Ask Angel Our resident diva is currently in the recording studio! Unfortunately that means she can't answer questions right now. Big thanks to everyone who wrote in! hey!!! ohmigosh i luvv ur book!! do u plan on making any sequels??? if u did then i bet they would be best sellers. anyways..... how are you doing now? do u still like scott? haha keep me posted!! i luv u!! Signed: fann Devany Hi Devany! Cool name, by the way! I am so bad...I have a sequel ready to go. And you won't BELIEVE what has happened to me. Honestly. RE-diculous. I guess I've just been too busy. Thanks for your happy thoughts! I love that you love the book. Life is great, by the way. Thanks for asking! Take care and thanks again! Oh, and luv you too, woman! Hello, I am doing a project on your book and I need some help. Signed: Farina Hi Farina! OMG I love that you're doing a project on my book. Hit me girlfriend, what can I help you out with? I love projects! Hey Angel! Ur book was awesome. I thought it was going to be boring, but it was great. First of all, I could totally relate to it, and second, I LOVE TO SING! I sing all kinds of songs, from country to R&B to Rap. I just luvvvv singing!! I got ur book at a library. I recommended to the teacher that this book was great, and she should buy a couple. She said Yes! But I know how it feels when Julia was bullying you. There's a boy at school, and he always bothers me. He even hit me! Twice! OMG! That was the worst. After I read your book, I know how I could stand up to him. I think what you did about Julia was great. And how's your life with Scott? Hope it's good! Good luck in being a diva! Signed: Delana Hey Delana, Thanks for the email! And thanks for recommending my book to your teacher. That's great! Now I can hang out at your school. Too bad I couldn't meet the guy who has been bugging you. I'd have a few things to say to him. First of all, hitting a girl? What??!!! Second of all, does he not have better things to do with his time than bug you? Seriously, he might have a crush on you. I'm just saying. Anyway, I'm glad you stood up to him. But more importantly -- you are a fellow singer! Awesome! I love R&B, country, and Rap, too. I'm not the best rapper, though. Oh well! If I can't rap like Fergie, I can still dance, right? Who's your fav country singer? I hope you keep on singing. Join some choirs at school. Seriously. It's a chance to sing, and you can even go on trips. I went to New York City with my school choir. And, I became quite the wicked jazz singer, if I do say so myself. Well, take care and thanks again for telling your teacher about my book! Have a great holiday! Hey, My hair is really curly, so it looks totally awesome after I take a shower. But during the day, when I go to school, I just can't keep my hair conditioned and nice and curly. I used hair sprays and everything. Do you know what I should to keep my hair looking nice? Signed: Yasmin, Absolutely Desperate for hair help!! Woman! I totally get it. But first, one thing. I love your name. Okay, now on to the important topic at hand. Curly hair. Lucky you! I spend like two hours curling my hair. Brutal, but so worth it! Anyway, so I hear your problem. Hair looks good fresh from the "home salon," but as the day goes on, it doesn't look so good. Does it lose its curl, or go frizzy? Does it get bigger, or go flat? Does it go flat all over or just at the roots? So many questions! The basic issue is usually hair products. Either you need a leave in conditioner to get rid of frizz, or maybe mousse to keep the curl. Maybe a root booster to give volume there. Hairspray isn't always the answer (heaven forgive me saying that, since I do love and adore hairspray), but lets call a spade a spade. Specific products work for specific things. I recommend going to your hairstylist and asking his or her opinion. They might give you some suggestions. Or, write me back with the exact hair problem and I will do my best to answer you. The bottom line is, you need a good shampoo, good conditioner, and some specific products for curly hair. They don't have to be expensive. Just save up your babysitting or chores money, and find out the best products for your hair. It makes a humungous difference. Thanks for writing and let me know how the hair issue works out. I'd love to hear more, and help if I can! If I can say, you sound awesome, so I'm sure you look great, no matter what your hair is doing. Hey Angel, I got your book in grade 4. I'm in grade 6 now. And I gave the librarian (at my school) your book and now there's tons of copies in my school! Ever since