Tag: writing for children

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

August 7, 2026

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

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

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

July 24, 2026

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

July 3, 2026

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

June 19, 2026

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

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

#AmericanRevolution250: “Revolutionary Virtue: How George Washington’s Weakness Saved a Nation” by Selene Castrovilla

February 6, 2026

Like a liberty bell, the relevance of history rings loud and clear in this timely post from author Selene Castrovilla. I absolutely love GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SPECTACULAR SPECTACLES and the deeper understanding it brings to the Revolutionary War on a personal level. GIVEAWAY! Q&A VIRTUAL VISIT with Selene! Leave a comment below for a chance to … More #AmericanRevolution250: “Revolutionary Virtue: How George Washington’s Weakness Saved a Nation” by Selene Castrovilla