books Archives - Page 3 of 7

September 24, 2019

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.

September 19, 2019

Learning to Write Longer by Writing Shorter

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

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.

September 10, 2019

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.

September 9, 2019

10 Things Only Writers Understand

Have you ever been asked what you're writing only to be looked down upon for your cute little hobby? Has anyone ever suggested you should just self-publish as if getting a traditional deal is beyond your reach and you may as well give up? Has someone given you their "next big idea" for a book that you should write? There are some things only writers understand. Here are 10 of them.

August 21, 2019

Writing When You Think Everything You Write Sucks

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...

July 9, 2019

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.

July 2, 2019

When Picture Books Shine Editors Sign – Teams Tell All – Part 3

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

When Picture Books Shine Editors Sign – Teams Tell All – Part 2

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

When Picture Books Shine Editors Sign – Teams Tell All – Part 1

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.