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1828 entries.
Charlie wrote on May 2, 2012 at 9:28 PM
do you know harlan coben the author of Shelter and many other thrillers because he is my friends dad.
Admin Reply:
Hi, Charlie!  Well, Harlan Coben is one of the very best writers alive, so regards and much admiration from me!
Reneilda de Leon wrote on May 2, 2012 at 8:03 AM
Hello, Sir Lerangis! It's been a long time since I have written here!
Anyway, I would like to ask, will you (and the other authors) be consulted by the producers and the director of The 39 Clues movie? According to the official website of Dreamworks Studios, they'll make the script by 2008, and unfortunately, there's nothing, no sneak peeks, no trailers, or even updates whatsoever. Heehee.
P.S. In case you didn't see it in the MB, I'll have to tell you that there's this kind of chocolate drink (I know you're fond of chocolates heehe) here in the Philippines which is called tablea. So you should really have to visit the Philippines! Yay! (I hope I'm not annoying you :D)
P.P.S. I hope you like the postcard along with the letter I've sent you.
Have a nice day! 😀
Admin Reply:
Hello, Reneilda!  Yes, your letter was delightful!  Thank you so much.  It was fun learning about Filipino food while I was on tour.  My publicist happens to be a Filipina, so I was in good company for that!  I look forward to trying tablea someday.  I enjoyed bibingka and other foods.  As for the movie, Dreamworks acquired the rights in 2008 and they have continued to renew them, which means they have the exclusive right to make the 39 CLUES movie.  We know they have a screenplay and possibly a director, but they have not cast the movie yet.  This happens a lot in the movie business — a period of nothing at all, followed by furious action.  So we’re still waiting for news from our pals at Dreamworks and keeping our fingers crossed.  They have only consulted me once, through my publisher, about a matter in Book 7, but that was awhile ago.  Generally moviemakers don’t have an obligation to consult with the authors of the adapted books.
Fernanda wrote on May 1, 2012 at 1:58 PM
I don't know if you can answer this, but does Vikram appears in the next books of The 39 Clues?
Admin Reply:
Hello, Fernanda!  Alas, as I write above (between the red diamonds), I can’t reveal any spoilers in the series, sorry!
Annalise wrote on May 1, 2012 at 1:26 AM
Dear Peter,

I really want to be an author, but I don't have any ideas for a story starter.
Do u have some ideas? Or some tips on getting an idea.
How many years does it take to get a book published.

From Annalise
Admin Reply:
Hello, Annalise!  A story starter? Hm.  How about “It was like any other morning in May, but when Fran awoke she wondered why her window was open, and how the little shoe got there.”  Or just think of something ordinary in your life and combine it with something magical. Often that’s a good way to start.  As for getting a book published, it all depends on the book.  You prepare an idea, you write a story, and then you seek out publishers who may want to team with you to make a book.  If your idea seems attractive to them, you’re in luck!  Some people get very lucky right off the bat, and others have to try for a longer time.  If you really want to do, you keep trying until it happens!
Joshua wrote on May 1, 2012 at 12:42 AM
Hey 😀 I read the Dead of night, and I just want too say I love your writing! (Oh, on the 39 clues message board, I am infiltratingclassified19)
So anyway... I just wanted too say hi and that I love your writing! 🙂
Admin Reply:
Thank you, Josh! That means a lot to me.  And thanks for being a part of the great Message Board!
Olivia wrote on April 28, 2012 at 1:19 AM
Hi Peter Lerangis,
recently you came to my school, I found what you said really interesting,funny, inspirational ETC.Any ways I have a question:what inspired you to become interested in writing.Lastly... wow this is short that's why I don't usually write good story's but ya know I'll keep trying


Thanx sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much
Admin Reply:
Hello, Olivia!  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with short letters!  You said plenty, and I really appreciate that you wrote to tell me how much you enjoyed the visit.  You’re more than welcome!
Montego wrote on April 26, 2012 at 8:58 PM
Hi, Mr. Lerangis! I'm CommanderLucian12 from the 39 Clues Message Boards! I'm representing a LOT of people from the MB right now, and I'm really nervous about that, so I'm going to make it as short as possible. First off, we'd like to give a standing ovation to AmberSpicy5 (just about the greatest agent author) and two of her latest Amian (Amy + Ian) stories, Ian browsing through Amy's iTunes playlist and Betrothed. (HUGE applause). We were wondering if you could take a look at these stories, post & comment, because AmberSpicy5 is like one of those spectacular undiscovered MB authors and this would be a major accomplishment for her to have her work reviewed by an author. As the creator of Amian in The Sword Thief, we really felt that you should take a look here. Thanks an infinite from all of us, Peter!

