Guest Post by Rebecca Gardyn Levington When I first started writing picture books, I was FLABBERGASTED to learn that authors don’t choose the illustrators of
Category: Writing
Kidlit Interview with Sarah Darer Littman
DANNA ZEIGER: With antisemitism continuing to rise nationally and globally, Sarah Darer Littman’s book SOME KIND OF HATE couldn’t be better-timed. Not only have recent inciting incidents sparked serious concern and heightened security in places of worship and schools, but they have cultivated genuine – and familiar – fear for Jewish people around the world.
Gifting – Evidence of a Book’s Lure
The goal of publishing a book is to sell it, but what characteristics of a book inspire that purchase? Of the two ways that most
Interview with Picture Book Author Carol Gordon Ekster…and a Critique or Author Chat Giveaway!
I am so lucky to be able to be able to sit down today with one of my favorite writing mentors and critique group buddies, Carol Gordon Ekster.
Dedications: How Do You Decide?
Congratulations! You wrote the manuscript, sold the manuscript, and revised the manuscript. You’ve seen the art and finalized the title. Now, it’s time to decide to whom you will dedicate your book.
Write What You LOVE
Before writing about what you love, it helps to identify your ten greatest passions first. Think of this as creating your personal inspirational guide. You’re welcome to peruse my list before or after you write yours.
It Only Took a Mere Two Decades to Become an Overnight Success
Here we are on the Eve of Christmas Eve and the 6th night of Hanukkah. Our menorah candles are burning bright. The Christmas lights twinkle. Cookies are cooling. And latkes sizzle in the pan. I love it when both holidays overlap as they do in my book, Latkes for Santa Claus.
Before We Turn the Page: The 2022 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review
2022 brought a marvelous array of posts to inspire, inform, teach, and delight Writers’ Rumpus readers, but don’t fret if you missed one here or there. Each December, it’s my honor to highlight one post from each of our talented contributors with an image, a link, and a brief summary. So kick back with your favorite beverage and cuddly blanket while you peruse the 2022 Writers’ Rumpus Review.
#kidlit Interview with the fabulous author, JYOTI RAJAN GOPAL
Carol Gordon Ekster: Having connected with Jyoti through the Courage to Create program through the Writing Barn, I wanted to share her wisdom, strength, and
Keep Calm and Ask a Librarian!
Over the past few years, in my role as an Elementary Literacy Coach, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Tinamarie Sheckells, the most amazing Elementary Librarian a School District could ever hope for. She is kind, brilliant, humble, and possesses a wealth of information (which you will see for yourself!)
Between Writer and Reader: A Significant Responsibility
When I purchase a book, that transaction comes with an innate expectation that the contents of its pages will take me on a ride worth
Social Media and the KidLit Community
Fifteen years ago, probably at a NESCBWI conference, I learned that Agents and Editors preferred writers to maintain a social media presence. Ten years ago,
Kidlit Interview with Amy Makechnie
As a homeschooling mama of three young kids, the opportunity to read for myself is precious! When I found myself devouring an entire book (Ten Thousand Tries) in a single day, I needed to hear more from the magician who had crafted this truly un-put-downable book with resonating characters. Slight spoiler alert: I definitely cried at the end.
The Differences Between PLOT and THEME … and How They Intertwine
I’m certain that most book writers are intimately familiar with how difficult it can be to write a PLOT that engages readers from the first sentence to the last. But determining, developing, and maintaining the THEME (singular or plural) of your book demands a considerable amount of effort, too.
WRITERS' RUMPUS 