Both Charlie Thorne and Spy School are written to feel as though they could be taking place right now, so yes, they are in the same time period.
Have you ever had a name for a book but scrapped it and changed it for example if your original name for funjungle was something like Jungle Mysteries but then you changed it.
Ishaan –
I have had many titles for books that changed, or many titles that I have considered. However, the FunJungle series was always just called FunJungle.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
I had an idea were a bunch of characters from different series of yours meet at a summer camp. I was originaly going to tell you this idea but then I figured you have gotten this idea told to you by many people and you are very busy. so can I make write this story with the characters from your different books and then email it to you? I would not use it for anything and just show it to my cousin who also loves your books.
Zipper –
You are correct that crossovers are suggested to me often by readers, and at this time i am not planning on writing one. But if you want to write something an email it to me (see my FAQ page for details) that is fine with me!
I love all of your books that I read, but what is the 15 Spy School novel going to be called
willie –
I do not come up with titles until I finish writing the books. So the reason that I haven’t posted the title for SS15 is because I don’t know what the title is yet.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
I really love your books. You are my favorite author. Once I pick up your books I can’t put them down. I have a few questions. Why are Charlie Thorne books harder to write than other books? Why do none of the FunJungle books take place at FunJungle anymore? Is the director of the CIA the same in Charlie Thorne and Spy School? Are you ever going to make a Charlie Thorne graphic novel? Sorry for all the questions but I really love your books.
Anonymous
Have you read a Charlie Thorne book? If so, you have probably noticed how much research goes into each one. That’s what takes so long.
I switched the FJ books out of FunJungle to allow me the ability to tell different mysteries.
No, the director of the CIA is not the same. Those series are not in the same universe.
I would love for there to be a CT GN but that decision is up to my publisher.
hello Mr Gibbs
I just realized that spy school goes east releases on my birthday
I was just wondering do you have any sort of release schedule like one FJ then one SS the one CT for example so we could know what kind of book to expect after SS #15 thank you
capybara
I post all my info about upcoming releases on every page of this website. That is all the info I have at this time. The moment I know a book’s approximate release date, I put it on that list.
Stuart Gibbs, what do you think of Canvas being hacked and just cybersecurity this year in general?
johnB
Any hacking is bad.
Among the other things our current administration has gutted is our national cybersecurity. That’s incredibly short-sighted. Cybersecurity is extremely important for all of us.
Hello Mr Gibbs
What are benjamin and ericas middle names? If you don’t know can you make them up please?
Also can you include more easter eggs in your book like when you mentioned that some of the best middle grade novelists when to university of pennsylvania in Project X?
Thank you
FutureStuart
I answered this question in the other place where you asked it.
Mr. Gibbs,
I am a big fan of your books! I have read through the FAQ and blog and wanted to say: some Spy School related things:
1) In SSSS, Warren (who likes Zoe) uses Zoe’s friendship to get Ben, and in SSR Zoe (who likes Ben) does the same with Erica. Is this parallel intentional?
2) In know you can’t factor in plots and I know you can’t tell me even if you do decide to incorporate an idea for spoilers, but I had some characters that might be cool to see in the future:
-Jason Stern (corrupted?) SSSS
-Nefarious Jones (free?) ESS
-Felicia DuVray SSSS
-Vladimir Gorsky (I can’t remember what fully happened to him, but maybe it could connect somehow to Svetlana’s arc? Not to be racist or anything, just geographically they both have connection to Russia)
-Mr. Seabrook/ Coach G/ Mrs. Henderson (A lot of agents from SPYDER that it’s kind of ambiguous how many were actually captured) ESS
-Jenny Lake (See above)
-El Diablo (Maybe another friendly encounter, or him as an antagonistic figure)
-Mrs. Festig (frankly no idea why she stood out, or Chloe/Kate/Elizabeth, but they did. Maybe angry at having something blown up in front of her at her school by Catherine?)
-Claire. We’ve seen her return before but still it would be cool.
3) I know I’m really pushing here with these things like your “no crossover” rule, but have you ever considered allusions or references, especially between SS and CT (both have CIA ties)? It could be something that would merely be a fun easter egg for well rounded SG fans but not detrimental for unaware SS readers. Stuff like “A power incident with one of the directors some time ago” (I’m not sure timelinewise when they line up,).
