Behind the Scenes – Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Behind the Scenes: “Listening for the Music in BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE” by Jason Peterson

September 18, 2026

Here’s a terrific post from author Jason Peterson on finding the balance between details of a life and “the feel” of that life in the world in BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE: THE UNSTOPPABLE MUSIC OF CEDELL DAVIS. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to get in on the giveaway for a copy of BLUES WITH … More Behind the Scenes: “Listening for the Music in BLUES WITH A BUTTER KNIFE” by Jason Peterson

Behind the Scenes: “Creative Risks: Stepping Out of The Comfort Zone” by Heidi Yates

September 4, 2026

Love this post from debut author Heidi Yates on taking creative risks and trying something new. MONSTER MANNERS A-Z is a fabulous, fun, fresh alphabet book with well chosen behavior tips for kids today. Congratulations, Heidi! And thank you for sharing your journey out of the comfort zone! GIVEAWAY!! Be sure to leave a comment … More Behind the Scenes: “Creative Risks: Stepping Out of The Comfort Zone” by Heidi Yates

Behind the Scenes: “Creating a Distinct Cast of Characters” by Julie Rowan-Zoch

July 31, 2026

What a treat to share the work of another one of my critique partners, author/illustrator Julie Rowan-Zoch! I am endlessly fascinated by the illustration process and always enjoy learning how it plays out. Julie is SO skilled at characterization, and the extra nods to other illustrators and books adds a secret layer for observant children’s … More Behind the Scenes: “Creating a Distinct Cast of Characters” by Julie Rowan-Zoch

Behind the Scenes: “The Power of Place to Find Story” by Darcy Pattison

July 17, 2026

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

#AmericanRevolution250 Behind the Scenes: “Illustrating Her Name Was Mary Katharine” by Dow Phumiruk

June 26, 2026

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

Behind the Scenes: “Deconstructing Debug This Book” by Omar Abed

June 5, 2026

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

Behind the Scenes: “What Are You Willing to Change?” by Jilanne Hoffmann

March 13, 2026

In this post, author Jilanne Hoffmann takes us through the submission process for THE OCEAN’S HEART: THE TINY CREATURES ESSENTIAL TO LIFE and the question of what she was willing to change to get this book published. GIVEAWAY! For a chance to win a copy of THE OCEAN’S HEART, leave a comment below after the … More Behind the Scenes: “What Are You Willing to Change?” by Jilanne Hoffmann

Behind the Scenes: “Fume, Flounder, Fix – How Editors Opened the Door for Emily….and Me” by Mel Rosenberg

March 6, 2026

It’s hard to put your writing out there. So personal. And then when the feedback comes…OUCH! Here’s a great post from author Mel Rosenberg on his path to trusting the experts as he found his way through EMILY SAW A DOOR. GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of EMILY … More Behind the Scenes: “Fume, Flounder, Fix – How Editors Opened the Door for Emily….and Me” by Mel Rosenberg

Behind the Scenes: “Fake News?” by Patricia Newman

February 13, 2026

It’s a nonfiction writer’s worst nightmare! All your research, meticulous questioning, and writing suddenly hit with a sledgehammer of doubt…YIKES! It’s stressful just to think about it! But fortunately author Patricia Newman and her editor found their way through, and even added another layer of “interesting” to a gorgeous book! Fake News? by Patricia Newman … More Behind the Scenes: “Fake News?” by Patricia Newman

Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Reader, Writer, Miner of Moments

Category: Behind the Scenes