Mining for Heart: “Writing About Historical Events: 3 Tips for Adding Heart” by Jill Esbaum

February 25, 2022

Jill Esbaum is one of the incredible children’s authors I met at my first writing retreat. She shared her knowledge, encouraged us, and made me think this crazy writing for children idea just might be possible. I’m grateful to know Jill and excited to share this post about crafting heart in her fabulous new release, … More Mining for Heart: “Writing About Historical Events: 3 Tips for Adding Heart” by Jill Esbaum

Behind the Scenes: “The Dive and Soar of Picture Book Writing” by Brooke Hartman

February 18, 2022

I doubt I’m the only one who has received feedback that a story is “flat.” In this post, Brooke Hartman shares how she enhanced the highs and lows, the dive and soar, to bring emotional impact to the pages of her two upcoming releases.  AND Brooke is offering a fabulous GIVEAWAY: signed copies of her … More Behind the Scenes: “The Dive and Soar of Picture Book Writing” by Brooke Hartman

Behind the Scenes: “From Life to Story: Connecting Cultures” by Harshita Jerath

February 11, 2022

I’ve always been a fan of familiar stories told through other cultures. Harshita Jerath has created a delightful new version of the familiar Gingerbread Man by shifting the setting to India. Here she tells how that idea sprang from real life experiences and her efforts to connect her children to her native land.  Harshita is … More Behind the Scenes: “From Life to Story: Connecting Cultures” by Harshita Jerath

Especially for Educators: “A Treasure Trove for Teaching Writing” by Julie Danneberg

February 4, 2022

Julie Danneberg’s post has inspired me to add a NEW CATEGORY to my blog! From the start, my intent with this blog was to offer quality content for kid lit creators, and also for educators. So many of us kid lit people are/were educators inspired to write by our experiences in the classroom. Much of … More Especially for Educators: “A Treasure Trove for Teaching Writing” by Julie Danneberg

Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

January 28, 2022

It’s truly special when I get to share a post from an illustrator who brought my words to life on the page. The illustration process is fascinating to me! I’m so grateful for Susan Reagan’s gorgeous work. And for her willingness to share a piece of her process here—the cover! The crucial cover! Think about how … More Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

Mining for Heart: “Making Learning Real in Traditional Expository Nonfiction” by Julie Danneberg

January 21, 2022

Writing expository nonfiction has its own challenges, and finding “heart” may be one of them. Julie Danneberg shares her approach to this genre and how she brings it home to middle grade readers. Her post might send you directly to your closet! Don’t miss Julie’s GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win … More Mining for Heart: “Making Learning Real in Traditional Expository Nonfiction” by Julie Danneberg

Behind the Scenes: “The Research Roller Coaster” by Kathlyn Kirkwood

January 14, 2022

Even when YOU are part of the story, research can be a challenge. Kathlyn Kirkwood shares a few of the ups and downs she experienced in the research phase of her debut book, AIN’T GONNA LET NOBODY TURN ME ‘ROUND: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day. This middle-grade memoir about her teen … More Behind the Scenes: “The Research Roller Coaster” by Kathlyn Kirkwood

Mining for Heart: “Hearts Longing to be Free” by Selene Castrovilla

January 3, 2022

After a bit of a lull, I have lots to share in the new year! If you’re a regular reader, you know I love little-known stories from past. So let’s start with an important new-to-me piece of history— and a giveaway! I appreciate the deeper, more complete understanding of our past these overlooked stories offer, … More Mining for Heart: “Hearts Longing to be Free” by Selene Castrovilla

The Gravity Tree

December 3, 2021

Here’s a book I’ve been wanting to see… And after seeing it, I had to share it for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Anyone who knows me is probably aware that I am a lover of trees. And fascinated by history. So putting those together in a picture book is pretty irresistible! I hope you’ll check … More The Gravity Tree

Behind the Scenes: “Connecting to Characters” by Kirsti Call

November 26, 2021

Today I welcome back author Kirsti Call to share a bit about creating COLD TURKEY, her latest picture book. I truly think authors put a bit of themselves in the characters they create. In my case, working with historical figures, I always find a bit of myself in them. That author connection can serve a … More Behind the Scenes: “Connecting to Characters” by Kirsti Call