by Emma Moss
‘I know. I was so exhausted when I finally got home that I slept for, like, two whole days,’ Sassy said with a grin. ‘My bed felt soooo good.’
The waitress came over and they placed their orders.
‘So,’ continued Sassy, ‘what’s everyone been up to? And how is our very own celeb?’
‘Stop it!’ Lucy grinned. ‘Well, I’ve been w-working flat out at City Farm this week. I’ve been in charge of the petting zoo and also h-helping out with some of the activities for the little ones. Exhausting b-but fun.’
‘What about Sam?’ Sassy asked. She hadn’t met Lucy’s boyfriend yet, but she’d seen him on some of her vlogs.
‘He’s been at the farm too. So that’s b-been great. We’ve managed to sp-spend a lot of time together to make up for when we were apart.’
‘Make up or make out?’ Jessie teased.
Lucy blushed, and they all laughed.
‘Luce, what did Sam think of the whole Ollie Storm adventure and his shout-out to you at the gig?’ Abby asked, raising her eyebrows.
‘What she means is: was he jealous?’ Sassy said.
‘No, of course not!’ replied Lucy. ‘Though I know he wished he’d b-been there – it was such a special moment.’
‘Speaking of special moments,’ said Abby mischievously, ‘how’s it going with Leo, H? Has he been in touch?’
Hermione smiled shyly. ‘Ummm, we’ve been texting since we got back. Leo wants to come and see me soon.’ She coughed nervously. ‘But I’m due to go off on holiday with my dad next week, so I probably won’t get to see him for ages.’
‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder!’ Jessie said.
‘And what’re you up to, Jessie? Any great pranks recently?’ Sassy asked, reaching for a dough ball the second the waitress lowered the plate. ‘I saw this really funny PeterPranks video yesterday and thought of you!’
‘Trying the weird German sweets? I saw that too! Not so many pranks for me – I’ve got another gymnastics competition coming up, so I’ve been getting in training. I had a session this morning, probably why I’m so ravenous!’
The pizzas arrived, and they all tucked in.
‘What’s new with you, Sass?’ asked Jessie.
‘Well . . .’ Sassy suddenly felt a bit flustered. ‘I’ve been trying to finish the scary movie. It’s quite hard cos we didn’t get all the footage we’d planned, but I’ve been doing some cutting and editing, and adding in sound effects. It’s actually coming together quite well. I could show it to you all later, if you guys want?’
‘That sounds awesome,’ said Abby, and Lucy nodded.
‘I can’t wait to see it,’ said Hermione. ‘It was such fun to make.’
‘So much fun,’ agreed Jessie. ‘I’ve been telling my brothers how great it is – Leon loved the trailer and for once didn’t diss our content!’
Sassy felt a wave of relief sweep through her. Ever since the ‘incident’ at the campsite, she’d felt ashamed of what had happened and unsure whether she’d really been forgiven for causing such a drama. Abby had reassured her a few times, but Sassy wasn’t sure how the others felt. Everyone seemed fine about it today, though, even Lucy.
‘So, who’s coming back to mine after this?’ asked Abby. ‘I thought we could do a wrap-up vlog of the trip, with our favourite moments. And also some forward planning on where we want to take the GCV channel. The festival viewing figures are amazing, especially the Ollie Storm interview. We’ve hit fifty-five thousand subscribers, guys!’
‘That is IN-SANE!’ exclaimed Sassy, her heart racing. She was so excited to be part of this channel and, more than that, she was excited to have made four good friends.
They finished their pizzas.
‘I’m m-meeting Sam for a quick coffee, but then I’ll come along to yours a b-bit later, Abs,’ said Lucy.
‘Wait – before you go, Luce. We’ve got a little something for your parents,’ said Sassy, suddenly remembering the bag at her feet. ‘It’s a small thank you for the amazing holiday they so generously laid on. We all chipped in.’ Sassy produced a large carrier bag with a flowering potted plant inside and handed it to Lucy.
