NOTE: Messages start with the most recent at the top. To read them as I received them, scroll to the bottom and read up!

JANUARY 2012 MESSAGES & MY REPLIES

Saturday, January 14, 2012 — OTHER

HI! I could really use some advice.. First of all i live in Haiti so i had to leave my best friend. so i was on facebook and noticed there would be a new girl at my old school .. later i asked my best friend what she was like she said she was "different but really nice" she also said she didn't have many friends. I found another one of my friends and asked her why she didn't have many well it turns out she does Bad stuff she bullys people and called my other friend a B****. i want to warn my best friend but i don't know how 2 without making her feel like i'm jealous that she has a new friend.. Can u PLEASE help? write back please!

-Julia, 7th grade

Dear Julia,

Wow. This is a very challenging situation, especially because you’re hearing it all via FB and aren’t there to talk or see what’s happening in person. You may have already dealt with it by now (today is Jan 19 as I write this), but if not—it’s possible things are being misinterpreted. Do you trust your best friend’s judgment? Do you think she would put up with someone who was mean or a bully to others? If not, then either the other reports are not true, or your friend wants a new friend so badly that she’s willing to overlook things, which isn’t great. I would be there to support her, maybe ask her what she means by “different” to see if she might open up to you. A phone call would be best, if you can make internationally calls – or Skype if you have that capability – that way you can see each others’ faces!

Good luck with this. I’ll be thinking of you. Let us know what happens.

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, January 14, 2012 — OTHER

I really like him and all but i give up on boys easily like i dont like them anymore and its weird cause i liked him then didnt and know im really like, really like him. Im getting goodgrades but math is horrible and i hope i get a good grade for my midterm thats coming up wish me luck. talking about luck, i wish you the best also for your novels and hope that interesting creative ideas will pop out and fly to the paper and make fans love your books! :) oxoxo

-Supergirl, 6th grade

Dear Supergirl,

It’s very normal to like a boy for awhile and then stop liking him. I did that ALL the time in grade school and middle school. I may have already told you that I was muy boy crazy back then so I totally get it.

Don’t know if you already took your math midterm but if not, good luck! Hang in there and get help if you need it.

Thanks for all of your good wishes, especialy that creative ideas will fly to the pages – I especially need that on the book I just set aside because the ideas weren’t flying and I need some distance from it. Thanks for saying that – it really made me feel good!

XOXO,

Denise

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Friday, January 13, 2012 — OTHER

I found the tooties. My moms costco had a box of 100 of them f0r $7 so that cool. Hope u had a good christmas and i finally got a pair of chuck taylors! I have a black pair now im tecnically the same person as erin swift lol just kidding but erin and i have alot in common cause im a computer loving tomboy. I dont like wearing alot of skirts and im love bootcut jeans and t shirts together. W3e have alot in common. Well good luck with your new book and loved to hear back from u <3

-Patience, 9th grade

Dear Patience,

That’s so awesome about the Tootsies! My Costco doesn’t have them – I look every time I go so you are lucky.

Congrats on the Chucks – very cool. It’s cool that you and Erin have stuff in common and you can relate to her. Computer-loving tomboy is awesome – but if you were a girly girl that would be awesome too. We need all kinds in this world!

Thanks for the good luck – the one I’m writing now (not ROCK ON which is done and coming out in March) had a bit of a hiccup so I’ve set it aside for a few weeks so I can get some distance and figure out what needs to be done. It was a bit discouraging, but it’s also part of the process for me and I had to finally admit that things weren’t working and I wasn’t sure what needed to happen.

Wow. TMI? Sorry about that. It just happened recenty so I’m still thinking about it :-).

XOXO,

Denise

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Thursday, January 12, 2012 — CLICK HERE

I loved this book so much! I finished it in 3 Days, then read it again.:)

-Carrie, 7th grade

Dear Carrie,

Woo hoo! That’s awesome. That’s really fast and I’m so glad you liked it. Now you should go get the sequel and see if you can read it just as fast (and let us know if you liked it as much as CLICK HERE). It’s called ACCESS DENIED (and other eighth grade error messages).

