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Content note: Hey listeners, as a heads up, this episode contains discussions about sexual violence. If you're not in the right head space for those kinds of conversations you can always come back to this episode later or skip it all together.

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Kami Garcia is a #1 New York Times-bestselling and Bram Stoker nominated author, and the co-author of the "Beautiful Creatures" and "Dangerous Creatures" novels. Her solo series, the "Legion", includes the instant New York Times bestseller "Unbreakable" and its sequel, "Unmarked". Click here to visit Kami's shownotes page where she lists a tremendous list of helpful resources!

In today’s episode proudly brought to you by Sun Basket, we learn what drew Kami to write in the YA and Romance genre and the inspiration behind her novel "The Lovely Reckless". We discuss the inner workings of writing for a fandom and all about Kami’s experience writing "The X-Files Origins" book.  We also discuss Kami’s work as a teacher for 17 years and uncover the inequalities in the public school system and she shares advice that will help create change.

She talks about why we’re responsible for speaking up and stepping in to help one another, and how the YA community’s support of diversity creates new normals. We also touch on the underlying theme of fitting in and embracing your differences throughout all of her novels.  

For our craft-focused writers, Kami walks us through writing POV characters with authenticity and why it’s crucial to understand your characters’ past when you’re crafting dynamic villains in your story. Kami shares powerful advice on creating solid query letters and how to effectively pitch your book to literary agents.

Say "Hi" to Kami on Twitter!

Happy listening!

Xo,

Yin

PS. Do you know anyone who would love our conversation? Please share this episode to help spread the word! 

PPS. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really love your support in growing our community by subscribing to us on iTunes, and leaving a rating and review. These specific steps help to increase our visibility on iTunes which really helps new listeners discover us. A huge heartfelt thank you for your time and support! You can click here to go directly to our iTunes page!

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“I think that the key is to write either what you know or you have access to.” -Kami Garcia (Click to tweet)

“Books give us the chance to be other people and go other places.” -Kami Garcia (Click to tweet)

“The willingness to stand up for other people and speak out when something is wrong is very prevalent in the YA community.” -Kami Garcia (Click to tweet)

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM TODAY'S EPISODE: 

• What drew Kami to the YA and Romance genre
• The inspiration behind Kami’s novel The Lovely Reckless
• Kami discusses our responsibility for speaking up and stepping in to help one another
• The importance of acting on your intuition and trusting your gut
• The themes of fitting in while embracing your differences in Kami’s novels
• How the YA community’s support of diversity creates new normals
• Why research and personal connection is crucial when writing diverse characters
• How to write POV characters with authenticity
• Kami discusses the inequalities in the public school system and advises steps to create change
• Understanding your characters’ past when crafting dynamic villains in your story
• The inner workings of writing for a fandom and all about Kami’s experience writing The X-Files Origins
• Tips for creating a solid query letter to land a literary agent
• How to effectively pitch your book to literary agents
• How reading craft books will immensely strengthen your craft and help you write an addictive read
• Ways to  earn  income to support your writing dreams

LEARN MORE ABOUT KAMI GARCIA: 

Kami Garcia is a #1 New York Times-bestselling and Bram Stoker nominated author, and the co-author of the Beautiful Creatures and Dangerous Creatures novels. Her solo series, the Legion, includes the instant New York Times bestseller Unbreakable and its sequel, Unmarked.   Kami was a teacher for seventeen years and co-authored her first novel on a dare from seven of her students. If she isn’t busy watching Supernatural, Kami can teach you how to escape from a pair of handcuffs or bake a Coca-Cola cake. She has never raced a car, but there is still time. Kami lives in Maryland with her family and their dogs, Spike and Oz.