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May 18, 2021

What Literary Agents Look For in Children’s Books: Insights from Adria Goetz

Literary agents occupy a unique position in the publishing industry. They evaluate thousands of submissions, identify promising talent, negotiate publishing deals, and help shape books that ultimately reach readers around the world. In this interview, literary agent Adria Goetz shares insights into querying, children's publishing, author platforms, book pitches, illustrator portfolios, and the qualities that help writers stand out in a highly competitive market. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or simply hoping to better understand the industry, her perspective offers a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how literary agents evaluate books and creative careers.

May 4, 2021

How Grief Shapes Growth, Grace, and Emotional Resilience

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet many people feel completely unprepared when loss arrives. In this interview, grief counselor, author, and podcast host Mandy Capehart shares practical insights on emotional resilience, healthy grieving, communication, personal growth, and creating space for healing. Whether you're navigating loss yourself or supporting someone through a difficult season, these lessons offer a thoughtful framework for approaching grief with greater grace and understanding.

March 2, 2021

Brian P. Cleary on Writing, Publishing, Copywriting, and Selling 3 Million Books

What can writers learn from an author who has sold more than 3 million books, published over 50 titles, and spent four decades writing professionally? In this interview, bestselling children’s author, poet, speaker, and American Greetings Senior Editor Brian P. Cleary shares insights on writing concisely, copywriting, creativity, publishing, school visits, poetry, and the realities of making a living with words.

February 2, 2021

How Branding and Storytelling Help Writers Build Audience Trust

Great communication shapes everything—from marketing campaigns and brand messaging to books, websites, and social media posts. Few people have seen both sides of that equation as closely as author, illustrator, and communications professional Shay Fan. Having worked in branding, public relations, content strategy, and publishing, Shay has spent years studying how people connect with ideas, stories, and each other. In this interview, she shares lessons on communication, audience trust, branding, storytelling, publishing, and what creators can learn from both the corporate and creative worlds.

October 3, 2020

How to Stand Out by Becoming a Highlighter Person

Most people spend their lives trying to stand out by talking louder, promoting themselves more aggressively, or drawing attention to their own accomplishments. Yet the people who make the biggest impact are often doing the opposite. They listen before speaking. They elevate other people. They amplify good ideas. They create clarity in noisy environments. Years ago, my wife shared a simple phrase that completely changed how I think about influence: "Be a highlighter in a room full of crayons." The idea is simple but powerful. While crayons constantly draw attention to themselves, highlighters draw attention to what matters. This article explores why highlighter people are so rare, why they stand out, and how becoming one can transform your relationships, leadership, and influence.

May 24, 2020

Why Some Stories Stay With You Long After You Finish Them

Why do some stories stay with us for years while others are forgotten almost immediately? Whether you're a reader, writer, content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, memorable storytelling matters. The stories we remember often shape how we think, feel, and act long after we encounter them. They become part of our experiences rather than simply content we consumed. As creators, understanding why certain stories leave lasting impressions can help us create stronger work. As readers, it helps us recognize what makes our favorite books, articles, speeches, and stories so powerful. The difference between forgettable content and memorable content often comes down to one thing: connection.

September 25, 2018

How to Build Public Speaking Confidence with Proven Strategies

Public speaking consistently ranks among people's most common fears. Whether you're giving a presentation at work, leading a meeting, delivering a toast, or speaking to a large audience, nervousness is normal. The good news is that confident speakers are not born confident. Public speaking confidence is built through preparation, repeated exposure, and learning how to manage fear rather than eliminate it. These proven strategies can help you become a more effective and confident speaker.

June 29, 2018

What Writing Can Actually Do for Your Thinking and Life

Writing is often viewed as a skill reserved for authors, journalists, and content creators. In reality, writing is one of the most powerful tools available for improving how we think, communicate, learn, and create. When thoughts remain in our heads, they often feel complete and coherent. Writing forces us to examine those thoughts more carefully. It exposes weaknesses in our reasoning, clarifies our ideas, and helps us communicate more effectively with others. Whether you write professionally, keep a journal, publish online, or simply take notes, writing can have a profound impact on both your thinking and your life. Here are five reasons writing remains one of the most valuable skills you can develop.