Author Interview: Uma Krishnaswami on the Creative Life, Teaching Writing & Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh

Author Interview: Uma Krishnaswami on the Creative Life, Teaching Writing & Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Today we welcome author Uma Krishnaswami to discuss her new MG historical novel, Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh (Lee & Low, May 2017). From the promotional copy:

Nine-year-old Maria Singh longs to play softball in the first-ever girls’ team forming in Yuba City,

Continue Reading Author Interview: Uma Krishnaswami on the Creative Life, Teaching Writing & Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh »

Author Interview: Laurie Wallmark on Clarifying Complex Topics & Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

Author Interview: Laurie Wallmark on Clarifying Complex Topics & Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Today we welcome Laurie Wallmark to discuss her new picture book, Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code, illustrated by Katy Wu (Sterling Books, May 16, 2017). From the promotional copy:

Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor,

Continue Reading Author Interview: Laurie Wallmark on Clarifying Complex Topics & Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code »

Author Interview: Marianna Baer on the Twisty Turns of Becoming a YA Author

Author Interview: Marianna Baer on the Twisty Turns of Becoming a YA Author

By Gayleen Rabakukk

We welcome Marianna Baer to talk about her new YA novel, The Inconceivable Life of Quinn (Amulet, April 2017). From the promotional copy:

Quinn Cutler is sixteen and the daughter of a high-profile Brooklyn politician. 


She’s also pregnant, a crisis made infinitely more shocking by the fact that she has no memory of ever having sex. Continue Reading Author Interview: Marianna Baer on the Twisty Turns of Becoming a YA Author »

Guest Post: Bethany Hegedus on Writer Mama Survival Guide

Guest Post: Bethany Hegedus on Writer Mama Survival Guide

By Bethany Hegedus

There are craft books on writing and parenting books galore, but nothing on how to be a “Writer Mama.”

I’ve watched many friends make the transition, somehow blurry-eyed making it to the page in between breast feeding and diaper changes. 

I’ve witnessed my friends with kids in elementary school put in longer hours, Continue Reading Guest Post: Bethany Hegedus on Writer Mama Survival Guide »

Author Interview: N. Griffin on Creativity, Mysteries and Writing a Series

Author Interview: N. Griffin on Creativity, Mysteries and Writing a Series

By Gayleen Rabakukk

N. Griffin is the author of Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of the Missing Goop, illustrated by Kate Hindley (Candlewick, 2016). The cheerful middle grade mystery is the second in a series featuring a diverse pair of clever student detectives.

What do you love most about the creative life/being an author?

Continue Reading Author Interview: N. Griffin on Creativity, Mysteries and Writing a Series »

Authors, Editor & Illustrator Interview: Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice)

Authors, Editor & Illustrator Interview: Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice)

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi are the co-authors of Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, illustrated by Yukata Houlette (Heyday, 2017). From the promotional copy:

Fred Korematsu liked listening to music on the radio, playing tennis, and hanging around with his friends—just like lots of other Americans. 

Continue Reading Authors, Editor & Illustrator Interview: Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice) »