I have a problem: one of the main characters of my new novel-in-progress is shy, quiet, tongue-tied. She’s also passionate, secretly sensual, and fiercely dedicated to what she cares about. But how do I get her to speak? What does … Read more

Woohoo! Here’s What Can’t Wait on ALA’s 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults list! The company at this party is just… stunning. 

… and not let you go until you see Polly and Odd down the road. I’ll tell you what I mean in a second. But first, a look at the book coming to the world. Editor Andrew Karre blogged a while … Read more

Drowning Instinct by Ilsa Bick takes hold of you and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. I’m proof: I read it in two sittings. Even knowing that Liam would be up at 7:00, I stayed up till … Read more

No Crystal Stair by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is yet another proof that Carolrhoda Lab is pushing boundaries in diverse ways. Here’s a description of this “documentary novel of the life and work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem bookseller”:

“You can’t walk straight on a … Read more

I know, I know, self-publishing e-books is all the rage. Who wouldn’t like a bigger cut of their profits? Who wouldn’t like to see their book “out there” as quickly as possible? Who wouldn’t like to be the next success … Read more

You don’t have to be old and bearded to be sage. In fact, my editor, Andrew Karre, is living proof that you don’t have to be either to see things that others miss. In a recent piece for Hunger Mountain… Read more

A while back agent-turned-author Nathan Bransford did a “Five Openings to Avoid” post that takes a jab at some of the obvious and overused openings that circulate, especially among novice writers.

You know, the story that starts with a character … Read more

Save the date for this awesome web radio event hosted by NWP on October 20. I’ll be a guest on the show!  Details:

One way we’re celebrating the National Day on Writing is by talking with writers about writing. Join … Read more

I know, isn’t it gorgeous? And when you read The Knife and the Butterfly in February of 2012, you’ll see just how perfectly the cover fits the novel. Knife… or butterfly? It’s all in how you look at things.

Here’s … Read more