when the whole series is re-shown on television as i am desperate to see it. Thankyou, Rob
Hi rob - Thanks for writing to me - all those compliments! I'm very flattered and pleased you got so much out of the books. Reading Junk twice a year - that's just great. You must have read it more than just about anyone. As for life as we know it - I've no idea if it';s coming out on DVD. It was an american series, they paid me a load of money and then just get on with it. I haven''t even seen it all myself - only the pilot - although they keep promicing to send me the lot on vid. I'll try to post it up on my website if I hear it gets repeated - but usually, they don't even tell me about that sort of thing. Hope you get a chance to see it. It's interesting - although so americanised, there wasn't a lot left of the book. Also, they got through almost the whole plot in the first episode, so what on earth they did after that, who knows?
Many thanks again, Melvin
Hellooooo Mr Burgess. I got this e-mail address from a site. This site was http://web.onetel.com/~melvinburgess/ (just act like you care please). Ignore my attempt at wit if you please. I havn't a clue if this e-mail address is infact your personal e-mail but anyway, where was I? Aaaah yes. Hello. My name is Nathan Roper and I'm a 15 year old from Burnley, Lancashire. I havn't got round to actually reading all your books but I have quite a few of them. I have read 'Junk' which I thought was a brillient peice of writing, possibly my favourate book which I've come across (that sentence doesn't seem to make sence, but it does in my head I assure you). I'm into the first few chapters of 'The Baby And Fly Pie' at the moment and I have to say it's really quite gripping. This is really quite strange, because I've never tried to contact a well-known, (famous, if you like) person like yourself, I'm not sure how to type to you, I'm being careful with spellings (it's probably not working) and my use of words because your some guy who's well known. I'm talking rubbish, sorry. You probably got bored at the end of reading the website thing but anywho, I'll carry on. I would really like to go and see the production of 'Junk' but London is such a long way away from Burnley. Would you happen to know if it'll be picked up by any chance and come to Manchester maybe? It really is a powerful book. I love it, I love the was you wrote it. In the different voices of the different characters. Genius. I also have your book 'Doing It'. I havn't read it yet but I watch the television series on Living Tv, Life As We Know It and I really enjoy that. It's so funny and I think quite afew people will relate to the characters. I'm looking forward to reading 'Doing It'. I better stop typing now, but I just wanted to say a big thank you. Thank you for your work. Your books. You truely do have talent, and on behalf of the rest of your readers I'd like to thank you for sharing that talent. You are a hero, my hero. Who's work has touch my and not many books do that. So yeah, thanks. Oh and if you would be so kind, I know your probably REALLY busy and all but if you would please reply to this e-mail if you would be so kind? Thank you...for everything Love from Nathan Roper (just a voice in the crowd)
Thanks Nathan - I did have a very easter - I was away in the Crimean - very lovely, had a ncie time. And yes, I'm on to my next book. Have a struggle with this one .. but I'll get there. Thanks again for writing - it realy doe shelp. O - and I forgot to ask you if I can post your message on my website? - Melvin
I wanted to email you personally and say how wonderful your work is. I have read Junk and Doing it and am just amazed at how much these stories affected me. They are gritty, embarrassing and real. I cringed all the way through Doing it and I was practically screaming at the book when i read Junk.
What is even more amazing is people do not change. So many adult writers are writing teens so well and that is because High school doesn't change and kids do not change. They keep making the same mistakes and I am glad there is a writer out there who can show people these mistakes and still keep it refreshing and funny. Your books are controversial but so what? If a book is truthful and written well teens will get the message. Your messages are the kind they should recieve.
Junk affected me. I personally have never involved myself in heavy drugs or running away from home but i have many friends who have. I have seen the downfall from drugs first hand and when i read your story i felt like i was watching my friends lose it all over again. Drugs are a reality and we need books out there that show them realistically. Great book. I can not say it enough!
What i really liked about Doing it was the fact that i could see inside the mind of Teenage boys, something that i knew nothing about in highschool. It is nice to see boys in a role that is not demeaning. Most of the time boys have been raised to not be emotional and not share their feelings. Being able to see what society wont let boys show is just great. We always talk about feminism and women oppression but what we have to realize is that boys are affected by it too. I can not wait for more of your wonderful insight into the next "controversial" thing you decide to tackle.
Thanks again! Katie Bricker
hi Katie - Thanks for a very thoughtful and insightful mail. You really got to the heart of Doing It. People are intereresting, you just don't always know what's going on in their heads.
I remember my time at that age really well. writing the book was a real experience for me - it reminded me of so much. Many thanks for your support.
Best, Melvin Burgess
Hey, My name is Christopher Enger and i am from Minnesota USA. i am writing you to tell you how much i loved reading Smack. I was propably the best book i have ever read because it wasnt like normal books it was real. like the way you described what Junk does to you and how it is stronger than you.
I also liked the way that we got to read the book threw all the characters eyes, that isnt something that yoe see very often. So thank you for writing such an addicting book and i plan on reding all your books. I was wondering why Smack, and Junk are the same book with 2 different names?
Sincerely, Chris Enger, age 13
Hi chris - Thanks for mailing me. Glad you liked the book so much. I guess it felt real becaue it really was based on real people.
In answer to your question, yes, Junk and Smack are the same bok - don;t make themistake of buying both! One is the US name, on is the UK name.
Thanks again, Melvin
Good day, Mr. Burgess! How are you doing? First of all I have to introduce myself. My name is Irmante n I’m from Kaunas. I hope, that you’ll remember me. Coz… I was that girl which asked you to draw something on “Junk”. And you drew me. Hehe. That was totally amazing! BIG thanks 4 that. That picture always makes me smiling. By the way… What those annoying publishers r thinking… I wanna to read “Billy Elliot” n there’s no sign in my country of that book. Neither in my language nor in English. I saw almost all articles about u in local newspapers n magazines. In one newspaper is written about me. I’m not kidding! They called me ‘a courageous girl who even inquired about writers tooth’. Here it goes- my 15min of fame (like Andy Warhol said). I was laughing out loud whole 2min. yeah, your visit was like battery of good mood. Whoshhh. But how u r staying such energetic when u see your readers n fans? What’s worse: two hours of super unreal hard physical work or two hours of signing autographs? :) oh oh, I luv my dog much more now. Just in case? um… Lady’s senses describing was amazing. I even put myself into a dog fur and then I thought: ‘shit, Irma. U r the richest girl that I ever met’. I have my clear mind n soul which always wanna to know sumthin n see sumthin. When u have no destination u can just write on your forehead ‘spirit corpse’ n watch argentinian series with a big pack of wipes in your hand. That’s why I need an adventure as soon as it possible. Being a corpse is unhealthy. Gosh. I think I have to say bubye now. Thank you for just being yourself, not a smelly corpse (yuck). I think I’ll write u later. Keep on writing and , of course, being a kind man. Have a super nice week:) (P.S. sorry for my mistakes in letter.my fault! P.P.S. your tooth gap rocks:)))
Best wishes- Irmante
Hi Irmante
Yes, I remnmeber you - how could I forget? You made me do that drawing and it was so awful, I was embaressed. But if you like it, that's great. So you got in the papers? Cool, really - they obviously know how to recognise a real live person. What you say about corpses is great, I can really understand that. Glad you liked Lady - it's not my most popular one, a lot of people prefer Junk and Doing It. Lady is a diferent kind of thing, you have to use your imagnaion a lot to get there. It's not everyone's thing, but it's nice to come across someone who took it on. Keep your soul clear!
Best, Melvin
Couple of comments here about the forthcoming Bloodsong cover - they couldn't be more different.
