Guestbook « Peter Lerangis

Shawna wrote on November 7, 2014 at 4:51 AM

Peter Lerangis, I've recently written a short story for my creative writing class and I'd like to try and get it published. The only problem is that I don't really know how to do that. So, how do you get something published?
Also when is the cover, title, release date, etc. going to be announced for the next Seven Wonders book?
Thanks!!

Admin Reply:

Hi, Shawna! Well, let’s do the easier question first. The title of Book 4 is THE CURSE OF THE KING, the release date in March 3, and here’s the cover:

As for your other question, it really depends on your age and experience. If you’re a college student about to go into the working world, I would recommend contacting a literary agent in your area and joining SCBWI. If you’re a student in high school or younger, I would recommend not worrying yet about being published. The most important thing for young writers is to practice, improve, and lead an interesting life. All of these are crucial to being a great writer. Let’s assume you are phenomenally excellent. Most current published writers were phenomenally excellent too in middle school and high school, but they were not publishable; they were WAY better as they got a bit older. Writing well really does take time and practice. It’s a craft, like sports or music. An excellent middle school or high school cellist is not necessarily going to find a job with the New York Philharmonic — yet! A teenaged Michael Jordan would not have made an NBA basketball team. In the meantime, have you thought of entering a contest? That was how Gordon Korman started his career. He actually was published as a teen, many decades ago, after his work won a contest. You may want to look into the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Brandon Lusch wrote on November 5, 2014 at 12:11 AM

Brandon Hi Mr. Peter Lerangis I love your books!!!!!!!!!!! I am a #1 fan. Right now i am writing a book, and please would like to know some good writing skills. I also have a question . Would you start a new paragraph after a cahracter is done speaking? Hope you can respond. :] Thank You, Brandon

Admin Reply:

Hello again, Brandon! Sorry to have been so late responding to your first question, but it’s below so take a look. OK, so as for your question — yes, you should start a new paragraph each time a character speaks!

Caleb wrote on October 31, 2014 at 1:37 PM

The 39 Clues: The Sword Thief book was awesome and I love how you added everything with details. How you did the description, Man, that was great. Do you have any advice to give me about writing? My favorite character was Dan because he's adventurous. Please write back. Thank you for sharing your book.
Caleb

Admin Reply:

Hi, Caleb! Thanks so much for your nice words about THE SWORD THIEF. I had a blast writing that book! Funny you should ask about writing tips. As you can see below, the writer just before you asked the same thing. So if you don’t mind, I’ll give you the same advice:
1. You have to want it more than anything else in the world. You have to be the kind of person who doesn’t settle for no.2. Reading voraciously — all the time — is the single best training to become a writer.3. It helps to be intensely curious about how your favorite authors make their work so good. What kind of words do they use? What kind of words do they leave out?4. You need to practice. Like a musical instrument or a sport, writing gets better with constant work. Write some things for yourself, pieces that no one else sees. Also write stories that you show to people you respect — teachers, librarians, parents, siblings, other authors, etc. Listen to their feedback. Learn to recognize useful and useless feedback. Useful feedback is your best friend, even though it may feel painful.5. You must collect ideas. Write them down. A pad or a writer’s notebook is great, but anything will do, even a receipt or a scrap of paper. Collect your ideas from conversations, things you observe in everyday life, dreams, other books and movies, etc. When you have a bunch of them, read them over and decide which is the best. Which one makes you the most excited? Start working on that one. If you like it, chances are your readers will too.6. You need to recognize that the stakes in your story must be super-high. Even in stories about everyday life, there must be some dilemma that seems impossible to solve, something the readers will hang on to until the very end.7. Regarding step 6, think hard about what you want to leave out of your story. That’s the thing that will pull your readers in.8. Live life to the fullest. It’s easier to write compelling stories if you’ve experienced compelling events in your life.9. Don’t worry about getting published right away. Almost no one is published at a super-young age, and that’s OK.10. Did I say practice?11. Practice!

