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
Guest Post by YA Author Melissa Knight: Thoughts on AI
Melissa Knight is the author of two series, and a devotional for teens. She writes contemporary novels for teens…
October 27, 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
Fairy Tale Retellings: Interview with YA Author Rachel Kovaciny
Young adult author Rachel Kovaciny recently released her eighth book, A Nobel Companion, a retelling of the ugly duckling…
February 26, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Evaluating Your Writing Year: What Success Looks Like
How do you feel about end-of-year evaluations? Confession time: Shiny new planners excite me, but when we near the…
January 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
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
Interview With YA Author Tabitha Caplinger
Tabitha Caplinger is the author of The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy, The Wolf Queen and, most recently, The…
February 28, 2024 -
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
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
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