Thanks for the comments - I'm always interested ...
hi melvin! u probably dont remember but i wrote to you in november or thereabouts from berlin concerning a friend of mine whod died of a heroin overdose.
you wanted opinions of the bloodsong cover, and not to be too crude but i think its shit. who are the people that publish your books in white with (for example) a syringe for "junk", a roaring tiger for "tiger, tiger" and an eye for "bloodtide"? the great thing about these covers is that they are fascinating and eye-catching in themselves, they almost force the buyer to pick it up and read the back. there is something creepy about the eye on the front of "bloodtide", the person is obviously terrified by whetever their eye is seeing and that is communicated to the person who sees the picture immediately. your work is so good, the cover that sells it should do it justice and be at least as good. the cover on your homepage is uninteresting and would probably be overlooked on a bookshelf full of books all competing to get the customers' attentions. anyway, whatever cover you choose, im sure the book itself will be one hell of a read-AGAIN!
see you around
hugo mills
Thanks, Hugo - I'll pass it on.
Here's a very thoughtful email from a reader of Junk, soemone who's obviously thought about things quite a bit. I like her anti-materialist views on life. School was bad enough in my day, when they were hammering on to do well and get exams and get a job - it's twice as bad now. Like I said to Naomi, since you have to go to school, you might as well do it well if you can - but it's wise to remember that you can always have another go later on, and it's not the end of the world if you don't do well. Looking after your mind, educating yourself to get the most out of life, is about a lot more than exam skills, and more than ever these days, you sometimes have look to outside of school to find the kind of things you really want.
Hey - there's always books and music though. Betwen the two, they must have expressed every thought ther ever was ...
Thanks Naomi!
I don't know how I'm going to start this but here goes...
Melvin, My name is Naomi and I live in Oxford. I am 15 years old. I really enjoy reading. I love lots of books. But when I started to read Junk I realised it was a lot different to other books. Junk is a very special book to me. I'd like to thank you for writing such a real, truthful, beautiful piece of literature.
The reason I say truthful s because so many people have no idea what it’s like to be addicted to drugs. People who do drugs are labelled ‘junkies’, ‘stoners’, ‘crack heads’ and are treated like they’re not even human. But your book proves that they are people like everybody else. Sure drugs may take over their lives but they’re still people.
I hate the criticism Junk gets. The people who write that crap haven’t got a clue. They’re trapped in their own little worlds and think books for teenagers should be about heroes, bravery, good deeds and adventures. But none of that is real. They want escapism. You give realism. Junk shows what the real world is like; full of lies, deceit, addiction, prostitution. Don’t we, as ‘the future of this world’, have a right to know about these kinds of things? Is it right to bring up your child in a cosy, safe environment, trapped in their own little worlds? But then again, Gemma portrays a hint of bravery at the very end when she escapes. I think this proves there is some hope in this world.
Lily is my favourite character. Because I agree with her opinions on how materialistic and career-obsessed everyone is. I mean, I’m only 15 and my teachers are already drumming the fact that my decisions and results now will be vital for getting a good job and making money into my head. But if I do everything they say, I’ll just end up in the rat race, worrying about my current financial difficulties and hating my job, no matter how good the pay is. Like all the people Lily watches from her window.
And I also like Gemma, because I think I’m a bit like her. I want to fly. I want to do everything and be everything and go everywhere. I want to experience things and be independent. Sometimes I wish I could run away because the only thing stopping me from flying is staying here.
I love all your characters because they’re so real. That’s why I love your book. I think people like your book because they can relate to your characters. Lots of adults seem to forget what it’s like to be a teenager, but you seem to remember a lot.
Finally, I’d just like to say that you have inspired me to start writing my own stories. Maybe I’ll send some to you when I get started. If you’re interested that is. I’ll try to make them good. Sorry if you’re bored. I tend to go on a bit. And I say ‘people’ too much.
Thanks. Naomi Tarassenko
Hi Naomi,
Sorry for taking so long to reply - I was away when your email arrived and it got buried under the newer stuff. Very bad of me - I'm not very well organised, I'm afraid ...
Anyway, I feel bad because yours is a very thoughtful letter - I enjoyed reading it and how you related to the characters in Junk. Lily is great, I agree - a bit off her head, though - one of those types of people who are better to read about than they are in real life. She was a lesson in living life in one sense - she was ready to try anything and not afraid to drink life to the full - but in another she was hopeless and got herself into some awful messes that really did her in baddly. Gemma, well, yes, she wanted to fly ... maybe a bit too much in the end. But you know, she did fly. Pity she got into heroiun or she'd have flown further ...
Well, I remember my teachers pounding away at me about jobs and exams and all that. They never tell you that there's always another chance later on. I suppose the thing is, at your age, since you have to go to school you might as well get it over with. I have to admit I didn't, though. I got lousey exams, and then refused to get any sort of a career. It didn't do me any harm, but then I wanted to be a writer, and a career doesn't necessarily help with that, does it?
I'm really happy that you picked up on one of the most important parts of the book to me - people do tend to judge others by their labels - junkie, slut, murderer, or whatever. But they're all people, and all deserve to be judged and listened to as people.
So you want to write? Well, good luck with it - it's a great thing to do, very little else has given me so much pleasure in my life. Let me kniw how you get on .. And I didn't think you went on to much! Thanks for writing. And can I put your email on my website?
Melvin
Here's a great idea from Nate from Mitchigan. I just wish I knew where to buy that product ...
I think it would be great if you did a sequel for Doing It (Doing It Again) or something like that. It would be great to start with Dino and Ben arguing about the girl from the end of Doing It, and then have Dino end up with Jackie again. The way you put things in a wild purely unconcentrated realistic point of view in Doing It deserves to be highly credited with raving reviews and a mind blowing sequel. I really hope you do make a sequel as I think many other readers do, and I think you might want to spay some BITCH B' GONE on that Anne, seriously she needs a chill pill and she needs to quit taking bits and pieces of your work and making it sound like the most morrally wrong thing a person could write about.
Nate McCall age 13, of Lowell Michigan
Hi Nate - Wow, I need a big pack of that Bitch B Gone - where do you buy it from? Seriously, thanks for writing - I'm really pleased you like the book. As for a sequel, well, Yeah, I've been thinking about that. I think you're right, Dino and Jackie will get together again, maybe, or maybe he'll end up mucking up someone else - like that girl Ben fancied.
Thanks for writing. Can I put your email up on my website? Best, Melvin
Dear Melvin,
My name is Nick Mouton and I'm the Chair of a London based amateur fringe theatre company called KDC Theatre. I thought I'd email you because I'm currently directing Junk for our Spring season. The performance dates are 26 - 30 April (including a Saturday matinee) at The Courtyard theatre near Kings Cross.
I picked up the play Junk in Spitalfield Market about a year ago and I thought it was great so i read your book just so that I could get to know the characters a little bit better. I thought that it was a fantastic approach to drugs awareness - not patronising and very honest. We are currently rehearsing the play and the actors are loving it.
I've been doing a lot of character analysis and each actor is finding an incredible depth in their characters, particularly with the relationship between Richard and Vonny. Have they previously had a relationship or not? Do they keep in touch when Richard goes off on his travels? What happens to Jerry? We are looking into all of those questions and I'm encouraging the actors to come up with their own answers.
It would be a real honour for me and my cast if we could meet you the next time you're in London. We rehearse on Monday & Wednesday nights from 7-9pm near Warren Street and also on Sundays above a pub in South Kensington. Naturally we'll give you a comp if you want to come and see Junk when it's on. If you want to have a look at our website visit www.kdctheatre.com.
Best wishes and thanks for writing Junk. Nick
Well, that's interesting. The play of Junk was adapted by John Retallack, who did an suberb job of it with the Oxford Theate Company. I'll certainly be making an effort to go and see this one ..
