I spent my teaching career teaching English to students like young Hanh Bui, hoping that they would find their voice in a new language, hoping they would share their stories one day. Stories like Hanh’s touch my heart, and I’m so glad she’s found a way to bring her experiences to others who will be … More Mining for Heart: “Write the Stories Only You Can Tell” by Hanh Bui
Henry Herz tackles some difficult topics, like smoke and gravity. Here he explains his three-pronged approach to I AM GRAVITY, his new release. And I have to say, not only was the text lyrical and engaging, and the illustrations downright gorgeous, it’s pretty mind blowing to consider the vast impact of gravity— so much more … More Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz
When I read LEAFY LANDMARKS by Michelle Schaub, I was amazed by the layers! Not only all the research and multiple angles, but also an incredible poetry collection! Such a great book for the classroom! Michelle is here to share how the layers of her manuscript grew over time as she persevered to publishing. GIVEAWAY! … More Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub
Setting is a key piece of story. For me, it requires lots of research. For author Sarah Hovorka, writing a fictional story based on a childhood memory, it required an awareness of how times have changed. Sarah offers a few examples, and … a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below the post for a chance … More Behind the Scenes: “Writing Childhood Stories for the Modern Market” by Sarah Hovorka
I wonder if we all have a childhood passion sleeping inside of us just waiting to be awakened. For Jill Esbaum, this was her personal connection, her way into a story about Gene Stratton-Porter. With this post and this gorgeous new book, Jill will have all of us thinking about revisiting long ago joys. We … More Mining for Heart: “Discovering a Kindred Spirit” by Jill Esbaum
Many of the books coming out now were products of the pandemic, a time when all of us experienced anxiety and many kid lit authors found it difficult to write. When faced with an exciting opportunity, Karen Jameson dug in to find her way past that block. In this post, she shares how she did … More Behind the Scenes: “Waking the Muse for WAKE UP, WOODLANDS” by Karen Jameson
Today we get a peek into the world of work-for-hire early readers with Melissa H. Mwai. Along with essential info for people interested in breaking into writing for children via work-for-hire, she also shares links to resources and more specifics to explore. GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of … More Behind the Scenes: “The Mysterious World of Work-for-Hire Early Readers” by Melissa H. Mwai
Many people are surprised to learn that much of the marketing for children’s books is placed in the laps of authors and illustrators. For most of us, it’s daunting and uncomfortable. But Gina Soldano-Herrle has made it fun, and she’s here to share how she discovered this piece of her journey. GIVEAWAY! Gina is offering … More Behind the Scenes: “Making Marketing Fun – From Facebook Post to Podcast in Under 12 Months” by Gina Soldano-Herrle
Vivian Kirkfield, one of the kid lit community’s most energetic encouragers, has a new book hitting bookstores—and wow! it’s a powerful story beautifully told! PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: ANNIE LONDONDERRY, THE FIRST WOMAN TO CYCLE AROUND THE WORLD will inspire and bring history alive for all ages. Like Vivian, I’m a former teacher who’s a firm … More Especially for Educators: “Using Picture Books Across Curriculum Subjects in Every Grade Level” by Vivian Kirkfield
Welcome to Keila Dawson, a fellow member of Kid Lit For Growing Minds, a group of kid lit creators whose books cross curricular areas and support educators. Keila’s got a delicious activity to use with her latest release, YUMBO GUMBO, that brings math into the kitchen in the best way, merging learning, culture, and food! … More Especially for Educators: “Using Storytelling to Teach Math in the Primary Classroom” by Keila Dawson
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 