Mr. Gibbs,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! you’re the first author that I have written to that responded. I really liked that you made Zoe and Svetlana a couple in Spy School, its great to see some representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in books! 🙂 Bye!!!
Hi Mr Gibbs!
I just want to ask that who would you like to be if you were a character in SS. I think I might what to be Zoe? What about you?
Also, I kind of think that it is a little off the idea of spy “school”. Cuz it was originally intended to be about the academy of espionage right (I’m not saying that your books were not good)?
Thank you for writing so much great books!
Mr. Gibbs,
I was just wondering how many near-death experiences Ben actually had…?
is there a way to get spy school goes south the graphic novel early?
Hello, Mr. Gibbs.
Erica’s behavior in the *SS* series resembles that of someone who is depressed and withdrawn. I don’t want to label her—she is my favorite character, after all—but I was wondering if there is a specific reason why she avoids and loathes everyone.
Mike-Trixie
I am probably closer not Ben than any other character in the series.
And yes, it’s not that much about school any more, but the characters are still learning ho to be spies, and calling the series ‘Spies Who Used To Be In School But Now Occasionally Go On Missions’ is too long.
Jay
Ben’s tally of his near-death experiences ought to be accurate.
jefferson –
No. You cannot get books before the release date, because it takes time to illustrate, design, print and ship them all.
fan
As explained in the series, Erica’s family life has taught her that relationships are detrimental to espionage. However, Ben is slowly teaching her that this might not be the case. She is not depressed, but she has chosen to be withdrawn.
How old are all the characters of Spy school in the book Spy school Blackout?
Christina
All the characters are somewhere between 13 and sixteen years old.
Stuart Gibbs,
I love your books so much! I honestly think with all my heart you should keep making them! I love berica
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
I heard there might be a spy school movie coming out soon. Is there a chance I could be Erica?
Paisley Welsh
Please look at my blog for the answer to your questions.
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
It’s been a while since I’ve had questions for you, but I was wondering how you balance so many projects at once, your life outside of writing, and everything in between. I’ve started using a book planner, but I think I could do a better job of setting aside time for writing. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Dear Mr Gibbs
I simply adore your books I idolize Erica hale, Summer McKraken, Keira Howard and Charlie thorn I have read all of your books in the Spy School series, FunJungle series, Moon Base Alpha series and Charlie thorn series.I have read spy school goes south over fifteen times (it’s a favorite of mine) I think your books are just the right balance of humor and action.I do have one question that is not on the FAQ’S but I am you hove not been asked it to many time it is do you always know how your books will end when you come up with the plot at first.
Best regards
Reese
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
It’s me again. How long does it usually take for you to write one of your books?
Charlie G
I spend a lot of time plotting out my books before I start writing them. The plotting could take place over the course of several years. So when I am ready to begin writing a book, I have a very good idea of what the story is. That allows me to work on multiple projects at the same time.
Reese –
Thanks for your kind words!
I work out my plots before I start writing, so I know how I want the book to end once I start writing.
Paisley
Counting all the brainstorming, it takes at least two years from the point when I start working on the idea until I have finished writing.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
On the topic of brainstorming, how far out have you planned the Spy School series for? Whether that’s rough drafts or ideas. Looking forward to the new release!
Alvin
I have ideas for a few more books that are in various stages of development.
Hi Mr Gibbs, I was wondering if the chester alan arthur statue is real or fake in spy school secret service?
Bodhi –
I invented that statue for the story.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
I really love all your books, I’ve read all of spy school and space case, and I plan on reading FunJungle. I aspire to be an author myself and already making a draft for a middle grade book of my own. I wanted to know about your process for planning and drafting. I already know how long it takes you based on your previous responses to others, but when you’re making your outline, how do you do it? Do you do it on paper? A notebook, some sort of website? And how do you organize your worldbuilding. Like any general/important info about your world. I know you might not have to do that as much now since you’re already pretty far into your series’, and I tried to do my worldbuilding on this website, but I’ve thought of transitioning to something else. What are your thoughts?
M.O.
I do most of my brainstorming and outlining on paper. It is not a very organized process. I just do it.
I have a page called Writing Advice on this site and that has a link to a video series I did called Mission: Write. Check that out.
I have a few questions, so I noticed that you and Gordon korman made a comment on the Area 51 book so I wanted to know if you were friends.Also i saw you made a Jimmy bond book when you were a kid. Any chance I could buy/read that anywhere?
Vincent Mace
Yes, Gordon Korman and I are friends.
No, the Jimmy Bond story I wrote as a kid is not available to buy or read. It’s not in good enough shape for me to share.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
I am going to be sprinting to my school library to get the new spy school book, I am so excited to read it, because the last one left us on a cliffhanger. I am also very excited to hear that Spy School is getting a live action!