Hello Melvin
i was reading all the emails that you have on your site! all those people seem pretty excited about your writing and i think im gonna join them! i was in my local library which i have joined to use up some of my time after college until i can get my bus home. i was looking through all the titles and i had read some of the books there and they had been a bit predictable and not really for my age range. there had been one book that had really interested me called Gingerbread. i cant remember the auothers name now but i was hooked. i could not put this book down. so i was on the hunt for something similar. this was when i saw JUNK but the library only had it on tape!!! i dont have a tape player that i can carry round with me all the time.
so i left it and a few weeks later this big book with a picture of a condom on the front turned up!! hahah! the cover cought my eye instantly and when i saw it was by you i had to check it out and OH MY! i was addicted. it took me about 2 and a half hours, maybe a little bit more, to read from front to back. it was so amazing. i could not believe some of the situations that you had put your characters in. i knew you were a 'controversial' writer as the press would like to put it and i had seen some of the TV version of JUNK, but reading DOIN IT i couldnt believe it!
the writing was so mature. i think it is a perfect read for my age group (im 17) cause i dont feel completly old enough for adult books but alot of the books in the sections for young adults are actually quite babyish. i think you have got writing for this age group down to a T! i am now going to bug my library to get a BOOK version on JUNK so that i can enjoy it cause i am dying to read it. they also have a copy of bloodtide that i am going to chek out and read on the train when i go to visit my boyfriend (who i am going to persuade to read DOIN IT because it is so rare for a book to be written from a boys perspective so i think he will like it, even though he is 20!)
so bloodtide, lady and JUNK are now on my TO READ list. and ill add DOIN IT on there too! hehe! i think that will be added to the very short list of books that i will read over and over again.
I have written so much more than i thought i would but all i really want to say is THANK YOU. you seem to understand that teenages want to read about things that will interest them and about subjects that they will go through in their life. even though DOIN IT was written from a male perspective i could completley understand their situation. i mean how scary is losing your virginity!? i know i was totally freaking out when i lost mine! haha! anyway i better stop writing otherwise your eyes will be sore! thanks again i am looking forward to bullying my library into getting more of your books in stock. love and respect Alice -- you cant beat the best ones XxX
Hi Alice,
well - Thanks for making up a new word for me! Much appreciated, that doesn't happen every day. I've never heard of Gingerbread. I lookeed it up on Amazon, couldn't find it - it must have been burried amongst hundreds of version of the Gingerbread Boy. But I got it on Amazon.com, the USA version of amazon. It's by Rachel Cohn. She doesn't seem to have attracted much attention over here, but the readers seem to really like that book - they all rave about it. She's written a few more, too - Shrimp, The Steps and Pop Princess. I'll have to get hold of some of them and have a look. Thanks for that!
So glad you liked Doing It. It was real fun to write, I can tell you. I asked all my freinds for their early knobby stories adn I got some beauties. I cold do another one - might do it, too, sometime. It was a bit of a jounrye of rediscovery for me too - I alway remembered that time of my life as being prety difficult, and so it was - but writing Doing It reminded me of al the lovely things too. Thanks for writing - it's realy nice to get emails like that. Can I have permission to post yours on my website, too?
Best wishes and thanks, Melvin
A very nice letter of thanks from Jane at the new Palatine library in Blackpool - lovely new building - where I did a talk a couple of weeks ago. Many thanks to everyone there for a warm welcome.
Melvin
Dear Melvin I would like to thank you for coming to Blackpool on Wednesday and helping to make our National Storytelling Week events a success.
I know that many of the children enjoyed your talk and were "buzzing "" when they were leaving the library. Also many of your books went out and from your last session especially we got some new members and this speaks volumes to me. You obviously hit a chord with them and to have young men joining because they want to read something is fantastic.
I enjoyed every session you did too and thank you for being so amenable when we ended up with a younger audience than we had anticipated! I remember all the fuss when "Junk" won the Carnegie and could never understand what the problem was as, to me, these are real life issues for young people and so often they feel alone in dealing with them. All I can say is "keep up the good work!"
I trust that you had a safe journey home and that your cat gave you a warm welcome when you returned! On behalf of Mark, myself and Blackpool libraries a very big thank you and I hope we can work together again in the future.
Best wishes Jane Brooks
Hi Melvin!!!
I am a girl and I'm writing to you from Lithuania.I am so delighted that you came to Vilnius. I would like to say that your books are very interesting and revealing. I have read "Junk" and "Doing it".And I'm reading "Lady.My life as bitch" these days.
I think the book "Doing it" is very good, because it is about things you wouldn't want to ask your mother or father. The book, "Lady..." is odd.In my opinion it was hard to imagine girl as a dog. But it is really interesting. So I will wait for your new books and I hope that you will come to Vilnius next year.Good luck!!!
Best wishes, Giedre(from Lithuania)
Hi Giedre,
Thanks for writing. I had a really good time in Lithuania - I put a little thing on my websiote about it. I don't think I've ever had such an enthusiastic welcome anywhere before.
You're right - Lady is an odd book. I enjoyed writing it because it was unusual. The point wasn't so much to imagine yourself as dog, as to imagine what it's like to look at being a person from the outside for a change. But I know it's not everyone's first choice.
Thanks for writing - if I get invited back to Vilnius, I'll certainly come if I can!
Melvin
Here's a monster email from a long-time correspondent and die-hard fan, David Stephen. I asked david if I could post one of his many emails to me on the site, and he responded by writing this. Many thanks, David, for taking the time to do this.
David is a writer himself and is responsible for introducing me to the new fiction press - a brilliant resource for practising young writers. It's a chance to get your own stuff read, and read other people's work.
You can read David's writing at http://www.fictionpress.com/~davidstephen
Hiya Melvin.
I decided that instead of you posting one of my older emails (well - lets face it - there must be millions to sift through to find the best one, and they are very very chatty!) - I decided to send one entirely about your writing. Consequently, it will be the best one suited for your website! Well where do I begin? Obviously, the first book of yours which I read was Junk. I loved the way you portrayed the life of the characters - the way they acted and went about things. They were very believeable and I really felt as though I got to know them, and I could relate to some extent to them (because of the same age groups etc). The story is fantastic and truthful - it has been in a dream - a reality that is still part of culture to this very day. The physical and mental terror and insight into addiction is both shocking and eye opening, both fascinating and upsetting. The book is a moving portrayal of real life problems which many can relate to - adults as well as children. Being there, reading the book, and watching the characters go through and experience such problems is really heart touching and upsetting. To live it with the protagonists, watch them overcome their addiction and sympathise with them. The way you wrote each chapter with a different protagonist - different eye sights and different interpretations of how people see such events - and the way each narrative weaves into the story and builds up a mind-blowing world which is expressed in truth, but different viewpoints within the book, is simply amazing.
I also love the variations in chapter lengths. Throughout the book there is both negative and positive events, and although the book ends on a sad and depressing note, there is still positive outlooks, '...you have to be positive before you can get anywhere...' . Once I started reading I was hooked and could not put the book down - it stuck to my fingers like glue, and when I had finished the novel, it left a huge gap. This is truly a remarkable and special piece of writing, not many authors would have been able to pull it off - you doing so shows your talents and strengths as a writer.
The next book I went on to read was Doing It. Again I loved the style - similar to that of Junk. Different characters telling the story in each chapter, and each of different lengths which added variation and flavour to the works. I love the way your writing captures real life events, and expresses it in a faultless voice. Both books Junk and Doing It deal with real life issues that many can relate to - and the way you can write whatever you want to is amazing. You do not care whether people will think it wrong or contradict you - you write what you want, and how you want. And if people do not like it - tough. The way you could write a book such as Doing It and not be dictated by anyone was brilliant - it is a really sensational book, which I feel will last forever and become a classic with Junk.
An Angel for May was also brilliant - though very different to Junk and Doing It. I loved the way that we actually saw May before we even knew we had met her, and then we meet her again. It hit me by the way you described 'Rosey' eating - moving her hand and not looking, as though it didn't belong to her, and then the similar way that May acted. It really was a sensational read, and I am so upset that I missed the television film of it. The book is very complex, we see Rosey, and she knows Tam, but Tam doesn't know her. And then Tam goes back into time and then meets her. I loved the way in which Tam really was an Angel for May, in the way that he went back in time [ie in a supernatural sense] but then he actually saved May from the poverty of not having a place to live or food to eat - he really did save her. Without him, well, I do not want to know what would have happened! An amazing book, and I loved the ending.
