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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 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.
November 5, 2019
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.
October 14, 2019
Fall is a fantastic season for writing. Coming off the tails of the KitLit Fall Writing Frenzy and taking us to the tip of NaNoWriMo in November is the Picture Book Critique Fest #PBCritiqueFest. With 37 industry participants (literary agents, authors, and illustrators) and 35 valuable giveaway prizes (manuscript and dummy critiques), this is one writing contest you can't afford to miss. Did I mention it's completely free?!
October 7, 2019
When was the last time you entered a writing contest? You may think you aren't good enough to win. Many people think that. You may not know where to start. Most people don't. The best thing you can do is be open to opportunity. And guess what? Opportunity is knocking. Today is all about KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy where loads of prizes are up for grabs for whoever is willing to be bold.
September 27, 2019
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...
September 19, 2019
Big tasks can be overwhelming. Huge writing assignments or the notion of starting a book with an intended final word count in the 80,000 word range (after edits) is daunting, discouraging, and usually leads to distraction and defeat. Little tasks and short writing goals, however, are easy and achievable. If you don't think you can trick your brain into viewing your writing assignment differently, think again.
September 12, 2019
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.
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...