A We Need Diverse Books Weekend
A report on two events involving #WeNeedDiverseBooks, one focusing on young adult fiction, the other a picture book about a woman environmentalist in the Gambia
Pursuing the Hybrid Option
In an essay for School Library Journal, Zetta Elliott makes a strong argument for self-publishing to achieve true diversity in children's publishing.
My Cybils Reading by the Numbers: In Appreciation of Libraries
An appreciation of the public libraries that allowed me to read 128 books in the past two and a half months for the Cybils, and advice for ending your novel.
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.