Category Archives: teenage years

Book Review: Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour

I’m not a huge fan of books that are paced as slowly as this. There was nothing wrong with its pace, so the fact that I wished it would hurry along a little has virtually nothing to do with the book’s quality. I also kept thinking, I bet Morgan Matson is a fan of SarahContinue reading “Book Review: Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour”

A World Made of Pink Bubble Gum

When I was a little girl I would use my birthday wishes to try and turn the world into a place where everything was made of pink bubble gum. If it eventually happens, you know who to blame. I’m not too worried though. But, I was thinking about that and comparing it to how myContinue reading “A World Made of Pink Bubble Gum”

Book Review: An Off Year

It’s possible that I gave this a five star rating because it has one of the best covers I’ve ever seen. But, I think it’s more than that. Do you ever feel like you belong to a book instead of it belonging to you? That’s how I felt when I read this book. And thoughContinue reading “Book Review: An Off Year”

Maybe It’s Not an Issue?

I made a big book revision decision. I’d gotten to 55,000 words and changed course. It’ll probably happen again, too. Sometimes I have to get to the climax to realize, hey, I’m not feeling too sorry for these characters. Something isn’t right. I got to thinking that a book about sunken treasure needs some kindContinue reading “Maybe It’s Not an Issue?”

Looking Back

I wanted to take a look back over this first year I’ve been blogging and pick out some highlight posts. I hope it’s interesting to you, and not just me. This will probably read like a Christmas newsletter. If you like that sort of thing, come visit every August 20th or so. We don’t sendContinue reading “Looking Back”

Author Interview: Erin McCahan

I am very excited to interview the adorable Erin McCahan, today! We have been pen pals for about a year now, and if you don’t have a few of those, I highly recommend it! I got to know Erin before I got to know her writing; and they are equally delightful. Her wit, and empathy,Continue reading “Author Interview: Erin McCahan”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (26)

I haven’t self-deprecated in a while. And with school starting, I thought I’d treat my people to a few more school photos! For those of you who may be new to Self-Deprecating Sunday, here’s the story: It’s pretty hilarious, and sometimes touching, to look back on the “flair” we writers for teens gave our ownContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (26)”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (25)

The Father’s Day edition. King’s Island in the mid-nineties. Dad and I took on “The Racer,” front car. Not exactly the park’s scariest roller-coaster, but for me it was a big moment. I came prepared by wearing my sister’s Les Jesus t-shirt. With the big Daddy at my chest and my own dad at myContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (25)”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (24)

In which the YA author showcases the great and awkward of being a teenager. We just took the kids to their first professional baseball game last night. The Tigers played the Oakland A’s. I’d gone to an A’s game when we lived in California. I’ve seen a Cubs game, too, but that’s the extent ofContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (24)”