‘It was Sassy’s idea,’ said Abby.
‘Oh, guys. That’s so s-sweet. They’ll be r-really thrilled,’ Lucy said. ‘Thanks, Sassy.’
*
Later that day, back at Abby’s house, Sassy, Abby, Jessie and Hermione were sitting in the garden on sun loungers.
‘I love summer!’ exclaimed Jessie, painting her toenails a bright purple. ‘I wish it would go on forever.’
‘Me too!’ agreed Abby, applying some sunscreen to her arms and legs. ‘I’ve got factor thirty here for anyone who wants it. I hope Lucy comes soon so we can film out here in the sunlight.’
Just then they heard the doorbell, and Lucy came through the kitchen into the garden.
‘Sorry I’m late. Let me c-catch my b-breath. I ran all the way,’ panted Lucy.
She looked really frazzled, thought Sassy, hoping that nothing had gone wrong with Sam.
‘Relax,’ said Hermione, and handed Lucy a glass of lemonade.
‘You look really weird,’ said Jessie. ‘Has something happened?’
‘Yes!’ said Lucy, breathing hard. ‘You’ll never b-believe it, but Ollie S-Storm just called.’
‘Shut. Up,’ said Sassy.
‘It’s true! He’s invited m-me and my family over to his p-place in the country so I can s-see Gigi again. He calls me her g-guardian angel.’ Lucy grinned.
‘A dog-mother instead of godmother,’ joked Jessie.
‘OMG!’ exclaimed Abby. ‘You’re invited to his house? That’s sick. Maybe you can do a vlog tour.’
‘Abs! No! This is s-strictly p-private. I’m not filming there. It would be r-rude.’
‘Oh well, maybe just a sneaky selfie?’
‘Abby, you are shameless!’ Sassy laughed.
‘But that’s why we love her,’ said Hermione, and Sassy had to agree.
They sat in pleasant silence for a few moments, reflecting on Lucy’s news, then Sassy had to speak her mind.
‘You guys, I don’t mean to sound soppy or anything, but I just wanna say that I’m so pleased to be part of the squad . . .’ She had to stop because her voice was wavering.
‘Aww, we love you too!’ said Abby, and they all piled on top of her to give her a hug.
Sassy felt a bit embarrassed, but mainly just happy.
‘So, Lucy – not even a short tour of his garden?’ Abby continued. ‘Or maybe the kitchen? Wait. What about the dog house? Lucy!’
VLOG 10
FADE IN: ABBY’s GARDEN.
ABBY, LUCY, HERMIONE, JESSIE and SASSY are sitting in ABBY’s garden, crammed on to a bench next to a little pond, drinking lemonade out of copper tumblers with stripy straws.
ABBY
Hey, everyone! So, now that we’re back from our hashtag amazing travels, we wanted to look back and discuss the best, and the worst, moments from our trip. I made us these fancy drinks so we could toast getting back in one piece. Cheers!
They all clink glasses.
ALL
Cheers!
ABBY
OK, lots of reminiscing . . . Who wants to go first?
LUCY
M-me!
ABBY
Hm, I wonder what could possibly be YOUR best moment!
LUCY
Yes, yes, it was interviewing Ollie St-Storm. And, well, j-just meeting him! And Gigi. I still c-can’t believe it all happened. It’s the f-first thing I think about when I wake up every m-morning!
SASSY
We are definitely not jealous. AT ALL. Worst bit?
LUCY glances awkwardly at SASSY.
LUCY
Well . . . Sorry, Sass, but if I’m being honest, it’s when you were missing on the l-lake. It was the worst few hours ever!
SASSY
I get that – sorry again. And, while we’re on the subject, my worst one was getting stranded in that
storm!
HERMIONE
Don’t blame you. I think we would all pick that if it had happened to us!
SASSY
I know, right? Anyway, on a more positive note, my best moment was making the scary movie. You guys all worked with me so well and I can’t wait to show it to
(to camera)
YOU GUYS!
