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Articles by Lesley Breen
Meet the Very Talented #kidlit Creative, Amanda Davis.
Carol Gordon Ekster: I met a fellow NESCBWI member, Amanda Davis, on social media and when I read her debut book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag , I was blown away. I knew I wanted others to discover her work, if they hadn’t already. And now with her second book out, it seemed like the perfect time to highlight her here on Writers’ Rumpus. Amanda, I know you were an art teacher. Can you share your journey of how you became interested in creating picture books?
The Thing To Remember About Stargazing: A Lesson in Learning to Rewrite/Revise/Recycle
This is a story about four books and a poem, and how interconnected the publishing life can be.
October Picture Book Opportunities
Know something that should be added to this list for this month or next month? Please share in the comments, thanks! Click the links to go directly to each list. OCTOBER EVENTS Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, Awards, and Events Webinars & Conferences Multi-Week Courses REGISTER IN OCTOBER FOR LATER HAPPEN EVERY MONTH For Everyone For Illustrators For Writers Some organizations operate on a membership model or have on-demand courses, and don’t appear here.
The Gift of Highlights
by Danna Zeiger Last year, PJ Library gave me the greatest gift I could never give myself: the gift of treating myself seriously and calling myself a writer. I’ve been many things: a student, a mom, a molecular biologist, a professor, and lately, a homeschooling mama.
Interview with Author, Illustrator, and Inventor Vicky Fang…and a Book Giveaway!
I consider myself super-duper lucky, as a Writers’ Rumpus blogger, to be able to meet and interview so many talented kidlit authors. I learn new things, make valuable connections with other creatives, and then get to share it with all of you. Sometimes these folks reach out to me or the blog (which makes us very happy), and sometimes I simply read about, or hear them speak somewhere, and must, must, must have them on.
THE STRANDED, a debut YA novel by Sarah Daniels
The first novel in a duology by Sarah Daniels, published by Sourcebooks, 2022 Does a dystopia set in the near-future and full of action and adventure capture your attention? If so, I strongly recommend you read THE STRANDED (no connection to the 2019 Netflix series). Sarah Daniel’s debut novel hooked me with the seventh line on the first page: “Days at sea: 15,934.” Okay Ms. Daniels, tell me more. There are a fair number of characters, each undeniably unique and intriguing.
PB Review: THE PALACE RAT by Lynne Marie… WITH TWO GIVEAWAYS!
by Danna Zeiger After living through pandemic times in the year 2023, if there’s anything we as a society have learned, it’s this: flexibility and adaptability to changing life-circumstances is key! This was a hard lesson for adults and kids alike, which makes Lynne Marie’s upcoming picture book, THE PALACE RAT, (to be published September 5, 2023 by Yeehoo Press) all the more relatable and important.
#Kidlit Interview with ABI CUSHMAN, the amazing talented author/illustrator.
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: Abi, your new picture book came out in May. You wrote and illustrated WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD: A [not so] serious guide (with Greenwillow Books.) As a former teacher, I know how much students, teachers and families will love this. Not only are the illustrations gorgeous, the text is informative along with conversations between the animals, specifically a snake and the wombat, which make for hysterical dialogue in the bubbles. And you end it with nonfiction back matter.
ANT ics with Picture Book Layers plus Smarty Ants GIVEAWAY
Skip to content Book Reviews - Picture Books, Uncategorized, Writing - Picture Books, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources I’ve been ANTicipating today for ages because it’s SMARTY ANTS’ book birthday! One of the reasons SMARTY ANTS sold is because of its many layers. What types of layers do we find in picture books? There are numberless layers available to us–structures, themes, character journeys, plot, illustrations, pacing, voice, language, and heart.
HOW I WROTE WHAT I DIDN’T KNOW
Skip to content educational, Inspiration, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators, Uncategorized, Writing Guest Post by Srividhya Venkat As a writer, you might have heard the statement – “Write what you know.” I somewhat agree with it because when we write what we know, our story and voice gain more authenticity. Since I was born and raised in India, most of my picture books are inspired by my very own experiences and cultural roots.
August Picture Book Opportunities
Summer may be vacation time but there are still plenty of learning opportunities this month for picture book creators! Taking some time off? Check out what’s coming up in the fall. To see what’s available all year ’round, visit the PICTURE BOOK SUPPORT resource page. Click the links to go directly to each list.
Interview: Kidlit Author Rajani LaRocca Discusses Four Eagerly Awaited Books
Book Reviews, Book Reviews - Middle Grade, Book Reviews - Picture Books, educational, Inspiration, Interviews, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Picture Books, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources It’s my great pleasure to welcome Rajani LaRocca back to Writers’ Rumpus to discuss her upcoming books in 2023- three picture books (fiction and non-fiction alike) and an epistolary middle grade novel co-authored with Chris Baron.
