Stuff through Email

 

Any questions about this page drop me a line at smt121591@hotmail.com.

Also, I have five (two from the same person) unidentifiable signed photographs. If you would like to take a shot at who they are, then drop me a line. I’ll research if your answer(s) is/are correct, and if it/they are, then you will be awarded with a small prize for your efforts.

 

Sample email to a celebrity:

Dear (celebrity’s name here),

Hello! I am a 13-year-old student from Portland, Maine who is doing a really fun project where I am trying to collect autographs from famous people to start a collection. Although I know that you are most probably a very busy person, it would mean a really lot to me if your autograph was part of my "soon to be collection." I would so greatly appreciate it if you'd just send me an autographed photo, index card, letter, or whatever to the address below. Thank-you so much, and I wish you a wonderful day!

                                                                                                               Very sincerely yours,

                                                                                                               Simon Thompson

 

                                                                                                                (Then my address here)

 

That’s pretty much it. It’s better to keep it short and sweet than write a five page essay. Below are all of the senators/governors that I have received stuff back from, their email addresses and what I got from them.

 

 

Automated responses from: (Since I have gotten so many automated responses, I cannot put them all down here)

 

Governor Rowland/Connecticut Governor.Rowland@po.state.ct.us *received, look below*

Governor Jim Doyle/Wisconsin governor@wisconsin.gov *received, look below”

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr./Maryland governor@GOV.STATE.MD.US *received, look below*

Senator Daniel K. Akaka/Hawaii senator@akaka.senate.gov

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich/Illinois Governor@gov.state.il.us

Senator John Kerry/Massachusetts John_Kerry@kerry.senate.gov *received, look below*

Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. /Delaware Senator@biden.senate.gov *received, look below*

Senator Craig Thomas/Wyoming craig@thomas.senate.gov

Senator Harry Reid/Nevada senator_reid@reid.senate.gov *received, look below*

Senator Jim Talent/Missouri Senator@talent.senate.gov

Senator Norm Coleman/Minnesota Opinion@coleman.senate.gov 

Senator Hilary Clinton/New York Senator_Clinton@clinton.senate.gov

Senator Thomas Carper/Delaware senator@carper.senate.gov

Senator Nickles US_SenatorNickles@Nickles.senate.gov

Governor Michael F. Easley/North Carolina governor@ncmail.net *received, look below*

Representative Tom Allen/Maine Rep.TomAllen@mail.house.gov *received, look below*

Senator Arlen Specter/Pennsylvania Arlen_Specter@specter.senate.gov    

Senator Mitch McConnell/Kentucky Senator@mcconnell.senate.gov

Governor Howard Dean/Vermont got address off of: http://www.deanforamerica.com/

President George W. Bush/America Autoresponder@WhiteHouse.GOV

Vice President Dick Cheney/America Autoresponder@WhiteHouse.GOV *received, look below*

Senator Orrin Hatch/Utah http://www.senate.gov/~hatch/index.cfm?FuseAction=Offices.Contact *received, look below*

 

 

Email responses from people who say they will send me something: (Since I have gotten so many emails, I cannot put them all down here)

 

Governor John Hoeven, North Dakota, will send signed business card governor@state.nd.us *received, look below*

Right Honourable Paul Martin/Prime minister pm@pm.gc.ca... his Executive Correspondence Officer will forward my email to the

Honourable *received, look below*

Governor Craig Benson/New Hampshire, will send autograph Benson@nh.gov *received, look below*

Teddy Lane Jr., actor, said he will mail me an autographed photo teddy@teddylanejr.com *received, look below*

 

 

Gotten stuff back from:

*Note: For all the senators you can just go to the website: http://senate.gov/ and get their addys from there.

Also, the occupations listed for the politicians are what they did when I received the signed item, since then some have resigned or lost in races.

