On Writing MARTIN & ANNE
When you start writing children’s books, among the most important things you can learn are elements of craft that can power your story....
How to Write a Chapter Book in Three Not-Too-Painful Steps
I usually write picture books. I’ve taken classes, joined 12x12, and found a critique group. So when I got an idea that felt too big for...
The Gift of Rejection
When I began writing for children, I was an eager author. I started with one picture book and then focused on that manuscript far longer...
The Importance of Encouraging Curiosity and Creativity in Children (and Why It's Okay to Be Mess
In this age of Marie Kondo’s book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I am worried that the pressure to keep your house neat and clean...
Turning Literary Lemons into Lemonade
Some children dream of becoming an astronaut, a world-famous singer, or perhaps a ninja/doctor (that last one was my son). My dream to...
Writing Impactful Picture Books
My parents divorced when I was only two. As I got older I missed my father so very much. I lived in California and he lived in New York,...
Thinking in Threes: Tips and Tricks for Writing a MG Trilogy
So you’ve decided to write a trilogy. Maybe a longer series than that. Seriously? You know that you’re on the hook for at least three...
Are You Connected?
What’s your first thought when you hear that question? I’ll bet it’s one of two things: connected to the internet, OR connected to...
Building a Writing Career—While You're Waiting for Your First Contract
Waiting is a big part of the writing life. You wait for inspiration, for editors and agents to respond, for your book to sell, and...
WRITING FOR THE HOLIDAYS: WILL IT BE TRICK OR TREAT? HO-HUM OR HO, HO, HO?
With so many beloved holiday titles out there, many released year after year, it can be a challenge to get your holiday book published....
