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.
Author-Illustrator Interview: Carolyn Dee Flores on Inspiration, Translation & Dedication
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?
New Voices: Gillian McDunn & Julia Nobel Find Inspiration in Real-Life Settings
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,
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Career Achievers: Pat Cummings on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children’s Author-Illustrator
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),
Author-Agent Interview: Ann Rose of Prospect Agency
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.
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Cynsational News
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,
Editor Interview: LaFrenda Frank of Salina Bookshelf
By Traci Sorell
For almost twenty-five years, Salina Bookshelf has published books, most for children, that center Native life–principally Navajo and Hopi people, their languages and cultures.
Today on Cynsations, I am pleased to interview LaFrenda Frank at Salina Bookshelf to learn more about this publishing house and her work there.
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Guest Post: A.R. Capetta & Cori McCarthy Share Craft & Career Insights
By Cori McCarthy & A.R. Capetta
Hello dear readers (and, in many cases, writers)!
A.R. and I are here today to interview each other in celebration and—let’s be honest—promotion of our debut coauthored YA novel Once & Future (Jimmy Patterson, 2019), a genderbent King Arthur retelling in space,
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Career Achievers: Marilyn Singer on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children’s-YA Author
Marilyn Singer is a successful children’s-YA 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?
Agent-Author Interview: Abigail Samoun of Red Fox Literary
Abigail Samoun is an agent, author and former editor with a distinguished career in children’s publishing. After meeting her in person at the Austin SCBWI Picture Book Retreat last fall, I had to share her insights with Cynsations readers.
You’re a writer, an agent and a former editor.
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