I spent an informative and inspiring hour talking with authors A.S. (Amy) King, Jason Reynolds, Francisco X. Stork, Bill Konigsberg (not pictured), and Cory McCarthy about mental health. In the course of our conversation, we covered our own mental health,
Continue Reading Young Adult Authors on How Writing about Mental Health Saves Lives »
Today I’m talking with Nick Thomas, Senior Editor at Levine Querido, an independent publisher of books for young readers that was founded by Arthur A. Levine in 2019.
Nick, thank you for joining me!
Thank you for having me! Cynsations is one of my favorite websites—I use it as a resource all the time to learn from creators and publishing people I respect.
Continue Reading Editor Interview: Levine Querido’s Nick Thomas on Perspectives & Accessibility »
By Alex Sanchez
I’ve actually been writing longer than twenty years, but to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of my first novel, Rainbow Boys (Simon & Schuster, 2001)(Woo-hoo!), here are a few life lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. They don’t need to be other writers,
Continue Reading Guest Post: Author Alex Sanchez Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Rainbow Boys »
By AJ Eversole
Today we are honored to welcome veteran author Cherie Dimaline to the blog to discuss the people who inspire her and her love of story. Her latest novel, Hunting By Stars (Abrams Kids/Penguin Teen, 2021), released last month.
What do you love most about the creative life/being an author?
Continue Reading Native Voices: Cherie Dimaline Talks About Her Love of Story »
By AJ Eversole & Gayleen Rabakukk
We’re happy to welcome two debut Oklahoma YA authors to Cynsations today! Casie Bazay’s novel, Not Our Summer (Running Press Kids) released on May 11, 2021 and is a #1 Oklahoma Bestseller. Ginny Myers Sain‘s novel, Dark and Shallow Lies was published by Razorbill/Penguin on September 7,
Continue Reading New Voices: Casie Bazay & Ginny Myers Sain on Persistence »
By Holly Green and Emma Kress
Cynsational Note: Today we are honored to welcome two YA debut authors, Holly Green and Emma Kress, who talk about their debut year and the importance of writing strong, fierce female characters.
Emma: Hi, Holly! I’m so excited we get to chat about our books together for Cynsations!
Today on Cynsations we welcome the prolific Elana K. Arnold, who talks neuroatypicality, her new book, and how she—and all of us—contain multitudes.
I am a big fan of your work, and I’m also in awe of your range in writing picture books, chapter books, middle grade,
Continue Reading Author Interview: Elana K. Arnold On Writing & Containing Multitudes »
Today Cynsations welcomes Shelli R. Johannes. Shelli shares with our readers the ups and downs of her publishing journey and how she stays the course. She also shares with us what types of stories she likes to tell and how she has come to be inspired by the importance of what she calls “YOUniqueness.”
Continue Reading Shelli R. Johannes on the Importance of “YOUniqueness” »
By Elisa Zied
I recently read Liara Tamani’s All the Things We Never Knew (Greenwillow, 2020)—a 2020 Kirkus Reviews Best YA Book of the Year that’s now out in paperback—and I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, cried, and swooned over the romantic, immersive, and layered story—a perfect YA novel.
I am excited to welcome Rita Williams-Garcia back to Cynsations. Rita is the celebrated author of One Crazy Summer (HarperCollins, 2010), Clayton Byrd Goes Underground (HarperCollins, 2017), and Jumped (HarperCollins, 2009). Welcome, Rita.
Tell us a little bit about your newest release,
Continue Reading Rita Williams-Garcia Weaves Truth with Imagination in A Sitting in St. James »