Cynthia Leitich Smith's Blog, page 57

Guest Post: Harold Underdown on Line Editing

Harold UnderdownBy Harold Underdown
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

Eileen Robinson and I have been teaching about revision for several years now through our partnership, Kid's Book Revisions.

Until recently, we hadn't taught about line-editing--it seemed too complicated, too messy, for a workshop approach--but we thinking we've figured out how to do it. I'd like to tell you why you should learn about line-editing, show what line-editing is and how to do it, give you a couple of exercises...

Survivors: Melissa Stewart on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children's Author

Learn more about Melissa Stewart.By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.

Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success? 

A piece of paper on the idea board above my desk says:

“Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself.” ...

In Memory: David R. Davis

By Gayleen Rabakukkfor Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

David R. Davis died May 24 as Cynsations was beginning summer hiatus.

Author David Davis Was a Friend, wrote Glenn Dromgoole for The Eagle. Peek:

"I'm sad to report that David Davis, one of my favorite Texas children's authors and a good friend, died May 24... 

"David had a wonderful sense of humor and often teamed up with fellow Fort Worth children's author Jan Peck to put on delightful programs for schools, libraries and b...

Cynsational News

By Cynthia Leitich Smith,
Robin Galbraith, & Gayleen Rabukukk
for Cynsations

Awards

Congratulations to winners and finalists of the Writers' League of Texas Book Awards, including Austin authors Laura Creedle and Chris Barton, who won in the middle grade/young adult and picture book categories, respectively.

We recently spoke with Laura about the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017). She said:

"I had never...

Intern Insights: Highlights of SCBWI LA 2018

Lin Oliver interviews Lois Lowry at SCBWI L.A. ConferenceBy Gayleen Rabakukk
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

In August, I attended my very first SCBWI international summer conference. It was truly an amazing experience, but also a bit overwhelming with nearly 1,200 people in attendance.

Thankfully, we all share a love of children's books, making it much easier to talk with people than typical social situations.

I came home with both inspirational and practical advice, and have a few h...

New Voice: Traci Sorell on We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

Traci & Frane in Tahlequah (Cherokee Nation Capital), June 2017By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

Traci Sorell is the debut author of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by Frané Lessac (Charlesbridge, 2018). From the promotional copy:

Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. 

Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. 

...this non...

Survivors: Stephanie Greene on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children's Author

Learn more about Stephanie Greene.By Cynthia Leitich Smith
for Cynsations

In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.

Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?

I sent my first manuscript to ten editors (the big houses were open to unsolicited submissions back in 1...

Cynsations Return & Author Update: Cynthia Leitich Smith on Writing, New Releases, Native Voices & Allies

Learn more about Cynthia Leitich Smith.By Traci Sorell
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

As an New York Times bestselling author and the creator of Cynsations blog, Cynthia is well known to many. But after reading her upcoming YA novel, Hearts Unbroken (Candlewick, Oct. 9), this summer, I believe readers gain more insight into her earlier years.

The novel draws in part on her experience as a Muscogee (Creek) teen growing up in the suburbs of Kansas City and as a reporter and,...

P.S. Shout-outs for Your Summer Reading List

By Traci Sorell & Gayleen Rabakukk
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

Wait! Did you think we could take a break without highlighting a few more books?

Before signing off, we asked a few children's-YA authors what makes their book a terrific summer read. These are soon-to-be released titles, so we haven't read them ourselves and look forward to taking a peek right along with you. Happy reading!

June

Kate Narita & Suzanne Kaufman Celebrate Their Upcoming Release

100 Bugs! A Counting...

P.S.: Shout-outs for Your Summer Reading List

By Traci Sorell & Gayleen Rabakukk
for Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations

Wait! Did you think we could take a break without highlighting a few more books?

Before signing off, we asked a few children's-YA authors what makes their book a terrific summer read. These are soon-to-be released titles, so we haven't read them ourselves and look forward to taking a peek right along with you. Happy reading!

June

Kate Narita Celebrates Her Upcoming Release

100 Bugs! A Counting Book, illustrated by&nb...