Category: fiction

Behind the Scenes: “Letting Math Tell the Story” by Ann Marie Stephens

October 8, 2021

As an educator, I’ve always favored engaging stories that support curricular areas. So, math stories? YES! A series with chickens AND math? FUN! And math illustrated by the phenomenal Jenn Harney who did “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses? OH, YEAH! Thanks to author Ann Marie Stephens for sharing a bit from “behind the scenes” … More Behind the Scenes: “Letting Math Tell the Story” by Ann Marie Stephens

Mining for Heart: “Logline as Lifeline for Whole Whale” by Karen Yin

August 27, 2021

I know too well that loglines can be pure torture. All the essential pieces of story have to be there. I absolutely love Karen Yin’s post about her process using the logline to guide her writing—pure gold! Read on to see how her debut picture book, WHOLE WHALE, came to be. AND don’t miss the … More Mining for Heart: “Logline as Lifeline for Whole Whale” by Karen Yin

Behind the Scenes: “Crafting Memory into Story” by Sandy Brehl

July 23, 2021

Sandy Brehl is one of those kid lit people who shares picture book love through thoughtful interviews and posts. I’m just one of many kid lit creators who is grateful for her support and honored to call her a friend. Here, Sandy shares how a memory kept calling her through time, finally resulting in her … More Behind the Scenes: “Crafting Memory into Story” by Sandy Brehl

Swashby and the Sea

May 7, 2021

Here’s a new picture book that’s really won my heart with it’s word play, timely message, and irresistible illustrations! Author Beth Ferry and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal have created an endearing and humorous story about not getting what you want, but rather, what you need. Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Congratulations to the winner of WATERCRESS … More Swashby and the Sea

Behind the Scenes: “How Waiting Saved My Writing Career” by Kirsti Call

April 9, 2021

Welcome, Kirsti Call! Thank you so much for sharing this essential part of the path to publication! Waiting is hard. So hard. And after experiencing rejections, even harder. But…patience can make all the difference.  If you’d like a chance to win a copy of COW SAYS MEOW, just leave a comment after the post to … More Behind the Scenes: “How Waiting Saved My Writing Career” by Kirsti Call

Behind the Scenes: “BACK MATTER? How a Character-Driven Picture Book Became Informational Fiction,” by Julie Rowan-Zoch

March 5, 2021

It’s such a pleasure to share critique partner Julie Rowan-Zoch’s debut picture book as author/illustrator! What fun to see this story develop over time, and, as the die-hard nonfiction person in our local critique group, so cool to see the nonfiction element grow stronger and even inspire back matter! Thank you, Julie, for sharing how … More Behind the Scenes: “BACK MATTER? How a Character-Driven Picture Book Became Informational Fiction,” by Julie Rowan-Zoch

Mining for Heart: “Breaking the Rules” by Carrie Finison

February 19, 2021

There are lots of rules about writing for children and breaking them usually results in rejections. But…like in most aspects of life, if you do it right, that story might just turn out for the better. Thank you, Carrie Finison, for sharing your process in DON’T HUG DOUG! And thank you for offering a GIVEAWAY! … More Mining for Heart: “Breaking the Rules” by Carrie Finison

Behind the Scenes: “Where and When?” by Susan Kusel

February 12, 2021

Today we get a peek into the process of taking a classic story and changing it up with a different time and place. Thank you, Susan Kusel, for sharing your meticulous research process for THE PASSOVER GUEST!  AND thank you for offering a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post for a chance to win … More Behind the Scenes: “Where and When?” by Susan Kusel

Behind the Scenes: “Prompts Can Spark Stories” by Rosie Pova

January 29, 2021

Have you ever wondered if an idea sparked by a prompt can result in a publishable story? Well, here’s your answer! Thank you, Rosie Pova, for sharing the process of shaping SUNDAY RAIN from the spark of a prompt.  Rosie is offering a swag giveaway x 3! Just leave a comment below for a chance … More Behind the Scenes: “Prompts Can Spark Stories” by Rosie Pova