[pl-popup content="http://www.the39clues.com/messageboard/show/12831" title="Story 1 from awesome author AmberSpicy5!" width="1000" height="640"]Story 1 from awesome author AmberSpicy5![/pl-popup]


[pl-popup content="http://www.the39clues.com/messageboard/show/14720" title="Story 2 from awesome author AmberSpicy5!" width="1000" height="640"]Story 2 from awesome author AmberSpicy5![/pl-popup]
Admin Reply:
Hello, Montego!  Unfortunately, I am so maxed out from the book tour — plane travel, car travel, school visits, bookstore visits, explorations, making videos, writing blog posts, answering guestbook posts, reading and commenting on hundreds of writing-prompt responses, managing to keep up with my own family — that I simply have no more bandwidth for reading stories, excerpts from novels, etc.  As you can imagine, a lot of people ask me to do this, and to be fair I would have to say yes to everyone, which would make my feeble brain implode!  But I’m delighted to provide links to the stories in your message so readers can enjoy and comment on them!  What a good friend you are to AmberSpicy5.  My baseball cap is off to you.  Thanks and good luck to both of you!
Gordon wrote on April 22, 2012 at 8:28 AM
Hey Mr Lerangis!

I was just wondering... If you could be one of the characters for a day which one would you choose? You probably have already answered questions for my sister, Monica. She has got me hooked on the 39 clues books. Before I started reading these books I wasn't really into reading but now I've started reading more and writing my own stories. May I ask what your favourite part of writing is?

- Gordon.
Admin Reply:
Hello, Gordon.  I think that answer changes day to day, depending on my mood.  Today I would like to be Saladin and laze around while people feed me. I'm glad your sister turned you into a fan!  My favorite part of writing is finishing a book.  It’s exhilarating!
Fernanda wrote on April 22, 2012 at 12:50 AM
Do you like of Amyan? 😀
I don't want spoilers, just this
Admin Reply:
Hello, Fernanda! I'm not sure I understand this question, sorry.  Are you asking if I like the concept of Amy and Ian’s interest in each other?  Or do I like the group of people who like that concept? It's hard to wrap my mind around either one.  I just write stories, and I like whatever I’m plotting!
Angela wrote on April 21, 2012 at 7:00 AM
Hi Peter!

Will there be a third series to the 39 Clues? (I hope there is, but probably not.) And do you read ALL writing prompt responses in the message board?

Thanks for taking time to read this.
Angela
Admin Reply:
Hello, Angela!  It’s too early to tell about a third series, and yes, I read the writing prompts responses thoroughly before I comment on them.
Jocelyn wrote on April 21, 2012 at 3:43 AM
Hi, Mr. Lerangis!

I heard from some people on the Cahill Command Message Board, that they wanted you to put more Amian (Amy+Ian) and they told me that you replied to them and said, "Read the book to find out"! When I read THE DEAD OF NIGHT, there was more Jamy (Jake+Amy) than Amian! Why?

