The 777 Challenge and a New Web Page
I introduce Surviving Santiago via the 777 Challenge, in which I post from a work-in-progress seven full lines from the seventh page, starting seven lines down.
Engaging Readers of Young Adult Fiction: Agent Regina Brooks Weighs In
In a guest post, literary agent Regina L. Brooks offers five general rules for writing young adult fiction that both teens and adults will want to read.
Happy to Be Me: Amateur Artists
Thoughts on motivation, validation, and what it means to be an amateur photographer or writer making art for the fun of it.
Work-in-Progress Character Blog Hop, or Made Up People Can Jump Too
As part of a character blog hop, I introduce Tina Aguilar, the protagonist of my forthcoming YA novel, Surviving Santiago.
Feed Spammers, Content, and Creativity
I draw a parallel between feed spammers on Instagram and publishers' emphasis on branding, with authors bringing out multiple books per year.
The Violence in Missouri: Writers and Artists Respond
Writers and artists respond to the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the ensuing violence with works that encourage empathy.
For a Person Who Made Us Laugh: Robin Williams, 1951-2014
Like many people, I am still in a state of shock from learning of the death of actor and comedian Robin Williams yesterday. When my son posted an image from…
#WeNeedDiverseBooks Incorporates, Is in for the Long Haul
A celebration and some suggestions for the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement, which just incorporated as a nonprofit organization to continue the campaign.
Conversations on Diversity at VCFA
Highlighting diversity-related lectures at the VCFA MFA program in Writing for Children & Young Adults with the most diverse class to graduate from the program.
“We’ve Lost a Library”: Walter Dean Myers, 1937-2014
A tribute to African-American author Walter Dean Myers, with reflection on his writing and leadership on behalf of diverse books.