rgz

readergirlz is a literacy and social media project for teens, awarded the National Book Foundation's Innovations in Reading Prize. The rgz blog serves as a depot for news and YA reviews from industry professionals and teens. As volunteers return full force to their own YA writing, the organization continues to hold one initiative a year to impact teen literacy. All are welcome to "like" us on Facebook!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Author in Residence Beth Kephart: Remain Vulnerable

Our very first Author in Residence, Beth Kephart, is a critically acclaimed, gracious writer who will be on the rgz team through December. Check out her mini-issue at the rgz website. Welcome this author of HOUSE OF DANCE, UNDERCOVER, and NOTHING BUT GHOSTS!

Here is the first of Beth’s monthly vlog entries about writing:

I believe that the stories that touch us are written by authors who remain vulnerable to the world—who leave themselves open to the raw wounds and the glorious possibilities of yearning, outreach, and hope. Watch the video, then write no more than ten lines of poetry or prose expressing a fully lived emotion. Send your entry to me at kephartblog AT comcast DOT net by September 25, 2009. The author of the winning ten lines will receive a signed copy of UNDERCOVER, a novel about a young, aspiring poet who discovers the beauty that lives within her.

12 comments:

Lorie Ann Grover said...

How beautiful is this? Seriously. Thank you for the inspiration and challenge, Beth. xox

Melissa Walker said...

Having Beth here is so amazing! You inspire, B.

Sherrie Petersen said...

I love that you have Beth for an Author in Residence! Her writing is not "quiet" it's luminous!

Georgia said...

Oh wow!

What an inspiration, this is wonderful.

perhaps i will sit down when I get a quiet moment and do this little challenge...

Beth Kephart said...

I truly love being here. I just cross-posted on my own blog.

Vivian Mahoney said...

As always, great advice, Beth! So true.

UNDERCOVER is a beautiful book. I am glad you keep yourself open and share it in your work--truly we are blessed.

Shelf Elf said...

No wonder I love UNDERCOVER so much! I'm going to watch your first vlog a bunch more times now to soak in your wise words.

I am so thrilled that you're going to be here at readergirlz as author in residence Beth. Wow. We're lucky!

Beth F said...

I think everyone feels marginalized and outside at some point -- even the so-called cool kids in high school or college. Great inspiration.

Little Willow said...

Beth, these videos are such a wonderful addition. Thank you.

Little Willow said...

This is wonderful, Beth! I hope you get a ton of entries. Thanks for creating these videos and contests.

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