Sincerely,
Jocelyn
Admin Reply:
Life is full of unexpected turns.  So are plots to books.  Stories are about new ideas and interesting turns.  Our job as writers is to make those things happen.  In long series, readers begin to develop expectations based on their favorite characters — and different readers would like to see different things happen.  Which is totally understandable.  But if you were to know what was going to happen from book to book, if you were able to control the plot of a book by instructing an author what to do, it wouldn’t be as original, or as interesting to read.  The plot to CAHILLS VS. VESPERS  changes from book to book.  We develop stories within each book, but also over the long span of the series.  If you like the series, stick with it.  You never know what may happen.  And if you have a different idea, that’s actually terrific — it means you may have the germ of a good plot.  So why not go ahead and write it?  There’s room for all kinds of alternate ideas!
elika wrote on April 20, 2012 at 11:21 PM
hi peter i am elika from Round meadow elementry school in 4th grade you came on thursday april19 to our school and gave us your book the dead of night i want to ask you something what do you do during your free time
Admin Reply:
Hello, Elika!  I had such a great time visiting Round Meadow!  In my free time I hand out with my wife and my sons.  I go running in Central Park and somtimes take weekend visits into the countryside.  We live in new York City, so I love to go to the theater and movies.  I listen to music and I also sing from time to time with a group I belong to.  And, of course, I read a LOT of books!
Fernanda wrote on April 20, 2012 at 4:16 PM
Do you would like to come in Brazil? 😀
Admin Reply:
Hello, Fernanda!  Of course, I would LOVE to!
Maddie wrote on April 19, 2012 at 11:28 PM
Hi! I'm lost on what to read next. Do you have any recommendations? I'm 11 and love suspenseful books. I LOVE Korman's On the Run series and Kidnapped series. I also LOVE Haddix's Shadow children series. Thanks a ton.
Admin Reply:
Hello, Maddie!  Have you tried my WATCHERS series?  It’s just been re-released in eBook format!  Also, you would love the SPY X series, I think!
Sierra wrote on April 19, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Hi Peter,
Okay, I have a lot of questions (about the 39 Clues) and I’m sorry if you’ve already answered some of them but I didn’t want to read through the entire Guestbook (but it’s great that you have so many fans!). Here’s the list:
 I’m confused about Amy’s appearance. In book 1 series 1 and in Rapid Fire it said she had reddish brown hair-wouldn’t that be auburn? But in books 1 and 2 series 2 it said she was a brunette and Sinead was the one with auburn hair. Also, it said Sinead had green eyes. I thought Amy and Dan were the only ones with green eyes. I hope Sinead’s are really blue or some dark shade of green because when I think green eyes I always think Amy and Dan and when you throw in Sinead it kind of ruins the picture (not that Sinead isn’t awesome, she is, I just thought her eyes would be different; like a light, sky blue). Whoa, sorry, really long, but I’m confused!
 Sorry if this is to demanding, but, I’d really like it if you brought Kurt back as a Vesper! No, not as a love interest for Amy (but I’d love to see her reaction if she found out!) but because you are a talented author. Let me explain myself: So, once upon a time there was a girl (me!), reading the Hunger Games. She loved the story so much it became one of her favorite stories. BUT! There was a major problem: Katniss had been off in the woods or something when she meets two girls trying to escape from another district, I think (sorry, it’s been a while).There names, if I recall correctly, were Bree and Twil. They told Katniss what was going on in other districts. Then, though the author was a fabulous author, she killed them off because she DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEM! That’s the only conclusion I can come to and it’s a very scary conclusion. So, please, I’M BEGGING YOU, don’t do that to the 39 Clues. You’re so awesome I’m sure you won’t let me down. OMG! Is Kurt Evan? They kind of act the same. Hmm… Again, way too long. I’m thinking about writing 2 different letters because they both might be long like this… so prepare yourself!
 Do the Madrigals have a few (or all) of each branches’ powers? I think they do because in Vesper’s Rising when the book was focusing on Madeleine’s story it said that her mother, Olivia, said she had a jot of Jane, cut of Katherine, touch of Tomas, and lick of Luke. Also, when she was chasing Damian, he said: ‘this bandit had dismaying agility and strength.’ Strength and agility like a Tomas! There are other examples too, for different branches, but I just didn’t put them in. Oh! I’m starting to think that the Madrigals have their own powers too. Is this true?
 In a King’s Ransom, I feel that it concentrated on Dan a lot and made him seem more talented then Amy. Because of that, will you concentrate more on Amy in some of the other books? She also seemed really upset about her dad being a Vesper and Dan didn’t seem as fazed (still not happy, but not as upset as Amy), I guess it’s because he has that whole dark side thing going on. Still though, I thought Amy would be stronger…Oh! That reminds me, Amy lost her stutter at the end of book 10 (okay, so maybe it didn’t go away completely) and in Vespers Rising it said she only stuttered around Evan (before they were dating). Why or how did she get it back?
 I know you’re probably not going to tell me but what’s a Guardian? I know the word (duh) but not the group in the 39 Clues. It’s funny, when I was reading book 1 I imagined people who would protect Amy and Dan. Then Nellie kind of acted like that and I forgot about it until now. But isn’t that weird?


