Author Archives: kirstincm

Rubber(s) and the road

Posted on April 8, 2013 by kirstincm

He comes up next to me, opens his arms and says, “Give me a hug.” Because I am his mom, I do. And he shoves my head in his armpit, which makes both of us laugh until we can’t talk. … Continue reading →

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Morrissey and graveyards: guest post by Rachael Hanel

Posted on April 1, 2013 by kirstincm

I met Rachael Hanel way back when–like WAY back when–when I was new to Mankato and she was new to my husband’s forensics team.  As soon as I met her, I thought, “This woman is a force to be reckoned … Continue reading →

Posted in books, epic-ness, literary greats, music, readers, writing community | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Guest blog post: Shelley Tougas on shifts between genres

Posted on February 7, 2013 by kirstincm

  Friends, you need to make the acquaintance of Shelley Tougas.  She is wonderful in many ways, also very wise, and she writes in many genres, which contributes to her wiseness.  She is also the award-winning author of Little Rock … Continue reading →

Posted in adolescence, audience, readers | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The 12 Gifts of YA, #12: joy

Posted on December 18, 2012 by kirstincm

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC hits it big! See this gold record?  It’s BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN and my Sisters In Ink (my writing group) gave it to me.  Know what I felt when I opened this gift?  Pure joy.   See … Continue reading →

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The 12 Gifts of YA, #11: solitude

Posted on December 17, 2012 by kirstincm

Welcome to the final gifts of the 12 Gifts of YA! Writing is an activity that can happen anywhere, right?  At coffee shops (absolutely), writers’ retreats (I like those too), and kitchen tables (sure thing)—all those times are great, because … Continue reading →

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The 12 Gifts of YA, #10: stories

Posted on December 14, 2012 by kirstincm

  OK, raise your hand if you like stories.  See?  All of you. I became an English major  because I liked to read (a fiscally irresponsible/dumb reason to choose a major). I haven’t made a lot of cash at it, … Continue reading →

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The 12 Gifts of YA, #9: book spotting

Posted on December 13, 2012 by kirstincm

  There are probably writers who get tired of seeing their book(s) in the wild, but that’s not me.  When it happens, it’s a giant surprise, partly because my books had smaller publishing runs so there aren’t that many around, … Continue reading →

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The 12 Gifts of YA, #8: Pandora

Posted on December 12, 2012 by kirstincm

When you’re a grown-up, you understand emotions differently than you do when you’re 15 (which is a good thing, lord knows).  But you have to hang out with the Four Horsemen of the Teenage Apocalypse as often as you can … Continue reading →

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The 12 Gifts of YA, #7: Teen Life 2.0

Posted on December 11, 2012 by kirstincm

  I have no desire to grow up.  None.  On some days, I think growing up is bogus bullshit, to put it bluntly.  This is another reason why it’s a gift to write about teenagers—I get to be young, if … Continue reading →

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The 12 Gifts of YA, #6: book peeps

Posted on December 10, 2012 by kirstincm

Welcome to a new week of the 12 Gifts! I seriously cannot rave enough about the people at Flux–I have been *so* privileged to work with them.  My editor is amazing (he’s also an award-winning writer), my cover designer is … Continue reading →

Posted in 12 gifts of YA | 4 Comments