2016 Cybils Awards
The window to nominate YOUR Favorite Children’s and Young Adult books for prestigious Cybils Awards is open now through October 15th! What are Cybils Awards? The first Cybils Awards were presented in February 2007. If you are really sharp, you probably just figured out that makes this year the 10th anniversary for Cybils! 10 points to your favorite Hogwart’s house for being a genius! Yay! Congrats, Cybils! … Continue reading 2016 Cybils Awards
Set an Intention to Reject Rejection
In my first yoga class of each new year, I set an intention. Yes I tell myself to focus on the present and not get frustrated if I fall on my face during crow pose (which has happened), but I also set one for the entire year. A kind of mental regroup statement to put me back on the right path when I sway, … Continue reading Set an Intention to Reject Rejection
Author Interview–Julie Leung
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
8 on Eight October Contest Window is now open!
Fellow writers! The 8 on Eight contest window is OPEN! Q: I must have missed the announcement. What is 8 on Eight? A monthly contest that provides one lucky kidlit writer with feedback on their opening eight lines! As part of our ongoing mission to support writers, we’ll give a PB, CB, MG, or YA writer feedback on their work from at least 8 of The Winged … Continue reading 8 on Eight October Contest Window is now open!
Perfectionism and Pomodori
If you suffer from writer’s block, you’re not alone. Most writers I know have faced that wall many times and surmounted it. Some people find themselves at that wall over and over again. Sometimes this happens because you’re not sure how to move your story forward. Sometimes this happens because you’re terrified of failing. If it’s the latter, you may be a perfectionist. One understanding … Continue reading Perfectionism and Pomodori
4 Ways Winged Pen Writers Get Words
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
Spotlight Interview with Karin Lefranc
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
Interview with NYT Bestselling Author Megan Shepherd
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
Stalking Jack the Ripper
In my other life, as a police intelligence analyst, I stalked bad guys. Not the “ruggedly handsome new kid in high school with eyes as dark as his mysterious past” kind. These were real-life bad guys. Robbers. Rapists. Murderers. So when a tweet showed up on my Twitter feed about a novel with a female protagonist obsessed with forensic medicine stalking one of the most infamous murderers … Continue reading Stalking Jack the Ripper
Interview–Youth Librarians of Olympia, WA
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
Another Magic Formula
Recently, we talked about how critique partners are a magical element in writing success. I know what some of you are thinking: Thanks, Jessica. That’s nice, but I tried working with a critique partner, and it didn’t work out. I’ve been in your shoes. More than once. Critique partner relationships can explode, implode, or fizzle out for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s because the … Continue reading Another Magic Formula
LITERARY LOVEFEST – Louisiana Flood Victims
Unfortunately, there have been numerous tragedies across the globe this year, both nature-made and man-made. And I know I speak for most people when I wonder what can be done to help. Two authors, Sharon Johnston and Em Shotwell, have done more than just wonder. They started a website called Literary LoveFest and host auctions to raise funds for people in need. They put the … Continue reading LITERARY LOVEFEST – Louisiana Flood Victims