Author Interview: Padma Venkatraman on Poetry, Publishing & Diverse Verse

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By Mitu Malhotra

One chilly morning at the New England SCBWI conference Padma Venkatraman met me with warmth and included me in her conversation because I was one of the few people of color in that room. Many years later, in 2024, I attended a Highlights Foundation retreat on Writing through Trauma and Grief to Empower Readers where she was guest faculty—this time we chatted over cups of tea and shared our love of poetry.

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Writers Alex Sanchez, Anica Mrose Rissi & Sheela Chari Reflect on Teaching Writing

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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 Michael Leali

The world of children’s literature is a rich landscape of teaching and learning. Many acclaimed writers seek to share their knowledge, building up the next wave of writers for young people.

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Author Interview: Lesléa Newman Discusses Poetry, Point of View & Always Matt

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By Mitu Malhotra

Spotlight image: Mitu Malhotra and Lesléa Newman with Lesléa’s books.

Today we welcome Lesléa Newman to share her writing process. I have long admired Lesléa’s lyrical works for children. Her YA novel October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard (Candlewick, 2012) was a mentor text for me during my MFA journey.

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Author Interview: Carmen Oliver Shares Insights on Nonfiction, Balance & Building an Orchestra of Hope

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By Gayleen Rabakukk

I recently chatted with Austin author Carmen Oliver about her latest release—Building an Orchestra of Hope: How Favio Chavez Taught Children to Make Music from Trash, illustrated by Luisa Uribe (Eerdmans, 2022)—and finding balance, given the many hats she wears. In the photo above,

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