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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....