There were—and are—many stories that inspired me to dive into writing, and specifically writing fantasy. From THE LORD OF THE RINGS to THE WHEEL OF TIME, these are expansive universes filled with heroes and villains, wild magic and desperate battles. But few stories made me feel like writing was an actual thing I could do than the Old Kingdom Series by Garth Nix. I first discovered Garth Nix in high…
[News Flash] March 8, 2021
Greta Kelly spoke to the Functional Nerds podcast this week about her debut novel, THE FROZEN CROWN, available now! MONA AT SEA by Elizabeth Gonzalez James was named one of the Best Beach Reads of the Summer by SheReads! Penguin Random House is doing a giveaway of Lyn Liao Butler’s debut, THE TIGER MOM’S TALE. Click here to enter. Ms. Magazine included WILD WOMEN AND THE BLUES by Denny…
Ray Bradbury is my homeboy
The most formative moment of my childhood, and probably the event that influenced me most as a writer was, ironically, when my parents bought me my own TV when I was 6. And not only did I have my own TV but we had glorious, glorious cable, beamed straight into my bedroom. I watched so much TV when I was a kid that it’s actually amazing my rotted brain didn’t…
My Favorite Books: Recent, Childhood, Generally Unforgettable
Oh, my — you want to talk about favorites? Shall I mention fangirling? Let me tell you, I am the fangirl of all-time. Really. I have traveled across oceans, crossed borders, spent way too much time online, to hang out with some of my favorite screenwriters, actors, and novelists. To this day, I still get the giggles or at least self-conscious when I’m around certain authors who in the early…
[News Flash] March 1, 2021
A DOOR BETWEEN US by Ehsaneh Sadr was included in BookTrib’s list of #ownvoices diverse books from authentic voices. Way to go Ehsaneh! Lyn Liao Butler is doing a giveaway of some GORGEOUS bookmarks featuring the cover of her forthcoming debut, THE TIGER MOM’S TALE. Go to her Instagram page to learn how to enter! THE FROZEN CROWN by Greta Kelly is available as an audiobook! Harper360YA has…
Books I loved as a kid
During this year of being a Deb, I’ve gotten to interview a ton of authors. One thing a lot of folks have in common is being avid readers as kids. And by avid, I mean flashlight-under-the-covers, reading-while-walking and will-read-cereal-boxes-if-nothing-else-is-around sorts of readers. Me too! One of my funniest childhood reading memories is being suddenly startled to realize I was all alone in our school library. I’d become so engrossed in…
Interview with Ellen Birkett Morris, author of LOST GIRLS
This week’s interview is with Ellen Birkett Morris whose debut, LOST GIRLS, explores the experiences of women and girls as they grieve, find love, face uncertainty, take a stand, find their future and say goodbye to the past. Below, Ellen talks about her favorite time of day, books that inspired her as a child, and a few of the amazing prizes she’s won over the years. Enjoy! ABOUT ELLEN Ellen…
[News Flash] February 22, 2021
Lyn Liao Butler’s agent, Rachel Brooks joined us last week to speak about life on the other side of the query letter. Thanks to Rachel for her great advice! You can read the interview here. And make sure to preorder Lyn’s forthcoming debut, THE TIGER MOM’S TALE! Look out for an upcoming interview with Ellen Birkett Morris this week about her novel, LOST GIRLS. Ellen will be Queen Bee on…
Interview with Lyn’s Agent, Rachel Brooks
Today, we have a very special treat. My wonderful, amazing, fabulous, super-smart and brilliant agent, Rachel Brooks of BookEnds Literary Agency (can you tell how highly I think of her?), has agreed to answer some questions. Ever wonder what an agent is thinking? How they go through their queries and decide who to offer representation to? Rachel is here to give you one agent’s impression of this exciting, yet sometimes…
Back to School: My Favorite Writing Resources
This week’s topic is all about highlighting the resources that helped me along the way to publishing. The websites and podcasts I’ve listed below were (and are) all invaluable sources of information and support in a journey that can often be a lonely one. So saddle up and read on for my favorites: First Draft with Sarah Enni There is so much here to love about Sara Enni’s podcast. She…