 

Governor Dave Freudenthal/Wyoming letter and signed business card in thin blue sharpie governor@state.wy.us

Governor George E. Pataki/New York short letter with facsimile signature and signed small black and white photo in thick silver marker got email address off of http://www.state.ny.us/governor/

Governor George E. Pataki/New York short letter with facsimile signature and signed small black and white photo in thick silver marker got email address off of http://www.state.ny.us/governor/ SAME CELEBRITY AND PHOTO AS ABOVR

Governor John Hoeven/North Dakota signed business card “Gov John Hoeven” in gold marker governor@state.nd.us

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. / Maryland letter with facsimile signature on the bottom governor@GOV.STATE.MD.US  

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. / Maryland, one signed 8”x10” color photograph along with a letter with a facsimile signature and an un-signed brochure on the State of Maryland, thick black sharpie on the photograph governor@GOV.STATE.MD.US SAME CELEBRITY AND LETTER AS ABOVE, PLUS A SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. / Maryland, one signed 8”x10” color photograph sent in a Maryland folder, thin black sharpie on the photograph, governor@GOV.STATE.MD.US SAME CELEBRITY AS ABOVE, BUT A DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPH

Governor Michael Easley/North Carolina signed 3”x5” black and white photo, thick black sharpie governor@ncmail.net

Governor Michael Easley/North Carolina signed 3”x5” black and white photo, thick black sharpie governor@ncmail.net SAME CELEBRITY AND PHOTO AS ABOVE

Representative Tom Allen/Maine signed letter Rep.TomAllen@mail.house.gov

Representative Tom Allen/Maine, one signed 8”x10” color photograph, “To Simon, Best Wishes,” and then his signature on the photo in thin silver sharpie, Rep.TomAllen@mail.house.gov SAME CELEBRITY AS ABOVE BUT DIFFERENT ITEM

*Senator Dick Lugar/Indiana 8”x10” signed color photo in thin black sharpie with letter senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov

*Senator Dick Lugar/Indiana 8”x10” signed color photo in thin black sharpie, senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov DIFFERENT PHOTO BUT SAME CELEBRITY

*Senator Mrs. Murkowski/Alaska 8”x10” signed color photo said “To Simon- with best wishes, (then her signature, followed by U.S.D. Alaska) in thick blue sharpie

*Senator John Edwards/North Carolina letter and an 8”x10” signed color photo saying “Best Wishes- John Edwards” on it in thin blue sharpie

*Senator of Texas, 8”x10 signed color photo in thick blue sharpie

*Senator Olympia Snowe/Maine 8”x10” signed color photo in thick black sharpie with “Very Best Wishes!” before her name

*Senator Benjamin Nelson/Nebraska 8”x10” signed color photo in thick blue sharpie with “Best Wishes!” before his name, also sent signed letter with his signature on the bottom

*Senator Jay Rockefeller/West Virginia signed 8”x10” color photo in thick blue sharpie with 2 page biography about him

*Senator Jay Rockefeller/West Virginia, signed 8”x10” black and white photograph, thin blue sharpie SAME PHOTO AS ABOVE, EXCEPT BLACK AND WHITE AND SENT WITHOUT BIOGRAPHY

*Senator Kent Conrad/unknown state signed 8”x10” color photo in thick silver sharpie

*Senator Mark Pryor/Arkansas, signed 8”x10” color photo in thick blue sharpie, also sent one page biography and a short note

Governor John Rowland/Connecticut, signed 7”x10” color photo in gold sharpie governor.rowland@po.state.ct.us

Governor Byron L. Dorgan/North Dakota, signed letter with just “Byron” signed at the bottom in thick blue, fading sharpie, and he also sent a signed two page biography with his whole name signed in thick, fading blue sharpie at the top with “U.S.S.” after his signature, senator@dorgan.senate.gov

Representative Tom Allen/Maine signed letter Rep.TomAllen@mail.house.gov (Received two of the exact same autographed letters from Tom Allen)

*Senator Barbara A. Mikulski/Maryland signed 8”x10” color photo in thick blue sharpie and letter with pre-printed autograph

*Senator Thad Cochran/Mississippi signed black and white 8”x10” photo in thick black sharpie with “U.S. Senate” following his signature, also sent letter signed in thick black sharpie

*Senator Orrin Hatch/Utah signed color 8”x10” in thick blue sharpie

*Senator Orrin Hatch/Utah, one signed color 8”x10,” thick blue sharpie SAME CELEBRITY AS ABOVE BUT DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPH

*Senator George Allen/unknown state signed color 8”x10” in thick black sharpie saying “To Simon Thompson- You have a great future!” and then his signature, followed by “2004”

*Senator Richard J. Durbin/Illinois signed black and white 5”x7” photograph in thick silver sharpie that got spread all over the back of the photograph, and two-page biography

*Senator Mike Michaud/Maine signed color 8”x10” photo in thin silver sharpie with “To: Simon, Warmest Regards” and then his signature