 Note: You do not need to answer this question because it’s basically me ranting like crazy. This question is about Jake. Is he going to be a love interest for Amy? Because, let’s face it, Evan is a Vesper (and maybe Kurt). I know he can still love Amy and be a Vesper at the same time but I doubt Amy will stay together with him if she finds out he’s a Vesper. Anyway, back to Jake. Will he? And speaking of that does Ian still like Amy? I think he does because when he finds out Amy has a boyfriend he says ‘shoot to kill?’ and in Rapid Fire there was a whole story on it. Man, that was one heart breaking story. WAIT! What if they both like Amy? Will there be a love triangle? At first when I thought about this I was like, ‘is Jake better than Ian?’ Then, I was like, ‘no way! Amian to the end (I’m a big Amian fan)!’ But then I thought about how caring Jake was soooo… I’m not sure, but I think my allegiants still lies with Ian. Sadly, I doubt there will be as much drama as I mentioned (at least with love triangles, I’m sure there will be lots of action!) and I wouldn’t want the book to be complete romance anyway. Yuck. There’s got to be action too.
 Oh! The Jake and Ian question reminded me of another one; why are the bad guys always hot? You know, first Ian and Natalie (who you definitely described as hot) and then Casper and Cheyenne (which you made sound good looking because, I mean, Jonah was flirting with the sister!). Even Jake is hot; I know he’s not a bad guy but still! The book said he inherited his dad’s dark good looks (is he a vampire? Just kidding!). Why can’t Amy and Dan be that way? I know I shouldn’t want them to look all perfect but it’s not fair when people ask you to join the dark side and say ‘we have hot bad guys, you don’t!’
 Okay, I have an idea for you; what if Amy could ride motorcycles really well? I think that would be awesome because, 1) Motorcycles are cool, 2) It be fun to see the good girl riding a motorcycle so awesomely (I’d love to see the other clue hunters faces!), and 3) She could fight with Casper or Cheyenne on one of them. I’m sorry if these ideas are silly but as long as I’m putting one out there I might as well put out the rest. Could she also fight with knives? They seem more her style. Because there delicate and finish the job quickly. I don’t want her to kill anybody, no, not at all! When I said finishing the job I just meant she would probably wound someone quickly to get it over with, hurting them as little as possible without killing. And since she’s a Madrigal I’m sure she’d probably put numbing stuff on the outside of the knife so it doesn’t hurt them. And maybe some chemicals so they fall asleep but it looks like there dead since it would slow down there heart beat and make them look pale! Probably getting too carried away. But it seems appropriate. If it were back when everyone still thought Madrigals were bad it would be even more perfect- the Madrigal wouldn’t have to feel bad because the other Cahill would fall to the ground and wouldn’t actually be in pain and, even though it would look like they were dead, they’d be asleep.
 Will the Madrigals get a new crest with an animal instead of just the letter M? If they do, wouldn’t it be cool if it were a white tiger? Because people used to think they were bad but there actually good, like the black stripes around a tiger’s white coat. Also, to me, tiger’s symbolize loyalty, fairness, courage, fearlessness (just so you know, courage and fearlessness are two different things!), compassion, and the will to protect their loved ones. Just like Madrigals. Tigers are also so majestic. Just like Madrigals.
 Oh! Oh! Oh! I read Rapid Fire and it sounded like the Vespers want to recruit Ian! Also, I was wondering why the Vespers didn’t shoot Natalie when they were about too then shot Nellie instead. Wanting Ian to join would explain it because Ian wouldn’t join if they hurt his sister.
 I knew it! I knew it! Yes!!! I knew Vesper 1 was Amy and Dan’s dad! Actually, I’d be lying if I said that, and I don’t like to lie. I thought he was either their dad or he was there dad’s killer. Like maybe the Vespers wanted Arthur and Hope dead just as much as Isabel and they knew that a fire wouldn’t be enough so they sent people inside the burning house to kill them in there, making it look like they died because they couldn’t get out. But, he got burned in the process because; let’s face it, Hope and Arthur dying in a fire? I don’t care if it was arson, I thought, even before I knew about the Vespers, it was fishy.

