As we close in on another year, I can't help but reflect on some of the great successes and sad losses. From the release of highly anticipated YA movies like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire end Ender's Game and novels like Jacqueline Garlick's Lumiere to the recent passing of acclaimed author Ned Vizzini. 2013 was definitely a year of change.
Here are some of the highlights, check it out!
New Blogs:
Here are two new blogs that are sure to tickle your YA fancy!
Write On Sisters
This blog features a perfect mix of perspectives. From a television writer to a historian to a teacher and an agent/editor, you're sure to get just the right dose of insightful learnings and entertaining tidbits.
YA Series Insiders
What's more exciting than having released your first book in 2013? Releasing the first in a series in 2014! This new blog features authors who all have lead YA series starting in 2014. Want to be in the know or win fabulous prize packs? This blog has it all.
New Books:
Speaking of new books, there are simply way too many coming out in 2014 (see YA Series Insiders to name just a few!).
Epic Reads had done the dirty work for us and highlighted 15 of the most anticipated YA Books to be published in January 2014 alone!
I for one can't wait for Veronica Rossi's Into the Still Blue or Ransom Rigg's Hollow City.
Upcoming New Movies:
2013 has seen its fair share of YA adaptations and 2014 looks to be no different. Here are four that I know will be on your "Must See Movie" list.
Divergent, Veronica Roth
The Fault in Our Stars, John Green (which has already garnered some criticism from it's poster tagline).
The Maze Runner, James Dashner's
If I Stay, Gayle Forman
Happy Holidays Everyone!
We're midway through nanowrimo and while I've decided not to participate this year (it's been quite an epic first half of the month personally for me so far!), I'm sitting on the sidelines with pom-poms in hand, cheering on my fellow writers brave enough to follow through with this tough assignment. Go team, go!
As we make our way to the end of the year, many things slow down. Cold weather, holidays and the abundance of turkey and gravy are just a few hurdles that stand in our way. It's easy to make excuses, to put gift shopping in front of writing (who wants to be that guy who brought the box of convenience store chocolates to Christmas) but for some, this is the time when things really pick up. It's the pre-holiday season and books need to be out there to be bought, gifted and read. Timing is everything.
Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to witness first hand a few close friends and their foray into the indie scene. Self publishing is not just about uploading your manuscript online and praying for fame and fortune. It's about discipline, marketing and making sure you surround yourself with the right team. Author Allison Winn Scotch provides some fantastic insight into her journey into self pub and if you're thinking of moving in that direction, her article on Writer Unboxed is a must read.
But what if you're not at the stage where you have a final manuscript ready for the masses? What if you're only at the beginning of your story when the log line is still something that causes you great anxiety? Not to worry, take a deep breath. There's no rush to make the black Friday deadline. Heather Jackson of Write On Sisters just posted a great article on the importance of theme. Grab a coffee and have a read, then sit back and take some well deserved time to think of what the theme(s) of your manuscript are. It may feel like a lot of time just "sitting" but trust me, it'll save a lot of valuable time when it comes to "writing".
Finally, what's the holiday season without holiday blockbusters and with the recently released Ender's Game and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire coming out this Friday, what better excuse is there to put down the pen (I promise, it won't hurt), relax the brain and enjoy some eye candy for a few hours? Still hungering for more YA blockbusters? Simon Reynolds of Digital Spy talks about how YA Lit is Reshaping the Hollywood Blockbuster and highlights four highly anticipated eagerly anticipated YA adaptations.
Happy Thanksgiving to my American compadres!
This blog features a perfect mix of perspectives. From a television writer to a historian to a teacher and an agent/editor, you're sure to get just the right dose of insightful learnings and entertaining tidbits. 
Upcoming New Movies:
