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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Book Review: Jacob’s School Play: Starring He, She and They

July 16, 2021 Alison Potoma

It’s not often that you see a picture book on the banned book list but Ian and Sarah Hoffman, authors of the Jacob books, are

VEXING VOCABULARY RETURNS!

July 13, 2021 Laura Fineberg Cooper

As writers, any of us would be horrified to discover we submitted a query letter or manuscript baring/bearing an incorrect homophone. To help you avoid such mortification, TRICKY HOMOPHONES will reveal (and explain) ten of the trickiest pairs and trios.

Channeling the Creative Child Inside You

July 9, 2021 Hilary Elizabeth Margitich

When I was a child in the eighties, there was almost nothing that made me happier than locking myself away in my bedroom or playroom,

Goblin: Interview with Eric Grissom

July 6, 2021 Lexi Donahue

When I picked up Goblin by Eric Grissom and Will Perkins, the fantastical illustrations immediately sucked me in. Filled with light and darkness that illuminate

The Power of No Words at All: Henry Cole’s “One Little Bag”

July 2, 2021 Joyce Audy Zarins

In April of 2020 a remarkable picture book was released into the world. Inspired by the author’s childhood experience, the story follows the life cycle