So many of us have manuscripts in a “drawer”—waiting for a block to clear or a better ending or a new take. I love hearing about the rare occasions when the lightning strikes and the manuscript emerges from doom with a revelation that transforms it. Here Jeanette Bradley shares how a manuscript became more than … More Mining for Heart: “The Heart Can Surprise You” by Jeanette Bradley
Every once in a while, kid lit creators get a chance to create a sequel to a picture book they’ve done and let their beloved characters live on. Yay! But there are a few important things to consider. Isabella Kung takes us through her process of creating a sequel to NO FUZZBALL!—her latest release, NO … More Behind the Scenes: “Writing a Picture Book Sequel” by Isabella Kung
Though we often hear the phrase, “write what you know,” a good many of us are drawn to topics and ideas that we don’t know about, by a natural urge to know more. And kids are, too! I can totally identify with author Kristen Nordstrom’s experience. In this post, Kristen shares how she turned a … More Behind the Scenes: “Find the Spark that Ignites Your Story” by Kristen Nordstrom
After a short lull in posts, we’re back digging into the “heart” of a story. I’m guessing most all of you are familiar with Mister Rogers and know that he made music a part of his show. Here Donna Cangelosi examines music as her focus in writing a bio on Fred Rogers. GIVEAWAY! For a … More Mining for Heart: “Highlighting the Essential in Biographies” by Donna Cangelosi
I can totally identify with the problem of finding so much goodness in a story that it becomes overwhelming! Megan Hoyt shares how she pulled multiple threads into one in THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL: HOW ISAAC STERN UNITED THE WORLD TO SAVE CARNEGIE HALL (releases 7/5/22). Megan is offering a GIVEAWAY of a picture … More Behind the Scenes: “A Perfect Symphony, Mining for Gold in The Greatest Song of All” by Megan Hoyt
Here’s a great story of the birth of MIGHTY MAHI from Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, a story that sprang from project-based learning with excited and engaged students. Authors will enjoy learning about the genesis of the book, and educators will surely find inspiration for their own classrooms. While Suzanne wrote the book as a result of … More Especially for Educators: “Climb Aboard the Yellow Submarine: A Study in Research and Activism” by Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw
One aspect of publishing many struggle with is marketing and promotion. It’s hard to know how to put you and your beautiful new book out there. Here, Rochelle Melander shares some tips and strategies to get you focused, build a team, and launch your book into the world. GIVEAWAY! Rochelle is offering a 30-minute consult … More Behind the Scenes: “Marketing Your Book” by Rochelle Melander
This week’s guest blogger, Helen H. Wu, shares how she found the layers in TOFU TAKES TIME. When you write from a personal experience, paying attention to emotions and details can contribute to the creation of a multi-layered story. Helen has a special giveaway, too—a signed bookplate and a limited edition art print! Just leave … More Behind the Scenes: “Building Layers from Life” by Helen Wu
I remember being amazed by Helen Keller’s story as a child. Such a fascinating person! It’s no surprise we have multiple books on her for children…so do we need more? Absolutely! But not more of the same. Finding a fresh angle is part of the challenge when writing about such a major figure. Here Meeg … More Mining for Heart: “Finding a Fresh Angle on a Famous Figure” by Meeg Pincus
No doubt the reason most editors say “no rhyming books” is due to the fact that rhyme is so difficult to do well. When Lynn Becker said she “walked out the rhymes” as she wrote her debut picture book MONSTERS IN THE BRINY,” I asked her to share that in a blog post. All that … More Behind the Scenes: “Walking the Rhyme” by Lynn Becker
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 