How to Create a Storybook: A Magical Journey from Idea to “Publication”
Why did I put the word publication in quotation marks? Because this post is for those who want to publish their books for their own personal use. This is a…
Writing Tips & Insights
Brain Burps Blog
Thoughts on picture book writing, publishing advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiration for writers and readers of all ages.
How Do I Write a Book: A Journey from Idea to Manuscript Completion
Hey there, fellow (possibly aspiring) authors! So you’re thinking about writing a book? That’s fantastic! Whether you’re dreaming of crafting a thrilling novel, a whimsical picture book, or a gripping…
Essential Tips for Aspiring Childrens Book Authors
Hey there, fellow aspiring children’s book authors! If you’re itching to turn your whimsical ideas into stories that make kids giggle, gasp, or beg for “just one more read,” you’re…
Where Do I Start If I Want to Write a Book: A Guide to Beginning Your Writing Journey
Writing a book can be a thrilling, though daunting endeavor. You’ve got an idea brewing, and you’re itching to get started, but the question remains: where do you even begin?…
Why Reading Aloud Is Essential for Child Development: Unlocking Growth, Language, and Joy
My mom died last year, and as I wrote the last line of this post, now, 4 months later I suddenly heard her reading my little brother’s favorite book called…
Top 10 Picture Books for Bedtime Reading
Cozy read-alouds that help kids wind down, feel safe, and actually stay in bed If bedtime at your house is less “sweet dreams” and more “one more sip of water,…
Why Banning Children’s Books Hurts Every Child
It’s Banned Book Week A World Without Books? Picture this: a classroom where only picture books about farms, puppies, and princes remain. Over time, the shelves grow bare—some books simply…
Tiny but Mighty: Why Picture Book Titles Make or Break Your Sale
What editors, agents, and kids look for in a killer title.
Three-Act Structure for Picture Books (Yes, It Exists!)
A simple storytelling framework for 32-page manuscripts If you’ve ever taken a screenwriting class, you’ve heard about the 3-act structure. Beginning. Middle. End. Sounds almost too simple, right? But here’s…
10 Common Mistakes in Submitting Picture Books (And How to Avoid Them)
A practical guide for first-time picture book authors Submitting your picture book manuscript is a craft and professionalism test rolled into one. With guidance from kid‑lit experts—from experienced advisors like…
About the Blog
Welcome! I'm Katie Davis, a children's book author with a passion for helping writers bring their stories to life. Here you'll find tips, tricks, and tales from my twenty years in publishing.
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