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April 15, 2019

How Bonnie Clark Got Her Picture Book Taste Your Words Published

Picture book author Bonnie Clark joined me to discuss her debut children’s book, TASTE YOUR WORDS, working with literary agent Adria Goetz, balancing writing with parenting, and navigating the traditional publishing process. In this interview, Bonnie shares how the book idea originated, what helped her secure representation, and the habits and mindset that kept her moving through rejection, revisions, and publication.

February 20, 2019

How to Write Stories That Actually Keep Readers Hooked

Is your work "good enough"? If you aren't asking this of yourself, you should be. Too often, we creatives are blind to our own abilities - our own limits. You've heard the saying before, "If it was easy, everyone would do it." Does that adage hold true for your work? Is it true regarding what you've just created and shared with that special literary agent or potential client? I hope it isn't, but if it is, relax. Let's work through the art of writing captivating stories so that you can put your best foot forward and build your platform for the long haul.

January 31, 2019

Interview with Author Heather Macht

Welcome to the (virtual) interview platform, Heather Macht! Heather is the author of THE ANT FARM ESCAPE! (Pelican, 2019), REX THE…WE-DON’T-KNOW (Pelican, 2019) and YOU MAY JUST BE A DINOSAUR (Pelican, 2015). She has a degree in Fine Arts, is an active member of the SCBWI, and is the Assistant Administrator, the Newsletter Coordinator, and a volunteer judge for Rate Your Story. She loves spending her Saturday’s in bookstores or in libraries with friends. Heather is happily married and currently resides in Florida next door to a quiet beach. When she’s not writing, she enjoys painting, reading poetry, and watching scary movies with her husband and children.

September 26, 2018

How Life’s Highs Are Always Followed by Lows

They say what goes up must come down, but that's not true when underground. It makes me wonder what else they say, that turns out false at the end of the day.

August 22, 2018

Interview with Author Stephanie Campisi

I'm pleased to introduce Stephanie Campisi, an Australian-born, Washington-based picture book author who lives in a self-described haunted house in a haunted town - creepy! Stephanie is a copywriter by day; think 9am-5pm (and beyond) writing ads and labels for every day products. Her latest picture book, Luis and Tabitha, is about two star-crossed cat lovers. She has two more picture books coming out in 2019, holds an honors degree in linguistics from the University of Melbourne, and keeps busy in the gym or tending to various animals on her property.

February 9, 2018

Lessons on Writing, Nature, and Curiosity from Author Lisa Connors

Lisa Connors is a children's author, nature writer, educator, and lifelong student of the natural world. Through both fiction and nonfiction, she aims to spark curiosity and help young readers develop a deeper appreciation for science, wildlife, and the environment. In this interview, we discuss writing for children, self-publishing versus traditional publishing, working with illustrators, creative perseverance, and the importance of staying curious throughout life. Although this conversation took place in 2018, many of the lessons about creativity, publishing, and lifelong learning remain just as relevant today.

November 4, 2017

Lessons on Writing, Discipline, and Publishing from Science Fiction Author Thane Keller

My brother, Thane Keller, is a science fiction author, U.S. Army veteran, husband, and father. His experiences serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have influenced both his worldview and the stories he writes. In this interview, we discuss self-publishing, writing discipline, military influence on storytelling, building fictional worlds, and what aspiring authors can learn from the long process of finishing books. Although this conversation took place in 2017, many of the lessons about persistence, creativity, and craftsmanship remain just as relevant today.

August 28, 2017

Why Sam and Dave Dig a Hole Is Such a Brilliant Children’s Book

Some children’s books entertain for a few minutes and are quickly forgotten. Others stay with both children and adults long after the final page. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, is one of those rare picture books. Beneath its simple premise is a surprisingly clever lesson in suspense, storytelling, illustration, curiosity, and perseverance.