Learn about Alan Cumyn.
So far, what’s the most fun you’ve ever had working on a book? Why?
I have to say that working on this latest book, Dear Sylvia (Groundwood, 2008)(excerpt), was the most fun.
I often struggle to find the right voice for a particular project,
Learn about Deborah Noyes and her new releases, Sideshow: Ten Original Tales of Freaks, Illusionists and Other Matters Odd and Magical and African Acrostics: A World in Edgeways with poems by Avis Harley (both Candlewick, 2009).
What do you love most about being an author? Why?
For a daydreamer,
Learn more about Marjetta Geerling.
Could you tell us about your writing community–your critique group or critique partner or other sources of creative support?
I am truly blessed to have landed in South Florida where there is an extremely active and supportive children’s writing community.
It’s an especially rich community for young adult writers because we are lucky enough to have YA author and professional mentor,
Learn about Esther Hershenhorn. Visit her team blog, Teaching Authors: Six Children’s Authors Who Also Teach Writing.
So far, what’s the most fun you’ve ever had working on a book? Why?
I know, I know. We fiction writers hear that writing nonfiction can’t possibly be “fun.” But I am living proof now: it simply isn’t so.
Continue Reading Craft, Career & Cheer: Esther Hershenhorn »
Learn more about Cinda Williams Chima.
How do you define artistic success?
For me, artistic success is a moving target. It is always painful to read my books after they are published because, in hindsight, I can always think of ways they can be improved.
I want to go out to bookstores and libraries and put sticky notes in with all my changes.
Continue Reading Craft, Career & Cheer: Cinda Williams Chima »
Learn more about Kate DiCamillo.
What do you love most about your creative life? Why?
What I like about the creative life is that it demands that I pay attention.
I learned to pay attention for the crass reason that I was looking for ideas, for stories.
But the longer I looked and the more carefully I listened,
Learn about Kerry Madden, and read her LJ. Kerry’s books include Harper Lee (Viking, 2009).
Could you tell us about your writing community—your critique group or critique partner or other sources of creative support?
I attended the first meeting of my writing group in spring of 1991.
Learn about April Pulley Sayre.
What do you love most about your creative life? Why?
Wow, I love so many aspects of the creative life. That feeling of inspiration makes me feel alive. My favorite part about the creative life is its flexibility. I can pursue projects I am passionate about.
Continue Reading Craft, Career & Cheer: April Pulley Sayre »
Learn more about Libba Bray, and read her LJ.
Could you tell us about your writing community—your critique group or critique partner or other sources of creative support?
I’m really grateful for my fellow writers, both local and far-flung. I love that they understand this insane process and so,
Learn about Cecil Castellucci.
Could you describe the best experience you’ve had working with an editor?
I have been really blessed by working with some incredible editors, Shelly Bond, Deborah Wayshak, and David Levithan among them.
But I have a special place in my heart for Kara LaReau with whom I did my first three novels with (Boy Proof (2005),
