Part One: The Writer’s Heart
Many hard-working, committed, persistent, and resilient writers forge ahead with their writing journeys in spite of obstacles, disappointments, “almost-there” moments and plenty of what I call “Beautiful, buts.”
This two-part interview explores the experience of being a long-time, determined writer who has not yet had a book published.
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?
Carmen signing her first book contract
You’ve inked your first book sale. Congratulations!
Now, you’re busy getting ready for your big launch date, and you’re beginning to think about doing school visits.
But before you can connect with your student audience, you first have to create a presentation.
By Cynthia Leitich Smith,
Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton
Author/Illustrator Insights
Q & A with Kekla Magoon by Sally Lodge from Publishers Weekly. Peek:
“…the cohesive narrative of my work… being an ordinary kid who can make a difference.
Inspirational HS relationship.
The fourth in a series of four posts celebrating the Oct. 9 release of my realistic contemporary YA novel, Hearts Unbroken (Candlewick). Spoiler alert.
Let’s talk about teen love, romance, passion!
Which of course means talking about awkwardness,
Writing is rewriting.
The third in a series of four posts celebrating the Oct. 9 release of my realistic contemporary YA novel, Hearts Unbroken (Candlewick).
We’re all the heroes of our own stories.
The same is true of our fictional friends and foes.
Continue Reading Hearts Unbroken: Writing Well-Rounded Secondary Characters »
Learn more about Cynthia Leitich Smith.
The second in a series of four posts celebrating the Oct. 9 release of my realistic contemporary YA novel, Hearts Unbroken (Candlewick).
We’re all living in the past, present and future.
Perhaps that’s never so true as on the page.
Continue Reading Hearts Unbroken: Writing (Sort Of) Timeless Contemporary Realistic Fiction »
On our way out to a high school winter dance.
The first in a series of four posts celebrating the Oct. 9 release of my realistic contemporary YA novel, Hearts Unbroken (Candlewick).
My senior year of high school, “Back to the Future” was a hot new release,
Continue Reading Hearts Unbroken: Writing Stories “Loosely Inspired By” Your Real Life »
Melanie at Mabel’s Fables in Toronto.
This month, Maud (Penguin, 2017) is releasing in paperback. And I feel one thing…Gratitude.
In this unstable publishing climate, not all books go to paperback.
It isn’t the natural progression it once was.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Melanie J. Fishbane on What Maud Taught Me »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith,
Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, & Stephani Eaton
Congratulations to Chris Barton, author of What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (Beach Lane,
