11 thoughts on “Looking for writing advice? Check out my free on-line video series, Mission: Write!”

1. Hello Mr. Gibbs,

   I really enjoy your many works! You have mentioned in this Mission: Write class that you enjoy traveling with your family to book settings. So, given the many cultures your books include, do you speak or learn other languages as many of the characters do? I am not a native English speaker, but I read books to become better. Luckily, you have made it quite easy as your stories are exciting and fun.

   Thank you!
   Yorel

2. Yorel Rabeux –

   I do not know nearly as many languages as my characters do, although I always make a point of trying to learn some of the language in every country that I visit. (That may only be a few words, but I figure it can’t hurt to try.)

3. Hi Mr Gibbs,

   I’m writing a book, and struggling with 2 main things, and were hoping you could help me.
   1. How to make dialogue “Interesting”.
   2. How to create a good pace on a story.

   Thanks if you see this.

4. Liam McArt –

   If you go to my writing advice page on this website, there is a link to a website called Mission: Write with a series of videos I did to educate young writers. Perhaps those will be of help to you.

5. Dear Stuart Gibbs,
   I just wanted to comment that your book got me into reading and now I want to write a book too! And while a book with mystery is hard, and in my opinion the hardest genre to write since you have to plan the clues and the plot more closely. I just wanted to say you and J.K Rowling got me into the love of reading.

6. To Stuart Gibbs –

   dang i havent been on here for over a year ! do you remember me? i sent you an email too haha, its sienna. i read another one of your books recently because they honestly never get old. i have a few questions for you again 🙂

   1. How long does it take you to write a book? If it’s always different, what’s the book that took you longest?
   2. Will there be another book after “Spy School Goes North” ? If there isn’t, why won’t you write more? If there is, are you working on it now? Or will you work on it later? And how many more books do you plan to write?
   3. (Question not related to the books) What’s your favorite food? 🙂

7. Sienna Lee –

   Of course I remember you.

   Here are your answers:

   1) How long it takes to write a book varies greatly depending on the length of the book and how much research is needed to write it. But it’s generally about two years to write all ten drafts.

   2) Yes, a new SS book is coming this fall. (You can always check the Upcoming Releases box on every page of this website — and I will be posting more info about the new SS book in the next few months.)

   3) Ice cream.

8. To Stuart Gibbs –

   Wow you reply really fast!

   I have a few more questions 😀

   1) When you write replies on email or on this advice page, do you write it yourself or do you have someone else hear your answer and write it for you? I don’t think it’s AI because it sounds too friendly.

   2) What’s your favorite and least favorite ice cream flavor?

   3) How many hours a day do you contribute to writing your books? Do you write every day or do you have a day you rest?

   4) What time do you go to bed and wake up?

   5) Do you prefer Spy School or Charlie Thorne?

   6) (I haven’t read Spy School Goes North yet so I hope the question I asked didn’t come up there!) Will there be a new villain group?

   THANK YOU FOR READING/ANSWERING! 😀

   2)

9. Sienna Lee –

   I write my own answers. I do not use AI at all.

   I have many favorite ice cream flavors. My least favorite is probably rum raisin.

   If I’m writing, I probably write anywhere from 4-8 hours a day. But it’s important to hjave rest days — and research days — and brainstorming days too.

   My bedtime varies greatly on any given day.

   I do not prefer any of my series over others. If I liked writing one more than another, then I would only write that series.

   I can’t give information about what happens in my books because that ruins ti fun of reading them.

10. Dear Mr. Gibbs,
    I am a big fan. Your books are exciting, suspenseful, and intriguing. I am writing a story for school. I want to write about a young spy, did you learn anything while writing “Spy School” that could be helpful to me? Thank you for your time.

11. Couper West –

    Here is one of the most important things i learned about being a spy: Being good with weapons or fighting isn’t really that important. Instead, the most important thing is being able to make friends.