As one of author Lynn Becker’s critique partners, I have to tell you that her tuneful stories can keep you humming and tapping long after the meeting! But it’s not all fun and songs, she tweaks and fine-tunes until every word is just right and the story sings! Congratulations on this fabulous book, Lynn! And … More Mining for Heart: “Tune + Topic = the Heartbeat of Story” by Lynn Becker
This post from author Darcy Pattison is a perfect sequel to Colleen Paeff’s post last week. Both authors experienced the power of place as they approached a story. A trip to Poland helped Darcy visualize the life of Copernicus so very long ago to create NIGHT: HOW COPERNICUS MADE THE SUN STAND STILL AND THE … More Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison
Visiting a place is magical, but authors can’t always do that to research a story. Here’s a fantastic post from author Colleen Paeff on how she landed on the heart of her puffling rescue story in Iceland, along with some tips for how to get a sense of place, people, and the heart of a … More Mining for Heart: “Finding a Story’s Heart in the Place Where it Happened (and How to Get There Without Leaving Home)” by Colleen Paeff
Finding your own deep connection to a person, topic, or event can create the path to finding the heart of the story. In this post, author Gary Golio shares his experience with his latest release, SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOHN CAGE. GIVEAWAY! We’ve got a copy of SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE … More Mining for Heart: “Kindred Spirits”—Gary Golio on Silence Sounds Simple
It’s truly a treat to share illustrator Dow Phumiruk’s process for HER NAME WAS MARY KATHARINE: THE ONLY WOMAN WHOSE NAME IS ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE! If you haven’t shared this book with kids in your life yet this year, it’s a must read! I love seeing it alongside REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT and CLOAKED … More #AmericanRevolution250 Behind the Scenes: “Illustrating Her Name Was Mary Katharine” by Dow Phumiruk
The pandemic a few years ago put us all in the throes of history and pushed thinking in many ways, not only medically, but also regarding human connections. And here we have a children’s book by Zewlan Moor impacted by creative greetings that widened the scope of greetings in the animal world. Giveaway!! Leave a … More Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor
What a treat to share this post from author Omar Abed about the beginning of DEBUG THIS BOOK, a creative story, illustrated by one of my critique partners, the uber creative Julie Rowan Zoch! It was a long time coming, but it’s out in the world June 30! Like Omar did, we all hope that … More Behind the Scenes: “Deconstructing Debug This Book” by Omar Abed
Many myths persist in US history, but never fear, author Christy Mihaly is here with a super new book for this year’s 250th anniversary! I can attest, it’s a fascinating read chock full of info delivered with great voice and engaging graphics to capture any reader. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to … More #AmericanRevolution250: “Exploring What Really Happened” by Christy Mihaly
Have you ever stood in a historical spot and let yourself imagine the people and happenings there? There is truly something special about being in a place “where it happened.” In this post, author Jennifer Robin Barr takes us to three lesser known historical sites in Philadelphia that have a role in her newest book … More #AmericanRevolution250: “Spotlight Philadelphia” by Jennifer Robin Barr
Any kids who fill their pockets with rocks definitely need this book! In this post, Melissa Koch shares the spark that started STONE BY STONE: A ROCK’S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME and how she revised for the heart in this engaging approach. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of STONE … More Mining for Heart: “The Heart of a Story Starts with a Spark” by Melissa Koch
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 