Creativity and Craft, Diversity, Neurodiversity, Writer's Life, Writing Tools

Focusing Your Attention While Writing with ADHD

At least 8% of US adults are affected by attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Folks who live with ADHD find it difficult to focus and may have a hard time regulating their behavior. However, an ADHD diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t complete challenging, focus-intensive tasks like writing the next big YA thriller or children’s adventure book. Even famous writers like Agatha Christie and George Bernard … Continue reading Focusing Your Attention While Writing with ADHD

Guest ContributorAugust 2, 2022August 1, 2022Leave a comment

Book Recommendations, Diversity, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Reading, STEM, Windows & Mirrors

Great Middle Grade Books for Summer 2021

You asked for our favorite middle grade reads of 2021 so here they are! Now that summer is here, Rebecca, Richelle, and I are thrilled to recommend these middle grade books for your vacation. They are perfect for the beach, car, airplane, even when waiting in line at your favorite amusement park. The Truths We Hold (Young Readers Edition) by Kamala Harris Before she was … Continue reading Great Middle Grade Books for Summer 2021

Halli GomezJuly 6, 2021July 7, 20212 Comments

Book Recommendations, Diversity, Reading, Windows & Mirrors, Young Adult

Book Review: Enduring Freedom

Enduring Freedom is a young adult novel written in dual points of view by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy. This novel releases at a perfect time as the US military prepares to leave Afghanistan and the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 comes later this year. Synopsis: On September 11, 2001, the lives of two boys on opposite sides of the world are changed in an instant. … Continue reading Book Review: Enduring Freedom

Halli GomezMay 18, 2021Leave a comment

Diversity, Publishing & Promotion

Cover Reveal: Rea and the Blood of the Nectar

All of us at The Winged Pen are excited to be a part of the cover reveal for a new middle grade fantasy: Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi.

The novel tells the story of Rea Chettri, a 12-year-old girl living a simple, if boring, life on the tea plantations of Darjeeling, India. Without warning, Rea’s life gets turned on its head when her twin brother goes missing. Determined to save him, Rea embarks . . . Continue reading Cover Reveal: Rea and the Blood of the Nectar

Richelle MorganSeptember 15, 2020September 19, 20202 Comments

Diversity, Reading

Amplifying Black Voices

All of us at The Winged Pen stand in solidarity with the Black community and their pursuit of justice. Black Lives Matter. Recent events have taken a toll on all of us. While we will try to continue to post about kidlit, writing, and the writing life, we all felt very strongly that we needed to direct our audience toward those voices that need to … Continue reading Amplifying Black Voices

Richelle MorganJune 3, 2020June 6, 2020Leave a comment

Creativity and Craft, Diversity, Publishing & Promotion

WHAT HAPPENED? Halli Gomez, Rebecca J. Allen and the Work-for-Hire Writing Process

It’s easy to go to a writing conference and think that there is only one road to a published book: Agent–> Editor–> Publisher–> New York Times Bestselling Author. 🙂

Many children’s books are produced by a completely different path. With a Work-For-Hire project… Continue reading WHAT HAPPENED? Halli Gomez, Rebecca J. Allen and the Work-for-Hire Writing Process

Laurel DecherMarch 17, 2020May 25, 2021Leave a comment

Book Awards, Book Recommendations, Diversity, Windows & Mirrors, Young Adult

The 2019 Cybils Awards Young Adult Finalists

I had the great pleasure of being of Cybils Awards round 2 judge for the third year. I got to read amazing books that I may not have had a chance to read and vote on the best with other judges. When I say that we, round 2 judges, had a hard time choosing the winner, I’m not lying. It was tough ya’ll! The seven … Continue reading The 2019 Cybils Awards Young Adult Finalists

Halli GomezFebruary 25, 2020February 29, 2020Leave a comment

Conferences & writing retreats, Creativity and Craft, Diversity, Writer's Life

Writing Neurodiverse Characters Responsibly

Who is ready for WriteOnCon? You know we are! For those who can’t wait until next week, I am going to give you a sneak peek into my presentation about neurodiversity. The entire presentation will be shown on Sunday, February 23, 2020, from 12:00 – 12:30 pm EST. Of course, if you get an extended ticket, you can view all events throughout March 22, 2020. … Continue reading Writing Neurodiverse Characters Responsibly

Halli GomezFebruary 13, 2020May 25, 20216 Comments

The Winged Pen

It takes a flock to get a story aloft.

Category: Diversity