By Traci Sorell
For those of us newer to the field of children’s literature, the numerous writing rules for various age groups and in different genres can feel overwhelming.
As one who appreciates the guidelines but also creatively breaks them when necessary, I am thrilled to welcome a group of rulebreakers to Cynsations.
Members of the Notable 19s,
Continue Reading New Voices: Creative Rulebreakers Among the Notable 19s »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith
Michelle Markel is a successful children’s author with a long, distinguished career.
Reflecting on your personal journey, what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
Let’s cut to the chase. There was a major turning point in my career—when I nearly quit writing for children.
Judith Kerr, beloved and inspirational author and illustrator, died May 22 at home after a brief illness. She was 95.
Obituary: Judith Kerr from BBC News. Peek:
“She was still producing stories and illustrations well into her 90s.
Best known for The Tiger Who Came to Tea and a series of picture books about Mog the cat,
By Traci Sorell
Today we’re chatting with picture book authors Viviane Elbee and Hannah Holt, both members of the Epic Eighteen debut group.
Viviane Elbee
Viviane Elbee, debut picture book author of Teach Your Giraffe to Ski (Albert Whitman,
Continue Reading New Voices: Vivian Elbee & Hannah Holt on Persistence »
By Cynthia Leitich Smith, Robin Galbraith, Gayleen Rabukukk, and Stephani Eaton for Cynsations
Author/Illustrator Insights
The Art of Breaking Things: Q & A With Laura Sibson from Elisa Zied. Peek:
[Libba Bray’s] “talk focused on writing as an extreme sport and at the end of the talk she invited the audience to join her in a year of writing dangerously…
What are we to make of the knowledge that we share DNA with a banana?
No, I’m not kidding. All life on earth evolved from a single-celled common ancestor—our genes and banana genes are over 60 percent identical.
I love thinking about this because stories are the same.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Lisa Papademetriou on Writing Tools »
Writers spend a lot of time alone which is why it’s so important that writers find communities and support. There are lots of ways to do that.
It just so happens that the debut authors we are celebrating today are writing partners and have shared with each other the struggles and joys of the writing life.
Varsha Bajaj is a successful children’s 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?
By Traci Sorell
Picture book authors Beth Anderson and Tina Cho‘s debut books both explore actual events and both authors agree, craft study and critique groups are vital components on the path to publication.
Beth Anderson
Beth Anderson and I share a love of nonfiction.
Continue Reading New Voices: Beth Anderson & Tina Cho on Bringing True Stories to the Page »
By Traci Sorell
Today Cynsations features two debut picture book authors, Margaret Chiu Greanias and Melissa Stoller, both members of the Epic Eighteen group.
Margaret Chiu Grenias
Maximillian Villianous, the debut picture book of author Margaret Chiu Greanias,
Continue Reading New Voices: Margaret Greanias & Melissa Stoller on Writing Craft Resources »