Welcome Back Writers! As the air turns cooler and the leaves begin to change color, fall offers writers a symbolic—and practical—fresh start. Whether you’ve taken a summer hiatus (like me) or simply felt scattered by the season’s busyness, now is the perfect time to return to your writing desk with renewed energy. Why Fall Is … Read more
I am not really breaking up with writing, but taking a short break for the month of August. It is no secret that writing is hard work and writers need and should take a break. Every writer needs time to rest, relax and regroup. I am calling it my summer writing break. Burnout When you’re … Read more
If you’re a picture book author, you’ve probably thought about inspiring young readers with your stories. I struggle with sounding too preachy or didactic, probably because I am a former teacher! It’s a common challenge. You want your story to have heart, meaning, and maybe even a message, but today’s young readers are smart—and quick … Read more
As a picture book author, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful tools in our creative toolbox isn’t fancy new software, AI or a viral social media post—it’s the ability to embrace change. Change is good! Whether you’re just starting your journey writing for kids, or you’ve been crafting stories for years, change is inevitable. And that’s … Read more
As a picture book author, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that writing for children means stepping into their world—not just writing from my childhood or imagination, but from getting to know and understanding young readers. Whether you’re just beginning your writing or are a seasoned children’s book writer, understanding your reader … Read more
Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your publishing journey, one of the most powerful tools in your writing toolkit is read picture books like a picture book author. It’s not just about enjoying the story — it’s about analyzing structure, language, pacing, and illustration interplay. In my last post I challenged you to read … Read more
Summer is more than sun and s’mores—it’s the perfect time to improve your picture book writing skills this summer. As a children’s book author, I use the summer months to work on my writing. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or enjoying the quiet of a shaded porch, summer offers the ideal setting to dive into … Read more
Let’s be honest, picture book critiques are hard. Whether you are giving the critique or receiving a critique. Over the last few years I have participated in several critique groups. Some groups were a good match and others, not so much. The critiques however, were always respectful and useful. I have just joined a new … Read more
Make a Book Day is an exciting celebration of creativity and storytelling. On this day, people are encouraged to learn about the world of bookmaking. It’s a perfect opportunity for everyone, whether they’re experienced writers or first-time authors, to explore their imagination and share their unique stories. The day highlights the joy of writing and … Read more
April 10th is Encourage a Young Writer Day. This national event gives teachers and parents an opportunity to support young writers to use their ideas to create a story. Most children are natural storytellers. Their imagination and creativity allows them to come up with some of the best stories. Reading cultivates imagination, vocabulary, and basic writing skills. … Read more
