Cynthia Leitich Smith's Blog, page 117

Guest Post & Critique Giveaway: Heather Demetrios on The Hope You Hold: A Character-Centered Approach To Plotting Your Novel’s Ending

Heather DemetriosBy Heather Demetrios
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

Sometimes it can be helpful to think about endings when you’re at the beginning of the process—not plotting the ending, but doing a bit of free, no-holds-barred thinking about your character’s emotional inner journey and where you hope she goes.

This is what you write towards, that hope you have for her in your heart. Your plot is moving toward something, a climax that, especially in YA, results in some sort of self-dis...

Giveaway: Feral Pride Releases: All Tantalize-Feral Universe Novels Now Available

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Today's release of Feral Pride means all of my Tantalize-Feral universe novels are available from Candlewick Press.

While all the books can stand alone, there's likely best appreciated in concert.

This finale unites protagonists of the two series and brings back a number of other fan-fave characters.

What's more today's paperback release of Feral Curse by Candlewick means that all but that last book in the series are available in paperback from Candlewick (...

Giveaway: Towering & Signed ARCs of Mirrored, Both By Alex Flinn

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Check out the cover for Mirrored by Alex Flinn (HarperTeen, fall 2015). From the promotional copy:

Mirror, mirror in my hand…

Beauty is the key to everything. At least, that’s how it seems to Violet—ugly, bullied, and lonely. 

To be beautiful, in her eyes, is to have power and love. And when Kendra, the witch, teaches Violet how to use magic, she may finally get what she wants.

For Celine, beautiful since birth, her looks have been a hindrance. She disco...

Alex Flinn's Mirrored Cover Reveal & Towering Giveaway

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Check out the cover for Mirrored by Alex Flinn (HarperTeen, fall 2015). From the promotional copy:

Mirror, mirror in my hand…

Beauty is the key to everything. At least, that’s how it seems to Violet—ugly, bullied, and lonely. 

To be beautiful, in her eyes, is to have power and love. And when Kendra, the witch, teaches Violet how to use magic, she may finally get what she wants.

For Celine, beautiful since birth, her looks have been a hindrance. She disco...

Cynsational News & Giveaways

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Check out the cover for Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition by Chris Barton, illustrated by Cathy Gendron (Millbrook, 2015).

The Universality of Being an Outsider by Jacqueline Jules from Latin@s in Kidlit. Peek: "I had been taught from a young age that I represented my religion. If I was impolite, all Jews would be considered rude. I had to be on my best behavior at all times so that others would not h...

2015 SCBWI Europolitan Con: Author-Writing Coach Esther Hershenhorn

By Elisabeth Norton
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations 

Esther Hershenhorn is an award-winning Chicago children’s book author.

She coaches children’s book writers and teaches Children’s Book Writing at the Writer’s Studio of the University of Chicago’s Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies and the Newberry Library.

Her recent titles include Txting Mama, Txting Baby (2013) and S Is For Story: A Writer's Alphabet, illustrated by Zachary Pullen (2009)(both Sleeping B...

Video: Making Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

An insight into the making of the book Viva Frida (Roaring Brook, 2014).

With spare, polished text and luscious illustrations, award-winning author/illustrator Yuyi Morales explores the passionate, imagination of the incomparable Frida Kahllo.

Video with Music by Miguel Martinez.

2015 SCBWI Europolitan Con: Author-Editor Jill Santopolo

Jill SantopoloBy Dina von Lowenkraft
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

Jill Santopolo is the author of the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series and the Follow Your Heart books.

She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Columbia University, an M.F.A. in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU.

In addition to writing, Jill is an executive editor at Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, a...

Guest Post: Henry L. Herz on Dinner Guests

Illustrated by Abigail Larson (Pelican, 2015)By Henry L. Herz
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

With the pending release of my debut picture book, Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes, I find myself thinking a lot about fantasy and mythological creatures.

And which fantasy characters would I like to have over for dinner.

Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes includes a hydra, which could be viewed as a multi-headed wingless dragon. And when I think dragons, I think Pern, Earthsea, and "Game of Thrones."

So, m...

Cynsational News & Giveaways

By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Congratulations to Brian Yansky on the release of Utopia, Iowa (Candlewick, 2015). From the promotional copy:

Utopia, Iowa is about a small town where the supernatural meets the natural. There's some murder and mystery and mayhem in this novel. Ghosts and other creatures and humans abound. 

Some funny moments. Some sad. 

At heart, it's a story about a boy who wants to write for the movies and his struggle with leaving all he knows (family, friends...