Intro Lkgg I'm LK Gardner-Griffie and I write Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction.

(that felt like announcing a vice) I'm here to chat. #CPHC Gailzahtz You're modest today @MarkPitzele among other things ;-) Meet @lkgg a fabulous YA author who's also coming out of chemo #CPHC Lkgg .@GailZahtz @MarkPitzele Soon to be coming out of chemo... another cycle and we'll see where we stand. #CPHC Sandyhubbard I'm Sandy Hubbard - co-host of #CPHC chat and an advocate for making the world more accessible for people of all abilities. Markpitzele Mark Pitzele, book printing and fulfillment solutions, among other things #CPHC Sandyhubbard @MarkPitzele Hi Mark - thanks as always for supporting discussions that keep literacy, printing and publishing thriving! #CPHC Gailzahtz It's great when literacy, advocacy and by the way health and design converge at #CPHC @MarkPitzele @lkgg raquel815 This is my first tweetchat with #CPHC Still trying to work the kinks out as I get started :-) dcoopsd I have a couple moments and thought I'd jump in and say hi to the gang at #CPHC gailzahtz So glad you jumped in @dcoopsd we're doing an exciting two weeks with authors and today are starting with YA author @lkgg #CPHC dcoopsd @GailZahtz That's so funny considering we're doing a book launch on #DesignLUX this week! Great minds @lkgg #CPHC gailzahtz What do you mean a book launch at #designLUX @dcoopsd ?? Do tell. This week with radio too we have @lkgg @authorjryan and others! #CPHC gailzahtz Please do send me a reminder! I would love to join! @dcoopsd @aphrochic @lkgg @authorjryan #CPHC #designLUX united ;-) drkdhoffman Hello...trying to participate... #cphc gailzahtz THRILLED to have you @drkdhoffman Are you having tech/multi-task difficulties? Either way great to have you here with #CPHC @lkgg #literacy drkdhoffman tech difficulties #cphc jessicafastball Authors, if you have some time follow the #CPHC chat going on with @GailZahtz and @lkgg #YA #Cancer Sandyhubbard RT @walkersvillemom: Interested in writing with an advocacy purpose? Join #CPHC twitter chat 1pm today! #AtoZchallenge Sandyhubbard WRITERS: Today we're talking about writing on #CPHC and we have a guest writer with us today. Please join us!!

Technical difficulties Sandyhubbard @GailZahtz I'm not seeing your tweets in the #CPHC timeline.... When I goto your profile I CAN see them, Very strange. Lkgg .@sandyhubbard Sometimes that happens. I have no explanation except evil trolls live in the basement of Twitter. @GailZahtz #CPHC

Gailzahtz So the #CPHC timeline isn't working @sandyhubbard Is this for all software? Not during our hour with @lkgg !!! Lkgg .@GailZahtz Perhaps I'm the Bermuda Triangle of Twitter chat @Raquel815 #CPHC Gailzahtz Troubles all around @sandyhubbard can you also kick off the topics Sandy? We're having all kinds of tech diff- what's going on? #CPHC @lkgg Sandyhubbard I'm not seeing Gail on tweetchat or @nurph either - and her tweets to me are not showing up in my notifications! #CPHC Sandyhubbard AHA! That makes snese - somehow I had blocked Gail - don't know how THAT happened! #CPHC Now unblocked and we should be good. Sandyhubbard @Nurph It turned out I had blocked her somehow. I realized it when I couldn't even see her tweets to me. #CPHC Gailzahtz We all seem to be having tech difficulties today @drkdhoffman I'm amazed that @lkgg is holding her own on this chat! She's so great! #CPHC Sandyhubbard I'm beginning to wonder if Twitter does its weekly tech updates at 1 pm Tues. We've had our fair share of tech problems over past yr #CPHC Gailzahtz Today really seems particularly bad.. wonder if 1 pm really is worse? UG #CPHC @sandyhubbard

