I once asked my editor at Simon & Schuster Children’s, Justin Chanda, what he finds is the biggest mistake that aspiring picture book writers tend to make. His answer: “The one that I see most often, and it covers a multitude of sins, is they do not take the time to . . .
Back in 2013, I posted an interview with Scholastic editor Celia Lee, who invited Inkygirl readers to submit picture book manuscripts for a limited time. Two book contracts came out of that, including Josh Funk’s PIRASAURS! story (see my interview with Josh Funk and the illustrator, Michael Slack). I’m delighted to . . .
Thanks to all the children’s book writers and illustrators who have contributed advice for young writers and illustrators in their Inkygirl.com interviews over the years! I’m gradually going through my archives as well as my interviews with authors of books I’ve illustrated and compiling a list of advice takeaways. If you click on the . . .
One of the biggest misconceptions about writing picture books, I’ve noticed, goes something like “While I’m working on my REAL book, I think I’ll write a picture book or two for some extra cash. They’re so short, after all.” Here’s my post about why short does NOT mean easy when it . . .
I’m delighted to be one of the stops on THE GREEN UMBRELLA blog tour! This is a debut picture book for author Jackie Azua Kramer and illustrator Maral Sassouni, just launched from NorthSouth Books. The story is fun and imaginative, with gorgeous art, and the underlying message of sharing, generosity and looking . . .
[Edited: To those visiting from the 2018 conference: please note this post was made in 2017.] Only a couple of weeks until the annual SCBWI Winter Conference in NYC! This year I’ll be on faculty for the first time (woohoo!), participating in the Art Of Collaboration Illustrators’ Intensive on Friday where we’ll all be . . .
I met Joanne Levy through the local Torkidlit group. I love her wry wit and also loved her middle grade, Small Medium At Large (Bloomsbury); you can see my interview with Joanne from a few years ago, where she talked about how she wrote the book, her work process and advice for aspiring authors. I’m loving . . .
Don’t let age discourage you from your publication dreams! This month’s Late Bloomer profile: Laura Boldin-Fournier, whose first chidren’s book came out when she was 68 years old. AN ORANGUTAN’S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS debuted earlier this year from Pelican Publishing, and Laura was kind enough to answer a few questions for me. Debbie: How did . . .
YOU’RE MY BOO by Kate Dopirak and Lesley Breen Withrow would make a wonderful holiday gift for a young reader. An ode to unconditional love, this reassuring and adorable story is like a hug in book form. Kate Dopirak loves walking her puppy, watching her sons play sports, and convincing her husband to share a cheese . . .
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, . . .