In which the YA Author showcases The Great and Awkward of being a teenager. This Sunday I give geometry class 1990. Proof, if you will, that I should’ve paid more attention to how I dressed. For instance, not wearing my grandfather’s shorts. (Hey, they’re geometrical.) Yes, I really did steal my granddad’s shorts. That isContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (18)”
Category Archives: writing
My Missing Piece
Or, what I learned about YA from my big sister. I’ve been giving some thought to why I write YA literature. The simplest answer is one I got from Andrew Karre at a conference. Basically, in writing, teenagers are the easiest to get into trouble. You barely breathe on teenage character and oopsie they’re inContinue reading “My Missing Piece”
Spoiler Alert: I’m Going To Swear
When you look at this picture, do you think of that pet as shitting or pooping? (Also, is it a dog or a cat?) Seriously, I want to know (both) in the comments. And why do you think you associate that particular word with the picture? Does it have anything to do with context? LikeContinue reading “Spoiler Alert: I’m Going To Swear”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (17) Brodi Ashton
Which treats of YA authors sharing the Great and Awkward of their teenage years. Today I’m delighted to have another guest post! Last week we saw C. J. Omololu, goth-girl pioneer, on the cusp of becoming a bass guitarist. Sort of. This week I give you the sweet and sassy Brodi Ashton. She is aContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (17) Brodi Ashton”
Nnick-Knack Paddy-Whack
My sister actually reminded me of this story in the comments of a post a couple weeks ago. I’ll get to it in just a second but I don’t think I’ve blogged about how inspiring it is to have kids. They really do the funniest stuff, and in many ways, Eleanor and Magnolia have inspiredContinue reading “Nnick-Knack Paddy-Whack”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (16) C. J. Omololu
Which delights in YA authors sharing the great and awkward of being a teenager. Today I invited YA author C. J. Omololu to share what she was like as a teenager. Her book Dirty Little Secrets debuted this month from Walker Books for Young Readers. It’s getting some great reviews. I ordered it immediately andContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (16) C. J. Omololu”
Stories From Those Who Serve (4)
In case you’re new to the blog, I started a series of interviews with soldiers after writing a YA novel about a girl who goes through ROTC in high school and joins the Navy. In my research, I found so many fascinating stories, that I wanted to begin sharing them. Or maybe more accurately, IContinue reading “Stories From Those Who Serve (4)”
Will This Hurt Our Chances of Selling the House?
Writing, Sex, Parenting, and Poop
It’s probably no coincidence and I almost hate to admit it, but I got some serious writing done this weekend! It helped that I had NO plans and pretty nearly divorced the household to hole away with my manuscript and my young adult author imagination. And, yes, I’ve “run” (Let’s just call it treadmill time)Continue reading “Writing, Sex, Parenting, and Poop”
Self-Deprecating Sunday (15)
In which the YA author shares the great and awkward of her teenage years. I have been lining up more guest posts for this great day of celebration over here at Sparks and Butterflies. You will not want to miss the coming month of Sundays. And don’t forget, if you’re a YA author who wantsContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (15)”
Jody Sparks Mugele 