Guestbook « Peter Lerangis

Rein Miranda wrote on May 8, 2013 at 11:53 AM

Hi Mr Peter! Do you plan on writing more free "Journals" PDFs (like The Select) for the Seven Wonders series?

Admin Reply:

Hello, Rein! Yes, I’ll be writing one eBook Journal for each book, so seven altogether. I’m afraid they won’t be free, but they won’t cost much.

Charles wrote on May 8, 2013 at 11:25 AM

Hi Mr. Lerangis
How did you come up with the names of Jack,Aly,Cass,Marco,Torquin and Professor Bhegad?
And Hows Malaysia?

Admin Reply:

They pretty much popped into my head. I try a few names out with each character until I find one that feels right. And I’ve had a fantastic time in Malaysia; thanks for asking!

Kayla wrote on May 8, 2013 at 1:25 AM

Hi, Peter! 😀 Thanks for visiting the Philippines. Authors don't really go here, so I felt really happy when I found out that you're going here. You're so funny and awesome! Again, thanks so much for coming.

Admin Reply:

Hi, Kayla! Thank you so much. I hope you get to see more and more writers in the Philippines. We sure are welcomed wonderfully here.

Truman wrote on May 7, 2013 at 11:48 PM

I just finished The Colossus Rises a few minutes ago. Loved it! On a scale of one to ten, ten being best, I'd give it an 8.9. I was hoping for a little more historical information on the Colossus, and there's a missing period on page 145, but otherwise, great!
Also, will Vanessa be coming in later books?

Admin Reply:

Thanks, Truman! Typo noted. Not sure what will happen with Vanessa, but for now she’s out of the picture.

Justin Chin Wei Kit wrote on May 7, 2013 at 1:46 PM

Hi Mr Peter today you came to my school SRI KDU International and I was the boy that asked about whether there will be a movie for the 7 Wonders and if I could asked will there be a movie for it if so could you reply to me

Sincerely Justin Chin

Admin Reply:

Hi, Justin! We’ve had interest from a few movie companies but none of them has made a firm offer yet, so I'm still hoping!

Carine wrote on May 7, 2013 at 10:22 AM

How long do you take to write a book?

How old were you when you first started writing stories?

Admin Reply:

Hi, Carine! It usually takes about nine months to a year to write a book. I wrote stories even when I was a kid (probably back to second or third grade). But my first professional story was published when I was in my early thirties.

Charlene wrote on May 7, 2013 at 10:14 AM

Hi Mr.Peter,
I was one of the students in Sri KDU International School that you had visited today. I was wondering how many series are there going to be in the book 7 wonders. I am so excited to read your book, I hope there will be more series of the 7 Wonders! 🙂
Charlene(Not the blond hair or the curly hair girl that you answered this morning)

Admin Reply:

Hello, Charlene! I had such a great time visiting your school.
There will be seven books altogether. But in between books I will also be writing some surprise eBooks (short ones, about 50 or 60 pages). There will be seven of them, too. You can see more information at the Seven Wonders official website [pl-popup content="http://bit.ly/7WSite" title="Seven Wonders site" width="1000" height="640"]here[/pl-popup].

Katrina wrote on May 7, 2013 at 8:42 AM

Hi Peter, I really wanted to be a writer like you, someday. Any advice? 🙂 By the way, Please visit Philippines again! You're the best and emosewa writer ever!

Admin Reply:

Sknaht very much, Katrina! I hope to be invited back to the Philippines. I would love to visit again! Generally, here's the advice I give to young writers:
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.

Meg Parry wrote on May 7, 2013 at 4:13 AM

Dear Peter,

Thank you so much for coming to speak to our 5th and 6th graders at ISM; your presentation was so inspirational for our students! Today in my class, we had independent reading, and The Colossus Rises was was being read in every corner; some students were on bean bags, some were on pillows, some at desks, and I think there was one boy who was actually upside down? Students already want to know when the next one in the series will come out, so you will have to get busy!

I feel so privileged to have met you and hope that your travels bring you back to the Philippines very soon. Your visit meant so much to so many future writers, both students, and adults as well. I hope you have some wonderful adventures on your trip, and gather up a lot of new writing ideas.

Kind regards,
Meg Parry

Admin Reply:

Hello, Meg! It was a great honor to visit your extraordinary school, and I do hope I have the opportunity to do this again. I will reply further via email, but please know I will keep warm memories of ISM (and I don't mean the temperature). Thanks so much for this lovely message, and I’m interested to know how the book holds up when it’s upside down.

Meann Ortiz wrote on May 7, 2013 at 12:50 AM

Hi, Mr. Lerangis!

I'm back with a few more questions, but this time, it's really just to satisfy my curiosity as a reader. 😀

1. I noticed that a lot of middle grade series these days feature either a trio or a quartet of heroes (e.g. Seven Wonders, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc.) whose members each have a "specialization" in the group. Why does this formula work so well?
2. I'm sure you've met quite a number of adults (like me) who do read and enjoy your books. Why do you think middle grade/YA/your books appeal to readers beyond their intended audience?
3. The Sword Thief is one of my 2 favorite books from the first 39 Clues series (the other is Ms. Watson's "Beyond the Grave"). Have you ever met a real samurai? 😀
4. How do you feel about killing off characters. o_O

I'm sorry there are so many questions, but I feel like I may forget them, so I put them all here. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. I hope you continue to have a great tour around Asia!

