Author Cynthia Leitich Smith’s ON A WING AND A TEAR (Heartdrum/HarperKids, 2024) is a new middle grade novel full of heart, adventure and friendship. I interviewed Cynthia and her editor Rosemary Brosnan about the Heartdrum imprint and their long-term author-editor relationship.
Peek: (Cynthia on tips for working with an editor) “…prioritize transparency and clear communication. Be candid about your workflow and deadlines.”
Read the entire interview on Cynsations.
Author Interview: Tameka Fryer Brown on Telling the Truth & That Flag from Cynsations. Peek: “If we truly want to create a world without bigotry, we must be intentional about planting seeds of empathy, equity, and justice in kids’ hearts as early as possible. The longer we wait to start combating the influence of white supremacy on the next generation of leaders and decision makers, the harder it will be to effect lasting change.”
Author Conversation: Angeline Boulley talks with Cynthia Leitich Smith from Cynsations. Peek: “With Warrior Girl, Unearthed, I became a person who plots. I have a twenty-page Excel spreadsheet outlines my book. It took one year to write. But the characters still surprised me and took me places I didn’t expect. I believe in listening to the idea that won’t let go of you.”
New Voices: Doan Phuong Nguyen & Patricia Tanumihardja Share Inspirations & Publishing Journeys from Cynsations. Peek: “Writing for children allows me to express my silly self in all its glory and have fun while doing it.”
Author Interview: Darshana Khiani on Finding a Structure to Tell Your Story from Cynsations. Peek: “I received an insightful critique during WriteOnCon which helped me showcase the heart of the story which is “If America is your home and you believe in the ideals/values of this country then you are American, regardless of color, ethnicity, or even citizenship.”
