By Dana Nuenighoff To write a good book, you need a killer plot with no plot holes, a vivid setting, and characters that stay with
Category: Writing
#PicturesMeanBusiness
By Sarah Lynne Reul Have you ever come across a picture book and found it difficult to determine who created the illustrations? Most of the
Interview with talented #kidlit author, Laya Steinberg
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Laya, what led you to become a writer for children? LAYA STEINBERG: The one-word answer: children. Mine. I know, that’s two words. Probably
Wearing Two Hats: Interview with Author/Illustrator Gina Perry
I was lucky enough to meet author/illustrator Gina Perry at the 2017 NESCBWI conference this past April and am thrilled to interview her about her
Listen Like You’re Behind a One-Way Mirror
Or, Why you shouldn’t talk during your own critiques Have you ever been part of a focus group? Eight to twelve participants are ushered into
Cookin’ Up Traditions
A mentor text review of a picture book that encourages traditions! (And making yummy applesauce!)
The Heart of Picture Books
Guest post by Julie Hedlund I’ve been thinking a great deal about “layers” in picture books lately, for three reasons. The first is because I
Meet #kidlit blogger and debut author, Danielle Davis.
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I found Danielle through her wonderful blog about picture books, “This Picture Book Life.” Her literary love is evident and I’ve been
…and then I read THE 100
I’m a stickler for getting things right. Scientific or historical inaccuracies REALLY BOTHER me. On the outside I’m polite and forgiving, but inside? I rail
The Art of Taking a Break
By Sarah Lynne Reul If there’s one piece of writing advice I’ve heard at every conference and in nearly every writer’s article, it’s some variation
Interview of talented author and teacher, Susanna Leonard Hill
I discovered Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog when I first began writing children’s books. I loved her Perfect Picture Book posts and I was even
Meet Debut #kidlit Author, Katey Howes
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Katey Howes at the 2016 NESCBWI conference and her smile and warmth lit up the air around her. I’m so
Surviving Your Self
Writing is a solitary profession. You face the page, the words head-on, alone with only your mind to feed your message. Letters accrue into
A Guide to the Writing World
By Dana Nuenighoff Like every industry, the publishing industry has a set of rules. Rules which both publishers and agents expect authors to follow. Many
WRITERS' RUMPUS 