Hooray for reading books we love!

XOXO,

Denise

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012 — CLICK HERE

Hi! I just finished reading the book and I wanted to know if Mark and Erin go out one day?

-Arianna, 6th grade

Dear Arianna,

Well, you are in luck because that questioned is answered in the sequel – ACCESS DENIED (and other eighth grade error messages)! Hopefully your library has it but if not, the paperback is pretty cheap at $5.99 :-).

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, January 7, 2012 — OTHER

ROCK ON DENISE!! :) :) :) Hey Denise! I cant believe tht in only a few months your ROCK ON book will come out, I bet it will be a blast! Well im doing fine and I still like my crush. I have some problems though. I had 3 eating disorders in all my life and now im not eating well and my next stop is with a doctor who is specialized with gastrites it’s a type of disease. It very sacary but I try to eat better. I still remember wen I was little and everything was just fine. Life changes in a blink of an eye and sometimes you have a chance but if you don’t do anything, the chance expired. My chance is to eat better but its hard. I have to try or I will lose my chance soon. My friends don’t know this only one. Evryone thinks different about me, im smart, creative, ext. but they don’t kno me. I don’t look like a sport type of girl but I am. I love basketball and track and I love art and reading I love writing and - I hope you ROCK ON and I will be sure to do so myself too :)

-supergirl, 6th grade

Dear supergirl,

I SO excited about ROCK ON!!! Hope the crush thing works out okay. But I’m very sad about your eating disorders. SO glad you are going to a doctor and are working hard to eat better and be healthy. I also hope you have someone to talk to about who you are and what you want. It’s hard if we are presenting one person to the outside world and inside we feel different or mixed up or bad. So please find the support you need!

I’m glad you have outlets like sports, art and writing – those can be wonderful ways to express yourself and let go.

Yes, rock on! Lots of love…

XOXO,

Denise

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Wednesday, January 4, 2012 — CLICK HERE

Denise! My best friend gave me the book Click here in 8th grade and i throughly enjoyed it. Every year since then I continue to read your book. I honestly feel as though it helps me get through the school year ahead of me. I am currently applying to colleges and when I begin my freshman year I still to continue read this book. It was after reading this book that my interest in writing took off. I want to thank you for Click Here, as it is not only the inspiration for my most recent story, it is also the key factor in whole heartedly accepting myself (big feet and long legs included). :)

-Clark, 12 grade

Dear Clark,

I am so moved and thrilled that you’ve read CLICK HERE every year since 8^th grade. Wow! I love that you see it as inspiration for getting through the year and will even take it to college with you :-). You may want to check out the sequel too! It’s called ACCESS DENIED. And how fantastic that it also inspired you to write more and accept yourself. That makes me feel FANTASTIC. I hope you keep it up – both the writing and the self-acceptance!

That reminds me that my niece took my book, FACT OF LIFE #31, to college with her last fall. It brought tears to my eyes to see that book on the shelf above her desk in her dorm. I know she probably won’t have time to read it, but it felt so good to see it there.

Good luck in college next year! If you remember, write back and let us know where you land. My son graduates this year and will probably head to California if he gets accepted out there. It will hard to see him go, but I’m so proud of all he’s accomplished.

XOXO,

Denise

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012 — CLICK HERE

I have read click here so many times that I already know exactly what words and phrases you've used! I am just like Erin, except that I am exceptionally tiny. I am writing a book right now, but I'm not quite sure what kind of book to write. I have started a couple but I can't get people to give me their opinions seriously. So I'm going to start another book, and I need some ideas! Thanks!

-Jenny, 7th grade

Dear Jenny,

You probably know the book better than me! I love that you liked it so much you’ve read it multiple times. Have you also read the sequel, ACCESS DENIED?

That’s exciting that you are working on your own books. I hope you didn’t give up on those other books just because you couldn’t get honest feedback. If you like them you should stick with them and find a teacher or a writing organization in your area and see if anyone does manuscripts or critiques of student’s stories or even take a creative writing class outside of school.