Loving April was again a strange book. I felt it was a mix of Junk or Doing It, and then An Angel for May. I loved the way in which both characters were separate, and then came together. Unfortunately I do not have a copy here with me (I read this one from the library) so I cannot say a lot on it. But I loved the way the characters bonded - both outcasts - and came together to form a relationship. I could really sympathise and feel for April - it was horrid the way she had to live. I liked the way they went out into the river etc. The ending was quite sad - (if I remember rightly) - Tony went to the bording school and they both parted ways. A very moving and touching book.
LADY was a very interesting book and I loved the way that you actually got into character as a dog! The way you described the senses etc was so vivid and mind opening! I really felt sorry for dogs, and after finishing, I was actually talking to my dog - thinking she was a human! Yes - it was a great book. I also thought Billy Elliot was a great and accurate portrayal of the film, though again, I borrowed that one from the library.
And finally - The Cry of the Wolf. Wow. This was an outstanding book! I hated that nasty Hunter, and really felt at one with the wolves! The idea was brilliant, and I was so happy that the Hunter finall got his comeuppance! Greycub was determined - and a strong character in the story! I think that you did both LADY and WOLF amazingly - I think that many writers, including myself, would not be able to write such stories, because it would fall apart - a risky thing to do to put animals as the main characters - but you pull it off spectacularly - and no one can criticise you for the excellent work!
What more can I say? I will read your books - I will read them all. I think the next I will read is Bloodtide - which sounds fantastic too. You are really one of my favourite, if not, my FAVOURITE, authors ever. You write with truth and honesty, your work is like a dream - you read it, and do not want to stop and wake up to the harsh reality that we have to exist in - I would prefer to read your books! Even though most deal with harsh events!
You've wrote an amazing collection of books, which I am sure every author would be proud of. Well done! And I cannot wait to read more of your books in the future. I can only hope to be as good a writer as you are!
Thank you so much for everything! And all the hours I spent enjoying myself with my head in one of your books,
David
Many thanks, David. It's ncie to get an email from someone who's read practically everything I ever wrote! And keep on writing ...
Melvin
Well
Hello, I am writing as a project worker on a youth training scheme for challenged teenagers. During the scheme, I run a drama group once a week, where we work on self-development and confidence. For my degree I was sat in bed reading your play "Junk", where I decided to use the monologue by Tar as a piece of my contemporary research and performance. It was then that I thought it would be excellent for the kids on my group to have a go at doing the play as a project. When we presented it to them, they were transfixed and really enjoyed the characterisation and style of writing, for this I would like to thank you for giving us something for them to do. However reading it is not enough for children with concentration problems, I was wondering if there were any curriculum resources to accompany this text and if so where can I get hold of theme. Your book and Play were fantastic, and an asset to children's literature. I believe the teacher that asked you to leave that school was very unjustified! It is an excellent resources and I am looking forward to reading more. Thank you very much.
Joseph Ford
Hi Joseph Thanks for writing. Great to hear you're putting the play on. It was done originaly by John retallack and it's just about the best thing that's been done based on my work so far, I'd say. He did a great version, loads of music, really good, and from what I've heard kids get a lot out of doing it.
Ah, yes, Lowton High. They still haven't paid me. Amazing really. Maybe I'll have to take them to the small claims court, just for the fun of it ..
Thanks for your support! - Melvin
Here's one from Nicky, who already wrote. I thought this might be interesting for anyone watching "life as we know it" on tv
Hiya,
Last night i watched life as you know it on Livingtv and i thought it was really good. I can see myself getting hooked on it. Its not completely the same as the book but the changes they have made i guess is necessary for TV. I was really suprised at how well they cast the characters the guy that plays Jonathan is really really funny and good and just gets it sooo right. I was really suprised at how good Kelly Osbourne was, i thought she was gonna be pretty shit but i actually felt sorry for her when she was saying that she knows what people say about her....
Yeah so i just wanted to give you my verdict on the show...i hope they show the whole series over here, i dont understand why they stopped over in the US it seems really good.
As i've said before i love Doing It, but i really don't get the ending, its kinda like an anti-climax of some sort...or maybe your trying to show that not everything ends happy? As in Ben doesnt get his girl...
Do you ever scrap things in your books because you think its too graphic or distrubing? Cos i was just reading the baby and the fly pie again and my god the ending is horrific, i mean its great but my god was it necessary? I mean did you feel like it was necessary or was it just for the shock factor? From Nicky
P.S. Cant wait for Bloodtide 2 WOOHOO!!!
HI Nicki,
Glad you liked the Tv show, although it had nopthing to do with me at all, realy - they use the book as a start off point, I think. Seemed to me they just about ate the whole plot in the first episode - I'll be curious to see what happens laster on.
As for the end of the book - well, you know, not everyone gets the girl every time. I guess Ben will have to wait for next time and another girl. It just seemed typical that Dino should jump in too quick like he did without a clue what he was doing wrong, and poor old Ben gets left behind. But he'll be ok. I just didn't want to finish it off with the happy ending thing, where everyone is entirely sorted and happy. Life isn't always like that, is it?
Thanks, Melvin
For those interested, "life as we know it" isd on Living TV,and Sundays at 8pm.
Hi There Melvin,
I have always enjoyed a good read, but when I read 'Junk', I was absolutely blown away. I was so utterly addicted to the fascinating story that I was reading it even on the way to school, and ever since, I've preached about your work to most of my friends! I particularly liked how you wrote with each character's perspective, as it's interesting to have the story told by such different personalities.
Now, me and a group of friends are hoping to be doing a play of the book. The organiser of the local drama group did not want to do it because it is apparently "too controversial", so we have decided to organise the production ourselves! I really hope it goes ahead, as acting the story out would be just fantastic.
You have also inspired me to become a writer. A month or so ago, I decided to start writing a book, about a young band that gets exposed to the world of sex and drugs when they become famous. Now I'm up to chapter 7, only another 14 to go! At 15, I'm not expecting to get published (although I wouldn't say no!), but hopefully if I start early, when I'm older I might just have my wish. I know you're a busy man, so I wont post anything from the book lol.
Anyway, thank you for inspiring with your original, kick-ass writing. Keep them books rolling!
Maxine
Hi Maxine -
Thanks for your thoughts about Junk. So, wow, doing your own production of it - that's something. Sounds like a lot of work - you must be very committed. And writing a novel at the same time! These things take a lot of work, I think it's amazing that you're doing them - although how you find time for doing both those things and school is beyond me. I was never really able to do more than one thing at a time, except I usedto write int he evenings when I was at school, a bit.
Pity about your drama organiser - Junk isn't so controversial in most people's eyes - it's just a few uptight old Neddys get themselves in a knot about it, most people know well enough the kind of workl teenagers live in - in terms of media as well as real life. But there you go - some people just want to play safe. I don't get it, what are you going to get froma nice safe play?
Well, good luck with it, and good luck with your novel, too. Send me a chapter - I'll have a look, although please don't expect me to be too quick. And keep writing! Yours, Melvin
Hi Melvin!
I just wanted to say how great your books are, i have read most of them and i have to say Bloodtide and Doing it are my favourites. I'm a 15 year old girl and i know so many boys like Dino it is just great how you can write them perfectly. It really annoyed me when i read Anne Fine's article she is a shit writer...I mean who wants to read about people making stupid flour babies? the only book of hers i've ever thought was good was Tulip Touch and i read it again the other day and it was crap. Ok i have finished my Anne Fine bashing... but see that's the great thing about your books i read Bloodtide ages ago but i read it again last week and it is still great! Even though i had to skip the pig part because it makes me feel really sick. But its great though, man i really love that book...
Some of your books have more recognition around the world than others does that annoy you? I mean Junk was fantastic and from reading the emails on you webpage it seems that a lot of people can relate to it but I just think Bloodtide is fantastic and better than Junk!
Doing it was great and i loved the whole Ben storyline with his teacher, really great stuff, although i didnt get the ending. I felt very scared when i was taking Doing it out from the library, i could tell the librarian was giving me a disapproving look, (especially with the condom packet on the front...that was great too altough it took me ages to see what it was but then thats just me being thick) she doesnt like me anymore but ah well what you gonna do.