Brandon Lusch wrote on October 29, 2014 at 7:31 PM

Dear Mr. Lerangis I would like to know if you are coming out with movies for the seven wonders seris. In your books are very inspiring. Do you think you could get me some good writing tips for my book I am writing.I am a big fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerly, Brandon Lusch

Admin Reply:

Hi, Brandon! There was some interest in Hollywood for THE SEVEN WONDERS series, but nothing definite yet. (Hey, if you have any movie connections, let them know it’s available!) As for writing tips, well, here’s some advice I usually give people who are serious about writing books:
1. You have to want it more than anything else in the world. You have to be the kind of person who doesn’t settle for no.2. Reading voraciously — all the time — is the single best training to become a writer.3. It helps to be intensely curious about how your favorite authors make their work so good. What kind of words do they use? What kind of words do they leave out?4. You need to practice. Like a musical instrument or a sport, writing gets better with constant work. Write some things for yourself, pieces that no one else sees. Also write stories that you show to people you respect — teachers, librarians, parents, siblings, other authors, etc. Listen to their feedback. Learn to recognize useful and useless feedback. Useful feedback is your best friend, even though it may feel painful.5. You must collect ideas. Write them down. A pad or a writer’s notebook is great, but anything will do, even a receipt or a scrap of paper. Collect your ideas from conversations, things you observe in everyday life, dreams, other books and movies, etc. When you have a bunch of them, read them over and decide which is the best. Which one makes you the most excited? Start working on that one. If you like it, chances are your readers will too.6. You need to recognize that the stakes in your story must be super-high. Even in stories about everyday life, there must be some dilemma that seems impossible to solve, something the readers will hang on to until the very end.7. Regarding step 6, think hard about what you want to leave out of your story. That’s the thing that will pull your readers in.8. Live life to the fullest. It’s easier to write compelling stories if you’ve experienced compelling events in your life.9. Don’t worry about getting published right away. Almost no one is published at a super-young age, and that’s OK.10. Did I say practice?11. Practice!

Dario wrote on October 23, 2014 at 9:22 PM

Dear Peter Lerangis,
your books are really awesome. I read your books of the 39 Clues series in german, because that's my first language. But after that I started reading books in english because I liked them so much and they arn't translated into my language. So I read the Cahill vs. Vespers and Unstoppable books too. After that I wanted to read something in english again, because it's a great Training for my language knowledge. So I found the Seven Wonders. I read book 1 and 2 and the short novels "The Select" and "The orphan" Now I'm on book three, and I can't wait for reading more about the Seven Wonders.
Thank you for those cool books! They helped me learning english soo much. Now I like the english lessons at School way better than before I read your books in english. It's cool, that I'm just 15, but I'm able to read your books in the original language on my nook book Reader.
First the idea of atlentis sounded a bit like Percy Jackson of rick riordan, but as I read your book I found that it is so different. It's fun and adjucation at the same time. That's what i liked on those books. the characters are pleasent and I liked it that you maked every book in another way. First i thought this series would be a Kind of road movie and in every book the select are just hunting a loculi and so on, but you made a lot of interesting changes and I liked the secrets and anagrams in the book!
I'm really impressed. So please go on writing books like "Lost in Babylon" because they are great!!!!!
Dario

Admin Reply:

Dario! Danke sehr! Das ist ausgezeichnet! I am so pleased that my books are your windows into the English language, and that you’ re enjoying them so much. I studied German in high school and college, so it’s a special honor to read this. And I think your English is grand. I hope my future books will live up to your standards.

Matthew wrote on October 22, 2014 at 11:28 PM

Hello Mr. Lerangis, I have recently gotten The Colossus Rises, after so many of my friends recomended it. i finished it one day, because besides for eating and doing homework, all i did was read. my eyes were glued onto the pages untill i finished the book. I really loved it. Now wonder why so many people recommended it! After i finished it, i looked at the page where it showed some things about you, and I noticed how it said "In his spare time he likes to eat chocolate. Seriously, he loves chocolate." Do you love chocolate so much that it was even put into your book? And besides chocolate, what else is your favorite food? P.S.- I love chocolate too. i like dark chocolate the most. 🙂

Admin Reply:

Hi, Matthew! First, please forgive me for taking so long to write back. Thanks so much for you kind words about COLOSSUS. I’m delighted you enjoyed it so much. I’ve been traveling like crazy while at the same time working on final touches for SEVEN WONDERS #4. And guess what I did today after sending in the last revise? (Well, besides writing you back, that is … )
[expandable title="Click for answer...."] [/expandable]
(Actually, I do like dark chocolate the best, but others in my family prefer milk. So I compromise.)

