Your Questions Answered

Is there really an Island Avenue?

Question:

Does Buchannon, West Virginia really have a footbridge and a roadbridge? Is there really a house adressed as 611 Island Avenue? Which character from The Boys Start The War series are you most like?

Phyllis replied:

I’m glad you enjoyed that series.  Yes, when my husband lived in Buckhannon, West  Virginia, he lived on Island Avenue.  I don’t know that his house even had a number–and there were indeed swinging footbridges–one over the river in front of the house, and one in back, where the river curved around.  If I’m anybody in that series, I supposed I’m Caroline, though I’m embarrassed to admit it.

Homesickness

From a Dad

Question:  I am a huge fan of Shiloh. I can clearly remember you visiting my Elementary school a long while back (Horizon Elementary in Hanover Park IL) Now I am in college and still love the Shiloh stories. The reason why I was writing was to see if I could get your autograph for myself and my daughter Amanda, she loves hearing the Shiloh stories just as much as I.  Phyllis replied: I’d be delighted.  I’m so glad you’re enjoying these books together.

Do You Believe in Teen Pregnancy?

Question: do you believe in teen pregnancy/parenting/ having sex?

Phyllis replied:

I don’t believe it’s a good idea for a teenage girl to subject her body to becoming pregnant, nor do I think she is ready to be a mother.  She has a lot of living to do before that happens.  I think that some teenagers turn out to be good parents, but for most I would imagine this is a burden they didn’t expect.  As for sex, I believe that teenagers are sexual beings and have very strong sexual feelings.  But I also believe there are other ways of satisfying the sexual urge than with intercourse, which can be risky for a variety of reasons.  I happen to think that Alice and Patrick handled their feelings exactly right in Intensely Alice.

Are the Alice books too old for me?

High School Isn’t That Much Different

Question:

i would like to offer up advice to girl whose nervous of high school. A lot of people are also afraid even if they don’t admit it. Just remember you aren’t the only one. When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed just know that you made it through junior high and high school isn’t that much different. Just take it period by period and remember to breath when you start to feel sick. You probably will still have friends with you and if you don’t you will probably make a lot once you are there. And no matter how bad things get just remember things will get better in the end. I hope this advice helps at least a little.

Phyllis replied:

 

It’s wonderful when readers help out, and I really appreciate your reply.  For me, high school was a lot better than junior high.  I got stomach aches during math all through seventh and eighth grades, and even though the high school building was four times the size of the junior high, I found the classes a lot more fun and interesting.

Can You Come to San Diego?

Question:

 

My name is Dania. I’ve been reading your books since I was in 5th grade. I was at the library when I saw Alice in Blunderland. I just skimmed it and put it back on the shelf. The next week I decided to give it a shot…ever since then I’ve been reading your books.
My question is, is it possible to come to San Diego and do a book signing at a library?

 

Phyllis replied:

Oh, I wish I could, because I love San Diego.  But there are a zillion cities to visit in the world and only one of me.

Girl on the Cover

Question:

I was wondering if you know the name of the girl who is on the Alice book covers?
I would like to know.

 

Phyllis replied:

No, I’m sorry but I don’t.  Except for the earlier books, it’s a different model each time.

Turning Seventeen

Question:

First of all I would like to tell you how appreciative I am that you have kept to the character’s and the Alice series, even as the characters have grown older. Even though I am turning seventeen in the fall, I still love waiting for the next book to come out so that I can read about the realistic problems that you portray; you are one of the few authors that I have read who does not overdramaticize or underplays the effects of these situations.
 
In the latest Alice novel, Intensely Alice, you have definitely kept up with this streak. The ending was…surprisingly, a mix of emotions. Growing up with these characters, I felt sadness along with Alice.  The death was unexpected and it brought out the role that this person had played in the series. A death of a friend was certainly a life changing event that brought Alice and her friends back together.

Phyllis replied:

 

I’m glad that the book meant so much to you.  And I love knowing that you’re continuing with the Alice series.  She’s exactly your age right now, isn’t she?

Answer

Phyllis replied:

What would I do without my faithful readers?  Thank you so much.  You saved me a lot of time.