Ask Meg Cabot! Special One-Day-Only Group! discussion

This is the thread to ask Meg a question. If you have a question for Meg, ask it here.

I'm so excited for Abandon! I love the Persephone story just because I like to think she ended up liking her husband, though it being a Greek legend, she probably didn't. I hope you can make it so! lol Anyway, my question is actually about Jinx. I loved it and am wondering if you have a sequel in your sights?
Much appreciation,
Bitsy

First and foremost, I love your books.

I am starting to toy with the idea of becoming a writer and frankly I do not know where to start. I live with the constant worry that choosing to write is synonymous with choosing to be poor for the next thirty years. So I guess my question is, how did you do it? What would be the best advice you could give, not just me, but anyone else who wants to become a writer as well?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

P.s. As a mythology buff, I am very excited about Abandon.

Sincerely,

Bella

Hey Meg AND Henrietta- i met you (not Henrietta though i wouldn't mind meeting you!) when you came to London 3 years ago- are your publishers planning to send you here again anytime soon?!

i'm really looking forward to Abandon- it's been a while since i've read one of your FABULISMO books. =)
i might have to squeeze it in while revising for exams but when it comes to your books i have NO SELF CONTROL- ill try NOT to fail. ;)

Anyhew, i was wondering whether you are ever going to delve into the latest YA mania with a dystopian novel?!

But you don't HAVE to because your fans will buy your books anyway!!!

also- has Gem or Henrietta ever inspired you?! Because i know way to well that cats can do crazy things- especially their weird poses but yeah. Cats are awesome.

Happy Reading and Writing! =D

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." Robert A. Heinlein

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss

Hi Meg,
I really admire how you wrote Insatiable and attacked the vampire trope effectively. And I'm psyched about Abandon once I can get my hands on a copy.
My question: in most of your books, the girls end up with guys whom they have known for a while (childhood friends) or are destined to be with (Elly from Avalon High).
In fiction, I'm working on a story where two teenagers start dating after a BRIEF period of friendship (as in, a few months). How would they make a relationship work if they know nothing about each other? The guy can find out information easily, but what resources could the girl use to find information about the guy she loves?

Hai Hai Meg!

I am in LOVE with Insatiable!! Another amazing piece of work! You have written tons of book and you just seem to crank them out one after another. How do you do this? Haven't you ever tired of writing? And how do you get so many ideas? It's like you have a direct connection to the best imagination EVER!

Another thing. You've written tons of books that were realistic fiction usually with a female protagonist in a real-life scenario. How come the sudden interest in mythological/realistic fiction?

Tons of huggles!

Hey Meg! I also loved Insatiable and can't wait for Overbite, but I was wondering what exactly is it that made you write it (Insatiable, I mean). It is about the whole Vampire craziness and all but, do you really dislike Vampires, or, like Meena, do you say you do but secretly love them? (Great comedy, though)

Hello Meg!! I would just like to say you are one of my favorite authors! I was just wondering if you will be posting any more "Read our lips" videos on youtube because I really loved those. :) Also, was it hard to end the Princess Diaries series? I was just wondering because I know I got really attatched to the characters while reading, and it was really hard to let them go at the end. Was it that way for you? Thanks so much!

Hi Meg :))

I LOVE Your books!! Though I'm sure you hear that a lot!! I have a question to ask: What inspires you the most when you are writing? Do you usually just think about many things and spark ideas off them or are you inspired by things that happen around you and is it hard to take one idea and make it apart of multiple ideas??
I love your writing, especially the Mediator Series, Where Are You and Queen of Babble :))
Storm. xx.

Meg, what's up? (that's me trying to sound cool)
In Abandon I noticed during Pierce's first trip to the Underworld how John kept asking her to have something to eat. Now I know the myth of Persephone quite well and I immedaiatly screamed "DON'T EAT ANYTHING" at the book because that's how Persephone got tricked into going back to the Underworld. Since she didn't eat anything I was releived. I really like this allusion of the myth. I know this isn't a 100% parrell to the myth, but could you tell me why you chose not to have Pierce eat food from the Underworld?

Hi Meg!
I have noticed that while all of your main characters have their own distinct personalities and characteristics, they all seem to share a similar way of thinking/moving/talking which I am assuming came from you. =-) Because of this, my question is: Which of your characters is your favourite? I know that that is a bit hard, and that it may very well be one of those, 'I-love-all-of-my-children-equally,' scenarios; but I mean which was the most fun to write or which would you most enjoy meeting in real life. That sort of thing.