ABBY
You were amazing as the director – and hopefully we can make more films together.
SASSY
We HAVE to! What about you, Abs?
ABBY
Well, obviously my WORST was Dakota getting up in my face again – yes, you, Dakota, if you’re watching, stealing my make-up ideas as usual! BEST was doing the fashion interviews at Chesterbury. So much fun and everyone was really lovely to talk to. H?
HERMIONE
(immediately)
Worst – mouse in tent. Or rat or whatever.
(shudders)
Best . . . was meeting new friends.
LUCY
(smiling)
Anyone in particular?
HERMIONE
Yes FINE. As you KNOW, I liked meeting Leo.
(blushes)
Hi, Leo, if you’re watching.
ABBY
Cute! And finally you, Jess?
JESSIE
BEST – seeing Dakota stuck in the toilet, ha ha! And SUPing!
SASSY
And worst?
JESSIE
(quietly)
I guess . . . when things were weird between me and . . . one of you. I don’t want to tell the viewers, but we all know what I mean, right? Anyway, just being honest! And we all know you’re not proper mates if you don’t have a blazing row now and again, to clear the air.
ABBY glances at JESSIE and smiles.
ABBY
Great answer, Jess! So, guys, that was our camping trip wrap-up. Now please enjoy this extra footage we haven’t shown you yet . . . and see you soon!
They all wave, and a montage of the girls toasting marshmallows, laughing in the mud at Chesterbury, hiking through the woods, eating ice cream, and singing in the car plays.
FADE OUT.
Views: 27,569
Subscribers: 56,234
Comments:
girlscanvlogfan: absolute #squadgoals xxx
ShyGirl1: if I met Ollie Storm nothing in my life would ever top that!!
lucylockets [reply to ShyGirl1]: haha I knowww, that’s what I’m worried about!
MagicMorgan: wish I’d been with you guys . . .
queen_dakota: What a sad little trip! Vermin in the tents . . . disgusting.
*jazzyjessie* [reply to queen_dakota]: some might say going phone-fishing in a huge vat of poo is disgusting
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Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced vlogger like the Girls Can Vlog crew, you may get stuck for ideas of what to film. YouTube trends come and go, but certain types of video are always popular.
If you need more tips on how to start a YouTube channel, read the ‘Top Ten Tips’ in Lucy Locket: Online Disaster, Amazing Abby: Drama Queen, Hashtag Hermione: Wipeout! and Jazzy Jessie: Going for Gold.
Please remember you need to be at least thirteen to set up a YouTube account.
So, without further ado, here are some ideas for fun and engaging content!
1) FASHION
One of the most popular types of video is anything to do with fashion. It could be focusing on one outfit for a special occasion – the clothes, shoes, accessories – or it could be a range of outfits for a trip or season – a ‘look book’. Abby’s fashion vlog at Chesterbury Festival is a good example.
2) MAKE-UP
Beauty tutorials are some of the most viewed videos on YouTube because they are so good at showing how to apply make-up and achieve a specific look. You can learn a lot from a make-up tutorial and they make fascinating viewing even if you aren’t trying them out right then. Get Ready with Me is a good one, and you can keep it really relaxed and casual. You could do hairstyles too.
3) MORNING AND EVENING ROUTINES
These are fun videos that give viewers an insight into your life. They can include everything from brushing your teeth, doing your make-up and hair, getting dressed, exercises, what you eat for breakfast, walking the dog, to running a bath and setting your alarm last thing at night.
4) HAULS
Everyone loves to watch people ‘unbox’, whether it’s presents at Christmas or birthdays, or packages they’ve bought in a shop or online. If you’ve been shopping for your summer wardrobe or for going back to school, you can unpack the shopping bags and talk through your purchases. Shopping hauls don’t just have to be for clothes; they could be for make-up, stationery, books or decorations for your room . . .
