Laurie Wallmark poses an intriguing question in today’s essay. I wonder how other book creators might answer it? While I wouldn’t describe my passion for historical fiction a rut, I’ve had a fabulous time trying my hand at a contemporary middle grade novel this last year or so. As I read Laurie’s essay, I discovered… Read more »
It was such a joy and so inspiring to chat with Janet Fox last Thursday (August 19) on my Write Space with Kirby Larson and Friends program, still viewable over on IGTV. One of the things I admire about Janet’s newest novel, Carry Me Home, is that it tackles an important societal topic (homelessness) without… Read more »
I first “met” Sarah Miller through her fabulous Miss Spitfire; Voya says “Miller brings history to life,” and that is no exaggeration. Her work always adds something fresh, especially to familiar subjects like the relationship between Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Now that I’m fortunate enough to call Sarah a friend IRL, it is a… Read more »
Sometimes you just got to go for it! And that’s what I did when I summoned my courage to email a literary hero of mine, Lynne Rae Perkins to invite her to be a guest on Friend Friday. Her novel, Criss Cross, changed my thinking about what novels can be AND contains one of my… Read more »
I first met Michaela MacColl through her writing; I believe it was Always Emily. I have since had the pleasure of meeting her in person and while we talked historical fiction, I had no idea she had a family story that wanted telling. It is one thing to write about a family member who is… Read more »
I love Aimée Bisonette‘s essay below because it taps on something creatives worry about incessantly: am I doing it right? Her insights are as refreshing as an icy cold glass of hibiscus tea on a hot day. And Aimée provides a great reminder that getting our butts OUT of the chair every once in awhile… Read more »
I am full of emotion as I write this introduction. First: my heart brims with joy to be hosting Cynthia Leitich Smith in celebration of her latest middle grade novel, Sisters of the Neversea (Heartdrum). Cynthia represents the very best in the kidlit community: she has long been a champion of others’ work; she is… Read more »
Oh, I wish I had known Carolyn Crimi’s secret when I read her delightful novel, Second-Hand Dogs (Balzer+Bray); it would have made reading the book all that much more enjoyable. I did find myself wondering as I read how on earth she was going to get her dog-stars out of their various pickles. And now… Read more »
It takes tremendous courage to face the blank page. I am not quite certain, however, what it’s called to willingly face the blank page, having tossed out a sweated-over, completed novel. I suspect it’s called being the person the story needs you to be. Alysa Wishingrad certainly stepped up to such a challenge and we,… Read more »
I discovered Eden Royce’s Root Magic (HarperCollins Publishers) through a cover reveal on a favorite blog, the Nerdy Book Club. The cover was evocative, as was the book’s description, which described a set of twins helping their family with rootwork. I had to read this book and, from the first words, I not only felt… Read more »