Anyway i think you are an excellent writer and your books are just so truthful and funny. ALong with Malorie Blackman and David Almond you are my favourite author in the WORLD! dont ever stop writing.
From a trully obsessed fan Nicky,
P.S. when is Bloodtide 2 coming out?
Hi Nicky, Well, really nice to hear from someone who likes Doing It and Bloodtide better than Junk. You're right, I get most of my emails about that one. I personally think Bloodtide is the best one, but I know people in general prefer the realist stuff - I suppose it connects with their lives so much more.
I had real fun doing the research for Doing It - askign everyone I knew for their early knobby stories - everyone has one. I got some great results! But it was very hard to write. I think I may do another one sometime though - there's so many stories I haven't used! I've just been putting the finishing touches to Bloodtide 2, and it'll be out in September. It's to be called Bloodsong, they wouldn't let me call it Bloodtide 2, although I wanted to because I took a lot of imagery from the movies.
Thanks for your support. Actually, I don't think Anne's books are bad, although they are for younger readers. She just needs to shed her cast iron knickers and not be so judgmental. I think it says volumes that she's had so much to do with teenagers all these years and hasn't cottoned on what's going on in their minds - shows what thoughtful people they are. Just becaue you find smut funny doesn't mean to say you can't be nice as well.
Permission to post your email on the website? Many thanks for writing - Melvin
Dear Melvin
Currently myself and my producer are putting together a treatment of Junk for approval from Warwick University Drama collective to be performed this May.
Having loved the book, being 13 when I first read it and seeing three productions of it I can safely say 'I like it'. In fact I love it. I find it one of the most honest pieces of fiction around and the play is no different. I can only hope we can do it justice.
If we do get to perform it, it would be amazing if you could attend. Of course that is a huge 'ask' but I would kick myself if I didn't say it!
It has been a huge inspiration reading other peoples positive feedback about the book, we are hoping if it gets approved to achieve the same reaction. If you have any thoughts at all or reccomendations for us, we would greatly appreciate them! Best wishes and congratulations on an amazing piece of writing.
Alice Cadwgan
Hi Alice - Thanks for writing to me. Sounds great - it's always very falttering when people want to do soemthing like that. As to coming to see it, well, I'd love to, but you are a way off. Still, it might be possible. When is it on?
Glad you liked the reader's stuff on the website - it's been great putting stuff up, I've been meaning to do it for ages. That book really inspires a lot of people, I'm very proud of it for that reason. To be fair, I think the fact that it was based on real people and their lives that makes it work as well as it does.
I don't know what I can say to help - but if you have any quesstions please get in touch and I'll be happy to do my best. Permission to put your email on the website?
Thanks, Melvin
Mr. Burgess, I absolutely adored DOING IT! I'm a published middle-grade novelist in the U.S. who heard about the book from my Yahoo.com listserve consisting of other published novelists. They said they hated a certain book because it was too graphic blah blah blah, and I thought to myself, 'Well, I must read this!' I ordered it from Amazon.com that day.
Well, I fell in love with Dino, Ben, and Jonathon. I don't see how anyone couldn't! I thought your book was incredibly tender, sweet, and touching. I loved those horny boys and completely felt for them as they navigated their way sexually in the world - often alone, scared, helpless, and confused. And I loved the supportive friendship they had for each other too.
I'm sorry your book has sparked such horrible, stupid reactions. I was subjected to the same stupidity when I posted my glowing review on my Yahoo.com listserve. You would not believe the level of rage, hatred, and disgust that got slapped in my face! It's as if those women simply don't want to believe that boys think about sex! What on earth is their problem? Have they ever heard of hormones? Biology? Reality?
Well, screw them (pun intended). I think DOING IT is warm, needed, and beautifully done, and I applaud you for your bravery, heart, and brilliance. And you may certainly use my email in any form you deem necessary. All the best, Robin.
(See Robin's website at www.robinfriedman.com)
Hi Robin - well, what a nice email. Very much appreciated, I promise you. I'm particularly pleased because you've picked up on the very thing I felt about those boys .. OK, so they have a gross sense of humour and are just gagging to get as much sex as they can - but they don't mean anyone any harm and would be just appauled to think they were using their girlfriends. You know, that's supposed to be a period of your life when you're confused and upset a lot of the time, and I was like that too, but writing it was great because it put me touch with what it was like again - all the lovely horney bits, sure, but also it made me realise I wasn't anything like so ugly and ungainly as I thought I was. Like you say, it's a shame people insist on seeing boys like that as being horrible - I'm sure all that anger, rage and disgust that was slapped in your face was because that's how they feel about those boys. It's like as soon as the sex come sup, those people can;t see anyting else. I hope my book makes boys like Dino, Ben and Jonathon amkes them feel that they're not actually horrible at all.
I rarely hear very much about the peope who think what I write is disgusting - sometimes I wonder where they are and what they're like, since they never they never write to me. I don;t really understand all that disgust, but I got more than my fair share of it over here. It was like having this huge, monster headmistress standing over me, staring at the front of my pants and hissing, "You dirty little boy!" Well, I think it's people like that who are the bullies ...
Melvin
Hello. My name is Claire, i'm 17 and i admit that i've never really read a book that has motivated me to read another book in my life before reading three of your books. I'm writting a dissertation on your books for A-level english, i know it's shocking that i'm doing A-level english and i'm not into reading, but after reading Doing it, Junk, and Lady: my life as a bitch, i never realised how brilliant it is! I never believed adults when i was younger when they said reading can let you escape into your own world of imagination, i thought they were just humouring me. I was wrong. So, while doing research on the books on the internet i kept seeing all the 'fuss' people made, all the press readings and school threatening to sue you and what not, and i felt the need to email to tell you that you're brilliant. The world needs more open mindedness like yours, and if your books are that open minded then it makes me want to see what other kind of open mindedness i can find in the world of books. The audience you're aiming at shouldn't be sheltered by these things anyway, you live you learn. Anyway i could go on for ages but i wanted this little note to be short so...Go you! Well done!
Hi Claire, Well, thanks so much for that - really nice to find a mail like yours in my mailbox! I guess a lot of people do English without liking reading. My wife's a teacher and it drives her mad, but I guess that since school's more about more about getting exams than anything else, she shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, I'm really glad that you enjoyed my books, and I hope it makes doing the A level better than it would have been otherwise. It's true, people often write books because they want to tell people what they think, rather than say it how it is - which is a shame, because books can go places you wouldn't expect if you let them. I always try and write mine thinking that I'll know a lot better about what I'm writing about when I've finished than when I started. And, well, it doesn;t always work, but sometimes it does. Thanks once again. Can I have your persmission to post your email on my website? Best, Melvin
Hello, Mr Burgess, My seven-year-old daughter Juliette and I have just been reading Burning Issy together (in French) and we loved it. We would like to ask you a few questions though, for there are a few things we didn’t understand quite well.
- What happens to Jennet in the end ? Is she going to be hanged like the rest of her family ?
- When Iohan was tortured for the first time ten years before, we take it she gave away her sister’s name. Are we right in that ?
- Were there real occurrences of these pagan celebrations around a Pan-like god or did you just invent this cult for the novel ?
Thank you very much anyway for giving us the pleasure of reading this book. It’s always a good sign when you can’t make up your mind to close it for good, and it doesn’t happen often enough with children’s books.
Juliette and Christine
Thanks for writing - I don't get many about Burning Issy. I wrote that one a long time ago now.
In answer to your questions - Jennet went off to join some people like her in east Anglia. I neer got around to working out what happened to her. When the book ends, that's as far as it goes! There were witches in that part of the country. There were witch hunts too. I hope she got away.
Yes, Iohan gave away her sister's name. As for what the witches realy were, we justs don't know. Some of them were beggers, trying to scare people into being a little looser with their money, some weren;t anything of the kind but came under suspition. But there is some evidence that some poele worshioped theold fertility gods and goddesses. We have images of the Green Man, old fertility rituals that still survive in some parts. The stories the witches told were remarkably similiar all over the country, despite their being no radio or tv and no press - most of them couldn't read or wrtei anyway. They were largely poor people, and they've left no records. But I like to think so ...
