Cynsations is a source for conversations, publishing information, literacy and free speech advocacy, writer resources, inspiration, bookseller-librarian-teacher appreciation, news in children's and young adult literature, and author outreach.
News of Cynthia's own books, events, media, and related topics are included in the mix.
Via mirror sites, Cynsations has about 6,000 combined regular subscribers and averages 80,000 combined page views a month.
Cynsations at Blogger attracts 40,000 monthly page views & launched in 2004. Comments were added in Jan. 2011.
Cynsations highlights trade-published children's and teen literature from board books to upper-level young adult books. Its focus includes both fiction and creative nonfiction, realistic and speculative fiction. Books related to the craft of creating youth literature and/or connecting it to young readers and related literary analysis also are occasionally featured. The blog has an ongoing commitment to new voices, books/creators from underrepresented cultures, creative risk takers, quality mid-listers, rising and well-established stars.
Guest articles are written by members of the children's-YA writing, literature, media and publishing community. Cynsations doesn't solicit or accept posts from outside freelance contributors (but best wishes with your writing lives!).
Books for consideration and giveaways are provided by authors, publishers, independent publicists, and purchased by Cynthia Leitich Smith and/or her reporters. Cynsations doesn't critically review specific titles, however, mention of a book doesn't constitute an endorsement per se.
In the U.S./Canada, review copies may be sent to CYALR PO Box 3255 Austin, TX 78764. Due to volume, please don't query before sending, to confirm receipt, or to ask whether a book/author/illustrator will be highlighted. All books are given due consideration. Note: if you are a traditionally-published debut author/illustrator or an established trade publisher, please write for more information. Media releases related to youth literature, literacy or publishing more generally also are welcome at that email address.
Cynsations is currently not accepting review copies in e-formats, although e-only books are occasionally mentioned. Self-published books are eligible and held to the standard of traditionally published titles.
Readers must be at least 13 years of age to enter to win a giveaway. Cynthia is happy to send your prize in care of a parent's work address, book club coordinator, youth group leader, teacher or school/public librarian (ask first).
International Reporters
Asia, Australia & New Zealand
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| More on Chris Cheng |
He conducts workshops and residences for children and adults and holds an M.A. in Children's Literature. He is a board member for the Asian Festival of Children's Content and on the International Advisory Board and co-regional advisor (Australia and New Zealand) for the SCBWI.
A recipient of the SCBWI Member of the Year and the Lady Cutler Award for services to children's literature, Chris is a devoted advocate of children's literature, speaking at festivals worldwide.
Christopher will be covering the children's-YA book scene in Australia, New Zealand and across Asia for Cynsations. Read an interview with Christopher.
Canada
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| More on Lena Coakley |
She got interested in young adult literature when she moved to Toronto, Canada, and began working for CANSCAIP, the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers, where she eventually became the Administrative Director.
She is now a full-time writer living in Toronto. Witchlanders is her debut novel.
Lena contributes news and interviews from the children's-YA creative, literature and publishing community in Canada.
United Kingdom
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| More about Siobhan Curham |
Her first novel for young adults, Dear Dylan, was winner of the Young Minds Book Award 2010, and is being re-launched in the U.K. in April 2012. Her second young adult novel, Finding Cherokee Brown, is being published in the U.K., France and Germany in 2013. She is currently writing a YA series with a TV tie-in.
Siobhan lives in a village just outside of London with her teenage son – who is mad about football, and her rescue dog, Max – who has a phobia of footballs! She dreams of one day living in America, which is where her grandma was from, and she goes to visit her family there every chance she can.
Siobhan contributes news and interviews from the children's-YA creative, literature and publishing community in the U.K.
Europe
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| More on Angela Cerrito |
She is the Assistant International Advisor for SCBWI and regularly attends the Frankfurt and Bologna Book Fairs.
When she’s not writing, Angela enjoys eating, climbing in caves and jumping off cliffs. She lives in Europe with her husband, two daughters, a big black cat, a little white dog and a talking parrot.
Angela contributes news and interviews from the children's-YA creative, literature and publishing community in Europe and beyond.
Genre/Format Reporters
Poetry
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| More on Kate Hosford |
Before becoming a writer, Kate worked as a foster care worker, a teacher, and an illustrator. Kate is publishing three picture books with Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group: Big Bouffant (spring, 2011), its sequel, Big Birthday (spring 2012), and Infinity and Me (fall, 2012). She loves writing picture books, children's poetry and middle grade novels.
She has lived in India, Germany and Hong Kong, but presently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and two sons.
