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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Interview with Author/Illustrator Deborah Freedman

July 1, 2022 René Bartos

René Bartos: I am so excited to be able to chat with author/illustrator Deborah Freedman today! Welcome to Writers’ Rumpus, Deborah! Can you tell me

THE BIG SCREAM, by Kirsti Call, illustrated by Denis Angelov

June 28, 2022 Kirsti Call

The very first picture book I ever wrote was called Wilma and the Big Scream. It featured dramatic lines like: The scream was so loud

JULY Middle Grade and Young Adult Opportunities

June 24, 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

SETTING: Books That Hit the Sweet Spot

June 21, 2022 Laura Fineberg Cooper

What is setting in literature? In the simplest of terms, it’s where and when the action of a story takes place. Whether set in a real location or a world drawn from your fertile imagination, in the past, present, or future, setting forms the foundation of every story.

Five New YA Books Perfect for Pride Month

June 17, 2022 Rebecca Moody

If you’re looking for a little queer lit to dive into this pride month, you’ve got no shortage of options. But just in case, here are five new YA Reads published just this month to help you celebrate!

Meet #kidlit author Lindsey McDivitt

June 14, 2022 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Lindsey McDivitt is part of my marketing group, PBRockiteers22. Groups are a wonderful way to meet other #kidlit authors who have books