creativity

Tag

January 31, 2019

Heather Macht on Persistence, STEM Picture Books, and Building a Publishing Career

Children's author Heather Macht combines storytelling, science, and curiosity to create engaging books for young readers. Author of THE ANT FARM ESCAPE, REX THE…WE-DON’T-KNOW, and YOU MAY JUST BE A DINOSAUR, Heather writes picture books that encourage children to explore the natural world while embracing creativity and discovery. In this interview, she shares lessons about publishing, literary agents, rejection, STEM education, perseverance, and building a long-term career in children's books.

January 16, 2019

Abi Cushman on Publishing Picture Books, Creative Persistence, and Finding Your Artistic Voice

Author-illustrator Abi Cushman knows firsthand that creative success rarely happens overnight. Before selling her debut picture book, Soaked, she spent years refining her craft, joining critique groups, revising manuscripts, entering contests, building industry relationships, and developing her illustration portfolio. In this interview, Abi shares lessons about literary agents, traditional publishing, creative persistence, critique groups, branding, illustration, and the realities of building a long-term career in children's books.

January 8, 2019

Valeria Wicker on The Ugly Doodles, Literary Agents, and Traditional Publishing

Children’s book author and illustrator Valeria Wicker joined me for a second interview to discuss her debut picture book, The Ugly Doodles, working with literary agent Adria Goetz, and what the traditional publishing journey actually looks like behind the scenes. We talked about creativity, self-doubt, illustration, submissions, editor feedback, and the emotional highs and lows of getting a picture book deal. If you haven't read my first interview with Valeria, be sure to check it out so you're up to speed on her backstory.

September 21, 2018

Jessika von Innerebner on Creativity, Freelancing, and Developing Your Artistic Style

It's a special treat to have successfully published illustrator Jessika von Innerebner, who is represented by veteran agent Kelly Sonnack with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, stop by for an interview! She's known as Jess von I to her friends (which now includes you!) and is a full-time freelance children’s book illustrator who travels the world. Morning cups of coffee, long-boarding and laughing at corny puns are a few of her favorite things. Some newly released projects include, Grow Up Ant-Man with Marvel, Miranda & Maude the Princess and Absolutely-Not-A-Princess with ABRAMS and Rox’s Secret Code with POW! The rest, well, we'll soon find out!

August 22, 2018

Author Stephanie Campisi on Persistence, Creativity, and Writing for Children

Author Stephanie Campisi knows what it feels like to spend years pursuing publication, navigating agent changes, balancing a demanding career, and continuing to write anyway. An Australian-born author now living in Washington State, Stephanie writes picture books filled with humor, heart, and imagination. Her books include The Ugly Dumpling, Luis and Tabitha, and The Five Sisters. Along the way, she has built a successful publishing career while working full-time as a copywriter and continuing to develop projects for both children and adults. In this interview, Stephanie shares lessons on persistence, creativity, finding your voice, working with literary agents, balancing writing with everyday life, and why success in publishing is often a much longer journey than most people realize.

July 18, 2018

Valeria Wicker on Children’s Illustration, Creativity, and Building an Artistic Career

Building a creative career often requires persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve. Children's book illustrator Valeria Wicker embodies all three. Originally trained as a fashion designer in Italy, Valeria eventually found her passion in writing and illustrating children's books. In this interview, she shares insights about creativity, artistic growth, memorable characters, balancing family life with creative work, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring illustrator, writer, or creative professional, Valeria's journey offers both encouragement and practical advice.

July 9, 2018

Illustrator Steve Brown on Creativity, Character Design, and Children’s Book

Children's book illustrators play a critical role in bringing stories to life, yet readers rarely get a chance to hear about the creative process behind the artwork. In this interview, children's illustrator Steve Brown shares insights about character design, creativity, freelancing, overcoming self-doubt, and building a career illustrating books for young readers. Whether you're an aspiring illustrator, author, or children's book enthusiast, Steve offers practical advice and a candid look into the realities of creative work.

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.