Dear Mr. Stine:

My name is Tobias Griedley.  I live in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where I am in the eighth grade.  I am thirteen years old, and I want to become a writer of children's books, just like you.

You are my favorite author of all time.  Your "Goosebumps" series of books never fail to creep me out, yet at the same time, they are very entertaining.  I enjoy them all very much; my favorite books of yours are probably "The Night Of The Living Dummy", "Piano Lessons Can Be Murder", and "Revenge Of The Lawn Gnomes".

You write so precisely; your writing makes me want to improve on mine.  I write stories as well and my dream is to have a book with my name on it.  I have been writing since I was a little boy, but since I started reading your books, well, that makes me more determined to want to get better at it.

I sometimes get teased by the guys at school (or by my big sister); they say that writing is for wimps and call me names or say that I am gay.  I don't see anything wrong with wanting to write; I happen to enjoy it very much, and reading is one of my very favorite things to do!  What can I tell my sister or the guys at school, so they can lay off my back?  I am tired of getting teased day in and day out!

Well, I hate to go, but Ma wants me to clean the den.  She says it is a disaster area.  I will probably write to you again; until then, please write back.  I would really love to hear from you!  Thank you, sir, and I will be awaiting your response to my letter!

~Sincerely yours,

~Your biggest fan, Tobias Wilson Griedley.