Frequently Asked Questions
Q: "How do you pronounce your last name?"
A: I pronounce it "Peter-froind" (think "Freud" with an N), but if that's too hard for you, "Peter-friend" works great. That's what it means in German, anyway, and it's how my dad and grandfather pronounce it.Q: "Is there going to be a third book in the killer unicorn series (that started with Rampant & Ascendant)?"
A: Yes, someday. I don't have a title, publisher, or release date yet, though. But I promise I have not abandoned Astrid! Meanwhile, enjoy the killer unicorn short stories.Q: "How many books are in the Secret Society Girl (Ivy League Novel) series?"
A: There are four books in the series. The correct reading order is: Secret Society Girl, Under the Rose, Rites of Spring (Break), and Tap & Gown.Q: "Are you going to write any more books in the Secret Society Girl (Ivy League Novel) series?"
A: Tap & Gown is the last book in the series. (It's time for Amy and me to graduate!) If you're interested in reading further in the series, check out the free secret stories.
Category Archives: writing advice
L asks: I was hoping you could give some writing advice, focusing more on the length of the novel. I’ve been working on my story, a YA Fantasy and the problem is that it’s too short. 61,000 words. I’ve been … Continue reading
From the mailbag, T. asks: When you write a novel it’s like a boat-load of short stories, with the same characters, and they tie together, right? So how would someone with great ideas get them onto paper if they don’t … Continue reading
One of the writer’s loops I’m on was discussing scenes in which characters talk on the telephone. Such scenes are often the bane of writers because they are so difficult to convey effectively, and, related, the bane of industry professionals … Continue reading
As I’m copyediting FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS, I’ve found cause to think about one of my favorite character roles: the nemesis. Who is the nemesis? Well, if comic book superheroes are to be believed, they are the villain. The … Continue reading
A few weeks ago, I got involved in a truncated Twitter conversation with writer Robin Talley that went like this: dpeterfreund Thanks to @deidreknight for reminding me of how much you can ramp things up by having a character actually … Continue reading
K asks: I just finished reading ‘Secret Society Girl’ and enjoyed every page and wanted to thank you for writing such a page turner. I’m writing a book at the moment, as well as working a full time job and … Continue reading
I was recently reminded of an old phenomenon I remember well from the days before I was published (and before I realized that my blood pressure was best served by staying off listservs and forums populated by aspiring writers): that … Continue reading
From time to time, I receive requests from near or complete strangers to help them in their quest for publication. (Also, occasionally to help them in their quest for college admissions, since, you know, my first series was set in … Continue reading
On one of my writer’s loops, a writer is bemoaning the fact that she’s been waiting to hear back from an agent about her submission since last summer. When last she wrote in for a status update, the agent responded … Continue reading
L asks: Could you please post a section on your website providing tips to novice writers (like myself) on how to successfully get your novel out there. I’m very curious to read your query letter. Your wish is my command. … Continue reading
