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-
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Writing for YA
Naming the Book Baby: How to Create a Compelling Title
My books rarely keep their working titles. This may be because the title wasn’t that great to start with,…
May 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 -
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
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
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
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 -
Writing for YA
Using Kindle Vella: Interview with Historical YA Author Stephanie Daniels
Amazon launched Vella this past month! Kindle Vella story episodes can be read in the Kindle for iOS app…
September 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Interview with Olivia Smit: Reading Advice for YA Authors
Young Adult author Olivia Smit just released her newest contemporary, Hearing Lies. She’s also is in my crit group,…
August 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First Novel: Ten Mistakes Not to Make
There’s no one right way to write a novel, but there are plenty of wrong ways! Here’s a few…
July 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Before Narrating a Novel: Audiobook Production Tips from Tara. K. Ross
Audiobooks are gaining popularity. I have always loved audiobooks and am a bit picky when it comes to narrators.…
June 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Avoiding Preachy Prose
Much young adult fiction today deals with contemporary issues and is a reflection of the times. Authors have important…
May 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First Novel: Creating Characters
In past blog posts, I’ve written about choosing a genre, story premise, and GMC. A key element of any…
April 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First (or Second) Novel: Story Premise & GMC
I love new, fresh story ideas. When I first started writing stories, I would attempt to capture a thought…
March 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Story retellings: Interview with A. K. Pittman
Allison Pittman, writing as A. K. Pitman, has a brand new book out, and it’s a YA P &…
February 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Writing a First Novel: Choosing A Genre
Want to write a novel, but aren’t sure what genre to pick? Write What You Love That’s a good…
January 27, 2021 -
Writing for YA
Talking About Writing and Contests with 2020 First Impressions YA Finalist Annette Griffin
The First Impressions Contest is held every year by ACFW. This year, Annette Griffin made it to finalists’ list…
December 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
All About Writing Mentors: Q & A with Lisa Samson
Guys, I have been a huge Lisa Samson fan since forever. In fact, I distinctly remember reading the Christy…
November 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
Writers Gotta Read: Where to Find Book Recs and A Short List of Suggested Reading for YA Authors
I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have…
September 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
Building a Compelling Fantasy World: Q & A with YA Author Amy C. Blake
It’s not always easy creating a whole world from scratch. Amy C. Blake agreed to give a few words…
August 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
Feeling Blocked? Five Tips to Help
I’ve never liked the term writer’s block and prefer to call it writer’s exhaustion, but it means the same…
July 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
Write Anyway
There will be days when writing is hard. When your eyes burn and your back hurts. You will scrape…
June 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
Writing Diverse Mental Health Themes in YA Fiction
If you’ve queried in the past five years, you’re familiar with the plea for diverse books. Publishers and readers…
May 27, 2020 -
Writing for YA
Researching and Authenticity in Fiction: Interview with YA Author Felicia Bridges
I’ve always loved books about far flung places. It’s a wonderful way to expand horizons. I decided to talk…
March 27, 2020
