July 18, 2020
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.
July 11, 2020
A fine line exists between self-interest and selfish. While the self-interested takes accomplishments, skills, needs, and wants of others into account as fuel for the pursuit of something remarkable, a selfish mindset views everyone and everything as a hindering comparison. Have you ever heard the saying, "If only the best birds sang in the forest, the world would be a quiet place"? This truth applies dramatically to us humans and it all starts at what we believe about ourselves. Is your view of yourself high or low?
July 4, 2020
It's not in the beauty of the day that we writer's toil and strive but in the coolness of night and tiredness of eye. In the struggle of fear and the paralysis of wonder, a yearning writer fights for survival. Exhausted but not spent. Lacking but not empty. Discipline, a writer's best friend, leads us to accomplishment. It takes us by the hand when challenges abound. Do you look around and see not discipline? Is repetition, frequency, and consistency far away? Grab hold of discipline and renew your passion to write. Discipline makes you a great writer.
June 19, 2020
If you're like me, it's not always easy finding books kids will love to read. Harder still is finding books we parents enjoy reading to them night after night, day after day. My wife, ever mindful of our children's development, was on the hunt for new reading material for them. She heard about Magic Tree House Books, by Mary Pope Osborne. Our friends loved them so we took a chance and bought the 28-book set (now 38-books in the series). We're glad we did.
May 24, 2020
There are two primary camps when it comes to story telling - content generation and content consumption. Reader or writer. Baker or eater. Sure, we all do both, but one drives us. One we research. One we have goals and dreams about. The other is simply other. Regardless of the camp, lasting impressions are a game changer in the world of content. Here's why we should care and what we must do if we hope to leave lasting impressions with our readers.
March 24, 2020
Have you ever considered leaving your day job for a life of reading and writing professionally? No doubt you have a passion for publishing, but what courageous steps have you taken to elevate it's priority in your life? How much time are you carving out to reach you goals? In this interview with traditionally published author, Kaitlin Scirri, see what barriers she chose to overcome and what life is like on the other side of the publishing curtain.
March 3, 2020
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...
December 3, 2019
Would you leave a loved one without a hug? Come behind the picture book publishing scenes with author / illustrator Amy Nielander and her Page Street Kids Editor Courtney Burke where they share how GRAMA'S HUG went from #kidlit idea to bookshelf reality and how this whimsical story cut through the acquisition curtain.
November 19, 2019
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.
November 12, 2019
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.