How to structure your picture books for success
These tried-and-true structures can provide a blueprint for your picture book plot. Read More “How to structure your picture books for success”
Writing for Young Readers
Dream team: Coauthors in kidlit
Collaborations help kidlit authors find new readers, bust creative blocks, better their craft, and increase accountability – plus snag a paycheck for spending time with a fellow writer. What’s not to love? Read More “Dream team: Coauthors in kidlit”
Could you write a new children’s book every day for a year? This author can.
One man’s inspired quest to write a children’s book for his daughter – and the world – every day. Read More “Could you write a new children’s book every day for a year? This author can.”
Writing disabled protagonists in children’s and YA literature
Authors have called upon their experiences as parents of children with disabilities, and on volunteer work or extensive research, to create characters who reflect the physical, emotional, and developmental challenges that readers and their peers may face. Read More “Writing disabled protagonists in children’s and YA literature”
Maurice Sendak’s memory magic
Connect emotionally with young readers with lessons from one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. Read More “Maurice Sendak’s memory magic”
Shannon Hale interview: Girl (and boy) power
Shannon Hale creates fun plots and strong characters for all ages and genders. Yet her books are often labeled as “for girls only” – and she’s fighting hard to change that. Read More “Shannon Hale interview: Girl (and boy) power”
5 terrible, horrible, no good, very bad children’s book mistakes
Working on a book for young readers? Here’s what not to do. Read More “5 terrible, horrible, no good, very bad children’s book mistakes”
Career Chops: Publishing a children’s picture book
How can I better my chances of publishing a picture book? Read More “Career Chops: Publishing a children’s picture book”
Expert tips for author school visits
Connect to young readers with dynamic classroom visits. Read More “Expert tips for author school visits”
Dual power: Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Sad and angry over current events, two YA authors used the pen as a weapon against police brutality. Read More “Dual power: Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely”
Featured Posts
5 things a personal essay needs to succeed (and sell)
Here are the five components that should be in any truthteller’s toolkit. Read More “5 things a personal essay needs to succeed (and sell)”
Gigi Will Know: Are editors sick of COVID-19 pitches yet?
“I want to write about the COVID-19 pandemic, but I’m worried literary journal editors are saturated with similar submissions.” Read More “Gigi Will Know: Are editors sick of COVID-19 pitches yet?”
Virtual learning opportunities for writers
Since conferences aren’t back on the table for most writers just yet, here are some online learning resources for craft-hungry scribes. Read More “Virtual learning opportunities for writers”