Brad Meltzer's Blog
September 12, 2014
The Oath
When I was 24 years old, my mentor, Eli Segal, asked to write an oath. It was for this new program called AmeriCorps, to help people see the power of service. Co-writing that AmeriCorps oath is one of the things I'm most proud of. I've see it uttered by Presidents Clinton, Bush, and today, President Obama, who administered it via simulcast as I was swearing in 1,000 people in Florida. There's no politics with this one. We all can serve and help others.
When I was 24 years old, my favorite line that I wrote was this one: "Where there is adversity, I will persevere." It's strong, defiant and never quits.
Today, 20 years later, I love this line just as much: "I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond."
Back then, it was a hope. Today, it's a reality.
Happy 20th anniversary, AmeriCorps. And thank you, Eli. In honor of this, go thank your own mentor or even the person who gave you your first real job.
When I was 24 years old, my favorite line that I wrote was this one: "Where there is adversity, I will persevere." It's strong, defiant and never quits.
Today, 20 years later, I love this line just as much: "I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond."
Back then, it was a hope. Today, it's a reality.
Happy 20th anniversary, AmeriCorps. And thank you, Eli. In honor of this, go thank your own mentor or even the person who gave you your first real job.
December 31, 2013
Secret History
Here's the perfect way to finish the year.
This week, a 97 year old man named Jerry Fine passed away. Nearly a decade ago, Jerry invited me into his house. The reason I was there was because when Jerry was a kid, he introduced his cousin Jerry Siegel to a boy named Joe Shuster. Siegel was a writer; Shuster an artist. And yes, together, those 17 year-old kids from Cleveland created the character known as Superman.
History is just the best, isn't it? Jerry Fine did many things with his life. And on one particular day, though nobody knows his name, he changed the planet. Without him, Siegel and Shuster potentially never forge their famous friendship and we never get Superman.
So thank you, Jerry Fine. Thank you for that day in your house where you shared your memories, your family, and your friendship. And thank you for proving that there's no such thing as an ordinary person.
Healthy and happy new year to you all!
This week, a 97 year old man named Jerry Fine passed away. Nearly a decade ago, Jerry invited me into his house. The reason I was there was because when Jerry was a kid, he introduced his cousin Jerry Siegel to a boy named Joe Shuster. Siegel was a writer; Shuster an artist. And yes, together, those 17 year-old kids from Cleveland created the character known as Superman.
History is just the best, isn't it? Jerry Fine did many things with his life. And on one particular day, though nobody knows his name, he changed the planet. Without him, Siegel and Shuster potentially never forge their famous friendship and we never get Superman.
So thank you, Jerry Fine. Thank you for that day in your house where you shared your memories, your family, and your friendship. And thank you for proving that there's no such thing as an ordinary person.
Healthy and happy new year to you all!
June 21, 2013
Please Help!
It's that time! Please help us pick the cover for the next book. It's our first illustrated children's book, coming in January. Please vote which you like best for I AM AMELIA EARHART. A or B? (And yes, I always lose the vote).
May 16, 2013
Decoded!
Here it is -- world premiere of the cover of our new DECODED book (that's right, book) that's coming out in October. It counts down the top 10 conspiracies throughout history -- and even comes with removable pieces (letters from John Wilkes Booth, escape maps, etc, so you can see the evidence yourself). So proud of it. And yes, let's hear your top conspiracies for the list. As for the show, stay tuned...
May 2, 2013
Only in my Family
Yesterday, my father-in-law Bobby sees a homeless guy begging with a sign that says, "I won't lie -- I just want beer." Bobby also helps enough homeless at his restaurant, so he looks past the guy. But then, the homeless man spots the JUMBO'S bumper sticker's on Bobby's car. He knows JUMBO'S, the legendary soul food restaurant and civil rights landmark. At which point, the homeless man yells through the window, "I read all you son-in-law's books!" Only in Miami. Only in my family. Needless to say, Bobby told him to come in for a free meal.
January 27, 2013
The Power of Thank You
Here's the story of one of the craziest, most rewarding experiences of my life. From my trip with the USO. How one soldier changed my life. [Parade Magazine]
January 11, 2013
Decode This!
You asked for it: Solve the puzzle below -- and the first five people to email me at: bradmeltzer44 AT gmail.com get decoder rings.
X Marks A Spot In Easy Code For You To Read:
P - 1
X + 1
I - 5
F + 8
U + 1
N - 1
M + 6
K + 3
C - 4
M - 1
F + 3
Thanks to pal and veteran puzzlemaker Mark Danna for this puzzle. He co-writes Mensa's annual page-a-day puzzle calendar, so if you like this, go buy those. He's also the author of more than 25 word search books and writer of the syndicated newspaper puzzle Wordy Gurdy. Where'd I meet him? Games magazine. For personalized crosswords, word searches, and other puzzles, contact Mark at wordygurdy10 AT aim.com.