-A
Dear Stuart Gibbs
I used to hate reading books until my mom read the FunJungle (Belly up) book with her students and loved it so I gave it a try and now I seriously can’t stop reading. I have read all of your series and many other books kinda like yours.It is now my dream to become an author as good as you one day. I am currently working on writing my first book. I have watched your mission: write videos (which were very helpful) but I was wondering how you can best do your research on somewhere you have never been but really want to write about it?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
PS. I know that it takes longer to write the Charlie Thorne books but…… please make more!!!
Sincerely
Addison Hope
Addison Hope
First of all, thanks for your kind words.
Secondly, there are tw great ways to do research on a place without visiting it:
1) Read everything that you can. History books and travel books are really helpful.
2) Google Maps. You can plot entire action sequences with street view. (Although it’s still not quite as good as being there yourself.)
Hey Mr Gibbs! Me again. I was randomly thinking of Charlie Thorne as I normally do and was wondering- in the Curse of Cleopatra Milana apologizes to Charlie and it says that that was the thing that made Charlie finally and fully trust her. Well in book 4 when Dante and Charlie get into a fight, Dante says something that was 100% hurtful and honestly probably something that might make Charlie trust him less. So I was wondering- does Dante have Charlie’s full love and trust or is she still guarded around him?
dear Mr Gibbs,
I love all of your books I’ve read every single one of them (except for the spiderman books) I love spy school and funjungle and Charlie thorn especially. I was wondering how you get your ideas for them because they are very unique! I want to be a author and am writing my book idea down and was wondering what inspired you, my favorite author.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
how do you write roughly a 300 page book a year since spy school you say that another book is coming out next fall when one is coming out this fall and there is all the other books you write?
I feel like it could effect your books
Dear Stuart Gibbs
Thank you so much for responding. I seriously got so excited when I saw that you responded. I have two more questions for you that I hope you can answer.
(1) how do you add research and history into a book without making it boring for the readers?
(2) how do you add good humor and jokes into a book? I know this one might be harder to answer cuz I’m sure you’re a funny person and it might just come to you while you are writing but I really appreciate any answer or advice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely
Addison Hope
Bookish –
You’re asking a very specific question about something that I wrote years ago. I can’t recall exactly the comment that Dante made, but Charlie has now spent a lot of time with Dante, building their relationship.
ec
If you look on my FaQ page, I detail the inspirations for most of my series.
It’s understandable that you haven’t read my Spiderman series since I haven’t written one of those. I think you mean my Batman series?
Seth Smith
I write multiple 300 page books a year. I do it by being very organized and enjoying my work very much.
Addison Hope
I try to find only the facts that stand out the most and are most interesting to include, and to make sue that the facts and history are relevant to the story.
And I try to make the jokes feel natural, like they just unfold from the story.
Dear Stuart Gibbs
I know I’m probably getting a little question happy but I have to ask
(1) since the Spy School Secret Files book going be nonfiction where did you get your sources and information?
(2) did you have to get permission from the CIA to put these nonfiction stories and events in your book?
(3) have you ever been to the CIA head quarters ?
(4) what was your first published and successful book?
ok I think that’s it (for now) THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS.
Sincerely
Addison Hope
Okay Ty, sorry for being vague but I didn’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read it
Hey Mr Gibbs!
Is Alexander Hale into conspiracy theories? IN SSAS in his delusional state he rambles about Alien Lizard things (forgot their name) and then later in project X one of the conspiracies going around mentions those same creatures with the same names. Sorry for the random question, just curious.
Addison Hope
I primarily got my information from the CIA, which gave me the information freely. I have been to CIA HQ.
Belly Up was my first published book.
I love your books!!!!!!!!
Dear Mr. Gibbs I made a Tik Tok Account based just on your Spy School books and I would love it if you check it out! Its @ is @ilovemurrayhill!!
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
Me and my friend are making a book that sort of like your series. You know, kids that are spies, double crosses, mysteries etc. any major tips?
Thank you, Violet S.
Lily
I checked it out. Wow. You’ve done a lot!
Violet S
I don’t want to tell you how to do this. I think you should just have fun writing!
Hey Mr. Gibbs. Sorry but I have another question, tell me if they’re getting annoying and I’ll stop, but I was wondering- you said that you paused (?) the Charlie Thorne series because it took WAY to much time to research right? Well won’t the SS secret files and the Time Crime series both require a bunch of research also on history and stuff? Sorry again, Ik you’re busy and get a lot of questions from a lot of fans
Mr. Gibbs,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! you’re the first author that I have written to that responded. I really liked that you made Zoe and Svetlana a couple in Spy School, its great to see some representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in books! 🙂 Bye!!!
