If you are considering writing books for children, the first piece of advice I would give is to read LOTS and LOTS of books for children. Simple, right? For the past ten years, I have been reading children’s books like a part-time job. Seriously. I almost always have a bag full of library books in […]
This gorgeous image was taken at sunrise on my last day of vacation. I set my alarm for 5:00 am and headed down to the beach by myself with a chair and my writing journal. The breathtaking colors, the sound of the waves and my stillness proved to be the perfect inspiration for a new […]
Last October, I entered children’s author and blogger Susanna Leonard Hill’s popular “Halloweensie” contest. She has decided to keep the fun going for Valentine’s Day with the first ever “Valentiny” contest. The rules: write a Valentine’s story for children that is 214 words or less and includes someone who is grumpy. Here is my entry: […]
PiBoIdMo, or Picture Book Idea Month, by author Tara Lazar, is over…sniff, sniff. I took my pledge today that I “do solemnly swear” I completed the challenge. During PiBoIdMo, you try to come up with at least 30 new picture book ideas during the month of November. Along the way, there is a guest blog […]
Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) is just days away! The concept is simple: come up with 30 picture book ideas in the 30 days of November. Can you do it? Are you up for the challenge? Head over to the website of picture book author and blogger extraordinaire, Tara Lazar, to sign-up. I’ve participated the […]
I am an avid collector of words. When I hear something interesting or profound, I write it down. I love attending children’s literature conferences and hearing authors, illustrators, agents and editors impart their infinite wisdom on all things in the world of children’s books. There are usually a few gems that I scribble down and […]
I participated in another #PBPitch party on twitter today. You could pitch up to three of your picture books for agents and editors to read. If you get a favorite from one of them, then you get to submit! You can find more details about Picture Book Pitch at www.pbpitch.com.
Picture Book Idea Month, or PiBoIdMo, was created in 2008 by author and blogger, Tara Lazar. Each year, in the month of November, she has daily guest posts of inspiration and encouragement from picture book authors and illustrators. The challenge is to come up with 30 new picture book ideas in 30 days. You are supposed […]
Revisions. Revisions. REVISIONS. Nope. No matter how I say it, that word conjures up nothing inside me but dread. I am the idea lady. Just full of them. They fill my writing journal and the notes and voice memos apps on my phone. There are sticky notes with ideas all over my desk. I don’t […]
Time to Pray (Boyds Mill Press, 2010) is the award-winning story of a young girl, Yasmin, who is visiting her Grandma in the Middle East. The detailed illustrations and rich text (with Arabic translations included) take you on a journey of spiritual growth as Yasmin learns about the rituals of daily prayer from her grandmother. I […]
I’m a mother and teacher by day and wannabe children’s book author by night. Read more about me