Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Reader, Writer, Miner of Moments

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Mining for Heart: “Silence Your Inner Critic with the ‘So What?'” by Danielle Dufayet

January 6, 2023

We’re back! Welcome to 2023! What happens when your “so what?” or “heart” of your story is also the obstacle to writing it? “Drawing a blank” is agonizing to artists of all kinds and of all ages. Here Danielle Dufayet shares her latest book and how she battled her inner critic.  Danielle is offering a … More Mining for Heart: “Silence Your Inner Critic with the ‘So What?'” by Danielle Dufayet

Behind the Scenes: “Adding Doorways into Your Story for Broader Appeal” by Lindsey McDivitt

December 9, 2022

Here’s a fabulous post by author Lindsey McDivitt on how she used a “family story” and made it viable as a picture book manuscript by developing a plot with “doorways.” While some might call these by different names, such as hooks or layers, doorways is perfect, a way to welcome readers in. Read on to … More Behind the Scenes: “Adding Doorways into Your Story for Broader Appeal” by Lindsey McDivitt

Behind the Scenes: “Using Placeholder Words and Stanzas until the Lightbulb Moment” by Debra Shumaker

December 2, 2022

I absolutely loved Debra Shumaker’s book, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, so when I learned of her new one, PECULIAR PRIMATES, I invited Debra back in hopes she might share something about it. Her topic in this post is valuable not only for authors, but educators, too! I get stalled way too easily and frequently on imperfect … More Behind the Scenes: “Using Placeholder Words and Stanzas until the Lightbulb Moment” by Debra Shumaker