Governor Edmund G. Randall/Pennsylvania signed small 3”x5” color photograph in thin black sharpie, unknown email address

Governor Craig Benson/New Hampshire signed color 8”x10” photograph in thick black sharpie with information packet on NH, Benson@nh.gov

Governor Craig Benson/New Hampshire signed color 8”x10” photograph in thick black sharpie with information packet on NH, Benson@nh.gov SAME PHOTO AND PACKET OF INFORMATION AS ABOVE

Governor Frank H. Murkowski/Alaska, signed 4”x6” black and white photograph, thick gold sharpie, office_of_the_governor@gov.state.ak.us

Governor Frank H. Murkowski/Alaska, signed 4”x6” black and white photograph, thick gold sharpie, office_of_the_governor@gov.state.ak.us SAME PHOTO AND CELEBRITY AS ABOVE

Governor Thomas J. Vilsack/Iowa signed 3”x5” black and white photo and letter, thick gold sharpie, sent email off of http://www.state.ia.us/government/governor/comments/index.html

Governor Dave Freudenthal/Wyoming letter and signed business card governor@state.wy.us (Received two of the exact same autographed letters and business cards from Dave Freudenthal)

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm/Michigan signed 8”x10” color photograph and unsigned one-page biography, thick gold sharpie, email off of www.michigan.gov

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm/Michigan signed 8”x10” color photograph and unsigned form letter, thick gold sharpie, email off of www.michigan.gov SAME PHOTO AND CELEBRITY AS ABOVE EXCEPT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SIGNATURE WHICH PROVES IT’S AUTHENTIC

*Senator John Ensign/unknown state, signed black and white 8”x10”, thick blue sharpie

*Senator John McCain/Arizona, signed color 8”x10” photograph and letter with signature at the bottom, “With Best Wishes” followed by his signature in thick black sharpie on the photo and thick blue sharpie for the letter

Governor Gary Locke/Washington, signed 4”x6” glossy black and white photograph along with numerous other things including: Washington coloring book, a Washington pencil with the governor’s name on it, the Washington State song, the Washington map, A Student Guide to the Washington Legislature, a Southwest Washington 2003/2004 56-page Tourism Guide, and much, much more, the photograph is signed with “Simon, Best Wishes” and then his signature in thick silver sharpie, email off of http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/govemail.htm

Governor Gary Locke/Washington, signed 4”x6” glossy black and white photograph, the photograph is signed with “Simon, Best Wishes” and then his signature in thick silver sharpie, email off of http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/govemail.htm SAME CELEBRITY AND PHOTO AS ABOVE, BUT NO PACKET

Governor Kathleen Sebelius/Kansas signed 3”x6” color photo with biographical information on the back and letter with pre-print signature, photo signed in thick blue sharpie, governor@state.ks.us

Governor Kathleen Sebelius/Kansas signed 3”x6” color photo with biographical information on the back and letter with pre-print signature, photo signed in thick black sharpie, governor@state.ks.us SAME CELEBRITY AND PHOTO AS ABOVE

Governor Milt Romney/Massachusetts 4”x6” signed color photograph, thick black sharpie, Goffice@state.ma.us

*Senator Lindsey O. Graham/South Carolina signed 8”x10” color photograph and letter, “Simon God Bless” in thick black sharpie on the photo and a pre-print signature on the letter

*Senator John F. Kerry/Massachusetts signed 8”x10” black and white photograph with letter, photo with thick blue sharpie and the letter has a pre-print autograph in thick blue ink at the bottom

*Senator John F. Kerry/Massachusetts signed 8”x10” color photograph with letter, photo with thick blue sharpie and the letter has a pre-print autograph in thick black ink at the bottom. Note: This is the same photo as above, except it has color

Governor Milt Romney/Massachusetts 4”x6” signed color photograph, along with a color poster of Massachusetts, thick black sharpie, Goffice@state.ma.us

Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski/Oregon signed 4”x6” glossy black and white photograph and letter with pre-print autograph at the bottom, smudged thick black sharpie but still is fairly clear, sent email on http://www.governor.state.or.us/contact.htm

Governor James E. McGreevey/New Jersey letter with signature at the bottom and five pages of information, signature in thick blue sharpie, sent email off of http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html

*Senator Patty Murray/Washington signed 8”x10” color photo and signed letter along with pencil of Seattle, “All my best,” followed by her signature in thick blue sharpie on the photo and thin blue sharpie on the letter