As for ideas, the best ones will come from something you think of or stumble across because then you’ll care about it and that will come through in your writing. Be observant and continue to ask “What if?” Good luck!

XOXO,

Denise

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Monday, January 2, 2012 — OTHER

Hi Denise!

On my last post, I accidentally wote "other games". I meant to write "other books"... I think I was way too focused on the Hunger Games. My friend was going to be Katniss for Halloween but ended up being Zoe Nightshade from other books... I don't rememeber the name... Anyway, Ally Carter books are really good too, but Click Here is so much better! I know you have a lot of other books you are trying to finish up and I was wondering what some of them were.

Wishing You Well, Katsya

-Katsya, 7th grade

Dear Katsya,

Ha! Okay. That makes more sense. I love that your friend dressed up like a character from a book. That’s what my daughter’s school days – how fun!

As for my books I’m working on, I’m very excited about ROCK ON, which comes out in March. I’m doing lots of things to get the word out – including a song – I wrote the lyrics and two local singer/songwriters wrote the music and will sing it and record it. So cool!

As for stuff I’m currently writing, I just had to set one aside for now because I need to work through some plot issues. It’s about a teen who’s dealing with loss and it has a paranormal element to it, which is very different for me. After that I will start planning a fantasy trilogy that’s been on my mind for over five years! So, I’m going in some different directions but will always come back to the contemporary fiction like CLICK HERE. Speaking of which, I’m hoping to write some stories or novellas from the point of view of other characters in that book – we’ll see if I ever get there!

XOXO,

Denise

DECEMBER 2011 MESSAGES & MY REPLIES

Saturday, December 31, 2011 — CLICK HERE & ACCESS DENIED

You have an amazing talent! My best friend is not much of a reader the only books she has ever completed were island of the blue dolphins (which was a school requirement) and the Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot, so you can imagine how amazed I was when she came to me with this book and told me to read it. I am a reader and i can read 7-12 books at a time.. i finished your book in 1 class period (shhhhhh dont tell me teacher) we both wanted to second but they didnt have it at our school so she went and bought it.... i asked for it first but she bought it so i had to wait!! Longest 5 days of my life!!! thank you so much for writing such an amazing story!!!! ily!!

-Michelle, 8th grade

Dear Michelle,

This is a story that warms my writer’s heart! I love that your friend liked my book enough to recommend it, then when out and bought the second one. That’s awesome. And I can’t believe you finished it in one class period – you’re a speed reader! And glad you got to read ACCESS DENIED after waiting so patiently :-).

BTW, I LOVED ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS and PRINCESS DIARIES – what great books to have as school assignments! My daughter told me one class at her school had THE HUNGER GAMES on the list. Excellent. Lots of things to think about and talk about in all of them.

Your blab made my day. Thanks so much! Ly2

XOXO,

Denise

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Friday, December 30, 2011 — ACCESS DENIED

PLEASE WRITE A 3RD BOOK 4 CLICK HERE AND ACCESS DENIED THEY R SO GOOD!!!!!!!

-Lena, 5th grade

Dear Lena,

I’m so glad you liked them so much! I do have that on my radar, but have several books I want to write first. However, I’m thinking about writing some short stories or something like that related to the CLICK HERE books, possibly from the point of view of other characters. I’ll let everyone know if/when that happens.

Thanks so much!

XOXO,

Denise

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Thursday, December 29, 2011 — OTHER

Hi Denise!

I don't know if you remember me but I wrote to you a couple times last year. But I had some questions. For one, what other games do you like? Are you inspired to write by a spcific author? I gotmy mom the Maya Angelou series for Christmas. Have you heard of her? I read a book about gymnast and it would be AWESOME if you did one too! Hint hint!

Speaking of gymnastics, I broke my collarbone and now I'm going to physical therapy. It was a saddening experience because I showed up the next day at my gymnastics meet in jeans and a T-Shirt. The judges were wondering what I was wearing with an odd look. Hah!

So my friends and I REALLY like the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins too! I wondered if you did. And what about the Gallagher series by Ally Carter?!

