In this moment when diversity is finally getting the attention it deserves, and publishers and readers are discovering books that represent diverse cultures, I’d like to make mention of young adult novels that feature cross-cultural and/or interracial relationships. My interest in the subject stems from my own work. In my backstory construct of FORGIVEN, I… Read more »
The Writing Life
Books With Diversity: Cross-cultural Relationships
To Market, To Market To Buy a Fat Book
A few weeks ago I was asked to give a lecture on how I built my author platform to create a market for my books. Well…okay. I didn’t set out to build a platform; actually, I didn’t know I was standing on one. So I talked about how I have a website and this blog,… Read more »
AWP Conference Minneapolis
For a number of years now, I’ve been attending and speaking at the annual AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) conference, and this year is no different. I’ll be participating in two panels – one on magical realism in YA and children’s literature with Laura Ruby, Samantha Mabry, Nikki Loftin, and Nova Ren Suma… Read more »
On Being A Writer
ON BEING A WRITER Writing is my passion, and if you share it, then I think you are truly blessed! Here are some thoughts I have about being a writer: Noted children’s author Jane Yolen has a slogan for writers: BIC. It stands for “butt in chair”, and it helps to remind me that I… Read more »