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Misconceptions about writing picture books: why short does NOT mean easy

NOTE: This is an updated version of a post I made a while back. For those illustrate as well as write, you’re welcome to download and print my free picture book thumbnail templates. So many people think that short = easy, especially when it comes to picture books. And while yes, . . .





Comic: Old School Writing

Starting to revamp some of my old Will Write For Chocolate comics so I’m not so embarrassed about sharing them anymore. Also was thinking of this particular strip because I do still find that writing by hand can be a great way to free up part of my writer brain, . . .





“You must write every single day of your life…” – Ray Bradbury

I’m up to 51,000 words in the first draft of my middle grade! In the home stretch now. If you’re confused about why I’m talking about writing middle grade and not picture books, please see my Perseverance post. Using Linda Sue Park’s #12minutes first-drafting method helped me get going, as . . .



Rejection Stories & Advice From Published Kidlit/YA Creators

Ah, rejections. It’s part of the business, before and after publication. If you’d like to get straight to the poll results, feel free to browse the original Twitter thread about writer rejections. As someone who has received many rejections over the years, I am well acquainted. In the years I . . .



Linda Sue Park’s #12minutes writing routine for first drafts

To those who never have problems writing the first drafts of their novels, you can skip this post. For others like me who sometimes find it a challenge (especially during the past couple of years) getting that first draft down, I highly recommend Linda Sue Park’s 12-minute Pomodoro routine. I . . .



Pagination in Picture Books: Should You Or Shouldn’t You?

In prepping for a picture book writing workshop I did recently (via Journey For Kidlit), I posted a poll on Twitter to find out how picture book writers, agents and editors felt about pagination in submissions. Results were fascinating. And people are still posting answers, so feel free to bookmark . . .