NEWS & EVENTS

Dust Choked and Sore

A YA collab on a YA novel

For youth participants

Summer 2026

I've read my manuscript SO many times. (I don't even know how many times). Now I'm at the first (and maybe hardest) step on my publishing journey. I need to read the story one last time.

Before I turn in the final edits... Tell me something I don't know!

Until AUGUST 22 I will share new pages almost every day.

I want to hear from you as you read Dust Choked and Sore.

For adults
Opportunity:

A series of in person and virtual workshops that will engage you(th) in the upcoming publication of a young adult novel that combines songwriting and farming.

Purpose:

Work in partnership with young adults on young adult literature, an area where intentional collaboration with its young audience can grow
Connect young people to content knowledge and professional settings related to publishing

More about Dust Choked and Sore

How did you start writing?

My dad helped me a lot. The title (and song in the story) is actually one he wrote! I listened to him tell stories about our family, and then my brother said "What if..." I changed some things my dad told me and researched about different kinds of farming.

What is the story about?

When she can’t find a summer job in music, Etta decides to spend the summer on her father's farm. More than anything Etta wants her dad to sing with her like he did when she was young and he still wrote music. She settles for helping with painting jobs on a neighbor's dairy farm where she meets Augustin. Framed by his respect for activist Ernesto Galarza, Augustin becomes a resource to learn more about how to ‘save’ her dad’s farm. A special surprise Etta organizes for her father is confused with a robbery, both connected to Augustin’s family. The incidents push Etta’s father to share more about his favorite adult growing up, Juan, who disappeared suddenly. Etta’s mother always cautioned, "You have more to offer than a song.” Still, Etta is convinced that songs are the solution to connecting with her father and finding out what happened to Juan.

Who is publishing the book?

I am working with a local indie publisher called Orange Hat Publishing. I am excited to learn the publishing process and to involve youth in my learning! It's going to be an exciting year!