Picture book author Sue Ganz-Schmitt had two new picture book releases last fall, and both contained storylines that embrace differences and fostered inclusion.
In That Monster on the Block, illustrated by Luke Flowers (Two Lions, 2020), which won the 2020 Northern Book Lights Award for Humor,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Sue Ganz-Schmitt on Vulnerability in Picture Books »
By Erik Talkin
I had been the talented “nearly” man for a while, with a middle-grade that was purchased by a mid-level publisher that promptly decided to get out of the MG market before the book was published.
This was followed by a novel that went to the final stages of acquisition with a major publisher,
Continue Reading Guest Post: Erik Talkin on Finding the Book You Are Uniquely Qualified to Write »
Recently I chatted with Nasugraq Rainey Hopson, Tirzah Price, Rob Costello, and Monica Roe, four of Rural Voices’ (Candlewick, 2020) talented contributors. Here’s what they said about rural stories, stereotypes, and the representation of rural life in literature.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Nora Shalaway Carpenter & Challenging the Rural Stereotype »
Today, I am so excited to welcome Bree Rae to the Cynsations Team! Bree joins us as a reporter-at-large covering the many facets of the children’s-YA community.
Welcome to Cynsations! Could you tell us about your vision for your coverage here at the blog? Why did you decide to take on this role in the conversation of books?
If you love old dogs and small kids, Martha Brockenbrough’s newly published picture book This Old Dog, illustrated by Gabriel Alborozo (Levine Querido, 2020) will capture your attention and your heart as you experience a friendship blooming between “old dog” and “his girl.” The story is remarkably well written,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Martha Brockenbrough on Real-Life Inspirations for Stories »
A big welcome to middle-grade debut authors, Kelly J. Baptist and Jess Rinker. Both authors share with us how the people around them influence their writing as well as moments along their journeys to publication.
Kelly Baptist
What first inspired you to write for young readers?
I am pleased to introduce Cynsations readers to our newest reporter, Rebecca Kirshenbaum, pictured above with one of her sons. She will cover books by neurodiverse authors reflecting neurodiverse characters as well as their work more globally.
Welcome to Cynsations! Could you tell us about your vision for covering books written by neurodiverse authors here at the blog?
Continue Reading New Cynsations Reporter Rebecca Kirshenbaum »
By Emma Kress
2020. What. A. Year. And, um, as you may have noticed, it ain’t over yet.
So what is it that drags us from our beds each day? Sure, for many of us it’s our insistent children. But besides them? Hope.
This year, we’ve seen the footprints of hope everywhere: billboards thanking medical workers,
I’m so excited to welcome debut middle-grade authors Tziporah Cohen and Donna Barba Higuera to Cynsations today. Both authors share with us the joys and challenges of writing to their own experiences.
Congratulations on your debuts!
Tziporah Cohen
What first inspired you to write for young readers?
Continue Reading New Voices: Tziporah Cohen & Donna Barba Higuera on Writing Their Own Experiences »
Today we’re chatting with a few Angelella Editorial editors about what it’s like to be a freelance editor, along with tips for working with a freelance editor.
First, what makes Angelella Editorial different from other editorial companies?
Diane: We’re small enough to work as a team,
Continue Reading Editor Interview: Angelella Editors on Freelance Editing »