The state of YA in 2022
A dozen young adult authors weigh in on the 10 biggest trends they see in their genre. Read More “The state of YA in 2022”
Writing for Young Readers
Gigi Will Know: Why do my illustrations look so disappointing in print?
How do illustrators keep their work true to color? Read More “Gigi Will Know: Why do my illustrations look so disappointing in print?”
Six steps toward finding your inner child on the page
How to think like a kid again as you write for young readers. Read More “Six steps toward finding your inner child on the page”
The In-Betweeners: Bridging the gap between middle grade and YA
Two years ago, during the Writing Popular Fiction MFA winter residency at Seton Hill University, a discussion broke out amongst my students in a critique … Read More “The In-Betweeners: Bridging the gap between middle grade and YA”
Gigi Will Know: Can my child protagonist use adult vocabulary for the sake of the narrative?
Have a query about craft? Need some clarification on an aspect of the publishing industry? Looking for career advice? Email your queries to [email protected] with … Read More “Gigi Will Know: Can my child protagonist use adult vocabulary for the sake of the narrative?”
Conference Insider: WriteOnCon
Events all across the world may be going virtual in 2021, but this three-day kidlit conference has been fully online for more than 10 years. Read More “Conference Insider: WriteOnCon”
How to structure your picture books for success
These tried-and-true structures can provide a blueprint for your picture book plot. Read More “How to structure your picture books for success”
Dream team: Coauthors in kidlit
Collaborations help kidlit authors find new readers, bust creative blocks, better their craft, and increase accountability – plus snag a paycheck for spending time with a fellow writer. What’s not to love? Read More “Dream team: Coauthors in kidlit”
Could you write a new children’s book every day for a year? This author can.
One man’s inspired quest to write a children’s book for his daughter – and the world – every day. Read More “Could you write a new children’s book every day for a year? This author can.”
Writing disabled protagonists in children’s and YA literature
Authors have called upon their experiences as parents of children with disabilities, and on volunteer work or extensive research, to create characters who reflect the physical, emotional, and developmental challenges that readers and their peers may face. Read More “Writing disabled protagonists in children’s and YA literature”
Featured Posts
Seven ways to build a writing habit in 2022
Ready to make the new year your best year yet? These tips from the pros will help you keep writing all year long. Read More “Seven ways to build a writing habit in 2022”
2021 Essay Contest Winner: “A brand-new ending”
Sexy. Whenever I think of Perry and how it was, I think sexy. The thought makes me smile. A buoyant inner smile, almost smug. Falling … Read More “2021 Essay Contest Winner: “A brand-new ending””
15 winter writing prompts for your personal, professional, & creative writing practices
These personal, professional, and creativity-boosting winter writing prompts will keep your creative wells filled all season long. Read More “15 winter writing prompts for your personal, professional, & creative writing practices”