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Effective immediately, the Cynsations digital magazine is on hiatus. Find links to posts from our latest issue below:
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabakukk, Suma Subramaniam, A.J. Eversole, Mitu Malhotra, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Spotlight Image: Bright Lights and Summer Nights by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Zach Manbeck (Tundra Books,
Throwback Thursday: Cynthia Leitich Smith Reflects on Craft, Career & Creativity
Congratulations to our own Cynthia Leitich Smith on the publication of Firefly Season, illustrated by Kate Gardiner (Heartdrum, May 13, 2025)! From the publisher’s website:
Written by the award-winning, bestselling author of Jingle Dancer, Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee), and filled with tender illustrations by Kate Gardiner (Nipmuck),
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Cynthia Leitich Smith Reflects on Craft, Career & Creativity »
Authors Interview: Meredith Davis & Mari Mancusi on Book Series & Promotion
I’m very excited to welcome two Austin authors who have both written middle grade books with a series second releasing this year. Meredith Davis is the author of The Minor Rescue (Waterbrook, May 2025), and Mari Mancusi wrote Dawn of the Dragons (Little Brown,
Continue Reading Authors Interview: Meredith Davis & Mari Mancusi on Book Series & Promotion »
New Voice: Author Miriam Chernick’s Debut Inspired by Pets & Pandemic Reminiscences
Today, I am excited to welcome Miriam Chernick to share her writing journey with Cynsations. Her debut The Zuzu Secret (Charlesbridge, 2025) is a heartwarming story about spunky Josie, her older brother Abe, and a bearded dragon. Two real life icons: James Herriot the British veterinary surgeon and author,
Authors Jane Houng, Heather Demetrios & Yvonne Ventresca Discuss Writing Through Trauma & Grief to Empower Readers
Spotlight image: Authors A.S. King, Mitu Malhotra, Jane Houng and Heather Demetrios at the 2024 Highlights Retreat.
In the spring of 2024, I attended a Highlights Foundation In-Community Retreat organized by the Rebecca Dykes Writers. This transformative retreat, designed for authors crafting books for children and teens,
New Voice: Rhonda DeChambeau on Writing a YA Verse Novel About Body Issues
Rhonda DeChambeau is a Massachusetts children’s author and poet, and also an experienced speaker and presenter. Her debut YA novel in verse, Top Heavy (Holiday House, 2025), is a beautifully written book about Esme, a fifteen-year-old talented dancer who is thrilled to make the Elite dance team.
Continue Reading New Voice: Rhonda DeChambeau on Writing a YA Verse Novel About Body Issues »
Author Interview: Sara Ryan Shares Library Love, Plus Craft, Career & Life Advice
I’m thrilled to welcome Vermont College of Fine Arts faculty member and author Sara Ryan to Cynsations today. Their new book, Mountain Upside Down (Dutton, 2025) perfectly mixes the excitement of discovering one’s own identity, with the challenges of shifting family dynamics and outside forces beyond our control.
Continue Reading Author Interview: Sara Ryan Shares Library Love, Plus Craft, Career & Life Advice »
Editorial Director/Author Interview: David A. Robertson Talks Swift Water Books
By AJ Eversole
I’m so excited to chat with David about his new imprint, Swift Water! David A. Robertson is one of the most celebrated voices in Canadian literature today. He’s a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner, a national bestseller, and the author behind beloved books like The Barren Grounds (PRH Canada,
Continue Reading Editorial Director/Author Interview: David A. Robertson Talks Swift Water Books »
Author Interview: Dr. Linda Weste Examines the Verse Novel Through Conversations with Middle Grade & Young Adult Authors
Cynsations is excited to welcome Dr. Linda Weste to share the process behind her recent book, DiVERSE: Conversations with YA and Children’s Verse Novelists (Bloomsbury, 2025). Dr. Weste’s book featuring authors from the U.K., Australia and the United States is a wonderful reference text that expands our understanding of the verse-novel genre.