Kate Messner's Blog, page 49

Wanted: Photos of Marked Up Manuscript Pages

This is a special request for my published author friends to help teachers of writing...

I got an email today from a school principal who works with a large number of economically disadvantaged kids and English language learners, and she's determined to help them become better writers through the revision process.  She wondered if there was a place online where she could take them to see what published authors' marked up manuscripts look like when they come back from a critique group or an edi...

How They Got Here: 2009 Debut Author Lauren Bjorkman

This post is part of a year-long series of blog interviews I'll be hosting with my fellow 2009 Debut Authors, called "How They Got Here." 

It should be an especially helpful series for teens who write, teachers, and anyone who wants to write for kids.  2009 debut authors will be dropping by to talk about how their writing in school shaped the authors they are today, what teachers can do to make a difference, how they revise, and how they found their agents and editors.  (You'll even be able...

Dog Ate My Homework (The bookstore...not the excuse!)

I've had a bunch of book signings lately, and this weekend's was special for a few reasons.  First of all, because it was at the fantastic Dog Ate My Homework Bookstore in Glens Falls, a fun, bright store with friendly owners (and a dog named Macy for a mascot!).  Second, because it was a two-author event with my writer friend Eric Luper, whose YA novel BUG BOY set in 1934 Saratoga is one of the best historical novels I've ever read.  Here's a picture of us with bookstore owners Kim & Mike Sm...

Five Ways to Celebrate National Reading Group Month

October is National Reading Group Month, an initiative of the Women's National Book Association.  Whether you're a long time book club fan or just wondering if one might be for you, here are five ideas for how to celebrate!

1. Attend a National Reading Group Month event in a city near you - the signature event is in Nashville, but there's plenty going on from coast to coast. You can check out  Book Club Girl's blog for a fantastic list.

2. Are you already in a book club?  Blog about your book g...

Thankful Thursday

It's 3:30 in the morning as I write this, and I'm not particularly thankful to be awake just yet.  But alas, I'm awake, and every cloud has a silver lining, so...

Things to be Thankful for in the Wee Hours of a Thursday
Upon waking in the middle of the night, I discovered that the Cybils (Children's & Young Adult Bloggers Literature Awards) are open for nominations, so I've been happily running amok, nominating bunches of my favorite books, while the rest of the world sleeps.  It's great fun ...

How They Got Here: 2009 Debut Author Sydney Salter

This post is part of a year-long series of blog interviews I'll be hosting with my fellow 2009 Debut Authors, called "How They Got Here." 


Today...Sydney Salter, author of JUNGLE CROSSING!

Despite her reluctance to go on a family vacation to Mexico, Kat ends up on a teen adventure tour where she meets Nando, a young Mayan guide. As they travel to different Mayan ruins each day, Nando tells Kat the legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. 

This is actually Sydney's...

THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. on VPR's Vermont Edition

For Vermont blog friends and other people who love Vermont... My interview with the delightful Jane Lindholm of Vermont Public Radio is scheduled to air on Vermont Edition today at noon and 7:00 PM.  Today's topics are Vermont's outdoor industry and THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z.

If you're not lucky enough to get VPR over the radio, I'm told you'll be able to check out the interview at the website after it airs.

And if you've found your way here from the broadcast, welcome!  If you're looking ...

Many things on a Monday...

I'll be out and about signing books around the Adirondacks this weekend and would love to see you if you're in the Plattsburgh or Glens Falls area.

Plattsburgh - Borders at Champlain Center Mall
Friday, October 2nd - 4-6 pm

Glens Falls - Dog Ate My Homework Bookstore on Glen St.- Joint signing with eluper !
Saturday, October 3rd - 4-6 pm

I'm particularly excited about this event because I get to hang out with my critique buddy Eric Luper, author of the gritty, action-packed YA novel BUG BOY, set i...

How They Got Here: 2009 Debut Author Pam Bachorz

This post is part of a year-long series of blog interviews I'll be hosting with my fellow 2009 Debut Authors, called "How They Got Here." 

It should be an especially helpful series for teens who write, teachers, and anyone who wants to write for kids.  2009 debut authors will be dropping by to talk about how their writing in school shaped the authors they are today, what teachers can do to make a difference, how they revise, and how they found their agents and editors.  (You'll even be able...

Burlington Book Festival

So I've discovered that I really love panel discussions.



I was on a panel about Writing for Children and Young Adults at this weekend's Burlington Book Festival, along with Jo Knowles, Linda Urban, Tanya Lee Stone, and Julie Berry.  I'm pretty sure I enjoyed listening to my fellow authors at least as much as the people in the audience.  We talked about writing process and outlining (turns out we are all "plungers" to one degree or another), book challenges, and the business of writing.


From...