July 11, 2020

Why Comparing Yourself to Other Creators Holds You Back

Many creative people struggle with self-doubt. Writers compare themselves to bestselling authors. Artists compare themselves to professionals with decades of experience. Entrepreneurs compare themselves to people who appear more successful, more talented, or further ahead. The problem isn't comparison itself. The problem is what comparison reveals about how we view ourselves. When self-worth is low, the success of others can feel threatening. When self-worth is healthy, the success of others becomes evidence of what is possible. The difference dramatically influences how we learn, create, and grow.

July 4, 2020

Why Discipline Matters More Than Talent for Writers

Many aspiring writers believe great books are created through inspiration, creativity, or talent alone. While those qualities certainly help, most successful writing careers are built on something less glamorous: discipline. The ability to write consistently, especially when motivation fades, is often what separates finished manuscripts from unfinished ideas. Whether you're writing articles, novels, memoirs, or children's books, discipline creates the momentum that turns goals into completed work.

June 19, 2020

Magic Tree House Books in Order (Complete List + Reading Age Guide)

Finding book series that children genuinely want to read can be surprisingly difficult. Finding books parents enjoy reading aloud night after night can be even harder. After hearing countless recommendations for the Magic Tree House Books by Mary Pope Osborne, our family decided to take a chance on a boxed set. What started as an experiment quickly became one of the most successful additions to our home library. If you're wondering whether Magic Tree House is worth reading, what age group it works best for, or what order the books should be read in, this guide covers everything you need to know.

May 24, 2020

Why Some Stories Stay With You Long After You Finish Them

Why do some stories stay with us for years while others are forgotten almost immediately? Whether you're a reader, writer, content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, memorable storytelling matters. The stories we remember often shape how we think, feel, and act long after we encounter them. They become part of our experiences rather than simply content we consumed. As creators, understanding why certain stories leave lasting impressions can help us create stronger work. As readers, it helps us recognize what makes our favorite books, articles, speeches, and stories so powerful. The difference between forgettable content and memorable content often comes down to one thing: connection.

March 24, 2020

Leaving a Stable Career to Pursue Writing

Many people dream about leaving an unfulfilling career to pursue work they truly love. Far fewer actually take the leap. Making a major career change requires uncertainty, sacrifice, persistence, and a willingness to start over. In this interview, author Kaitlin Scirri shares how she left a successful career, returned to college in her thirties, and built a professional writing career centered around books, literacy, and lifelong learning. Her journey offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a career transition or pursuing a long-term creative goal.

March 3, 2020

What It’s Really Like to Be a Children’s Book Author-Illustrator

Many aspiring creators dream about publishing books for children, but few understand what life actually looks like once those dreams begin becoming reality. Behind every published picture book are deadlines, revisions, school visits, creative challenges, business decisions, and years spent developing both craft and career. In this interview, author-illustrator Shanda McCloskey shares an honest look at the realities of children's publishing, including creativity, time management, school visits, technology, illustration, and navigating the ups and downs of a professional creative career. Whether you're an aspiring author, illustrator, or simply curious about the publishing industry, her journey offers valuable lessons about persistence, growth, and building a creative life.

December 3, 2019

Behind Grama’s Hug: Amy Nielander on Writing, Illustration, and Persistence

Creating a picture book often looks simple from the outside. A reader sees a finished story, beautiful illustrations, and a book on a shelf. What they rarely see are the years of revisions, rejected drafts, critique sessions, conference feedback, and creative persistence required to bring that book into existence. Many successful children's books spend years evolving before finding the right publisher and audience. In this interview, author-illustrator Amy Nielander and editor Courtney Burke share the journey behind Grama's Hug, a picture book that took nearly seven years to develop from its original concept into a published book. Their conversation offers valuable insights into revision, resilience, author-illustrator careers, and the collaborative process that transforms an idea into a finished picture book.

November 19, 2019

Earth Hour Book Interview: Nanette Heffernan on Writing Environmental Picture Books

Environmental challenges can often feel too large for any one person to influence. Climate change, conservation, pollution, and sustainability are global issues that affect billions of people. Yet meaningful change rarely begins with governments or organizations alone. It often starts with individuals who choose to take small actions and encourage others to do the same. Children's books have a unique ability to introduce these ideas early, helping young readers understand both the challenges facing our planet and their role in creating positive change. In this interview, author Nanette Heffernan and editor Julie Bliven discuss the creation of Earth Hour, a picture book inspired by the global conservation movement that encourages people around the world to turn off non-essential lights for one hour each year. Their conversation offers valuable insights into environmental storytelling, the picture book publishing process, and how books can inspire readers to think differently about their impact on the world.