For Young Wordslingers to Be! Creating Characters!

Planning Your Story
A Four Square Writing Plan for Youth 2nd through 4th Grade!

May the Fours Be With You!

#Exclusive #Interview and #Giveaway Robin Reardon talks about "Waiting for Walker" out June 23rd!

An Interview with Robin Reardon: What's a straight, cisgender (slightly queer on the inside) female author like you doing writing in the world of GLBTQIA teen fiction?

Author Robin Reardon answers this and other questions about her work and her latest release, Waiting for Walker, which features a gay teen and an intersex teen.

It's my great pleasure to have Robin on my blog today, and she was kind enough to allow me to interview her. Her newest novel, Waiting for Walker, is a wonderful story and I can't recommend it highly enough. So much so, I wrote a foreword for the book. Check out my awesome interview with Robin and don't forget to scroll down and enter the give-away! FIVE lucky people will win an ecopy of Waiting for Walker!

Waiting for Walker is now available for pre-order

at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and GooglePlay

(Print edition available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & IngramSpark.)

Cody: Let's take it from the top. How did you get into writing in this area of fiction?

Robin: Isn't late teens the most intense time of a person's life? I mean, either something is critically important or it's "whatever." Teens know more than their parents and teachers one minute, and the next they feel like total idiots who'll never be able to figure out this thing called Life. And anything can change with no more than a second's warning.

So I wanted to write for teens, and GLBTQIA teens are under-represented. And misunderstood. I want to support them by writing. If my writing makes even one young person feel better about him, her, or theirself, then I have done a good thing. And I write about boys because—well, because I know what it feels like to want a man. See? Even adults can be a little queer on their gender identity.

Laura Mizvaria's Young Writers' Treehouse - a Great Resource for Writers of All Ages

Welcome to Young Writers’ Treehouse, a place where young writers can come together to learn from each other, find support, connect with other writers, and share their writing in a safe environment. If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, advice, camaraderie among fellow writers, and a place in which to share your writing with others, this is the blog for you! No matter where you are in your writing journey, whether you’re just starting out and want some pointers on the road, or are previously published and looking for other writers to connect with, we hope you will find something helpful here in our little community.

Young Writers’ Treehouse is run by team of young writers, for young writers. Our team is dedicated to improving their own writing craft, supporting others, and creating a community based on respect and a mutual love of words. Read more about the team members and connect with them individually, HERE.

Str8washing v. Gaywashing in Young Adult and Teen Literature

It’s no secret that Hollywood has a long-standing history of “straightening” depictions of historical figures in film. With the adoption of the Motion Picture Production Code in the U.S. in 1930, it was forbidden to portray “sex perversion” in the movies (film industries in other countries were subjected to similar restrictions). Coincidentally (or not), very few films were made about people known to be gay or bisexual.

How well do you think we do, as authors, in young adult and teen literature today? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Read my article "Str8washing versus Gaywashing" at Divine Magazine! 

And don't forget to check out my newest book, Slaying Isidore's Dragons!

Now available in print and ebook at

Dreamspinner/Harmony Ink Press

Amazon GooglePlay Barnes & Noble OmniLit/ARe Beam-eBooks in Europe

Ingram Books for Libraries and Schools

Slaying Isidore's Dragons Book Tour! I'm over Anna's Lund's today with What's a Prove-Up?

In the world of writing, we can't simply quote the words and phrases of others as we wish. We must prove up who we're quoting and quote them accurately. Even when it comes to Humpty Dumpty. Check it out!

Follow Slaying Isidore’s Dragons’ Book Tour!

Now available in print and ebook at 

Dreamspinner/Harmony Ink Press

Amazon   GooglePlay   Barnes & Noble   OmniLit/ARe   Beam-eBooks in Europe

Ingram Books for Libraries and Schools

Slaying Isidore's Dragons Book Tour! Happy Easter! I'm at Sara Alva's chatting about the Difference between a Writer and an Author!

