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 differentiation from those who want to be published by a…
15May
5Apr
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 non-fiction piece, stepping into the writing world is an adventure…
24Mar
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 in exactly the right place. Writing a children’s book is…
2Mar
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? Don't worry, I've got your back with some friendly guidance…
15Feb
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 Hello, Elephant. I can hear her saying the repeated phrase,…
2Jan
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, one more song, one more existential question,” you’re in the…
6Oct
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 removed, others never purchased. That’s not fantasy. It’s happening right now…
17Sep
What editors, agents, and kids look for in a killer title.Continue Reading Tiny but Mighty: Why Picture Book Titles Make or Break Your Sale
10Sep
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 the thing: even in the cozy confines of a 32-page…
5Sep
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 my Picture Book Summit cofounders, Emma Walton Hamilton & Julie…
