The Out of Darkness blog tour is underway! The September release of Out of Darkness is just a few weeks away, and I’m visiting some of my favorite blogs and online haunts. Here’s where I’ve been so far:

8/9: … Read more

It’s partway through your morning work time, and here are your symptoms: brain on ice (or scattered), lethargy (or restlessness), total aversion to the work on your desk. You’re frustrated with yourself; it’s not time·to be tired yet. You’re … Read more

I’ve been away from the blog for a good while now. I’ve gotten the occasional blogging fix over at www.latinosinkidlit.com, but I’ve missed having my own space for mulling over ideas big, little, and in between. The life of … Read more

Check this post at Latin@s in Kid Lit out. Patrick Flores-Scott makes a case for creating a diverse YA/kid’s publishing version of the Hollywood Black List, a vetted collection of best screenplays that haven’t yet been purchased. The concept is … Read more

In articles and blog posts about breaking into the world of publishing, the lion’s share of attention goes to the writing craft, getting an agent, and securing a book deal. But what happens after those hurdles have been jumped? What … Read more

Don’t miss out! The blog Latin@s in Kid Lit is running a 12-day giveaway with a whole heap of amazing books (ahem, mine are in there, too)! Check out all the details here, and happy reading.

You need to read more Latin@ lit. I need to read more Latin@ lit. EVERYBODY needs to read more Latin@ lit. We need to see it, hear about it, debate it, and celebrate it with as much energy as possible. … Read more

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that I loved Jordan Sonnenblick’s Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie and After Ever After. I don’t often connect to–or think about–middle grade books for even a fraction of the time … Read more

A party game as a writing exercise? Why not! Get to know one of your characters better—or invent one out of the blue—by forcing him or her to play two truths and a lie. If you’ve never played this party … Read more

Zombie hours. We all have them. You know, that stretch of time when you feel about as vibrant and intelligent and insightful as a stick figure of a sleepwalking corpse. You dream of napping under your desk. You eat chocolate … Read more