Search the Site

Debbie’s Blog

Welcome to my new blog, which now includes content from many of the blogs I’ve created over the years. You can now also access content via category from this one page instead of having to search for my individual blogs, which were scattered over various platforms and websites.


Inkygirl survey results: how you discovered books this year

A while ago, I asked how you all discover books to read. 239 responded.  Here’s what you said: Q: How do you discover new books to read? Keep in mind that most of the respondents are kidlit/YA and/or publishing industry people. 71% describe themselves as writers, 16% book bloggers, 13% teachers, 9% . . .



Project For Awesome: Debs & Errol talk about supporting literacy nonprofit The Office Of Letters and Light

The Office Of Letters and Light not only organizes NaNoWriMo but also the Young Writers Program, Script Frenzy and the Script Frenzy Young Writers Program, among other events. The goal: to help kids and adults find the inspiration, encouragement and structure they need to reach their creative potential.  Here’s a video from my friends Debs & Errol about why donating . . .



Inkygirl Golden Cupcake Winner: Kite Tails Newsletter

Congrats to the SCBWI Tri-Regions Of Southern California KITE TAILS newsletter for winning an Inkygirl Golden Cupcake Award! KITE TAILS is a free online newsletter published by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Each issue is packed with all kinds of useful info about the craft and . . .



Inspiring TED Talk From Children’s Book Author/Illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Aspiring AND experienced children’s book authors and illustrators need to watch this video.  I really want to meet Jarrett J. Krosoczka someday. Some of my takeaways from the talk: How important it is for grown-ups to encourage imagination and creativity in children. How just a few encouraging words to a young artist . . .



“A Gift Of Time” holiday gift certificate for your writer friends

Here’s a gift idea that every writer can appreciate: TIME TO WRITE. What to write under “Details”: Depending on your relationship with the recipient, you could offer to do dishes for a week, pick up the kids from school, # hours of running errands, grocery shopping, babysitting and so on. . . .



I’M BORED Process: How a picture book is translated into other languages

  I was thrilled to find out that the French version of I’M BORED was available for ordering online, and then got curious about the process. How does a picture book get translated? Are there any issues that children’s book writers and illustrators need to be aware of, when working . . .



Interview with Adrienne Kress about THE FRIDAY SOCIETY: creative process & advice for writers

Photo of Adrienne: Tanja Tiziana. Steampunk background: http://valerianastock.deviantart.com I met Adrienne Kress through the Toronto MG/YA Author Group (Torkidlit). She’s smart, funny and passionate about her craft, and I’ve appreciated her advice and encouragement over the years. I interviewed Adrienne about her middle grade novels last year, and I can’t wait to buy . . .