-Anonymous, 7th grade

Dear Anonymous,

I removed your name since you signed “anonymous” later, but I do remember you because you have such a beautiful name!

I’m not sure what you mean by “other games” – did I mention games I liked somewhere? Sorry, I can’t remember and can’t seem to find a reference to that! I will say that I just downloaded Scrabble to my NookColor and am a bit addicted. I LOVE word games – no surprise since I’m a writer, right?! My kids play Words with Friends, which I may get when I get an iPhone – we’ll see.

I have a lot of authors who inspire and I learn from – Sarah Dessen is one author whose books I re-read because she’s such a master of contemporary YA fiction. And I just finished DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor which was FANTASTIC. Beautiful writing, page turning story. Can’t wait for the next one! Loved HUNGER GAMES, can’t wait for the movie, and have not read any of the Ally Carter books. Sounds like I should, eh?

Maya Angelou is AMAZING. What a wonderful gift to give your mom.

As for a gymnast book, it sounds like something YOU should write! In my new book, my main character actually plays volleyball – I figured I should start writing about that since all three of my kids play the sport!

So sorry to hear about your collarbone – ouch. Hang in there and don’t skimp on your PT – it’s so important! I hope you can support the team – I’m sure it’s very hard not to be out on the mat.

Love ya!

XOXO,

Denise

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Thursday, December 29, 2011 — OTHER

hey denise! Long time, no write. LOL. I have some biggggggggggg news! I've written a trilogy of books!!!! The 1st one is called "Deeper than the heart". The 2nd one is called "The Breaking Point" and the 3rd one is called "The Eye of the Tiger". They're all about how this girl and her half-brother find out that there's another world like earth. They travel to the other world and find that it's a twin of earth.(: I think it's really good. How are you!?!? Can't wait to read Rock On!!!! U r an amazing author. By the way, have you read the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins?

LOVE UR BOOKS! ~Marley

-Marley, 8th grade

Dear Marley,

That is so cool about the trilogy! I love the titles and the story line and I’m so impressed that you finished. After I finish my current novel, I’m going to start planning my own trilogy which is very scary since I’ve never done anything like it before (though I’ve read a lot of trilogies so I’m hoping I can learn from others).

I have read THE HUNGER GAMES (all three) and loved the story (though I didn’t think the third book was as strong as the first two). I’m actually excited to see the movie. Usually I don’t go to a movie if I loved the book, but the trailer looks very good and I think they’ll do a good job. What about you? Have you read it? Will you see the movie?

Happy new year!

XOXO,

Denise

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011 — ACCESS DENIED

Denisse i am so glad that u wrote back i went to the Libary and looked for the Access Denied and they doy have i was excited. I cant belive that u went to watch the Christmas Carol with ur daughter i am pretty sure that she love it. I am having boy issues, i have a boyfriend ad we have been together since the 6th grade ad just the other day i saw him kissing another girl. He told me one thing and the girl who happebsto be my best friend told me something else i dont know whow to belive me and my boyfriend have always been honest with each other so i think i sould give him anothe chance. H e has called me tyring to say his sorry but i just wount listen until the day he came to my house got on his knees and begged. What do i do now?

-StarGirl, 8th grade

Dear StarGirl,

Hooray for libraries! I’m so glad they have the book and that you’ll get to read it. My daughter did love A CHRISTMAS CAROL—it was such a great show. And we had a great Christmas ourselves. I hope you did too!

Wow. That is a pretty big boy issue. I can’t imagine seeing your boyfriend and your best friend betraying you that way. Regaining trust is one of the most difficult things in a relationship and you’ll need to decide if he’s important enough that you can give him a second chance. And you have to ask yourself if you can let go of what happened or if you will keep wondering if he will do it again.

And what about your friend? You didn’t say how you are handling that relationship.

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I will be thinking about you and sending positive thoughts your way.

