Presents portions of an interview with Paul Zindel. Includes his explanation of his writing processes. Reports Zindel's view that writing what the author knows best is the greatest secret to writing. (SG)

Presents an email interview with playwright and novelist Adam Rapp. Discusses his first three novels, which center on themes of isolation and alienation. Addresses his writing processes and how he develops the characters in his novels and plays. (RS)

Suggests that the author's novels will never be politically correct--they will always run the risk of offending someone. Suggests that her characters and their stories will invite disappointment, or even disapproval, from readers who look to fiction to support a point of view rather than to mirror human experience. (RS)

Compares two "bad boys" of adolescent literature: Chris Lynch and Adam Rapp. Notes the biggest distinction between them--Lynch writes about adolescents coached into violence, while Rapp writes about naively innocent adolescents caught in violent and emotionally isolated places. Suggests both authors believe it is possible to follow characters…

Probes Lloyd Alexander's thoughts about his own writing habits and processes; his reflections on his various books and characters; the state of children's publishing today; and fan mail he receives. (RAE)

Presents the text of a speech given by Betsy Byars, a children's author, at the Second Annual Celebration of Children's Literature Conference that provides insights into her writing processes. Topics discussed include editing, time frames, the number of characters, naming characters, writing with authority, and books leading children to other…

Attempts to clarify the processes the author utilized when plotting the writing of a children's book. (MS)

Discusses the life and writings of George MacDonald (1824-1905). Suggests that the most striking feature of MacDonald's children's books is his sensitivity toward spiritual values and the power of change within the lives of his characters. Appends a list of questions to stimulate student response to MacDonald's writings. (RS)

Discusses both the need for guides to women authors and their preparation, from the point of view of an author of a guide to books by women writers and a guide to books with major female characters. (RS)

An award winning author discusses the making of his novel, "Raspberry One" and stresses the need for accuracy and honesty in historical fiction. (HOD)

Discusses the origination of the character, the voice, and the story behind the 1991 Newbery-winning "Maniac Magee" as told by the author, Jerry Spinelli. (MG)

Discusses professional writers' use of "metaphorical stories" to describe their composing processes. Maintains that fiction writers' ascription of independence to their characters has profound psychological implications. Cites metaphorical stories as an important means by which authors understand and communicate their composing…

Discusses how and why the author creates the characters she does and how she consciously takes account of gender issues in doing so. Suggests that both genders have to be allowed to be as real in literature as they are in life. (RS)

Presents a profile of author Bonnie Pryor. Discusses her writing processes, characterization, and her advice for young people who want to become writers. Presents an annotated list of 22 picture books and chapter books by Pryor. Presents "book extensions" (class activities) based on two of Pryor's books. (RS)

Discusses the author's novels in relation to her life, and how her childhood and adult memories found their way into her writing. Maintains that writing out of her experience means writing as a woman, to understand her connections to the women in her life and to explore through fiction the human condition. (SR)