4) I suppose you can’t really say if that was really all the Croatoan or not but it seemed really small (unless it’s a yes that was all then it wouldn’t really spoil). I suppose it was far more secretive than SPYDER or Murray’s organization.
5) I notice a general trend away from “Flemming” plots and towards more real world problems (mostly PX,GW, and BO). I recall reading something in the back of Project X, is this more of a permanent change or will we still see things like Goes North that are more like the nefarious (no pun intended) plots such as ESS/SSS and stuff?
If you do take the time to read through this thank you so much for your time!
Mr. Gibbs,
Addition to my last note:
I notice in your reply to Preston that CT/SS are designed to seem in the present.
Also I know you don’t have a favorite book or series but in SS specifically, what characters do you see as most like you?
My guess is Trixie or Mike but I’d love to see your thoughts!
Rberry Blues
Mr Gibbs do you ever think about doing something like Teddy Fitzroy meets Florian Bates (auther James Ponti)?
-big hugeness fan
Benjamin da Silva –
Although James Ponti and I are very close friends and big fans of each other’s series, combining two series by two different authors is not an easy task. You’d have to appeal to my fans who don’t know James’s work, James’s fans who don’t know my work, people who don’t know either series — and people who enjoy both series together. Plus, we have different writing styles, so figuring out how to combine those would be difficult too. So, sorry, but that simply is not going to happen.
Rberry Blues –
Ben is actually the most like me.
Rberry Blues
1) Yes
2) Any character who has appeared in the series could always come back
3) I do not consider SS and CT to be in the same universe.
4) Yes, that was all the Croatoan
5) I am merely looking for bad guy plots that are interesting. I don;t consider anything beyond that.
I was reading the first book of spy school, the graphic novel, and I read Spy school X again, and they were at Poor Richards Shoppe and Ben said that a constant state of fear burns a lot of calories. But while first book in the graphic novel he said that he was hypoglycemic. So is graphic novel Ben and novel Ben 2 different people (with small changes) or the same person, and I’m writing this for no reason.
-Aden Hale
Aden Hale –
Those two things seem to be complimentary to me. If you burn lots of calories, you end up hypoglycemic.
do you ever think that your books are to mushy like there are kissing scenes and girlfriend and boyfriend relationships even though Ben is only twelve?
is your inspiration for your characters characteristics other people if so who are the people?
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
You and many other fantastic authors have said that generating ideas is perhaps the most important part of the writing process. In the first three books of your Spy School series, the plot is set in fictional locations (the Academy of Espionage, Spy Camp, and Evil Spy School). Starting from Spy Ski School and on, most of your books have featured settings based on places you’ve visited. My question is: Did you feel that you had to create the plot to fit the setting? On the contrary, do you feel like creating a setting to fit the plot results in more creative and compelling ideas? I know that you’ve enlisted the help of many experts to research details about these real settings that you’ve included, and I was thinking that perhaps you didn’t want their hard work, and yours, to go to waste.
-Albert H.
CAPYBARA –
I generally get complaints that the books are not mushy enough. I actually take great care to not go into very much detail about the relationships. By my count, there have been exactly two kisses in the entire series, and both happened after Ben turned 13.
Hello
I don;t base my characters on real people. I just make everything up.
Albert H –
Even though I made up places like the Spy School and the Spy Camp and the Evil Spy School — because they didn’t exist – almost every other location in my books has been a real location. (Such as the various locations in Washington DC, the site of the Civil War reenactment, Sandy Hook in NJ). So I have always looked to real places for inspiration. So yes, the plots have often been inspired by settings. It has nothing to do with not wanting the research to go to waste. It has to do with being someplace and thinking it would be a good place for part of the story to happen.
I know you said you haven’t done a capybara fun jungle mystery because no one knew what they were but will you do one now since they have gained a lot more popularity
Hopefully we will see a new CT novel soon. I always like when they are searching for discoveries in the books.
Hello Mr.Gibbs. I am a big fan. I was wondering if you could ever make a spy school book where Rufus Shang could escape from jail and he goes to Alaska and everyone has to scatter. I think it could be called Spy School: Manhunt. In this, Ben would have to be on his own and a) find his friends and b)put Rufus back in prison.
FunJungle nerd –
It is possible that I could do a capybara FJ at some point.
