Well, I am a little late, but I just found a great campaign called Sparkfest, which encourages writers to blog about the inspiration behind their writing. I am currently working on a few picture book manuscripts as well as a YA novel manuscript. The inspiration behind my picture books is actually a teacher I had in a writing for children’s course. She did an amazing job of teaching me the ropes of the children’s writing field and sharing some of the best picture books ever written. She also shared her experiences as a children’s writer and showed me that publication is possible.
The inspiration behind my YA writing is more diverse. I’ve always enjoyed books that are edgy and a bit dark. I want to read about events that are worse than what I am experiencing. Some of my favorite YA book are Speak, Monster, Ask Alice, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, and Kinda Like a Rockstar. Okay, and I also love Twilight.
I’d love to hear what your favorite picture books and YA books are. Please leave comments!
April's Words 
Comments on: "Sparkfest" (6)
I’ve recently been reading everything from Linda Ashman that I can get my hands on. She is a master of rhyme (an instructor at a recent PB retreat) and an all around wonderful person. I love, love the Starry Safari book.
Thanks Stacy. I will have to check her out. I love hearing about great books!
Recently I finished some great YA books by Kiersten White and Jennifer Jabaley
Those are all great novels. I remember having to read Go Ask Alice in 9th grade. I felt very grateful for my life and wonderful parents and own inner strength to avoid peer pressure after reading that.
Stay safe this weekend!
I really want to read Speak, but I haven’t yet. I’ve read a number of reviews on it and it looks fantastic.
Thank you so much for participating and sharing some of your own sparks!
I love Speak. You should read it 🙂