Author Interview with Darcy Pattison by Sue Irwin
Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison has had her books translated into eleven languages, and she has received over seventy awards for her work. In September, Darcy will share tips on how to “Self-Publish Picture Books and Middle Grade Books” at Write2Ignite’s next Master Class. Today, I’m delighted to chat with her one-on-one […]
The Write2Ignite Podcast Ep. 3: Laura Sassi
If anyone was qualified to write stories for children, it would be Laura Sassi. She has worn many hats through the years: a mother, a homeschooler, a teacher, and a children’s ministry director. She also wore a special hat for our podcast episode! With over ten books to her name, Laura’s newest picture book, Pumpkin […]
Book Review: When I Talk to God, I Talk About You
Join us for a review of “When I Talk to God, I Talk About You” by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. Illustrated by Lisa Fields
Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Three: Become A Kid Again!
If you’re just joining this blog thread, check out my first two posts on writing engaging picture books: Part One and Part Two. How Do I Become A Kid Again? Here’s the thing. Some adults have forgotten what it was like to be a kid. They’ve grown up and gone all stiff like a stale […]
Author Interview with Chelsea Tornetto
I’m delighted to introduce you to Chelsea Tornetto today. Chelsea is the author of several picture books, a freelance editor, and an author coach. Welcome, Chelsea! Thanks for joining us to discuss your newly-launched picture book, Chalk the Walk (illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth, published by Familius Publishing). Interview Sue: Let’s start with a talk about […]
Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part Two: Getting A Kid’s Attention
Last month, I gave some general tips on writing picture books. Today, I want to look deeper into the craft. What You Need to Know First Our competition is fierce. Most beginning writers think starting with picture books is good because they’re short. In a way, they’re right! Picture books should be 800 words or […]
On Our Bookshelf: Remmy’s Sticky Situation by Cindy Lynn Sawyer
THE SYNOPSIS Remmy Raccoon is excited because the fair is in town—and that means carnival food! He is very hungry. He dumpster dives to find his favorite munchables, but don’t worry, he always washes them before eating. When he finds a pink, fluffy confectionary treat, it quickly disappears before he can eat it! He goes […]
Writing for the Ear
In my multimedia journalism class, our professor talked about “writing for the ear.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, writing for the ear is when you write something that is meant to be spoken or performed rather than read silently. My Shakespeare professor taught me something similar. She said that Shakespeare’s plays were never meant […]
Tips for Writing More Engaging Picture Books – Part One
In all the years I’ve been a freelance children’s book editor, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard how people want to write picture books because they’re short … and easy. “HA!” I’d say. (And I had to keep myself from slapping them and saying, “Snap out of it!”) Writing picture books is […]
Barnaby the Runaway Sheep (A Parable of the Lost Sheep) Book Review and Extension Activities
Barnaby the Runaway Sheep, written by Maria Antonia and illustrated by Sayani Mukherjee, is a endearing picture book about a sheep who must learn to trust his shepherds. Barnaby is afraid of having his wool snipped so he does everything he can to avoid it. First, he plays hide and seek. Then, he gets wet! […]