XOXO,

Denise

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Monday, December 26, 2011 — OTHER

Hi Denise!! I hope you had a great Christmas! Just wanted to let you know for Christmas I got Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write. I read all of it in one day, and I saw you in there! :) And it inspired me to work on a new story, which I haven't written one since the end of 8th grade. Thanks for writing your books and again, Merry Christmas! :D

-Katie, 10 grade

Dear Katie,

We had a really good Christmas – fun time with my extended family and my husband surprised me with a new laptop – a MacBook Air! I had been planning to buy one when I got a contract on my next novel so it was totally unexpected. I was so excited and am loving it!

That’s so cool that you got SEIZE THE STORY for Christmas! The author, Victoria Hanley, is a wonderful writer and I was honored to be included in that book. I’m psyched that it inspired you to write a story – that’s awesome. You go, girl!

XOXO,

Denise

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011 — OTHER

I like the kid that I once liked, again. But im scared that I wont like him again. So how far is ure winter break? Do you still have to work during the break, like write?

-Supergirl, 6th grade

Dear Supergirl,

So you like someone that you used to like. In the second sentence, did you mean you are afraid he won’t like you again? My philosophy is that friends first is always the best way to start so hopefully you can develop a good friendship and laugh and talk together.

Winter break has been fun but crazy! I do a little bit of writing some days, but with the holidays and the family being home, I want to spend time with them. We are going to the mountains for a couple of days – though from what we hear, there is more snow down here in Denver than up there!

Hope you are having an awesome break!!!

XOXO,

Denise

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011 — CLICK HERE

i think i understand what she is saying because if the same thing happen to me i would be mad and wouldn't go to school either but about mark ill get a boy in a quick second we would had already been going out she doesn't got enough cofedint in her self so she puts it own her own website which got out to the school that is so embarrassing please write back i thing your a great writer in i already written 3 story of my own and im only 12 all i need to do is get is publish and i hope i can be like you one day with millions of fans. please write back on my email [email removed to protect privacy]. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the world best aurthor

-Monae H, 7th grade

Dear Monae H,

It’s so cool that you could relate to her motivation in the book and that you recognized her lack of confidence kept her from doing things and being who she could be.

That’s so awesome that you have written your own stories! Keep it up. If you haven’t already, you should check out the Stuff for Writers page on my website – I answer a lot of questions about writing and getting published.

Thanks for saying such nice things about my writing! You rock.

XOXO,

Denise

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Monday, December 19, 2011 — OTHER

I'll keep looking for the tootsies and i actually found another book to start reading I'm reading the pretty little lair series by Sara Shepard. well keep thinking about a sequel to access denied. ill be waiting with an eager wallet to buy it LOL.

-Patience, 9th grade

Dear Patience,

Let me know about the Tootsies. I’ve had a few other people mention the Pretty Little Liars series to me, but I haven’t read it yet. I recently finished DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor and LOVED it. I was thrilled to see it has been optioned for the movies – it would make an amazing movie.

And good luck on the Tootsie Pop and ACCESS DENIED hunts! I hope you get both soon.

Happy holidays!!!

XOXO,

Denise

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Sunday, December 18, 2011 — OTHER

Thanks Denise your the best I will definately talk to her about it. Sadly I am on vatation right now so it will have to wait until we get back to school because I think it would be best to talk to her face to face. Speaking of school I was wondering if you could give me a wee bit of advice on something else. So I like this guy but he is super shy and barely has any friends (at least not that i know of excpet one or two). Some of my friends think he likes me and he's always starring at me and seems to be a lot of places I am. I really want to be his friend but I don't know how to come about talking to him. He's super nice but he barely talks to anyone and the one person he does talk to doesn't seem to like me very much. So I ask you; have any advice on talking to shy guys? Thanks a bunch and MERRY CHRISTMAS! (eat lots of food and take lots of pictures lolz :P )

-Journey, 8th grade

Dear Journey,

Well, I’ll be waiting to hear how things go after the break – I agree that face to face is best. Facebook/email/texting can be misunderstood and things can get worse! She may not listen, but hopefully she will and will be open to sharing with you what is going on with her so I’m crossing my fingers.