Exploring the Rain Forest, One Page at a Time
“Exciting times call for exciting books.” That is not a real saying…I just made it up! My life feels very exciting right now because I’m about to leave for Costa Rica with my family for a vacation in the rain forests of Central America. I can’t wait to hang out with monkeys and sloths, eat fresh mango and pineapple, and put my own life in danger by ziplining and careening after my three fearless boys! I’m not kidding when I say I’ve been counting down the days.
How Difficult Can A Comp Be?
VERY! That’s my conclusion. I have been reading and writing in both YA and MG for nearly twenty years (where has the time gone). My querying nightmare continues to be comps! Who? You, this is all on you and your critique group and writing friends. Reach out to all readers and ask broadly for recommendations. This is often the best way to find comps. No, you can’t ask your agent/editor. This is one way they assess your knowledge of and commitment to the industry. In some ways, this is a test.
July Picture Book Opportunities
Summer’s a great time to hone your skills as a writer, illustrator, or both! Click the links to go directly to each list. JULY EVENTS Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, Awards, and Events Webinars & Conferences Multi-Week Courses REGISTER IN JULY FOR LATER HAPPEN EVERY MONTH For Everyone For Illustrators For Writers Fee or free?
Interview with PHAEA CREDE - #Kidlit Writer Extraordinaire
Carol Gordon Ekster: Phaea, more than two years ago Writers’ Rumpus interviewed you about being a debut author when JET THE CAT first came out. Now that you are an established author, what has changed for you? Phaea Crede: The biggest difference is my confidence. No matter what, I am a published author and no one can take that away from me! I also falsely thought it would be much easier to write new stories.
Interview with Author, Editor, and Poet Ryan Van Cleave…And a Double Giveaway!
Book Reviews, Book Reviews - Middle Grade, Book Reviews - Picture Books, educational, featured, General, Inspiration, Interviews, Interviews - Agents, Editors & Publishers, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators, Publishing, reference books, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Middle Grade & Young Adult, Writing - Picture Books, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources Today is a very exciting day here on the blog.
I have a suggestion…regarding Character Arcs.
Book Reviews, Book Reviews - Middle Grade, Book Reviews - Young Adult, educational, Inspiration, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Middle Grade & Young Adult A friend of mine, who also happens to be a writer, gave me a book called CREATING CHARACTER ARCS, The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development, by K.M. Weiland, PenForASword Publishing, 2016. (Thank you Tina Oppici). Tina has been suggesting I read it for over two years.
HONORING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!
Skip to content Book Reviews - Middle Grade, Book Reviews - Picture Books, Book Reviews - Young Adult, educational, Inspiration, Publishing, Uncategorized, Writing by Danna Zeiger Dear Kidlit Community, Unfortunately, Writers’ Rumpus was not able to air this post earlier in the month for logistical reasons. For this, I would personally like to apologize to the Jewish Kidlit community, as I would have liked to have seen both AAPHI and JAHM honored together.
INTERVIEW WITH DEBUT PICTURE BOOK AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR MARIE BOYD
Picture book illustrations are almost limitless when it comes to the materials and techniques used to make them. It’s part of what makes them so much fun. Do you have a favorite material or medium for picture book art? Mine is cut paper, hands down. I love its crafty, textured quality, and the bold colors and lines that come along with it.
Meet Your Writing Goals - Join a Writing Community!
Ask any successful kidlit writer how they succeeded, and chances are they’ll tell you about their writing communities. In this reblog, Carol Gordon Ekster shares the many ways she benefits from the yearly 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, one of the most well-respected and supportive online writing communities in the kidlit world. Writing came to me at the end of my teaching career…the perfect gift to continue to touch children’s lives and live a meaningful life.
Meet Author/Illustrator Berrie Torgan-Randall!
Book Reviews, Illustrating, Interviews, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators Hi, Writers’ Rumpus fans! It’s my pleasure to welcome Berrie Torgan-Randall to our blog today. She not only wrote the words to her debut graphic novel for early readers, but she also created all the illustrations. This first book in a new series for children 5-9 years old was released by Blue Bronco Books, an imprint of The Little Press, on October 1, 2022.
May Picture Book Opportunities
Happy May! Here’s the roundup of online events. To see what’s available all year ’round, and what’s coming up the rest of the year, visit the PICTURE BOOK SUPPORT resource page. Click the links to go directly to each list. MAY EVENTS Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards Webinars & Conferences Multi-Week Courses REGISTER IN MAY FOR LATER HAPPEN EVERY MONTH For Everyone For Illustrators For Writers Fee or free?
