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
The writing segments of the internets have been abuzz this week with discussion about screenwriter Josh Olson’s incendiary “No, I Will Not Read Rour F***ing Script” article in the Village Voice. The article, the disgusting, anti-Semitic commentary that followed, the … Continue reading
set piece: (n.) an important dramatic or comedic highpoint in a film or story, particularly those that provide some kind of dramatic payoff, resolution, or transition. (Source: Wikipedia) set piece: (n.) A situation, activity, or speech planned beforehand and carried … Continue reading
A few links from around the internets: The BookMaven responds to another one of those tiresome genre snobbery posts. I agree with a lot of it, but I’m not sure she goes as far as I would. So, I don’ … Continue reading
In the comments thread, Julie Leto (who was instrumental in my own path to publication) pointed out a great blog post up by Jennifer Ashley at the Plotmonkeys. Ashley’s latest book, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, is getting stunning … Continue reading
C asks: For the past few years, I have been working on a novel of my mine. Just recently, I have successfully finished it. I was wondering what are the steps to get my novel published. Being a renowned author … Continue reading
I think the current effort on the part of literary agents to demystify and explain their roles, discuss the details of the oftentimes confusing world of publishing, and give advice to aspiring authors everywhere is capital-A Awesome. I regularly check … Continue reading
So today was supposed to be a new episode of the Tap & Gown show, but YouTube is giving me fits. Le sigh. We had a big spring cleaning weekend Chez Diana. We beat the rugs and everything. (Rio is … Continue reading
I’m deep in deadline mode now, so you’ll likely not see the most fascinating posts from me for a bit. Meanwhile, here are some blogs that have made me think hard recently: Tess Gerritsen agreed to look at a new … Continue reading
I missed the whole QueryFail brouhaha while in Ireland. But after reading the actual twitter posts (I refuse to say “tweet,” what is that nonsense?) as well as some commentary on the subject, I’m inclined to think it wasn’t the … Continue reading
J asks: “I was wondering how important you think it is to hire an editor to go over a manuscript before attempting to give it an agent?” Dear J, Not important at all. I have never done so, and though … Continue reading
