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Speaking and Silencing Ideas

Letter from Robert Cormier to Annie, Safa, et al 25 February 1987

This letter is an example of one of Cormier’s letters in which he addresses multiple members of a class of students. In it he speaks to their questions by discussing character development as writer’s craft. He talks about Jerry’s (protagonist in The Chocolate War) choices and how, as an author, he was obligated to follow his character’s choices to their logical – if unhappy – conclusions. As well, he articulates his stand on censorship and its deleterious effects upon readers, editors, and authors alike.

RELATED LINKS:

Authors Need To Connect With Fans To Survive
http://indieauthorbookmarketing.com/2015/04/20/authors-need-to-connect-with-fans-to-survive/

An interview with Robert Cormier for teen readers
http://www.teenreads.com.asp1-14.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/authors/au-cormier-robert.a