Happy New Year – 2022!
September Class Registering Now — Writing Picture Book Biographies that Shine
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION I am smitten with picture book biographies. In fact, while pursuing an MFA in Writing (Children’s and YA focus) from Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), I even focused my critical thesis on creative approaches to picture book biographies and the often-fuzzy nonfiction line. Since then, I have been honored… Read more »
Available for Critiques or Ongoing Coaching
Click here or on the Critique page in the above menu to learn more about my critique and coaching options. Let’s work together to make your manuscript sparkle.
Through-line / Throughline / Through Line—What Does it Mean?
In a recent NF kidlit Facebook group, a writer expressed frustration over manuscript feedback that included the terms Theme and Throughline. What does Throughline mean, the writer asked? There was some general head-scratching from responders, along with presumptive definitions that ricocheted in many directions. A couple of us tenured writers had thoughtful responses, but neither… Read more »
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know—Questions to Ask a Potential Agent
Yippee, you have an offer of representation, or an agent has asked to speak with you by phone. Yay, you! I know you’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and you are ready to tattoo a giant YES across your forehead in time for that confetti-filled Zoom meeting. But don’t act too… Read more »
SPECIAL EVENT! 3-Author Lincoln-Inspired Virtual Author Visit.
Register here This one-of-a-kind webinar will focus on lesser-known facts about Abraham Lincoln. — From his life as a child on a Kentucky farm, rescuing animals and being rescued by one himself — to the lessons he learned after a rascally mistake landed him in a duel as a budding lawyer — and his presidential… Read more »
The Path to a Traditionally Published Picture Book – Simplified
I’ve noticed a surprising number of comments in writing forums from people who don’t know the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing. In self-publishing, the author controls every step of the process (including quality) and foots the bill for everything. In traditional publishing, the author writes and submits a manuscript that a publisher feels they… Read more »
Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-Winning Children’s Book Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing
I’m honored to have contributed to the anthology, edited by Melissa Stewart, titled Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. The essays are jam-packed with insights and inspiration. AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2020. PREORDER NOW through NCTE here. Some of today’s most celebrated nonfiction writers for children share how their writing processes reflect their passions, personalities, beliefs, and experiences in… Read more »
Fall 2020 Picture Book Biography Class
I’ve taught two online picture book biography classes this summer. My students were so pleased with the masters-level content, their recommendations led to quite a few inquiries about my next offering. So, I’ve scheduled a fall class, beginning October 18th—perfect timing for getting a manuscript ready for a 2021 submission. I hope you’ll join me…. Read more »
Organizing a Mountain of Research
11/10/22 ADDED NOTE TO PROVE THE VALUE OF ORGANIZED RESEARCH: In 2020, four years after Step Right Up published (even longer than that since I was in active research mode), I was contacted by a Hollywood producer who wanted to chat about the story. And this year, 2022, I have given two interviews to BBC… Read more »
