WRITERS' RUMPUS

Transitional Readers – Diving into Early Readers and Chapter Books

I recently launched my newest series, One Mad Cat. My publisher calls it a “graphic reader.” SLJ calls it an “early reader.” JLG calls it a “chapter book.” So what on earth is it? And does it even matter? I’m going to talk about the world of early readers, including the various formats, craft considerations, and pitching.

The Puffin Who Whispered: Interview with #kidlit talent Marcia Strykowski … and a giveaway, too!

In this interview, I’m excited to interview my gracious and uber talented friend about The Puffin Who Whispered on its fledgling day. Although this charming book is fiction, I guarantee you’ll be as puffin-obsessed as I am after reading Marcia’s responses!

HOW TO MIDDLE GRADE

Hi! My name’s James Ponti, and I write Middle Grade book series such as City Spies and The Sherlock Society. I’m excited to share some pointers with you, but only with a major caveat. I know a bunch of writers and we all do it differently. I’m not talking plotting vs. pantsing, but radically different approaches.

SKIPSHOCK by Caroline O’Donoghue: A Master Class in World Building

For writers of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, this genre-blending novel is a master class in how to create details and imagery that pull readers into the plot and keep them riveted from first page to last, and importantly, leave them eager for more.

#kidlit Interview with Brooke Hartman, Author of Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets

December 8, 2020 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Your recently released picture book, Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets, with Page Street Kids is a lyrical, lovely and unusual picture book biography

Reimagining a classic: The Great Gatsby as a graphic novel

December 4, 2020 Joyce Audy Zarins

To transform a preeminent and beloved literary work into a graphic novel for young adults is a challenge for the brave. K. Woodman-Maynard’s adaptation of

ON A GOOD HORSE

November 27, 2020 Marti Johnson

by Darby Karchut Released November 2020 by Owl Hollow Press, Utah Alex Nash is supposed to be living in Los Angeles with his mother, playing

Interview with Summer Rachel Short, debut author of The Mutant Mushroom Takeover

November 24, 2020 Laura Fineberg Cooper

The book is a lightly spooky STEM novel that features eleven-year-old aspiring naturalist, Maggie, and her conspiracy theorist/YouTuber best friend, Nate, who have to solve the mystery surrounding a strange glow-in-the-dark fungus that’s spreading through their small town. Kirkus Reviews called the book, “packed to the gills with fun.”

Beautiful Board Books!

November 20, 2020 Marcia Strykowski

Candlewick Press has done it again. They are consistently publishing gorgeous books for all ages, from babies to young adults. I received the following board