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”
Tag Archives: writing
What Lies Ahead
I’m often guilty of the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side kind of mentality. Probably you know this if you read my blog posts regularly. I spent a long time not knowing what I wanted to do in life career-wise; and at 35, I now feel a little rushed to get out there and make my mark. I know there willContinue reading “What Lies Ahead”
Goonies Never Say Die
I’m pretty sure the Goonies shirt I just bought (Target, $5) is making me run faster. Or Indiana streets are flatter than Michigan streets. Whatever. I am a big Goonies fan. (Somewhere in the blogosphere Michael Stearns is cringing. Bless his heart.) I can’t help it. The movie has it all: teenagers, adventure, treasure, aContinue reading “Goonies Never Say Die”
The Goodbyes Begin
The moving date is set. June 4th. Of course, if I get a job soon, then I’ll move down ahead of the rest of the family. But having an official date makes me nostalgic. Two Sundays ago I said goodbye to my Ann Arbor critique group. We’ve been working together for I want to sayContinue reading “The Goodbyes Begin”
Let’s Talk About Sex (Ed)
I have a twleve-year-old going through Sex Ed right now at a public school. Also, I like to write books for teens, so for me, the sexual habits of teenagers are as thoroughly fascinating as they are concerning. In books for teens it’s almost unrealistic not to at least mention the subject. What’s interesting toContinue reading “Let’s Talk About Sex (Ed)”
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”
Sparkgirl?
It’s possible I have a tiny little hint of a whiff of a speck of whisper of an obsession with a book called Stargirl. It’s just that Jerry Spinelli does everything right in this book. He makes a character so beautiful (and beautifully flawed, though it’s hard to see it when you’re reading the story–atContinue reading “Sparkgirl?”
Author Interview: Sara Lewis Holmes
I’m so excited that today I get a chance to interview Sara Lewis Holmes, author of OPERATION YES. When I first heard about this book, I think I actually gasped in excitement. I was thinking, Yay, other people are writing young adult books about the military! And then I saw that it was from ScholasticContinue reading “Author Interview: Sara Lewis Holmes”
Heading North
I’m heading north to my parents lakehouse this weekend for some thinking/writing time. I’m sad to be missing this year’s SCBWI conference. I always have an incredibly inspiring time; and it was a year ago that I met my agent at our SCBWI Michigan fall conference. For all of you attending, have a great time!Continue reading “Heading North”
Jody Sparks Mugele 