I’m very excited to share the writing journey of two Austin debut picture book authors today. Jennifer Coleman is the author of The Texas Nutcracker, illustrated by Wade Dillon (Pelican, 2018) and Dan Marvin is the author of But I Don’t Eat Ants,
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
Interview With Swati Teerhala- The Tiger At Midnight by Audrey M. Gonzalez from Rich in Color. Peek:
“The bi-annual Twitter pitch contest for diverse and marginalized authors was really the turning point for me in my publishing journey.
Native Voices & Visions: Sherri Maret & Merisha Sequoia Clark on The Cloud Artist
By Traci Sorell
Today I’m excited to feature an inspiring Choctaw duo–author Sherri Maret and illustrator Merisha Sequoia Clark–who crafted The Cloud Artist, a bilingual Choctaw-English fiction picture book (RoadRunner Press, 2017).
The story centers on a young Choctaw girl who creates art using clouds, and it has been well received since publication.
Continue Reading Native Voices & Visions: Sherri Maret & Merisha Sequoia Clark on The Cloud Artist »
New Voices: Elizabeth Brown & Meera Sriram on the Journey to Publication
By Gayleen Rabakukk and Stephani Eaton
Elizabeth Brown is the debut author of Dancing Through Fields of Color, illustrated by Aimée Sicuro (Abrams, 2019), and Meera Sriram is the debut author of The Yellow Suitcase, illustrated by Meera Sethi (Penny Candy Books,
Continue Reading New Voices: Elizabeth Brown & Meera Sriram on the Journey to Publication »
Author Interview: Writing & Marketing for Multiple Age-Levels
In today’s world of author branding how do you market yourself if you’re interested for writing for more than one age level? What are the joys and challenges of working across age levels? Are agents still willing to work with someone who doesn’t commit to just one age level?
These are the questions I asked five currently publishing authors: Hena Khan,
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Intern Insights: Strategies for Achieving Your Creative Goals
Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to time, in part because time travel factors into my manuscript, but also because scheduling is one of my biggest challenges.
Family life, teaching gigs and volunteer work quickly fill my days—not to mention the household chores I should be doing (my home could easily be mistaken for a dust bunny rescue).
Continue Reading Intern Insights: Strategies for Achieving Your Creative Goals »
Cynsational News
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Diversity
Reflections on This Place: 150 Years Retold by Helen Kubiw from CanLit For Little Canadians. Peek:
“This is the power of storytelling.
Author Snapshot: Marie Cruz
Marie Cruz is the debut author of Everlasting Nora (Tor/Forge, 2018).
From whom have you received creative feedback–critique groups/partners, writing teachers, expert/sensitivity readers, family and friends, editor and/or agent?
Over the last 15 years, I’ve received feedback from pretty much all of the above!
New Voices: Authors Jenn Bailey & Breanna McDaniel on Writing Highly Personal Stories for Children
It is with much joy that I introduce Jenn Bailey and Breanna McDaniel, two debut picture book authors who share their struggles and triumphs of bringing their highly personal stories to the page.
Jenn Bailey
What were the challenges in bringing the text to life?
Career Achievers: Lisa Yee on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children’s-YA Author
Lisa Yee is a successful children’s-YA author with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s-YA writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?