storytelling

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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 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.

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.

November 12, 2019

Writing Books That Matter: Charlotte Watson Sherman and Jes Negron on Brown Sugar Babe

Some books entertain. Some educate. A rare few are created because their authors believe the book needs to exist. Brown Sugar Babe is one of those books. In this interview, author Charlotte Watson Sherman and editor Jes Negron discuss the purpose behind the picture book, the importance of representation in children's literature, the realities of the publishing process, and the role stories can play in helping young readers see themselves with confidence, dignity, and hope. Their conversation offers valuable insights not only into publishing children's books, but also into creating work that serves a meaningful purpose beyond the page.

November 5, 2019

Behind Go, Girls, Go!: Frances Gilbert on Writing, Editing, and Publishing Children’s Books

Few people get to see the publishing industry from multiple angles. Frances Gilbert has spent decades helping bring children's books into the world as an editor while also experiencing the uncertainty, vulnerability, and excitement of being an author herself. In this interview, Frances shares lessons from her work as Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers and discusses the release of her picture book, Go, Girls, Go! Along the way, she offers valuable insights into storytelling, publishing, platform building, creativity, and what separates successful children's book creators from those who never quite break through.

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 writing teaches lessons that extend far beyond books and articles. It reveals how creativity works, why meaningful work feels difficult, and what it takes to persist when progress is invisible. Here are 10 things writers understand that many non-writers never fully see.

February 20, 2019

How to Create Work People Can’t Stop Talking About

Why do some books, products, businesses, and ideas spread naturally while others are forgotten? Usually, the answer comes down to two things: value and emotion. People share things that improve their lives. They remember things that make them feel something. When creative work accomplishes both, it becomes difficult to ignore.