January 16, 2019

Abi Cushman on Publishing Picture Books, Creative Persistence, and Finding Your Artistic Voice

Author-illustrator Abi Cushman knows firsthand that creative success rarely happens overnight. Before selling her debut picture book, Soaked, she spent years refining her craft, joining critique groups, revising manuscripts, entering contests, building industry relationships, and developing her illustration portfolio. In this interview, Abi shares lessons about literary agents, traditional publishing, creative persistence, critique groups, branding, illustration, and the realities of building a long-term career in children's books.

January 8, 2019

Valeria Wicker on The Ugly Doodles, Literary Agents, and Traditional Publishing

Children’s book author and illustrator Valeria Wicker joined me for a second interview to discuss her debut picture book, The Ugly Doodles, working with literary agent Adria Goetz, and what the traditional publishing journey actually looks like behind the scenes. We talked about creativity, self-doubt, illustration, submissions, editor feedback, and the emotional highs and lows of getting a picture book deal. If you haven't read my first interview with Valeria, be sure to check it out so you're up to speed on her backstory.

September 27, 2018

The Myth of Multitasking and the Power of Focus

Multitasking feels productive, but research and experience suggest otherwise. Every time we divide our attention between competing tasks, we reduce the quality of our work, increase mental fatigue, and slow our progress toward meaningful goals. The ability to focus on one thing at a time has become increasingly rare, which is exactly why it has become such a valuable skill. If you want to accomplish more, improve your relationships, and make faster progress toward important goals, learning how to focus may be one of the highest-return investments you can make.

September 26, 2018

Who Are “They” Anyway?

Sometimes we repeat sayings without ever questioning whether they're true. This short poem explores the importance of examining advice carefully and seeking wisdom from trustworthy sources.

September 25, 2018

How to Build Public Speaking Confidence with Proven Strategies

Public speaking consistently ranks among people's most common fears. Whether you're giving a presentation at work, leading a meeting, delivering a toast, or speaking to a large audience, nervousness is normal. The good news is that confident speakers are not born confident. Public speaking confidence is built through preparation, repeated exposure, and learning how to manage fear rather than eliminate it. These proven strategies can help you become a more effective and confident speaker.

September 21, 2018

Jessika von Innerebner on Creativity, Freelancing, and Developing Your Artistic Style

It's a special treat to have successfully published illustrator Jessika von Innerebner, who is represented by veteran agent Kelly Sonnack with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, stop by for an interview! She's known as Jess von I to her friends (which now includes you!) and is a full-time freelance children’s book illustrator who travels the world. Morning cups of coffee, long-boarding and laughing at corny puns are a few of her favorite things. Some newly released projects include, Grow Up Ant-Man with Marvel, Miranda & Maude the Princess and Absolutely-Not-A-Princess with ABRAMS and Rox’s Secret Code with POW! The rest, well, we'll soon find out!

September 19, 2018

Performance Evaluation Time: How to Handle Workplace Reviews with Confidence

Performance evaluations can make even confident people anxious. Whether they're annual reviews, performance appraisals, or one-on-one meetings with a manager, it's natural to wonder how someone else views our work. Will they notice our strengths? Will they focus on our weaknesses? Will this affect my future? Honest feedback can be uncomfortable, but it can also become one of the greatest opportunities for growth. The key is learning how to receive evaluation without allowing it to determine your worth.

September 18, 2018

What We Can and Cannot Leave Our Children

Most people think inheritance is primarily about money. Scripture presents a more nuanced picture. Proverbs 19:14 tells us that houses and wealth may be passed from one generation to the next, but some of life's most valuable gifts come from God alone. Understanding the difference can reshape how we think about success, stewardship, parenting, and legacy.