“The writer has to take the most used, most familiar objects — nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs — ball them together and make them bounce.” —
Category: Writing
On making things better
Recently, my book PET THE PETS (my third book … and very first novelty/lift –the-flap book) was released into the world! The concept began as
Interview with Anne Broyles, #kidlit author
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: When I first started my own writing career, it seemed every #kidlit event I went to I’d bump into Anne Broyles. And
ALLIE ALL ALONG: The Cover Story
Today’s the day that my second picture book, ALLIE ALL ALONG, becomes available wherever books are sold! On the surface, the story is about toddler
Shape Your Story, Part One: Summon the Primary Teacher in Yourself
The school year is upon us, folks! As some of us gear up to get our kids ready again, let’s sharpen our structure skills with
Agent Interview: Emma Sector
Emma started her career with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, where she worked in the marketing department before joining the Aladdin editorial team. After leaving
Two Truths and A Lie; Histories and Mysteries!
When the first book in the TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE series came out, I interviewed Ammi-Joan Paquette and Laurie A. Thompson on Writer’s Rumpus. Now,
World Building: The Magic
One aspect to world building which is crucial in any speculative fiction is deciding on the magic system of the world. This expands beyond the
Nancy Churnin, Fabulous #kidlit Nonfiction Picture Book Author
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I just love social media. I connected with Nancy when we both had picture book birthdays on the same day, September 1,
Summer Writing
Even if you don’t have as much BIC time or that laser focus, there are still many valuable ways to be productive during these summer months.
World Building Part 2: Cultures
One of my favorite world building tips comes from Victoria Schwab. In her “On Worldbuilding” video she says that as an author, we are only
But… What Is Your Story About?
Guest Post by Rebecca Crockett A few months ago I had an incredible opportunity to discuss my work with a high-level editor at a well-known
Sarah Lynne Reul Picks Up a Pencil
(Note: this is a re-blog of a guest post that originally appeared on The Late Bloomer’s Book Blog. Coordinated by reading teacher Gigi McAllister, the blog who
A Chip Off the Old Block and Jodi Jensen Shaffer
A Chip Off the Old Block is filled with puns, clever wordplay, important themes, geology, geography and beautiful illustrations. Jody Jensen Shaffer’s word play is laugh
