This semester, I’m taking Advanced Children’s Lit (referred to here as ACL). As part of my Creative Project, I’ve decided to post the first five chapters of A Royale Pain, Book One in my Draven Atreides, Teenage Informant series on my author blog:

A day at the spa can be a “royale” pain.

Sixteen-year-old Draven Atreides has just started a new gig as an FBI informant. Her To Do…

By Jane Friedman, Strategic Director of Writer’s Digest

12 things that matter to agents and editors when being pitched by writers.



EMOTION

The No. 1 thing that sells books is word of mouth, which is driven by the emotional power of the book. Editors look for that emotional element in a pitch: "What reason I would want to tell five or more people about this book? Would I be emotionally involved with…

Here is an excerpt from an awesome article by Amber Forbes, YALITCHAT's editorial intern and self-proclaimed Goth princess regarding the gothic influence on paranormal YA.

Despite all those crazy stereotypes out there about us, I don't wear white face make-up, I don't feel repressed by society, I'm not angry, I'm not hateful, and I most certainly don't self-injure or try to frighten people. I also don't always wear all black. I am a minimalist in all aspects of my life, including…

The revision process for Book 2 hasn't been too bad. I had to write a revision outline for my CWII class and I'm not used to doing those. I'm a pantser by nature and tend to have an "Well, let's see what happens" type of attitude. I have to admit that I had help with the outline. A friend and co-worker who's familiar with the series helped me crank out an outline. I have some guidance now, so it's a little easier to write.

Last week I hand wrote 22 pages. The rest was…

So, from time to time, I need to take stock and reevaluate my destination and plans for getting there.

Once again, I’m doing a cleanse. In the hypothetical sense. READ MORE

If you're not making it to LA for the Summer Conference, then be sure to check out the blog for pre and post-conference interviews and information. We'll be checking in with reports from YALITCHAT members and posting news here! Also, do check the blog and twitter for important tidbits and info from the conference. If you haven't yet joined SCBWI, you can…

The New York Times weighs in on the effectiveness of book trailers. Just check out the many trailers in our Video section and you'll see all kinds--even ones for books by members who've yet to secure book deals! We also have a…

Agent Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary has put together an awesome blog post on when a writer can expect to be paid upon signing a contract for writing and or collaborating.

Don asked, “In light of your recent post on income, I’m not clear as…

Many of you know Colleen Lindsay as the outspoken and talented literary agent from Fineprint Literary Management. She is also a great colleague and active member of YALITCHAT. She has a great post on her blog I thought you should read (with links out to many related posts).

Posted June 27, 2009

Last week I started conversations on Twitter about two different topics related to the…

Road Trip Wednesday is a “Blog Carnival”, where YA Highway‘s contributors post a weekly writing or reading-related question and answer it in on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get

everybody’s unique take on the topic.

You’re more than welcome to participate! Just answer the question on your own blog, and leave a link to…

Started the revising process for Book 2 for my CWII class yesterday.

4 pages.

May not seem like a lot to some, but my goal is to write at least a page. Per my syllabus, I need the 1st 30 done by the 22nd. Hope I have another good day today.

Wanna know more about me? Well here you go: LM's Blog

My interview with LM Preston. =)