You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.
-Octavia E. Butler
Newbery Honor Author, New York Times Bestseller, Time Traveler
I just finished reading “Hattie Ever After,” and was encouraged that you did not include any deaths, drug abuse, rape or incest in your book. Most young adult books include a lot of traumatic events, these days. I recently had a literary agent reject my YA novel (though she loved the premise) because there wasn’t enough “bad stuff” in it.I would welcome your suggestions, Kirby.