Democrat Ron Sims who is running for Governor in Washington signed pamphlet and signed letter, thick black sharpie on pamphlet and thin blue sharpie on letter, unknown email address

Governor Mike Johanns/Nebraska 4”x5” black and white signed photograph and letter, thick blue sharpie on photo, mjohanns@notes.state.ne.us

Governor Mike Johanns/Nebraska 4”x5” black and white signed photograph along with a huge packet of information on Nebraska, thin blue sharpie on photo, mjohanns@notes.state.ne.us SAME PHOTO AND CELEBRITY AS ABOVE

*Senator Larry E. Craig/unknown state 8”x10” signed color photograph, “Simon Best Wishes” and then his signature followed by “USS,” all in thick silver sharpie

Representative Tom Allen/Maine signed letter, “Good Luck” and then his signature at the bottom of the letter in thin blue sharpie, Rep.TomAllen@mail.house.gov.

Governor George E. Pataki/New York note with facsimile signature and signed 8”x10” black and white photo in thick black sharpie, got email address off of http://www.state.ny.us/governor/

*Senator Rick Santorum/Pennsylvania signed 8”x10” color photograph and letter with facsimile signature, “To Simon, Best Wishes” in thick silver sharpie on photograph

Governor John G. Rowland/Connecticut signed 7”x10” color photograph along with a signed letter, a postcard from Connecticut, a packet of information on Connecticut and a big 140-page Connecticut Vacation Guide 2004 with color photographs, thick gold sharpie on photograph and thin blue sharpie on letter governor.rowland@po.state.ct.us

Governor John Hoeven/North Dakota signed 3 ½” x 5” color photograph, “Gov” and then his signature in thick gold sharpie, governor@state.nd.us

Governor John Hoeven/North Dakota signed 3 ½” x 5” color photograph, “Gov” and then his signature in thick gold sharpie, governor@state.nd.us SAME PHOTO AS ABOVE, BUT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SIGNATURE THAT PROVES ITS AUTHENTIC

Governor Dave Freudenthal/Wyoming letter and signed business card, thin blue sharpie on letter and business card governor@state.wy.us

Christine Gregoire/running for governor in 2004 for Washington two small, unsigned promotional stickers, one unsigned promotional bumper sticker, one unsigned donations envelope and one signed copy of my email on white paper, her signature followed by “2004 Attorney General” in thick black sharpie, gogregoire@comcast.net

Governor Jeb Bush/Florida signed 8”x10” black and white photo, thick black sharpie, Jeb@myflorida.com

Governor Jeb Bush/Florida signed 5”x7” black and white photo, thick black sharpie, Jeb@myflorida.com

Governor Jeb Bush/Florida signed 5”x7” black and white photo, thick black sharpie, Jeb@myflorida.com SAME PHOTO AS ABOVE

Governor Frank H. Murkowski/Alaska, signed 4”x6” black and white photograph, thick gold sharpie, office_of_the_governor@gov.state.ak.us SAME AS ABOVE

Mike Vaska/running for Attorney General in 2004 signed letter, thin black ink pen, mike@vaskaforag.com

Governor Mike Johanns/Nebraska 3 ½”x4” black and white signed photograph and letter, thick blue sharpie on photo, mjohanns@notes.state.ne.us SAME AS ABOVE

Governor Dave Freudenthal/Wyoming, signed small 2 ½” x 3 ½” black and white photograph with signed letter, he signed on the back of the photograph in thin blue ink pen and signed using thin blue ink pen on the letter also, governor@state.wy.us

Governor Dave Freudenthal/Wyoming, signed small 2 ½” x 3 ½” black and white photograph with signed letter, signed index card, and a whole packet of information that included a signed business card glued to a packet about Wyoming, he signed on the back of the photograph in thin blue ink pen and signed using thin blue ink pen on the letter and index cards also, governor@state.wy.us SAME PHOTO AND INDEX CARDS AS ABOVE, BUT DIFFERENT PACKET

Governor James McGreevey/New Jersey, one signed 5”x7” color photograph, “With all good wishes,” and then his signature on the photo in thick silver sharpie, sent email off of http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html

Governor Jim Doyle/Wisconsin, one signed 4”x6” color photograph and one signed note, “Simon, Greetings from Wisconsin” and then his signature on the photograph in smudged silver sharpie, “October 27, 2004 Simon- Good luck with your project. Keep up your good work. Sincerely,” and then his signature on the note in thin black sharpie, sent email on http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/

Governor Jim Doyle/Wisconsin, one signed slip of 3.5”x7.25” paper, “Simon, Greetings from Wisconsin.” and then his signature in thick black sharpie, sent email on http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/. SAME CELEBRITY AS ABOVE, EXCEPT DIFFERENT PACKET

Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrymple/North Dakota, one signed 4”x5” color photograph, “Lt Gov” and then his signature on the photo in thin gold sharpie, Governor@state.nd.us.

