Behind the Book: Magic and Laughter with Debut Author Kristiana Sfirlea

May 28, 2020May 27, 2020 ~ alyssawrote ~ 4 Comments

Debut author Kristiana Sfirlea's humorous and heartfelt middle grade may be the best MG release of 2020.

I Failed my 2019 Writer’s Goals—But I Did So Much Better!

January 3, 2020January 1, 2020 ~ alyssawrote ~ Leave a comment

I failed all my goals, and I'm proud of myself!

Stop Bashing Fantasy: Why YA Fantasy is Essential

July 14, 2019 ~ alyssawrote ~ 5 Comments

If you know me at all, you know that I’m a fantasy nut. I can rattle off title after title I’ve enjoyed in speculative fiction. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Lord of the Rings, The Dark is Rising, Donita K. Paul, Bryan Davis, Artemis Fowl, Redwall, and, most recently, Children of Blood and Bone… the list … Continue reading Stop Bashing Fantasy: Why YA Fantasy is Essential

Twenty-two and Published: Interview with YA Author Hope Bolinger

May 26, 2019 ~ alyssawrote ~ 1 Comment

Some people dream their entire life about becoming a published author. Twenty-two-year-old Hope Bolinger has actually done it. Hope received a contract for her YA novel Blaze during her junior year in college. The book will be coming out June 3, 2019, only a week from now and a few weeks after she walked across … Continue reading Twenty-two and Published: Interview with YA Author Hope Bolinger

9 Things I Wish People Knew About Invisible Illnesses

February 17, 2019February 16, 2019 ~ alyssawrote ~ 1 Comment

“You gonna stay in bed all day?” “When was the last time you went to the gym?” “Slowpoke.” “We’ll only be standing for a few hours.” You wouldn’t say these things to someone who uses a wheelchair, someone who has an obvious disability. So why is it okay to say these things to someone with … Continue reading 9 Things I Wish People Knew About Invisible Illnesses

5 Things that Need to Disappear from YA Forever

February 3, 2019December 23, 2018 ~ alyssawrote ~ 2 Comments

I love young adult fiction, but there are a few aspects that I don't love quite as much.

5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Editors

December 19, 2018 ~ alyssawrote ~ 1 Comment

Do you know and love any editors? What do you give such creatures for Christmas? This editor has a few ideas for you!

5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers

December 19, 2018December 19, 2018 ~ alyssawrote ~ 1 Comment

What sort of gifts should you get a writer for Christmas? Here are some suggestions!

Should You Become a Writer?

December 8, 2018November 30, 2018 ~ alyssawrote ~ Leave a comment

Why do I write? I’ve asked myself that question recently. Making it in writing is hard—some might say well-nigh impossible. Trying to build a platform is excruciating, grasping for those elusive social media followers. Then there’s the strategizing. Who should I submit to? Should I self-publish? (The answer is no, not unless you have no … Continue reading Should You Become a Writer?