Hi Meg,
I love your books and was wondering if the Heather Wells Mysteries was going to have another book in the series? Also when do you think you might be coming back to England on a book tour? :)
Oceana x

I love the Mediator series. Both Abandon and The Mediator Series have stuff related to death. How did you come up with the differences of the "waiting room for the deaths" and underworld?

Hi, Meg

I love your Books. My favorite is the Queen of Babble Series. Will there be another book in the Queen of Babble Series? Also I know there was talk of a movie for the Queen of Babbles series? Is there still a possible movie coming out? I am really looking forward to Abandon, and the the next Vampire book? You write such great books. Makes me wonder who your favorite authors are, and what type of books you read?

Hi Meg,
After reading through these comments I realized you have a lot of books published that I never read. I mostly read the Allie Finkle Series , Airhead , and The Princess Diaries. I loved them all and sometimes my mom borrows my Allie Finkle books and read them LOL. But i was wondering what was your favorite book to write and if you have any tips for young writers like me? Thanks so much and keep writing your fantastic books.
Love Kathy

Hi Meg,
First of all I just want to say that you are one of my favorite authors. I love all of your books.

My question is which of your books or series would you most want to see on the big screen?(besides The Princess Diaries)

Hi! I just wanted to ask if any of your books have been made into movies, other than the Princess Diaries?

OH MY GOD
YOU ARE MY FAVORITE AUTHOR
*Right after JK Rowling SHE is amazing.
Did you honestly like the Princess Diaries movie?
It was SO far off.

um....hiiii. hi meg. hi. did i already say that.(nerdy laugh).....sorry i'm a bit nervous. Feels like i'm talking to a god. Never talked to a god before. anyway. before i faint, please just listen to what i have to say and if u do( even though i wouldn't know) it'd be the best moment of my life.
Anyway lets start. I LOVE YOUR BOOKS. yes, you've heard that alot but you can add my one to the list. I love Mia cuz she she's probably the most original character i've read about. Second i love every single male characters in ur books *cough* michael *cough*
i have a tiny problem aswell. my exams r next month (REAL EXAMS) and im terrified (ps. i hate math. see how we connect). for enlish i have to write a story and seeing as english is my fave subjest it's be easy for me but its not cuz im not good at writing stuff in a such short amount of time. Seeing as u practically created writing (in my mind) could u give me some tips that'll get me out of this...situation. nd also plz plz plz keep writing books for YA cuz you don't know but books r a way to escape for the troubles of everday life for more teens just like me. nd one more thing. i know this is a HUGE thing to ask but could you maybe write a book with an asian female character.
yes, i know, it's be hard but plz plz your my favourite author of all time and it'd thrill me to pieces if you did. anyway i should go. yes. well. see you. *bows* looks up* bows again* I LOVE YOU

Hey Meg! How are you, Henrietta? Well, I should start saying that you're my favorite writer - not you Henrietta, Meg (though I'm pretty sure that if she could write she would do it pretty well - and that I have yet to read Abandon. Due to me living here in Brasil, I have to wait 10 to 21 business days for my copy. What I would like to ask first is: when are you coming back to Brasil? I couldn't be at the bienal last year. Also, I'd like to know if there'll be any more Mediator books, I know in your blog is stated that there won't but I heard a gossip that there would, so I'm confused. And I want to thank you as well for your post in Forever YA, I once wished to be a writer but now I see that what I really wanted and still want is to become a fashion designer. But a bit like Mia in the beginning of the series, my best friend has a little bit of prejudice against fashion; she thinks that everything related to it is futile, she doesn’t realize that everyone is related to it somehow and that this industry employs millions of people. And my parents would be really worried if I said I want fashion, they think the ideal is a initial salary of 5 thousand a month right off college, and I won’t lie: it’d take a lot for me to adapt to a life like this. The thing is, that post helped me gather the courage to tell my best friend – though my parents will have to wait a little – and I feel like I’m not the only one inspired by you or your writings, so I think I’m not speaking just for myself when I say thank you, very much. Maybe one day – in a dream far away – you’ll wear one of my designs and I’ll think: “Oh, that’s cool!”. Kisses for you as well as Henrietta. Laura.

Okay I have 2 questions. First and super important, How could you end Abandon like that? Horrible horrible ending. But still I LOVED THAT BOOK. And second do you have any idea when Underworld will be coming out? Please don't say a year I just don't have the patients for that!

Rosa

Hi Meg!
I too am going through Heather Wells withdrawls!! Will she be gracing us with her presence in bookstores any time soon?