I'm over at Sara Alva Stories today with

What are the Differences between a Writer and an Author? 

Check it out!

Now available in print and ebook at Dreamspinner/Harmony Ink Press
Amazon   GooglePlay   Barnes & Noble   OmniLit/ARe   Beam-eBooks in Europe

Ingram Books for Libraries and Schools

Follow Slaying Isidore’s Dragons’ Book Tour!

The History of the Book

“The book is one of humanity's most enduring cultural artifacts and treasures. As it evolves, the greatest threat to its future is therefore not from technical advances but from the danger of new generations losing the inclination to read. The ability to read and write is our greatest tool in education, and, apart from the family, the single most important medium existing for the transmission of ideas and the continuance of an evolving human culture. Why should we continue to value, preserve, read, and write books? Simply because of what they represent. Books record our past and progress; contain our experiments, fancies, knowledge, and accumulated wisdom; proclaim our fears and ideas; and champion our ideals, dreams, and hopes for the future. More than any other medium, books carry the heart and soul of our civilisation forward, and keep it accessible. Long live the book!” Read Bruce’s wonderful history of the book here.

Write At Home

WriteAtHome.com is a company dedicated to improving writing skills among middle and high schoolers. We provide a variety of effective, engaging, online tutorial classes.

Our goal for our blog is to support and encourage young writers and teachers of writing and to create an online community where they can rub virtual elbows.

You can help make that happen. If you enjoy the articles and resources we provide, would you consider:

1. Using comments to introduce yourself, ask a question, and, well, comment on posts. We welcome disagreement too. We want honest, helpful conversations here!
2. Sharing and pinning articles you like on Facebook, Pinterest, Stumble Upon, and other social media.
3. Subscribing to our blog via email or by RSS feed.
4. Following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and/or subscribing to our YouTube channel.
5. Spreading the word by emailing your friends, recommending us in online forums, or posting on your social media sites.
6. Linking to our articles and posts on your blog, or social media sites.

We are very grateful for any of these efforts that you are able and willing to make!

A Note from Cody: 

Their Resource Library provides an alphabetized list of previously posted material.

Brian also offers a free guide for teen writers. Learning to write is hard. This ebook makes it easier! The Top Ten Mistakes Teen Writers Make

Change Paragraphs When....

• A new character comes along
• A new event happens
• A new idea is introduced
• The setting changes
• A new person is speaking
• Time moves forward or backward a lot
• The “camera” moves

Go Teen Writers: An Extensive List of Their Most Popular, Helpful Posts

GO TEEN WRITERS

♫ IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BETA (you rebel) ♫

Timmy and I are over at Love Bytes Reviews talking about 

what it is to be a beta reader. Come check it out!

Go Teen Writers - Contests, Encouragement, & a Community for Young Writers!

GO TEEN WRITERS!

This is one of my favorite sites for youth authors. Check it out. Very worthy. 

How Are Your Characters Feeling?

Telling versus Showing in Writing

Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling

Youth Author Lillian McKinnon and her character Cody Barnaby visit my Blog!

Join me in welcoming youth author, Lillian McKinnon, and her character, Cody Barnaby, from her Free Serial Read Kismet!

This is a special two part post for Kismet's Blog Tour. The first portion is a Character Interview of Cody Barnaby, the main character in Kismet. The second portion is an interview of Lillian. For those of you who don't know, she is a mere twelve years of age and has embarked on the daunting task of writing and self-publishing a free story. 

It takes a lot be an author. You must be imaginative, knowledgeable, creative, open-minded, disciplined, determined, and YOU.MUST.BE.BRAVE. You must have the courage to put yourself out there and be strong enough to take criticism, constructive or otherwise.  

Lillian hasn't only entered the arena or professional authorship by publishing Kismet. Kismet is a serial story. You read that right: a serial story. A serial story is one of the most intimidating commitments an author can make. I know, I have one. A serial requires that you publish incremental installments of your story. This requires that you write and edit consistently without supervision or the benefit of beta reading and, above all, produce a good story. It is not an endeavor for the faint of heart, I assure you. On that note, it is my great honor and privilege to have Lillian on my blog today.