Hi Mr Gibbs!
I just want to ask that who would you like to be if you were a character in SS. I think I might what to be Zoe? What about you?
Also, I kind of think that it is a little off the idea of spy “school”. Cuz it was originally intended to be about the academy of espionage right (I’m not saying that your books were not good)?
Thank you for writing so much great books!
Mr. Gibbs,
I was just wondering how many near-death experiences Ben actually had…?
is there a way to get spy school goes south the graphic novel early?
Hello, Mr. Gibbs.
Erica’s behavior in the *SS* series resembles that of someone who is depressed and withdrawn. I don’t want to label her—she is my favorite character, after all—but I was wondering if there is a specific reason why she avoids and loathes everyone.
Mike-Trixie
I am probably closer not Ben than any other character in the series.
And yes, it’s not that much about school any more, but the characters are still learning ho to be spies, and calling the series ‘Spies Who Used To Be In School But Now Occasionally Go On Missions’ is too long.
Jay
Ben’s tally of his near-death experiences ought to be accurate.
jefferson –
No. You cannot get books before the release date, because it takes time to illustrate, design, print and ship them all.
fan
As explained in the series, Erica’s family life has taught her that relationships are detrimental to espionage. However, Ben is slowly teaching her that this might not be the case. She is not depressed, but she has chosen to be withdrawn.
How old are all the characters of Spy school in the book Spy school Blackout?
Christina
All the characters are somewhere between 13 and sixteen years old.
Stuart Gibbs,
I love your books so much! I honestly think with all my heart you should keep making them! I love berica
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
I heard there might be a spy school movie coming out soon. Is there a chance I could be Erica?
Paisley Welsh
Please look at my blog for the answer to your questions.
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
It’s been a while since I’ve had questions for you, but I was wondering how you balance so many projects at once, your life outside of writing, and everything in between. I’ve started using a book planner, but I think I could do a better job of setting aside time for writing. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Dear Mr Gibbs
I simply adore your books I idolize Erica hale, Summer McKraken, Keira Howard and Charlie thorn I have read all of your books in the Spy School series, FunJungle series, Moon Base Alpha series and Charlie thorn series.I have read spy school goes south over fifteen times (it’s a favorite of mine) I think your books are just the right balance of humor and action.I do have one question that is not on the FAQ’S but I am you hove not been asked it to many time it is do you always know how your books will end when you come up with the plot at first.
Best regards
Reese
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
It’s me again. How long does it usually take for you to write one of your books?
Charlie G
I spend a lot of time plotting out my books before I start writing them. The plotting could take place over the course of several years. So when I am ready to begin writing a book, I have a very good idea of what the story is. That allows me to work on multiple projects at the same time.
Reese –
Thanks for your kind words!
I work out my plots before I start writing, so I know how I want the book to end once I start writing.
Paisley
Counting all the brainstorming, it takes at least two years from the point when I start working on the idea until I have finished writing.
Hi Mr. Gibbs,
On the topic of brainstorming, how far out have you planned the Spy School series for? Whether that’s rough drafts or ideas. Looking forward to the new release!
Alvin
I have ideas for a few more books that are in various stages of development.
Hi Mr Gibbs, I was wondering if the chester alan arthur statue is real or fake in spy school secret service?
Bodhi –
I invented that statue for the story.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
I really love all your books, I’ve read all of spy school and space case, and I plan on reading FunJungle. I aspire to be an author myself and already making a draft for a middle grade book of my own. I wanted to know about your process for planning and drafting. I already know how long it takes you based on your previous responses to others, but when you’re making your outline, how do you do it? Do you do it on paper? A notebook, some sort of website? And how do you organize your worldbuilding. Like any general/important info about your world. I know you might not have to do that as much now since you’re already pretty far into your series’, and I tried to do my worldbuilding on this website, but I’ve thought of transitioning to something else. What are your thoughts?
M.O.
I do most of my brainstorming and outlining on paper. It is not a very organized process. I just do it.
I have a page called Writing Advice on this site and that has a link to a video series I did called Mission: Write. Check that out.
I have a few questions, so I noticed that you and Gordon korman made a comment on the Area 51 book so I wanted to know if you were friends.Also i saw you made a Jimmy bond book when you were a kid. Any chance I could buy/read that anywhere?
Vincent Mace
Yes, Gordon Korman and I are friends.
