Interview by Shutta Crum

Shutta Crum is the author of a dozen books that range from realistic and fantasy novels for kids, to intricately rhymed picture books, to the nearly-wordless Mine! She's a storyteller with years of experience as a librarian, a popular presenter of programs for kids, and a generous provider of advice to other writers. I'm honored that she has asked me about writing Elena's Story, and that conversation appears on her blog. You'll find lots of other useful stuff on her website and blog--explore!

Kerrytown BookFest Young People's Authors

The Kerrytown BookFest showed off Michigan authors on September 9th.

Jennifer Allison (below, left) author of the Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator series; Amy Huntley (below, center), author of the YA novel The Everafter; Deborah Diesen (below, right), author of picture books including Michigan Reads! selection The Pout-Pout Fish; and Ruth McNally Barshaw, author and artist of the Ellie McDoodle middle-grade illustrated novel series (shown above, in the drawing workshop she also put on for kids) spoke on the topic of writing for young people.

The panel discussed their path to publication and encouraged audience members to study the market, find critique groups to hone their craft, and join the Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. The authors talked about how long it takes to reach publication, and the encouragement and discouragement they found along the way.

The festival, held annually at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, also featured panel discussions on mysteries, baseball, poetry, new voices in women's fiction, and more. There were a storybook corner and activity tent for children; and demonstrations of printing, as well as bookseller and craft booths.

International Literacy Day

September 8 is International Literacy Day, and this year's theme is Literacy and Peace. The International Reading Association promotes reading worldwide. I am honored to be interviewed in conjunction with International Literacy Day on IRA's Teacher to Teacher blog, about my new book Elena's Story, which was inspired by first-generation readers in Guatemala.

Elena's Story Interview

Award-winning author and blogger Nancy I. Sanders interviewed me about the way my new book Elena's Story came together. Her post is here--and find out about her own books, tips for writers, and lots more here.