On another note, I'm a high school reading intervention teacher and had to do a presentation in front of the school board about the success of the program. I invited students to share their stories as well. One was a senior who had been in my class as a freshmen. She brought momentos to share from the year she fell in love with reading. One of those was a Princess Diary book. I met you at the IRA convention in Atlanta that year and went to your signing. I bought a book for this student (her reading goal was to finish the entire series) and you personalized it for her. Four years later, she still treasures this book like diamonds. Thank you so much!!!

As always, can't wait to read your next release.

Julie

Hi meg so I went to a book convention and they gave us an advanced coppy so this was last month, we got to read it before it came out. Do you think this was good to promote you book? because everyone saw me with a new meg cabbot book and reeeeally wanted it

Hi Ms. Cabot! I love the Princess Diaries series! I first watched the movies when I was little, and I know every word. I started to read the series a while ago, and I love it! They make me laugh and I have recommended them to others. Was there an inspiration for Mia, or did you come up with her personality?
You are an exceptional writer, and I hope to be one as well!
Morgan :)

Hey girl!!! Wats up??! First of all your books are AMAZING!!!!! And I cant wait till your book Abandon comes out!! Hoe do you come up with such amazing books?! ;)

Jessie :)

Meg Cabot! When are we going to see more from Miss Heather Wells? I miss her and her deadly dormitory.

Thanks,
Sandra@pandreads.com

Hi Ms. Cabot! I love all your books. A LOT. Most of the times I'm wishing I could actually BE the main character in the books. So my question is, if you had the chance to be the main character in one of your books, which one would you pick? Thanks for answering!

Hi! I was wondering if you are ever going to make a movie of Airhead! its my all time favorite book :) good job by the way!
Emma

Hi Meg! 'The Mediator' series is one of my all time favourites and I was wondering if they were ever going to be made into movies? I don't feel like they get enough recognition :) Also which is your favourite book you have written, along with favourite character? And do you ever base any of your characters on actual people? :)

Hello! I'd just like to firstly say that you are one of my most favourite authors! And I was just wondering if you were going to write another book in your 'Boys' series?? I just love them!
Emily

First of All I love your books. I spent sixth grade reading all the young adult novells. My favoriite book is Missing You andit is my most read novell ever, I bought my copy new and I've read it so many times it looks like it's going to fall apart.
I was wondering how you manage to consistently write relatable books for teen girls like Pants on Fire, All-American Girl and How to be Popular?

Hi Meg! I love your Princess Diaries series as well the All American Girl series. I was just wondering if you were planning to write more about Mia? I loved those books and would like to see more about Mia and Michael!

Hi Meg! I loved your book How to Be Popular it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! WIth a capital A! I also am reading your Vanished series and am on #1 Vanished: When Lightning Strikes & Code Name Cassandra it is also A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I really want to read your book Abandon but I don't understand exactly what it is about!?!

Best of luck in your writing career, and also if possible can you tell me what you're think about doing in the future? Besides Underworld?

- Nelly/Jocelyn/Crazy Writer!

A BIG Fan!

Hi Meg, I loved your series The Mediator with Suz, I've read almost every single book you've published and I can't say I have any complaints.

But the news on your new book Abandon is a surprise to me.
What's it about?
Would you ever consider creating another The Mediator book?

Holly :)

Hi Meg!
I am a huge fan of yours! I love all of your books especially the Airhead series! They're terrific! I can't wait until Abandon comes out! I have a few questions...what inspired you to write the Airhead series? Also, what advice do you have for aspiring writers? because I want to be a writer myself, i've been writing a couple of novels for a while. And i'm curious as so what you're writing in the future.

I wish you the best in the future, keep on doing what you do!

-Emily (An aspiring novelist) :)

HI Meg, I've enjoyed your books. Thank you.

Are there any characters that you'd like to revisit? Not necessarily a full novel, but a short story or novella giving a glimpse of how they're doing years later.

How would you feel if a male said that he loved your books?

Hi,i'm in love with your book i read airhead series & right now im reading haunted,twilight & the princess diaries! are you planning on writting a new series (i know abandon just come out)! Is there gonna be another mediator book (sorry i'm so late)

HI :) i realize a lot of people say this but you are may favorite author!!!!!!! I was wondering if you are going to be doing anything else with either The Princess Diaries or Airhead. Airhead (and company) are my ultimate favorite books. Are there any chances it could become a movie? I wrote a script for the first few chapters for English class a while back and I think a professional screen writer could do a lot with the story :)

hi! i love you books especially teen idol and all- ameriacan girl, and i love the mediator series! its awesome! i love your writing style and everything about you! Keep writing those good books of yours!!!!

