WRITERS' RUMPUS

QUILT OF STARS: Out-of-this-World Book Talk and Giveaway with Co-Authors Astronaut Dr. Karen Nyberg and Ann McCallum Staats

September 29, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

Happy Book Birthday to QUILT OF STARS: Astronaut Karen Nyberg Stitches a Dream! This inspiring and beautiful written picture book, published by Familius, is co-authored by the impressibly accomplished and talented duo of Dr. Karen Nyberg and Ann McCallum Staats and gorgeously illustrated by Alida Massari.

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INTERVIEW WITH #JEWISH #KIDLIT #MIDDLEGRADE AUTHOR MIRIAM CHERNICK

September 22, 2026 DrZatHome

I dove into Miriam Chernick’s The Zuzu Secret with great excitement and anticipation–and was not disappointed. As a molecular biologist and geneticist who has taught

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MG Book Review: GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS by Meg Medina

September 15, 2026 Jennifer Finkle

Meg Medina’s GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS (Candlewick Press, 2025) is an absolutely delightful dual POV story that alternates between the perspectives of a spirit girl named Graciela and a young mortal boy named Jorge.

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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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Interview with Book Reviewer and Podcaster…..E Train!

November 11, 2022 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

All ABOARRRD…the E Train is leaving the station!!! This is a ride you will want to hop on, as I talk today with eleven-year-old podcast

Keeping a Series Fresh with Kid-Friendly Conflicts and Changing Genres

November 8, 2022 Alumni & Guests

Josh Funk shares tips and anecdotes about keeping the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series fresh with relatable conflicts and swapping genres in each subsequent release.

When Book People are Passionate

November 4, 2022 Joyce Audy Zarins

Creating a Bookstore, Its Book, and a Dwelling for a Squirrel

NOVEMBER Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

October 28, 2022 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

Self-Publishing a Picture Book: A Primer From the Author of THE DAY MY BEST FRIEND AND A MIGRAINE SLEPT OVER

October 25, 2022 Alumni & Guests

THE DAY MY BEST FRIEND AND A MIGRAINE SLEPT OVER published on October 11, and I’m back to share some practical details about the self-publishing process. Hope they’re helpful!

Hey Novelists – You Should Be Experimenting With Your Form!

October 21, 2022 Rebecca Moody

Novels are my preferred form of literature. As it turns out, by turning a blind eye to all forms of literature beyond my preferred form, I’ve been stunting my growth as a writer.