This post first appeared on the Children’s Book Academy blog. Lyrical language is often a key ingredient in the magic of picture books. The precise language used in picture books is especially important because authors have a limited amount of words to work with. Every word must count: to advance the story, create an image,… Read more »
This post first appeared on the Children’s Book Academy blog. The “heart” of a picture book can provide an emotionally satisfying depth, an “a-ha” moment, and the truthful core layer of a story. That elusive heart can serve as a connection between the reader and the story. Other components of a story are important: plot,… Read more »
This post originally appeared on Epic Eighteen. There are many excellent resources available for picture book writers and illustrators: classes, challenges, workshops, online writing communities, writing organizations, and blogs. The small sampling listed below have all helped me along my writing journey: CLASSES: Children’s Book Academy – Dr. Mira Reisberg offers many fantastic writing courses,… Read more »
This post first appeared on the Children’s Book Academy blog. Page turns in picture books are crucial. Well-placed page turns act as cliffhangers, encouraging the reader to continue reading. They can create anticipation, drama, humor, surprise, and suspense, and help control the pacing of the story. Words and illustrations each have a role in developing… Read more »
This post first appeared on the Children’s Book Academy blog. The ending in a picture book wraps up the story through the words and illustrations. Sometimes, an ending ties the story together neatly like a bow around a present. Other times, a story can conclude with a surprise twist. Hopefully, the final page will leave… Read more »
This post originally appeared on Epic Eighteen. I’m happy to be posting on the #EPIC18 blog today about the revision process for my debut picture book, SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Clear Fork Publishing, August 2018). Scarlet is an ordinary girl who paints perfect pictures with a magic paintbrush, until she loses the brush, and her own… Read more »
This post was first published on the #EPIC18READS blog. I am proud to be a member of Epic18, a group of authors and illustrators with debut picture books releasing in 2018. My debut picture book, SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH, releases from Clear Fork Publishing in August, 2018! My typical writing day truly is not typical. My… Read more »
This post first appeared on the Chapter Book Challenge 2018 blog as part of #ChaBooCha2018 where authors work on chapter book and other manuscripts for a month each March. Are you considering writing a chapter book series? Maybe you’re already working on book number two, three, or more? My first chapter book, THE ENCHANTED SNOW… Read more »
This content was originally posted at Children’s Book Academy. In a chapter book, the first line of each chapter should hook readers and draw them into the story. Similarly, the last line of each chapter should ease the transition into the next chapter. That important last line should serve as a mini-cliffhanger to keep the… Read more »
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,… Read more »