I've been posting emails from readers on my website. Could I have your persmission to do the same with yours?
Thanks once again, Melvin Burgess
Melvin; I'm not actually emailing to name and shame my school even though I should because it's as boring as hell - maybe that's just all school? Anywho, I just thought I'd say that I found your book JUNK very insightful and interesting. I am 16 and as you have said, children respond better to most things by being told the truth about things and not lies. Yeah drugs are enjoyable, and most kids will experiment. Probably half the time because they've been told not to. The fact that so many people having a problem with you actually standing up and saying this is even offensive to your readers. People aren't going to put your book down and go ''right - I'm off to buy some smack'' but they'll have gone on an adventure already and be exhilirated from that, and not need. to.
So just keep on laughing at their ignorance - your readers are happy and that's who you need to please. Apart from that you are also teaching us better than any school or other adult so far - by telling the truth. I thank you. Zoe .
Thanks Zoe. Glad to find someone offended on my behalf - makes a nice change.
Melvin
Dear Mr. Burgess, I´ve red your book Junk/Smack and I´ve to tell you I think it´s really good. Please don.t understang me wrong but there is something negativ about the book. I think it doesnt show the distruction wich is made by drugs, aspeccialli Heroin. Of corse it shows that drugs arent good to you and destroy your live but in the end of the book almost everything is alright. So I wanted to ask you if the book is a bit like a autobioghraphie?
Please excuse my very bad english, I´m from germany. Thak you for your help. Looking forward to your answer yours Cosima :-D
Thanks Cosima. If my German was as good as your English, I'd be very proud. Vielen dank! Here's my reply, for anyone interested.
HI cosma,
Thanks for writing to me. You make an interesting critisism that the book doesn;t show the destruction of heroin. well, it shows what happend to some people I knew. The book is not an autobiography, it is based on those five people. It's not all real, in the sense it is ficiotn, but it based on thigns that happened to them. Certainly it> took over their lives for years. > Best wishes, Melvin Burgess
Here's one from an American reader finding herself writing YA fiction and not sure what it means. She's not alone! I'm not sure for one. Every time I write something I wonder if the publisher's aren;t going to tell me it's not the thing.
For anyone else interested, Here's Dionne's letter and my reply.
Dear Mr. Burgess, I, like so many 30 year old women, sat down almost a year ago and began to write what I thought was your typical, sex and cursing, adult novel. But then a good friend, Holly Black who has written two YA novels "Tithe and Valiant" as well who writes the mid-grade Spiderwick series, recently informed me that I had gotten a hold of the bad crack and that in fact I was writing a YA novel. Go me?!
I am not writing to you to 'get connections' or even a critique of my work, but I have a much more direct question I was hoping you'd be able to answer. I just read "Doing it" on her recommendation, and I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I have to say it crossed lines that I didn't think that you could in YA fiction. This, of course, was a delightful surprise. Holly writes fantasy, so I wanted inquire of someone who wrote more along the genre I'm leaning towards.
Hi Dionne,Is there a line? I know it's getting more and more blurred, but I'm wondering exactly what the unwritten rules of writing YA novels are, as I'm at a loss. Do you keep certain things in mind when you approach a scene that has the potential to become 'graphic'?
I'm humbly sending this email because clearly you've managed to move the genre forward, and while you are controversial (and I don't see this as a bad thing) you are also fairly accomplished at holding a young audience's attention. Yours Truly, Dionne Williford Lowly American First-Timer.
well, the line is getting more and more blurred. Of course a lot of peple when they are in the their teens have quite a big appietite for what you call graphic in their sense of humour, their reading material and so on, so you;d expect novels to represent that. I suppose the thing is, young people have watched and read what they like for a long time, and adults have put up with it so long as they don't have to condone it themselves, which is why there has been such a gap between what people are really like and what they are supposed to be like. I'd say the only thing you can't do in a YA book is write about things yougn peole are going to be uninterested in. I wouldn't boither writing about being a grandad, for instance, or going through your second divorce. But sex? Hell, yes.
Good luck with your own writing, Melvin Burgess
hey melvin,
what can i say? I just LOVE 'smack'. It was one of the greatest books i've ever wrote i didn't put it down unless i had to. and then i researched the songs and got them and they're good songs, specially 'ever fallen in love with someone', i love that song now. and it also really makes me feel the atmosphere there was inside the book. I'm looking forward to reading 'doing it' seems like another great book. thank you very much for writing such a great book
-Mirko
Thanks for that, Mirko - hope you liked Doing It just as much. Here's my reply and another one from Mirko below.
Hi Mirko, Can't think of anything like Smack. Have you read Trainsotting by Irvine Welsh? That's a good one, although the scottish dialect is hard to get your head round - but once you have it's a fantastic book. Thanks for persmision to post your mail. Good luck! Melvin
Dear Melvin, I will surely take a look at that book after I finish reading the one I'm about to start reading today and your new book 'Doing it'. Also, I just can't stop thinking about 'Smack', I have realized it's my favorite book and I just wish the book had been endless. And I even met this girl and she reminds me of Gemma. Do you plan on writing something similar like 'Smack' again? Or perhaps a longer version? I dont know I just want to read more on that story. You know what, your book IS SMACK, since I started reading it I could not put it down. 'Smack' is actually smack. I hope you understand what I meant. -Mirko
Thanks Mirko
Hi Melvin, I frankly have no words to describe your book. It SO, reminded me of things that I've gone through and going through right now. Really, i mean i can understand why adults probably say that it's content is too sexual or etc, but that's pretty much how life for people my age can go. I BEG YOU!!!! WRITE MORE BOOKS LIKE 'SMACK' AND 'DOING IT', geez man you truly are a genius. I read the book in about 3 days since I had a lot of things to do, but whenever I had the chance to read it, i did not put it down. One of those days I skipped school to keep reading it because i read for hours at night, really I'm not joking. I am addicted to your work, once I find that other book, i believe it's called 'life's a bitch' something like that, I will read that also. You know it would be great if they made a movie about 'smack' or 'doing it', it would really portray how life on heroin is ('smack') and how teenagers go through such drastic things, specially the ones related to sex. I've come to realize that many adults, just don't want to accept how a teenager's life can be, they think it's too shocking and they prefer not to talk about it and keep on living on their adult fantasy world pretending teenagers play with toys. I'm very sorry for always wasting your time but I truly love your work. -Mirko
And another one! Mirko is getting to be a regular on this page.
Mirko - Wow, you really liked that one then! Thanks so much. I get a lot more mails about Smack than about Doing It so it's just great to get a response like yours.
It's true, a lot of adults have a weirdly hypocritical view of teenagers. They must know what goes on, but they just don't want to know. I don't know when I'm getting back to books like Smack and Doing It. I like to write a variety of different kinds of books, but I will pretty soon.
And no, you're not wasting my time - I really do appreciate it.
Thanks again, Melvin.
Hi! I am addicted to the book doing it and now my mates are all interested in it as well. 'Junk's front cover always interests me but i seem to put it down but now i'll be reading it, i heard about 'doing it' from readers on blind date's when they have to say their fave book and this seems to be mentioned all the time, so i read i am currently reading it, i am at the part where Ben wants to break it up with Miss. anyway, thank you for making books that we are actually interested in and some scorn at the title, but i think it is an education!!! i like the way it is set out as well, it reminds me of my fave book 'Summer sisters'. bye xxx p.s me name is Leyla
Thanks Leyla - it's nice to know someones out there doing some marketing for me!
Hi Melvin.. I'm fifteen years old and I live in Amsterdam. I'm emailing you because I just finished your book, Junk, and I loved it. I'm pretty sure you won't read this email anyway, or you'll think it's spam or you get so many fan-mails that you'll never even open it. Or maybe you have a secretary to read and despose of it for you. Or maybe this isn't even your correct adress. However, I felt like writing you an email for the slight chance that you might read it, so that I could let you know how I related to your words.
