August 16, 2019
Most writers eventually reach a point where they don’t know what to write, feel uninspired, or hit a creative block. Low levels of inspiration happen to everyone. The question is what you must do when writer's block arrives.
July 9, 2019
Are you an author on the hunt for a traditional publisher? Are you looking to break into publishing the old fashioned way? With all the options available to debut authors or seasoned authors looking for a traditional support system, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. One fresh option to consider is Cook Publishing. The talented duo behind the name, Stephanie (Steph) and Russel (Bones) Cook, stopped by for an interview to share all they've got going on and exactly what they're looking for.
July 2, 2019
What makes a picture book stand out to literary agents and editors? How does a manuscript evolve from an idea into a traditionally published children’s book? In this behind-the-scenes interview, the creative team behind The Passover Mouse shares how the book came together — from inspiration and submissions to illustration, acquisitions, and publication. Featured in this conversation are author Joy Nelkin Wieder, agent Barbara Krasner, illustrator Shahar Kober, and editor Frances Gilbert of Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
June 25, 2019
What makes a picture book stand out in a crowded marketplace? Why do some manuscripts capture the attention of agents, editors, and illustrators while others never gain traction? To answer those questions, I spoke with the team behind TASTE YOUR WORDS by Bonnie Clark and Todd Bright. From the author and illustrator to the literary agent and acquisitions editor, each shares what made this project special and what aspiring picture book creators can learn from the publishing process.
June 11, 2019
What makes a picture book stand out to publishing professionals? Editors, agents, illustrators, and art directors all evaluate manuscripts through different lenses, yet certain qualities consistently rise to the top. To better understand what publishing professionals look for in picture books, I spoke with the teams behind Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader and What a Prickly Pear. Their insights offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at what helps a picture book move from manuscript to bookshelf.
May 21, 2019
It's a privilege to introduce children's book author Elizabeth Gerlach. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, children and dogs. With a background in marketing, she only recently considered herself a writer. Elizabeth's life has taken surprising turns over the past few years that led her here. The Gerlach's lost one of their triplets in 2016 at just 3 years old and established the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation. She then developed a series of children’s books called Ben’s Adventures, about a young brother who uses a wheelchair. Both the foundation and books were prompted by the loss of her son. Elizabeth also blogs about the grieving process and has been published on a variety of websites. While not working on the Ben's Adventures series, she has been writing something more like a memoir but it's still taking shape.
April 30, 2019
It's a joy to have children's book author Susan Maupin Schmid by for an interview. Susan is the author of the 100 Dresses series from Random House, an avid seamstress, and a Mentor Mom for MOMSnext (a division of MOPS International). She considers her inner 10-year-old her greatest asset as a writer and mentor (except when said inner child wants to stay up late or play Animal Crossing).
April 15, 2019
Picture book author Bonnie Clark joined me to discuss her debut children's book, TASTE YOUR WORDS, working with literary agent Adria Goetz, balancing writing with parenting, overcoming rejection, and navigating the traditional publishing process. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or simply trying to finish your next manuscript, her journey offers valuable lessons on persistence, creativity, and long-term growth.