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 thoughts about stories . . . creativity . . . and connection. 1) STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects. Thi

I first met Linda online during a Children's Book Academy course. And then we met in person in New York City and talked non-stop for several hours about creativity, writing, and life. I'm so happy to feature Linda on the blog today where she shares her thoughts about stories . . . creativity . . . and connection. STORIES -- Discuss what inspires your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects. First, thank you, Melissa, for inviting me to post on your

This content was originally posted at Children's Book Academy. I’m happy to be posting my second piece as a Blogateer! This time, it’s all about TITLES! I’ll focus on how to brainstorm engaging titles, and I’ll offer some examples of titles that make readers want to stop, look, and read. ​ CREATING TITLES Just as character names are important, so are titles. In a bookstore or library, children spend a short amount of time looking at the book cover. The cover art i

I haven't met Sarah in person yet, but I have enjoyed getting to know her as we are both working with Clear Fork Publishing, and assisting with Mira Reisberg's Children's Book Academy Illustration class. Here are her thoughts about Stories . . . Creativity . . . and Connection. Melissa, thank you so much for interviewing me for your blog! It’s so inspiring to connect with writers like you and discover all the different paths and experiences on this kidlit journey. STORIES – D

Deborah Weed is on the blog today! I'm so impressed with Deborah's positive attitude and optimism. And her work on building confidence in young children through her Self-Worth Initiative is so important. I look forward to reading PAISLEY when it releases from Clear Fork Publishing in 2018 and to discovering QUILL POWER! Deborah - thanks for sharing your stories . . . creativity . . . and connection. STORIES -- Discuss what inspires your ideas and stories, and share the proces