The Meloys are obviously a talented family. You’ve got Colin (who lives in Portland), head of the Decemberists as well as the author, with his wife, of Wildwood. And then you’ve got his sister, Maile, author of The Apothecary, as well as books for adults.
Maile has some really good advice on writing for teens and kids, which you can read here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203554104577003633604090176.html
One trick she doesn’t explain is how she got her book title onto one of the book shelves in this fall’s Simpsons that spoofed writing series YA novels.