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.
I’ve been getting more people asking me for advice about how to get an agent, so in addition to updating my FAQ post about “Any advice on how to get an agent? How did YOU get your agent?“, I’ve also posted a new survey. If you’re a children’s/YA author or . . .
I figure it’s time I add a children’s book illustrator to my Will Write For Chocolate household. You can browse older strips in the Will Write For Chocolate archives.
Arree Chung wrote and illustrated the picture book “NINJA!” and is also a founding member of Live in a Story, which offers wall decals created by children’s book illustrators and designers. When he’s not creating, you can find Arree riding his bike around the San Francisco Bay Area. Where to find Arree: Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram. . . .
#BookADay: NINJA BUNNY by Jennifer Gray Olson (Alfred A. Knopf Books For Young Readers). Such a fun picture book with adorable and eye-catching illustrations. Also love the underlying positive message about collaboration and friendship. A great read for little ninjas everywhere! More info: Donalyn Miller’s Summer Book-A-Day Challenge | Archives of my #BookADay posts.
I’ve been a fan of YA writer Kari Maaren fan ever since I heard her perform Kids These Days, a song from the viewpoint of a traditional vampire complaining about the Twilight generation of vampires. The song in the video above, Being Watson, is one of my favorites of Kari’s; Kari is a Sherlock Holmes fan . . .
Posting this comic for my friend Joanne Levy and others who just told me that the image at the top of my previous post should have had the cat lying on TOP of the writer’s papers, not beside. You cat people! 😉
Since I started getting picture book contracts (yay!) I’ve put my novel writing on the back burner. Then last summer at SCBWI-LA, I was talking with my editor at Simon & Schuster (Justin Chanda) about my middle grade novels and time management. Justin said that if my novel writing was important to . . .
To aspiring book authors and illustrators out there: Intelligent perseverance will get you far. Take a break if needed but then try again! If you like my found object doodles, you can browse more on Instagram at @inkygirl.
#BookADay: CIRCUS MIRANDUS written by Cassie Beasley and illustrated by Diana Sudyka ( Dial Books for Young Readers, June 2015). Finished this middle grade book on the weekend. It was one of those experiences where I was enjoying the book soooo much that I began reading slower when I got to the last few chapters because . . .
#BookADay: HOW TO OUTRUN A CROCODILE WHEN YOUR SHOES ARE UNTIED by Jess Keating ( Sourcebooks Jabberwocky). If you or your tween is looking for a fun summer read, I strongly recommend this book. Love the funny, fresh voice and quirky humour. Love the poignant moments. Love the fact that Ana’s parents . . .