Backstory Basics
Backstory can be essential to understanding a character and his/her journey. It can deepen conflict, reveal motivation and elicit sympathy for a hero or secondary character. But...
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Reader Resonance
The middle grade and YA sections of your local bookstore and/or library these days are teeming with genres, styles and subject matters...
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To Prologue or Not to Prologue?
Many middle grade and YA authors debate whether or not to include a prologue when beginning their manuscripts. Prologues are sections of...
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The Promise of Your Story
We've been zeroing in on the unique craft elements of beginnings - opening pages, scenes and chapters - in the Children's Book...
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Chapter Books vs. Middle Grade: What’s the Difference?
What's the difference between a middle grade novel and a chapter book? The lines can often seem blurry - but the truth...
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Is it YA or Adult Fiction?
You're writing a story with a teenage protagonist but very sophisticated themes and content...
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Holiday Gift Ideas for Children’s Book Authors
Shopping for a children’s book author, or author-to be, this holiday season? Here are some ideas to make the gift-giving a bit easier...
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Crowdfunding a Picture Book 101
[caption id="attachment_2708" align="alignleft" width="300"] First completed illustration for Julie Hedlund's "My Love for You is the Sun"[/caption] My friend, fellow writer and editing...
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How Clean is Your Manuscript?
Before you think I've gone all Pollyanna, let me say that I'm not talking about "content" here...
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Happy Picture Book Month!
I am proud to be a 2013 Picture Book Month Champion! My guest post for the month-long celebration will be featured on...
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