WRITERS' RUMPUS

Examining the Personality Traits of Memorable Characters

February 3, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Charlotte, Wilbur, and Fern. Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, and Christopher Robin. If you read and/or write kidlit, I’m sure you know these well-loved characters and the phenomenally popular books they inhabit. So how do we create characters as memorable as these?

FEBRUARY Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

January 27, 2023 Lexi Donahue

Welcome to the MG/YA Opportunities post! Find all of the monthly opportunities on the MG/YA support page! All opportunities listed are available to anyone with an

HOW AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS INSPIRE EACH OTHER WITHOUT EVER TALKING!

January 27, 2023 Alumni & Guests

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

Kidlit Interview with Sarah Darer Littman

January 24, 2023 DrZatHome

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

January 20, 2023 Joyce Audy Zarins

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

ATLAS of DOGS: Explore the PAW-SOME World of Pooches

January 17, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

The ATLAS OF DOGS introduces 150 paw-some pooches in the geographic region from which they hail with engaging, kid-friendly language and vibrant, personality-packed illustrations. Though the reading level is tagged at grades 1-3, this is an atlas an entire family of dog lovers can enjoy!

Interview with Picture Book Author Carol Gordon Ekster…and a Critique or Author Chat Giveaway!

January 13, 2023 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

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?

January 10, 2023 Kim Chaffee

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

January 6, 2023 Laura Fineberg Cooper

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

December 23, 2022 Alumni & Guests

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

December 20, 2022 Laura Fineberg Cooper

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.