Writing can often seem like a solitary occupation, and for a new writer this can be discouraging. Sometimes it feels like you’re writing in a
Category: Writing – Critiquing & Community
Paul Czajak, Children’s Author and Critique Buddy Extraordinaire
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: My writing path crossed with Paul’s when he first joined our local NESCBWI critique group. We continued to share our writing journey
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,
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
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
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 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
Priceless Perspectives
What one professional hails as genius, another may label as slight. I’m challenging you to gather perspectives.
Three rules: being brutal enough when revising.
Our stories are often long in gestation and as personal to us as if they were born of our flesh and blood. If you want
Encore, Encore! (A recap of NESCBWI Encore 2017)
As you might remember, I absolutely love the Spring conference run by the New England chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators
#PicturesMeanBusiness
Have you ever come across a picture book and found it difficult to determine who created the illustrations? Most of the time, the illustrator’s name
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
Listen Like You’re Behind a One-Way Mirror
Or, Why you shouldn’t talk during your own critiques An encore post from 2014. Have you ever been part of a focus group? Eight to
