Author Archives: kirstincm

I have to go to school today–not bad in and of itself, but I want to make friends with my new book. WAAAAAAAH! So, I thought I’d let TMBG express my feelings (from their album NO (2002), best kids album … Continue reading →

I found this story of mine in my dad’s things after he died. It’s hand-written on notebook paper, a school assignment, and why he saved it, I have no idea. I wasn’t intending to be a writer when I was … Continue reading →

When I was working on BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN, I did a *lot* of studying about gender and how it’s expressed in our culture, especially as it relates to trans individuals. What a wild subject! You’ve got to add … Continue reading →

There was a huge kerfuffle this summer in the YA community, prompted by this article about why YA is too dark (to paraphrase). People got way upset, and lots of really smart people replied, including my literary crush Sherman Alexie … Continue reading →

Here are some things that PISS ME OFF: 1) abuse of power2) abuse of power3) abuse of power Also: 4) discrimination, which is abuse of power, and 5) violence, which is also abuse of power You get where I’m going … Continue reading →

Friends, meet Geoff Herbach. I made his acquaintance in April, and I was thrilled–I had no idea we had another YA writer in the community (he teaches at the local four-year). He is a cool dude, so I liked him … Continue reading →

So, friends–here’s the cover of the Debs 09 anthology, out as an e-book later in the year. Look at the author list! Some seriously amazing writers. I feel very blessed to be included. I also want a dress like this, … Continue reading →

Please know this is not a slam. It is an observation. I am currently listening to a NYT-bestselling YA (movie rights optioned, I just read), and I’m out of my depth. Good writing, some interesting action, but so far, this … Continue reading →

For me, place is like a vine growing up through my life–the foliage is thick and it’s always a tangle, but it’s lush and constant, with the taproot anchored deep inside me. Other places can branch off the vine, but … Continue reading →

An actual phone conversation, me in Minnesota, other voice 485 mile away in NE: Kirstin: Hi, my name is Kirstin, and I’d like an estimate on a whole-house cleaning plus carpet cleaning [for my dad’s place, after his auction]. woman … Continue reading →