Just for Beginners

Kidlit Social #85: The Final Kidlit Social: Ask Laura Anything!

On this final episode, Laura answers a wide range of questions about writing and publishing

Kidlit Social #83: Picture Books – A Look Into the Author/Illustrator Relationship

On this episode, Laura welcomes John Bray and Josh Cleland, the  author/illustrator team behind the acclaimed new picture book The End (Starry Forest Books). Laura, John and Josh talk about the creation of this book and the creative collaborative process necessary for the words and pictures to work together to build a book that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Kidlit Social #82: The Texas Librarians Spearheading a New Anti-Censorship Movement

Meet Carolyn Foote & Becky Calzada, two Texas school librarians who, along with librarian Nancy Jo Lambert, are the founders of #FReadom Fighters, a grassroots advocacy group supporting librarians, teachers, students and authors in the raging fight against censorship.

Kidlit Social #81: Meet the Publisher, with Robert Agis of Starry Forest Books

Laura welcomes publisher Robert Agis.  Robert is President of Starry Forest Books, an independent publisher with titles ranging from board books to chapter books published under their Starry Forest and Little Hero imprints.

Kidlit Social #80: How to Write an Exceptional Book Description with Michelle Schusterman

On this episode, Laura welcomes author, writing instructor and ghost writer Michelle Schusterman. The topic: How to craft a standout, succinct book description. A good book description can help you know if your idea is working and will find an audience, and provides the basis for your query letter.

Kidlit Social #79: Chris Barton on Supporting Teachers & Free Expression in the Classroom

On this episode, Laura welcomes Chris Barton, author of 23 books including the New York Times Bestseller Shark vs. Train. Chris discusses a vitally important topic: How authors can actively support libraries, teachers and free expression in the classroom.

He also offers tips for writing compelling fiction and nonfiction picture books, and share insights into the creation of his newest books Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates, How to Make a Book (About My Dog) and Fire Truck vs. Dragon.

Kidlit Social #78: Writing Picture Books with Layers and Purpose with Carol Gordon Ekster

On this episode, Laura welcomes Laura welcomes picture book author Carol Gordon Ekster (Some Daddies, Before I Sleep I Say Thank You, You Know What?, Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?: Kids Coming to Terms with Divorce).

They discuss why picture books need layers of meaning today in order to earn the right to be published. Carol gives tips for developing ideas into publishing-worthy picture books, as well as revealing how she has turned over 2000 rejections into a learning opportunity. Join us for some inspiration and great advice!

Kidlit Social #77: Meet Sarah Baker, SCBWI’s New Executive Director

In this episode, Laura welcomes Sarah Baker, the new Executive Director of the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).

They talk about her ideas for making the Board of Directors more representative of members, updating SCBWI’s volunteer structures, making the whole organization more inclusive on a local and global scale and redesigning the SCBWI website. We also get Sarah’s best advice for aspiring and published authors and illustrators in the modern publishing industry.

Kidlit Social #76: April Cox on Self-Publishing the Right Way

On this episode, we welcome children’s book author and self-publishing coach April Cox.

April is the founder of Self-Publishing Made Simple, and Little Labradoodle Publishing. We dig into topics including how to know if self-publishing is right for you, common self-publishing mistakes, and the best places to spend your self-publishing marketing dollars.

A Chat With Renowned Children’s Author Laura Numeroff