No, the Jimmy Bond story I wrote as a kid is not available to buy or read. It’s not in good enough shape for me to share.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
I am going to be sprinting to my school library to get the new spy school book, I am so excited to read it, because the last one left us on a cliffhanger. I am also very excited to hear that Spy School is getting a live action!
-A
Dear Stuart Gibbs
I used to hate reading books until my mom read the FunJungle (Belly up) book with her students and loved it so I gave it a try and now I seriously can’t stop reading. I have read all of your series and many other books kinda like yours.It is now my dream to become an author as good as you one day. I am currently working on writing my first book. I have watched your mission: write videos (which were very helpful) but I was wondering how you can best do your research on somewhere you have never been but really want to write about it?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
PS. I know that it takes longer to write the Charlie Thorne books but…… please make more!!!
Sincerely
Addison Hope
Addison Hope
First of all, thanks for your kind words.
Secondly, there are tw great ways to do research on a place without visiting it:
1) Read everything that you can. History books and travel books are really helpful.
2) Google Maps. You can plot entire action sequences with street view. (Although it’s still not quite as good as being there yourself.)
Hey Mr Gibbs! Me again. I was randomly thinking of Charlie Thorne as I normally do and was wondering- in the Curse of Cleopatra Milana apologizes to Charlie and it says that that was the thing that made Charlie finally and fully trust her. Well in book 4 when Dante and Charlie get into a fight, Dante says something that was 100% hurtful and honestly probably something that might make Charlie trust him less. So I was wondering- does Dante have Charlie’s full love and trust or is she still guarded around him?
dear Mr Gibbs,
I love all of your books I’ve read every single one of them (except for the spiderman books) I love spy school and funjungle and Charlie thorn especially. I was wondering how you get your ideas for them because they are very unique! I want to be a author and am writing my book idea down and was wondering what inspired you, my favorite author.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
how do you write roughly a 300 page book a year since spy school you say that another book is coming out next fall when one is coming out this fall and there is all the other books you write?
I feel like it could effect your books
Dear Stuart Gibbs
Thank you so much for responding. I seriously got so excited when I saw that you responded. I have two more questions for you that I hope you can answer.
(1) how do you add research and history into a book without making it boring for the readers?
(2) how do you add good humor and jokes into a book? I know this one might be harder to answer cuz I’m sure you’re a funny person and it might just come to you while you are writing but I really appreciate any answer or advice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely
Addison Hope
Bookish –
You’re asking a very specific question about something that I wrote years ago. I can’t recall exactly the comment that Dante made, but Charlie has now spent a lot of time with Dante, building their relationship.
ec
If you look on my FaQ page, I detail the inspirations for most of my series.
It’s understandable that you haven’t read my Spiderman series since I haven’t written one of those. I think you mean my Batman series?
Seth Smith
I write multiple 300 page books a year. I do it by being very organized and enjoying my work very much.
Addison Hope
I try to find only the facts that stand out the most and are most interesting to include, and to make sue that the facts and history are relevant to the story.
And I try to make the jokes feel natural, like they just unfold from the story.
Dear Stuart Gibbs
I know I’m probably getting a little question happy but I have to ask
(1) since the Spy School Secret Files book going be nonfiction where did you get your sources and information?
(2) did you have to get permission from the CIA to put these nonfiction stories and events in your book?
(3) have you ever been to the CIA head quarters ?
(4) what was your first published and successful book?
ok I think that’s it (for now) THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS.
Sincerely
Addison Hope
Okay Ty, sorry for being vague but I didn’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read it
Hey Mr Gibbs!
Is Alexander Hale into conspiracy theories? IN SSAS in his delusional state he rambles about Alien Lizard things (forgot their name) and then later in project X one of the conspiracies going around mentions those same creatures with the same names. Sorry for the random question, just curious.
Addison Hope
I primarily got my information from the CIA, which gave me the information freely. I have been to CIA HQ.
Belly Up was my first published book.
I love your books!!!!!!!!
Dear Mr. Gibbs I made a Tik Tok Account based just on your Spy School books and I would love it if you check it out! Its @ is @ilovemurrayhill!!
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
Me and my friend are making a book that sort of like your series. You know, kids that are spies, double crosses, mysteries etc. any major tips?
Thank you, Violet S.
Lily
I checked it out. Wow. You’ve done a lot!
Violet S
I don’t want to tell you how to do this. I think you should just have fun writing!
Hey Mr. Gibbs. Sorry but I have another question, tell me if they’re getting annoying and I’ll stop, but I was wondering- you said that you paused (?) the Charlie Thorne series because it took WAY to much time to research right? Well won’t the SS secret files and the Time Crime series both require a bunch of research also on history and stuff? Sorry again, Ik you’re busy and get a lot of questions from a lot of fans