Delegate Anne Healey/Maryland, one signed letter on plain computer paper, thin blue sharpie on the letter, anne_healey@house.state.md.us.

Representative Bud Cramer/Alabama, one autographed color 8”x10” along with a signed, personalized letter, “Best wishes” and then his signature on the photograph in thick silver sharpie, budmail@mail.house.gov.

Governor Donald L. Carcieri/Rhode Island, one pre-printed 8”x10” color photograph, an un-signed letter, a student guide, a tour guide and a road map, pre-printed autograph in white ink, Rigov@gov.state.ri.us.

Lieutenant Governor James R. Aiona Jr./Hawaii, one signed color 8”x10” photograph, “Aloha Simon, Lt. Governor” and then his signature in thick black sharpie, LTgov@hawaii.gov.

Lieutenant Governor James R. Aiona Jr./Hawaii, one signed color 8”x10” photograph and an un-signed letter, “Aloha Simon, Lt. Governor” and then his signature in thick black sharpie, LTgov@hawaii.gov. SAME PHOTO AS ABOVE BUT DIFFERENT LETTER

*Senator Joseph Biden/Delaware, one signed 8”x10” color photograph, thin silver sharpie, can also be contacted via Senator@biden.senate.gov.

Governor Joe Manchin III/West Virginia, one signed color 8”x10” photograph along with a huge packet of information on West Virginia that included a magazine, a pencil, a pin, and a lot of print-outs, thick blue sharpie on the photograph, Governor@WVGov.org.

Secretary of State Joseph B. Meyer/Wyoming, one signed 2.5”x3.5” black and white photograph along with a packet of information on Wyoming that includes stickers, an atlas and other items, thick silver sharpie on photograph, secofstate@state.wy.us.

Governor Richard J. Codey/acting governor of New Jersey following the resignation of James McGreevey, one signed color 5”x7” photograph, “Governor” signed before his name all in thick black sharpie, sent email on http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html.

Governor John Baldacci/Maine, one signed color 8”x11” photograph sent in a manila folder, “Simon- Good luck with your collection. Study Hard!” and then his signature, followed by “Governor 3-21-05” all in thick silver sharpie, Governor@state.me.us.

Representative Mike Conaway/Texas, one signed 5”x7” color photograph, “Simon- All my best” and then his signature in thick black sharpie, MConaway@MikeConaway.com.

Representative Patrick McHenry/North Carolina, one signed color 8”x10” photograph, “Thank you for your email!” and then his signature followed by “4/7/05 M.C.” all in thick black sharpie, Patrick@mchenryforcongress.com.

Lieutenant Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue/North Carolina, one signed color 4”x6” photo and one hand-written signed note, “To Simon, Best Wishes,” and then her signature, followed by “NC Lt. Gov 2005” all in thick silver sharpie on the photo, “Simon, Enclosed is my picture as you requested. Best Wishes,” and then her signature on the note, all in thin blue ink pen, LtGovernor@NCMail.net.

Governor Tim Pawlenty/Minnesota, one signed color 4”x6” with a signed letter and two informational sheets on Minnesota that are not signed, thick blue sharpie on photo and letter, Tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us.

Former Senator Alan Simpson/Wyoming, one signed 3”x5” index card, he wrote “To Simon M. Thompson- Keep up your interest in your government! Best personal regards,” and then his signature followed by “US Senator (Wy.), April 2005, Retired!” all in thin black sharpie on the lined side of the index card, alsimpson@vcn.com.

Former Senator Alan Simpson/Wyoming, one signed business card, he wrote “To Simon Thompson, an old card for a new collector!! Enjoy the avocation/hobby! Best to you,” and then his signature followed by “5/14/05”, all in thin black sharpie, alsimpson@vcn.com.

Governor Philip N. Bredesen/Tennessee, one signed color 5”x7” photograph, thin blue sharpie, Phil.bredesen@state.tn.us.

