Behind the Scenes: “A Sensory Recipe for Writing Nonfiction” by Nell Cross Beckerman

August 9, 2024

With a goal of writing a book for kids about volcanoes using lyrical language, author Nell Cross Beckerman not only researched for information, she also used her own and gathered more sensory input. Here’s how using her senses paid off in writing VOLCANOES. Congratulations to Claire Annette, winner of Lori Alexander’s giveaway of a picture … More Behind the Scenes: “A Sensory Recipe for Writing Nonfiction” by Nell Cross Beckerman

Behind the Scenes: “A Biography’s Journey: From Dry to Lively” by Lori Alexander

August 2, 2024

Transforming a pile of information into story is a challenge. And then when you think you’ve done it, you learn it’s not working as you’d hoped. In this post, author Lori Alexander shares how she continued to revise until the story came alive. Her examples are informative, and the tips she leaves us with are … More Behind the Scenes: “A Biography’s Journey: From Dry to Lively” by Lori Alexander

Cover Reveal! Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln

July 26, 2024

If I asked you to name a detective, I’d likely hear Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, Dick Tracy, and maybe even Allan Pinkerton… BUT…I’m willing to bet no one would mention Kate Warne. I’m hoping HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE ABRAHAM LINCOLN might change that and shine some … More Cover Reveal! Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln

Behind the Scenes: “How to Navigate a King-Size Conference” by Kerry Aradhya

July 19, 2024

Sometimes a large professional conference can be as puzzling as that famous cube with all the squares. Never fear, author Kerry Aradhya, has some tips to help you make the most of a conference opportunity. AND…she’s offering a GIVEAWAY to one lucky person who comments on the post below—a copy of ERNO RUBIK AND HIS … More Behind the Scenes: “How to Navigate a King-Size Conference” by Kerry Aradhya

Especially for Educators: “Harnessing the History of the Harlem Renaissance” by Melissa H. Mwai

July 12, 2024

Sharing the past can inspire the future! In her new book, author Melissa Mwai gives young readers a peek into the Harlem Renaissance, and in this post, she shares three activities for the classroom to build understanding of the time, make use of nonfiction text features, and extend learning. Leave a comment below to get … More Especially for Educators: “Harnessing the History of the Harlem Renaissance” by Melissa H. Mwai

Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

July 5, 2024

Think back…do you have a favorite piece of furniture from your past? One that comes with precious memories? One that’s part of YOUR story. But what if that special piece of furniture could share ITS story? Author Cathy Stefanec Ogren’s latest book is just such a tale, and here she shares how she found the … More Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

Behind the Scenes: “Why Art Notes Can Make or Break a Manuscript” by Maria Marianayagam

June 28, 2024

In an article I wrote recently for GROG Blog about my experience with illustration notes with THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, my look back over the editorial revision process showed that when the text was clarified, the notes weren’t needed. In this post, Maria Marianayagam shares a very different experience. Once again, there are no … More Behind the Scenes: “Why Art Notes Can Make or Break a Manuscript” by Maria Marianayagam

Behind the Scenes: “Which Point of View?” by Julia Wasson

June 21, 2024

There are so many ways to tell a story. Author Julia Wasson tried many formats before she found the right voice and point of view for CAN YOU HEAR THE PLANTS SPEAK? And landing on just the right way proved magical!    Julia is offering a GIVEAWAY of a copy of CAN YOU HEAR THE … More Behind the Scenes: “Which Point of View?” by Julia Wasson

Behind the Scenes: How to Sell an “Evergreen” Manuscript by Christine Van Zandt

June 14, 2024

Some topics and themes are “evergreen,” eternally relevant, but they present their own challenges. Check out this post from author Christine Van Zandt about how she handled a familiar topic and made it special.  GIVEAWAY! Christine is offering a copy MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS to one lucky person who leaves a comment below! Congratulations to Angela, … More Behind the Scenes: How to Sell an “Evergreen” Manuscript by Christine Van Zandt

Behind the Scenes: “The Importance of Community” by Lynn Becker

June 7, 2024

There’s that saying “it takes a village.” So true for so many endeavors—and publishing a children’s book is one of them! Here’s a post from one of my local critique partners Lynn Becker who’s celebrating the release of her second book for kids.  GIVEAWAY! Lynn is offering a copy of JUNE MOON, a delightful board … More Behind the Scenes: “The Importance of Community” by Lynn Becker