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Shanda McCloskey Bedtime Ballet Author Illustrator

Author Illustrator Life with Shanda McCloskey

Wishing you were living that author illustrator life? Curious what it's like? Already consumed by books and looking for a little insight and encouragement? Children's picture book author and illustrator Shanda McCloskey shares her journey in this interview. Take a breath and grab some coffee because she's spilling the beans and taking us to school. Just make sure you've brought something to write (or draw) with...

Earth Hour and Saving the Planet with Author Nanette Heffernan and Editor Julie Bliven

Earth Hour and Saving the Planet with Author Nanette Heffernan and Editor Julie Bliven

Could you do something to help save the planet? Have you wondered why so many people around the world turn off their non-essential lights for one hour a year? Learn how a single author turned her passion into her business and why an editor signed on the dotted line in this behind-the-book interview of EARTH HOUR by Nanette Heffernan.

Brown Sugar Babe Picture Book Charlotte Watson Sherman

Love, Encouragement, and Purpose Behind Picture Book Brown Sugar Babe with Author Charlotte Watson Sherman and Editor Jes Negron

There are many books on the shelves, even more on back lists, but only a select number that pour heart and soul into the heart and souls of a community. While it may take many people to raise one child, BROWN SUGAR BABE is one picture book that can raise many people. Come behind the book with picture book author Charlotte Watson Sherman and acquisition editor, Jes Negron, as they share the love, encouragement, and purpose behind every word in BROWN SUGAR BABE.

Go Girls Go Picture Book Frances Gilbert

Go, Girls, Go! Behind the Picture Book with Author and Editor Frances Gilbert

Curious what happens when a children's book editor for a big publishing house decides to write her own book? Looking for a new picture book that'll have your family chanting "Go, Girls, Go!" with eye-popping illustrations? Interested in knowing what tips an experienced editor would encourage you to consider for your picture book manuscripts? In this interview, we step behind the book with Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers (BFYR), Frances Gilbert, and learn how an editor views being an author.

Illustrating Childrens Books Phyllis Harris

Illustrating Children’s Books with Phyllis Harris

Thinking about becoming a career illustrator? Ever wonder what it’s like to be a published illustrator of children’s books? Gleam some insight from successful illustrator Phyllis Harris and get a...

What it Takes to Write Children's Books with Brooke Van Sickle

What it Takes to Write Children’s Books with Brooke Van Sickle

How seriously do you take your writing? It's a question every author must ask themselves repeatedly throughout their writing journey. It's also the question we hate to ask. The journey of an author is tough. It's grueling. It can be isolating and discouraging. To write is one thing. To write for children is something else entirely. Author and freelance editor Brooke Van Sickle is here to help improve our understanding of what it takes to write for children.

How Successful Authors Overcome Writer's Block

How Successful Authors Overcome Writer’s Block

We've all experienced the common nemisis...writer's block. It appears when we least expect it and takes away our trusty muse. Some authors and illustrators fight it. Some try to ignore it. Creatives rally together in the disdain they have for the feeling of not having anything to say, not being sure what to write, and being anxious over what to draw next. Take courage and learn how these successful authors handle and overcome writer's block.

Creating Picture Books with Amy and Greg Newbold

Creating Picture Books as a Team with Amy and Greg Newbold

Creating picture books is not always a solitary, lonely endeavor. Great books require great teams and where better to start than within the same home? Amy and Greg Newbold share their story, experience, and insight into how they work together, as husband and wife, in creating beautiful books for children. Join us as we gleam from their experience chasing, and dare I say reaching, the author and illustrator's dream of publishing books.

Traditional Publisher Cook Publishing

Traditional Publisher Cook Publishing

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.