Some of the most common questions I hear from picture book biography writers: Q: Do I need permission to write about somebody, living or dead? A: Permission is technically not required if the biography subject is/was a public figure, unless their estate has created a kind of legal fortress. There are rare cases in… Read more »
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 »
There’s a common belief among new nonfiction writers that primary sources are the only way to find absolute facts. Secondary sources are assumed to be inferior, less trustworthy, less valuable. I beg to differ. Don’t get me wrong, I get a rush when I find primary sources. As kids in my school visits can attest,… Read more »
Are you following February’s fabulous and free Nonfiction Fest, described as a month-long crash course in writing children’s nonfiction? I was honored to contribute the following blog post about creative structures available to picture book biography writers. I hope you enjoy it. Choosing a Structure for Your Picture Book Biography By Donna Janell Bowman Dear… Read more »
They are short and for kids, but nonfiction picture books can require the sleuthing skills of Veronica Mars, the puzzling wizardry of Sherlock Holmes, and the science chops of Bill Nye. When I set out to write about how The Great Blondin engineered his tightrope across the Niagara Gorge in 1859, I hoped to find… Read more »
We’re working to re-establish the blog archives and categories that got tangled up in the recent website import. For now, if you’re looking for past posts about nonfiction picture books or picture book biography (or ies), simply type those terms into the blog search box. You can also find the most-viewed posts below. *DISCLAIMER: These posts were… Read more »
Children’s nonfiction is increasingly popular these days, especially in the picture book form. Yet, it’s difficult to find relevant instruction in writing books, workshops, or classes. With ever-changing styles and creative approaches, it is important to seek out up-to-date expertise on the subject. I’m thrilled to be teaching a six-week class about nonfiction picture books… Read more »
December 1- Happy Birthday to Birthdayographies! Psst…please ignore the wacky formatting of this post. Try as I may, I can’t seem to fix it.) Wow, how time flies! Today, December 1st, marks the anniversary, er, birthday, of my blog, Birthdayographies. It’s been quite a year! In the past twelve months, I have added almost two… Read more »
2012 is coming to a close and, as I skim through the list of nonfiction and historical fiction picture books I’ve read and studied this year, a handful of new releases stand out as memorable, for various individual reasons. Of course, there are oodles of outstanding middle grade nonfiction books out this year, too, but… Read more »
Marc Tyler Nobleman is the author of 70 books for children, both for educational and trade publishers. His recent picture book, BOYS OF STEEL: THE CREATORS OF SUPERMAN has been widely applauded, with starred reviews by Booklist, and Publisher’s Weekly, and named a Kirkus “Best Children’s Book” of 2008. Marc, thank you for letting me… Read more »
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