A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 50th Annual New England SCBWI Conference with Co-Director Jim Hill

The 2023 New England SCBWI Conference will be held Friday, April 28th – Sunday, April 30th.

This is my go-to writing conference because it’s always got great depth in everything kidlit, from writing picture books to middle grade and young adult novels, plus graphic novels and illustration. I was looking for the inside scoop to share with readers and got it and thanks to Co-Director Jim Hill.

This year’s conference will be extra special because:

– It’s the conference’s 50th anniversary!
– It’s IN PERSON. While Zoom conferences are great, I think we’re all ready to meet up live with writing and illustrating peeps who we haven’t seen for a bit.

For a run-down on what the schedule includes and more, read our full article! Continue reading A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 50th Annual New England SCBWI Conference with Co-Director Jim Hill

THE EASTSIDE EXTRA Series by Anita Storey: Review + Author Interview

Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams are neighborhood friends–and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries. Continue reading THE EASTSIDE EXTRA Series by Anita Storey: Review + Author Interview

Writing on Proposal: A Different Option

One of the most common pieces of advice given to writers is that their manuscripts must be complete and as perfect as possible before querying agents or editors. That is true in most cases, but there are some instances where complete manuscripts are not required. In fact, just a proposal will do. What? I have an idea for a book, a really good idea, and … Continue reading Writing on Proposal: A Different Option

Interview and Book Launch Celebration with Author Candice Marley Conner

We are thrilled to have debut author Candice Marley Conner with us today! Candice’s two books, Sassafras and Her Teeny Tiny Tail (picture book) and The Existence of Bea Pearl (young adult novel), came out this month. We will be talking with her about books and the methods, and challenges, of writing for such different age groups. Hello Candice! We are excited to have you on The Winged Pen. … Continue reading Interview and Book Launch Celebration with Author Candice Marley Conner

Recommended: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

We’re excited to host our own Halli Gomez for the launch of her YA debut!

This is a jam-packed post with a review of List of Ten, details on the book launch, and an interview with Halli about her inspiration for this #ownvoices story!

Click to read the full post! Continue reading Recommended: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

Literary Couples We Love

Happy Valentine’s Day! Okay, we’re a few days late, but we didn’t want to miss the chance to share our favorite literary couples and hear about yours! We asked four authors to share their favorite couples. Check out the loves of these authors’ lives. Michelle Mason: My favorite classic couple is always and forever Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy because of how they both grow … Continue reading Literary Couples We Love

Double Debut: Interview with Nicole Lesperance

It’s exciting to have one debut novel coming out in a year, but two? Today we are talking with Nicole Lesperance, middle grade and young adult author, who has two novels debuting in 2021! TWP Let’s start with introducing your two novels debuting this year. The Nightmare Thief and The Wide Starlight. Can you give us a brief summary of each? Nicole The Nightmare Thief … Continue reading Double Debut: Interview with Nicole Lesperance

Everything that Burns has a beautiful girl on the cover

Recommended: EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease

We’re excited to welcome Gita Trelease back to the Winged Pen for the launch of her 2nd book!

This is a jam-packed post with:
a review of Everything That Burns, a link to register for Gita’s virtual launch hosted by Odyssey Bookshop on February 4th, and an interview with Gita about her inspiration for this dark fantasy and tips for aspiring writers. Continue reading Recommended: EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease

How to Write in Multiple Points of View

Today we’re talking with a few 2021 debut authors about writing in multiple points of view. As writers we know it’s hard to get the character arc and voice down for one character, but two, three, four? Let’s see how these authors tackle this writing style. TWP: Why did you decide to write in more than one POV? One of the central questions my book … Continue reading How to Write in Multiple Points of View

Cover Reveal: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

Today, we’re so excited to host the cover reveal of a story by one of our own!

Ten: three little letters, one ordinary number. No big deal, right? But for Troy Hayes, a 16-year-old suffering from Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the number ten dictates his life, forcing him to do everything by its exacting rhythm.

A harrowing yet hopeful account of a teen living with Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder . . . and contemplating his own mortality. Continue reading Cover Reveal: LIST OF TEN by Halli Gomez

Recommended: WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles

The first thing that drew me into this story was the rich magical world. Kallia performs in a club, descending from above the stage masked and sitting on a crystal chandelier as depicted on the book’s cover. She controls the entire space—lights, music, and atmosphere with her magic, drawing every eye.

But Kallia seeks a bigger stage and freedom from Jack whom she has reason to mistrust. . . Continue reading Recommended: WHERE DREAMS DESCEND by Janella Angeles

Recommended – LOBIZONA by Romina Garber

Some people ARE illegal. Lobizonas do NOT exist. Both of these statements are false. Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who’s on the run from her father’s Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida. Until Manu’s protective bubble is shattered. Her surrogate grandmother is … Continue reading Recommended – LOBIZONA by Romina Garber