Dev
While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I find it extremely difficult to take ideas from readers.
Have you ever read the book Three Bags Full? It just became a movie called The Sheep Detective.
abcdef
Yes, I have read it. And my friend Craig wrote the movie. (Although he did it ten years ago. That’s how long it can take for a movie to get made.)
have you noticed you are the only popular middle grade mystery novel writer that does a lot of flirting and people having huge crushes on other people?
can you see our emails when we post our comments?
P.S. I know this might be a hard question (I’m 12 and I still have not answered it),but what is your favorite animal
P.P.S do not answer if you can’t think of anything in specific.
SG big FAN!
I have not noticed that. But I know that Rick Riordan and JK Rowling also have written about characters having crushes and flirting. They are both pretty popular.
HappyDuck
Yes, I can see your emails.
My favorite animal is the elephant.
never read from those authors
since you know our Emails can can hack our devices?
P.S. you did a great job answering that last question I asked you (The animal one)
I also lived on the big island in hawai’i like Dashiell (lucky he lives in whymeha and not the giant sauna also named as the city of Kona where there are no seasons just hot summer and really hot summer)
HappyDuck
No, I cannot hack your devices. But I can block trolls who try to use different names but have the same email.
WUZZUP
Kona does have excellent whale watching, though. And the kayaking / snorkeling / dolphin viewing at Kealakakua Bay is wonderful.
Hello! I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have found your books! I am about to graduate, and I’ve been reminiscing about my past years in school. Something that has really stood out to me and has really impacted me is your books, specifically Spy School. It was one of the first novels I picked up when I was little, and I loved it. It really got me into reading and really shaped my view on literature from then on. It made me love it. If there was one constant in my life, it was your books, and I thank you for that. They have never failed to bring me happiness, even in the worst of moments. You will always be my #1 favorite author. Thank you <3
Fati:D
Thank you so much for your kind words. It really means a great deal to get a comment like that from a reader. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Hello Mr Gibbs,
I was wondering, (while I was reading spy school blackout) does Ben only understand mathematical things, and not computer/tech things or are the things they talk about in spy school blackout too complicated( if you don’t understand what I mean, I will follow up).
Preston Sanders
Both Charlie Thorne and Spy School are written to feel as though they could be taking place right now, so yes, they are in the same time period.
Have you ever had a name for a book but scrapped it and changed it for example if your original name for funjungle was something like Jungle Mysteries but then you changed it.
Ishaan –
I have had many titles for books that changed, or many titles that I have considered. However, the FunJungle series was always just called FunJungle.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
I had an idea were a bunch of characters from different series of yours meet at a summer camp. I was originaly going to tell you this idea but then I figured you have gotten this idea told to you by many people and you are very busy. so can I make write this story with the characters from your different books and then email it to you? I would not use it for anything and just show it to my cousin who also loves your books.
Zipper –
You are correct that crossovers are suggested to me often by readers, and at this time i am not planning on writing one. But if you want to write something an email it to me (see my FAQ page for details) that is fine with me!
I love all of your books that I read, but what is the 15 Spy School novel going to be called
willie –
I do not come up with titles until I finish writing the books. So the reason that I haven’t posted the title for SS15 is because I don’t know what the title is yet.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
I really love your books. You are my favorite author. Once I pick up your books I can’t put them down. I have a few questions. Why are Charlie Thorne books harder to write than other books? Why do none of the FunJungle books take place at FunJungle anymore? Is the director of the CIA the same in Charlie Thorne and Spy School? Are you ever going to make a Charlie Thorne graphic novel? Sorry for all the questions but I really love your books.
Anonymous
Have you read a Charlie Thorne book? If so, you have probably noticed how much research goes into each one. That’s what takes so long.
I switched the FJ books out of FunJungle to allow me the ability to tell different mysteries.
No, the director of the CIA is not the same. Those series are not in the same universe.
I would love for there to be a CT GN but that decision is up to my publisher.
hello Mr Gibbs
I just realized that spy school goes east releases on my birthday
I was just wondering do you have any sort of release schedule like one FJ then one SS the one CT for example so we could know what kind of book to expect after SS #15 thank you
capybara
I post all my info about upcoming releases on every page of this website. That is all the info I have at this time. The moment I know a book’s approximate release date, I put it on that list.