5) BOOKTUBE
If you love books and reading, these videos will probably come quite naturally to you. Hermione does book reviews and book quizzes. You can also film your bookshelves if you have them arranged in a particularly creative way, or you could focus on your favourite book covers. Doing movie reviews is also fun.
6) ROOM TOURS
People love to get a peek into someone’s bedroom or other rooms in their home. Many YouTubers do room tours and talk about their design ideas and where they got their knick-knacks. Do you have any interesting pictures or posters on your walls? It’s a great motivation to start tidying up your room as well!
7) COOKING/BAKING DEMOS
Hermione loves to vlog her baking – whether it’s everyday baking, such as cookies and cupcakes, or seasonal baking for Halloween or Christmas. Cooking demos are great fun too: for example how to make a fabulous pizza with all your favourite toppings; or how to make tacos, as Jessie did with her dad.
8) CHALLENGES
These are some of the most popular videos on YouTube. They can be physical-fitness challenges, such as yoga or gymnastics, or they can be more light-hearted, like popping balloons or trying not to laugh. Food challenges like the Chicken Nugget Challenge, which featured on the Prankingstein channel, are always hilarious. The Girls Can Vlog channel has featured lots of food challenges too: the Chubby Bunny Challenge, the Chili-eating Challenge, the Pancake Challenge and more!
9) Q&AS OR TRUTH OR DARE
There are hundreds of variations to these videos where you can quiz your friends or members of your family to let viewers get to know you better. Abby’s Best Friend vs Boyfriend video is a fun example of this. Truth or Dare videos can be hilarious. Remember to prepare your questions in advance.
10) CHILD VS TEEN
These are fun skit videos where you act out the difference between how you might have reacted to an experience as a child versus how you are now. It’s fun to dress up to make yourself look like a little kid for the child part and do silly things. You could use different voices. The more you exaggerate, the funnier it will be.
*
Hopefully these ideas will inspire you if you get stuck, but there are hundreds more out there – including ideas that haven’t been dreamed up yet! Open your mind and get creative!
Emma Moss loves books, cats and YouTube. In that order – though it’s a close call. She is currently writing the next book in the Girls Can Vlog series.
‘Pitch-perfect fiction for the new digital generation’ Lancashire Evening Post
‘Funny and inspirational story about the world of vlogging’ Bookseller
‘Warm, funny, and perfect for the Zoella generation, this series is bang on trend and sure to be a hit’ The Mile Long Bookshelf
‘A really fun read . . . sends out a really positive message that social networking can be a powerful force for good when it’s supported by a healthy dose of interaction in the real world’ Sugarscape
‘Makes great reading for anyone who wants to give vlogging a go’ Week Junior
‘The story itself is wonderful, funny and descriptive – so much so that I read the whole thing in one day!’ Ella, age 11, a Lovereadin
g4kids.co.uk Reader Review Panel member
‘I really enjoyed this funny book’ Miyah, age 10, a Lovereading4kids.co.uk Reader Review Panel member
‘A brilliant story about friends, vlogging and adorable animals!’ Sidney, age 12, a Lovereading4kids.co.uk Reader Review Panel member
Books by Emma Moss
The Girls Can Vlog series
Lucy Locket: Online Disaster
Amazing Abby: Drama Queen
Hashtag Hermione: Wipeout!
Jazzy Jessie: Going for Gold
First published 2018 by Macmillan Children’s Books
This electronic edition published 2018 by Macmillan Children’s Books
an imprint of Pan Macmillan
20 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RR
Associated companies throughout the world
www.panmacmillan.com
ISBN 978-1-5098-8537-4
Based on an original concept by Ingrid Selberg
Copyright © Ingrid Selberg Consulting Limited and Emma Young 2018
Cover images © Shutterstock
The right of Ingrid Selberg and Emma Young to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Pan Macmillan does not have any control over, or any responsibility for, any author or third-party websites referred to in or on this book.
You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.