As I said, I live in Amsterdam. 'The drug capital of Europe', as you present it in your book. As far as drugs in my life, my friends and I have taken shrooms. I've done it about six times. other than that I smoke about two grams of weed and hash per day. More if there's party's, or we happen to have a lot of money. Less if I'm home all day and both of my parents are home. I've never done anything stronger like LSD or heroin, but you never know.. I could easily see myself doing it, just out of couriosity. I'm not really severely addicted to anything. The worst would probably be to stop smoking cigarettes, because without joints I'd always have booze.
I live at home with my mom and my dad. I have a sister but she moved to New York when she was fourteen, and I was seven. I still see her on vacations, though.
I just wrote about 100 words about my parents, and then deleted it. First of all I don't want to bore you with all that, I'm boring you enough already talking about myself so much. And when I read what I'd written, it sounded like a cry for help, and I'ts not that bad. It's a lot less worse than Tar of Gemma had it at home.
I've thought about running away so often, I already did it a few times but I always ended up going back, just for the sake of my books and my music, my friends and electricity and warmth. I have times that I stay at a friends house just to get away, but I could never stay there forever, they have parents too.
Anyway I'm sorry I'm babbling, what I wanted to say was, when I read your book I wanted to leave home and go and live with Gemma, Tar, Lily, Sally and Rob. I have a good friend, his name is ... He is an anarchist and squats. But he lives at home, he just does it in protest. Even though I'd love to, I'm too shy to go to a squaters-gathering. I'm just a little blonde girl and these guys are all punkers with piercings and leather outfits. I want a piercing. In my lip. But my parents would kill me. I mean, they get mad when I draw fake tattoo's.
My dream is to run away from home and live with my friends and chill-out all day smoking and talking, taking drugs.. I'd love it! I wouldn't mind working six hours a day to make enough money for all our needs. I wouldn't work as a prostitue though, never. I can't emagine how Lily and Gemma could do it. Especially when Lily got pregnant, and the father could be any one of those greasy-hand desperate assholes. I could never ever ever sell my body like that. Just purely beacuse of these disgusting guys all over you... NEVER!!! I was shocked when I read that Skolly paid for sex. When I'd thought of him as such a respectable man. I hated it that Gemma and Lily sold themselves, but I can understand it. They needed it. I would rather shoot myself in the head than become a whore, but I understand it, because everyone is different.
What I want to do is be a social worker, who writes (either teen novels or movies or columns) on the side. I want to help kids who need food and homes, or who get banged up by there parents and want to be free. Or I could be a lawyer and help junkiekids out of jail. I know I sound naive talking about these things, but that's because I have no idea what I want to do for a living. That pisses me off too, because I want to know. I'm gonna have to start writing again. I wrote for a magazine but I got fired for not showing up at the meetings. And I could never write personal opinions about things which was fucking crappy. I'm babbling again.
I actually don't really know why I'm mailing you. To get a reply, I guess, allthough I wouldn't know what you would say.
Bottom line is I loved you're book, I want to leave home but I'm too chicken, and I wish I knew Gemma and Tar. And I'm very curious to what kind of person you are. I know you have a family now, but when you where young.. did you ever done heroin??? Where you squatting when you lived in Bristol? Is this secretly you're life story? Are you Tar? Or is it totally made up with some ocassional real people in it, like Richard?
Oh yeah, and who is Gilly? Thank you for reading it if you did, and just reply to let me know you read it :-)
And if this email gets thrown out, too bad... I just wish my life could be worth reading, I guess. -- -
That's a really thoughtful email from this anonymus reader, who lives a different sort of life from most of the people who write to me. Real.ly nice for me to get this sort of thing - thanks. In answer to those questions - no, I never did heroin, I managed to avoid that. My brother had a problem with it, though and so did several people I knew. So the book's not autobiographical. But the people are real enough. And Gilly - well, she's a very close friend of mine.
Hi, my name is Cassi and I have read your book Smack a thousand times over. I am 18 years old and live in the U.S. My mom bought me that book about three years ago. She died last year and I had never read it. I had been a heroin addict for about four years and lost everything and everyone I had, so I moved out to California, and that was about the only book aside from a bible I had with me. I should have read the book sooner...hah, could've saved me some trouble eh? Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for writing this book. The times and places are different, but the description of heroin is always the same...Magical. I have been sober for 7 months now and I read Smack all the time, just to remind myself why I stopped. Thanks so much. Cassi Bersch
Thanks to Cassi for that one. It's always a privilege to hear form someone who's been through heroin addiction and come out the other side - congratulations to Cassi for doing so well, she's an inspiration to anyone else who has the same problems. It can be done, Cassi is living proof! Just for the record, I'd like to put her response to my reply down - she describes the state of mind of being a junkie so well. - Melvin
Melvin, Hey thanks for responding, and for the kind words. I don't feel the same way I used to, but have found things that do my soul better than drugs. Feel free to post any emails from me, no problem. I figured you must have had some personal connection with the book if you were never a junkie yourself because it is written very truthfully. There aren't a lot of books like that...heroin is rather hard to describe. I have trouble describing it myself because I haven't found anything that compares to it...and I am not sure I ever will for that matter. Being a junkie throws you into a harsh and hard reality...not like everyday life. It wasn't that I was stupid, or nieve. I knew the risks and the dangers, I just got to a point in my life where I didn't care and I don't think there is anything more dangerous. So sorry to hear that your brother struggled with it. It seems to find a way to affect all who are involved. I hope things are better with them all now, i'd love to hear about it if you ever have the time. Have a good evening.
Cassi
And you Cassi - thanks so much. Melvin
hiya my names carly and i'm a huge fan of Junk! You are right the older teens do need more books that deal with more harder hitting issues like drugs, sex and whats going on around us. i have read junk so many times and feel so inspired by it.
I go to The BRIT School of Performing Arts in croydon (south London) and I have been asked to direct a play that i really enjoy and connect to I've decided to do junk. The problem being, I can't find the script by Peter Milligan however much i try. Please may you (or anyone!) email me back and tell me where i can get it from, have tried search engines and book search websites. thankyou so much for your time and please, please carry on making amazing books for us and maybe in time the people that object to the book will see that this subject matter can't be taboo forever and accept these thing happen everyday and see that everyone has the free wil to read whatever book they wish to, they don't have to read it if they don't want to! carly xl
Thanks Carly. Lovely to hear from someone who's been inspired by Junk. The play script, in case anone else is interested, was written by Johnm Retallack, not Peter Milligan. John did a fabulous production of Junk - the best adaptation of any of my stuff I've seen so far. The script is published by Methuen and can be tracked down on amazon by doing a search on John's name.
Wow. Can't actually believe I'm e-mailing you by the way! It's bizarre! What's more weird is that I'm not entirely sure what to say...and trust me, if you knew me you'd know that's a world first!
But anyway...your books! I can't put into words how great I think they are, or even begin to tell you how much they've influenced me. You have this extraordinary way of writing, it's so direct! And you know that quote they always put on the back of your books about a newspaper reveiw, the one about you haveing "exceptional powers of insight"? So true.
Reading back on what I've just written makes me seem like a pathetic, weird fan, but in all seriousness I really admire the way you write. I just read that review that Anne Fine wrote about "Doing It", and she obviously didn't read between the lines. Notice how she missed out all the parts where you show the boys to be sensitive and caring? How convenient of her...
It's a shame, though. She obviously doesn't understand our generation. Yes, the way Dino & Co talk about girls is degrading, but that is what makes the book real! Is she really that out of touch that she believes boys sit around discussing politics all the time? On reading her review you would think so. She sees aspects that make the book outstanding as its downfall. She's probably just jealous!
