Coming up: Writing “Spooky” Stories for Younger Readers (Middle Grade/Young Adult) Seminar

I’m looking forward to taking this seminar, Writing “Spooky” Stories for Younger Readers, on Feb. 27th, 2023. It’s by the awesome Jennifer Brody through the Horror Writer’s Association. I’ve signed up and am looking forward to attending. It fully online too. Here’s the HWA’s blurb on this exciting seminar.

HWA has wonderful classes on writing scary stories for all ages

HWA recognizes the value of horror literature for all ages, but writing for younger readers has several craft tools that differ slightly from writing adult/mature horror. Middle Grade and YA literature are one of the fastest growing areas for publishing—and kids love spooky stories. There’s a reason that RL Stine’s Goosebumps is one of the bestselling book series of all time. These books are considered especially great for reaching reluctant readers and reading regardless of genre; studies show that it’s one of the best things for child development. This workshop will contain craft talks and tips for writing horror for younger readers, followed by in-class writing exercises to practice capturing voice and tone—and draft a scare sequence. By the end of the workshop, participants should have all the basic components and craft tools to write their own story or novel opening targeted at younger readers.

Here’s the link if you want to learn more.

SLJ teenLive! Virtual Conference

I went to this wonderful free conference, of publishers and artists who were an amazing group of people. It was such a surprise as I found out about it last minute. The School Library Journal conference, SLJteenLive! focused on diverse books and the authors that create them.

I’m particularly interested in graphic novels. Publishers such as Oni Press, Random House Children’s Books, Macmillian Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Young Readers (YA), Clarion Books, and Bloomsbury Children’s Books participated. Plenty of established authors as well as new writers. To say the least, I am excited to see all the new and diverse choices out there for YA and middle grade including comics, horror, and thrillers. Videos of the conference talks are available for 3 months according to the organizers.

Second Place in HWA’s Cookbook Competition

Lu Kondor placed second (tie) in the The 2021 Horror Writers Association Cookbook Competition for Dirty Witches’ Fingers with Dragon Eyeball Dip. The HWA Cookbook will contain recipes from previous winners and runners up. It will also include this year’s winners, and Kate Jonez, Omnium Gatherum, has agreed to be the editor. It is an HWA-sponsored publication. Link to announcement and recipe.