 

Other things received through email:

 

Email responses from people: Walden Wong, inker for the comics More Than Mortal and Cynder, answered my three questions and emailed me twice. Answers to questions below, walden88@juno.com   

 

Question: What is your favorite comic that you've ever worked on?

The one I'm working on currently

 

Question: What has been your most memorable experience of your comic career?

Working with top name professionals

 

Question: What advice would you give to a 12-year-old artist (me)?

Draw all the time, draw everyday!  Draw draw draw!

 

Shannon Wheeler, writer, creator and artist for Too Much Coffee Man, answered my questions and will mail me sketch *received, look below. Answers to questions below, wheeler@tmcm.com

 

Favorite drawings? The cover illustrations to TMCM #1 (him in a cup) and the cover to TMCM #3 (the fetus with the cup head).

 

Memorable? I was at a comic book convention and I saw a comic I was interested in. I turned quickly to walk over to it and I accidentally bumped into an old man, nearly knocking him over. I apologized, then I noticed his name tag said Jack Kirby. Yep. Almost knocked over Jack Kirby to get to a comic.

 

What advice? Finish your projects even if they suck. Stick to it and push on through.

 

Lawrence Watt-Evans, writer, answered my questions, answers below lwe@sff.net

 

Question: What is your favorite comic that you've ever worked on?

OPEN SPACE, a short-lived SF series from Marvel, edited by Kurt Busiek.

 

Question: What has been your most memorable experience of your comic career?

Working for the Hollywood lawyers who founded Tekno*Comix -- I scripted comics for them for about ten weeks late in 1994, and it felt like ten years, but I did get an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles out of it.

 

Question: What advice would you give to a 12-year-old writer (me)?

Write in your own voice, don't try to imitate others.  Write the kind of thing you'd want to read, not what you think the market wants.  And keep trying, because practice is as important as native talent -- you need both.

 

Eman R. Torre, writer, creator and inker for the comic book The Dark Fringe, answered my questions, answers below ERTorre@aol.com

 

Question: What is your favorite comic ever?

That's pretty easy: Swamp Thing (original series) #10.  This was originally released in the early 1970's (when I was younger than you! ;-) and it remains my all time favorite comic book.  It was also the last issue of the original Swamp Thing to feature the incredible artwork of Berni Wrightson, who with writer Len Wein defined the character.

 

Question: What has been your most memorable experience of your fabulous comic career?

Another easy question!  When I was approached by Platinum Studios, who stated they were interested in optioning The Dark Fringe for the movies.  Though I don't know if a DF movie will ever be made, the fact that they liked the material enough to offer the option...well, it certainly made my day! ;-)

 

Question: What advice would you give to a 12-year-old writer (me)?

Read plenty of diverse material.  DO NOT limit yourself to comic books.  Read novels, short stories, screenplays...whatever you can get your hands on.  And when you do read things, ask yourself if you liked the work or not, and then EXAMINE WHY.  The best way to be a good writer is to see what others do and see what it is you like about their work...and what you don't. By figuring both out, you can begin to chart your course as a writer. Second piece of advice: Research, research, research.  If one day you decide to write a story that will feature, for example, a pilot and his flight aboard a private aircraft, you should try to familiarize yourself with the type of plane you want your character to fly.  Figuring out the "real world" aircraft this character will fly will allow you to describe his surroundings better. You don't need to become an expert at whatever it is you are trying to write, but at least have some familiarity with the elements of what it is you're writing.  Of course, if you're dealing with an entirely fictional or fantasy setting, you should try to have a good grasp of the logic of this land. Anyway, I could go on and on, but I'll say this much: You're still very young.  Keep trying.  It may take some time, but if you're committed, you should eventually see results.

 

Roger Stern, comic book writer, answered my questions, below, and put an attachment on the email that has a picture of Super Man and then above Super Man there is “Best,” and then Roger’s signature, RogLStern@aol.com.

 

Question: What is your favorite comic ever?

Answer:  I don't have one single comic that's a favorite, but the story from AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #31-33 would come close. 

 

Question: What has been your most memorable experience of your comic career?

Answer:  Well, I once tugged on Superman's cape.  ;) 

 

Question: What advice would you give to a 12-year-old cartoonist (me)?

Answer:  Draw as much as you can. 

 

 

Government (all people who are in the government who aren’t senators, governors, delegates or representatives)

 

Johannes Rau (President of Germany), autographed color photo along with a little card, thick blue sharpie, Posteingang@bundespraesident.de.

