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 industry
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
FYI, SLJ, Harlequin is a large, multi-national publishing company. They publish all sorts of books, even if they are best known for publishing romance. Therefore, when the senior editor of the company shows up to correct your erroneous depiction of … 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
BookEnds Literary Agency recently did a fascinating series of posts about why an agent might turn down work they think is good and/or saleable. It started when agent Jessica Faust shared a story from the trenches: She requested a partial … Continue reading
I’m in that stage in writing a book where I’m completely obsessed. It’s all I think about. While I’m doing the dishes, I think about how to tweak lines of dialogue. While I’m eating dinner with my husband, I’m planning … Continue reading
Oh noes! The killer unicorns! They have taken over my website! Thanks to ‘brina for the cornification. In other news, the killer unicorn takeover of the known world continues apace. At the School Library Journal, kidlit blogger Fuse #8 casts … Continue reading
Thanks to Justine’s “writing advice month” posts, I’ve been getting a bunch of requests for advice on how to write a synopsis for a novel. Most writers I know hate writing synopsis, loathe it with the fiery passion of a … Continue reading
In the comments section of last week’s “industry research” post, one reader wondered why I did not address the ever-burning question of why one book is chosen for publication over another. That, in her opinion, is the true mystery, and … Continue reading
Justine Larbalestier is answering writing questions all month on her blog? She’s already tackled POV, getting ideas, what to do when you’re stuck, and, in a notable departure from her edict not to answer industry questions, how to get an … Continue reading
