Author Interview: Lamar Giles on Writing Mysteries, Diversity & His Writing Journey

Author Interview: Lamar Giles on Writing Mysteries, Diversity & His Writing Journey

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Lamar Giles’ last Cynsations visit was in 2014 as a debut author.

Since then, he’s had two novels named Edgar Award finalists by the Mystery Writers of America and helped found We Need Diverse Books.

He serves as senior vice president of fundraising for the non-profit organization dedicated to putting more books featuring diverse characters into the hands of all children.

Continue Reading Author Interview: Lamar Giles on Writing Mysteries, Diversity & His Writing Journey »

Authors, Editor & Illustrator Interview: Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice)

Authors, Editor & Illustrator Interview: Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice)

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi are the co-authors of Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, illustrated by Yukata Houlette (Heyday, 2017). From the promotional copy:

Fred Korematsu liked listening to music on the radio, playing tennis, and hanging around with his friends—just like lots of other Americans. 

Continue Reading Authors, Editor & Illustrator Interview: Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice) »

Author Interview: Cynthia Levinson on The Youngest Marcher

Author Interview: Cynthia Levinson on The Youngest Marcher

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Cynthia Levinson‘s most recent book has a direct correlation to one of her previous titles. I talked with her recently about writing her first picture book, social justice and biscuits.

Tell us about the process of transforming We’ve Got A Job into a picture book.

You’re right—The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks,

Continue Reading Author Interview: Cynthia Levinson on The Youngest Marcher »

Guest Post: Crossing the Bar: Or a YA Fiction Writer Tries Out Adult Non-Fiction

Guest Post: Crossing the Bar: Or a YA Fiction Writer Tries Out Adult Non-Fiction

By Marianne Monson


Up until the publication of my most recent book, Frontier Grit: The Untold True Stories of Pioneer Women (Shadow Mountain, 2016), I’ve primarily considered myself a young adult fiction writer.

When my editor asked me to take on this project, I protested that I wasn’t a historian,

Continue Reading Guest Post: Crossing the Bar: Or a YA Fiction Writer Tries Out Adult Non-Fiction »

Author Interview & Giveaway: Sebastian Robertson on Writing His Father’s Rock and Roll Biography

Author Interview & Giveaway: Sebastian Robertson on Writing His Father’s Rock and Roll Biography

By Traci Sorell

My love of music outweighs my love of the written word. So, I am delighted when I find children’s
book biographies written about any of my favorite musicians. I rush to devour them and learn more about the creative geniuses whose beautiful lyrics and magical melodies have lifted my spirit or given me comfort throughout my life.

Continue Reading Author Interview & Giveaway: Sebastian Robertson on Writing His Father’s Rock and Roll Biography »

Guest Post: Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick on Co-Writing Picture Books

Guest Post: Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick on Co-Writing Picture Books

By Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

“Writing is a solitary occupation and one of its hazards is loneliness.” – Joyce Carol Oates

“The writing life is essentially one of solitary confinement.” – Will Self

“Writing is an antisocial act.” – Martha Grimes

Writing.

Continue Reading Guest Post: Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick on Co-Writing Picture Books »