Writing for Young Adults Lkgg .@GailZahtz Okay I'm LK Gardner-Griffie, I write Young Adult and Middle Grade books encompassing the issues our kids face today. #CPHC Gailzahtz What started you on writing for young adults versus other writing? @lkgg #CPHC Lkgg What started me writing Young Adult is simply that those are the ideas that present themselves to me. Those are the issues @GailZahtz #CPHC Lkgg I tend to be drawn to. I think the emotional and developmental aspect of that age group are key. @GailZahtz #CPHC Lkgg To me YA is about tackling the issues the teens face. Head on. I don't sugarcoat. @GailZahtz #CPHC raquel815 @lkgg @GailZahtz #CPHC i agree! young adults know when they are being talked down to and they can process complex issues well gailzahtz What's interesting is that you don't sugarcoat tough issues and yet my young children want to read them too not just teens @lkgg #CPHC lkgg I believe the appeal in my writing is that is accessible to a broad range of reader. Despite tough topics. @GailZahtz #CPHC gailzahtz It's interesting that they really want more honesty than less- do you find YA easier to be honest with? #CPHC @lkgg @Raquel815 gailzahtz It is incredibly accessible @lkgg yet you've also made yourself accessible here and on other social media- do you find differences? #CPHC lkgg Not sure what you mean by finding differences @GailZahtz #CPHC gailzahtz Sorry, caught by 140 @lkgg I was wondering if you find it different to be honest/accessible to readers/audience in 140 versus a book #CPHC

dcoopsd @GailZahtz @lkgg 140 characters forces you to eliminate the unnecessary, making your point instead of droning on. #CPHC gailzahtz Great point @dcoopsd as everyone who knows me knows my emails alone can go on forever! @lkgg I love this on being on point honest #CPHC lkgg I think the use of 140 characters forces us to keep the issue focused. Maybe promotes honest discussion. @GailZahtz #CPHC gailzahtz I agree! Sometimes I think I'm more honest in 140 @lkgg because I'm thinking less and just getting it out- especially in chat. #CPHC lkgg It would be impossible not to be honest in YA. The moment you hide, they turn off. this is not just with books @GailZahtz @Raquel815 #CPHC sandyhubbard I agree that young adults are sophisticated readers and understand subtleties of literature. #CPHC sandyhubbard Middle schoolers recognize derivitive storylines, pandering, condescension, tricks to get them to engage. Have to be authentic. #CPHC lkgg #TRUTH MT @sandyhubbard: Middle schoolers recognize derivitive storylines, pandering, condescension, tricks to get them to engage. #CPHC markpitzele I think teens face things that we only dreamed about needing to deal with at that age, in general they are very sophisticated #CPHC lkgg True. Each generation of teens tends to face more complex issues than the last as the world evolves, @MarkPitzele #CPHC @GailZahtz lkgg But in a way, some of the issues they face, and the emotions they must work through are time immemorial. @MarkPitzele #CPHC @GailZahtz raquel815 .@MarkPitzele #CPHC i agree! I'm only 25 and couldn't even imagine having to do high school with things like facebook and twitter bullying! Markpitzele @lkgg @GailZahtz Have found teens really respect seeing adults at their most vulnerable as well, it allows them to take guard down. #CPHC Gailzahtz Agree! mT @MarkPitzele: @lkgg teens really respect seeing adults at their most vulnerable as well, it allows them to take guard down. #CPHC Gailzahtz #CPHC RT @JessicaFastball: @MarkPitzele @lkgg Could not agree more. Idea adults have all the answers or are always strong fosters unreality Sandyhubbard Watching the news with middle schoolers is very enlightening - what stories capture their emotions and their indignation. #CPHC Lkgg YES! MT @sandyhubbard: Watching the news with middle schoolers is enlightening - what stories capture their emotions & indignation. #CPHC Lkgg Most teens appreciate when adults admit they were wrong. Not such a high bar to live up to. @GailZahtz @JessicaFastball @MarkPitzele #CPHC Markpitzele @lkgg @GailZahtz @JessicaFastball So true, especially because we are often wrong.............. #CPHC Gailzahtz I'm lol really. As a #mom I have a list a mile long daily of all I do wrong for my kids #CPHC @lkgg @JessicaFastball @MarkPitzele