Kindergarten I dreamed to be a singer! I write my own songs too! And my singing dream may not come true but my writing chapter books, novels, poems might! Signed: Celeste Hey Celeste! Thanks for getting so many copies in your school. How great is that? That's so cool that you've been dreaming of being a singer, too. Have you been singing in your choir and stuff? Make sure you practice and don't be afraid to perform. That's the only way you'll get better, and you'll get comfortable onstage! I'd love to hear your songs one day. I keep a pile of papers (all sizes and some of them ripped) with songs scribbled on them from years and years ago. They're in a file. I'm trying to get some of them recorded with my band. You know what, you totally could write a chapter book. I'm trying to finish my next one. It was supposed to be done a while ago, but I've had lots to do. You know how it is! You could start writing some ideas down in a file or something. Then one day, when you feel inspired, you could sit down and write. I hope you do. I'll read your book one day, too! Take care, Celeste, and I hope you're having a really awesome summer! Hi Angel, You are the best in the world. I really think so. I just have a few questions. Was Scott a good kisser? How did it feel? And last one, When is ur birthday? Angel you are my #2 role model! (My first is my mom. SORRY!!) Speaking about moms I love yours! I seriously want parents like yours! Wow! It must have been scary in a new high school! Good thing everything turned out fine! I LOVE YU! I LUV U! I LUV U! I LUV U! ILUV U! I LUV U!! I can't say that enough! Oh great here I go blabbering on again! Sometimes I just can't seem to stop!! Like now! Holy moly! Okay I should stop. But I just want to tell you I love you tons and want to be exactly like you! Bye I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Signed: Angel fan, Ruchika Hi Ruchika, You're so funny! Believe me, you don't want to be exactly like me. I'm a bit klutzy! I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself! But I do have lots of fun. So if you want to be a Chiquita who has great friends and loves to sing and have fun, then by all means! I bet you're so awesome just as you are, though. Scott. I shouldn't kiss and tell. But yes! (Now I'm blushing.) Starting a new high school was kind of scary, but not as bad as I thought. Really, few things are as bad as we think they might be. So why do we all spend so much time worrying about stuff and worrying about what might happen? We should just expect good stuff and enjoy the ride, right? My birthday is April 17th. My mom almost named me Caprice, or April. I have no idea why she chose Angel. My mom is so awesome! I just love her little self so much! I think that's great that your mom is your role model. She must be awesome, too. As for me, I don't think I've ever been a role model before! Hey, I'm a model! Cover Girl, look out! Ha ha ha. Seriously, thanks! I'll try to live up to that cool honor! Well, I hope you have a great summer, Ruchika! Take care! Dear Angel, How can i learn to sing? Signed: dani Hi Dani, Learning to sing is easy. Everyone can sing, even babies! The question is, how do you learn to sing better! If you sing off tune, you can still improve. The key is listening to music and training your ear. Then you imitate the songs and listen carefully to yourself. Just be careful doing it in the car when the window is open. Or on the football field. I've done both before. How embarrassing! There are singing teachers who can work on pitch and ear training so that you can learn to sing in tune. Now, if you already sing in tune, then all you are really asking is how to learn to sing in front of people. I always recommend singing along with the radio to get comfortable hearing your own voice. Some people find that really hard. Then, try singing without the radio. I, personally, prefer to practice when nobody is home (especially not my brutal brothers) or in the car in the driveway—windows up! Then I can sing my heart out and I don't feel self conscious. Sometimes I practice the same song over and over again until it starts sounding better. Join choirs, too. Then you get more practice and get used to the sound of your singing voice. Not to mention you learn more songs. And, best of all, make new friends! Of course, you can always find a singing teacher and take lessons. Believe me, that really helps. I know girls—and guys—who took lessons and went from sounding only "okay" to winning contests. The fact that you even asked how to learn to sing better tells me that you LOVE singing—like