Behind the Scenes: “Knock-Knock. Opportunity Here!” by Teresa Robeson

Author Teresa Robeson has not only demonstrated versatility and excellence in her writing, she’s also one of the kindest and hardest working people I know in the kid lit community. It’s no wonder that opportunity has knocked on her door multiple times! Huge congratulations to Teresa on two new books! GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment … More Behind the Scenes: “Knock-Knock. Opportunity Here!” by Teresa Robeson

#AmericanRevolution250—Behind the Scenes: “George and Me” by Ashley Yazdani

I am thrilled to share this post from Ashley Yazdani, illustrator of THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BATTLE TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY! It’s always fascinating for me to learn about the illustration process, and I’m sure you’ll find this interesting, too! My immense gratitude to Ashley for her amazing work on THE … More #AmericanRevolution250—Behind the Scenes: “George and Me” by Ashley Yazdani

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

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

My Writing Journey: “An Author’s Battle with TMI—Too Much Information!” by Beth Anderson

In this year of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s truly an honor to share a little-known piece of history in THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BATTLE TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY, releasing 9/29/26. Here’s a peek behind the scenes of the writing and how I wrestled with TOO MUCH INFORMATION—an … More My Writing Journey: “An Author’s Battle with TMI—Too Much Information!” by Beth Anderson

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

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

#AmericanRevolution250: “A Revolutionary Metaphor!” by Barbara Carroll Roberts

In this post, author Barbara Carroll Roberts shares a very special moment in our history. To ensure the significance of this moment wasn’t overlooked, the congress used a powerful metaphor. And today you can not only ready about it in WHEN GEORGE WASHINGTON BOWED TO THE NEW NATION, you can also see it preserved in … More #AmericanRevolution250: “A Revolutionary Metaphor!” by Barbara Carroll Roberts

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

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

Mining for Heart: “Tune + Topic = the Heartbeat of Story” by Lynn Becker

As one of author Lynn Becker’s critique partners, I have to tell you that her tuneful stories can keep you humming and tapping long after the meeting! But it’s not all fun and songs, she tweaks and fine-tunes until every word is just right and the story sings! Congratulations on this fabulous book, Lynn! And … More Mining for Heart: “Tune + Topic = the Heartbeat of Story” by Lynn Becker

Mining for Heart: “Kindred Spirits”—Gary Golio on Silence Sounds Simple

Finding your own deep connection to a person, topic, or event can create the path to finding the heart of the story. In this post, author Gary Golio shares his experience with his latest release, SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOHN CAGE. GIVEAWAY! We’ve got a copy of SILENCE SOUNDS SIMPLE … More Mining for Heart: “Kindred Spirits”—Gary Golio on Silence Sounds Simple

Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor

The pandemic a few years ago put us all in the throes of history and pushed thinking in many ways, not only medically, but also regarding human connections. And here we have a children’s book by Zewlan Moor impacted by creative greetings that widened the scope of greetings in the animal world. Giveaway!! Leave a … More Mining for Heart: “Widening the Scope of an Animal Concept Book” by Zewlan Moor