Gailzahtz Kids are better with honesty than being right. RT @MarkPitzele: @lkgg @JessicaFastball So true, especially because we are often wrong. #CPHC Jessicafastball @GailZahtz @lkgg @MarkPitzele Fine line between beating yourself up and recognizing we all have challenges and are doing our best. #CPHC Gailzahtz Yes! RT @JessicaFastball: Fine line between beating yourself up and recognizing we all have challenges and are doing our best. #CPHC Markpitzele Amen RT @JessicaFastball: Fine line between beating yourself up and recognizing we all have challenges and are doing our best. #CPHC Jessicafastball @GailZahtz @MarkPitzele @lkgg Making it a priority to apologize to my kids. I yell, I get frustrated, and then I don't apologize. #CPHC Lkgg Exactly Authenticity is the key. @Raquel815 @GailZahtz @JessicaFastball @MarkPitzele #CPHC Jessicafastball @Raquel815 @lkgg @GailZahtz @MarkPitzele Not sure I agree. Anger is often authentic. Parents being overbearing is authentic too. #CPHC Gailzahtz Really great points- what do you see is the line between authenticity versus anger? #CPHC @JessicaFastball @Raquel815 @lkgg @MarkPitzele Markpitzele Line very narrow that we all cross RT @GailZahtz: Really great points- what do you see is the line between authenticity versus anger? #CPHC Jessicafastball @lkgg @Raquel815 @GailZahtz @MarkPitzele Kids are doing their best too. Often without coping strategies that we as adults may have. #CPHC Jessicafastball @lkgg @Raquel815 @GailZahtz @MarkPitzele Bringing out best in kids means giving them responsibility before they've fully earned it. #CPHC Jessicafastball @GailZahtz @Raquel815 @lkgg @MarkPitzele Authentic = I'm disappointed. I expected dishes 2 B done. Anger = Why didn't you do dishes?! #CPHC Gailzahtz Actually it is more authentic that I am disappointed or sad than really angry @JessicaFastball @Raquel815 @lkgg @MarkPitzele #CPHC Jessicafastball @GailZahtz @Raquel815 @lkgg @MarkPitzele As a parent I am really inconsistent so I work on that. Means being on same page with spouse. #CPHC Gailzahtz It's hard to be consistent as a parent for all of us! #CPHC @JessicaFastball @Raquel815 @lkgg @MarkPitzele Sandyhubbard I have to fight myself not to keep inserting "moral of ther story" for middle schoolers and just let the storyline unfold. #CPHC Lkgg Moral of the story is death to Middle Grade and above. Too many people want to underscore the moral. @sandyhubbard #CPHC @GailZahtz Sandyhubbard Middle school readers are often focused on existential ironies. they don't want moral of story hammering them over the head. #CPHC gailzahtz You've worked on different sides with a lot of authors @sandyhubbard @MarkPitzele what do you find makes accessible to hard issues? #CPHC Patient and Advocate Lkgg .@GailZahtz I also have leukemia and lymphoma and am currently undergoing chemo to get rid of the evil in my body. #CPHC

Gailzahtz I wasn't sure how much you wanted to talk about the leukemia- glad you came out of the gate- it will help others #CPHC @lkgg Lkgg On the cancer... I keep a website chronicling my journey. http://t.co/cavth3bXeR @GailZahtz #CPHC Gailzahtz How has it helped keeping this? RT @lkgg: On the cancer... I keep a website chronicling my journey. http://t.co/KNR5KKhzFW #CPHC Markpitzele @lkgg @GailZahtz Thanks for sharing that link. #CPHC Lkgg Writing about the cancer is actually a time saver for me. I know so many people who want updates, by writing it ... more @GailZahtz #CPHC Lkgg I don't have to take the time to update each person individually. That would sap everything I have so the blog is essential @GailZahtz #CPHC Walkersvillemom Hello @lkgg ! Very interested in children's / YA literature & symbolism used to talk about disability. #CPHC Gailzahtz So glad you made it @walkersvillemom In addition to being YA author @lkgg on disability/ she's also been going through her own cancer #CPHC Lkgg Hello @walkersvillemom I don't tend to write much symbolism, but put the disability on the page. My novels are realistic. #CPHC @GailZahtz Walkersvillemom Just presented my evaluation tool for Ds in kids lit - lots of interest to adjust for other conditions / diagnosis bit.ly/DsinKidsbooks Gailzahtz She has a ton of links @MarkPitzele as @lkgg is incredibly prolific! Can @sandyhubbard @walkersvillemom help by sharing more links? #CPHC walkersvillemom Diary of a Misfit" - love the title! blog.griffieworld.com Gailzahtz You write some hard issues in your different series- from #bullies to #trauma to #abuse @lkgg How do you make the manageable for YA? #CPHC Lkgg I find emotions are universal. And that is my strength is capturing those emotions whatever the circumstance. #CPHC @GailZahtz

