Guest Post: Melissa Stewart Shares How Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep

By Melissa Stewart

Many people believe that fiction is creative writing drawn from the depths of a writer’s soul, while nonfiction is simply a recitation of facts gathered from a few standard sources. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To put this troubling misconception to rest, fifty of today’s most celebrated authors for children have come together to share a critical part of the nonfiction writing process that often goes unseen.

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Industry Interview: Andrew Rushton of NordSüd Verlag & Beth Terrill of NorthSouth

By Elisabeth Norton

I recently talked with Andrew Rushton, Associate Publisher with NordSüd Verlag (Switzerland), and Beth Terrill, Editor, NorthSouth Books (U.S.), to learn more about publishing in two different markets. In the above photo, Beth Terrill and Lulu the dog are enjoying a good story.

For people who are not familiar with NordSüd Verlag (NorthSouth Books,

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New Voices: Kelly J. Baptist & Jess Rinker on the People Who’ve Influenced Their Writing

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

A big welcome to middle-grade debut authors, Kelly J. Baptist and Jess Rinker. Both authors share with us how the people around them influence their writing as well as moments along their journeys to publication.

Kelly Baptist 

What first inspired you to write for young readers?

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Awesome Authors: Danna Smith on How Poetry Inspires Picture Books

By Linda Joy Singleton

As a talented author and poet, how does your love of poetry influence your picture books?

Poetry is where I got my start. I have loved words from the moment I meet them and found it was great fun to twist them around and make them sing! I wrote my first poem when I was eight years old and continued to and through adulthood.

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New Cynsations Reporter Elisabeth Norton

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

We are thrilled that Elisabeth Norton is joining the Cynsations team covering the European market. The above photo shows The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland. Hiking is one of the ways Elisabeth refills her creative well.

Welcome to Cynsations! Could you tell us about your vision for covering books related to the European market here at the blog?

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Interview: Elisa Boxer on Writing, Voting & the Importance of Each Voice

By Stephani Martinell Eaton

I am so pleased to welcome Elisa Boxer, author of The Voice That Won The Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger (Sleeping Bear, 2020). Today Elisa shares her thoughts on writing for children and the importance of each voice.

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New Voices: K.T. Mather & Cameron Kelly Rosenblum on Hearing Your Character’s Voice

By Gayleen Rabakukk, photo above Cameron Kelly Rosenblum, flanked by her Writers House co-agents Bri Johnston and Allie Levick and foreign rights agents Aless Birch and Cecilia de la Campa.

K.T. Mather

What was your initial inspiration for writing this book?

So my character,

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Career Achievers: Deborah Wiles on Thriving as a Long-Time, Actively Publishing Children’s-YA Author

By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Deborah Wiles 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’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?

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