​​ Today I get to welcome author Karen M. McManus to the blog! Her debut novel, which was released yesterday, has already been racking up rave reviews. Hailed as “flat-out addictive”, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, and PopCrush, have all included One of Us Is Lying on their lists for Best Young Adult Books for May 2017. Hi, Karen! Congrats on the release of your debut, One of Us Is Lying. Can you tell us a little about the story and what inspired it? Thank you! The original inspiration was to give a criminal twist to one of my favorite movies, The Breakfast Club. The story starts with five archetypal teens in detention, then takes a dark turn. One of Us Is Lying blends a lot of narrative elem

It's almost June and EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! The sun is out, flowers are in full bloom, and I'm so excited to share a list of the author interviews that will be posting on meganwritenow.com in the coming weeks! Check out the lineup and get ready to lose yourself in these brilliant Young Adult books. Genres this month include: fantasy, rom-com, and sci-fi, and each author will be answering questions about their books, their process, obstacles they face in writing, as well as actionable #writetips and craft advice. To learn more about specific titles, click on the links below and add them to your Goodreads list now! Monday, June 5 — Sandhya Menon and WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI Monday, June 12 — J

​​ I can't believe I get to say this, but I'm one of the lucky listeners featured in the special 88th EPISODE from 88 Cups of Tea with Yin Chang! This is hands down my favorite podcast and it's an honor to be part of such a milestone episode. Along with listeners: Tia Bearden, Gloria Chao, Tara Turley Creel, Amanda Christie Connolly, Kristy Mauna, Kat Cho, and Alyssa Colman, I share what I'm working on, some of my favorite #writetips, as well as a bit of my personal journey. As for mine, it includes a battle with a deadly (and still-unknown) virus that attacked my brain in 2007. Spoiler: I made it! If you're searching for my interview, it starts at 1:19:08, but please listen to the whole thi

​​ Today is special because I get to welcome author Kayla Olson to the blog! In addition to being one of the nicest people you'll ever come across, Kayla is a talented musician (and she once auditioned for Survivor!). Her debut novel is a YA sci-fi/survival thriller that's already generating a lot of well-deserved buzz. The Sandcastle Empire hits stores on June 6th and was recently optioned for film by Paramount with Leonardo DiCaprio/Appian Way producing. Hi, Kayla! Congrats on your amazing debut, The Sandcastle Empire ! Can you tell us a little about the story and what inspired it? Hi, and thanks so much for having me! The Sandcastle Empire is a YA sci-fi/survival thriller set in the near

​​ Please help me welcome author Emily R. King to the blog! Her debut novel, The Hundredth Queen, is the YA fantasy that should be on everyone's radar. Kirkus Reviews says: “King writes multiple strong female characters, led by Kalinda, who has the loyalty and bravery of spirit to defend her friends even if that means facing death. Strong characterization, deep worldbuilding, page-turning action scenes and intrigue, as well as social commentary, make this book stand out. This outing opens a trilogy; readers will be eager to get their hands on the next installment.” The Hundredth Queen releases June 1, 2017, but it's available free right now for Amazon Prime members as a Kindle First pick for

​​ Today I'd like to welcome author J.C. Welker to the blog! She's best known for writing and producing the documentary short films focusing on homeless Iraq vets and LGBTQ+ issues in the military, which were selected by the North Texas Film Festival and featured on CURRENT TV. Her debut novel, The Wishing Heart was released on May 1, 2017 from Entangled Teen. Hi, J.C.! Congrats on the release of your debut, The Wishing Heart. Can you tell us a little about the story and what inspired it? Thank you for having me. The premise of the story came about quite clearly, of a girl looking for love and healing through stories and magic. It is, in many ways a reflection and metaphor of some of my own

I was tagged by my fantastic critique partner, Kim Chance, to participate in #VoicesofYA! Created by writer, Caitlin Lambert, this challenge consists of ten questions that focus on writers, writing, and YA literature. Check out my answers below and let me know what you think. PART ONE: ABOUT THE WRITERS What draws you to YA? OK, I’m going to let you in on a terrible little secret… when I was an actual young adult, YA novels weren’t even a thing. Yup. No YA books for me for the ENTIRETY OF MY YOUNG ADULT LIFE. I KNOW!!! It's a little unbelievable to think that was the case, but when it comes to books and my childhood, there was basically middle grade and then the big ol' leap into adult, whic

​​Some truly fantastic author interviews are in the works for May 2017! See the lineup below and get ready to dive into these amazing Young Adult debuts. Click on the titles below to learn more and to add these books to your Goodreads list now! Thursday, May 18 — J.C. Welker and THE WISHING HEART Monday, May 22 — Emily R. King and THE HUNDREDTH QUEEN Friday, May 26 — Kayla Olson and THE SANDCASTLE EMPIRE Wednesday, May 31 — Karen M. McManus and ONE OF IS IS LYING ​​I hope you're as excited for these interviews as I am! These authors are all up-and-comers and they'll be answering questions about their books, their process, obstacles they face in writing, as well as actionable #writetip

​​Yeay! It's May! And that means there's a whole new crop of YA books making their way to the surface just like​ all those pretty spring flowers! Here are a few of my top picks to check out this month. Be sure to add them to your 'want to read' list on Goodreads by clicking the buttons below. Or better, yet, put in an order or pre-order now! -------------- The Wishing Heart---------------- by J.C. Welker Releases: May 1, 2017 The 411: A world where myths come true, and love creates its own magic. What's the story: With a book in her bag and a switchblade in her pocket, Rebel's been thieving her way through life while hoping for a cure to fix her ailing heart. But when the bejeweled vase she