Lkgg I couldn't write without that relationship with my characters. They come to me, they tell the story. I journal @GailZahtz @Raquel815 #CPHC Gailzahtz What do you find is common and/or different journaling for your characters' advocacy versus your own with your cancer? @lkgg #CPHC raquel815 .@lkgg #CPHC how do you say in touch with the YA audience? how do you keep an understanding of what teens face today? Lkgg I don't necessarily have tools to keep in touch... other than some volunteer work and my nieces and nephews @Raquel815 #CPHC @GailZahtz Lkgg I guess if I have a "tool" that I use it is key words on Google to bring me news stories about the topics I write @Raquel815 #CPHC

Sandyhubbard Do you have to be around your audience to write for them? #CPHC Asking all writers out there.... Lkgg They come to me. They want their story told. I'm their journalist to send it out to the world. @Raquel815 @sandyhubbard @GailZahtz #CPHC Walkersvillemom Great to give people a voice! MT @lkgg: They come to me. They want their story told. I'm their journalist to send it out to the world. #CPHC Jessicafastball @lkgg @Raquel815 @sandyhubbard @GailZahtz Agree. Sometimes they won't leave you alone. #CPHC Sandyhubbard @lkgg Sorry so far behind here. I am very interested in your writing process. Accessing inspiration. #CPHC Gailzahtz I think that we're all having some technical difficulties @sandyhubbard so happy that @lkgg understands! And she'll be on radio Wed #CPHC Gailzahtz Really great for writers out there @sandyhubbard as @lkgg talks often to the #amwriting #amreading aspiring #writer with inspiration! #CPHC The Writing Process Lkgg I think you will find my writing process is a little different than most. :-) Some people plan their books. @sandyhubbard #CPHC @GailZahtz raquel815 #CPHC how do you find time to write while holding down a full-time job? Lkgg I hold down a full time job and it's a balancing act. Schedule time daily. @Raquel815 #CPHC @GailZahtz Lkgg I may not accomplish everything I want every night, but I do accomplish SOMETHING every day. @Raquel815 #CPHC @GailZahtz Gailzahtz How do you manage the balance + with #chemo too! RT @lkgg: I hold down a full time job and it's a balancing act. Schedule time daily. #CPHC lkgg The chemo adds in a wrinkle. I'm not doing a lot of new words, but more research, edits, etc I have several projects going. @GailZahtz #CPHC gailzahtz You've been doing more writing by writing about the #cancer during the #chemo on top of your new projects How? @lkgg #CPHC Gailzahtz I have to say that of all the authors I know (which is many) that @lkgg is the most consistent WORKING one I know- amazed w/discipline #CPHC Sandyhubbard Discipline in writing is vital but how do you access that place where you can be creative, inspired, transported? #CPHC Markpitzele $100,000 Question RT @sandyhubbard: Discipline in writing is vital, how access that place where to be creative, inspired, transported? #CPHC Lkgg Meditation, and funnily enough research always sparks the creativity. The "ooh shiny moments" come from that @sandyhubbard #CPHC @GailZahtz Carenovatemag @lkgg @Raquel815 @GailZahtz that's awesome, just do mentally I bet, write as much as you can #cphc Markpitzele I usually think anything I write in my mind for days or more before I attempt to get it on paper #CPHC

