Frequently Asked Questions (and plenty of answers!)

I'm doing a book report on you. Can you tell me more about you and help me write some stuff about your books?

Wow, that's so nice to hear! I can give you all the basics about me, but for book stuff, you'll have to revisit your favorite sections of the book and write up character info yourself (I know, I know, it's work, but that's why it's called homework, right?) I hope you get an A!

Basic Stats:
Jennifer Calonita
Birthdate: December 14, 1973
Birthplace: Mineola
Siblings: One sister
Where do you live now? Long Island in New York
Married
Two boys, Tyler and Dylan

I'm writing a book and I'd love for you to read it.

I think that's incredible that you're writing a book. I didn't think about writing one 'til I was in my thirties so I'm majorly impressed with you already! Sadly, I can't read your work. I have a lot of my own to get done so that I can get books published for you guys so that doesn't give me a lot of free time (and the free time I do have goes to my family). I would tell you that if you want to be a writer, write what you can, as much as you can, and don't be afraid to show your work to trusted friends and family and get their feedback. You don't have to agree with everything they say, but feedback is like what my editors give me and it helps a ton. I would also suggest taking out the 2005 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market that you can find in your library. It tells you where you can find an agent and how to get published. Good luck!

Are they going to make a movie about Secrets of My Hollywood Life (or Sleepaway Girls or Reality Check or Belles) and can I be in it?

So far there are no plans to turn any of my books into movies, not that I'd be opposed to seeing it happen. I think seeing Kaitlin on the big screen would be fun! But that is out of my hands and up to the folks in Hollywood to come calling. Same goes for casting, if it should ever happen.

I want to send you a letter! Where do I mail it?

To be honest, the best way to reach me is here, through the website. I answer all of my emails and you can also find me on Facebook and Twitter. I will definitely get back to you on those websites as well.

Who are your favorite authors?

I have a lot and the list keeps growing! Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling, Meg Cabot, Sophie Kinsella, Ally Carter. Ask me again in a month and I'm sure I'll have ten more to add!

Where do you write?

I have an office at home in my house that I work out of, but sometimes I need a change of scenery and you'll find me writing at a local eatery chain that has amazing bread and cookies. Which can be deadly.

How do you come up with your ideas?

A lot of what I write about is drawn from experiences I've had in my own life, especially what my life was like as a teen. As far as the Secrets series goes, I was inspired by my former job as an entertainment editor at a teen magazine. I interviewed a lot of amazing teen stars and seeing what their lives were like really got me thinking about their world.

Are you going to make a sequel to Sleepaway Girls or Reality Check?

Both of those books were only planned to be one book, but I know many of you write about how open-ended Sleepaway Girls is and you're dying to know what Sam and company's second summer would be like. I'm dying to know too! I would definitely be interested in revisiting Whispering Pines if the opportunity came up, but for now, check out the Secrets series and the Belles series, and keep checking back for sneak peeks and more info.