Who Knowz the Newz Like No Other?
By CS Reid
Genre: YA; middle grade
Calliope and the LGC Crew are back! Nothing is unconquerable with her closest die-hards— Paisley and Stevie—on the beat to be crowned the top reporters at Windsor Middle School. The exemplary guidance of their Journalism 101 teacher, Mr. Hughes, has inspired all his students to eat and sleep the news—in all its forms. Unfortunately, an insatiable yearn for a famed, Creole delicacy may curtail their journalism endeavors before they even start! ~Calling All Reporters: LGC Are On Assignment! ~Calling All Reporters: LGC Are On Assignment!
About the Author
CS Reid holds a MFA in Writing & Critical Theory from Otis College of Art & Design and a M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching/English from National University. Her work has appeared in Poems-For-All, The Truth About the Fact: International Journal of Literary Nonfiction Anthology, Monkeybicycle, Blue Fifth Review, Shadowtrain, and Burner Magazine; and chapbooks, Walking Near the Precipice (Lily Press, 2007);Intonations Heard in the Desert (Gold Wake Press, 2008); and YA books, Plucking Poetry from the Air(Paraguas Books, 2011); Fiction At My Fingertips (AWM Works, 2014). Reid is a freelance writer, educator, and Jazz composer/musician in Los Angeles, CA.
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jazlitwhatevr
On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2v9hlyo
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26828792-who-knowz-the-newz-like-no-otherhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26828792-who-knowz-the-newz-like-no-other
Excerpt
Chapter Two
"Ask the Five W's, Reporters!"
“Everyone settle down. I am passing around the Ideas’ Box now. Select a topic that will get those creative juices flowing! Remember choose a topic that will make an interesting read to our student body,” Mr. Hughes, stated enthusiastically.
“Hey, Miranda. Pass that box around, already. Are you trying to memorize each idea by heart?” said Calliope, raising her eyebrows quizzically.
“Hold your horses, Calliope. I have to peruse all the contents inside the box. Otherwise, I might end up having my article on the last page of the Voyager,” Miranda replied slyly, peering over the rim of her glasses.
“You are pushing it with me, Miranda Michelli,” Calliope responded, widening her eyes in contempt.
Miranda Michelli—arch enemy number one. Somehow, Miranda is the type who can truly make a day at Circus Circus,
worst than any trip to the dentist’s office. And, don’t think I didn’t notice that quip about my last article being planted on
the last page of the Voyager. Heck, everyone I talked to said that they thought my expose on the nutritional value of the products in
our cafeteria vending machines was exceptional to write about. Miranda, do me and everyone else in the universe a favor,and
take a long stroll off of a short pier. Spazzola!
Tell us about your genre. How did you come to choose it? Why does it appeal to you?
The genre that characterizes my works is YA Interactive Fiction. It is important that teens are entertained, but are also exposed to literature that is designed to foster their intellectual development in writing. Interactive fiction is appealing because I am an educator as well as a writer; therefore, the narratives that I create, display the lessons that I would structure daily.
What do you find most challenging about the writing process, and how do you deal with it?
The writing process is a challenging pursuit that requires one to construct narratives that have an authentic voice to the audience. Often, it can be difficult to incorporate dialogue that will engage teens to want to create their own works, but it is integral that they understand that creating original works enables one to participate actively—in real-time. The art of creation is occurring now and not somewhere off in the future when they become adults.
When and where do you do your writing?
Typically, I write in my bedroom or at my local library. I can write anywhere, but I prefer to write in the aforementioned locations. I prefer writing at night, but if I opt for the library; then, I have to set out during the afternoon.
Also, I have a 9-to-5 like most writers. I write after I have decompressed; and am able to focus on my projects with a clear mindset. Also, I am the type of writer that can write anywhere; as long as the environment is fairly, quiet. Moreover, I always carry my journals with me everywhere and I transfer my writings to my laptop.
What have you learned about promoting your books?
I have learned that promoting one’s books is crucial in building your readership and in accumulating book sales. It is important to have a social media presence and I am more active on Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads.com. It can be difficult to champion your endeavors, but we live in age where being an armchair scribe is the behavior of old. One has to be more strident in exposing their works in all platforms of social media.
What are you most proud of as a writer?
Essentially, I am proud that I was steadfast in achieving my goal of becoming a writer and in challenging myself to writer in other genres that are as equally appealing as Young Adult literature. It is my belief that a true writer can write well in many genres and should wholeheartedly work towards becoming a formidable proficient.
If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about
I admire the works of Sylvia Plath immensely. I became exposed to her during my undergraduate years and her work still compels the reader to aspire to greatness…to venture beyond the mendacity of life. Poem after poem, leaves one desiring more…like gems that have escaped a trove…each one found more striking than the last. Moreover, I would ask her what Mwould be her advice to female writers in creating a singular voice in literature. Is enduring pain integral in composing works that transcend time and are free of cliché? Then, I would drive her to my favorite library and show Plath her book catalog, allowing her to marvel in witnessing her prodigious efforts.
Additionally, James Baldwin, JM Coetzee, and Paul Bowles are the writers that I read continuously. There are some writers that just speak your language and the words that they created/create you wish were definitively your own. But they are not…and all one can do is to continue honing the voice that is maturing within.
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