I think it’s great that you want to be friends with this guy. One of my daughters is shy, but she will always answer if you ask her a question. Have you noticed anything he is interested in or is good at? That’s always a good place to start as are movies, TV shows and books. And perhaps talk to him when other people are around so he doesn’t feel singled out and put on the spot. Maybe everyone is walking out of the classroom and you can get near him and ask him about his holiday or if he saw any movies. Others may join in and that would be a nice way to get him to be part of the conversation.

Merry Christmas to you! I always eat a lot (unfortunately, but I can’t stay away from the yumminess) and will try to remember to take pix. You too!

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, December 17, 2011 — FACT OF LIFE #31

I haven't read FOL#31 but I think i might want to, so what is it about? And i would really love some advice.. My "best friend" has been acting bratty to me and following around the popular people (who don't want her to) and leaving me alone when she has the chance. What should i do? Thanks so much!!

-Maddie, 7th grade

Dear Maddie,

Check out the FOL31 web page for more info on it and the book trailer so you can see if it sounds like something you might like to read!

Wow. That’s a bit of a challenge you have with your best friend. It sounds like she’s going through something and is trying to find her way. Have you tried talking to her about it? Maybe you can ask her if everything is okay because she isn’t treating you like she normally does and you’re wondering if maybe she’s having a rough time and wants to talk about it. I know it can hurt when you feel like you’re being ditched, but if you feel the friendship is worth it, see if you can talk about it with her.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, December 17, 2011 — ACCESS DENIED

Hey Denise i saw that you wrote back. today i will be going to the Libary and i am going to look for the book Access Denied. When i first read the book Click Here i Was captured by all the amazing chapters and what happened to erin, so i am expecting the book Access Denied to be even more heart taking. I will be sure to read all the books that u r to making. And just one question, i was woundering since u r soooo good at making the books that u have alreadu published, are u ever thinking of making a movie to all the books? Cause i really do think that a movie should be made and i would be so glad if it did. So do u have that on ur mind? Anyway Christmas is only 8 days away and i am really excited on Sunday i will be goig to watch the Musical from the NutCracker. I hope u have an amazing Christmas And i wish u the best for now and forever.:):):):):):)!HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!!!

-Stargirl, 8th grade

Dear Stargirl,

Let me know if you had any success finding ACCESS DENIED at your library. I hope you do! But if not, ask for it for a late Christmas present :-).

As for movies from my books, I would LOVE that! Check out the CLICK HERE FAQ on my website for more info on that question – it sure would be cool if it happened.

The Nutcracker is so beautiful – have a great time! I went with my youngest daughter’s class (she’s in 8^th grade too!) on field trip to see A Christmas Carol in downtown Denver. We walked from the school and took the light rail down and it was so awesome. The production was amazing and we all had a lot of fun walking and riding the light rail.

I wish you the best forever too! Thanks so much. You rock!

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, December 17, 2011 — BURRITO

Happy belated birthday! Well i got 2 of my results for my exams and i got a 100! YAHOO! (not the website by the way) we're doing secert santa with our relatives,(its a LOt of people) and i got my adorable little cousin. SHe's not really my cousin, but we're related and since i see them often, i call them my cousins. By the way, did i ever mention how i love that u have a blab-o-rama? I love to chat with u and see what other people say about you!

-Emma, 6th grade

Dear Emma,

Thanks for the belated bday greetings! MAJOR CONGRATS on your score. Wowsa. That is AWESOME!!!

Love Secret Santa. Fun that you got your little “cousin” – it’s great to have little ones around.

We do that in our family too because there are so many of us – one for the adults and one for the cousins. This year we decided not to pick names and do a “gift grab” or whatever it’s called, where people pick a number and select a gift and open it. Person #2 can either take that gift or pick a new one to open and so on. We’ll see how it goes.

So glad you like the Blab-o-Rama – I do too! It’s a fun way to hear from people.

Have a great holiday!

