I’ve found that I really enjoy exploring structure as a writer. Readers experience all kinds of text structures, but they seldom have a chance to learn all the planning and puzzling involved in the process of writing. Here, author Keely Parrack gives us a peek behind the scenes at how MORNING, SUNSHINE came to be. … More Behind the Scenes: “Puzzling Out a Picture Book” with Keely Parrack
A picture book takes longer than most people think….and longer than an author may think…so I love this post from Laura Perdew who persevered with this story, pulling it out of the drawer to let it evolve over time with new learning and realizations. So for all of you out there with manuscripts in the … More Behind the Scenes: “The Writing Journey” by Laura Perdew
2020 is a big year for Nancy Churnin with two picture book releases! How does she decide what subjects are worth pursuing through months of research and revision? Read on to learn about Nancy’s process when she discovers a fascinating person from the past… “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin People often … More Behind the Scenes: “My Three Musts in Writing Picture Books” by Nancy Churnin
Last week I shared Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Ropedancer, and this week you get to hear from the author, Lisa Robinson. The journey a story takes from idea to out-in-the-world is always interesting. I often think a manuscript teaches us something we need as we work through the story and get to know the character. Madam Saqui’s keep … More Behind the Scenes: “One Step at a Time with Madame Saqui” by Lisa Robinson
Stories begin in all sorts of places, and often, I think, they begin with an emotional reaction to something we see or hear. Thank you, Julie Abery, for sharing how YUSRA SWIMS came to be. Thank you so much, Beth, for inviting me on your blog to share my debut picture book biography, Yusra Swims … More Behind the Scenes: “Where does a story start?” by Julie Abery
Each manuscript I’ve tackled has brought new lessons in the research process, so it’s always helpful when I get to learn from someone else’s experience. In this guest post, Kirsten Larson shares some “Behind the Scenes” learning from the research process for her debut picture book, WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: EMMA LILIAN TODD INVENTS AN AIRPLANE. Straight … More Behind the Scenes: “Straight to the (Primary) Source” by Kirsten Larson
As promised, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, author of The Oldest Student, is here to share a bit from “behind the scenes” in the publishing process. Authors are often in a quandary about illustration notes, so here are some thoughts from Rita on her experience with her latest picture book. Notes from THE OLDEST STUDENT: What I … More Behind the Scenes: Rita Lorraine Hubbard on “Illustration Notes”
I have to say, I couldn’t have made it to published without the collective knowledge and generosity of the kid lit village. Big thanks to all those who share their experience and create forums for learning! THE VILLAGE OF WRITERS –NF FEST by Pat Miller I couldn’t have published six fiction picture books by myself. … More Behind the Scenes: “The Village of Writers —NF Fest” by Pat Miller
It’s so exciting to see a critique partner’s books come out—manuscripts you’ve watched develop from the early stages, take shape, and find their polished form. Michelle Lord and I must have both started investigating Maria Toorpakai Wazir about the same time, unbeknownst to each other. I set it aside, but Michelle kept on it. I … More Behind the Scenes: “Write What You Know?” by Michelle Lord
Being the 1st is not enough.” I’ve heard these words from editors who probably receive way too many picture book manuscripts about someone who did something first. Authors scramble to uncover inventions and accomplishments, discoveries and honors, breakthroughs and court victories. Being first is commendable and implies individual greatness, but it’s not always interesting, engaging, … More Behind the Scenes: “Being the 1st Is Not Enough”