Introducing debut author, Michael Chulsky

Please join me in welcoming Michael Chulsky and his debut novel, The Descending Darkness, to my blog. Michael is a true inspiration to young word-slingers to be. He began writing The Descending Darkness at the tender age of sixteen and now, at age twenty-one, is a published author.

 

After going from demon hunter to babysitter, seventeen-year-old SHADOW has truly hit rock bottom. One week he’s slaughtering demons, and the next he has ten super-powered teenagers in his care. Shadow needs them, because without them he can’t hope to defeat his new foe. But he’s never dealt with other teenagers before. He never had a real childhood. He’s always been a loner. Hell, he’s tried the whole having-a-pet thing. It died.

Shadow’s mission: save the world and ensure his entire team survives the potential apocalypse. If MAEDARA, self-proclaimed fashionista and Queen of Evil, wasn’t trying to rule the world, it’d be cake. Now, not only does Shadow have to deal with teens more concerned with going to the mall than fighting evil, but also a villain who, in his opinion, makes Lady Gaga look like Mother Theresa.

Buy:  Rocking Horse Publishing    Amazon    Barnes & Noble

 

I pestered Michael with a few questions and he took the time to answer them.

Cody: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
 

Michael: I’m twenty-one years old. I’m heavily invested in the love lives of fictional characters, I love cheesecake with the fiery hot intensity of a thousand suns, and writing completely dominates my life.

Cody: What inspires your writing?

Michael: Everyday life. I can find inspiration in everything.

Cody: Are you a full time author?

Michael: I am very fortunate to have supportive people in my life who allow me to write full-time. In January, I’ll become a full time student and only be able to write part-time.

Cody: Who is your favorite author?

Michael: I have two. My favorite male author is Lemony Snicket, author of the A Series of Unfortunate Events series. My favorite female author is Laurell K. Hamilton – author of the Anita Blake series.

Cody: How many books have you written so far?

Michael: I have one published novel, The Descending Darkness, and I’ve written about one and a half others.

Cody: Tell us a little about your novel, The Descending Darkness.

Michael: The Descending Darkness is the story of a mysterious guy named Shadow and his attempt to save the world from a psychotic, yet fashionable, female demon. Imagine her as the offspring of The Joker (from batman) and Lady Gaga.

Cody: How long did it take you to complete The Descending Darkness? Did you write it freely or plan everything in advance?

Michael: It took me four years to finish. I knew exactly where I wanted to go with the story in the beginning, though my characters did lead me to a few unexpected places.

Cody: What inspired you to write The Descending Darkness?

Michael: I love all forms of entertainment that have teens with superpowers in them. In our world, most teenagers feel that they’re unimportant and unworthy in society. So when they’re given special powers and abilities, they are transformed and accept that they ARE unique, powerful, and have purpose. I think it’s amazing.

Cody: Who is your favorite character in the novel and why?

Michael: It’s always changing! But I’ll say Maedara. She was just too fun to write. She was also therapeutic to write in that I know quite a few people like her— though, they are not murderers!— who don’t see that their actions have consequences and they end up hurting everyone…and then wonder why people don’t like to be around them. If not Maedara, I’d have to say Cameryn because of what he’s endured, yet he still has the ability to let people into his heart again.

Cody: How much of yourself did you manifest into your favorite character?

Michael: Cameryn: a bit of what happened to him, happened to me. I wasn’t accepted for who I was and it hurt. While he has physical scars to document his abuse, I have emotional ones.

Cody: When someone reads The Descending Darkness, what do you hope they gain from reading it?

Michael: First, I want my readers to understand that it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re capable of extraordinary things, and never forget that. Second, I hope my readers smile. I want nothing more than to make people laugh and enjoy themselves. It is very fulfilling for me to know that if they have gained even an ounce of happiness, (I’m not exactly sure how you would measure happiness. Maybe with a ladle?), then I have written a good story.