Hi Meg! =D I love all your books and I'm a huge fan!
I'm just wondering if your coming someday to Sweden or Spain? Because if you do, I don't want to miss it.

Is Insatiable going to be a trilogy, because I really liked it and I hope that there will be more =)
Thank you for writing these wonderful books.
Desirée.

Hey Meg! I just wanted to say I loved of the Queen of Babble series, definitely one I have frequently re-read. :) My question is this: I'll soon have my undergraduate work finished and I'm interested in creative writing. Would you say it's valuable to do a creative writing masters program? I'll take any advice you can offer. Thank you so much!

Hi Meg!

First, let me say how much I love your books! The Queen of Babble Series is my favorite but reading The Princess Diaries Series really got me hooked on reading. It was one of the series that made me absolutely fall in love with curling up with a good book! I am going to be a teacher and I write frequently. I would one day really like to write a book or a children's book of my own. I just don't know where to get started. Do you have any advice of where to start and how to keep motivated?

Thank you!
Rachel

Hey! I love love love your books, especially the Princess Diaries series!! But they are completely different from the movies. So I was wondering: do you like the Princess Diaries movies, or do you think they strayed too far from the books?

Hi Meg! :D

My sister and I love all your books and are huge fans, her favorite is Jinx while mine is the Heather Wells series. I wanted to know: are books 4 and 5 of the Heather Wells series going to be released soon? :P I was blown away by Size 12 Is Not Fat (definitely my favorite of the series) and can't wait to read books 4 and 5! Thank you so much!

Myra

I want to second the movie question. I love your books and can't wait for the next one to come out, I just bought Abandon : )

Hey there! I've read a few of your books, most notably the Mediator series which I loved because I all into things that cannot be explained. I'm interested in the fact that you are releasing a book about a Greek myth so I've got to check that out because I love any kind of mythology.
My question is this: How do you go about the process of writing a novel? I have finished a first draft of my book, but have no idea how to continue the process or how I should even begin to add the more detailed work. I'm not very good at writing out descriptive scenes like scenery and locations. So, if you can tell me how you go about getting all of that figured and done, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
Amanda

If you could hang out with one fictional character, who would it be and why?

Did Mia snag an invite to the royal wedding? Or maybe the better question is did Grandmere strong arm her into going?

Hello Meg! It's F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S that you're taking time to answer to our questions, when you probably have already such a busy schedule.
I want you to know that I've read the 'Queen of Babble' series loads of times, and I'm also a big fan of 'Heather Wells' and 'Jinx'... well, I love all your books, and I'm ultra excited to read 'Abandon'.
Although I A-D-O-R-E and can't love any book of yours like the 'Queen of Babble' trilogy. They're just perfect!
I don't know if my question has already been posted, but still, I need to ask: are you planning to write a fourth book on this series?
Where did you get your inspiration for such hilarious characters like Lizzie and Chaz? When you write, how do you relax, how do you solve a writer's block?
I've been trying to write a piece of my own, but sometimes I get the feeling the dialogues I write won't be hilarious, a quality you absolutely posess. How do you develop that romantic/ comedy style of writing? Do you believe it can be worked, or is it just a natural thing?
Anyway I wish you prosperity and many years of sucess. May you always make people glad and joyful with your writing, because that's exactly what you do to me!

Oh my gosh, you are absolutely one of my favorite authors especially with your fun and easy writing styles. I loved your Airhead trilogy, Princess Diaries series, Teen Idol, Avalon High, Mediator series, and All-American Girl books. The ways you make me laugh or unbelievable, and when I'm reading your books, my parents think I'm crazy with the way I break out laughing.

I too am a writer. And I would love to have some questions answered from such an amazing writer like yourself. My questions:

1. How do you create such unique and incredible characters? One thing that I want to do as a writer is to stray away from those normal stereotypical characters in my stories. But with society these days, I can't help thinking about stereotypes.

2. How do you pace your plot line? I think this is one of the hardest things to work on as a writer.

3. What is the funniest moment in your personal life that inspired you in one of your books?

4. How do you go about researching the brain transplant idea for the Airhead trilogy?

5. And how on earth did you come up with those wonderfully funny scenes in All-American Girl? I can seriously read that book over and over again...and still laugh out loud crazily. My favorite part has to be when Samantha had in her top ten list to not blow your hair away when it gets in your face.


Thank you for writing such incredible books! Please keep writing because you inspire so many of us to do so as well. What I learned from your books is to try to make readers laugh or even smile because that is one of my greatest enjoyments in books.