Alice Blog

How Do You Have All That Time?

Question:

 

so there will be 4 more books that is wonderful but how do you decide when to stop? i know it takes a lot of time to wright books so how do u have all that time to wright? and are you going to wright about alice in college? i hope you do i love them so much but i hope that when u decide when the alice series is over i hope that you make it a good conclusion to the alice series!!!

Phyllis replied:

 

I decided a long time ago that when Alice got to be 18, I would write one last book, leapfrogging through her life to show you the main events.  And working the time sequence out in my head, I figured it will take 28 books in all.  Writing is my job, my profession.  That’s how I get the time.  I make the time.  I write several hours each day, sometimes many hours each day, and the rest of the time I’m always thinking, planning the next chapter, and the next and the next.

Best Advice for Becoming a Writer

Question:

 

I would just like to tell you how much I LOVE your books! Every book I’ve read I just LOVED! I really like the Alice books and the Bernie Magrudger books. They rock. Oh and I couldn’t forget Shiloh! I love those books also. But, now I just want to ask you one question, what is your best advice on writing a book. I know I’m only 11 years old, but I love to read and would so much love to have my very on published book so please give me your best advice.

Phyllis replied:

 

The very best advice I can give right now is to get a copy of my book (paperback), “How I Came to Be a Writer.”   I think it would be a great help to you–it’s for ages 10 to 15.

Hard to Communicate

Reading Your Books Since 5th Grade

Question:

 

i am a huge fan of your Alice book. i am also a writer myself and compete on a team at my school. i would have to say Alice in the know is my favorite book. i have been reading the books since the 5th grade and been in love ever since, and i have gotten many of my friends interested in the books as well.

 

Phyllis replied:

I’m so glad you enjoy them!

 

When?

Question:

 

when does the next book come? i cant wait for it to come out and i hope that it comes out very very soon!!!! i just love your books and i tell all my friends about the alice series and one of friends is going to read them and i hope she likes them as much as i do!!!!

 

Phyllis replied:

So do I!  The next book comes out in June of 2010.

You WHAT???

Question:

 

I just wanted to say I love the Alice books so much I would do ANYTHING
to be just like her. She is so cool!! Well, you know how Alice doesn’t
have a mother? Of course you do, you wrote her. Anyway, I think its so
cool to not have a mom just like her. In fact, I JUST KILLED MY MOTHER
TO BE LIKE ALICE. Thank you so much for writing these books and giving
me a role model like Alice. Keep on writing forever!!!! Maybe her dad
could die in the next book? Mine is being really annoying.

Phyllis replied:

Having no mother does not make you problem-free, as you know if you’ve read all the Alice books.  But I’m glad you’re enjoying them.  Please tell me you gave your mom a hug tonight.

Passing Down the Books to my Sister

Question:

 

I have always been a fan of reading but from the moment I opened up the first Alice book I was hooked. I own every single one, and as more books come out I feel as if I myself am growing up with Alice. You’re latest book touched my heart so deeply. I recently checked it out of the library, I loved it from beginning to end and finished it in a day as I knew I would. however it was the end that got me… I finished the book on 07.19.2009 exactly one year ago from that day my best friend Johnny was killed in a car accident. I had just seen him a couple days before he was fine laughing and joking..and that night he had said to me “Man why do you always hug me like its the last time you’re going to see me, I’ll see you later” but it was the last time I saw him. The way you portray Alice and every one grieving is exactly right. It is the hardest thing to have to do, bury your best friend and go on living knowing he never will.  My summers were consumed with Johnny he was just a part of the crew. Even a year later I’m still dealing with his death, but reading this book made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I know people die…but it was just so hard to deal with this time, but reading this last book made me feel better. I can’t thank you enough for your books, I am an aspiring writer myself and look at you and your books as a role model. Your books have helped me deal with so many things and have taught me so much more. I have already begun passing down the first couple Alice books to my sisters in hopes they get as much out of them as I did.
But more or less thank you for these great stories. I cant get enough.

Phyllis replied:

I really appreciated your letter.  This last book was a difficult one to write, and I still tear up at one of the scenes.  But these things do happen, and it takes time to get over them.  Reading emails like yours makes it all worthwhile.

Do You Support Gays?

Question:

 

i love alice books. i only read 2 but they were good. i was wondering, do you support gays? because in your book alice sure did. that one of the few things i didnt like about your book.

Phyllis replied:

I support gays and lesbians just as surely as I support heterosexual couples.  I wonder if those who don’t accept sexualities different from their own ever wonder what it would be like to be thrust into a world where they were told they should only love someone of their own sex.  How unnatural that would feel.   Gays and lesbians feel much the same about loving those of the opposite sex.  I don’t believe gays “choose” their lifestyle, and I believe it’s unacceptable to tell them they have to live a sexless life just because they don’t have heterosexual feelings.

Yes

Question:

 

How is your family? Are they as talented as you? I fell in love with your Alice books over the summer of 2009, when I was in the seventh grade going to eight. I recomend this books to all my friends. I could read at lest three books a day non stop, I would get in trouble staying up late reading but that still doesnt stop me. I was sad when Patrick broke up with Alice, but I was happy when Alice found out Patrick would mistaken Penny as Alice. Please I beg you to not stop writing the Alice series. Just curios but how much  fan mail do you get? Also is it really you who answers to the fan mail? Please write back. 

 

Phyllis replied:

Yes, it’s really me, Phyllis, answering this email.  I personally answer all my emails.  I have a secretary who takes care of most of the regular mail, but she shows me letters written by classes, and sometimes gives me letters that she feels I ought to answer myself.  I don’t keep track of how many letters I get per day.  I just came to my computer tonight after dinner and found 18 Alice emails waiting.  I guess that’s about average.

A Book in Two Days