Tag: writing for children

Behind the Scenes: “Branching Out Into Longer Form Nonfiction” with Kirsten W. Larson

February 2, 2024

So glad to see another book about writing nonfiction for kids! My copy has arrived, and I’m diving in! Thanks, Kirsten Larson, for sharing your knowledge in the book, and also for this post about taking on this endeavor.  Kirsten is also doing a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to be in the … More Behind the Scenes: “Branching Out Into Longer Form Nonfiction” with Kirsten W. Larson

Behind the Scenes: “Expanding Your Book with Back Matter” by Kelly Rice Schmitt

November 21, 2023

Back matter in a book serves a multitude of purposes—it’s like a bonus book that can extend the journey, spark curiosity, and answer questions! If you’re a person who tends to skip over back matter or a writer who’s looking for ideas, here’s a great article from Kelly Rice Schmitt about all that back matter … More Behind the Scenes: “Expanding Your Book with Back Matter” by Kelly Rice Schmitt

Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein

November 10, 2023

Reading and books are near and dear to the hearts of so many of us. Here librarian Ronni Diamondstein shares her path to the heart of her new book JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, finding connection in a love of reading and writing.  Giveaway! Ronni is offering a signed copy of her book to … More Mining for Heart: “A Love of Reading that Guided the Life of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis” by Ronni Diamondstein

Mining for Heart: “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” by Nancy Churnin

November 3, 2023

WHY? That’s always my driving question as an author bringing stories from the past to life. And it was where author Nancy Churnin started, too, for her latest book, VALENTINES FOR ALL. Here she shares her process of putting her heart and the heart of the story on the page. GIVEAWAY! Nancy’s giveaway comes with … More Mining for Heart: “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” by Nancy Churnin

Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann

October 27, 2023

Oh, so many challenges with the writing of A RIVER OF DUST: THE LIVE-GIVING LINK BETWEEN NORTH AFRICA AND THE AMAZON. I’d never heard of the “river of dust” and was fascinated to learn about this amazing process of nature. In this post, author Jilanne Hoffmann takes us through the process of finding the heart … More Mining for Heart: “Separation and Connection” by Jilanne Hoffmann

Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

October 20, 2023

One look at my bookcase will tell you I’m a fan of Benjamin Franklin. That man was into everything! For a writer, no matter what you want to share about him, there’s the challenge of focus, scope, and finding the best way to tell the story. In this post, author Gretchen Woelfle shares how she … More Behind the Scenes: “‘Twas a Long Time Coming: A New Look for Benjamin Franklin” by Gretchen Woelfle

Mining for Heart: “The Journey of a Rock, a Story, & a Writer” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

September 29, 2023

Ever interview your main character? What if it’s a rock? Sounds like a good idea to me! Once you start asking questions a path can open. In this post, author Carmela LaVigna Coyle takes us down her path to her beautiful new picture book, SOMETHING SPECTACULAR: A ROCK’S JOURNEY. GIVEAWAY! Carmela is offering a copy … More Mining for Heart: “The Journey of a Rock, a Story, & a Writer” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Especially for Educators: “Using Science to Teach Language Arts” by Elizabeth Shreeve

September 15, 2023

Kids love sloths! I love sloths! And I love the bonus of science in language arts lessons. Here’s a science book  that’s perfect for teaching language arts—on a topic that students can’t resist. Elizabeth Shreeve shares a flexible, fun “Discovery Tree” activity developed with a STEM teacher especially for busy classrooms. GIVEAWAY! Just leave a … More Especially for Educators: “Using Science to Teach Language Arts” by Elizabeth Shreeve

Behind the Scenes: “The Sweet Spot Where History and Fiction Meet” by Nancy Churnin

September 8, 2023

As a children’s author drawn to nonfiction topics, I know the most difficult part of writing a book about real people and events in the past is to figure out the best way to tell a story to make it matter and connect to kids today. THAT is everything. And that challenge can lead a … More Behind the Scenes: “The Sweet Spot Where History and Fiction Meet” by Nancy Churnin

Mining for Heart: “One Seed, Many Connections” by Sue Heavenrich

August 25, 2023

THE SEED THAT MOLLY GREW is all about connections that come from the miracle of a tiny seed. Author Sue Heavenrich even found a way to make story structure a part of that heart! This is a perfect book to share for fall as kids’ attention turns to pumpkins.  Congratulations to A. Turner, winner of … More Mining for Heart: “One Seed, Many Connections” by Sue Heavenrich