Sorry if I sound totally out of line for saying all this stuff, but really - Doing It and Junk are quite possibly the best books I've ever read. Not once did my concentration waver - heck, it was quite the opposite! I was glued to them! And I know I keep harping on about your powers of perception and insight, but I find them incredible. Dino...is my boyfriend. Really. The lads you created in your book are the lads I kick it with at the weekend. And despite all their faults, they're nice guys. All this talk of oral sex and porn is, for the most part, talk. The way you showed Dino to be scared to be seen as being weak is at the heart of many teenage boys' personalities. At our age, a boy can be a raging Y chromosome in front of his mates, but it doesn't stop him appearing at your window at one in the morning, brandishing a rose and a cheeky drunk grin (yes, that really did happen!). So although Anne and others may not like the way you perceive teenagers, I and other people my age who read the book were gobsmacked at the way you captured every emotion we struggle with and struggle to understand. You wrote the book about us for our benefit, and I for one am really grateful for that. Thanks, Marjie x
Oh!! before I forget...was Junk ever made into a TV series? Would love to get me hands on a copy of it if it was! Can I buy it off the internet? Unfortunately I don't think it's sold in shops...least that I've seen...it's bloody annoying. I'd be eternally in your debt if you knew where I could purchase a tape of it. Thanks again!
Thanks for a great email, Marjie. For you and others who've askle dme about Junk to TV adaptation, it was done for BB education and then sunk without a trace as far as I can make out. It gets an airing from time to time. It was interesting - but not all that god, I felt. As far as I know, the BBC has never put it on sale on vid or dvd. - Melvin.
And here's another one from Marjie ...
You shouldn't be thanking me for anyfink, your books are like medicine at the mo - people forget that although we're "only teenagers", we still have to put up with a lot of bitter feeling and feeling broken hearted, even amongst all the boucin' parties! It's really reassuring that a writer like yourself totally gets us, or rather seems to just get humans in general. The fact you always create characters that make us realise parts of ourselves and others that had stayed slightly masked before gives us - well, gives me - more strength I suppose. I'm a bit down in the dumps bout all the usual teenage shite right now (mainly certain members of the opposite sex - grrr!), and I know this is going to sound really perverse and a bit sick, but the utter, unadulterated brutality of Bloodtide is right up my street when I'm in this frame of mind! A lot of guys like Conor would have girls in chains all the time unfortunately, even at our age! It's a bit scary, but so good how you also manage to make readers feel sorry for him sometimes too. The fact that he seems incapable of crying makes him seem sort of untouchable on an emotional level, it's a pity. But although you're going to get tired of me harping on about this all the time, I really do find it amazing how you can show these people who seem like total bastards on the surface to be....just human at heart.
Speaking of Bloodtide....you know how with Junk you made music (like that Only One's song) fit in with the story? What music would you say fitted in with Bloodtide? There's a Faith No More song that seems to fit the general mood of the story, but I was just interested cuz it's so far in the future it's hard to tell what music (if anything) you had in mind when you wrote it...just curious to see what you thought!
Anyway, best be off to get some revision done....thanks again for your e mail and your books, quite possibly the only things keeping me close to sane at the moment! Sorry for going on like a crazy person, I should really have an "off" switch so people could turn me off when they wanted to shut me up! Marjie x
Thanks again, Marjie. It's really nice to find someone who enjoys the books and understands asd well as you do.
Dear Mr Burgess, I am a third year English student at Leicester University and I have chosen to write my dissertation on you and your novels 'Doing it' and 'Junk.' I have just read Anne Fine's review of'Doing it.' and I am amazes me that a woman who helped nurture my enthusiasam for reading is actually so incrediably short sighted.
I first came across your work last year when a friend suggested I read 'Junk.' My boyfriend died in October last year of a heroin overdose.He had been an addict for several years and was only twenty three when he died. He had been working towards recieving his methadone prescription for seven months. It arrived the day that he died. He never knew. Reading your novel was incrediable to me, and I could truly see the understanding from your own experiences in your work. My boyfriend was so much like the innocent side of your protaganist Tar that it was almost comforting for me to read, inspite of the terrible events that you described. It is as you say, teenagers will not be turned away from narcotic abuse, alcohol abuse or illicit and unsafe sex simply by being lectured at. I only wish that he had read junk when he was younger, before he started using, at least then, even if it did not act a preventative, at least he would have been informed about what he was getting into.
Thank you very much and please continue to write such honest and innovative novels. Not least because your work has made a fantastic subject for my dissertation! Yours sincerely, Jess
Thanks so much for writing, Jess. I'm always delighted to get people's opinion, but it is always moving to come across someone who has been touched by events similar to the ones described in Junk. Thanks for writing Jess, and good luck witht eh dissertation - Melvin
dear melvin,
ive just finished reading Doing It, and i just wanted to tell u not to stop writing - EVER! all of your stuff is so honest and its exactly the way kids think about things. i actually read Junk just after a friend died of heroin OD and it was really amazing cos i just cudnt understand how anybody would want to stick a needle into their arm or even how anybody would wan to start (incidentally, the girl only started taking junk when she rean away from home for a fortnight). then after i read the book, i understood her more and it sort of made it easier to get over her death.
i think that all your books are an education in themselves, and the great thing is u dont turn around to ppl and say:"this is how u shud think", u let them form their own opinions of what they read and i think that makes you all the more popular cos we hate being told to do anyway!
so there you have it - just thought i ought to tell u rock in case u hadnt heard yet. so dont let stupid Daily Mail reports or weird school librarians daunt u in ur mission to inform us, entertain us and (in the case of Doing It) make us piss ourselves laughing cos we all know guys like dino and the rest. cheers!
This one's anonymous - but you know who are are and thanks so much for writing. - Melvin
Hi, I'd just like to start off by saying......WOW!!! I LOVED reading 'Junk' and have recently reviewed it in my school newspaper. It has to be the best book I have ever read because its just so real. Unfortunately, I have failed to read any of your other book as I can't find any in my local bookstores! I am hoping to be either a writer or a phychiatrist when I get through college etc. And I think 'Junk' was the inspiration for that career choice!! Thank you for giving me hours and hours of entertainment through reading your book!
Thanks to Louise for that one. How brilliant is that - to open up an email with a dirty big WOW! in it? Thanks for the wow factor, Louise.
I sent you an email a few minutes ago but i ddidnt say much cause i was sort of in a rush, but i said i had just finished smack and it was a freat book that made me feel like i was with the characters the whole way..my brothers girlfriend got me interested in your books after insisting that i read 'doing it' (which was an awesome book also). im from america and a lot of the language in 'doing it' was confusing to me, so thank you a ton for putting the little cglossary in the back of 'smack' that really helped a lot. my brothers girlfriend has a collection of your books im looking forward to reading..especially junk after reading reviews about it, and all. i really like that in 'smack' each chapter was from a different persons point of view. that was a great idea to do(i guess you knwo that though). you a really a terrific writer!
Katie 16
Thanks so much Katie. And thanks to everyone who write sto me - you can;t imagine how nice it is oepning up an email with someone telling you how grteat your boooks are. Good for the ego
Katie is by no means the first person to confuse Smack with Junk - they are actually both the same book; Smack is the US title and Junk the UK title. There was even an angry responce from a reader on amazon, who'd bought them both thinking he was getting two different reads and felt totally cheated. So for anyone who reads one and is thinking of getting the other - don't!
Hello, I'm a french girl of 23 and I read "junk" when i was eighteen. I've been read it again and again and I can tell you this book changed my life because after "junk" I came to a the faculty and I studied 'psychology' and now I'm working in a little center in Paris helping some people who are drug addict and that's an incredible experience. I've find my way because of this book and i'm very grateful. I'd like to thank you for the Buzzcocks too. I didn't knew that band before "junk" and now it's my way of life! That is the most exciting and amazing band I've ever seen and heard and since I've been reading this book I can't spend a day without Buzzcocks music. (the Only Ones was a great discovery too). I was just wondering about "Lurky" and "Lurkying about": what is this? I made so research and it's impossible for me to find what's that. If you can help me, and I'm sure you can, e-mail me. I'm sorry for my english, it's probably a desaster.. Thank you for your wonderful work, i'm so grateful, you wrote the book which changed my life.. Bye.