Readers are invited to email with questions and comments. Please indicate your city/state and some sort of name.
Queries:
Q. Let me personally thank you for all Nick Twisps books, including the sixth one. They were by my side from my age aprox 16 until now (23). I just finished The last book and it was great once again. I read a lot, but just with your books I feel like Im part of the world in it. When I finish the book, I feel like when something died inside of me. Are you going to continue with the story? I dont really need to know what itll be about, Im just curious if thats the real end. Wish you all the best in the new year, take care (J.B., Prague, Czech Republic)
A. Sorry, as of now Book 6 will be the final book for Nick. Time to let that guy get on with his life.
Q. Do you become tired when thinking of new ideas for your books, or does it just come to you naturally? Just an odd question since you've written so many books. You are an amazingly extaordinary writer- My favorite! (no name, California)
A. Ideas tend to come to me out of the blue, then 99.9% of them are discarded. This is probably true of most writers.
Q. Thank you for great end of series Youth and Revolting. I would like to ask - what is your relation to Juggling and Prague? (no name, Czech Republic)
A. Alas, I have never juggled or been to Prague. Time for you folks to start a juggling festival in Prague?
Q. I've been a fan of Nick since i bought the original book in Dublin the year it came out -- I was so taken with his character, he almost made me feel subversive and uniquely insightful when I read it, especially given that I read it at the age of 14. It helped me develop some aspirations and ambition in life. One question though -- I hadn't realised until today that there were 3 more books to read in the series! -- why are you so popular in the Czech republic? I don't know anyone else who's read them in Dublin! (Pete, Dublin, Ireland, and Bradford, UK)
A. When it comes to appreciating literature (great or otherwise), those cultured Czechs have long been ahead of the curve. Now the rest of the world is catching up with them on matters Twispian.
Q. Do you have any response to the negative comments about the ending of Young and Revolting? I found it very disappointing. (Ramesh, Ontario, CA)
A. As we say in California life is about the journey, not the destination. I am not the guy to blame because 99.9% of teen romances end in pain and suffering. I had no choice but to toss Nick off that cliff. To see how things turned out for Nick, readers are advised to move on to Book VI. Here is a another video that Nick sends to Sheeni:
Queries:
Q. Let me personally thank you for all Nick Twisps books, including the sixth one. They were by my side from my age aprox 16 until now (23). I just finished The last book and it was great once again. I read a lot, but just with your books I feel like Im part of the world in it. When I finish the book, I feel like when something died inside of me. Are you going to continue with the story? I dont really need to know what itll be about, Im just curious if thats the real end. Wish you all the best in the new year, take care (J.B., Prague, Czech Republic)
A. Sorry, as of now Book 6 will be the final book for Nick. Time to let that guy get on with his life.
Q. Do you become tired when thinking of new ideas for your books, or does it just come to you naturally? Just an odd question since you've written so many books. You are an amazingly extaordinary writer- My favorite! (no name, California)
A. Ideas tend to come to me out of the blue, then 99.9% of them are discarded. This is probably true of most writers.
Q. Thank you for great end of series Youth and Revolting. I would like to ask - what is your relation to Juggling and Prague? (no name, Czech Republic)
A. Alas, I have never juggled or been to Prague. Time for you folks to start a juggling festival in Prague?
Q. I've been a fan of Nick since i bought the original book in Dublin the year it came out -- I was so taken with his character, he almost made me feel subversive and uniquely insightful when I read it, especially given that I read it at the age of 14. It helped me develop some aspirations and ambition in life. One question though -- I hadn't realised until today that there were 3 more books to read in the series! -- why are you so popular in the Czech republic? I don't know anyone else who's read them in Dublin! (Pete, Dublin, Ireland, and Bradford, UK)
A. When it comes to appreciating literature (great or otherwise), those cultured Czechs have long been ahead of the curve. Now the rest of the world is catching up with them on matters Twispian.
Q. Do you have any response to the negative comments about the ending of Young and Revolting? I found it very disappointing. (Ramesh, Ontario, CA)
A. As we say in California life is about the journey, not the destination. I am not the guy to blame because 99.9% of teen romances end in pain and suffering. I had no choice but to toss Nick off that cliff. To see how things turned out for Nick, readers are advised to move on to Book VI. Here is a another video that Nick sends to Sheeni:
Q. My question is two fold...are you coming to NYC in the near future for any signings? Are you currently teaching writing anywhere? I am obsessed with your writing, thanks for Revolt. (Marla, NYC)
A. I am not planning any trips to NYC, though I was in Akron recently where it rained a lot. Sorry, I have no plans to teach anything to anyone.
A. I am not planning any trips to NYC, though I was in Akron recently where it rained a lot. Sorry, I have no plans to teach anything to anyone.