Admin Reply:

Hi, Meann! Okay, I’ll do my best:

I think every kid (and to a large extent, every adult) carries inside a lifelong wish to be unique, different from everyone else. Society pushes us toward norms of beauty, intelligence, attitude, etc. And we give in to this out of a need to belong. But even as we do, we have a burning desire to find and cherish those things inside us that shine, that separate each of us from the rest of humanity. That quality, writ large, is behind all thes books that focus on “special abilities.” The reader sees the special qualities in each character as an extension of him- or herself, experiencing all the glories and pitfalls.
I think middle grade/YA books appeal to adults because a part of each of us stayed that age, with all the unresolved questions, passions, and humor of a kid. But moreover, with the explosion of titles in the genre, a lot of the most talented writers are being attracted to the YA/middle grade markets, The stuff is just good.
Thank you! And no, I’ve never met a real samurai. (Unless I did, and he didn’t admit it!)
Not comfortable. That’s why I leave that to other writers.

Charles wrote on May 6, 2013 at 4:13 PM

Hi Mr.Lerangis
What is Your Favorite Book? And Why?
And Hows Halo Halo?

Admin Reply:

Hi, Charles. Wow, I’ve read so many books I love. Trying to decide a favorite is like trying to pick a favorite child. I don’t think I could possibly do it! But I can definitely tell you what my new favorite summer dessert is: HALO HALO! It was absolutely amazing.

Katie Had. wrote on May 6, 2013 at 1:07 PM

Dear Mr. Peter Lerangis,
I am from the Phillipines, and I think I told you this earlier, but I just want you to know that you were one of the big 3 people who inspired me to write and to want to be a writer. Your presentation today was amazing. You are very funny and cool and nice. I cant wait for the Seven Wonders Series to come out. I know it will be great. I grew up reading books from the 39 Clues and you are in my top 3 writers in the 39 clues books. Your an amazing writer and a huge inspiration to me 🙂 I really enjoy your books. I have alot to say about how you inspired me and how amazing you are, but I can't put it in words. Your amazing and inspiring!

Admin Reply:

Hi, Katie! Thank you so much for your lovely words. I’m really glad the 39 CLUES series gave you so much enjoyment. Hope you enjoy reading THE SEVEN WONDERS!

Omar wrote on May 6, 2013 at 11:05 AM

Dear Mr. Lerangis
You were amazing when you came to ISM. I learned a lot from you. I just have to say i was inspired when you used your imagination about Ghost Station. I am reading the seven wonders its amazing i have to say.
From Omar

Admin Reply:

Hello, Omar! That’s great. I’m so glad you got so much inspiration from the presentation. I hope you’re enjoying the book at least as much as I enjoyed visiting your school!

Katrina wrote on May 5, 2013 at 4:56 AM

Dear Peter, I'm from the Philippines. I'm so glad I get a chance to meet you! You're so funny and nice! I'm really hoping to see you again! Take care Peter! Will always be your fan 🙂

Admin Reply:

Thank you so much, Katrina! I feel honored. I will always remember the event at the National Book Store. You guys know how to welcome a writer!

Charles wrote on May 5, 2013 at 4:29 AM

Hi Mr. Lerangis
Whats that Dystopian Book you're writing?

Admin Reply:

Hi, Charles! Great to meet you. The new idea is just starting to grow, so anything I tell you would probably change! I’ll post updates to my site when I know more. Sorry!

Meann Ortiz wrote on May 5, 2013 at 2:53 AM

Hi, Mr. Lerangis!

I forgot to ask this when I interviewed you.

You've always written for children and young adults. What keeps you writing for that age group? What do you think are the biggest challenges in writing for them? And do you see yourself writing for adults in the future?

Thank you so much for reading this, and I really hope you enjoy your stay in the Philippines. 🙂

Admin Reply:

Hi, Meann! It was great to meet you. I love writing for both kids and young adults. I’ve always felt like there’s been a kid inside my head who refuses to grow up. At the younger end, they are always trying to grapple with the big questions of fairness and use of power, as they try to forge meaning and self in a world where they take orders rather than give them. They’re also ready to laugh at absurdity in the face of all the drama. It’s just fun to tap that part of my own sensibility. The biggest challenge is grabbing attention. Kids that age are brutally honest readers. If they don’t like something, they won’t cut the writer slack; they just put the book down. At the older end, it’s all about perspective. They’re breaking into adulthood, and that sense of their own power is both exhilarated and terrifying; every experience is heightened. It’s such an inherently dramatic time of lif with endlessly interesting questions. For YA books, the biggest challenge is to stay both genuine and timeless. Voice is hugely important and hard to get right. As for writing fr adults, yes, I’d like to do that, but my dance card is pretty full for the next few years!

