November 12, 2019

Writing Books That Matter: Charlotte Watson Sherman and Jes Negron on Brown Sugar Babe

Some books entertain. Some educate. A rare few are created because their authors believe the book needs to exist. Brown Sugar Babe is one of those books. In this interview, author Charlotte Watson Sherman and editor Jes Negron discuss the purpose behind the picture book, the importance of representation in children's literature, the realities of the publishing process, and the role stories can play in helping young readers see themselves with confidence, dignity, and hope. Their conversation offers valuable insights not only into publishing children's books, but also into creating work that serves a meaningful purpose beyond the page.

November 5, 2019

Behind Go, Girls, Go!: Frances Gilbert on Writing, Editing, and Publishing Children’s Books

Few people get to see the publishing industry from multiple angles. Frances Gilbert has spent decades helping bring children's books into the world as an editor while also experiencing the uncertainty, vulnerability, and excitement of being an author herself. In this interview, Frances shares lessons from her work as Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers and discusses the release of her picture book, Go, Girls, Go! Along the way, she offers valuable insights into storytelling, publishing, platform building, creativity, and what separates successful children's book creators from those who never quite break through.

October 14, 2019

What Picture Book Critique Fest Taught Me About Creative Growth

One of the fastest ways to improve any creative skill is to seek thoughtful feedback from people with more experience than you. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, entrepreneur, or artist, growth rarely happens in isolation. We learn through studying our craft, practicing consistently, and receiving outside perspectives that help us see what we cannot see on our own. Back in 2019, I participated in Picture Book Critique Fest (#PBCritiqueFest), a community event that connected aspiring children's book creators with literary agents, authors, and illustrators willing to provide critiques and guidance. While the event itself has long since ended, the lessons behind it remain highly relevant today because the principles of creative growth never change. The experience reinforced something every creator eventually discovers: improvement requires knowledge, practice, and feedback.

October 7, 2019

My KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2019 Entry (And What I Learned From Entering)

Writing contests can be intimidating, especially for newer writers. It’s easy to assume your work isn’t ready, that other writers are more talented, or that there’s little chance of being selected. Yet contests offer something valuable regardless of the outcome: a reason to create, finish a piece of work, and put it into the world. In 2019, I entered the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, a picture book writing contest built around visual prompts and strict word-count limitations. The challenge encouraged creativity, brevity, and experimentation. While the contest itself has long since ended, I wanted to preserve both my entry and the experience because it represents an important part of my growth as a writer. To my surprise, the submission was selected for a picture book manuscript critique prize. More importantly, it reminded me that opportunities often come from simply showing up and participating. Below is the original contest entry exactly as submitted.

October 5, 2019

Why Audiobooks Became One of the Fastest Growing Book Formats

Audiobooks have transformed how millions of people consume books. What began as an accessibility tool for visually impaired readers has evolved into one of the fastest-growing segments of the publishing industry. Today, people listen while commuting, exercising, doing household chores, traveling, and working. Audiobooks have made reading more accessible, more flexible, and easier to fit into busy lives. While printed books and ebooks remain important, the rise of audiobooks has fundamentally changed how readers discover and engage with stories and ideas.

October 1, 2019

The Best Personal Development Books That Changed How I Think About Success

Personal development books have shaped my thinking more than almost any other form of education. While formal schooling taught me technical skills, books introduced me to ideas about discipline, leadership, communication, business, personal finance, creativity, and long-term growth. The right book can compress years of experience into a few hundred pages and expose us to perspectives we might never discover on our own. Over the years I've read hundreds of books, but a small handful have had an outsized impact on how I think, work, lead, and make decisions. These are the personal development books that influenced me the most and continue to shape my approach to success.

September 27, 2019

Illustrating Children’s Books: Lessons from Phyllis Harris on Creativity, Publishing, and Persistence

Children's book illustrations often feel effortless. A reader turns the page, smiles at the artwork, and becomes immersed in the story without ever considering the years of practice, experimentation, revisions, and professional growth required to create those images. Behind every published picture book is a creative process shaped by persistence, craftsmanship, and a commitment to continual improvement. In this interview, children's book illustrator and author Phyllis Harris shares lessons from a career spanning more than 30 books, discussing creativity, publishing, artistic development, resilience, and what it takes to build a lasting career creating work that resonates with children and families.

September 24, 2019

What It Really Takes to Write Children’s Books: Insights from Brooke Van Sickle

Writing for children looks simple from the outside. The books are shorter, the language appears straightforward, and the stories often feel effortless. Yet creating books that truly connect with young readers requires far more skill, discipline, and intentionality than many people realize. Children's author, editor, and educator Brooke Van Sickle has spent years studying the craft, building a platform within the children's publishing industry, and helping aspiring authors navigate the path from idea to publication. In this interview, Brooke shares practical lessons on writing for children, developing creative discipline, building an author platform, and pursuing a long-term career in publishing.