Blog/News
SPECIAL EVENT! 3-Author Lincoln-Inspired Virtual Author Visit.
Register here This one-of-a-kind webinar will focus on lesser-known facts about Abraham Lincoln. — From his life as a child on a Kentucky farm, rescuing animals and being rescued by one himself — to the lessons he learned after a rascally mistake landed him in a duel as a budding lawyer — and his presidential [Read More]
The Path to a Traditionally Published Picture Book – Simplified
I’ve noticed a surprising number of comments in writing forums from people who don’t know the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing. In self-publishing, the author controls every step of the process (including quality) and foots the bill for everything. In traditional publishing, the author writes and submits a manuscript that a publisher feels they [Read More]
Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-Winning Children’s Book Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing
I’m honored to have contributed to the anthology, edited by Melissa Stewart, titled Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. The essays are jam-packed with insights and inspiration. AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2020. PREORDER NOW through NCTE here. Some of today’s most celebrated nonfiction writers for children share how their writing processes reflect their passions, personalities, beliefs, and experiences in [Read More]
Fall 2020 Picture Book Biography Class
I’ve taught two online picture book biography classes this summer. My students were so pleased with the masters-level content, their recommendations led to quite a few inquiries about my next offering. So, I’ve scheduled a fall class, beginning October 18th—perfect timing for getting a manuscript ready for a 2021 submission. I hope you’ll join me. [Read More]
Organizing a Mountain of Research
One of my favorite things about writing nonfiction is research—part scavenger hunt and part archaeological dig into the past. But what’s the best way to organize the resulting mountain of research? It’s a question that always pops up in forums and writers’ groups. The truth is, there is no single right system. Much depends on [Read More]