By AJ Eversole
Super excited to chat with debut author, Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams today on Cynsations. Reading An Expanse of Blue (Heartdrum, 2026) was a transformative experience for me. From the opening to poem I was hooked and ready to follow main character Aouli along on her journey. So far the young adult novel-in-verse has received a stunning three stars and released on May 19th!
By AJ Eversole
Today we have Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee) to discuss her debut novel, Raven Rising (Heartdrum, 2026). Raven, Rising has received two starred reviews ahead of its July release. Today Christine speaks to the heart of the story and how being Cherokee has shaped her life.
Raven possesses magical powers in the kitchen.
by AJ Eversole
Today I get to chat with author Karina Iceberg. Her debut picture book, A Good Hide, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Heartdrum, 2026), is about what happens after the moose hunt, when community comes together to celebrate the sustenance the animal provides. In a starred review,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Karina Iceberg Celebrates Community Connection in A Good Hide »
By AJ Eversole
I’m so excited to chat with David about his new imprint, Swift Water! David A. Robertson is one of the most celebrated voices in Canadian literature today. He’s a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner, a national bestseller, and the author behind beloved books like The Barren Grounds (PRH Canada,
Continue Reading Editorial Director/Author Interview: David A. Robertson Talks Swift Water Books »
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!
Congratulations to Byron Graves on the paperback release of Rez Ball (Heartdrum 2023), winner of the American Indian Youth Literature Award, the William C. Morris Award and Reading the West Award Winner.
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Author Byron Graves Talks About the Importance of Connection »
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!
Congratulations to author Jen Ferguson on the publication of A Constellation of Minor Bears (Heartdrum, September 2024)! From the publisher’s website:
Before that awful Saturday,
Continue Reading Thowback Thursday: Author Jen Ferguson on What She Has Learned As A Writer »
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 AJ Eversole
Author Andrea L. Rogers (Cherokee) joins us today to discuss her new picture book, When We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Andrea Rogers Celebrates Tradition with When We Gather »
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!
Spotlight Image: HarperCollins Publisher and Vice President Rosemary Brosnan with Heartdrum Author-Curator Cynthia Leitich Smith
Congratulations to Laurie Goodluck on the publication of Rock Your Mocs, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) (Heartdrum/HarperCollins, Oct. 10, 2023). From the promotional copy:
We’re stepping out and kicking it up.
Wearing beauty on their feet—as art, as tradition, with style, with pride—kids from different Native Nations know every day is a day to rock your mocs.
Continue Reading Throwback Thursday: Laurie Goodluck Reflects on Influences & Forever Cousins »
By AJ Eversole
I am excited to share an interview with debut novelist Byron Graves (Ojibwe) today on Cynsations! I met Byron during the first We Need Diverse Books Native Writing Intensive in 2020, where I also got a sneak peak at what would become Rez Ball (Heartdrum,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Byron Graves On Life Experience As Backbone of Story »