me! That's the most important thing you need. Just don't be shy, Dani. Sing as much as you can and you will not only get better, but feel better about singing. And I'll buy your CD some day! Let me know how it goes, woman. Good luck! Hey Caprise! haha, just joking bout the name, i read that your mom was gonna name u that, so i was jk. i tooootally need advice! i have a friend who has really bad dandruff and it really grosses me out cos she sits next 2 me in class, and during lunch, she leans over me to talk to the person on the other side of me. So much for my appetizing lunch! Like you, i also am quite proud of my hair and i take good care of it. but my friend's dandruff is so bad that she has it in her eyebrows AND eyelashes. i know that this turns a lot of people off. how can i help her without hurting her feelings? Signed: Deathly Dandruff Pal Hi Pal, Hmm. This is a serious problem. On the one hand, you owe it to your friend to let her know that her dandruff is noticeable by people. On the other hand, you don't want to hurt her feelings or cause a fight. The only thing I can suggest is that whatever you do, you do it as a friend. Think if it was you, or your mom. You would want this to be confidential and never spoken of again, you know what I mean? As long as your heart is in the right place, it should be fine. Here's what I think. You could do one of two things. One: you could take her aside and tell her that you've noticed she has had some dandruff. Tell her you've had it before, too, and that there is shampoo at the pharmacy or the health food store that would get rid of it lickety split. Then, smile and let her know that you'll help her find it, if she wants. Then, leave it alone and don't tell any of your other friends that you said anything. Or, two: you could approach the health or phys ed teacher at your school and let her know that some people have noticed your friend's dandruff. Ask the teacher to recommend something to your friend confidentially. Then your friend won't even know that you are involved. Either way, you have a tough task. The key is maturity, confidentiality, and respect. Whatever you do, don't ever speak of it again. Your good deed will come back to you some day! Good luck, and good for you for being a good friend. Hey Angel, I just wanted to let you know you're my inspiration just like your inspiration is Leah Lane. I started reading your book one day and finished it the same day. It was amazing! I'm totally your biggest fan! I CAN NOT wait for your second book! You're unbelievable! I inspire to sing just like you one day. I heard you sing the song you sang at "Linwell's Fall Banquet"! It was amazing! Sorry I sometimes ramble like this but, I just can't get enough of your book. I really wish it would have been like 400 pages so it would never end. Your book is my favourite book in the whole universe until I read your second one, now that could be a different story. :) When is your next book coming out? If not soon, please hurry Angel, I'm depending on you. I could read your book again and again, oh, great now I sound totally corny. Anyway LOVED your book! Sincerely B. Hi B! You must be a wickedly fast reader! I'm so glad you liked my book. I feel...Super Strong! Hahaha! Thanks for listening to my song, too. I love that song! I'm thinking of starting a band at school. I have a few songs in mind already. And yes, I am working on that next book. 400 pages! Yikes! I'd better get typing! I am totally going to try to make a longer one next time. And seriously, if you knew what else has been happening, well, sheesh. It could seriously take 400 pages. That is so great that you're waiting for the next book. As soon as it's done, I'll post a message on the website, okay? You're a fellow singer, too? We have a lot in common. I bet you're awesome! As long as you love doing it, keep it up. All it takes is a bit of practice, and lots of heart. And don't ever worry about being corny--I LOVE corny! My favorite songs and movies are full of corn...and cheese! And I just love enthusiastic people! Thank you so much for your email, and I promise to get that next book finished. Keep on singing! Hey Angel! I loved your book and I'm so happy to hear that you have a second one coming out! I was wondering, since you love dressy clothes, what are some of your favourite stores? Anyways, I hope your next book comes out soon, and say hi to the glossy girls and scott for me! Oh--by the way, although the mean girl at your school is named Julia, not all Julias are bad! Haha, bye! Signed: Julia D. Hey Julia! You're right. I love