Stuart Gibbs, what do you think of Canvas being hacked and just cybersecurity this year in general?
johnB
Any hacking is bad.
Among the other things our current administration has gutted is our national cybersecurity. That’s incredibly short-sighted. Cybersecurity is extremely important for all of us.
Hello Mr Gibbs
What are benjamin and ericas middle names? If you don’t know can you make them up please?
Also can you include more easter eggs in your book like when you mentioned that some of the best middle grade novelists when to university of pennsylvania in Project X?
Thank you
FutureStuart
I answered this question in the other place where you asked it.
Mr. Gibbs,
I am a big fan of your books! I have read through the FAQ and blog and wanted to say: some Spy School related things:
1) In SSSS, Warren (who likes Zoe) uses Zoe’s friendship to get Ben, and in SSR Zoe (who likes Ben) does the same with Erica. Is this parallel intentional?
2) In know you can’t factor in plots and I know you can’t tell me even if you do decide to incorporate an idea for spoilers, but I had some characters that might be cool to see in the future:
-Jason Stern (corrupted?) SSSS
-Nefarious Jones (free?) ESS
-Felicia DuVray SSSS
-Vladimir Gorsky (I can’t remember what fully happened to him, but maybe it could connect somehow to Svetlana’s arc? Not to be racist or anything, just geographically they both have connection to Russia)
-Mr. Seabrook/ Coach G/ Mrs. Henderson (A lot of agents from SPYDER that it’s kind of ambiguous how many were actually captured) ESS
-Jenny Lake (See above)
-El Diablo (Maybe another friendly encounter, or him as an antagonistic figure)
-Mrs. Festig (frankly no idea why she stood out, or Chloe/Kate/Elizabeth, but they did. Maybe angry at having something blown up in front of her at her school by Catherine?)
-Claire. We’ve seen her return before but still it would be cool.
3) I know I’m really pushing here with these things like your “no crossover” rule, but have you ever considered allusions or references, especially between SS and CT (both have CIA ties)? It could be something that would merely be a fun easter egg for well rounded SG fans but not detrimental for unaware SS readers. Stuff like “A power incident with one of the directors some time ago” (I’m not sure timelinewise when they line up,).
4) I suppose you can’t really say if that was really all the Croatoan or not but it seemed really small (unless it’s a yes that was all then it wouldn’t really spoil). I suppose it was far more secretive than SPYDER or Murray’s organization.
5) I notice a general trend away from “Flemming” plots and towards more real world problems (mostly PX,GW, and BO). I recall reading something in the back of Project X, is this more of a permanent change or will we still see things like Goes North that are more like the nefarious (no pun intended) plots such as ESS/SSS and stuff?
If you do take the time to read through this thank you so much for your time!
Mr. Gibbs,
Addition to my last note:
I notice in your reply to Preston that CT/SS are designed to seem in the present.
Also I know you don’t have a favorite book or series but in SS specifically, what characters do you see as most like you?
My guess is Trixie or Mike but I’d love to see your thoughts!
Rberry Blues
Mr Gibbs do you ever think about doing something like Teddy Fitzroy meets Florian Bates (auther James Ponti)?
-big hugeness fan
Benjamin da Silva –
Although James Ponti and I are very close friends and big fans of each other’s series, combining two series by two different authors is not an easy task. You’d have to appeal to my fans who don’t know James’s work, James’s fans who don’t know my work, people who don’t know either series — and people who enjoy both series together. Plus, we have different writing styles, so figuring out how to combine those would be difficult too. So, sorry, but that simply is not going to happen.
Rberry Blues –
Ben is actually the most like me.
Rberry Blues
1) Yes
2) Any character who has appeared in the series could always come back
3) I do not consider SS and CT to be in the same universe.
4) Yes, that was all the Croatoan
5) I am merely looking for bad guy plots that are interesting. I don;t consider anything beyond that.
I was reading the first book of spy school, the graphic novel, and I read Spy school X again, and they were at Poor Richards Shoppe and Ben said that a constant state of fear burns a lot of calories. But while first book in the graphic novel he said that he was hypoglycemic. So is graphic novel Ben and novel Ben 2 different people (with small changes) or the same person, and I’m writing this for no reason.
