As a word nerd, I enjoy puns, idioms, and all sorts of word play when I write. And sometimes it’s easy to get carried away. There’s a delicate balance and lots to consider. Here, Kimberly Wilson shares her process of making choices with word play in her debut picture book, A PENNY’S WORTH. Read on … More Mining for Heart with…Puns?! by Kimberly Wilson
I met Elizabeth Brown at a nonfiction retreat in 2016, and, in a round table session with an editor, I saw the beginning of this story. I’m so thrilled it’s now as a picture book! Thank you, Elizabeth for sharing your process of ensuring the balance of layers while also keeping your focus. And Elizabeth … More Mining for Heart: “Weaving in the Story’s Layers” by Elizabeth Brown
In today’s post, Christine Evans shares the basics of writing a chapter book series. AND Christine is offering a giveaway! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of THE WISH THAT GOT AWAY! Congrats to Robin Brett Wechsler, winner of MAKE WAY FOR ANIMALS by Meeg Pincus! How to Write … More Behind the Scenes: “How to Write a Chapter Book Series” by Christine Evans
Who doesn’t love a 2-for-1 deal?! If you’re really lucky, the solution to your story idea that results in “too much information” just might be two books! Kid lit writer Meeg Pincus was paying attention and, in solving her manuscript problem, found two “solutions”! And we have a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for … More Behind the Scenes: “One Research Dive, Two Books” by Meeg Pincus
We’ve got a really special post today on the collaboration between an author and students. Christy Mihaly shares how THE SUPREME COURT AND US sprang from this partnership. And to celebrate US History in the classroom, we’re teaming up for a special 2-BOOK GIVEAWAY for educators and librarians! There are multiple ways to enter the … More Behind the Scenes: “Collaborating with Kids in Writing a Nonfiction Picture Book” by Christy Mihaly
Jill Esbaum is one of the incredible children’s authors I met at my first writing retreat. She shared her knowledge, encouraged us, and made me think this crazy writing for children idea just might be possible. I’m grateful to know Jill and excited to share this post about crafting heart in her fabulous new release, … More Mining for Heart: “Writing About Historical Events: 3 Tips for Adding Heart” by Jill Esbaum
I doubt I’m the only one who has received feedback that a story is “flat.” In this post, Brooke Hartman shares how she enhanced the highs and lows, the dive and soar, to bring emotional impact to the pages of her two upcoming releases. AND Brooke is offering a fabulous GIVEAWAY: signed copies of her … More Behind the Scenes: “The Dive and Soar of Picture Book Writing” by Brooke Hartman
Today I welcome back author Kirsti Call to share a bit about creating COLD TURKEY, her latest picture book. I truly think authors put a bit of themselves in the characters they create. In my case, working with historical figures, I always find a bit of myself in them. That author connection can serve a … More Behind the Scenes: “Connecting to Characters” by Kirsti Call
My sister was the one who loved horses in my family. A pair of disgruntled ponies instilled a wariness in me, but as an adult, I appreciate the beauty and power of horses. Jennifer Thermes’ new picture book HORSE POWER: HOW HORSES CHANGED THE WORLD caught my eye after I had spent time thoroughly enjoying … More Behind the Scenes: “Finding the Focus in Big Picture History” by Jennifer Thermes
Today, we get to celebrate a book birthday with this post! Congratulations to author Songju Ma Daemicke and illustrator Lin on the release of TU YOUYOU’S DISCOVERY. Thank you for sharing the cultural heart of the story, Songju, and also, thank you for offering a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win … More Mining for Heart: “Embracing and Learning from Your Cultural Heritage” by Songju Ma Daemicke
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 