the name Julia! Actually, get this...my mom DID consider Julia for my name. After Caprise. Thankfully, I didn't get Caprise. <<<shudder>>> Yeah, just finishing the next book. I'm glad somebody is waiting for it! Maybe it'll make me get off my butt and write! About me liking dressy clothes -- guilty! I love stores like H&M, Mexx (when I can afford it -- babysitting money doesn't go so far any more), and sometimes even Smart Set (shh, don't tell anyone!). Now I'm getting obsessed with shoes, but that's another story. I love outlet shopping!! I'll say hi to the glossy girls tonight when we get together for New Year's. There's a sleepover party at Star's and I have a sequined top for the occasion! Too bad we're only watching TV and eating chips. Have a great New Year, Julia D, and I'll try to get that book out as fast as I can. And thanks for writing me! Dear Angel, hey gurl i am ur bigest fan i love ur book but why cant i get the word search? luv ya bye Signed: micayla s Hi Micayla, Sorry it took me so long to answer your email, g.f.! Especially since you're my biggest fan! Aw!! That's so nice! The girls and I all tried the word search, and it works. I'm not sure why it isn't working for you. Try clicking here to see if it comes up... Thanks for visiting my website. Oh, and I'm glad you like the book! Luv ya too, Hi Angel, I really liked that first book. I'd love to see the rest of your face! I was wondering if you could have a TV show. I think you'd be great at acting! I'm also wondering what you do to your hair—it looks REALLY nice. I'd love to try it with mine someday. I guess that's all. Bye! P.S. Good luck with Scott! Signed: Flowla in Love Hi! Thanks for the compliment—I'll take it! I don't know why my face didn't make it onto the cover of the book. Should I be insulted?? Haha. I'll have to try to talk them into it for the next book. My hair, well, anyone can do it. I spend a lot of babysitting money on hair stuff, let me tell you, but you don't have to do that. I just use a good conditioner, then I put in a leave-in conditioner, some mousse at the roots (height, baby!) and I use a round brush to blow it dry in sections. That makes it smooth but wavy. Sometimes I use bendy rollers I got from my aunt. Very awesome. They are long, rubber sticks that you heat up and then wrap your hair around and bend them to close them. I have no clue where she got them. A curling iron works though, but make a fat-barrel, you know? Look at me, going on and on about hair. What the heck am I? I think a TV show is a GREAT idea, woman. I think I would love acting. I'm thinking of doing musicals so I can sing and act at the same time. But TV would be awesome. I wonder who I should call... Thanks for writing me, and I hope you get a chance to read my next book...it's coming...but it's not ready yet... Talk to you later! Dear Angel, I have some glossy girls at my school and I don't know if they're my friends or not. I mean they're nice to me but once in a while they'll be mean to one of my classmates (also the cute guys get made fun of!) I try to stand up to them but they just laugh and say don't worry! How can I find out if they're my friends and if they're not how can I stand up to them? Angel, can you help? Signed: Teenage diva # 2 (I also love to sing! And want to be a diva!) Hey Diva #2! Hmm. So they're nice to you, but are mean to classmates and the cute guys? Cute guys? Wha??? Sounds like they are lacking some self-confidence. It's good that you tried to stand up for the ones being picked on. One thing I always tried to do when I was around classmates who made jokes at the expense of other people was to try to stick up for the other person in front of the offender, but in a joking way, too. Like this: "Megan, come on, you know Leanne is awesome. And you're awesome, too. You guys should stop teasing eachother that way! Come on, Megan, let's get going." Once you are alone with the offender, you might want to ask her, in a light-hearted way, why she "jokes" with the person that way. Tell her that you thinks she's so nice, you're surprised when you says something like that. Just say it with a smile. Confrontation is not always necessary, and might create a situation. Sometimes these people just want to feel good about themselves. They don't realize the power of being complimentary to people is stronger than the power of being mean to people. You actually build yourself up every time you build up someone else. Maybe you can show her how to do it! Besides, what goes around, comes around, and the "powers that be" don't like that negative kind of