Welcome to my blog series on how children’s books are actually made. Last time, I explained illustration from the author’s perspective. This time, we’ll look at how the illustrator does their job. I’m not an illustrator, so I’m going to let them speak for themselves. I’ve gathered together videos and blog posts of different illustrators explaining
How a Children’s Book is Made: Part 2. The Illustrator’s Speak Read More »
For this month’s Kidlit book roundup, I’m happy to welcome my friend, Deb Aronson. Deb was one of my first writer friends; she welcomed me into our local writer community way back when I was just beginning to learn the ropes. Somehow she stayed my friend despite seeing those early draft. *Shudder* We’re still friends
Horse books for Kids: True stories and Favorite Fiction Read More »
Being an author is a funny thing: everyone has heard of your job. (Unlike my husband – a systems architect.) But people don’t know what it is I actually do. (My husband and I have that one in common.) Whether you’re a writer hoping to publish a book or a kidlit lover who is curious
How a Children’s Book is Made: Part 1. The Truth About Illustrations Read More »
This year I’m continuing my monthly kidlit book reviews. Each month I will spread a little love for some lovely books. Usually, they will come out on the first Thursday of the month, but between holiday craziness and being on deadline, I’m already a little behind. Such is the writing life. It’s sleeting out
Winter STEM Picture Books Read More »
It’s nearly the end of 2018, folks. It’s been a great year for me writing-wise. Looking Back at 2018 2018 in Writing I published my second board book, I Pray Today, and I had my first-ever blog tour. I revised my novel and got two new work for hire picture book contracts –
Happy New year! Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019 Read More »
I’m wrapping up my third year as a member of the 12×12 picture book writing challenge – the yearly challenge to write 12 picture book manuscripts in a year. 2018 is my second year winning 12×12 (i.e. writing 12 picture book manuscripts in a year). I gotta say, 12x12ers are some of the best people
FREE: 12×12 Bullet Journal Printable. Read More »
There are a lot of reasons to go to writers conferences. The obvious one is that you learn a ton and it always reinvigorates me. After the day is over I’m itching to get back to writing. As someone who struggles with building out character motivations, I loved this “Dungeons and Dragons” themed talk on
Prairie Writers and Illustrator’s Day 2018 Read More »
This Wednesday, I’m doing a free webinar with Kidlit Nation. I’ll be sharing my experience of working with a small publishing house. If you’re a writer trying to break into the kidlit market, small publishers are a great place to start. I’m also currently writing my third set of work for hire picture books –
Announcement: Free Webinar this Wednesday! Read More »
I don’t know about you, but September was a whirlwind! I Pray Today was published I had a blog tour all last week October is looking to be just as chaotically and beautifully busy. I’ve got a full load of travel and speaking engagements this month. This week I’ll be at Purdue University as a
Announcement: Visiting Scholar and October Author Visits Read More »
Earlier this month, I Pray Today, my second book for babies and toddler was published. Today is the last day of the blog tour to celebrate. I’ve been working on book reviews all year, though. Each month I gather up a few books I love and share them with my readers. I call it Kidlit
12 Books for Babies and Toddlers and Why They Work Read More »
