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New year, old fear
The Writer
This month on writermag.com
FINDING HOPE THROUGH STORY • A young adult novelist uncovers the truth she never meant to write.
BOOKISH
WRITING PROMPT
Magic Touch • Children’s books have delighted adults for centuries, but no author in recent memory has so charmed readers of all ages like J.K. Rowling and her beloved Harry Potter series. Although the last installment was published back in 2007, her books continue to find new fans across generations today.
Choose your own narrator • When should an author write in the second person?
The survivor: An interview with Pat Jordan • The legendary magazine writer and A False Spring author has written for himself since 1970 – and he’s having more fun than ever.
The importance of sensitivity readers • Are you writing kidlit outside of a lived experience? Here’s why hiring an expert to read your manuscript is essential.
BACK TO THE FUTURE • YA AUTHOR MARIE LU RETURNS TO THE FUTURISTIC DYSTOPIA THAT LANDED HER ON THE BESTSELLER LIST – AND DIGS THROUGH THE PAST FOR TOMORROW’S STORIES.
Dream team • Collaborations help kidlit authors find new readers, bust creative blocks, better their craft, and increase accountability – plus snag a paycheck for spending time with a fellow writer. What’s not to love?
EASY AS 123 • How to structure your picture books for success.
THE IN-BETWEENERS • BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN MIDDLE GRADE AND YA.
WHICH AUDIENCE AM I WRITING FOR? • AN EASY AND OFT-DEBATED SYSTEM FOR YA, MG, & INB.
REKINDLE THE FLAME • Ah, writing prompts – the forgotten fire starter for your writing practice. Spark blank pages into endless possibilities with these eight creativity-boosting exercises.
Taming the SquirRel • BANISH DISTRACTIONS AND INCREASE WRITING PRODUCTIVITY WITH THESE FOCUS-BOOSTING TIPS.
ARE SHORT SESSIONS BETTER?
Your Teen for Parents • This modern parenting magazine welcomes compelling stories from adults and teens alike.
Big Sur Children’s Writing Workshop • Need a boot camp for kidlit authors? Look no further than this bicoastal conference.
MARKETS
Gloria Chao
EXCERPT