MC: No, there won't be anymore films. Anne Hathaway has already announced she is moving on from playing princesses. As for Princess Diaries 6, Princess in Training, in stores March 29, Mia has finally made it to 10th grade, is running for student council president, and dealing with a little something she heard about college boys, one of whom she is now dating.
SQ: The Princess Diaries are SO funny. How did you feel when Disney first contracted you to make a film from your books and how much creative input do you have during film-making?
MC: I felt skeptical. I didn't think it would ever really happen. Then the check came. And I was like, "Bless you, Disney." And I had zero input on the film, nor did I want any. I was confident Garry Marshall et al could handle things on their own. Besides, I was busy writing more books.
SQ: How awesome you get to write while Disney makes movies about it! I would have framed that first Disney check. Also, I can see why you totally trust Disney and Gary Marshall, two great names. Who is your main publisher and how many books are you contracted to do?
MC: HarperCollins is my main US publisher, although my 1-800-Where-R-You series (the TV series based on it is called Missing, on Lifetime) is with Simon and Schuster. I am negotiating several new contracts with Harper Collins at the moment, and don't want to jinx them by discussing them before I have signed on the dotted line.
SQ: Can you share descriptions?
MC: Contracts I have which are already negotiated include a three book deal for a series of books for adult readers currently being called "Blabbermouth." I have two more adult books due on a contract for a comedic series featuring a female sleuth (the first book in the series, "Size 12 is not Fat" will be out next winter). And I believe I owe at least three more Princess Diaries books. Not that I'm counting. SQ: That is an impressive list and I love the "Size 12 is not Fat" title. It seems very true to your comedic style. I understand actress Raven will play artistic-introvert Sam in "All American Girl's" film version. I adore Raven's clever, funny persona and acknowledge she is an uplifting force for teens -- but Sam is a quiet redhead. Do you think Raven can play the character and did you intend Sam to be black? (I'd pictured her white.)
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Sara Webb Quest's Writing Professionally topic, please visit the Discussions page.