Identity, Addiction, and Harassment in YA Literature
The Importance of the Teen Book Fest I can’t help putting in one last word for the Ontario Teen Book Fest. It’s full of great positive energy for readers and writers, and that’s one reason I’ve always enjoyed it, have … Continued
Ontario Teen Book Fest This Saturday!
Each spring for several years now, I’ve gathered my book club to attend the annual Ontario Teen Book Fest. Some of the teens accompanying me are more than just fans of the featured authors; they are writers, and the book … Continued
Bad Dates and Fiction: Write Better
Bad Dates and Fiction What does a bad date look like in a work of fiction? I’m thinking about this because I’ve written a novel in which the protagonist is sexually abused as a small child. As a teen, she … Continued
Stoking the Creative Fire: Fabric, Wool, Nature
Creative Fire Blocks As I discussed in my last post, I don’t think that there is any special condition we can label writer’s block; however, this year I have come to believe in ‘life block.’ Not only have I had … Continued
Teen Submissions Deadline Feb. 15
Yesterday’s article in the Southern California News Group papers. IE teens, you have about three more weeks to submit! Young writers and artists invited to submit their work to all-teen publication
Writer’s Block, Life Block, and the Desire for Connection
Writer’s Block or Life Block? I don’t believe in writer’s block because, generally speaking, there is no muse hanging out. In fact, I’m not entirely sure what writer’s block is supposed to be. I get a few ideas a day … Continued
Lud-in-the-Mist: Would it be Published Today?
Lud-in-the-Mist is wonderful. Today, would an agent read past page one? Last month, a book I’d never heard of found its way into my consciousness twice in one week. I’m not one to assign supernatural sources to serendipitous events (after … Continued
How I Became a Writer
A Slow Learner All things come to me slowly. I wish it weren’t so. I love stories of epiphany, of lightning bolt inspiration. But my consciousness river is turbulent with questions of creativity, of ethics, of purpose. What is heavy … Continued
Inlandia Teen Issue: Time to submit!
Happy New Year! I just want to remind teens that the submission deadline for Inlandia: A Literary Journey is coming up on February 15. The new year is a great time to commit to getting your favorite pieces of … Continued
Reading for Renewal: Book Recommendations
Reading for Renewal As it is Christmas Eve Day, I decided that my ‘Literary Journeys’ article for the Southern California News Group should be about reading for renewal. Each of the novels discussed in the article have examples of how … Continued