stuff. It'll come back to bite the person in the @#$. The most important thing is to always appear confident (most of us are not truly confident, but pretending to be can actually make you confident. Seriously. You have to try it). Keep your head up, keep calm, and have a smile on your face. It helps to look a person in the eyes, too. Nobody messes with you when they think you have your crap together, you know? If she turns on you, or picks on you in public, smile and joke it off, and remain confident. Pretend it didn't bug you. But get eye contact with her later, when her buddies are not around, and give her a good stare and a calm smile. That means "don't mess with me" in a quietly confident way. So, if I didn't sound TOO much like my mom (oh no!), I hope this helps. Everyone deserves a chance to learn how to be accepting of other people, and how to be a positive person. Now, keep this in mind, though. In time, if these people are still rude to others or to you, step aside and find some real friends who have character. You sound awesome, and deserve awesomeness! Keep on singing, Diva #2, and keep on being a positive force of nature! HEY Angel, I really liked your book but we never got to see your face! I really think you should make a movie or a t.v. show. I think it would be really good. Or I think you should make more books because it was interesting. Does it really take you two hours to do your hair?? It only takes me like 10 mins. Anyways I shall go now BYE BYE. Signed: BEAN Hey Bean, Great nickname! Thanks for the email. I would LOVE to make a movie. Seriously. Where do I sign up? I know, my face was totally missing from the cover of the book. I'm not sure what the artist was trying to tell me! Haha. I am writing another book right now, actually. It's all about my band...and cow manure...the horrifying dog incident...and maybe a few embarrassing moments. You know. Pretty average! Re: the hair issue, I now only take 1 hour to do my hair. I have a high powered, pro dryer and wicked styling tools. I wish I could get ready as quickly as you can! Take care, Bean, and I'll let you know when the next book comes out. And if you bump into Tom Hanks or any other director/producer, give them the heads up on the movie idea, k? Thanks! Dear Angel, I really like singing but I get really scared when I sing alone but my mom and some of my friends say I'm really good. I don't know what to do!! Please help!! Signed: Anonymous Dear nervous singer, What should you do? Sing, dude, sing! Your mother wouldn't lie to you, and neither would your friends. Practice with the radio when no one is home. Also, you should contact a vocal coach or music teacher and ask them to work with you a bit to give you their opinion. They could get you to sing a few songs and could give you feedback. What could it hurt? I know how personal singing is, and it is a hard thing to share with other people, but if you have a talent, you should develop it. Don't be afraid! I have a friend who was told she had a totally good voice, even though she almost passed out any time anyone heard her sing. She finally got the guts to visit a singing teacher, spent some time there, and got more confident. Then I told her to get a fabulous black outfit (always look good in black), take a deep breath and psych herself out (tell self you are awesome and most people are tone-deaf with no music talent anyway, so who cares what anyone says) and sing out loud. She now sings with a band. she's wicked. Anyway, don't let this talent get away from you. I wish I could hear you, but I can't! But please, join a choir, practice with karaoke, and get a singing teacher. They can teach you how to make the most of your voice. Just make sure you sing! And let me know how it goes... Dear Angel, Why don't we ever see your face? It's probably really pretty. And you should have your own show with the glossy girls and Scott—it will be really fun! Signed: Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Aw, you're SO nice to say my face is probably pretty! I have no idea why that crazy artist cut off half my face. My only guesses are: a) I had a bunch of pimples on my forehead the day she drew me. b) She thought the top part of my head looked way too much like my older brother. Frightening. c) My bangs didn't look right that day so she decided not to draw them. A very unlikely possibility since my hair usually looks good, thanks to blood, sweat, and tears. My own show? Why, certainly. I accept! How cool would that be? What would I wear? What if I find out I can't act, and I look totally stupid? Or what if something