Man, this is a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong letter (and most of it is me typing to myself). I apologize for taking your time. I bet it was pretty hard to understand too. It looks like an unorganized mess! All the questions and ideas are squished together. If I ever became an author I’m sure you can tell it would be a dramatic story (take not of all the exclamation points I used). Well, I hope you understood enough of it to write me back! Bye!
Admin Reply:
Hi, Sierra!  Eek, such a long message!  Okay, here goes my best shot.  As for Amy’s appearance, I actually haven’t kept track of the other authors’ description, but sheesh, you sure would hope we’d keep it consistent.  Maybe some of us have different sense of color recognition!  And all my characters are already accounted for by the end of THE DEAD OF NIGHT, so you will be able to see all my nefarious plans already in print, and my hands are clean for the rest of the series!  I think you’re right about the Madrigals, and I will leave it to you to judge the Amy/Dan balance in THE DEAD OF NIGHT.  We do like to trade off the Amy/Dan emphases from book to book so no one of the sibs dominates.  Yes, Amy did conquer her stutter almost completely, which means it will come back in rare circumstances.  These conditions are not like pimples, which appear and then completely disappear.  They are deeply held and difficult to deal with!  Regarding the Guardians and the future love interests of Amy Cahill, as you can see by the disclaimer on the top of the page (between the red diamonds), I am not at liberty to reveal spoilers — sorry!  (Also, don’t forget dear Kurt is in South Africa helping his dad.)  Thanks for writing.  Please keep in mind that I’m on a nationwide tour with lots of driving and flying, and dozens of school visits and bookstore presentations, plus blog posts and story prompt evaluations at the [pl-popup content="http://www.the39clues.com/messageboard" title="The Cahill Command Message Board" width="1000" height="640"]Cahill Command Message Board[/pl-popup], so unfortunately there’s not much available extra time, and the more concise your message the more time I have to answer everyone.  Thanks!
Arianna wrote on April 19, 2012 at 2:53 AM
HI!! MY names is Arianna. I am from Chamlian Armenian School. I was th girl in 3b that had th hello kitty hairband with the ears. I just thought of a question: So I was interested in the 39 clues after you talked about it. What is your favorite book you wrote? and What inspired YOU to write books?

THANKS!!
Arianna
(P.S.You are funny.BTW:I will be asking you questions after I read the books by you if I don't understand something.)
Admin Reply:
Hello, Arianna, and thank you for the terrific welcome at Chamlian!  I’m delighted you’re interested in the 39 CLUES books.  My favorite, I think, was THE DEAD OF NIGHT.  I was inspired to write books by the stories of Jack London, who wrote adventures set in the Far North.  His writing was so vivid, he could make me shiver with cold while reading his stories on a hot summer night.  I found that inspiring, and I decided I wanted to do that for a living someday.
christina wrote on April 19, 2012 at 12:31 AM
Hello Peter!! Today you came to our school (chamlian armenian school) and i was one of the students that was watching you.. i had a question but i didnt have time to ask you. my question was that is it really hard to write a book? and how did you get the idea of the book cause i want to know to start a book when i get a little older...

