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September 9, 2019

10 Things Non-Writers Don’t Understand About Writing

Non-writers often see the finished product, but writers live through the uncertainty, self-doubt, editing, rejection, and invisible work required to create it. To people outside the process, writing can look like a hobby, a side interest, or a simple act of putting words on a page. But writers know the reality is far more complicated. Writing is emotionally demanding, deeply personal, creatively exhausting, and often lonely in ways difficult to explain. Here are 10 things writers understand that many non-writers never fully see.

August 21, 2019

What to Do When You Think Everything You Write Is Bad

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

How The Passover Mouse Became a Traditionally Published Picture Book

What makes a picture book stand out to literary agents and editors? How does a manuscript evolve from an idea into a traditionally published children’s book? In this behind-the-scenes interview, the creative team behind The Passover Mouse shares how the book came together — from inspiration and submissions to illustration, acquisitions, and publication. Featured in this conversation are author Joy Nelkin Wieder, agent Barbara Krasner, illustrator Shahar Kober, and editor Frances Gilbert of Doubleday Books for Young Readers.

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

What Picture Book Editors Look For Before Signing a Manuscript

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

Elizabeth Gerlach on Grief, Children’s Books, and Ben’s Adventures

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

Interview with Author Susan Schmid

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.