Your Life Yoda

October 13, 2020

10 Unique Gift Ideas for Dads who Love to Read and Write

Dads are hard to shop for. Dads who love to read and write even more so! Writing and reading dads aren't into all the typical tech toys, gadget gizmos, or chainsaws that many dads would be happy with. Dads who love to read and write are more classical in nature. They have a sensible, introspective side to them. They enjoy eclectic things that inspire, motivate , or help them express and record their ideas. Here are 10 unique gift ideas for dads who love to read and write and be sure to see gift idea number 10!

October 3, 2020

Be a Highlighter in a Room Full of Crayons

Life is colorful and people are like crayons. Each of us impacts our spheres of influence in a unique way. When we walk into a room, people notice. But I don't need to tell you what they notice. You already know. You know what you enjoy and what you don't. What you're good at and what you're still learning. What you look like and what others look like. What I need to tell you is to be a highlighter when you walk into a room full of crayons. Highlighter people are in very short supply. What is a highlighter person? Why should you leave the crayon world behind and become one? Read on and find out. Afterwards, you'll be able to leave a mark on the world like never before.

October 1, 2020

KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020

Could you use some writing inspiration? Maybe you've hit a slump. Or maybe you've lost the joy of writing among the piles of deadlines and deliverables. A unique satisfaction comes from expressing our innermost thoughts through words. A great way to achieve just that is with a writing prompt and writing contest. Today kicks off the annual KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, where many experienced book lovers donate their time and talent to submission winners. Here's your chance, and mine, to not only let our hearts, minds, and souls be stirred but to also see what works of art our fellow writers in the #WritingCommunity create. Jump in for all the details!

September 19, 2020

The Bear and the Piano – Theme Song Debut by Annie Lynn

Picture book cheerleader and child development extraordinaire is at it again debuting the theme song for David Litchfield's wildly successful series, The Bear and the Piano! If you're looking for a fun song for your kids at home, in school, or at the library, you (and your kiddos) will love this call-and-repeat based song where kids can immediately participate and get those wiggles out! If you're new to publishing (book creating) and would like to learn the role of theme songs in the industry, come along for the details. It's amazing what music can do to connect people with ideas.

September 10, 2020

Easy Ways to Increase Your Twitter Engagement

Most Twitter users are unhappy with the level of engagement they receive. Likes, retweets, comments, and follower counts are all far lower than hoped for. Can you relate? If so, you're not alone. Tweets are our way of virtually wearing our hearts on our sleeves. It hurts when we put ourselves out there- our thoughts, feelings, cares, and frustrations- only to receive silence in return. Twitter is used in one of two ways: to express or to engage. While either is OK, you might be using Twitter WRONG to achieve the results you are looking for. Here are a few easy ways to increase your Twitter engagement. Don't settle for any more discouragement!

August 24, 2020

Writing the Book You Wish was Written with Megan Lacera – Author of Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies!

There will always be room for great books. Even today, after 6,000 years of recorded history, fresh and unique ideas still exist and are brought into existence. They exist in the heart and soul of a writer. In the ink of an author. In the expression of an illustrator. There are books children need that haven't been published...yet. There are concepts families yearn to have to process their personal experiences. To help us see this first hand is author and long-time kids product creator, Megan Lacera. Megan shares how her family worked together to create Zombies Don't Eat Veggies!, how other authors can do the same, and what her journey has been like. You'll want to carve out some time for this one because we got all the details. After reading this interview, you will feel empowered, motivated, and challenged to take a step towards writing the book you wish was written.

August 18, 2020

Writing Books During a Pandemic – Interview with Author Heather Macht – Win a Giveaway!

Just because the world falls into a pandemic doesn't mean books stop being published. Authors still dream, publishing still acquire, and curious minds still want to know. Writing books during a pandemic is a different ballgame all together. Book launches, library and school visits, and building relationships face-to-face are all different. One thing remains the same: the essence of a successful author as so clearly manifested by creativity, hard work, and determination. Experienced children's book author Heather Macht takes us along for the socially distant ride of publishing books during a pandemic. Learn what's changed, what's remained the same, and enter into a drawing to win a very special giveaway- one of Heather's picture books OR a picture book manuscript critique. Read more to find out how to win!

July 28, 2020

Interview with Illustrator June Steube

Do you love nature? Animals? How about art? Do you wonder what it's like to embrace all three for a career in illustration and publishing? Nature artist June Steube shares her experiences in this incredible, in-depth interview. Learn about her journey, gain valuable insight into book publishing from an illustrator's perspective, see how she overcomes tough projects, and consider the tools she uses for success. Also, get a sneak peak into her upcoming children's book project about birds with OwlKids Press! This is one interview you do NOT want to miss.

July 25, 2020

Dr. Seuss Changed the World and You Can Too

Your attitude towards established rules says a lot about your inner workings as a creative. After all, rules are meant to be...broken? Enforced? Bent? Do the rules matter a great deal or do they not matter at all? What are the rules anyways when you want to express an idea? What are rules for entertaining? Rules for educating? What are the rules if you want to do something new? Something no one was ever bold enough to do? Living on the edge is different than living in the center. Dr. Seuss changed the world with his ideas and style of writing. But here's the real kicker. You can too.

July 18, 2020

Use Writing Prompts to Get Creative

Have you ever used writing prompts before? Most have. If you haven't, it's likely just a matter of time until you succumb to the cold, boring grasp of writer's block. Even if you are overflowing with ideas to write or blog about, writing prompts are still a powerful tool for writers of all experience levels. Here's how to use writing prompts most effectively.