XOXO,

Denise

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Thursday, December 15, 2011 — ACCESS DENIED

Hey Denise me Stargirl I worte 2 u a couple of days ago and i was expectig a response by now, but when i went 2 check today there waz nothing. Well anyway dont want 2 turn this into a negative text, so today in school we were having ur Christmas Party and we were talking 2 each other about ur favorite books. And quess what u

-StarGirl, 8th grade

Dear StarGirl,

This got cut off but that’s okay. I just want you to know that sometimes I can’t get to my Blab messages right away. I do try to answer twice a week and get them posted, but sometimes I lag behind. Right now I’m trying to finish a draft of a new book so I can hand it off to my critique group so things have been busy!

Would like to hear more about the Christmas party!

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, December 10, 2011 — OTHER

christa allens(the author)came to our school! SHe was sooo funny. She is doing this writing contest and i want to enter. But i have writers block!Arragh!Semester exams are close and i hope to do good. Really busy studying…

-Emma, 6th grade

Dear Emma,

Another person writing a blab on my bday!

That’s so cool that an author came to your school! I love doing school visits and it sounds like she was great. I hope you are able to enter her writing contest – that would be fun!

Good luck on your exams and have a great holiday.

XOXO,

Denise

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Saturday, December 10, 2011 — CLICK HERE

I finished CLick Here about 1-2 weeks ago. I did a book report on it. I have to say that Click Here was a VERY good book! I want to read your other books but my library is dumb and will not listen to my requests! Lol, maybe I can talk my LA teacher into asking the librarian about getting your books! :). I enjoyed Click Here because i could relate to it in most ways. What made you want to write books for teenagers. ? Just Wonderin'. PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BOOK! :D. Thank You for taking time out of your busy day to read this! :). Byee!

-Kara, 8th grade

Dear Kara,

Hey! You wrote your message on my birthday! Very fun. (Today is Dec 16 – I’m a wee bit behind)

So glad you liked it and even did a book report on it. Cool! Sometimes it’s not the library but the funding that makes it hard for the library to meet requests.

I love that you could relate to the book. And what made me want to write for teenagers was those were the stories that kept coming out. And that was the time in my life that was difficult in a lot of ways – changing schools a few times, not feeling grounded, crushing on boys who didn’t know I existed—the feelings I had back then are still very real to me. I also have a lot of respect for teens today. You have a lot that you have to deal with that other generations couldn’t have imagined.

I don’t know if I’ll write another CLICK HERE book, but I’m definitely writing more books! ROCK ON comes out in March and I think everyone who likes CLICK HERE and ACCESS DENIED will really like that one. And I’m working on a brand new one, too. And did you read FACT OF LIFE #31? I think you’d like that too.

Thanks for liking my books so much!

XOXO,

Denise

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Friday, December 9, 2011 — CLICK HERE

Hi Denise i really do love ur book. When i first read it i was so surprised by the many entertaning blogs and chapters. i loved the part when everyone in school found out about her secret journal, but it was sad cause they were making fun of her. I really do hope that more books are 2 come forward and that the character remains herself. My wishes r on U and all.

-Mystery Person, 8th grade

Dear Mystery Person,

I’m so happy you loved it! And it sounds like you connected with Erin as she went through some pretty bad times. I hope you get a chance to read the sequel—ACCESS DENIED!

I’m definitely thinking about more books about Erin, but I have about six other books I want to write first – eek!

XOXO,

Denise

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011 — OTHER

Hey Denise, It's Journey! Can you believe it's almost Christmas?! I'm so excited it always gets people in a good mood and you get to see your family and have fun. Anyways I don't know who else to talk to. My Mom and Grandma aren't feeling well and my best friend is grounded. As you know we all go through middle school drama well I'm going through it. My friend has been acting kind of mean lately. 4 example if I do something wrong she's just been pointing it out and emphasizing it almost in a taunting way and she just hasnt't been acting like a real friend. I've been wanting to talk to her about it but I don't know how to bring it up. Also I don't really like most of my teahers which sucks :(. I guess it happens to all of us at least once in our lives.) Anyways if you could give me some advice on how to talk to my friend i would be forever greatful! If not it's ok you're still awesome. Thanks, Journey (p.s. i can't wait until Rock On is published! Do you know when we can pre-order it?)

