A Welcome from the Editors

by Bethany Hegedus and Kekla Magoon, YA and Children’s Literature editors 

Quietly, and then not so quietly, the call went out to those in the children’s literature field for contributions to this, the launch issue of the Young Adult and Children’s Literature portion of Hunger Mountain.  Esteemed authors from near and far answered our call. We are thrilled and excited to be presenting this line-up of dynamic, wise, funny, and thought-provoking material.

We begin with thoughts from one of our industry’s most inspirational and well-respected members: Katherine Paterson. In an address first given to celebrate the Vermont College of Fine Arts as an independent college, Ms. Paterson speaks about the unifying journey we find ourselves on as fellow travelers down literary and artistic pathways. She shares letters from a reader moved by her work—a soldier in Afghanistan, who read Bridge to Terebithia for the first time while in combat—and connects their powerful correspondence to the larger journey upon which we as writers all embark.

Our theme for this issue is A Writer’s Journey: Craft & Process. Authors Janet S. Wong, G. Neri, and K.A. Nuzum share their personal tales of trial and triumph on the road to publication.

The columns we will feature in each issue delve into a variety of creative areas.  The Flipside offers opposing points of view on a hot topic. This time around, it’s Carrie Jones vs. Rita Williams-Garcia, each with a compelling case for why one might write fantasy or realistic fiction. What My Last Book Taught Me is a glimpse into one author’s aha! moment. We are lucky enough to have Susan Patron talking with us this issue. The Writing Life is a window into the day-to-day challenges of keeping the creative juices flowing. Andrew Auseon takes us from the author’s desk to the screenwriter’s studio…both of which are his dining room table. The Toolbox is our regular craft-focused offering. Sara Zarr grips us by sharing the lessons learned in her years-long quest to perfectly nail the voice of her third novel. In the Industry Insider, we converse with the movers and shakers of children’s publishing. We’ve spoken with a few folks who have changed hats mid-career: Kara LaReau, Mark McVeigh, and Jill Corcoran. Last but not least, Jest a Minute tickles our funny bone. Alicia Potter gives a little nip and tuck to some popular and classic titles.

Be sure not to miss the main event! Our fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction selections come from seasoned authors and up-and-comers alike.  We have something for everyone, ranging from gritty YA, to middle-grade fantasy, to poetry meant for the youngest ears. Highlights include sneak-peak excerpts from Sundee T. Frazier’s The Other Half of My Heart, which releases in June 2010, and the newly published The Uninvited by Tim-Wynne Jones.

We strive to engage all corners of the industry in a dynamic discussion. We hope you will be moved to chime in.

Enjoy the journey!

–Bethany Hegedus and Kekla Magoon, YA and Children’s Literature Editors

 

For YA and Children’s Literature, Click here.