Cody: Can you share four things you’ve learned about the business?

Michael: (1) Patience is everything. (2) You can never know enough. (3) You can’t trust everybody, but those you can are amazing. (4) Everyone stresses out.

Cody: What is the most frequently asked question by the fans?

Michael: What is Shadow’s motivation for being the hero he is? I just smile and/or wink. I want people to draw their own conclusions from the hints and writing. To learn exactly what is driving Shadow, stay tuned for the sequel!

Cody: What are you working on now?

Michael: I’m writing TDD2 and working on an adult novel, currently titled Red Rose.

Cody: How do you keep your creative "spark" alive?

Michael: I eat lots and lots of cheesecake.

Cody: What is your suggestion or piece of advice to new and upcoming writers?

Michael: Don’t give up.

Cody: Will you please share your favorite excerpt from The Descending Darkness with us?

Michael: Sure.

Exerpt from The Descending Darkness:

 

Over a hundred miles away, in Kreashe La-Femme, a very expensive shoe store, a woman paced back and forth. She had slightly below waist-length, wild red hair. Her eyes were cold and empty, their color a mix between the sky and a sheet of ice. She pointed at a pair of red high-heeled shoes, her three-inch nails toxic green. “So I totally decided,” she said, “and I’ll take those!”

The salesman, who looked as though he didn’t want to be working, it being early in the morning, walked over to her. He looked the woman up and down, taking in her appearance, and frowned.

“Um, excuse me,” he said, trying not to be rude. “Those shoes are over $6,000.  Are you sure you can afford them?”

The woman laughed. “Uh, duh,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “I saw the tag; I know the price. I wouldn't have picked them out if they weren’t that expensive. If it doesn’t cost almost as much as a car, it doesn’t go on my feet.”

“I see,” he replied. He retrieved a step stool and climbed up to get the shoes in question. “These?” “Yes!” she exclaimed, almost giggling in glee. “Do you have them in my size? It’s nine. I’m a small, delicate flower, you see.”

The man raised an eyebrow. “Of course, you are. Wait one moment,” he said. He left to check the storage room.

“Lady Maedara?” a small creature called, walking up to the woman’s side. It was a demon that looked like some sort of spider. It had tiny red eyes and large fangs. It was also considerably short, barely as tall as a six-year-old child. It was covered in soft black fur.

“What do you want, you idiot?!” Maedara asked sharply, clenching her fists and sucking in her lip. “You know that I love my 'me' time, Mezmir. It’s the only time I get to enjoy myself. And you know I don’t get nearly as much of it as I’d like.”

Mezmir recoiled in fear. “Master, my apologies!” he replied, taking a few steps back. “I only wish to tell you that the Neseptra demon failed to acquire the Dragon’s Eye.”

“What?!” Maedara cried. Her eyes tinted red, and the lights in the room began flickering. “I know you are not doing this to me. No, you’re not, not right now. You are not interrupting my 'me' time and delivering upsetting news, both at the same time… not this particular moment. I can’t even deal with you right now. Tell me, are you suicidal?”

“Please, Master!” Mezmir cried, bowing at her feet. “I didn’t… I…”
“I despise your mother, Mezmir,” she said coldly.

“M-my mother?”

“Yes, Mezmir, your mother. She gave birth to you; therefore, by extension, she is the cause of all my suffering. It’s all her fault, and I just want her dead.”

“Master, my mother is already dead. You killed her yourself, remember?”

Maedara frowned. “Oh, isn’t that just great. You’re motherless, and I’m unhappy. This world sucks.” “Master, don’t upset yourself. I promise, this is only a minor setback. Your plans will not be halted!

“You'd better be right, Mezmir. I’d hate to litter the sidewalk with your insides.” She ran her hands down her long black dress. “Now, stop your blathering and tell me how pretty I am.”