-Journey, 8th grade

Dear Journey,

So happy to hear from you! I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. Two of my three kids are out for the holiday today (12/16) and the third is out on Wed (but doesn’t have to go back until Jan 9 so I think she got the better deal!). I do hope your mom and grandma are feeling better now and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with friend stuff. I’m wondering if she’s having some issues of her own and she’s taking it out on you. I hope you are good enough friends that you can ask her about it. The best approach is to ask if she has some time so you can talk just the two of you—having other people around can make things worse. Try to be honest without being accusing. Let her know it hurts you when she keeps pointing out things about you. If this is something she just started doing recently, point that out to her –“You never used to do that”—and ask if everything is okay with her. Tell her you miss the friendship you used to have and hope you can work through this. Let us know what happens!

I’m sorry you don’t like your teachers. That makes it harder in some ways to do your work well. Hopefully that will change next semester.

As for pre-ordering ROCK ON, any online or local bookstore should take a pre-order. And I just noticed the cover is on Amazon! I’ve been waiting for my publisher to tell me it’s okay to post the cover on my website. I need to see if I can do that now. Yahoo!

XOXO,

Denise

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Sunday, December 4, 2011 — OTHER

Hey Denise:D

So what happened with A is that he likes this other girl.. But I don't really care cause he's such a good friend that I'm fine with just being his friend:) There's this guy in my class and he's like my best friend:) I love him! (as a friend or course) We get along so well! I like having guys for best friends rather than girls because girls can cause so much drama sometimes! But anyways... How's life been going for you? How was your Thanksgiving? What do you have planned for Christmas? Talk to you later:D Love,

~Emillie:)

-Emillie, 8th grade

Dear Emillie,

I’m very impressed with your approach and being fine with being friends with him. And if you haven’t read about this before, I was really good friends with my husband for several years before we fell in love (I met him when I was 16). Having good guy friends is the BEST! And I agree that sometimes it’s easier to be around the guys because there’s less drama (though I did see some boys at my daughter’s school creating some drama a couple of years ago—yikes!).

Thanksgiving was lots of fun. Check out my reply to Supergirl below for more on what we did. So nice of you to ask!

Looking forward to Christmas – we will have a big dinner with all the Vega family and then some of us will go up to the mountains for a few days. What about you?

XOXO,

Denise

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Sunday, December 4, 2011 — OTHER

wats your favorite song? ure movie? did u ever meet sarah dessen? happy holidays!

-Frida, 6th grade

Dear Frida,

You can check out some of my faves on my MySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/denisevega_author There are so many I like, I could never choose just one. What about you?

I haven’t met Sarah Dessen, but I’d love to. She’s one of my writing idols and I’ve studied her novels to help me become a better writer.

Happy Holidays to you too! Thank you!

XOXO,

Denise

Saturday, December 3, 2011 — ACCESS DENIED

Hey Denise! Good news! I actually went on my library's online catalog, and reserved ROCK ON! AND GUESS WHAT?! I'm OFFICIALLY gonna be the first person in my library to get the copy. Im the first one on the list! I was wondering what you think about the two books: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Catcher in the Rye. I kinda wanna graduate from YA books, to a bit more "serious" books., but idk, if my mom will feel comfortable with me reading those books. I heard that both books are kinda bad? what are ur thoughts?

-Primrose, 9th grade

Dear Primrose,

Somehow this message got pushed into a different folder and my sister/moderator just discovered it. So sorry about that!

I’m so excited that your library has ROCK ON on order and that you’ll be the first to get it and read it. That’s so cool!!!

I remember really liking THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER and recommended it to a friend’s son who was 14 or 15 at the time and he hated it :-). Oops. I liked CATHER IN THE RYE, but it’s been awhile since I read it so I might feel differently now. Are you reading those books?

And hey, don’t give up on YA books – a lot of adults are reading them now! They is some great stuff in YA and you can balance the books you love in that category with books written for adults – that’s what I do, though I tend to read more YA because I love it and I write it!

Enjoy your reading journey, my friend.

XOXO,

Denise

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