Ryan Gosling Reads Young Adult

This was just to fabulous and hilarious that I just had to share it! Two of my favorite things: Ryan Gosling and Young Adult Books! See all the images here.  

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The Quick Take Away: 2011 SoCal SCBWI Writer’s Day

It’s been awhile since I reported on a conference event, but never fear I’ve got lots of good information coming your way. I attended the 2011 Southern California SCBWI Writer’s Day this past Saturday with a variety of speakers from Susan Patron to Bruce Coville. Here’s a few quick take-away’s from the event: Susan Patron [...]

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For Richer or Poorer: Writing Through the Good and Bad Times

Young adult author Carolyn Mackler spoke at the 2010 SCBWI LA Conference. In her keynote presentation, she addressed the struggles of living a literary life, and that even when you’ve made it (been published, won awards), you still face new challenges in your career. Despite the breakdowns, one must press on and persevere! The following notes were taken turning her [...]

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Writing for Teens: Advice From Razorbill Publisher Ben Schrank

Ben Schrank, publisher at Razorbill, gave his insight about publishing for the teen market at the 2010 SCBWI New York conference. The following is his take on the market and advice to aspiring writers: What Books Does Razorbill Publish and Why? The Naughty List by Suzanne Young – Schrank found this book to be hilarious, yet simple. Its a good [...]

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Boys Will Be Boys: Guys Talk YA

What makes a book for boys? How do we get boys to read more? These questions and more were discussed at the LA Times Festival of Books YA panel this past weekend. Authors Ben Esch (Sophomore Undercover), Blake Nelson (Paranoid Park, Gender Bender, Girl), Andrew  Smith (Ghost Medicine), and Allen Zadoff  (Food, Girls, and Other [...]

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She’s All That: Writing for Contemporary Girls

Three YA authors came out the LA Times Festival of Books this past weekend to share their point of view on writing for teenage girls. Authors Robin Benway (Audrey Wait Series), Cherry Cheva (Duplikate, and She’s So Money), and Joanna Philbin (The Daughters) had the following to say: How are teens different today than in [...]

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Opening Lines

Was that an earthquake or did you just rock my world? Okay, we may not be trying to pick-up girls, but we are trying to pick-up readers. First lines and first impressions are important! And it’s amazing how much a first line can tell you about a book; including tone, character, and intrigue. What does [...]

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