As our summer reading series continues, we’ve been focusing on books, but there’s nothing wrong with sneaking in some blog reading, too! Whenever I have a few minutes, I like to check out a few of my favorite blogs to keep updated on publishing news, books on trend, and writing craft.
Here are my top five blogs for summer reading:
Go Teen Writers: While Go Teen Writers is an encouraging writing community for teens, they are welcoming to writers of all ages. One of the best features is their insightful posts on writing craft and advice for living the (difficult) writer’s life—I always feel like I come away feeling inspired. The Go Teen Writers team also produces a live video from time to time where they critique work or answer questions, which helps you get to know them beyond their posts.
Writing and Illustrating: Focusing equally on writers and illustrators, Kathy Temean’s Writing and Illustrating blog is a great resource if you’re committed to enter the publishing field. Not only is Kathy Temean a former Illustration Coordinator for SCBWI NJ (our friends just over the Delaware), but her blog is full of posts about new agents seeking clients, interviews with editors and agents, book giveaways, and contests. Another great feature is Illustrator Saturday, where a working illustrator shows their portfolio, shares craft advice, and answers questions about their background and how they got started in the business. I can’t recommend this site enough for illustrators, but also for writers seeking an agent.
InkyGirl: For children’s book writers and illustrators, Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s InkyGirl blog is a fun place to get inspired. The focus is on reading, writing, and illustrating children’s books—but the real star of the site is Ms. Ohi’s comics about being a writer/illustrator. You’ll find yourself nodding your head and laughing at her illustrated frustrations of being a writer/illustrator.
The B&N Teen Blog: The Barnes & Noble blog for young adult readers has some great features. Besides the interviews and lists, they also have guest posts by your favorite authors and a monthly “YA Open Mic” series, where YA authors share personal stories (and sometimes photos) on topics of their choice, providing their loyal readers with a glimpse into who they are beyond their author bio. If you need a site that focuses on new releases and really highlights the authors behind the page, this should be your go-to site.
Adventures in YA Publishing: With this one, I’m a little biased because I’m a contributor, but they also host a wealth of great content, including a weekly list of new releases and giveaways, a ton of author interviews, writing craft articles, and my weekly round-up of links for YA writers, including publishing trend info, contests, and new agent alerts. This site combines YA books with YA news and writing craft, so you get a bit of everything you need.
As you enjoy your summer reading, I hope you’ll check out these sites and discover some new books for your TBR list or an article that inspires you.
What sites do visit the most (besides Eastern Penn Points!)?
EasternPennPoints 