Gailzahtz I think my writing is better when I think more and write less @MarkPitzele I have to remind myself to leave computer @lkgg #CPHC Sandyhubbard @MarkPitzele Everything I write in my mind sounds so good and then once it's on paper, it's stilted and overwritten. #CPHC Gailzahtz I write best when I write like I'm talking- when I get caught in my head is when it gets stilted @lkgg @sandyhubbard @MarkPitzele #CPHC Sandyhubbard I'm so excited @lkgg will also be radio guest this week with host @gailzahtz #CPHC - I want to hear more about writing process. Gailzahtz Do you keep a schedule or word count or other process that enables you to be both prolific and working and editing? #CPHC @lkgg Lkgg Yes. Keep the words flowing when possible. But a lot of writing is rewriting. @carenovatemag @Raquel815 @GailZahtz more... #CPHC Markpitzele So true, many, many drafts RT @lkgg: Yes. Keep the words flowing when possible. But a lot of writing is rewriting #CPHC Lkgg Yes. I do a LOT of thinking, mulling, getting to know the characters before putting a single word on the page @MarkPitzele #CPHC @GailZahtz Lkgg And for me the rewriting take a different creative energy than the new to the page words. @carenovatemag @Raquel815 @GailZahtz #CPHC Gailzahtz You manage to write a lot and edit a lot. Do you spend time daily doing both? Or do you juggle another way? @lkgg #CPHC Lkgg 140 characters is not enough to express the therapeutic qualities of writing. I think of it as my purge. @Raquel815 #CPHC @GailZahtz raquel815 .@lkgg #CPHC haha! agreed! i find myself writing because it helps me make sense of the world... i do it more for myself than others Gailzahtz Please even though it's hard- lots of people asking about both the therapeutic value and your work ethics/ process so tweet on! @lkgg #CPHC Lkgg If I've missed a question... ping me again. I'm trying to keep up. ;-) #CPHC @GailZahtz Gailzahtz You're doing a FAB job @lkgg but I do see a lot of people asking about your writing process, so wanted to jump on that #CPHC Sandyhubbard I do my rewrites on a different computer, with reference books, paper and pen, fresh coffee and fresh air. #CPHC Businessgp I 'write' in my head first, then on paper and then on computer. #CPHC sandyhubbard I think, think and then write, write, write and then cut, cut, cut and then write some more. #CPHC markpitzele Good process, than I usually have mult computer drafts RT @businessgp: I 'write' in my head first, then on paper and then on computer. #CPHC gailzahtz Adding #CPHC RT @businessgp: I have several in my head all the time. I then form and reform them until I feel I can commit to paper. lkgg For me each novel has been written in a different way... bar the thinking beforhand. @sandyhubbard #CPHC @GailZahtz lkgg I used to write on paper to start, but now I'm a direct into the computer gal. And many drafts. @MarkPitzele @businessgp #CPHC @GailZahtz gailzahtz I went out and bought more sketch pads to get me back to writing and thinking more @MarkPitzele @businessgp @lkgg @sandyhubbard #CPHC

gailzahtz I have trouble when I do too much writing just on the computer- but it seems so much easier. @lkgg @MarkPitzele @businessgp #CPHC lkgg I feel as if the thoughts flow directly from my head through my fingers and onto the page. @GailZahtz @MarkPitzele @businessgp #CPHC gailzahtz I have a couple of novels and several non-fiction- I just don't manage my time for writing as well as @lkgg does @businessgp #CPHC gailzahtz Isn't that the most honest writing? RT @lkgg I feel as if the thoughts flow directly from my head through my fingers and onto the page #CPHC lkgg Getting the thoughts to flow that way is the key. Nirvana for a writer. You're not trying to pull them one by one. @GailZahtz #CPHC gailzahtz How do you get there? RT @lkgg: Getting the thoughts to flow that way is the key. Nirvana for a writer. You're not trying to pull... #CPHC lkgg That is the tricky point. Environment free of distractions, whatever you need to get into the zone whether it's music...@GailZahtz #CPHC gailzahtz An environment free of distractions? Where do you find that when you have your computer on?? @lkgg #CPHC raquel815 TRUTH RT @GailZahtz: An environment free of distractions? Where do you find that when you have your computer on?? @lkgg #CPHC lkgg If having the internet on is too much of a distraction, then there are apps for that. They turn it off for a time @GailZahtz #CPHC lkgg It boils down to discipline and whether you are giving your best to the work. If I'm in the zone, the house could fall. @GailZahtz #CPHC

