Writing for YA
Getting Unstuck: Finding Inspiration in the Classics
It happens to us all at one time or another. Words won’t come and dread of facing the blank…
February 26, 2026-
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Writing for YA
Lessons Learned to Last All Year
January arrives full of possibility, and the fresh, new year tinges the air with energy and hope. This always…
January 27, 2026 -
Writing for YA
When (and What) to Quit
The season for evaluating and organizing our lives and our work is upon us, but the idea of filling…
December 29, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Seven Ways Young Adult Novels Miss the Mark (and How to Fix Them)
Do you struggle to create a teen protagonist that resonates with young adult readers? Is something off in the…
August 27, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Interview with YA Author Miriam Thor Part Two: Writing YA Contemporary
Today’s post is part two of my interview with Miriam Thor, author of the contemporary young adult novel Listening…
July 27, 2025 -
Writing for YA
My Road to Published: Queries, Going Indie, and the Carol Awards
It’s finally here. My contemporary young adult novel, Promise Me Tomorrow, released earlier this month. It’s been a long…
June 27, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Interview with YA Author Miriam Thor Part One: Writing About a Character with Hearing Loss
I’m talking today with Miriam Thor, author of the contemporary young adult novel Listening to the Rain. DJS: Why…
May 27, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Becoming a Productive Writer Interview with YA Author Melody Personette
I’ve been following YA author Melody Personette for a while, and admire her tenacity and ability to keep producing.…
March 28, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Jumpstart Evocative Writing During the Holidays
Does your prose suffer from overly mechanical writing? Your story gets there, but the scenery is somewhat bland? Or…
October 27, 2024 -
Writing for YA
Tips for the Spotlight Shy Author: Written INterviews
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a huge fan of the spotlight. I’m completely comfortable speaking in…
September 28, 2024 -
Writing for YA
Avoiding Burnout: Interview with YA Author Gillian Bronte Adams
Burnout. It’s a consequence of producing books that authors don’t always consider. Today’s authors must juggle multiple roles, and…
August 27, 2024 -
Uncategorized, Writing for YA
Setting the Stage for Historical YA
It can be tricky to grab a reader and plunge them into a different world, and even more so…
July 27, 2024 -
Writing for YA
Audiobook Production for Indies: Interview with YA Author Rachel Kovaciny
When I heard that Rachel Kovanciny recently worked with One Audiobooks to produce her guide: Explore Charlotte Bronte’s classic…
June 27, 2024 -
Writing for YA
Interview with Contemporary YA Author Michelle Dykman
Young adult author Michelle Dykman isn’t afraid to tackle tough subject in her young adult novels. Her three book…
April 27, 2024 -
Writing for YA
Planning a Novel Series: Interview with YA Fantasy Author V. Romas Burton
V. Romas Burton is the author of two fantasy series, Heartmaker and The Legacy Chapters. Her latest release, Justified,…
March 27, 2024 -
Writing for YA
Tell Me Again, Why Do We do This Writing Thing?
My thoughts are still marinating on the past year. I’m ticking off half-done accomplishments and not-so-successful projects. This type…
January 27, 2024 -
Uncategorized, Writing for YA
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
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
