June

The Book Nook — June Edition

It’s the first Sunday after the first Tuesday of the month, which can only mean it’s time for another edition of the Book Nook! We’ve made it to June and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy dropping into your feeds each month to share a new list of books. I was very fortunate… Read more »

Stacey Parkins Millett

Enduring Stories Steeped in Race

In these times I hope authors continue crafting children’s and young adult books on sensitive subjects such as race. Compelling stories can penetrate young minds with staying powers that endure long beyond that first read. Early exposure to lives that differ from or connect to blossoming readers can shape their future attitudes and actions. I… Read more »

The Unsavory Side of Authenticity

In my previous article, we took a look at the world-building aspect of writing historical fiction and our responsibility, as writers, to represent the past faithfully. As we strive for authenticity, however, it’s inevitable that we’ll come face to face with some things that might be considered quite unsavory within the context of today’s norms…. Read more »

senses

Feed Your Senses for a Bounty of Creativity

In this time of Zoom, many creators have found it difficult to compose anything. Authors have said the lack of external stimulation has made it difficult to engage with the creative process. Writers find inspiration from the world around them, whether it’s a snippet of overhead conversation, a waft of a particular scent that brings… Read more »

retelling

#5onFri: Five Tips to Ace the Art of Retelling

A hot trend in publishing right now is retelling. From the poetry of stars to the chords of the dreamland, even in the echo of tales once told, inspiration is everywhere. Whatever inky thoughts decorate the several hundred pages is a unique journey of fresh perspective. But sometimes a pair of novel glasses are put… Read more »

villain

Writing a Villian You Love

A good friend once asked me who my favorite literary character was and why. I immediately responded with Mary Katherine (Merricat) Blackwood from We Have Always Lived in the Castle. As I described Merricat—destructive, chaotic, manipulative—my friend interrupted to ask why I liked her. Clearly someone with so many negative qualities was the villain of… Read more »

Line Breaks

The Poet’s Toolbox: Line Breaks

Hi, writers! I am so excited to debut my new column focusing on the craft of poetry. Let’s dive right in! Line breaks were one of the biggest challenges I faced when I first started writing poetry—knowing when to break a line, when to use short lines vs. long lines, and, perhaps most importantly, the… Read more »