I spent today in Chicago judging at the annual Young Chicago writers competition, that includes poetry, fiction and instructional stories by kids from first grade through 8th. I am amazed at the quality of some of the writing there. My very first read – a book of poetry of all things (I am not usually […]
Young Chicago Authors are GREAT writers Read More »
Yesterday was my day for stardom. I was a guest on the Laura Dion-Jones Radio Show, WRMN 1410 AM broadcasting from Elgin, Illinois. (Someday I will have to put a radio program in one of my books). Naturally I alerted all my friends in the area – both of them (haha) – so they would listen in
My Fifteen Minutes of Fame Read More »
That\’s what I\’m blogging about today on Romancing the Genre\’s. No, it\’s not what you think, but yes, I hope you will enjoy reading about Young Adults and what it takes to write for them, so come over. Added bonus, you get a chance to win a huge blog launch package of prizes. Like PULL
Do you remember your first time? Read More »
Today I\’m in Baltimore Maryland at the dazzling Romance Slam Jam conference. This conference of African American romance writers included workshops on Creating Memorable Characters by Marilyn Tyner, and Sexy Banter from the awesome writer Gwyneth Bolton, and What\’s the Hype about Romance from Denise Jeffries. I also spent time on a panel talking about my
Romance Slam Jam Conference Read More »
This idea has knocked around for a few years now, a seperate classification for books aimed at the 18-20 something reader. Many YA authors would like to move beyond high school and set their stories with protagonists in college, or just entering the work force – or still living in Mom and Dad\’s basement after
New Adult classification for books Read More »
In honor of National Library Week I did a bunch of school and library visits last week. I\’m finding these visits a blast, and loving the witty repartee with the students. At least I was, until I walked into an 8th grade class. These kids are different. They stare at you. Even the second graders I
Eighth grade school visits Read More »
On Friday I spent a day with members of the Service Over Self (S.O.S) students from John Hersey High School. This group of students reaches out to members of the community. I participated in the Senior Olympics with some of them last year for a day of inter-generational fun that included games like pool, Wii bowling,
High Schoolers don\’t get all the fun Read More »
Not long ago one of the writers email loops I belong to had a discussion on pseudonyms. I prepared to chime in and say anyone can find you if they really want to, when I received proof of that statement. A letter addressed to B. A. Binns arrived in my home mailbox. The reason that
If they want you, they will find you Read More »
I visited with Langston Hughes Elementary school on Chicago\’s south side yesterday. I spent the d ay there, speaking with 2nd, 4th, 5th and 8th grade classes. Talk about the need to be versatile! What works for one group leaves the other yawning, so I had to be able to change on a dime as I kept
A visit to the Chicago Public Schools Read More »
Several fellow authors have told me not to read my book\’s reviews, but I can\’t help myself. And frankly, most of them are favorable, so it\’s usually a boost. But by reading them I have discovered an interesting trend in the difference between the way adults and kids view the book and its realistic deptition
Sometimes kids just get it better than adults do Read More »