Considers how writing has changed the author and his relation to the world. Proposes that reading can have the same influence on young adults. (RS)

Presents an interview with Avi and discusses his 2003 Newbery Medal Award. Describes how the art of fiction writing is the art of transforming ideas (which we all have) into written words that build a narrative design. (SG)

Discusses in detail (using an analogy to a compost pile) how the author brought into being his novel "The Big Wander." Includes an interview with the author. (RS)

Reviews the work and life of young adult novelist Marsha Qualey. Provides both a biography and review of her novels. (TB)

Presents a speech delivered by the author, the 1997 recipient of the Scott O'Dell Award, given for an outstanding work of historical fiction for her novel, "Jip: His Story." (SR)

Raises and answers some questions about why the author, a full-time college professor, writes fiction. (RS)

Discusses how the award-winning author and English teacher manages to do both successfully. (RS)

Describes how the author's experiences, especially the writing of his novels, have served as mirrors of himself and to himself. (RS)

Analyzes several of Gary Paulsen's young adult novels. Suggests that his neo-Hemingway style, his Steinbeck characterization, and Melville themes make him one of today's best young adult novelists. (RS)

Presents a dialogue between the authors on what it is like to collaborate in writing young adult fiction. Discusses their writing processes, how they come up with ideas for their books, and how they get the books published. (RS)

Discusses writing novels, particularly the author's novel "Freak the Mighty," and what it is like to be a sixth grader. (RS)

Presents an interview with Chris Crowe. Discusses his book "Mississippi Trial, 1955," a story about the murder of Emmett Till. (SG)

Discusses the ways in which thematic material (major and minor themes) enhances adolescent and children's literature. Discusses several metaphors of being a writer. Urges writers of children's literature to write books that are universal but ones that are still dense, challenging, fresh, and eccentric. (RS)

Presents an interview with John H. Ritter discussing his life, his books, his views on sports literature, and a variety of other subjects. Discusses in particular his two novels "Choosing Up Sides," and "Over the Wall." Describes how he uses baseball scenes as metaphors to depict difficult choices that kids are dealing with. (SC)

Presents an interview with Randy Powell, an author who has published several novels about teenagers who are finding their way through unsettled lives. Shares his belief that when you write from the heart, you do not have any choice about the themes and stories you write; they choose you as much as you choose them. (SG)