X Marks A Spot In Easy Code For You To Read:
P - 1
X + 1
I - 5
F + 8
U + 1
N - 1
M + 6
K + 3
C - 4
M - 1
F + 3
Thanks to pal and veteran puzzlemaker Mark Danna for this puzzle. He co-writes Mensa's annual page-a-day puzzle calendar, so if you like this, go buy those. He's also the author of more than 25 word search books and writer of the syndicated newspaper puzzle Wordy Gurdy. Where'd I meet him? Games magazine. For personalized crosswords, word searches, and other puzzles, contact Mark at wordygurdy10 AT aim.com.
January 5, 2013
Decoder Rings!
Remember last year when we tried to get you secret decoder rings and couldn't? Well guess what we just got? That's right. And next Tuesday in New York, on the publication day of The Fifth Assassin, we -- with the help of our judge John Hodgman -- are going to attempt to break the Guinness Book World Record for “Most Secret Decoder Rings Worn in One Place.” And, yes, we're supplying the rings!
When: Tuesday, January 15 at 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble, Union Square - 33 E 17th St, New York
Why: C'mon, we're giving out free secret decoder rings, and we're all gonna use them at the same time. This is my nerd dream come true. Also, with Hodgman acting as our official judge, it'll truly add some brains to my brawn.
Why else: I'll then talk and sign copies of THE FIFTH ASSASSIN!
When: Tuesday, January 15 at 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble, Union Square - 33 E 17th St, New York
Why: C'mon, we're giving out free secret decoder rings, and we're all gonna use them at the same time. This is my nerd dream come true. Also, with Hodgman acting as our official judge, it'll truly add some brains to my brawn.
Why else: I'll then talk and sign copies of THE FIFTH ASSASSIN!
July 2, 2012
Need your help
We've narrowed it to these two attached covers for the new novel, and as always, would love your help picking the winner. So please vote and tell us which one you like best (one on the right or one on the left?).
No, you don't need to know what it's about. For once, judge a book by its cover.
Much love and thanks.
b
May 3, 2012
SUBMIT YOUR HERO Contest Winner
Here's the winner of our SUBMIT YOUR HERO contest -- and the writeup I did that'll go in their personalized copy of Heroes For My Daughter. Tough to be grandma firefighter. Loved every single one that was submitted.
Maryann Frankson
Lifesaver
Born in 1949, Maryann was the first female Emergency Medical Services squad captain in her hometown.
And the first woman who was properly trained as Advanced Life Support personnel in her fire company.
Along the way, she encouraged others, like her firefighting chief and her squad captain, to be trained in Advanced Life Support as well.
As a result, lives were saved.
Many, Maryann saved herself.
In fact, to this day, she helped create many of the laws that emergency medical services in New York State still adhere to.
But of all the lives she touched, the most vital were the ones in her family.
She raised her grandson and granddaughter.
She listened to their problems.
And taught them to give back to their community.
By the time her grandkids were sixteen, she helped them study -- and pass -- their own state certification exams.
Indeed, by encouraging them to join the fire company themselves, she gave the world more heroes and more lifesavers.
No question, they would be Maryann's greatest legacy:
Twin reminders of the power of kindness,
and the true power of a grandmother.
"Don't forget to put on an extra pair of socks so your feet don't get wet when you drain the hoses after your next call."
- Maryann Frankson
"My grandmother is my hero."
- Marie Frankson
Maryann Frankson
Lifesaver
Born in 1949, Maryann was the first female Emergency Medical Services squad captain in her hometown.
And the first woman who was properly trained as Advanced Life Support personnel in her fire company.
Along the way, she encouraged others, like her firefighting chief and her squad captain, to be trained in Advanced Life Support as well.
As a result, lives were saved.
Many, Maryann saved herself.
In fact, to this day, she helped create many of the laws that emergency medical services in New York State still adhere to.
But of all the lives she touched, the most vital were the ones in her family.
She raised her grandson and granddaughter.
She listened to their problems.
And taught them to give back to their community.
By the time her grandkids were sixteen, she helped them study -- and pass -- their own state certification exams.
Indeed, by encouraging them to join the fire company themselves, she gave the world more heroes and more lifesavers.
No question, they would be Maryann's greatest legacy:
Twin reminders of the power of kindness,
and the true power of a grandmother.
"Don't forget to put on an extra pair of socks so your feet don't get wet when you drain the hoses after your next call."
- Maryann Frankson
"My grandmother is my hero."
- Marie Frankson
