August 21, 2019
You've been there. Maybe you're there now. Everything you write is horrible. Terrible. It's the horrible, terrible, no good, very bad writing (day). Welcome to the club. Stay awhile. While you're here, you should know something. Everything you write probably doesn't suck. And even if it does sort of suck, that's good because...
August 20, 2019
One of the largest hurdles for creatives in gaining exposure for their awesome work is building a social media platform. For the #WritingCommunity, other social media platforms pale in comparison to the support, encouragement, and advice given daily on Twitter. Starting at zero, many authors and illustrators struggle to find even a couple hundred followers, let alone 5,000. Here's an effective strategy I used to climb all the way up from zero to 5,000. It worked for me and will work for you.
August 16, 2019
Ever had "writers block"? Of course you have. You may just know it by a different name. A name like, "I don't know what to write," or "I'm not sure what to say," or "I'm just not feeling up to write right now." Low levels or complete lack of writing inspiration happen to all of us. There is a way out of the funk though. There is a way to write your best content even when you don't know what to write. Or would you rather sit there and mope?
July 9, 2019
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.
July 2, 2019
What makes a picture book stand out? How do you take a classic tradition, give it a modern twist, and turn it into a book an agent and editor will love? What can you do to add authenticity to a story and bridge the gap between the historic and the fanciful? Find out now from the wonderful cast of our third installment in the series, When Picture Books Shine Editors Sign - Teams Tell All, where author, agent, illustrator, and acquisition editor have pulled open the curtain for all of us.
June 25, 2019
What's it like creating a manuscript that grips an agent, sells an editor, and excites an illustrator? What does an acquisition editor look for when judging the many manuscripts they receive? Come behind the curtain again with a second installment of the series, When Picture Books Shine Editors Sign - Teams Tell All - Part 2! This time, we learn all about creating a hook-y book that delights readers with TASTE YOUR WORDS.
June 11, 2019
What makes a picture book shine? What separates a so-so story from a must have? What does an acquisition editor see in a great picture book manuscript? Picture book agents and editors are bombarded with manuscripts. Some are fresh twists on a classic idea. Others are revolutionary in every way. Yet, most picture book manuscripts never get off the ground if ever out of their author's head. Join along as we dive deep into picture books by interviewing recent picture book teams. We'll learn what made them shine and why the editor signed on the dotted line.
May 21, 2019
It's a privilege to introduce children's book author Elizabeth Gerlach. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, children and dogs. With a background in marketing, she only recently considered herself a writer. Elizabeth's life has taken surprising turns over the past few years that led her here. The Gerlach's lost one of their triplets in 2016 at just 3 years old and established the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation. She then developed a series of children’s books called Ben’s Adventures, about a young brother who uses a wheelchair. Both the foundation and books were prompted by the loss of her son. Elizabeth also blogs about the grieving process and has been published on a variety of websites. While not working on the Ben's Adventures series, she has been writing something more like a memoir but it's still taking shape.
April 30, 2019
It's a joy to have children's book author Susan Maupin Schmid by for an interview. Susan is the author of the 100 Dresses series from Random House, an avid seamstress, and a Mentor Mom for MOMSnext (a division of MOPS International). She considers her inner 10-year-old her greatest asset as a writer and mentor (except when said inner child wants to stay up late or play Animal Crossing). You can connect with Susan on SusanMaupinSchmid.com or on Twitter @maupinschmid.
April 15, 2019
It's a joy and a pleasure to introduce an avid writer and true seize-the-day'er Bonnie Clark. Bonnie is a stay-at-gym mom of three kids and the lucky wife to a hairstylist. She lives in Canton, GA where she enjoys running, doing yoga, drinking coffee, writing and is often found behind a stack of books. Bonnie is an inventor and has been a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. She has been writing for children for about 4 years and is passionate about helping kids discover and like who they are. TASTE YOUR WORDS is her debut picture book, set to debut in 2020 with Worthy Kids/Ideals. Her literary agent, Adria M. Goetz from Martin Literary Management, negotiated the deal.