 

Valdis Birkavs (Latvia Prime Minister), a signed bent 5”x7” autographed color photo with “Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidentas Valdas Adamkus 1998-2003” printed on the back, thick black sharpie, unknown email address.

 

Mr. Arnold Ruutel (the president of the Republic of Estonia), a severely bent pre-printed 4”x6” color photograph and an also severely bent letter, black ink, Sekretar@vpk.ee.

 

Mr. Arnold Ruutel (the president of the Republic of Estonia), pre-printed 4”x6” color photograph and a letter, black ink, Sekretar@vpk.ee. SAME PHOTO AS ABOVE, SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT LETTER

 

Dick Cheney (U.S. Vice President), color 8”x10” photograph with a printed note, pre-printed autograph, Autoresponder@WhiteHouse.GOV.

 

Dick Cheney (U.S. Vice President), color 8”x10” photograph (the same as above), authentic autograph in thick black sharpie with “Best Wishes” and then his signature, Autoresponder@WhiteHouse.GOV.

 

Lynne V. Cheney (U.S. Vice President’s wife), color 8”x10” photograph with a printed note, “To Simon Thompson……….” Printed underneath the photo of Mrs. Cheney (on the white border) and then “Best Wishes” and then her signature following that in thick black sharpie, Autoresponder@WhiteHouse.GOV.

 

John Ashcroft (U.S. Attorney General), pre-print 8”x10” color photograph with white border, pre-print, AskDoj@usdoj.gov.

 

John Ashcroft (U.S. Attorney General), pre-print 8”x10” color photograph with white border, pre-print, AskDoj@usdoj.gov. SAME PHOTO AND CELEBRITY AS ABOVE

 

Spencer Abraham (Secretary of Energy), autographed 8”x10” black and white photograph, thick silver sharpie, the.secretary@hq.doe.gov.

 

Spencer Abraham (Secretary of Energy), autographed 8”x10” black and white photograph, thick silver sharpie, the.secretary@hq.doe.gov. SAME PHOTOGRAPH AND SAME CELEBRITY

 

Colin Powell (Secretary of State), autographed color 8”x10” photograph sent in green folder, thick silver sharpie, email address off of http://contact-us.state.gov

.

 

Heide Simonis (Politician, Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein), autographed 3 ½” x 5” color photograph with “Heide Simonis Ministerprasidentin des Landes Schleswig-Holstein” printed on the back, also sent an unsigned business card, thick black sharpie on photo, Heide.Simonis@stk.landsh.de.

 

Heide Simonis (Politician, Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein), autographed 4”x6” color photograph, thin black sharpie, Heide.Simonis@stk.landsh.de. SAME CELEBRITY BUT DIFFERENT PHOTOGRAPH AS ABOVE

 

Gerhard Schröder (Chancellor of Germany), autographed 3 ½” x 5” color photograph with autographed note, thin blue ink pen on note and thick blue sharpie on photo, Bundeskanzler@bundeskanzler.de.

 

Helen Clark (New Zealand Prime Minister), autopenned 4”x6” photo with a printed note, black ink, pm@ministers.govt.nz

 

Helen Clark (New Zealand Prime Minister), autopenned 4”x6” photo with a printed note, black ink, pm@ministers.govt.nz. SAME PHOTO AND PRINTED NOTE AS ABOVE

 

Helen Clark (New Zealand Prime Minister), autopenned 4”x6” photo with a printed note, black ink, pm@ministers.govt.nz SAME PHOTO AND PRINTED NOTE AS ABOVE

 

Roland Koch (German Politician), signed 4”x6” color photo with biographical information about him on the back and signed note by his secretary, thick black sharpie on photo, thin black ink pen on note, R.koch@ltg.hessen.de.

 

Roland Koch (German Politician), signed 4”x6” color photo with biographical information about him on the back and signed note by his secretary, thick black sharpie on photo, thin black ink pen on note, R.koch@ltg.hessen.de. SAME CELEBRITY, PHOTO AND NOTE AS ABOVE, EXCEPT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SIGNATURE THAT’S PROVES IT’S AUTHENTIC

 

Roland Koch (German Politician), signed 4”x6” color photo with biographical information about him on the back and signed note by his secretary, thick black sharpie on photo, thin black ink pen on note, R.koch@ltg.hessen.de. SAME CELEBRITY, PHOTO AND NOTE AS ABOVE, EXCEPT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SIGNATURE THAT’S PROVES IT’S AUTHENTIC

 

Thomas Klestil (Federal President of Austria), signed 4”x6” color photo and printed note, thick black sharpie, Thomas.klestil@hofburg.at.

