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Writing for YA

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Interruption of Plans or Ordained Opportunity

It’s the end of December, and for me, that means it’s time to pull out a fresh, ginormous, old-fashioned…
December 27, 2023
Writing for YA
How to Avoid Writing a Contrived Plot

I’ve been working on a story, and was a bit concerned my ending felt contrived. In my critique group,…
November 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Interview with Christy Finalist Sarah Watterson

Sara Watterson’s young adult novel, The Dreamer, was recently named as a Christy Award finalist for 2023. I thought…
October 27, 2023
Writing for YA
How and Why to Host Giveaways: Interview with Ya Author Callie Thomas

We all know marketing is a must. One of the tools authors can use to gain traction is hosting…
September 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Writing Characters Readers Connect With Part Two

Last time we talked about some ways to write a character that evokes a deep connection with the reader.…
August 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Five Things You Must Do To Reach Teen Readers

Sometimes it’s hard to remember all the emotions, feelings, and concerns that young teens have. Times change, attitudes change,…
July 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Writing Characters Readers Connect With Part One

Have you ever gotten a rejection letter that goes something like the following? I loved your story premise, but…
June 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Talking About Microfiction with Sci-Fi YA Author Sophia Hanson

Today I’m talking with Sci-Fi YA author and fellow columnist here on Almost an Author, Sophia Hanson, about microfiction.…
May 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Passive NOT passive

Note from Donna Jo: The topic of critique pet peeves came up during a conversation in my weekly writing…
April 28, 2023
Writing for YA
Interview with Author Marie Sontag: Tips for Author Visits

For young adult authors one of the ways to connect with readers is through school visits. I asked Author…
March 27, 2023
Writing for YA
How To Reclaim Writing Motivation

Slogging away for weeks, months, or years on a project can be discouraging. Writing requires self-discipline, but is that…
February 27, 2023
Writing for YA
When Writing Goals and Reality Collide

Beginning a new year tends to motivate people to get organized, start new projects, or finish ones they’ve ignored…
January 27, 2023
Writing for YA
Details, Details: How to Write a Rich Setting for Your Story

It’s incredibly exciting to have a new story idea. The characters develop in our mind and seem to be…
December 27, 2022
Writing for YA
When and How to Use Flashbacks and Backstory Effectively

I recently asked an avid reader what one of their fiction pet peeves were. The answer? Too many flashbacks…
November 28, 2022
Writing for YA
How to Keep Readers Engaged: Interview with Ya Author M.J. Padgett

M. J. Padgett is a YA author and co-owner of Pirate Cat Publishing and I asked her advice about…
October 28, 2022
Writing for YA
Is Your Historical Novel YA or Adult Coming of Age

How do you know if you’ve written a young adult novel or an adult coming of age? What about…
September 27, 2022
Writing for YA
How to Write the Opening Scene: Infusing Emotional Connection From Page One

I had a conversation recently with one of my writing friends. She wanted to talk about how to infuse…
July 27, 2022
Writing for YA
Why Writers Should Keep a Travel Journal

Travel diaries can enrich your writing. New experiences can be a treasure trove of ideas. When something unique happens,…
June 30, 2022
Writing for YA
What I Learned by Writing for Anthologies

I’ve had two types of experience with anthologies. My first experience with contributing to an anthology was simple. I…
May 27, 2022
Writing for YA
What I Learned by Being on a Pub Board

I was flattered to be asked to serve as a pub board member for a small publisher. I’m no…
April 27, 2022
Writing for YA
What I Learned BY Entering Writing Contests

Aspiring authors can benefit in many ways by entering writing contests. In this post, I will talk about contests…
March 27, 2022
Writing for YA
Writing a Sequel

Guest Post by YA Author Melody Personette I’ve never been very good at writing sequels. They’ve always given me…
February 27, 2022
Writing for YA
Five Must Have Editing Resources for Writers

Congratulations! You finished your book or fiction piece. You’ve made sure to develop your characters and nailed your GMC.…
January 27, 2022
Writing for YA
Tips for a Successful Zoom Experience

I have a love/hate relationship with Zoom. I love the convenience, and interacting with writers from around the globe…
December 27, 2021
Writing for YA
Three Gifts to Give Yourself Right Now

The gift-giving season is almost upon us! In all the planning for others, don’t forget yourself. I strongly encourage…
November 27, 2021