Throwback Thursday: Bethany Hegedus on Embracing Your Strengths, Between Us Baxters & Truth with a Capital T

Congratulations to Bethany Hegedus on the upcoming publication of You, Me, We: A Celebration of Peace and Community, co-written with Arun Gandhi, illustrated by Andrés Landazábal (Candlewick Press, June 2023). From the promotional copy:

Peace is you. Peace is me.
Peace is the great big We of community.

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New Voices: Shachi Kaushik & Susan Johnston Taylor Share Picture Book Advice

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Spotlight image: Shachi Kaushik celebrating Diwali with her new book.

I love sharing the success stories of Austin authors with Cynsations readers. Today I’m interviewing two debut picture book authors, Shachi Kaushik and Susan Johnston Taylor, about their paths to publication and advice for aspiring writers.

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New Voices: Alda P. Dobbs & Debbie Zapata Create Books Inspired by Family

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Spotlight image: Debbie Zapata reads Up and Adam, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang (Kids Can Press, 2022) with the assistance of an American Sign Language Interpreter for a group at an Austin park.

Today we welcome two Texas authors to Cynsations to share their path to publication for books inspired by their own families.

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Picture Book Biographies: Gloria Amescua & Carol Kim Discuss Mentors on the Path to Publication

By Gayleen Rabakukk

We’re wrapping up our picture book biography series with two more Austin authors, Gloria Amescua, author of Child Of The Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter Of The Nahua, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh (Abrams, 2021) and Carol Kim, author of King Sejong Invents an Alphabet,

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Picture Book Biographies: Candy Wellins & Philip Hoelzel on the Importance of Critique Groups

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Critique partners can play a huge role in taking a manuscript to the next level. Today we’re chatting with critique partners Candy Wellins and Philip Hoelzel about their picture book biographies.

Candy’s book is The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space,

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Picture Book Biographies: Bethany Hegedus Explores Social Emotional Learning in Nonfiction

By Gayleen Rabakukk

At Cynsations this week we’re taking a deep dive into picture book biographies by interviewing eight debut biography authors. But first, today we’re kicking things off by featuring Bethany Hegedus, author of five published picture book biographies and more on the way.

Earlier this year I attended an SCBWI workshop where you discussed Social Emotional Learning.

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Author Interview: Bethany Hegedus on Crafting Picture Book Biographies With Heart

By Gayleen Rabakukk

Bethany Hegedus is an award-winning writer and a tireless champion of encouraging others to push beyond their fear and obstacles. I’m very excited to share Bethany’s insight on tackling tough subjects and writing from the heart with Cynsations readers!

Her newest book, Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People,

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