Jessica Lawson is not only the author of three terrific middle grade books, she’s also an all-around cool human being. When she discovered my daughter was a fan, she commenced a covert operation to make sure a swag bag, along with a handwritten note, was waiting under the tree for my daughter on Christmas morning. Today, she’s agreed to chat with the Winged Pen. Jessica, … Continue reading Book Talk with Author Jessica Lawson
Today, I’m thrilled to welcome my friend and critique partner E. S. Wesley to The Winged Pen to talk about the release of his debut, The Outs. JA: Congratulations on your debut! Can you tell us a little bit about The Outs’ journey toward publication? ESW: Sure thing! The Outs was the culmination of other work I’d done in the past, developing this idea and exploring what … Continue reading Happy Release Day to The Outs!
Marie Marquardt is the author of two YA novels. Her first, Dream Things True, is a gorgeous coming-of-age story that gives voice to the undocumented immigrant experience. On the jacket, author Jennifer Mathieu describes the story as one that will “forever change the way you view those who live their lives in the shadows” and I have to agree—Marie’s stories should be required reading for … Continue reading The Radius of Us
We are joined today by middle grade authors Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo and Kit Rosewater. They were both 2016 PitchWars mentees and each received about a zillion requests during the agent round (27 each, to be exact––which is pretty darn close to a zillion in the writing world). Jeanne and Kit, welcome to The Winged Pen and congratulations on your PitchWars successes! Our readers are eager … Continue reading PitchWars: A Behind-the-Scenes Peek with Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo and Kit Rosewater
Hi, Julie. I’m so excited that you’ve signed with Jennie Dunham of Dunham Lit and are on your way to publishing success! I think The Call is one of the most desired/feared/nerve-wracking/exciting/elusive steps a writer works toward. You’ve nailed your query and finally garnered some interest, but now what? She sent me an email. I had received a similar email from her in the spring … Continue reading The Call with Julie Artz
Gabby: I’m very excited to spend a little time today with Krystal Sutherland, the fabulous debut author of OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS, out now. In addition to writing love stories you want to crawl into, Krystal travels the world being fabulous in fabulous places. Welcome to Winged Pen, Krystal! Krystal: Thank you so much for having me! Gabby: Okay, let’s get to it. Can you tell … Continue reading Author Interview – Krystal Sutherland
Linda Vigen Phillips is the author of Crazy, a young adult book written in verse which tells the story of a teenage girl coming to terms with her mother’s mental illness. Before Linda became a published author, she was a stay-at-home mom of twin boys, and a teacher in North Carolina. She found the years working with the learning disabled population extremely rewarding and humbling. Let’s … Continue reading Linda Vigen Phillips Talks Books and Mental Health
We are thrilled to have on the blog today Julie Leung, a debut author whose middle grade novel releases on October 4th. MICE OF THE ROUNDTABLE: A TAIL OF CAMELOT is an epic new middle grade series in the tradition of Redwall and Poppy, based on Arthurian legend and told from the perspective of Camelot’s most humble creatures: mice. Young mouse Calib Christopher dreams of becoming … Continue reading Author Interview–Julie Leung
Did you ever wonder why this is The Winged Pen? It’s because this group of writers make the words fly. How do they do it? When you face the dreaded blank page, what helps you start your writing engines? Do you have a daily word-count goal? Read the Winged Pens’ answers in our own words: Laurel Decher: I’ll go first. 🙂 I realized I aim … Continue reading 4 Ways Winged Pen Writers Get Words
Alright, Karin, the grocery stores are filled with Halloween treats and decorations and it’s also your book’s birthday! Happy Birthday, I WANT TO EAT YOUR BOOKS! Look at that cover! He’s the only zombie I’ve seen that I want to hug. If you too are drooling over this book, check it out here and here or here. But, these spotlight interviews are to get to … Continue reading Spotlight Interview with Karin Lefranc
Today, I’m excited to chat with Megan Shepherd. She’s well-known for her brilliant, edgy young adult fiction, but her latest novel, THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL, is an unforgettable middle-grade story that reads like historical fiction rolled into a sweet magical fantasy. There are winged horses that live in the mirrors of Briar Hill hospital. In the mirrors that line its grand hallways, which once … Continue reading Interview with NYT Bestselling Author Megan Shepherd
Gabby Byrne: Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing two of my local Youth Librarians, working their special brand of book-magic here in Olympia, Washington. Now, if you’re a book person, you are already fully aware of this magic. It’s an uncanny blend of mind-reading, match-making and prophesying. How do they do it, and what are the dark wanderings that brought them to their … Continue reading Interview–Youth Librarians of Olympia, WA