MEET THE TALENTED #KIDLIT AUTHOR, ERIN DEALEY
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Erin Dealey on a Zoom Nerdcamp panel and was impressed with her professionalism, books, and interest in reaching out to others for her blog. I knew I wanted to interview her on Writers’ Rumpus and introduce you all to this talented #kidlit author. Hi, Erin! You are one of the few people, besides me, who mentions in your website that you never really wanted to write. Can you explain about your journey into writing?
MY DOG IS NOT A SCIENTIST - Review & Interview with author Betsy Ellor
Today on Writers’ Rumpus we’re talking with Betsy Ellor, author of MY DOG IS NOT A SCIENTIST, illustrated by Luisa Vera, available April 18 from Yeehoo Press. When I saw the title of Betsy Ellor’s debut picture book, MY DOG IS NOT A SCIENTIST, I laughed out loud! Then I crossed my fingers and hoped. Would this book have the humor, heart, and focus on science processes that the title promised? We live in a golden age of STEM kidlit, with new books about science and scientists coming out every month.
The Making of a Picture Book and the Convergence of Author and Illustrator Visions in A GOOD DEED CAN GROW by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman and Holly Hatam
Danna Zeiger: As a pre-published picture book (and other kidlit) writer, the end process of how picture book text becomes enriched with an accompanying visual story in illustrations is still somewhat of a mystery! Of course, I know what I envision when I’m writing my text, but I also know that author’s visions seldom come to fruition as many brilliant minds come together to create a book.
EVEN: JUST’S SNEAKY COUSIN
When you hear the word EVEN, what immediately pops into your mind? EVEN vs ODD (numbers)? EVEN STEVEN (an equal distribution)? An EVEN, flat surface? EVEN THOUGH (although, despite)? or EVEN SO (regardless)? Each of those interpretations is 100% valid. But in literary terms, the four-letter word EVEN on its own is primarily used to provide emphasis. But once invited into sentences, it has a sneaky tendency to infect multiple sentences without a writer’s conscious intention.
Interview With Debut Picture Book Author Cathy Stefanec Ogren
As I type out the words ‘Debut Picture Book Author’ in front of Cathy’s name, I feel a surge of excitement and pride course through me. Cathy is one of my very own critique group partners. It was (and still is) her picture book manuscripts that, over the past couple of years, have helped teach me the craft of writing engaging, heart-tugging, and succinct stories for young children.
Following the Tracks of a Story Idea
Skip to content Book Reviews - Picture Books, educational, Inspiration, Publishing - Querying & Submitting, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Picture Books Guest Post by Jacqueline Jules One of my first books for young readers, Once Upon a Shabbos (Kar-Ben, 1998) was a story from Appalachia that I reimagined in a Jewish Brooklyn home with a Bubbe and a Zayde. After that, I adapted a Hasidic tale about a giant mythological bird called the Ziz into The Hardest Word (Kar-Ben, 2001).
March Picture Book Opportunities
Illustrating, Writing - Picture Books, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources, Writing - Workshops, Events & Courses Here in the northeastern U.S., winter weather only really got started in February, and now spring begins this month! Make the most of the remaining winter weeks with these opportunities to work on your craft–whether that’s writing or editing. Click the links to go directly to each list.
Interview with Picture Book Author Carol Gordon Ekster…and a Critique or Author Chat Giveaway!
I am so lucky to be able to be able to sit down today with one of my favorite writing mentors and critique group buddies, Carol Gordon Ekster. If you regularly read my blog posts, you may remember that I chatted with Carol just a few months ago when she released her last picture book Some Daddies, and we got to talk all about her writing journey, her creative process, and her inspiration for that book.
So You Think You Can Draw?
By Diana Zipeto Most competitive reality shows make me very nervous. They have far too much tension to make me feel like it is at all relaxing to watch them. But I’ve recently gravitated to two shows, both of which entertain me and give me something to think about with my illustration.
Six Things Children’s Book Illustrations Need
By Diana Zipeto People unrelated to illustration have words of wisdom that can apply to illustration. In his TED talk, Why We Do What We Do, motivational guru Tony Robbins has a list of Six Things Every Human Needs. I have taken them and adapted them here to be Six Things Every Children’s Book Illustration Needs, because I am pretty sure they relate! 1. Certainty Tony Robbins says the first human need is to have certainty. Some things are known, reliable, unchanging. We need that.
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