Bruce Coville Quotes

Powerful Bruce Coville for Daily Growth

About Bruce Coville

Bruce Coville (born February 16, 1937) is an American author renowned for his captivating children's literature, particularly fantasy and science fiction stories that have enchanted generations of young readers since the late 20th century. Born in Yonkers, New York, Coville nurtured a love for storytelling from a young age. After serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and graduating from Dartmouth College, he pursued a career in writing. He began his professional journey as an editor at Harper & Row in 1964, where he would eventually edit works by notable children's authors like Maurice Sendak and Shel Silverstein. In 1973, Coville left the editorial world to write full-time, starting with a series of humorous picture books featuring characters like Mr. Ghost and Peter Pig. However, it was in the 1980s that he truly found his niche when he began crafting his popular fantasy series for middle-grade readers, including "My Teacher Is an Alien," "The Three Talisman," and "Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth." These stories often explored themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery in imaginative and engaging ways. Throughout his career, Coville has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery Novel for "The Secret World of Og" (1985). His stories have inspired adaptations across various mediums, such as animated television series and audio dramas. Today, Coville continues to write, proving that a lifelong passion for storytelling can captivate readers of all ages. His impact on the world of children's literature is immeasurable, as he has introduced countless young minds to the wonders of imagination and creativity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Imagination is a powerful weapon."

The quote "Imagination is a powerful weapon" suggests that our ability to imagine, create, and visualize possibilities beyond our current reality holds significant power. This power can inspire change, drive innovation, and help overcome challenges by enabling us to conceive of new solutions, perspectives, and ways of thinking. In essence, the quote underscores the idea that an active imagination is a valuable tool for shaping our world.


"Stories have a way of creeping up on us and making themselves known when we least expect it."

This quote suggests that stories, whether in books, films, or folklore, often have a unique ability to surprise us and become relevant in our lives at unexpected moments. They can be dormant for a long time, but they may suddenly resonate with us due to personal experiences, emotions, or situations, thus making themselves known. This underscores the profound impact that stories can have on shaping our thoughts, feelings, and understanding of the world around us.


"The best books are those that tell you what you know already."

This quote suggests that the most impactful books are ones that resonate with our own experiences or insights, thereby validating or illuminating something we already intuitively understand. They serve as a mirror to our understanding of life, reinforcing or expanding our self-awareness.


"You can't help growing older, but you certainly can help growing up."

The quote signifies that while we all naturally age, maturity is a conscious process of personal growth that each individual must undertake. Aging physically doesn't equate to maturity; it's the wisdom, understanding, and development of character that truly marks growth as an individual. In other words, one can be old in years but still young at heart and immature in thoughts, while conversely, a younger person may exhibit signs of emotional, intellectual, or moral maturity beyond their age. It emphasizes the importance of self-development and personal progress to truly grow up, regardless of one's age on the calendar.


"Every story needs a hero, but every hero needs a home."

This quote by Bruce Coville emphasizes that every good story requires a central character, whom we often refer to as a 'hero'. However, this hero, or protagonist, is not just defined by their actions and deeds, but also by their connections and sense of belonging - their 'home'. The home can symbolize a physical place, emotional security, personal identity, or community. Essentially, Coville suggests that to make a story compelling, it's essential to show both the heroic journey and the depth of connection and roots that give purpose and meaning to the character.


The first time I can remember thinking that I would like to be a writer came in sixth grade, when our teacher Mrs. Crandall gave us an extended period of time to write a long story. I loved doing it. I started working seriously at becoming a writer when I was seventeen.

- Bruce Coville

Thinking, Doing, Becoming, Long Story

Every book is like starting over again. I've written books every way possible - from using tight outlines to writing from the seat of my pants. Both ways work.

- Bruce Coville

Over, Outlines, Using, Starting Over

Like most people, I was not able to start selling my stories right away. So I had many other jobs along the way to becoming a writer, including toy maker, gravedigger, cookware salesman, and assembly line worker. Eventually, I became an elementary teacher and worked with second and fourth graders.

- Bruce Coville

Other, Away, Became, Right Away

I grew up around the corner from my grandparents' dairy farm, which was three miles outside of a small town called Phoenix.

- Bruce Coville

Small, Town, Which, Phoenix

In terms of age, I think I've covered about as wide a range as is possible, having written everything from picture books to early chapter books to middle grade novels to YA to one adult novel - and having been editor and lead writer for a magazine for retired people!

- Bruce Coville

Chapter, Been, I Think, Picture Books

I know what I'm going to write for the next three years. It's frustrating, because if I get a good new idea, I have to put it aside.

- Bruce Coville

New, Next, Going, New Idea

I loved teaching. I used to teach fourth grade.

- Bruce Coville

Loved, Teach, Grade, Fourth

I tend to be more of a novel writer. In fact, some of my novels started out as short stories, and I just got carried away! I think some of my best writing is in the short story form, but novels come more naturally to me.

- Bruce Coville

Fact, Some, I Think, Short Stories

When I go into schools to speak, I am not giving a speech - it's really a one-man show. I call it 'didactic standup.'

- Bruce Coville

Go, Show, Didactic, Standup

Most of all, I love being a storyteller. And yes, I want to make a good living, but I'm not always driven by the best commercial sense.

- Bruce Coville

Love, Always, Commercial, Driven

When I was a kid, I read books that made me laugh but also made me shiver in terror. I wanted to make books that made other people feel the same way.

- Bruce Coville

Other, Made, Read, Terror

My writing works best when I remember that bookish child who adored reading and gear the work toward him.

- Bruce Coville

Work, I Remember, Works, Gear

Ideas are all around you - everything gives you ideas. But the real source is the part of your brain that dreams.

- Bruce Coville

Dreams, Ideas, Part, Source

I feel like a very lucky person. From the time I was young, I had a dream of becoming a writer. Now that dream has come true, and I am able to make my living doing something I really love.

- Bruce Coville

Love, Lucky, Very, Lucky Person

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