Illustrators. To me, very much a writer, they are magical. They take the visions in our heads and make them real.
Or, they take the visions in our heads and say, “Well, those visions are pretty cool, but check this out.”
And, Surprise! They bring a book’s words to life in a way you never would have imagined.
Continue Reading Guest Interview: Author Lindsay Leslie Interviews Illustrator Ellen Rooney »
Laura Ruby is a successful 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’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
I’m coming up on the 10th anniversary of Origami Yoda (Amulet, 2010) in a month or two. And it won’t be long until I hit the 20th anniversary of quitting my day job and deciding to really try being an author.
Have I learned anything? Gained any wisdom?
Continue Reading Guest Post: Tom Angleberger on Children’s Literature as a Team Sport »
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is a successful children’s 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’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
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.
Continue Reading Author-Agent Interview: Ann Rose of Prospect Agency »
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.
Continue Reading Editor Interview: LaFrenda Frank of Salina Bookshelf »
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,
Continue Reading Guest Post: A.R. Capetta & Cori McCarthy Share Craft & Career Insights »
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.
Continue Reading Agent-Author Interview: Abigail Samoun of Red Fox Literary »
In a stroke of good fortune, I published my first trade picture book with a regional publisher—Minnesota Historical Society Press (MNHS).
I had attended a gathering of our local Picture Book Salon to hear MNHS’ Managing Editor Shannon Pennefeather talk about the press’ relatively new focus on publishing children’s books.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Yvonne Pearson on Publishing with Historical Society Presses »
By Lindsey Lane
When an author or an illustrator gets the news that their book is going out of print (OP) or out of stock (OS), it is a blow. A tragedy. It feels like a death in the family. After all, a book is a creation, something that sprang from our imaginations,