New Voice: Rhonda DeChambeau on Writing a YA Verse Novel About Body Issues

By Gail Vannelli

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.

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Author Interview: Sara Ryan Shares Library Love, Plus Craft, Career & Life Advice

By Gayleen Rabakukk

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.

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New Voice: Ginger Reno on Believing in Yourself & Debut Novel, Find Her

Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Today I’m excited to share my interview with debut author Ginger Reno (Cherokee) about her path to publication and her middle grade novel,

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Author Interview: Doan Phuong Nguyen on Immigration, Assimilation & Writing

Cynsations is celebrating its 20th anniversary by switching to a quarterly publishing schedule, featuring in-depth interviews and articles. Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm!

By Gail Vannelli

Today, I’m overjoyed to welcome children’s author Doan Phuong Nguyen, who has written two middle grade books related to her Vietnamese heritage.

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Guest Post: N.H. Senzai on Writing About War for Middle Grade & Escape From Aleppo

Guest Post: N.H. Senzai on Writing About War for Middle Grade & Escape From Aleppo

By N.H. Senzai

The reason I love writing for the middle grade audience is because at this age kids can still suspend belief and journey with you through a story as long as you create believable plots, authentic characters and dialogue that rings true.

However, you need to hook them in quickly,

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Guest Post: Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick on Co-Writing Picture Books

Guest Post: Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick on Co-Writing Picture Books

By Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

“Writing is a solitary occupation and one of its hazards is loneliness.” – Joyce Carol Oates

“The writing life is essentially one of solitary confinement.” – Will Self

“Writing is an antisocial act.” – Martha Grimes

Writing.

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