Cybils Update: The Osmosis Strategy of Writing
An update on my work as a first-round panelist for the 2014 Cybils YA Fiction category and what I have learned for my own writing.
I Celebrate Buy Nothing Day
My reasons for observing Buy Nothing Day instead of Black Friday, along with a review of a YA novel that explores the global consequences of buying stuff.
Happy Halloween Lego Book Launches
My Lego book launches continue with Halloween-themed setups for Evil Librarian and Devin Rhodes Is Dead.
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.
The 2014 Cybils: Make Me Work!
Announcement of my appointment to the Round One Cybils jury for Young Adult Fiction and a call for nominations for these prestigious awards.
Suicide Prevention: The Special Day Over, the Work Begins
An essay with links on the importance of connecting with others who feel alone in the world, inspired by my Lego photos for World Suicide Prevention Day.
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.
A Gallery of LEGO Book Launches
I describe my process for using LEGO minifigures and settings to launch new books for children and teens.
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.
“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.