Mezmir blinked. “You’re the most beautiful and gorgeous woman in all the land. The sun rises and sets just for you.”

Maedara smiled. “Oh, Mezmir, you know how much I love your random compliments. They make me feel all tingly inside.”

Follow The Descending Darkness

 

Thursday, 3rd: Author Spotlight [Book Obsessed Chicks]

Friday, 4th: Main Character Q&A [Lavinia Urban]

Saturday, 5th: Let’s Talk: Young Adult Genre [Debbie Kupfer]

Sunday, 6th: Let’s Talk: Novel Setting [Jeni’s Bookshelf]

 

Monday, 7th: Into The Villain’s Mind [A Page Away]

Tuesday, 8th: Random Questions [The Reading Vixens]

Wednesday, 9th: Theme Discussion [The Novel Approach]

Thursday, 10th: Personal Interview 1 & Giveaway [Cody Kennedy]

Friday, 11th: Excerpt 1 & Review [The Page Princess]

Saturday, 12th: Let’s Talk: TDD Composition & Giveaway [Blissful Book Reviews]

Sunday, 13th: Let’s Talk: Writing History & Review [Angela’s Smexy Book Reviews]

Monday, 14th: Guest Post: Earliest Writing Memory [KBMiller Books]

Tuesday, 15th: Why Write TDD? [Short and Sweet Reviews]

Wednesday, 16th: Let’s Talk: Author Inspirations [Rinn Reads]

Thursday, 17th: TDD Dream Cast [Eclipse Reviews]

Friday, 18th: Personal Interview 2 [Charlotte Howard]

Saturday, 19th: Let's Talk: Childhood [Book Infatuation Reviews]

Sunday, 20th: Maedara Interview & Giveaway [A Page Away, Part 2]

Monday, 21st: Let’s Talk: Character Connection & Giveaway [Confessions of the Paranormal]

Tuesday, 22nd: Book Promo [Mrs Leifs]

Wednesday, 23rd: Let’s Talk: Love [Derinda Love]

Thursday, 24th: Characters: They Would/They Wouldn’t [My Seryniti]

Friday, 25th: Author Spotlight [Krystal Clear Book Reviews]

Saturday, 26th: Spotlight & 10 Random Facts About Michael [Jessi Jabbers]

Sunday, 27th: Promo & Personal Interview 3 [Shira Anthony]

Monday, 28th: Ten Facts About TDD [Lexi, Book Bliss]

Tuesday, 29th: Guest Post: Writing The Darkness Away [LovLivLife Reviews]

Wednesday, 30th: Let’s Talk: Toughest Scene [R.K. Ryals]

Thursday, 31st: Character Theme Songs & Halloween Giveaway [Strange Candy Reviews]

About Michael: 

Michael Chulsky grew up in New Jersey and has been writing ever since his fourth grade teacher let him create a class newspaper to channel his creativity. He is the author of The Descending Darkness and currently lives with his fiancé. When not writing he enjoys browsing Tumblr, listening to music, and devouring every piece of cheesecake that falls into his line of sight.

 

Blog    Website    Facebook   Twitter @MichaelChulsky   Goodreads

 

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True Colorz

An awesome new website for GLBTQIA Young Adult Literature. This incredible website features New Releases, Featured Authors with Interviews, a Blog, a Reading List, an Author Directory, Book Reviews, Publishers of GLBTQIA Lit, and Books & Resources related to Bullying. It's a great site! Check it out right here!

Fiction gives us a second chance that life denies us.

                                                            ~Paul Theroux

Antonyms, Homonyms, and Synonyms

Antonyms: Words that mean the opposite of other words.

Love - Hate

Homonyms: Words that sound alike but have different meanings.

See - Sea

Synonyms: Words that share meanings with other words.

Walk - Stroll

Hug - Embrace

Kiss - Peck - Smooch

Disenfranchised youths - Kids without voices

The picture below contains homonyms of "A werewolf."