Chayse wrote on October 18, 2014 at 3:33 PM

Dear Peter Lerangis, Your book The Viper's Nest is my all time favorite chapter book. I am amazed how all of the Cahills synergized in the book. It is awesome how they are in a war. I like how they take it seriously. I love how instead of all boys there are Amy and some other girls. I have 1 questions. Do you work with other authors?
From, Chayse

Admin Reply:

Thanks so much, Chayse! I have worked with other writers, but not that often. Generally I write on my own. Fewer arguments that way, I guess!

kendra wrote on October 18, 2014 at 2:31 AM

peter i really liked the advice you gave me and you don`t think i am lame i wish sometimes i had the courage to show people my stories but i don`t i am writing about a girl who is half werewolf and human and she has friends along with here how i got the idea of it is my friends and i used to act like we were werewolves. I am so glad on giving me advice i really like your books and know you work hard on your i finished the Cryptid Hunters books if you haven`t read them you should well i should say peace out and write on

Admin Reply:

Thanks, Kendra! I look forward to reading Cryptid Hunters. I think your idea is great. Keep having those ideas, and keep writing!

lily wrote on October 13, 2014 at 9:58 PM

Hi peter I was at your presentation in Gillette Wyoming. You inspired me so much that I am writing my own books. Thankyou.

Admin Reply:

Hi, Lily. That’s fantastic! Good luck to you on your writing. I’m sure it will be great!

Zack wrote on October 13, 2014 at 6:29 AM

Dear Peter. I met you in Gillette,Wyoming I'm the kid who said the box storage joke I was wondering how the story of the seven wonders will end cause I think the corporation tries to kill the kids when they reach fourteen years old or they turn on each other to live hunger games style if they don't die from the challenges I think you should make a series about a superhero who has telekinesis and is more of a anti-hero street tough
From Box Boy Zack

Admin Reply:

Wow! Thanks, Zack, that’s a great imagination! I think maybe YOU should start developing these ideas. I’ll bet you’d do a great job.

kendra wrote on October 10, 2014 at 10:29 PM

hi i love your books i write my own books to i have never shared them before were you scared to show your books or am i just lame well reply back as soon as you can and have you ever heard of kryptid hunters if so do you like them.

Admin Reply:

Hi, Kendra! No, you’re not lame at all — it’s just fine not to show anyone your stories. As a matter of fact, I didn’t show most of my stories to anyone when I first started writing. I just wrote the stories for myself, because I enjoyed doing it. Yes, I sure do know about Cryptid Hunters. Roland Smith is a great author and a good friend of mine. In fact, we both worked on the 39 Clues series, and we once made a little video together, which you can see at the bottom of my blog post on this page!

Chase Worsley wrote on October 9, 2014 at 9:20 PM

Good presintaion at Gillette Wy in the Wyoming room AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Admin Reply:

Thanks, Chase! What a great visit this was. Now I know what a “Wyoming welcome” is like, and I look forward to returning someday!

Colten wrote on October 9, 2014 at 1:56 AM

Today I was able to meet you in person in Gillette Wyoming. I was the one with the first book of the 39 clues.Thank you for writing the books. I really enjoy them. Thank you for coming to see us so we could meet you and get your autograph. Hopefully one day I can have the chance to see you again.

Admin Reply:

Thank you, Colten. It was great to meet you. I had an amazing time in Gillette! I will always remember the warm reception you and your classmates gave me.

Jarek Anderson wrote on October 7, 2014 at 5:16 PM

So peter im asking if you have any advise to us young authors to help us on are story writing? because im doing young authors and i could really use some help. please XD

Admin Reply:

Hi, Jarek. OK, the simplest advice I can give you is, think of a secret. Something your characters don’t know about. Maybe one of the characters knows. Maybe none of them do. It could be a threat. It could be something wonderful about to happen, to solve a problem. But you must hold it back until the end of the story. Then think of a way to begin your story. Think of a few interesting characters. Maybe they’re like people you know. Maybe they’re like characters you’ve seen on TV or read about. Understand who they are and what makes them tick — are they greedy, kind, rough, bossy, sneaky, funny. Make them all different. Think about a cool way to begin the story and a good conflict right at the beginning — something must go wrong at the beginning. How do your characters solve this conflict? Well, that’s where your secret comes in. You try to keep your characters, and your readers, guessing.
I know that’s very, very general, but I hope it helps.

