Category Archives: writing

Self-Deprecating Sunday FLASHBACK

Which treats of YA authors sharing the great and awkward of their teenage years. Today is Mindi Scott’s Birthday! Happy Birthday, Mindi. Almost as exciting is that it’s her debut young adult novel birthday – or will be on Wednesday! She stopped by my blog a couple months ago to delight us with her teenageContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday FLASHBACK”

What, This Old Thing?

How much attention do you pay to what your characters wear? I tend to pay it a lot of attention, but I wonder if that’s because writing for teens tends to focus on identity. When a teen character steps out of the bounds of normal for what’s in fashion, it sets up some tension inContinue reading “What, This Old Thing?”

A Bit About Building Character

So I’ve been reading and writing and constantly comparing where my book draft really is to where it should be going. I’ve got issues with the timing and fictional school calendar in my YA book. I’ve got too much plot and the lens on my characters is nearly all long-shot views. Also, I still haven’tContinue reading “A Bit About Building Character”

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”

Something About Books and the Color Pink

Maybe I’ll organize my books like this. Mostly it will be pink, though. And black. And blue. Looks kind of cool though, right? I don’t know if it’s that I’m attracted to pink (I am) or if it’s that publishers like to jacket YA books in pink, but if there’s one thing I’ve noticed aboutContinue reading “Something About Books and the Color Pink”

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)”