really embarrassing happened and we were shooting live so I couldn't do a re-shoot so everyone watching the show saw it? Like if I tripped...or forgot to zip up my pants... Thanks for your letter. You've really got me thinking now... Dear Angel, A friend of mine says I should cut my hair short for a change. I've had it long for...a long time. She says long hair is out, and I should stop using so much stuff in it. What should I do? Signed: Am I ready for a change? Dear Am I Ready, Stop right there! Anyone who tells you to cut off your hair is no friend of yours. Please. Now don't get me wrong—short hair looks totally good on some girls. I'm not blind. But if you have had long hair for a long time, and you like your hair, why not just get a different style? No bangs? Get some. How about a few kicky layers? Highlights can change your life, let me tell you. You could even go nuts and cut it to your shoulders. But cutting off the long locks? I just can't condone that kind of behaviour. And tell that "friend" of yours (who is obviously jealous of your great hair) that the "stuff" you use in your hair keeps it from being limp and lifeless. Maybe she needs to be converted. Invite her over to use your stuff and let the hair products do the talking for you. One good blow-dry and she'll never diss the products again. Bottom line: do you like your hair? Don't do anything to your own style just because someone tells you to. Dear Angel, My boyfriend says I should lay off the chips and dip, and stop eating cheese and pickles because they are fattening. I didn't think I was fat, but now I'm wondering if I should go on a diet. Any diet tips? Signed: Gotta slim down Dear Slim, Yeah, I have a diet tip to help you lose around 150 lbs...LOSE THE BOYFRIEND! Anyone who tells you to give up cheese and pickles should be banned immediately. Really. We all know how I feel about cheese and pickles, especially when eaten with a friend. But more than that, I thought a boyfriend was supposed to like you for who you are! Now, if you were unhealthy and unhappy about it, I would say drink lots of water, get some exercise, and maybe cut down on snacks. But diet? That is a dangerous zone. You might do something stupid like cutting out important nutrients or eating only certain foods. You'll lose a bit at first, mainly your muscle mass, but then you'll be in trouble. Muscle helps burn fat. And yo yo dieting (losing and gaining, losing and gaining) can make it hard to stay healthy for your whole life. If you do decide to diet, make sure you consult with a nutritionist or a nurse first. Here's the thing. You thought you were just fine before Mr. Man came along with his so-called "helpful comments," right? My gut says you are just fine the way you are. Stand up tall, chest out, shoulders back, and appreciate your healthy body. Now, march up to Mr. Man and tell him that you think your booty is bootylicous, your legs are lovely, and your abs are fab. Tell him to focus on his own nutrition, and that if he ever brings up your eating choices or your weight again you'll cut him loose. Better yet, cut him loose now and find a guy who adores you. Dear Angel, It's my friend's birthday and I want to get her a nice present. The problem is, I have no cash. Will she be upset? Should I borrow money from my sister? Help! Signed: Cashless in Seattle Dear Cashless, Most people don't care about a birthday gift, they just want to feel special on their birthday. Forget about the cash and the gift. Invite her over and make a special lunch for you both, complete with a really nicely set table. (Use your mom's good dishes. Why in world do they sit in a china cabinet all year long, just begging to come out?) If you can get flowers from outside, put those on the table. If not, use lots of tea light candles. Balloons are cheap, too, and make people feel like a million bucks. Get a really nice card and tell your friend why you like her as a friend. People never say the positive things enough, and it is so nice to hear. Way better than a present. If you want to save even more cash, make a card. (Hint: use a glitter pen to make your friend feel fabulous!) For the lunch menu, make some fabulous sandwiches and a cake, or a more complicated dessert if you can actually bake. Write me for recipes. I love to cook. Anyway, invite her over and simply say, "Angel (or whoever it is), I wish I could go to the mall and buy you all kinds of stuff, but instead, I thought I would make you a special 'friends appreciation' lunch. Enjoy!" I bet your best friend will never forget the special birthday you gave her!