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Are you going to write a sequel--like How I Survived 8th Grade?
I'm glad you liked the book enough to want to keep going with Erin's story! I’ve already written it and it will be published sometime in spring/summer 2009. Check the sequel page for more information!
Can you let me know when the sequel is out so I can get a copy?
The best way to get notified about the sequel and other books is to sign up for my Shout Out. You’ll receive a quarterly newsletter and occasional announcements. Go to the Shout Out page for more info or to subscribe.
In the meantime, you can keep up with Erin’s life by visiting her website and reading her blog.
How long did it take you to write Click Here?
Almost two years! I started in summer 2001 and finished in spring of 2003. Then it took two years for it to be published as a book. Lots of revision!
Is there going to be a movie based on Click Here? If so, how can I get an audition?
Thank you for thinking that the book would make a good movie! Even though it seems like a lot of books get made into movies, it is actually very rare. And even if the near-impossible happened and CLICK HERE did get made into a movie, I don't have anything to do with it except give my permission for the production company to do it. I would have no input into casting or anything else--that would be up to the production company. I'm sorry! But if you are interested in acting, I hope you are auditioning for plays at your school or in your hometown and working on those skills.
Where did you get the idea for the story?
It actually started because I was talking to a friend. She told me her daughter's best friend was going to a new school and the girls were totally bummed about it. When I first started it, my book was called My Own Two Feet and Jilly had moved to another state. But that wasn't working so then I had her at the same school, just on a different track.
Did anything in this book happen to you in 7th grade?
Thankfully, no! But the feelings of insecurity, of wanting to fit in and have friends--those are all from my middle school and high school years. I think most people feel that way.
Are any of the characters based on people you know?
Not really, though Serena is actually based on two or three boys who were mean to me in 5th-8th grade. They did get a little nicer as we got older. And I used names of people I know for some of the characters.
Are the shoes on the book cover your shoes?
No, but they could have been! My black Chuck's have red thread. The fab cover designer, Alison Impey, at Little, Brown (my publisher) found that picture somewhere and used it. And it's absolutely perfect.
 On the cover, there's a girl with braces. Which character in the book has braces?
None of them! Or at least, I didn't make a point to say that some did. But I love that photo and wish I'd thought to have one of the characters have braces since that's the age to have them. In the sequel, look for one of the characters to have braces.
Why didn't Erin end up with Mark at the end of the book?
A lot of readers were disappointed that Erin didn't end up with Mark as her boyfriend at the end of the book. But that felt too predictable to me. And also, having her without a boy and not even a crush really, strengthened the theme of the book, of her being able to stand on her own. I wanted her to have only herself to rely on in the end. And I also believe that only when we are fully secure in ourselves can we really have a meaningful relationship with someone else. Erin wasn't ready, but she will be.
What other books have you written?
Click Here was the SIXTH novel I'd written for young people, the FIRST to be accepted for publication. Check out other pages on my site to see what other books are coming out.
How can I have my own website or blog?
There are a few places you can do this but I recommend talking to your parents first because its really important to be safe. Never put in any personal information (full name, address, phone, school name, team name, stuff like that) so you are ALWAYS SAFE ONLINE! Once you talk to them, have them search with you online for different places where you can keep a blog or have a website and make sure you always FOLLOW GOOD INTERNET SAFETY PRACTICES. There are several places that young people can go.
The other option is just to keep a private journal on your computer. You can even do it in Microsoft Word and give the document a password so no one can read it but you. Check Word's online Help for instructions on how to do this.
Do you know of other books like Click Here that I might like?
If you liked Click Here, you will probably enjoy The Secret Blog of Raisin Rodriguez by Judy Goldschmidt and I Am the Wallpaper by Mark Peter Hughes. All three of our books have something in common...read them to find out what it is! I would also recommend The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle. It's great fun.
If I send you my book or story, will you read it and tell me what you think?
I love to hear that you are writing your own stories and books! And I wish I could read them. But unfortunately, if I did, I wouldn't have time to write my own books, or keep my commitment to the writers in my writing groups. But read the next question for more information on writing.
I'm a writer, too. How can I learn more about writing and getting published?
Check out the Stuff for Writers page to get tips on writing and places to send your work.
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