Marie Cruz is the debut author of Everlasting Nora (Tor/Forge, 2018).
From whom have you received creative feedback–critique groups/partners, writing teachers, expert/sensitivity readers, family and friends, editor and/or agent?
Over the last 15 years, I’ve received feedback from pretty much all of the above! But I must say that critique partners are the best.
It is with much joy that I introduce Jenn Bailey and Breanna McDaniel, two debut picture book authors who share their struggles and triumphs of bringing their highly personal stories to the page.
Jenn Bailey
What were the challenges in bringing the text to life?
I should probably start by explaining that A Friend for Henry (illustrated by Mika Song (Chronicle,
Lisa Yee is a successful children’s author with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, the author of more than 130 books for children and young adults, died on March 12 in Munster, Indiana. She was 90 years old.
She is best known for creating the young sleuth, Nate the Great (Putnam, 1972). According to a Washington Post article by Emily Langer, the books about Nate, who was named after Marjorie’s father,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Author Spotlight: Samira Ahmed by Samira Ahmed from CBC Diversity. Peek:
“No book can be all things to all people. And no character can or should be ‘perfect.’ Yet when the normative in publishing is cis,
Carolyn Dee Flores is the author-illustrator of nearly a dozen books. Her latest, The Amazing Watercolor Fish (Arte Publico, 2018), has the unique distinction of rhyming in both Spanish and English. I’m very excited to share Carolyn’s insights with Cynsations readers!
What was your initial inspiration for writing The Amazing Watercolor Fish?
The initial idea came about ten years ago when I saw a little aquarium with two Beta fish in it.
Today I am excited to introduce Gillian McDunn and Julia Nobel, two middle grade, debut authors who have found real life settings as inspiration for their stories.
Gillian McDunn
What first inspired you to write for young readers?
As a kid, I was a voracious reader and re-reader. I read some books so many times,
Continue Reading New Voices: Gillian McDunn & Julia Nobel Find Inspiration in Real-Life Settings »
Pat Cummings is a successful children’s author-illustrator with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s-YA writing and illustration, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
Ann Rose is the author of two YA novels and an agent with the Prospect Agency, where she represents middle grade and young adult authors.
You’re a writer and an agent. How did you come to literature for young readers?
Years ago, my niece had asked me to read books with her. None of her friends were really readers and she wanted to have someone to chat with about what she had been reading.
Continue Reading Author-Agent Interview: Ann Rose of Prospect Agency »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Diversity
How Young Adult Anthologies Are Making Space for All Kinds of Diverse Love Stories by Alaina Leary from Bustle. Peek:
“Anthologies also allow room for stories about relationships in all their forms—romantic relationships, platonic relationships,
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