Q. As i browsed my local Barnes and Nobles bookstore, i came across Youth in Revolt. The title caught my attention, but as i flipped the book over i saw that you were born in Akron, Ohio. I too was born and raised (and still live in) Akron, so in support of a local, i purchased the book. It was probably one of the best decisions i made because i absolutely loved it. I immediately fell in love with the character of Nick! As i researched more, i learned that a movie was going to be made... any ideas on who will be cast as Sheeni or if they are still casting? (Meghan, 20, Fairlawn, Ohio)
A. At the speed they're making this movie Dakota Fanning is probably already too old. Nope, I haven't heard of any more casting decisions. Too bad you didn't know Akron back when they were vulcanizing rubber on every street corner and almost everyone was turning out a few inner tubes or condoms in their basements. But don't get me started on that!
A. At the speed they're making this movie Dakota Fanning is probably already too old. Nope, I haven't heard of any more casting decisions. Too bad you didn't know Akron back when they were vulcanizing rubber on every street corner and almost everyone was turning out a few inner tubes or condoms in their basements. But don't get me started on that!
Q. Have you seen The Squid and the Whale? When I first saw that movie, I could not stop thinking how Owen Kline would be perfect for the role of Nick Twisp. He is Nick Twisp. Michael Cera may have that baby face but he is truly pushing 20... I know you don't have a say in who is casted but YOUTH IN REVOLT is your child. When I first heard Youth in Revolt is being made into a film, it was worse than if there was a Catcher in the Rye television show... here's hoping they don't botch it. (Eileen, no city)
A. I will check out that movie. Michael Cera is an excellent actor who has a large following. Yeah, I'm hoping they don't blow it too.
A. I will check out that movie. Michael Cera is an excellent actor who has a large following. Yeah, I'm hoping they don't blow it too.
Q. I'm just writing to congratulate you on finishing the series as well as express my adoration for the books. I discovered Youth in Revolt seven years ago while I was attending a boarding school in my late teens and I have been reading them ever since, always recommending it to my more literate friends. I have to admit I liked the way the series ended. I have no delusions about how teenage relationships generally turn out, so I found it rather apropos. I like that Nick and his readers were able to get the closure so desperately needed at the end of book 5. I suppose I should get a question out amidst these platitudes: what do you think your next project will end up being? If the movie turns out to be a success, will you continue with Noel (Jake) and, by relation, Nick? Even if there isn't another book in the series, I'm satisfied with how it turned out. Congratulations again. (Jordan, Santa Clarita, CA)
A. I'm working on several ideas -- in between remodeling my house (endless project). No plans for more Nick or Noel at present, but one never knows when inspiration will strike. Thanks for keeping an open mind about the rocky course of Nick's tumultous life.
Q. I'm already a great admirer of yours even without having actually read Youth in Revolt. I was able to read a bit more than a couple of pages on Amazon.com and I laughed my ass off - please excuse that foul language. Unfortunately as I am pitifully penniless at the moment I can't even buy it. But I will! no matter what! Furthermore I was utterly revolted - I'm still young, hohoho - by the fact that there was no such thing as a French translation of it. I mean COME ON - I really enjoyed Arrested Development and I first heard about your novel in a Michael Cera interview -; I hate my country! - and I love it of course -. Not that I want to read it in French - I don't trust translators in general - but how will I be able to convert my dear avid reader boyfriend who can't understand more than 100 words in English to this chef d'oeuvre? I even considered translating it myself; I could seriously do it, this would be so much fun - and so agonizing -! But it might take me a good ten years, poor me. Translating great texts is such a slow laborious process! And translating well your witty trenchant style must be one hell of an achievement. Czech people are impressive. Anyways I hope some lazy French translator won't ruin your novel for the French - and I hope it won't be me! -; or rather publishers imposing a deadline on a poor soul... By the way do you speak French? Are you
A. I'm working on several ideas -- in between remodeling my house (endless project). No plans for more Nick or Noel at present, but one never knows when inspiration will strike. Thanks for keeping an open mind about the rocky course of Nick's tumultous life.
Q. I'm already a great admirer of yours even without having actually read Youth in Revolt. I was able to read a bit more than a couple of pages on Amazon.com and I laughed my ass off - please excuse that foul language. Unfortunately as I am pitifully penniless at the moment I can't even buy it. But I will! no matter what! Furthermore I was utterly revolted - I'm still young, hohoho - by the fact that there was no such thing as a French translation of it. I mean COME ON - I really enjoyed Arrested Development and I first heard about your novel in a Michael Cera interview -; I hate my country! - and I love it of course -. Not that I want to read it in French - I don't trust translators in general - but how will I be able to convert my dear avid reader boyfriend who can't understand more than 100 words in English to this chef d'oeuvre? I even considered translating it myself; I could seriously do it, this would be so much fun - and so agonizing -! But it might take me a good ten years, poor me. Translating great texts is such a slow laborious process! And translating well your witty trenchant style must be one hell of an achievement. Czech people are impressive. Anyways I hope some lazy French translator won't ruin your novel for the French - and I hope it won't be me! -; or rather publishers imposing a deadline on a poor soul... By the way do you speak French? Are you
Q. Youth in Revolt has been one (actually six) of the greatest books I ve ever read.I laughed almost all the time. But all the glory aside, I was quite disappointed by the end of Nick´s story. It made me sad, and temporarily emotionally exhausted (even though I am happily married). It´s a pity that in real life it is often so. I was a bit hoping to find a romantic termination of Nick´s path. I know you get that a lot (with the epiloque), but still one question though. Was there a special someone in Your life who made you feel the same way? Was there someone who made you suffer that bad? Once again thanks for creating such a terrific hexalogy of fun and space for thinking. (Ivan, Czech republic)
A. Like most people I've had a few loves over the years who put me through the emotional meat grinder. As is typical of Nick his case is rather extreme. He may not be done with Sheeni yet, as a future book may reveal.