Aleziz Tan wrote on May 4, 2013 at 5:01 PM

You are a truly awesome writer! 😀 This was my first book signing event and I am truly glad that you such a big impact to me. During the conference/interview/signing/event I learned so much from it! From your tips and from what you said, I managed to get a deep and better understanding on how to truly make my ideas and characters flow, grow, and live in and through my stories! For that, I thank you.

I am also curious about one person: Jack, Is his ancestor Karai? Does his power involve the fauna? Does this involve others? Does it also involve some leadership skill? His power, does involve perceiving others? Knowing what they think and how they think and how they feel?

I must thank you again! You truly are one the most inspiring persons I have ever met! I hope to once again meet you in the future! And maybe when I grow as a writer and a person, I can proudly show you my works that can make you proud as you have inspired me! I can never thank you enough!

Actions may speak louder than words but sometimes it is the words strikes the heart.

~ Your fan, Aleziz Tan (Girl with red pokecap!)

Admin Reply:

Hello, Aleziz! Thank you for taking the time to write and I appreciate all your kind words. What an amazing time I had meeting you all. The hat was great; it really stood out! As for Jack, without giving away too much, I can only say that you are on the right track! I will look forward to reading your work someday and saying “I knew her when … ”

Danna wrote on May 4, 2013 at 1:47 PM

Dear Sir Peter,

Hello, sir! 🙂 Welcome to the Philippines! I hope you're enjoying your stay here (even if it is REALLY hot in here). I was one of those lucky fans who got her books signed today. I've been reading your works since 2009 (The Sword Thief, my favorite) and I must say, you're totally an awesome writer. The way you write in 39 Clues is really unique (I haven't read the Colussus Rises haha) and I particularly like the way you portray Nellie - with the "yadda yadda" and continuous chatter (because it's SO Nellie). And I love the random jokes you throw in, too. 🙂 They're really good.

You were right, by the way. There were things I wanted to ask you a while ago, but I got tongue tied (I usually do) when I finally got to meet you. Sorry bout that. =))

See, I'm not really an aspiring writer (since I got my mind set for taking up Chemistry in college), but I do like writing every once in a while, just "for my own pleasure", as you called it. And I've been interested in ancient stuff for a while, probably ever since I started reading 39 Clues (because of all the history stuff there). And while I enjoy reading ancient stuff about other countries, I must say that I'm proud of the ancient stories here in the Philippines, although I'm really sad to say that most of my countrymen have close to no knowledge about these stories. And that sort of challenges me to think of ways to make these ancient stories more appealing to the audience (preferably the younger ones because they are our future). The way most authors (like yourself) make ancient stuff interesting to readers by incorporating it to modern times is such a great idea (and a good start), but I don't really know how you to do it... Do you have any tips for me (and other writers who have the same idea?) 🙂

Um, I have a question regarding your books. 🙂 Have you ever thought of killing any of your characters? I mean, as much as you love all of them, there must be a point where you just need to remove one of them.

And you, sir, are one talented guy. =)) No wonder you're a Janus.

I'm gonna end this here, sir. 🙂 Thank you so much for writing and may God bless you. I'm so excited to read the first book of your new series. You might want to try riding a kalesa, sir, or the jeepney. 🙂 And try eating some balut and pili and taho and leche flan (a personal favorite), too. Have fun exploring, sir!

Cheers. 🙂

Admin Reply:

Hello, Danna! Thanks for your kind words, and it was great to meet you, too. I have had such a great time in the Philippines, I only regret that it is so brief a visit. I think it’s a great idea to bring the history of the Philippines into story form! You need to research that history and find an event (or a time) that interests you. Often there are unanswered mysteries in history that can serve as starting points for your story. You mention THE SWORD THIEF. Well, what interested me in Hideyoshi was the ancient question of what ever happened to all those ten of thousands of swords that he confiscated. That one question began the whole story for me. Then you need to decide if you want to set the story in modern times or ancient times — or maybe a time-travel story. But the most important thing is to think of a central character (or characters) that has a dilemma. That dilemma can be anything, emotional or physical or both, but it should have huge stakes, and the reader should be dying to know what will happen. The personal story should be connected to the historical story, and they will both come alive for you. I know this is vague, but I hope it helps!

moemi or Moemi wrote on May 2, 2013 at 10:16 PM

THE BOOK SUGGESTEr IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but with no book
When you were young what was your favorite subject and why?

DON'T THINK BOOK SUGGESTER WILL BE BACK WITH MORE THAN EVER BOOKS TO SUGGEST NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!
ADIOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Admin Reply:

Thank you again, Moemi!

nate wrote on May 2, 2013 at 9:16 PM

I have read the book jacket of The Colossus Rises (and the book) and saw on the about the author thing that you mentioned that you eat chocolate in your free time. That sentence sounded like Pusedonymous Bosch would write that. Are you possibly him or know him? If you do have a responce other than "no", say the places you/he have been that we know of and e-mail me, and if you don't, just type "nope".

Admin Reply:

Nope.

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