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. The first line in a picture book sets the tone for the story. First lines can establish the setting and identify and expand the current world of the main character. A grand opening can hook the reader in an instant, offering the promise of action, adventure, humor, and heart. And perhaps most important, the first line will hopefully encourage readers to continue reading. Sometimes it takes the first few sentences

A year ago at the end of 2017, I started this blog -- This Writing Life: Stories, Creativity, and Connection. My second blog post was a gratitude cloud based on learning from Julie Hedlund's 12 Days for Christmas for Writers series. And here we are --- a year later! I have lots to be grateful for from 2017: Family Friends The KidLit Writing Community My Clear Fork Publishing Family The Children's Book Academy 12 x 12 StoryStorm SCBWI Conferences This Blog!!! My debut chapter