By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Away From the Wall: Ashima Shiraishi by Owen Clark from Rock and Ice. Peek: “[T]he process of climbing and failure, challenging a climb that’s at your limit…sometimes you succeed and sometimes you don’t,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Q&A with Amy Spalding: We Used to be Friends from We Need Diverse Books. Peek: “I love the feeling of storytelling that drops you into someone’s present and dares you to imagine things differently.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Artist Kadir Nelson’s Evocative Response to the Crisis by Gabriel Falcon from CBS News. Peek: “I would challenge everyone…to fill their days with creating something that’s going to help themselves get to the next moment,
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Q&A with Nikki Grimes: Bedtime for Sweet Creatures from We Need Diverse Books. Peek: “Aside from the pure love of storytelling, those of us who write books for young readers look to engage them from an early age.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gayleen Rabukukk, Stephani Eaton, and Gail Vannelli for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Fraser-Pryce Shares Her Story in Poignant Children’s Book by Lois Elfman from Amsterdam News. Peek: “I’m a young girl from an inner city…and there are many girls and boys like me who are trying to get to where I am.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gail Vannelli, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Day 9: Tonya Engel by Don Tate from The Brown Bookstore. Peek: “[Becoming a professional black female artist]…began when I had the opportunity to work in an art supply store….I was able to explore all of the mediums and materials available.
I’m coming up on the 10th anniversary of Origami Yoda (Amulet, 2010) in a month or two. And it won’t be long until I hit the 20th anniversary of quitting my day job and deciding to really try being an author.
Have I learned anything? Gained any wisdom?
Continue Reading Guest Post: Tom Angleberger on Children’s Literature as a Team Sport »
I am thrilled to get to introduce Cynsations readers to Bea Birdsong and Vivian Kirkfield, two former teachers turned writers.
With their background in education and having spent years reading to children, it is no wonder that their passion is writing the absolute best stories that they can for kids.
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,
Learn more about Leslie Helakoski; pictured here at the ALA Conference.
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’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
