Erin Clyburn

When I reopen to queries I want to see those friend families of outcasts & weirdos around that terrible cusp of adolescence. The kids who are patently uncool & dealing with tough stuff, but can get through it because they have each other, & lots of humor & heart.

I’m always chasing the feeling some of those early Nick shows (Pete & Pete, Salute Your Shorts, Doug, Clarissa Explains It All—but mostly Pete & Pete) captured: of being a nerdy kid, pretty anxious, always on the fringes, but with those friends who totally got you.

I finished season two of Pen15 & I am shattered. I wouldn’t have gotten through middle school without my own ride-or-die, who is still my BFF today (check out these 7th grade math team nerds/soulmates). Please send me books about middle/HS friendships like Maya & Anna’s. #MSWL

Packing up my house, stumbled upon my collection of mix CDs from friends & exes, all up in my feelings. How influential were mix CDs in who we turned out to be??? I would read the hell out of a mix CD-themed friendship story with a nostalgic vibe rn. Make me cry. #MSWL

First PEN15, now BOOKSMART? Give me more smart, nerdy, awkward-confident tween/teen girls with do-anything-for-each-other friendships. #MSWL