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: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

August 28, 2020 Marti Johnson

Blazer & Bray, a Harper Collins Publishing Imprint 2020 An intriguing debut novel with a sequel in the works! A SONG OF WRAITHS AND RUIN

Interview of Cheryl Schuermann, Author of A Boy Called Preacher

August 25, 2020 Lexi Donahue

A Boy Called Preacher by Cheryl Schuermann is a middle-grade historical fiction novel that celebrates resilience, the childhood call to uncover mysteries, and the power

Middle Grade Book Review: The Unready Queen (The Oddmire #2) by William Ritter

August 21, 2020 Rebecca Moody

A fast-paced fantasy adventure about a family, a goblin, and a world whose magic is slowly dying…

Interview of Laurel Neme, Author of The Elephant’s New Shoe

August 18, 2020 Kirsti Call

I first met Laurel Neme at a Picture Book Boot Camp Alumni lunch several years ago and I’ve been grateful to know her ever since.

The New Podcast in Town

August 14, 2020 Kim Chaffee

I’m a huge fan of podcasts and their wealth of free content available at just the tap of the screen. Last November I even wrote

Charnelle Barlow, #Kidlit Debut Illustrator

August 11, 2020 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Charnelle, what beautiful illustrations you created for Alice Faye Duncan’s text, JUST LIKE A MAMA, a lyrical read aloud celebrating adopted children,