When does the next book come out?

[Daphne]

I know. I could NEVER write a book. The main reason is that I'm just not a talented writer, but a big part is also all the work that needs to go in to the book. Like you said, publishers will reject your book for tons of tiny, stupid reasons. I do hope it will be quicker for the next book though :)

[Laura]

Yeah, i imagine that it's pretty depressing.I mean, look at Harry Potter, the book got rejected over a dozen times! I love to write and it's hard to sit down and write a book, especially because usually when your book is published, the printers (is that what they're called???) put the book onto smaller paper, but when you are writing on word, the sheet is bigger, so it seems like you're not writing much at all. I've abandoned most of my ideas.

[Dramapuppy]

I feel like Birdsall KNOWS her audience is growing up and hopes she can keep them reading by writing about teenagers. But honestly, I'd read it, probably MORE enthusiastically, if they were still kids. I feel like Birdsall will alienate younger readers who are just starting the series.

[Daphne]

Laura: Ya, I know. If I was a writer I would feel so disheartened

Dramapuppy: I agree. I think that, even though I'm a teenager now, I would be even more exited about the next book. Its not like I'm not exited or anything, I really am exited, I just felt a little taken back when I found out about the age jump. And how is she going to explain all that's happened since the last book?

[Laura]

Yeah, maybe there will be like flashbacks or something? I don't know....but Jeanne Birdsall is an AWESOME writer, and I'm sure she will be able to make her audience understand somehow! Yes, i totally agree with both of you! I mean, she is just changing things up a bit to make the books in the series more interesting. What do you think?

[Daphne]

I'm so torn between whether I'm disappointed that everyone will be older, or if I'm exited.

[Laura]

Yeah, it's hard to tell unless you've actually READ the book.It will be interesting though, having everyone SO much older. All we can really do is wait....

[Daphne]

Ya ;(

[Dramapuppy]

Yep. It has excellent potential but it will be more challenging to write about teenagers in the same way... I mean, kids are kind of inherently funny.

[Laura]

I totally agree. Batty will be 11! She will have or might grow out of her butterfly wings and all of her other childhood treasures. Jane will probably try to publish some books. Skye and Jeffrey will have their little weird thing going on. Rosalind will be leaving for college and have to say goodbye to her steady boyfriend which will create some drama. And Mr. Penderwick will probably come face to face with the fact that his daughters are growing up. Maybe it will be one last summer before everyone goes their separate ways! (Those are just my predictions, I'm not really sure what's going to happen!!?)

[Daphne]

Laura wrote: "... one last summer before everyone goes their separate ways"

Omg, no! That's such a depressing thought!

[Dramapuppy]

Yes! I didn't even think about these things... there are a lot of plot-related things that will need to happen in this book... I doubt it will be as funny. :(

[Daphne]

You can still hope :)

[Dramapuppy]

Haha, yes!

[Laura]

I'm sorry i depressed you guys. But i think it will still be funny, i don't think Batty will not love Hound anymore! She could NEVER part with him! Jane will be writing books...hello..love..drama all that stuff. And remember, Skye still has her attitude! Rosalind was never really funny to begin with...but Mr. Penderwick and Mrs. Penderwick..(that sounds SO weird! But honestly i can't remember her name!;) they will have some fun adventures! So don't let your dreams die! Let them live on for the wishes of the fourth Penderwick Book!

[Dramapuppy]

Haha, yeah. It'll be worth the read anyway, just to see the characters.

[Laura]

Yes, whatever the outcome, it will be worth reading no matter what.

[Daphne]

Ya :)