WRITERS' RUMPUS

Interview with debut picture book author Laura De La Cruz … and a giveaway of LOWRIDER FOR SALE!

September 8, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Happy Book Birthday to LOWRIDER FOR SALE, the heartwarming picture book debut by talented and gracious author Laura De La Cruz. Laura has impressed me with her positive and supportive comments on our blog, so when she inquired about an interview, it was my honor and pleasure to enthusiastically say yes!

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Cool off on Winter Solstice Hill with Cathy Stefanec Ogren!

September 4, 2026 Marcia Strykowski

I’m excited to have talented author Cathy Stefanec Ogren here on the blog today! Her latest picture book releases on October 20, 2026, and I

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Cats, Chess, and Finding Your People: An Interview with CAT TAKES QUEEN Author Ilona Bray (and a Giveway!!)

September 1, 2026 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

I first connected with Ilona Bray through social media and its vibrant online kidlit community. Right away, I was drawn to her warmth, thoughfulness, and

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#Kidlit Interview with the Effervescent Children’s Author Kelly Swemba

August 26, 2026 Monica Acker

Friendship is a special, wondrous thing. Great thinkers and creatives throughout time have shared their thoughts about how special friendship is: Kelly Swemba and illustrator

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Meet #kidlit Debut Author Evgenia Mantikas

August 18, 2026 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Evgenia at the Kindling Words East retreat in 2026. What sweet and contagious energy she has! I am so excited

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Researching and Writing Nonfiction

August 11, 2026 Alumni & Guests

Guest Post by Lauren H. Kerstein I am beyond thrilled to be here. I’ve long enjoyed reading Writers’ Rumpus posts and am excited to share

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Seeking the Specific in Illustration

April 22, 2014 Alumni & Guests

For years I have worked as an artist, with dreams of being a children’s book illustrator. At last year’s New England SCBWI conference in Springfield,

Confidence Is the Key

April 18, 2014 Alison Potoma

I feel it is not an exaggeration to say that many writers are what you would call introverts. The first time I went to my critique

Happy Birthday, Monster Needs His Sleep!

April 15, 2014 Alumni & Guests

By Paul Czajak HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Not for me but for Monster Needs His Sleep! Yes, the second book in the Monster & Me™ series hits

Ish, A Fantastic Picture Book

April 11, 2014 Carol Gordon Ekster

By Carol Ekster I read everything I can about children’s books – the SCBWI Bulletin, Children’s Writers Magazine, kidlit blogs, Publisher’s Weekly, etc., so I

Quick and Easy Revision Strategies For Days Your Brain Isn’t Working

April 8, 2014 Alumni & Guests

By Jen Malone Some days I got it and some days I don’t (I’m suspecting today might be a don’t day. Let’s blame any typos

Interview with Katie Davis

April 4, 2014 Kirsti Call

I met Katie Davis at the NESCBWI Conference last spring. Her energy is unrivaled and her books are delightful. I’m thrilled for the privilege of interviewing