Love,

Christina 🙂
Admin Reply:
Hello, Christina!  I really enjoyed visiting your school.  Thanks for welcoming me so warmly.  It is hard to start a book, but the truth is, everything worthwhile does has some difficulty!  Once the book is in motion, though, you feel a lot of momentum, and it gets easier and more fun!  As for ideas, well, we all get them in different ways.  I recommend always keeping your eyes and ears open to conversations, things that happen in your life, favorite books and movies, dreams — all of these things can give you ideas.  You may want to jot down your ideas in a notebook, just a few words for each.  Then, after a few days or weeks, read over the ideas you have collected.  One or two of them will really stand out to you.  Pick one and try to begin writing a story about it.  It doesn’t have to be long.  Chances are that if you like the idea, and you enjoy writing the story, others will enjoy reading it!
Maddie wrote on April 18, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Hi Mr. Lerangis! I saw that you enrolled at a law school. One of my dream jobs is to be a lawyer. Do you ever think to make a new series about lawyers and the judicial system?
Admin Reply:
Hi, Maddie!  No, I think those books are handled very well by authors who know the system better than I do!  I think YOU should consider writing a book like this when you become a lawyer.  Maybe you will be a bestseller!
Benji wrote on April 18, 2012 at 2:29 AM
could you read my story and tell me what you think?



[expandable title="The Ultimate Dragon Lord."]
Introduction

Around 800 years ago there was an ancient city filled with people who had the strength to befriend dragons with magic. For years the city lived in peace but there came people who wanted to destroy the peace and try to make dragons their slaves. But there was one man who rose up and repelled this darkness and brought life and harmony back to the city. But now this darkness is back and it threatens the entire world. Now the ancient hero’s descendent must go and gather her grandfather’s armor and sword and defeat this darkness once and for all. This is where our story begins, with this young hero.
Chapter 1
“Where are you Max? Now where did that dog go to?” While she was walking she tripped over a hole which was big enough for her to crawl into. ”Hmm I wonder what is in here?” she said. So she crawled in the hole and fell into a cave about 4 times her size. As she was walking through the cave she heard a voice calling to her. “Come and find me. I have waited a long time for you. So she followed the voice and soon she was at the end of the cave and she saw a golden light. She saw the most amazing thing that she has seen in her entire life, “What is this?” she said. There was her dog Max holding armor and a sword that was made out of solid gold. She wondered what the stuff was so she touched it and it vanished. Next thing she knew, the armor was on her body and the sword is in her hand. “Cool!” she said and then she felt a strong power flowing through her veins and then the armor transformed into a box that would hold the armor until she needed it for protection.
Chapter 2
There was Lilith hiding in the closet of her home as the Terra sorcerers ransacked her village and her home, not a single soul survived except little 4 year old Lilith. 6 years later Lilith wandered to a farm house and collapsed. When she awoke she found herself inside the house with a bowl of soup on one side and some healing herbs on the other. She thought to herself “A sorcerer lives here!” then from behind her Lilith heard a noise so she turned and there he was the sorcerer that had saved her life. “Hello my name is Sena” said the girl with the flower in her hair. [/expandable]
Admin Reply:
Hi, Benji!  Thanks so much for your story!  I am sharing it with the other Guestbook readers via the link above.  Best of luck in your burgeoning writing career, and I hope you see YOUR name in print someday!
Don wrote on April 18, 2012 at 2:12 AM
You recently spoke at the school I teach at. You truly inspired my students as well as myself to write. In fact many things about writing I teach my students you were able to reiterate. I have ideas for stories/ series. What is the best way to become a published Author without the risk of your ideas being taken?
Admin Reply:
Hello, Don!  I'm delighted I had such a positive effect!  Well, you can certainly self-publish — a lot of people are doing that.  But if you’re interested in the more traditional route — getting an agent, having that agent submit to a publishing house, etc. — your biggest concern must be writing the best story you can, and getting it into the hands of someone who will publish and promote it.  Theft of an idea is a remote and highly unlikely possibility.  This is not meant as legal advice, of course.  Your best bet is to talk to an intellectual property lawyer about the ins ond outs of copyright protection.  But in order to have a book idea published, it is necessary to send it around to as many people as possible.  That’s what we all do.  If the publisher likes your idea, they will sign you to a contract.  There simply isn’t much of an incentive not to.  Everyone in the business is too busy trying to publish and promote their own stuff to be sniffing around for ideas to steal from general submissions.  Not to say it doesn't happen, ever, but don’t forget, by dint of the fact that you wrote the material, by American law you own the copyright.  This gives you quite a bit of legal protection.  So in short, go forth and thrive (but talk to a lawyer for your own peace of mind).