Showing results by author "Bethany Smith" in All Categories

From the moment Kennedy Baker moved in next door to me in middle school, she's been my best friend. After a failed attempt at a kiss in eighth grade, nothing has ever happened between us. We've never come close to crossing that line. But since I moved back home—and away from Kennedy—two years ago, my feelings for her have only grown. When she shows up at my door two weeks ahead of schedule because she needs me, I decide to test the waters and see if fate is finally pulling us together after all these years.

From the moment I step on the plane from New York to South Carolina, I go from Mark Abbott, hated quarterback, to Mark Hainley, unassuming small-town boy on his way to a tiny beach town and a private resort for a two-week escape all alone. At least, that's the plan. Until I sit down next to football-oblivious and possibly crazy Frannie Baker on my flight. Her beauty makes me look twice, but it's everything else about her that draws me in. From her fear of flying to her comforting herself with Eminem lyrics to her love of books, I can't help but want to know more.

Sophie may be the youngest in her fairy family, but she has a special skill that often comes in very useful: she can navigate her family’s shooting star all around the universe! This Christmas Eve, when Santa Claus loses his way while delivering presents, Sophie must help him and his reindeer get back on track before it’s too late! The clock is ticking. Listen to find out if Sophie can save Christmas!

Lula and her fairy family are no strangers to adventure - they live upon a shooting star and travel through the universe at night! One night, when Lula tumbles off her shooting star as it whizzes through the sky, she finds herself deep inside a forest, lost and afraid. We follow Lula’s magical journey as she overcomes her fears and reunites with her family, using courage, creativity, and colour!

How do we write diverse characters in fiction? What are the do’s and don’ts of writing race, gender, ethnicity, class, sexuality, religion, origin, ability, age, appearance, and so on? Join Bethany A. Tucker and Mariëlle S. Smith as they explore why representation matters and how we, as writers and editors, can do better.