Philip Fairbanks

January 28, 2022

Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

From the time I was in elementary school you became one of my favorite authors. Especially Lizard Music. There was something about that book that just opened the possibilities of other worlds hidden below the surface that people don’t see only because they aren’t looking. I used to regularly check that book out of my rural hometown library as a kid. In my 20s I checked it out a few times again. Found it interesting that (despite the shoddy marker job scratching out names) it was easy to tell that apparently I always chose August to read your book. Lol perhaps the proximity to Sirius amplifies the Lizard Music haha.

Anyway, just wanted to say that you were an incredible influence on me. I am a writer myself now, maybe not much of one, but passable to date. Mostly entertainment reporting, music reviews, news (esp. related to nat.sec corruption and the like) but I really feel some media I ingested as a child, definitely Lizard Music but also Pete and Pete helped germinate the seed of wonder and doubt about the world around me that led me to where I am today.

 

As I said, most of my work is non-fiction but I still love children’s and YA lit as much as ever and occasionally reread them hear as I’m nearing 40 this November. (Oh, always thought it was cool, our birthdays are a couple days apart). Anyway, for years I’ve wanted to drop a line but finally decided to try to track down your contact information.

 

Hope you’re doing well, that the covid/pandemic is bearable. I’m actually planning on releasing my first kid’s book (a sort of scifi story about a girl with very guarded, protective scientist parents who live on a rocket ship with their adventurous to a fault daughter). Anyway, I don’t want to waste too much of your time but had to send a word of thanks. I’ve literally spent hours reading your works off and on for phew 3 decades now lol?

 

Anyway, as I said, hope you’re doing well and thanks for the memories. I’m sure I’m just one of thousands, maybe millions of kids who, like me felt the same way but (also like me) were shy or didn’t know how to contact you. Hope you receive this letter in good health and spirits. Best of 2022!

Your dear fan since about the late 80s/early 90s. If you’re ever interested in doing an interview, would be honored, but if you don’t have the time or inclination completely understand as well.

 

Best of 2022!

Philip Fairbanks

Um....wow!