When I read Conrad Wesselhoeft’s DIRT BIKES, DRONES AND OTHER WAYS TO FLY – if you haven’t read it, do it NOW – I had to know how my friend, fellow author, and Seattle dweller was able to pull off a New Mexico setting so spectacular, I felt like I was riding on the back… Read more »
After I put the word out that I needed help with my novel’s epiphany, I continued to research the topic in craft books and online. Below I’ll share with you some notable quotes and the resources that helped most. But before I do, here’s how I ended up revising my epiphany and related chapters. First,… Read more »
Sometimes the freshest eyes are those of readers who don’t also write. And without minds muddied by picture book writing rules or market madness, Average Mike (nicknamed after my husband who sometimes fills this role) readers can offer a quick, clear assessment of where your story works or doesn’t. With just one read under their… Read more »
I’m thrilled, as part of Picture Book Month, to host Educational Consultant, Marcie Colleen. Marcie is not only a teacher but also a picture book writer who so understands the importance of picture books in the education and lives of kids. Today, she stopped by to answer a few of my most pressing picture book… Read more »
Every once in a while, one of my editors throws me a bone. Not just any old bone, but a big beautiful “our kids’ list needs a book about ‘community’” hambone. When that happens, all other Milk-Bones – I mean, ideas, are pushed aside and I chase after that hambone idea with the gusto of… Read more »
Think about your favorite picture books. Lyrical text. Gorgeous or whimsical art. Endings that make you smile, sigh or shriek with delight. And something else – satisfaction. A satisfaction that makes you want to read them again and again and again. But a brilliant rhythm won’t guarantee satisfaction. Nor will page after page of laugh-out-loud… Read more »
Your story sings when your secondary character (SC) is on the scene. Your plot comes alive when your SC is around.Your readers beg to see more of your SC. Uh oh! SCs create conflict, throw out obstacles and cause trouble. Or they may offer loving support, friendship and wisdom. They poke at our main characters… Read more »
I’m enrolled in Katie Davis’s Video Idiot Boot Camp. And while I haven’t had time to dive into a larger project, I’ve had a little fun with some quick and easy tools introduced in her class. Here’s a little Animoto gem created in about 15 minutes for FREE. For more information on Katie’s fabulous online… Read more »
As the new year begins, whether you’re dabbling in writing, considering a career as a writer, selling your first book or just curious about the nuances and economics of traditional publishing, you might wonder if children’s authors can make a living. The truth – some do and many don’t. In today’s guest post, award-winning, best-selling… Read more »
Picture book ideas can hit at the most unlikely times. In honor of picture book month, I’m reprinting my post from last year’s PiBoIdMo about my most unusual sources of inspiration. 1. YouTubeKids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books. But… Read more »