Rachael wrote on October 7, 2014 at 5:15 PM

hi my name is rachael stubbs i am 10 I am wondering how miny books have you wrote in your intire life. and I am a huge fan. 🙂
your frind rachael

Admin Reply:

Hi, Rachael! Thank you so much. So far I’ve written almost 170 books. Totally true. Just writing that makes me exhausted!

Kaylen wrote on October 7, 2014 at 5:09 PM

Hi my name is Kaylen i am wondering what book do u think ur favorite book is that u have rote? Thank you!!!!!!
Thanks, Kaylen :]

Admin Reply:

Hi, Kaylen! So far I think the book I like the best is TOMB OF SHADOWS. Maybe because it’s the most recent one. A lot of us writers get attached to the most recent book we’ve written!

Joshua Lee wrote on September 30, 2014 at 8:13 PM

Hello Mr. Lerangis, it's Joshua again but this time, this post isn't about asking you for book advice or praising you books. It's actually about one of your books which is The Sword Theif of The 39 Clues. So, yesterday I was just randomly digging around my desk when i suddenly saw a book hidden and wedged behind my desk. i managed to squeeze it out and it turned out that it was The Sword Theif. Not only that but it was a copy that i had not seen since first grade! So i flipped around it and saw on the page right before the dedication page a signature! I knew it was a real one because the writing was in some sort of marker and it bled through the page. So that led me wondering if YOU at one point autographed it. It was in (no offense) a little messy cursive, and it said something like "To Joshua!" or something but i couldn't tell because it was a little messy cursive. Then underneath it it says some more cursive that i can't even make out. I was wondering if you once came to my elementry school when i was in first grade for a visit and i somehow got a signed copy of The Sword Thief or if there was a raffle or a contest or something. My elemantry school was Memorial Elementry School in Montvale, New Jersey. To be honest with you i barely remember that day when i got that book. All i remember is that i was handed the book one day by my teacher. I don't remember asking why and how i got it. Do you know if you signed my book or coming to Montvale Elementry? I don't know if it is a real autograph or a fake.

Admin Reply:

Hi again, Joshua! Well, I can best answer your question by directing you to this page, where you can search for “Montvale” and see what comes up! (Hint: look for me signing a huge stack of books.) It looks like it was in 2010. Chances are I gave a presentation to fourth or fifth graders that day. All I remember is that it was cold!

Malanay,Lars wrote on September 30, 2014 at 12:11 PM

Dear Mr Peter Lerangis
Good day I am malanay,Lars from the philippines and a big fan of yours! because your books the seven wonders inspires me to become a excellent writer like you and also i like to imagine things , now i am reading your book Seven Wonders : Lost in Babylon. it has so much adventures of finding marco and someday i'm dreaming to have a loculus and a G7W. that's all, thank you!!!

Admin Reply:

This message truly makes my day. I send you all my best wishes in your quest to become a writer. Open up that imagination and let your stories flow!

Mikeala Pelkola wrote on September 27, 2014 at 11:49 PM

Hi sorry It's me again. I forgot to say once I read your books It inspired me to become a writer when I grow up :D! Do you think that is a good Idea? Also I found out you can go to schools and also you have been to my aunts! I was wondering if I could meet you in person? My school is Otter Lake Elementary in White Bear Lake, Minnesota! But I'm just asking ;D. Bye!

Admin Reply:

Hi again, Mikaela! I do think it’s a good idea to become a writer, if you love telling stories and you have a big imagination. It’s difficult to break in, but the great thing is that you can keep writing and keep trying, even if you need to do another job. Yes, I’ve visited Minnesota several times and I love your state! If you’d like me to visit your school, you might ask your teacher or librarian to visit the “Author Visits” link on my website (above). Good luck in your writing! (Actually, if you look two messages before this one, you’ll find some good advice about being a writer ...)

Mikeala Pelkola wrote on September 27, 2014 at 11:30 PM

Hi! I'm Mikeala and I am in 5th grade. I love Your series The Seven Wonders! I like how you made all the characters personalities! I can't wait for your 4th book, It's going to be so exciting. I'm your biggest fan, but I bet you get that a lot , because your an awesome writer!

Admin Reply:

Hello, Mikaela. Thanks for writing, and for your great enthusiasm! It means a lot, and I can’t wait for everyone to read Book 4. It is FULL of surprises!

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