Q&A With Megan McCafferty discussion

If you haven't read BUMPED but want to know more about it, this is the SPOILER FREE ZONE.

At my school we a book club (its high school) I want to ask our sponsor if we can read bumped for book club next year. But this year we read a book (Matched) that was also set in the future but some of the kids didn't like it because it was slow and not a lot of action went on in it. Does Bumped have lots of things going on? Or do the characters do the same thing for most of the book? I really want to read it, but I need to know because the other members in the book club are picky >_< I think it sounds really cool, and I KKNOW I have good taste in books, but I have to be considerate of the other kids(Regardless, I will read Bumped when it comes out).

I'm so excited to Bumped! Was it difficult to write a book set in the future? Did you do any research or did you just use your imagination?

I think Bumped will be a fast-paced novel! I put a hold on it at the library (but I was the ninth person too) :(

I read Sloppy Firsts a couple weeks ago and absolutely adored it! Can't wait for Bumped!

Where did you get the concept of the novel? have u read any other YA dystopian novels which influenced your choice on writing a novel set in a futuristic society (e.g Matched by Ally Condie, Delirium by Lauren Oliver, Uglies by Scott Westerfield etc).

Loved Bumped...Can't wait for a sequel!

Yesenia wrote: "At my school we a book club (its high school) I want to ask our sponsor if we can read bumped for book club next year. But this year we read a book (Matched) that was also set in the future but som..."

Yesenia wrote: "At my school we a book club (its high school) I want to ask our sponsor if we can read bumped for book club next year. But this year we read a book (Matched) that was also set in the future but som..."

Yesenia wrote: "At my school we a book club (its high school) I want to ask our sponsor if we can read bumped for book club next year. But this year we read a book (Matched) that was also set in the future but som..."

I think you should read BUMPED first and then decide whether it's appropriate for your book club. If you do, there's an awesome reader's group guide which will be sure to inspire interesting discussions!

Jenna wrote: "I'm so excited to Bumped! Was it difficult to write a book set in the future? Did you do any research or did you just use your imagination?"

Oh my. I did more research for BUMPED than anything I've ever written in my entire life! I researched for more than a year before I even began writing. You can look at my Research for Bumped Shelf just to get an idea:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...

Why so much reading? I wanted to make sure that even the craziest aspects of the story were rooted in reality. I want readers to read this book and consider the parallels between futuristic fiction and right now, especially in the ways language influences culture (and vice versa) and how sex and virginity are marketed to teens.

Chloe wrote: "I read Sloppy Firsts a couple weeks ago and absolutely adored it! Can't wait for Bumped!"

Thank you! How do you think Jessica Darling might react to this world?

Heather (Nightly Reading) wrote: "Loved Bumped...Can't wait for a sequel!"

Thanks for keeping an open mind to something different!

Juwi wrote: "Where did you get the concept of the novel? have u read any other YA dystopian novels which influenced your choice on writing a novel set in a futuristic society (e.g Matched by Ally Condie, Deliri..."

Yes, I've read UGLIES, DELIRIUM and MATCHED. UGLIES did inspire me to have fun with the slang and technology, but the other two I didn't read until long after I had finished BUMPED.

Dystopian novels are hot right now, so I can understand why some might think, "Oh, ho! Look at McCafferty jumping on the dystopian bandwagon." The truth is, I didn't set out to write a dystopian novel. I was thinking satire...that just happens to be set 25 years in the future. I wanted to write a book that sends up what happens when extreme thinking crowds out more moderate approaches to social problems. The intentionally over-the-top humor is what sets BUMPED apart from these other series and why I think so many readers are surprised by it. BUMPED should make you laugh and make you uncomfortable. That's the whole point.

Krystal wrote: "I think Bumped will be a fast-paced novel! I put a hold on it at the library (but I was the ninth person too) :("

Hooray for libraries! Maybe yours should order more than one copy...

I interned at the Princeton Public Library in Summer 2009. One day you came and and told the YA Librarian all about this book that you were writing (Bumped) I've been waiting almost 2 years to finally read the final product and I can't wait! Thanks for coming in that day and introducing me to your work. I loved the Jessica Darling series and made Barnes and Noble bring it out from the back for me today! I can't wait to start reading! :)

Thanks to Goodreads I know you are writing a new book, thank you for checking in here and letting us share Q&As!


Are you going to stay in the YA market or perhaps evolve into chic lit (say late 20s/early 30s)?

I havent read the book quite yet but look forward to it, I was just wondering if you were inspired or should I say more interested in this growing teenage mothers phenomenon with shows on MTV like teen mom and their sudden fame being plastered on every magazine since your book focuses on a different type of teen mom issue

Shannon wrote: "I interned at the Princeton Public Library in Summer 2009. One day you came and and told the YA Librarian all about this book that you were writing (Bumped) I've been waiting almost 2 years to fin..."
Yes, this baby has been gestating for a LOOOONG time. You've given me another reason to love the Princeton Public Library!

Justine wrote: "I havent read the book quite yet but look forward to it, I was just wondering if you were inspired or should I say more interested in this growing teenage mothers phenomenon with shows on MTV like ..."

I started thinking about this book three years ago, well before 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom. But it's like the futuristic future of BUMPED has only gotten more eerily similar to reality since then.

I saw you asked how Jessica would react in Bumped's future. I can just see her rolling her eyes at everyone and making witty retorts left and right.

I'm so bummed this Q&A isn't happening at a later date. Our group just voted Bumped to be one of our books of the month for May. I look forward to reading it. :)

Lisarenee wrote: "I'm so bummed this Q&A isn't happening at a later date. Our group just voted Bumped to be one of our books of the month for May. I look forward to reading it. :)"

I'm a Goodreads author, so I'll still be around on here. If I see that you've posted questions, I'll be happy to answer them after this is over.

Make sure you check out the Readers Group Guide because it's great for sparking discussions. (AFTER you read it...SPOILERS!)

Amberjade wrote: "I saw you asked how Jessica would react in Bumped's future. I can just see her rolling her eyes at everyone and making witty retorts left and right."

I think you're right!

Thanks Megan. I will definitely check out the Readers Group Guide. :)

i was umm just wondering r u going to have any more giveaways for this book?

oh yes and 1 more question is there going to be a sequel to this book? can't wait to read it:)

Stamatia: If you go to her website or follow her Twitter you can find giveaways and such. There is going to be a sequel but it's title and release date are unknown (to me at least).

thank you amberjade i will chek:)