A. Like most people I've had a few loves over the years who put me through the emotional meat grinder. As is typical of Nick his case is rather extreme. He may not be done with Sheeni yet, as a future book may reveal.
an American Francophile? Do you arch? What's the weather like? (Sophie D., a 20 year-old Khâgne student from Dijon, France)
A. Nick is cutting a broad swath through the hearts and minds of Eastern Europe, but (excepting UK and Germany) Western Europe has been resisting him. Perhaps there are too many allusions to "Frogs" for French publishers to swallow, though shouldn't Sheeni's rabid Francophilia make up for that? I speak even less French than Nick, but enjoyed a great two weeks in France a while back. I hope to return one of these days (perhaps there will be a French version by then).
A. Nick is cutting a broad swath through the hearts and minds of Eastern Europe, but (excepting UK and Germany) Western Europe has been resisting him. Perhaps there are too many allusions to "Frogs" for French publishers to swallow, though shouldn't Sheeni's rabid Francophilia make up for that? I speak even less French than Nick, but enjoyed a great two weeks in France a while back. I hope to return one of these days (perhaps there will be a French version by then).
Q. I just thought that you'd like to know that a copy of Youth In Revolt can be seen in the new movie "Charlie Bartlett" on the title character's nightstand during one scene. I was so excited, and I only wish that you could tell what it was if you weren't already aware (being an avid reader that AIVIA book color scheme can't elude me.) The character in the movie is an over intelligent teen himself, so I'm wondering if the writer/director/someone in the cast was a fan ahead of time? (Rob, New Hampshire)
A. Gustin Nash (the screenwriter) got the assignment to write the film script for Youth in Revolt based on his spec script for "Charlie Bartlett." Both movies are from producer David Permut, hence the small plug for Nick in "Charlie Bartlett" (which opens February 22). I look forward to seeing both movies.
A. Gustin Nash (the screenwriter) got the assignment to write the film script for Youth in Revolt based on his spec script for "Charlie Bartlett." Both movies are from producer David Permut, hence the small plug for Nick in "Charlie Bartlett" (which opens February 22). I look forward to seeing both movies.
Q. While I'm still but a Youth myself (15 this summer thank god), I can without a doubt this will remain one of, if not the, best books/series I've had the pleasure of reading. Unfortunately, since it was such a wonderful collection, I breezed through Youth In Revolt after getting it at a library, which only had one copy on loan from another library, after hearing somewhere in this endless worldwide web. Being the great
friend I am, I recommended it to as many people I thought that may enjoy it, but unfortunately most of them have some tight purse strings so I've loaned them my recently purchased copy. As soon as I discovered the sequels, I promptly ordered all of them off Amazon and tried to take my time, but finished in a week (as a matter of fact, I wrapped up Revoltingly Young yesterday). I'm satisfied with the "end" you gave to the incredible series. I use end in quotes because I'm praying for the slim chance of another sequel or two being brought into the mix. While I haven't acquired proper funding, I still intend to purchase some of your other works, which I'm sure are just as delightful. I suppose I've prattled on enough, but I just have two question. 1) What's the greatest advice you have for a possible-future author (though I intend to get a jump on it ASAP)? 2) On a scale of 1 to 10, what's the chance of you bringing another Twisp novel into this world of ours? From the depths of my being, thanks a pantsful for the books and your time you spent reading this e-mail. PS: I eagerly await for a Youth in Revolt film, as long as they don't screw it up!
(George P. of Richfield, Wisconsin -- which right now is as boring as Winnemuca).
A. Not only is it boring, I imagine your town is currently sub-zero too. To answer your questions: 1) Save yourself a lot of grief and open a hardware store. 2) Six, maybe 6.5.
(George P. of Richfield, Wisconsin -- which right now is as boring as Winnemuca).
A. Not only is it boring, I imagine your town is currently sub-zero too. To answer your questions: 1) Save yourself a lot of grief and open a hardware store. 2) Six, maybe 6.5.