From a children's book author to a spectacled, no nonsense, high school theatre critic in Stage Fright, Carrie Berk's career is nothing short of astounding - especially given her brief period activing working in entertainment.

In second grade, Carrie wrote The Cupcake Club, which explores relevant and compelling themes such as bullying, self esteem, and more. Today, Carrie campaigns against many of these issues through social media and her fashion/lifestyle blog Carrie's Chronicles, while serving as an ambassador for No Bully. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Carrie.

Where are you based?
NYC

Ok, we first have to talk about you as a writer! Wow, you wrote your first book, Peace, Love, and Cupcakes, when you were in second grade! Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? What inspired you?
My mom is a celebrity ghostwriter, so I grew up watching her passionately type away at her computer. She is so dedicated to her job, and she continually inspires me in my writing career.

You also wrote, The Cupcake Club, which sold over 400,000 copies and went on to become an Off-Broadway show, which you also co-wrote and starred in. Tell us everything! What inspired you to write The Cupcake Club? Can you tell us a bit about this series?
In second grade, I was learning about realistic fiction for the first time, and I fell in love with the concept of placing real-life themes within fictional scenarios. I also loved cupcakes at the time (I had a blog where I reviewed different bakeries!), so I combined my two passions to produce a one-paragraph book proposal: it was about four girls who are outsiders at their school that come together to form an unstoppable cupcake club that simultaneously combats bullying. I showed my mom, and she sent it to her book agent. I never expected that it would become a series!

Can you please tell us about this whole experience? How did it feel to star in a play of your own creation? This is also what kick started your acting career, after all.
It was amazing! This book is my baby, and I knew that I was the only one who could really do Kylie justice. I wanted to get inside her thoughts and emotions (after all, I was the one who birthed them!) in order to portray them in the most authentic way possible.

Let’s talk about your role in BRAT TV’s new series, Stage Fright. You play Karina, a girl who is part of an investigative team seeking answers to an incident that severely injured another student. Can you tell us a little bit about the show, and what attracted you to this role?
The show follows the story of students who try and figure out who dropped the chandelier on the lead in a school production of The Phantom of the Opera. It’s a thrilling mystery that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats at the end of every episode. My character, Karina, is the theater critic for The Crown Lake Chronicle—and she may not be as innocent as she seems.

Can you tell us about your fashion/lifestyle blog Carrie’s Chronicles? We love the message of empowerment and “celebrating unapologetic individuality.” What inspired you to start the Carrie’s Chronicles?
Throughout middle school, I was often bullied for my sense of style. People would tell me that my glitter sneakers were “too loud,” so I’d stop wearing them and sport monochromatic clothing instead. But after a while, I realized that my style is my superpower! That’s why I launched Carrie’s Chronicles, a style empowerment website encouraging people to embrace unapologetic individuality through fashion, beauty, food, fitness, and beyond.

What are some words of advice that you would give to someone struggling with self confidence?
Be yourself—there’s nothing more beautiful than that.

In your spare time you also serve as the teen ambassador for No Bully. How did you get involved with this organization? Why is this partnership special to you?
My latest book series Ask Emma centers around cyber-bullying that tweens and teens experience, and I knew that No Bully would be the perfect organization to align with that message. I think it’s incredible how they are going into schools worldwide teaching kids to practice respect and empathy towards each other from a young age.

You have experienced cyber-bullying, yourself. Can you tell us a little bit about this experience and how you overcame it?
As a public figure on social media, I receive lots of hate comments via DM, but I’ve learned to rise above it by focusing instead on those who support me and lift me up, not tear me down.

Your new book series Ask Emma dives into your life as a blogger and an individual who has been cyber-bullied. Why was this so important for you to write about this way?
Writing has always been a form of therapy for me, but I wanted to share my story through Emma not just to help me deal with my past, but to empower others to rise above their own bullying experiences.

Now that we are all sheltered in place and almost 100% of life is online based, how is this changing how you are getting your word out?
If anything, it’s giving me an even greater opportunity to use my writing as a force for change. With so many people spending time on social media while in their homes, I’ve been freelancing for Girls’ Life and writing for Carrie’s Chronicles about the outbreak and activities to take part in during this difficult time.

Do you think we will see an increase in cyber-bullying during this time? What can we do to prevent this?
I actually think that the Coronavirus outbreak has taught us to be kinder toward one another and cherish our relationships more. Social distancing has certainly taught me to be grateful for those I surround myself with.

Do you have any advice for anyone being bullied (cyber or otherwise)?
It gets better. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and the bullies will simply dissipate.

What is your motto in life?
Just do you!

Please list any social media and/or websites that you would like Jejune to promote:
Instagram: @carrieberkk
TikTok: @carrieberkk
Website: www.carrieschronicles.com
YouTube: Carrie’s Chronicles
Facebook: Carrie’s Chronicles
Twitter: @carrieberkk

Opening image photo credit by Toni Smalls.

Carrie Berk: Peace, Love, and Cupcakes