Question 1

Are any sequels planned?

Accepted Answer

So far, all of my books are standalones but there are no sequels planned. There are lots of new stories and characters that I'm excited to explore. But it's definitely a possibility for the future--never say never!

Question 2

Do your books have any Easter eggs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There are at least two Easter eggs that appear in each of my books. One is that Gingerbread Island (the setting of Caterpillar Summer) is mentioned in each book. The other is a secret! Only a few readers have found it so far ... maybe you will be the next!

Question 3

What genre are your books?

Accepted Answer

My books so far are all contemporary realistic fiction for a middle grade audience. Trouble at the Tangerine is a mystery and so is When Sea Becomes Sky. But I am interested in trying other genres--stay tuned for more details!

Question 4

Did you do create the art in your books?

Accepted Answer

I only do the words. I am very lucky to have had wonderful artists to make covers and interior art for my books. I could not be happier with their work. If you would like to know the name of the artist or cover designer, that information is on the page that is specific to that title. You can select the name of the book you are interested in under the "Books" menu.

Question 5

Which book is your favorite?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common questions but it's difficult to answer! I truly don't have a favorite. All of my books are special to me in different ways. I will say that the most challenging book to write was When Sea Becomes Sky, and I am extra proud of that one.

Question 6

Where did you go to college?

Accepted Answer

I went to University of California, Irvine, and majored in Literature and Linguistics. Then I went to Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, where I took classes toward a teaching certificate.
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Go Anteaters! Go Hornets!

Question 7

Why do you write for kids?

Accepted Answer

1. Kids are the best, most enthusiastic audience. 
2. I remember being a kid very clearly, so it's easier to imagine what my characters might be thinking or feeling.
3. Books we read when we are kids can become a part of us forever.
4. Middle grade books tend to be hopeful in some way, and I like that.

P.S. Middle grade books are for everyone ... not just kids! Plenty of adults read them too, with their kids or on their own.

Question 8

Will you turn one of your books into a movie/show?

Accepted Answer

That would be really cool! There aren't any plans to do this right now, but maybe in the future.

Question 9

What were your favorite books when you were a kid?

Accepted Answer

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
 • Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
 • The Narnia books by C.S. Lewis
 • All books by Beverly Cleary, Lois Lowry, and Judy Blume
 • Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
 • All mysteries--my favorite series was the Jack McGurk books by E.W. Hildick.

Question 10

What's a good way to stay informed about your books and author appearances?

Accepted Answer

I'd suggest subscribing to my monthly newsletter, Letters from Gillian, which is full of writing tips, book news, recipes, and giveaways.

Question 11

What inspired Trouble at the Tangerine?

Accepted Answer

My previous book When Sea Becomes Sky had some mystery elements that I really enjoyed, so it seemed natural to want to explore a more traditional mystery. Simon was modeled in part after my husband, who moved a lot when he was growing up--not quite as much as Simon, but close! I was also inspired by Karina Yan Glaser's quirky, lovable Vanderbeekers  and the funny and exciting situations in the show Only Murders in the Building.

Question 12

Are you a Bex or a Davey?

Accepted Answer

In When Sea Becomes Sky, Bex says she doesn't like sad books. Davey argues that books are supposed to make us feel things--and that, anyway, most books aren't all happy or all sad, they're a mix of both.
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I personally am a Davey. But it's not wrong to be a Bex, either. Thankfully, there's a lot of room in the world for different kinds of readers.

Question 13

What inspired When Sea Becomes Sky?

Accepted Answer

My brother Andy died when we were both kids. I wanted to write a story about loss that was more than a story about loss. I was very interested in the way grief affected me as a writer (both as a kid and now, as an adult) and I became interested in the idea of art and ephemeral art as a way of expressing certain aspects of life and permanence.

I was also inspired by beauty of the Carolina saltmarsh.

Question 14

Is Pelican Island a real place?

Accepted Answer

Pelican Island is an imaginary place that is based on the barrier islands around the border of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Question 15

What inspired Honestly Elliott?

Accepted Answer

I wrote this story at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I was missing spending time with my family and friends, and the story of a boy who was also experiencing that "missing piece" came out of that feeling. I also wanted to write a book about ADHD and Celiac disease, which are both disabilities that I have.

Question 16

What inspired These Unlucky Stars?

Accepted Answer

When I was in the early stages of this book, there were a lot of discussions on my neighborhood group about kids who had been spotted ringing doorbells and running away.  It made me think about pranks gone wrong and the idea of being lucky or unlucky in general. I also wanted to write a book about unexpected friendships and mistaken first impressions, which are things I love writing about.

Question 17

What inspired The Queen Bee and Me?

Accepted Answer

A lot of books have been written about bullying, but I wanted to write a story where the main character was feeling conflicted in a best friend relationship that had a lot of history--some good, some bad. I was also inspired by a bee report I did when I was in third grade--they are so interesting and some of the dynamics fit the story perfectly.

Question 18

What inspired Caterpillar Summer?

Accepted Answer

Caterpillar Summer is a love letter to my favorite season: summer! Two of major inspirations for the book were my relationship with my my middle brother, Andy, and my love of the North Carolina coast.

Andy and I were very close. He had multiple disabilities and needed extra support. As his big sister, I felt an extra responsibility to him. We also had a lot of fun together.

The beaches in North Carolina are very different from the ones I grew up with in southern California. They're both very special in their own way. I tried to capture that feeling of a summer on a North Carolina island.

Question 19

Is Gingerbread Island a real place?

Accepted Answer

Gingerbread Island is an imaginary place that is based on a real place--Topsail Island, a barrier island in North Carolina. Topsail Island is the first beach my family and I went to when we moved to North Carolina, and I fell in love with it right away.

Gillian McDunn

Fun Facts

Here are the answers to the questions I get most often, along with a smattering of fun facts—answers to questions no one asks me, but I wish they would!

—Gillian