?? Also see Debbie’s Main FAQ index: Frequently Asked Questions This is a question I often get asked, so I thought I’d finally write a post about it. Also do check out this excellent post by Naseem Hrab that includes answers from various Canadian publishers. In all the books I’ve . . .
Congrats to my writing critique partner and friend, Carmella Van Vleet, whose NOTHING IS LITTLE launched from Holiday House Books this week! This middle grade book has already received many accolades, including being a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. NOTHING IS LITTLE is about 11-year-old Felix, who likes being . . .
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 . . .
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 . . .
(Updated from an older post. Also be sure to check out my FAQ for more useful advice!) So many people think that short = easy, especially when it comes to picture books. And while yes, it’s easy to crank out a picture book manuscript in terms of wordcount, writing a . . .
By Sara Truuvert Darshana Khiani does not give up. Eleven years passed between her decision to pursue children’s writing and the publication of her PB debut, How to Wear a Sari. And it took eleven drafts of the story for her to pinpoint her protagonist’s motivation. It turns out, Darshana and . . .
I’m gradually updating, condensing and moving over info to my main FAQ on my new website. Here is my updated entry for anyone who is just starting to think about writing or illustrating books for young people someday. My top pieces of advice for those who want to write or . . .
I met Nadia Salomon through the SCBWI and am also familiar with her online. I love her enthusiasm, positive outlook, and the support she has shown fellow members of the kidlit community over the years! I was excited to get a sneak peek of GOODNIGHT GANESHA, her debut as a picture . . .
Brian McLachlan is a cartoonist who’s worked for Nickelodeon, The Nib and the New Yorker. He writes the monthly comic Spruce Street Squad for Owl Magazine. His book, Draw Out The Story: 10 Secrets to Creating Your Own Comics is an ILA-nonfiction award winner. Each Tuesday he hosts a group of artists in a PG-13 game of . . .
By Sara Truuvert When your novel is deemed “the greatest idea for a book ever”, you’re probably on to something. That certainly seems to be the case for debut author Victor Piñeiro, whose novel Time Villains has garnered a starred review from Kirkus and a spot as an Amazon Best Book of the Month. The book promises time-hopping high jinx, historic and . . .