Join me online on Saturday, January 14th at 1pm EST for a one-hour workshop on characterization: Nice is Not Enough, part of the SCBWI (Canada East) "Digging Deeper" workshop series. Here's the blurb: Nice is Not Enough: Developing Likeable and Unlikeable Characters: What makes us root for a character? How flawed can a protagonist be?… Continue reading Online Character Workshop
A "telling tales" episode about how to build tension in fiction, with stories, excerpts, and prompts. Featuring guest authors Lena Coakley, Sarah Raughley, and Don Cummer. 45 minutes. PG. Check out the Episode 5 webpage for audio, show notes, and author bios.
Featuring guest authors Cary Fagan, Philippa Dowding, Raquel Rivera, Ishta Mercurio, and Kari-Lynn Winters, talking about plotting—how and when they plot, how they feel about tormenting characters with obstacles, and what they recommend to those who want to improve their own plotting. Check out the Episode 4.5 webpage for audio, show notes, and author bios.… Continue reading Author Interviews about Plotting (Episode 4.5)
A couple of cool things have happened this fall with my 2011 teen novel, All Good Children. First, All Good Children is now available in paperback! Orca Book Publishers has produced a gorgeous paperback version of the book. It's blue, it's ominous, it's a keeper. Check it out in their Fall 2016 catalogue: So now… Continue reading All Good Children go to Heaven (or at least to paperback and Booktrack editions)
If you're interested in young adult novels, you should: (a) read Daniel Pinkwater's Young Adult Novel; and (b) join the Goodreads YA Reads for Teachers (and Any Other Adults!) discussion group. I am the group's Guest Author this month, so I'll be talking with discussion group members and visitors about the writing life, my award-winning teen novel, All… Continue reading Goodreads Discussion Group Guest Author
Catherine Austen 