Middle grade fiction
by Jenn Reese
A moving, realistic fantasy tale with hidden depths. After an incident shatters their family, Sam and her older sister Caitlin are sent to live in rural Oregon with Aunt Vicky, whom they’ve never met before. Sam, however, wants nothing more than to return home to her life in LA.
Trying to make …
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Book review: Into the Bloodred Woods
YA fiction
By Martha Brockenbrough
With Into the Bloodred Woods, Martha Brockenbrough has crafted a dark and delightful tale that is as much about the power of story itself as it is about the stories of its characters. It opens in fairytale fashion, with a father promising the king that one of his daughters can spin straw …
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How do I find an agent?
Dear Writer Guy,
Do you have any information on how to find a publishing agent? I have written a couple of children’s stories (ages 3 to 7) — and, yes! I am a new writer — and I am at the stage of taking a leap to find a publishing agent.
I work full time in a …
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3 things keeping you from being published
Here are three things that glib, hasty or form declines from New York aren’t telling you. The solutions can help you whether you are seeking a major imprint or going it alone:
PROBLEM: I was able to begin skimming your novel almost right away.
Ouch. That’s not the effect you want. The antidote is a high level …
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Book review: Six Crimson Cranes
YA fiction
By Elizabeth Lim
Sixteen-year-old Princess Shiori has a secret. Forbidden magic runs in her veins, and if it is discovered, she’ll be exiled from Kiata, royal daughter or not. On the morning of her betrothal ceremony, she jumps out a window to avoid what she thinks will be a loveless marriage. Her would-be fiancé, Takkan, …
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Book review: City of the Plague God
Middle grade fiction
by Sarwat Chadda
A timely tale for our pandemic season, City of the Plague God draws on lesser-known Mesopotamian mythology to spin its tale of adventure in New York City.
Thirteen-year-old Sikander “Sik” Aziz works in his Iraqi refugee parents’ deli and mourns his dead brother Mo. One night, two demons show up demanding something …
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Book Review: The Court of Miracles
THE COURT OF MIRACLES
Young adult fiction by Kester Grant
Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables has proven an enduring touchstone, inspiring everything from a stage musical (remember Les Miz?) to numerous movie versions. Court of Miracles puts its own fresh spin on this durable tale by setting it in an alternate Paris where the wretched poor have formed …
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Help, my ideas aren’t working out!
Dear Writer Guy,
I am writing a story right now, but I can’t think of any ideas on what to write about next. I’m mostly focusing on the genre of “Fictional and Fantasy.” Whenever I think of a good idea, it either doesn’t work out and can’t connect to the rest of the story, or it …
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5 Essential tips for writing picture books
When I am at book signings or doing school visits, I often hear the question, “What advice do you have for someone writing their first picture book?” People are eager to learn the “secret” to writing a runaway best-selling picture book.
There IS a definite art to writing a picture book. For me, a perfect picture …
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How a dog gave me a book
You’ve petted your dog, you’ve walked your dog, but have you ever been inspired by your dog? I have.
My newest book, Switched, is particularly close to my heart because it was inspired by my late dog, Riley. One morning when she was young, we went walking in a canyon and I let her go off-leash. …
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