New Voice: Author Miriam Chernick’s Debut Inspired by Pets & Pandemic Reminiscences

By Mitu Malhotra

Today, I am excited to welcome Miriam Chernick to share her writing journey with Cynsations. Her debut The Zuzu Secret (Charlesbridge, 2025) is a heartwarming story about spunky Josie, her older brother Abe, and a bearded dragon. Two real life icons: James Herriot the British veterinary surgeon and author,

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Authors Jane Houng, Heather Demetrios & Yvonne Ventresca Discuss Writing Through Trauma & Grief to Empower Readers

By Mitu Malhotra

Spotlight image: Authors A.S. King, Mitu Malhotra, Jane Houng and Heather Demetrios at the 2024 Highlights Retreat.

In the spring of 2024, I attended a Highlights Foundation In-Community Retreat organized by the Rebecca Dykes Writers. This transformative retreat, designed for authors crafting books for children and teens,

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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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In Memory: Author Marta Crisp, Author- Illustrator Jules Feiffer, Author Carole Gerber & Author John Marsden

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Spotlight image: Author Marta Crisp

Author Marta Crisp

Marta M Crisp (Marty), a well-known children’s author, died from complications of the flu on Dec. 29, 2024, according to the Hampton Cove Funeral Home. Marty worked for many years as a journalist at the Lancaster Sunday News in Lancaster,

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Author Interview: Donna Janell Bowman on Collaborating with Olympian Billy Mills

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Spotlight image: Illustrator S.D. Nelson and co-authors Donna Janell Bowman and Billy Mills at a 2024 event.

I’m thrilled to welcome fellow Austin author and Vermont College alumnx Donna Janell Bowman to discuss collaborating with Olympian Billy Mills on Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills,

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Authors Interview: Helen Kampion & Reneé Critcher Lyons on their Publishing Journey

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Spotlight image: Co-Authors Reneé Critcher Lyons and Helen Kampion at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center bookstore.

Today I’m pleased to welcome two fellow Vermont College alumni, Helen Kampion and Reneé Critcher Lyons to Cynsations to discuss their recent picture book biography, Rollin’ On Down The Line: Lady Bird Johnson’s 1964 Whistle-Stop Tour for Civil Rights,

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Success Strategies Guest Post: Candice Ransom Writes Across Age Categories & Genres

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: Author Candice Ransom with a few of her 180 published books at a library event.

By Candice Ransom

There was no doubt I was going to be a writer of children’s books.

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Author & Editor Interview: Cynthia Leitich Smith & Rosemary Brosnan on Heartdrum & Successful Author-Editor Relationships

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

By Gayleen Rabakukk

On a Wing And A Tear,

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Author Interview: Uma Krishnaswami on Writing Sequels, The Use of Italics & When It’s Time to Listen to Your Inner Critic

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 Mitu Malhotra

Spotlight image: Author Uma Krishnaswami, photo by S. Shrikhande

Today we are excited to welcome Uma Krishnaswami to Cynsations.

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