 

Jurgen Trittin (German Politician Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen), signed 4”x6” color photo with information on the back and letter written and signed by his secretary, thick black sharpie on photo, Mail@bundestag.de.  

 

Right Honorable Paul Martin (Prime Minister of Canada), one signed 8”x10” color photograph along with a letter signed by his secretary, thin blue sharpie on photograph, pm@pm.gc.ca.   

 

Right Honorable Paul Martin (Prime Minister of Canada), one signed 8”x10” color photograph along with a letter signed by his secretary, thin blue sharpie on photograph, pm@pm.gc.ca. SAME CELEBRITY AND PHOTO AS ABOVE, BUT AUTHENTIC

 

Jorge Sampaio (The President of the Portuguese Republic), one signed 8”x10” color photograph, with a typed letter from his secretary, thick black sharpie on photograph, Presidente@presidenciarepublica.pt

 

Tarja Halonen (President of the Republic of Finland), autopenned 4”x6” color photograph along with a letter of appreciation, black ink, president@tpk.fi.

 

Ken Livingstone (mayor of London), un-signed 5”x7” color photograph and un-signed letter, no autographs anywhere, mayor@london.gov.uk.

 

Martin O’Malley (mayor of Baltimore), one signed 5”x7” color photograph, thin black ink pen, Mayor@baltimorecity.gov.

 

Klaus Wowereit (German politician, mayor of Berlin), one signed 4.1” x 6” color photograph with an un-signed letter, “To Simon Thompson” and then his signature on the photograph in thin black sharpie, Der-Regierende-Buergermeister@SKZL.Verwalt-Berlin.de.

 

Aldana Wos (US Ambassador to Ethiopia), one signed 8.5”x11” color photograph, “Ambassador” and then her signature in thin black sharpie, USASaatkond@state.gov.

 

Kevin Cahill (New York Assembly Member, 101st Assembly District), one signed color 5”x7” photograph, note with pre-printed signature, and un-signed business card, “Simon, Best Wishes” in thick silver sharpie on the photo, cahillk@assembly.state.ny.us.

 

Rush Holt (US Representative from New Jersey), one autographed 8”x10” color photograph, “Best Wishes to Simon from” and then his signature, followed by “Member of Congress (NJ-12) 2005” all in thin black sharpie, Mail@RushHolt.com.

 

Owen Arthur (Prime Minister of Barbados), one signed 5”x7” color photograph with a letter signed by his secretary, thick silver sharpie on the photograph, Info@primeminister.gov.bb.

 

Jorg van Essen (German politician), one signed 4”x5.75” signed color photograph and a print-out of my email that has writing on it, thick black sharpie on photograph “Thank you for the mail and marry greetings” followed by some German words on the print-out of my email in thin black sharpie, joerg_essen@bundestag.de.

 

Cornelia Pieper (German politician), one signed color 4”x6” photograph and letter signed by her secretary, thin blue sharpie on photo, cornelia.pieper@bundestag.de.

 

Felix Perez Camacho (Governor of Guam), one signed color 3.5”x5” photograph along with a signed letter, thick black sharpie on photo and thick blue sharpie on letter, governor@mail.gov.gu.

 

Wolfgang Gerhardt (German politician), one signed 4”x6” color photograph, thin black sharpie, Wolfgang.Gerhardt@bundestag.de.

 

Carl-Ludwig Thiele (German politician), one signed 4”x6” color photograph, thin blue ink pen, Carl-ludwig.thiele@bundestag.de.

 

Hans-Joachim Otto (German politician), one signed 4”x6” color photograph and a signed note, thick black sharpie on photo and thin black ink pen on note, hans-joachim.otto@bundestag.de.

 

Gerhard Schroder (German politician), one signed 4”x6” color photograph with note signed by his secretary, thin blue sharpie on photo, InternetPost@bundesregierung.de.

 

Mauno Koivisto (President of Finland from 1982-1994), one signed 3.5”x5.75” black and white photograph with form letter, thin blue sharpie on photograph, Presidentti@tpk.fi.

 

Horst Friedrich (German politician), two signed color 4”x6” photographs and an un-signed business card, thin black sharpie on photographs, horst.friedrich@bundestag.de.