Robert Cormier writes to a class about how a character's development follows inevitable paths. He also addresses how the sequel to The Chocolate War aims to address readers' questions. Cormier later discusses the dangers of precautionary…
Cormier responds to Art's concerns about the Salem censorship battle by describing the Panama City censorship of I Am the Cheese. The idea of protecting children through censorship and precautionary censorship makes up a large portion of the letter.
This draft describes how Cormier shared a draft of The Chocolate War with his 15-year-old daughter to test Fabio Coen's idea that the excised chapter is unnecessary to the story. He then expresses his thanks for his network of supporters and family.
Robert Cormier provides four bulleted points on his thoughts on censorship. These are frequently included in his letters to fans and objectors who write to him on censorship. He later added a fifth point addressing his distaste for defending his…
Cormier describes how the source of fear is not in monsters on the screen or in books but those in our minds. He also describes a mother reading his novels along with her eighth-grade son.
Cormier's talk on fear delivered at New York University discusses the nature of fear and how fear comes from within and not from movies and books. He talks about how fear is in the commonplace facts and experiences of life and not in the fantastic.…
Cormier describes how Jerry was his most significant challenge in writing Beyond the Chocolate War. He also talks about his tentative work on a potential third novel.
Cormier discusses his feelings of helplessness in censorship battles. He also expresses his admiration for the teachers and librarians who support his writing and share it with young readers.
This incomplete document includes Cormier's explanation for why a writer cannot consider a reader's response while writing because it risks producing bland work.
Cormier describes the difference between St. Celicia's Parochial School and the public May A. Gallagher Junior High School. He mentions the novelty of racial diversity and his crush on Jean Spettigue. He also talks about his passion for music and…
Cormier describes how his realistic fiction needs to include aspects of life that are less desirable because they are a part of life. He also mentions his distaste for the movie The Chocolate War.