The Main Idea:
Hi, I’m Eva. In 2009, I received my MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of New Orleans, where I learned how to write literary short stories. I’ve had many pieces published in literary magazines.
But I’ve always wanted to write novels.
My MFA program did very little to prepare me for the difficult task of writing a novel. And it did even less to prepare me for the equally difficult task of getting a novel published.
So I had to teach myself.
I wrote one practice novel after another. And they kept coming out as Young Adult or Middle Grade. Maybe it’s because I spend a lot of time with teenagers in my day job as a middle and high school math teacher. Maybe it’s because I think the adolescent years are so incredibly important and poignant and formative. Maybe it’s because I still buy clothes at Forever 21.
I’ve now spent many years learning how to write novels— and novels for young people in particular. I’ve done a ton of reading and researching about writing and publishing, and I’ve been through the process of querying agents.
I’d love to share with you what I’ve learned.
I thought about what would be helpful to aspiring writers, particularly those writing YA and Middle Grade. Here’s what I came up with:
What you’ll find on my site:
Posts about writing, (often specifically about writing for young people) and plenty of posts about books.
Writing and blogging resources, and resources for YA and Middle Grade writers.
The Great Children’s Literature Study in which I examine a classic children’s book to see what it has to teach us about writing kid lit. (Interested in writing a Great Children’s Literature study post? Contact me using the form at the bottom of this page!)
Me (Eva Langston) in the 8th grade.
Supporting Details:
Professionally:
I teach classes at The Writers Center in Bethesda, MD. These are my upcoming classes:
- Middle Grade/Young Adult Novel Workshop 7 Mondays: 2/29/2018 – 4/2/2018 from 7:15 – 9pm
- Landing a Literary Agent – June 2018 (more details coming soon!)
I offer story-coaching and manuscript consultations.
I have written many guest blog posts over the years. Check ‘em out!
In 2015 I was the Artist-in-Residence for Fiction Writing for the San Miguel Literary Sala, and in 2013 I taught a workshop at the San Miguel Writers’ Conference, both in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
From 2015 to 2017, I was the Features Editor for Compose Journal, and from 2014 to 2015 I was a regular blogger for Carve Magazine.
In addition to my MFA in Fiction Writing, I have a B.A. in Psychology (with a minor in mathematics) from the College of William and Mary.
All of my recent pictures include my baby!
Personally:
I live in the DC area with my husband and adorable daughter.
I’m from Roanoke, Virginia – a beautiful city in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia. I’ve also lived in New Orleans, Seattle, Minneapolis, Cape Cod, and Richmond, VA.
I love hiking and doing yoga.
Some of my favorite things include: circus arts, secret doors, Fibonacci’s Sequence, trees, fairy tales, crows, vaudeville, wine, crossword puzzles, teen movies and TV shows, ice cream, and art. Oh, and books. I also love books.
I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message below or join my mailing list!
