Fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I love to escape our world for a moment and believe in the fantastical. However, my belief is
Category: Writing
The Breaking News and Kidlit Community
Today is the launch of my debut picture book, THE BREAKING NEWS.THE BREAKING NEWS is about a girl who wants to make things better after she
Nine Reasons Your Children’s Librarian Should be Your Hero
On February 14th Diana Haneski, the library media specialist at Margery Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, saved the lives of fifty students and
Meet Laura Sassi, talented #kidlit author, plus #giveaway
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: In this wonderful #kidlit world, Laura Sassi stood out as a kind, supportive, and talented author. She’s a frequent visitor here at
When is it Time for Rhyme?
by Alli Brydon April is just around the corner, and it’s National Poetry Month! In honor of good ol’ verse, I wanted to talk about
Vexing Vocabulary Part TWO
Welcome to Part TWO of Vexing Vocabulary. Part ONE covered ME, MYSELF, & I, LESS/FEWER, YOUR/YOU’RE, ITS/IT’S, EFFECT/AFFECT, and TOWARD/TOWARDS. If you’d like TO read
How NOT to Format Your Manuscript
In my day job as an editor in educational publishing, the formatting of a sample manuscript can determine whether I hire a freelance writer or
Purposeful Page Turns in Picture Books
Looking to engage your reader and increase the emotional tension in your picture book? Write a purposeful page turn.
Vexing Vocabulary Part 1
As an ELA/SAT tutor and member of multiple kidlit writing groups, I’ve noticed certain words cause more vexation than others. Worry no more! My goal
Jerry Mahoney’s Middle Grade Humor
“I think humor has to work in service of the plot, not the other way around.” – Jerry Mahoney transparency fun fact: Sky Pony Press
Conferences You Must Attend
As writers, we’re always looking for ways to better our craft. No one, no matter how successful, knows everything. One of the great things about
Interview of Debut Author, Anna Meriano
A Dash of Trouble is the kind of book that makes you smile as you read. Eleven year old Leo is impetuous, mischievous, curious and
Describing Characters
I recently started revising my YA science fiction novel. I have very vivid pictures of each character in my head. When my critique partner read
Interview with Kim Harrington, YA and MG #kidlit author
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Kim Harrington, a fan of Writers’ Rumpus, is an acclaimed author with Scholastic, Penguin, and Sterling Childrens Books. I interviewed her below.
