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It sure is a difficult task, trying to figure out who you are, and not just on the surface level, but really as a person. What do you want to be in life? What do you want to leave behind? Who is your role model? These are all important questions that one must answer as they embark on the path of figuring out who it is that they are, and what it is that one will do in their beautiful life that they can only live once.
One of the best ways to understand your perspective is by exploring different styles of writing and understanding what fits best with you. As you read and explore, take note of what it is that sticks with you, and what it is that motivates you. Then you must experiment with different writing techniques and see what really expresses who you are as a person, as you want this to be very authentic and original. Don’t be afraid to be different, as oftentimes the best authors are those who step outside the normal and into the abnormal. If it is really difficult for you to find your voice, start by imitating the voice of the authors that you admire, one will surely stick with you then, and you can then flourish from that starting point. Feedback is also of great importance, once you think that your writing is set, make sure that you get multiple perspectives on your work, so that you can make sure that your work really is the best. Don’t be disappointed when you receive constructive criticism and at the same time don’t immediately listen to others' ideas. Take the perspectives in, and then make the final decision yourself, as you know your writing, and you know what will truly be beneficial. Now without further thinking, go out there and figure out who you are, because I am sure that you will be the next great success in the literary world. This blog post was written by Isha Popat.
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Building a personal brand as a writer is essential, especially for those who are aiming to stand out in today’s competitive literary environment. And the author's brand goes beyond just writing good stories. It is about creating a memorable, authentic persona that resonates with readers. Every writer has a unique voice which is reflected by their own personal life experiences. Identifying what it is that makes YOU unique is key to finding your own voice. Writers should only consider writing on topics which create a drive in them, and a passion for more. Selecting a topic that one thinks that others will like reading about, destroys their own ability to flourish as a creative writer. You must only write about what sparks a passion inside you, and that is something that only you can find on your own. Having a distinctive and creative writing style makes it easy for readers to recognize and connect with your work.
You must identify who your target audience is. This helps you figure out how to develop your ideas and how to present it all to the media. You must also know who it is that you are marketing to, especially in this industry where marketing will play a key role in your success. This is why you must, regardless of your beliefs, develop a professional online presence, introducing yourself to the web. This is where readers and publishers can get in touch with you and can help jumpstart your career. You must keep in mind that it is of great importance that you engage authentically with your followers and not in a simple way that you have seen constantly online. Now although this all seems to be very intimidating and might deter you from continuing your journey, just keep in mind that this IS your passion and that you must work through difficulties to reach your goal. It is all about the journey, and the way you come out of difficult situations, that will make you the great author that you are meant to be. This blog post was written by Isha Popat. Themes of mental health struggles are becoming more common in young adult novels as of recently, and having these themes is incredibly important for these books to have. It seems that lots of young adults have struggles with their mental health, but it is uncommon for them to be talked about. Having these themes in the literature that these young adults read is important for them to be seen and represented.
When I first started reading young adult books, they all seemed the same. They all had similar storylines, and they all seemed to avoid certain topics. As a nonbinary disabled person, I didn’t have any sort of representation in the books I was reading. Of course, that didn’t stop me from reading any book I could get my hands on, but I didn’t realize what I was missing. Once authors started incorporating mental health into their books, I started wanting more. And more. And more. I saw myself in those books, I saw myself in those characters. I realized that what I was feeling was normal, and I wasn’t the only one in the world feeling that way. It changed my life for the better. I pushed myself more, I made new friends, I went to therapy. All because of one book with mental health representation. Imagine what could’ve happened if it became more common sooner. Everyday I go onto social media and see stories of people reading books and finding new aspects of themselves. For good or for bad, for better or for worse. I feel so good inside, knowing that authors put themselves into characters to help people find themselves. I hope that one day I can make an impact like that. Literature with Mental Health Representation: Wash Day Diaries (Depression) by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith Before I Let Go (Depression) by Kennedy Ryan White Smoke (Anxiety) by Tiffany D. Jackson Ace of Spades (Anxiety) by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Tiny Pretty Things (Eating Disorder) by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra Last Summer (Anxiety, Depression) by Lily Grace Every Last Word (Mental Disorders, Anxiety, Depression) by Tamara Ireland Stone This blog post was written by Hannah Phillips. Hey, book lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself browsing your local library or bookstore, overwhelmed by the sheer number of titles, you’re not alone. With so many options available, picking your next read can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. That's where literary awards come in. They shine a spotlight on exceptional books, guiding curious readers like you toward captivating stories that deserve your attention. Let’s dive into the world of literary awards and explore why they matter to teens!
What Are Literary Awards? Simply put, literary awards honor books that stand out in terms of quality, creativity, and impact. They celebrate authors and their work while helping readers discover new favorites. Some of the most influential awards include the Newbery Medal, the Printz Award, the National Book Award, and the Coretta Scott King Award, each with its own criteria and focus. Why Should Teens Care? Guided Choices Sometimes, the hardest part of reading is choosing what to read next! Literary awards can act as a helpful guide. When you see a book that has received critical acclaim, like the Printz Award for outstanding young adult literature, it's a good sign that the story, characters, and writing will resonate with you. Finding an award-winning book can lead you to a fabulous read that you might not have picked up otherwise. Diversity and Representation Many literary awards specifically recognize voices that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented. The Coretta Scott King Award, for instance, honors African American authors and illustrators for their contributions to children's and young adult literature. By reading award-winning books, you’ll be exposed to a broader range of experiences, cultures, and perspectives that can deepen your understanding of the world and your place in it. Quality Literature Awards often highlight the best of the best. When a book wins accolades, it means it has been examined and praised by literary professionals. Reading these titles often translates to experiencing high-quality storytelling, complex characters, and themes that resonate. They feed your imagination and can even inspire your own creativity! Spark Important Conversations Many award-winning books tackle complex social issues, such as identity, mental health, social justice, and more. These stories can provide valuable insight and lead to important conversations among friends, classmates, and your family. Engaging with literature that challenges your perspectives helps you grow not just as a reader but as an individual in today's diverse society. Building a Reading Community When you read books that have received awards, you’re more likely to find common ground with others who appreciate literary prizes. This can lead to exciting discussions in your classroom, book clubs, or online communities. Sharing your thoughts about a Newbery-winning novel can spark meaningful dialogues and forge connections with fellow bookworms. Notable Awards to Look Out For So, which awards should you keep an eye on? Here are a few key ones that often feature a mix of thrilling titles: - The Newbery Medal: Celebrates the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. - The Michael L. Printz Award: Honors excellence in literature written for young adults. - The National Book Award for Young People's Literature: Recognizes outstanding books in the world of young adult and children's literature. - The Stonewall Book Awards: Highlights exceptional LGBTQ+ literature, making it a fantastic choice for representation and visibility. In Conclusion Literary awards are not just fancy labels on book covers; they’re gateways to discovering incredible stories and talented authors. By exploring award-winning literature, you can enrich your reading life, broaden your horizons, and engage in discussions that matter. So next time you’re in a bookstore or library, look for those shiny award stickers and dive into the magic they promise. Happy reading! This blog post was written by Ralia Farah. |
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April 2025
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