-Aden Hale
Aden Hale –
Those two things seem to be complimentary to me. If you burn lots of calories, you end up hypoglycemic.
do you ever think that your books are to mushy like there are kissing scenes and girlfriend and boyfriend relationships even though Ben is only twelve?
is your inspiration for your characters characteristics other people if so who are the people?
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
You and many other fantastic authors have said that generating ideas is perhaps the most important part of the writing process. In the first three books of your Spy School series, the plot is set in fictional locations (the Academy of Espionage, Spy Camp, and Evil Spy School). Starting from Spy Ski School and on, most of your books have featured settings based on places you’ve visited. My question is: Did you feel that you had to create the plot to fit the setting? On the contrary, do you feel like creating a setting to fit the plot results in more creative and compelling ideas? I know that you’ve enlisted the help of many experts to research details about these real settings that you’ve included, and I was thinking that perhaps you didn’t want their hard work, and yours, to go to waste.
-Albert H.
CAPYBARA –
I generally get complaints that the books are not mushy enough. I actually take great care to not go into very much detail about the relationships. By my count, there have been exactly two kisses in the entire series, and both happened after Ben turned 13.
Hello
I don;t base my characters on real people. I just make everything up.
Albert H –
Even though I made up places like the Spy School and the Spy Camp and the Evil Spy School — because they didn’t exist – almost every other location in my books has been a real location. (Such as the various locations in Washington DC, the site of the Civil War reenactment, Sandy Hook in NJ). So I have always looked to real places for inspiration. So yes, the plots have often been inspired by settings. It has nothing to do with not wanting the research to go to waste. It has to do with being someplace and thinking it would be a good place for part of the story to happen.
I know you said you haven’t done a capybara fun jungle mystery because no one knew what they were but will you do one now since they have gained a lot more popularity
Hopefully we will see a new CT novel soon. I always like when they are searching for discoveries in the books.
Hello Mr.Gibbs. I am a big fan. I was wondering if you could ever make a spy school book where Rufus Shang could escape from jail and he goes to Alaska and everyone has to scatter. I think it could be called Spy School: Manhunt. In this, Ben would have to be on his own and a) find his friends and b)put Rufus back in prison.
FunJungle nerd –
It is possible that I could do a capybara FJ at some point.
Dev
While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I find it extremely difficult to take ideas from readers.
Have you ever read the book Three Bags Full? It just became a movie called The Sheep Detective.
abcdef
Yes, I have read it. And my friend Craig wrote the movie. (Although he did it ten years ago. That’s how long it can take for a movie to get made.)
have you noticed you are the only popular middle grade mystery novel writer that does a lot of flirting and people having huge crushes on other people?
can you see our emails when we post our comments?
P.S. I know this might be a hard question (I’m 12 and I still have not answered it),but what is your favorite animal
P.P.S do not answer if you can’t think of anything in specific.
SG big FAN!
I have not noticed that. But I know that Rick Riordan and JK Rowling also have written about characters having crushes and flirting. They are both pretty popular.
HappyDuck
Yes, I can see your emails.
My favorite animal is the elephant.
never read from those authors
since you know our Emails can can hack our devices?
P.S. you did a great job answering that last question I asked you (The animal one)
I also lived on the big island in hawai’i like Dashiell (lucky he lives in whymeha and not the giant sauna also named as the city of Kona where there are no seasons just hot summer and really hot summer)
HappyDuck
No, I cannot hack your devices. But I can block trolls who try to use different names but have the same email.
WUZZUP
Kona does have excellent whale watching, though. And the kayaking / snorkeling / dolphin viewing at Kealakakua Bay is wonderful.
Hello! I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have found your books! I am about to graduate, and I’ve been reminiscing about my past years in school. Something that has really stood out to me and has really impacted me is your books, specifically Spy School. It was one of the first novels I picked up when I was little, and I loved it. It really got me into reading and really shaped my view on literature from then on. It made me love it. If there was one constant in my life, it was your books, and I thank you for that. They have never failed to bring me happiness, even in the worst of moments. You will always be my #1 favorite author. Thank you <3
Fati:D
Thank you so much for your kind words. It really means a great deal to get a comment like that from a reader. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
Hello Mr Gibbs,
I was wondering, (while I was reading spy school blackout) does Ben only understand mathematical things, and not computer/tech things or are the things they talk about in spy school blackout too complicated( if you don’t understand what I mean, I will follow up).
what book was your first published book?