Sandyhubbard I( get very involved in my characters' back stories and then don't know how much to include. #CPHC Lkgg But @sandyhubbard YOU have to know ALL the backstory because you don't know how it influences the words on the page ..more #CPHC @GailZahtz Gailzahtz Think @lkgg can speak to this! mT @sandyhubbard: I get very involved in my characters' back stories; don't know how much to include. #CPHC Lkgg Even if the backstory parts never make it into the story, they do influence everything else. @sandyhubbard #CPHC @GailZahtz Sandyhubbard Back story distracts me, though, because then I have to go research history, even if it is recent history. I want it to be correct. #CPHC Gailzahtz Glad you made it! @businessgp As a "working" writer/ communicator- do you have the novel waiting to be written? #CPHC Good to see you! Drkdhoffman I'm going to have to catch your transcript. I have to go pick up my child at school. Thank you @lkgg #cphc Gailzahtz Glad you could join us @drkdhoffman we'll have @lkgg on the radio tomorrow at 9 pm ET and you can get that in download also! #CPHC

Markpitzele Author Cheryl Strayed made great point in one of her books, everyone has a story, how the story transformed you is the key for readers #CPHC Lkgg My stick figures wouldn't inspire anyone to do anything but run. LOL. @businessgp @MarkPitzele @GailZahtz #CPHC #Notanartist @lkgg @businessgp @GailZahtz I can't even draw a stick figure. #CPHC Businessgp @MarkPitzele: @lkgg @businessgp @GailZahtz I can't even draw a stick figure. #CPHC <- I can manage a shiny sun though :) raquel815 #CPHC @lkgg how do you respond 2 criticism that YA/middle grade novels aren't as difficult to write or artistic as those written for adults? Lkgg <insert raspberry noise here> Hogwash. YA/MG novels are equal to those written for adults. @Raquel815 #CPHC @GailZahtz Markpitzele @Raquel815 @lkgg I would say they have obviously never had a teenager. #CPHC Jessicafastball @Raquel815 @lkgg Some criticism has made me better. Unless it helps me become better, I ignore it. Not everyone will love you. #CPHC Gailzahtz It's hard lesson that not everyone will love you- but you're not doing anything important if everyone agrees! #CPHC @JessicaFastball @lkgg Sandyhubbard Are the writers participaing in #CPHC today influenced by their favorite authors or authors of our generation in writing for our audiences? sandyhubbard @lkgg How many stories do you have going at one time? Do you set some aside and then come back to them? #CPHC lkgg It varies. Some have been set aside because I needed a break from it, and it was the right thing to do. @sandyhubbard #CPHC @GailZahtz Gailzahtz Oh, we only have a few minutes left today @lkgg so for any of missed ideas- and then so excited to have you on radio Wed 9ET PM #CPHC Gailzahtz So many great questions!! When you do writeup awesome @walkersvillemom Can you list so I can offer to all our authors the next 2 wks? #CPHC Sandyhubbard I could talk about this topic ALL DAY. What a great topic!! #CPHC Sandyhubbard It is top of the hour and some of you have to move on to your day. THANK you to everyone for participating today! #CPHC Gailzahtz Good that we're talking about it for 2 weeks! Please all authors including @lkgg use #CPHC to add in writing tips/ thoughts @sandyhubbard Lkgg Thanks everyone for the chance to pariticpate in this chat. It's been fun. Hopefully I was able to answer all questions. #CPHC @GailZahtz Gailzahtz Thank you for being amazing @sandyhubbard I'm in the room with someone who saidSandy's a really GREAT moderator!! #CPHC Markpitzele @GailZahtz Great topic, thanks @sandyhubbard #CPHC @lkgg sandyhubbard SO INSPIRING>> @lI think there are going to be a lot of writers attacking their stories with renewed enthusiasm today!! #CPHC THANK YOU!!

Gailzahtz So I'm already getting feedback that a lot of people have a lot of questions for @lkgg and the writing process- so feel free to use #CPHC Gailzahtz We didn't get to- but @lkgg is now represented by @ItaliaGandolfo and other authors from the agency will be joining us for 2 weeks #CPHC Gailzahtz This week we'll be back on at 9PM ET on W, TH, Su, Mon with great authors starting with @lkgg tomorrow #CPHC @sandyhubbard