creativity

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October 1, 2020

KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020My KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020 Entry (And the Meaning Behind the Poem)KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2020

Writing prompts have a unique ability to unlock creativity when inspiration feels out of reach. Sometimes all it takes is a single image, question, or challenge to spark an idea that otherwise might never have appeared. Writing contests can be especially valuable because they encourage us to experiment, stretch our creative muscles, and create something within a specific set of constraints. In 2020, I participated in the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, a popular children's literature writing contest that challenged participants to create original pieces inspired by visual prompts. The result was a short poem titled Underneath the Costume Veil, which explores identity, self-doubt, self-acceptance, and the masks we sometimes wear to fit in. Below, you'll find the original contest entry along with information about the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy and why writing prompts remain one of the best tools for overcoming creative blocks.

August 24, 2020

Writing the Book You Wish Existed: Megan Lacera on Creativity, Publishing, and Original Ideas

Some of the best books begin with a simple realization: this book should exist, but it doesn't. That realization helped inspire Zombies Don't Eat Veggies!, a picture book created by author Megan Lacera and illustrator Jorge Lacera. What began as a fun story about a young zombie grew into something deeper—a story about identity, family, belonging, and embracing what makes us different. In this interview, Megan shares how the book came to life, what she's learned about publishing, how she collaborates with her husband as a creative team, and why some stories are worth pursuing even when success isn't guaranteed. Writers, illustrators, and creators alike will find valuable insight on developing original ideas, handling rejection, and creating the work they wish already existed.

July 28, 2020

Illustrator June Steube on Creativity, Criticism, and Children’s Book Publishing

What does it take to build a career as a professional illustrator? For artist June Steube, the answer involves curiosity, persistence, continual learning, and a deep love for the natural world. Known for her detailed animal illustrations and expressive storytelling, June has spent years refining her craft while navigating criticism, creative challenges, publishing opportunities, and the realities of professional art. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, artistic growth, publishing experiences, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Whether you're an illustrator, writer, or creative professional, you'll find valuable encouragement and practical wisdom throughout her journey.

July 25, 2020

What Dr. Seuss Can Teach Creators About Persistence and Success

Most creators experience the same uncomfortable moment. You pour time, effort, and hope into a project only to be met with rejection, criticism, silence, or disappointing results. It happens to writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creators of every kind. The question isn't whether setbacks will happen. The question is whether you'll keep going when they do. Few creative careers illustrate this better than Dr. Seuss. Today, his books are considered classics and his name is recognized around the world. But long before The Cat in the Hat became a household favorite, Theodor Seuss Geisel faced rejection, uncertainty, and years of slow progress. His journey reminds us that success rarely arrives as quickly as we hope and that some of the most influential creative work in history almost never made it into the world at all. If you've ever questioned your abilities, wondered whether your work matters, or felt discouraged by a lack of progress, Dr. Seuss's story offers a powerful reminder: persistence often matters far more than immediate success.

July 18, 2020

25 Writing Prompts to Overcome Writer’s Block and Spark Creativity

Many writers view writing prompts as a last resort. They're something we turn to when inspiration disappears, ideas dry up, or writer's block settles in. But writing prompts are far more powerful than emergency tools. They help writers explore new perspectives, discover unexpected ideas, strengthen creativity, and maintain a consistent writing habit. Whether you're a novelist, blogger, student, or journal writer, prompts can help transform a blank page from intimidating to inviting. Sometimes all it takes is a single question, sentence, or scenario to unlock ideas that were waiting beneath the surface.

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.

March 3, 2020

What It’s Really Like to Be a Children’s Book Author-Illustrator

Many aspiring creators dream about publishing books for children, but few understand what life actually looks like once those dreams begin becoming reality. Behind every published picture book are deadlines, revisions, school visits, creative challenges, business decisions, and years spent developing both craft and career. In this interview, author-illustrator Shanda McCloskey shares an honest look at the realities of children's publishing, including creativity, time management, school visits, technology, illustration, and navigating the ups and downs of a professional creative career. Whether you're an aspiring author, illustrator, or simply curious about the publishing industry, her journey offers valuable lessons about persistence, growth, and building a creative life.

December 3, 2019

Behind Grama’s Hug: Amy Nielander on Writing, Illustration, and Persistence

Creating a picture book often looks simple from the outside. A reader sees a finished story, beautiful illustrations, and a book on a shelf. What they rarely see are the years of revisions, rejected drafts, critique sessions, conference feedback, and creative persistence required to bring that book into existence. Many successful children's books spend years evolving before finding the right publisher and audience. In this interview, author-illustrator Amy Nielander and editor Courtney Burke share the journey behind Grama's Hug, a picture book that took nearly seven years to develop from its original concept into a published book. Their conversation offers valuable insights into revision, resilience, author-illustrator careers, and the collaborative process that transforms an idea into a finished picture book.