I'm delighted to feature my #SeenIn19 friend, author Eileen Meyer, on the blog today! I loved learning about her process for writing poems, how she envisions her book as a conversation starter, and her work with #KidsNeedMentors. Congratulations to Eileen - The Superlative A. Lincoln...

I'm happy to feature author Nadine Poper on the blog today! Nadine has not one but two lovely picture books releasing with Blue Whale Press! I enjoyed learning more about how Nadine switched from being a theater major to pursuing elementary education in college, and I'm always thrilled to chat with...

I'm so happy to highlight fellow #BookBlastoff and #ClearForkPublishing author Vanessa Keel. I love Vanessa's debut picture book, BOOMER AT YOUR SERVICE (releasing October 15th!). And I enjoyed learning that two of my favorite dogs, Clifford and Lassie, helped inspire Vanessa. Read on for Vanessa's...

I'm delighted to feature my fellow #BookMeshuggenah, Ann D. Koffsky, on the blog today. Ann's most recent picture book, CREATION COLORS, is gorgeous and inspiring. And I loved learning more about Ann's mini art projects as she discussed her thoughts about stories . . . creativity . . . and connectio...

I'm happy to showcase my #SeenIn19 writing pal, Michelle Schaub, on the blog today. I absolutely love her new picture book poetry collection, FINDING TREASURE: A COLLECTION OF COLLECTIONS. Michelle shares her thoughts about stories . . . creativity . . . and connection -- including her amazing creat...

I'm so happy to feature my #SeenIn19 writing pal, Ann Marie Stephens, on the blog today. Her new picture book, ARITHMECHICKS ADD UP: A MATH STORY (illustrated by Jia Liu, Boyds Mills Press) is absolutely adorable. And I can't wait for her next picture book, ARITHMECHICKS TAKE AWAY (such clever title...

This post first appeared on Chapter Book Challenge.

BRAINSTORMING CHAPTER BOOK IDEAS

It’s March and that means it’s time for the annual Chapter Book Challenge. I’m so glad to be posting again this year. You can read some of my previous posts for ChaBookCha and ChaBooChaLite here – including “Working Y...

This post first appeared on Children's Book Academy.

There are many benefits to joining a critique group. I gain so much from my partners’ insightful comments on my work. And I benefit by reading critiques of work written by other group members. Additionally, I learn by analyzing and providing critiq...

This post first appeared on Children's Book Academy.

​Last month, I wrote about organizing and conducting a writing critique group, providing critiques, and accepting critiques.  You can find that post here. Today’s post includes tips for sustaining a critique group, and what to do when it’s tim...

I'm happy to participate with Lauren in the wonderful author group, #SeenIn19, and I'm delighted to feature her on the blog today! I look forward to getting my copy of her adorable picture book, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES (illustrated by Nate Wragg, Two Lions, releasing June 2019). Here...

I first met Cathy Ballou Mealey when we participated together in the book marketing group, #Epic18. I love the adorable antics in her debut picture book, WHEN A TREE GROWS, which released on April 2, 2019 (illustrated by Kasia Nowowiejksa). Read on for Cathy's thoughts about stories . . . creativity...

This post first appeared on #BookBlastoff.

Here’s a short pitch for my next picture book, RETURN OF THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH: Magic Paintbrush misses painting with Scarlet. When a new character causes all of Scarlet’s colors to disappear, Brush will do everything in her power to get the colors back and s...

I'm happy to participate with author Jodi McKay in the children's book marketing group #SeenIn19. Her picture book, PENCIL'S PERFECT PICTURE (illustrated by Juliana Motzko, Albert Whitman & Co., May 2019) is just perfect! Here are Jodi's thoughts about stories . . . creativity . . . and connection:

S...

This post first appeared on #BookBlastoff.

I often hear the question: “Why do you write for children?” Friends and family are inquisitive. Strangers are intrigued. And children themselves are genuinely curious. In moments of self-reflection, I have asked myself this question as well. 

There are man...

Look out for Lydia Lukidis - she has two picture books releasing this spring! I loved learning about her inspiration for both, and about the research and revisions behind these stories. 

STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects. 

TH...