Fuel For Your Journey

Kidlit Social #61 Replay: Tracy Sue Walker on Folklore, Myths & the Stories We Tell

Meet writer and storyteller Tracy Sue Walker. Tracy Sue is the author of the “Kids for Truth about Magical Creatures” chapter book series from Scholastic, and an award-winning storyteller. (Among her proudest achievements – she was Champion Liar at the Georgia Tall Tale Contest!)

On the Social, she shares how ancient, universal characters and stories can inform your writing, and how having skills as a storyteller can help liven up any school visit. (Plus you get a bonus story from an amazing storyteller!)

Kidlit Distancing Social #54 Replay: Becoming a Full-Time Writer with Shannon Anderson

In this episode, meet Shannon Anderson, award-winning author of 14 kidlit books.

Shannon just quit her 25-year day job as a teacher to become a writer full-time. She joins us to talk about creating an author brand, when to know it’s time to quit your day job, what mindset attributes writers need to make it as a full-time author and more.

Kidlit Distancing Social #43 Replay: Overcoming the Obstacles that are Holding You Back

This week, Laura welcomes our friend Dani Alcorn of Writing Academy to discuss the things that block writers from finding true success – and how to overcome them. This is a *very* powerful session that is a must-see for any writer seeking to move forward in his or her career.

Kidlit Distancing Social #39 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding the Courage to Put Your Work Out Into the World

Meet Jennifer Vassel, an inspiring self-publishing success story. Jennifer is the author and founder of “I Am Unique!”, a children’s book series and self-love brand aimed to inspire kids and adults to rise above their insecurities and share their unique gifts with the world.

Her work has been featured in national media such as Forbes, Black Enterprise, Thrive, Essence, and
Today.

Join us to find out how Jennifer has overcome self-doubt and insecurity to build a thriving writing career. She’ll also share some excellent self-publishing and marketing advice.

Kidlit Distancing Social #30 Replay – Kevin Carroll on Communicating Big Ideas to Young Readers

Kevin Carroll has led a remarkable life – and he’s just getting started. Head athletic trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers, Nike’s first-ever “creative change agent”, an in-demand speaker with multiple Ted Talks and now, a successful children’s book author.

In fact, his A Kid’s Book About Belonging was just named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2020!

Kevin has some big things to communicate with kids, and he has a fascinating approach that should make every kidlit author stand up and take notice.

You absolutely don’t want to miss this one!

Kidlit Distancing Social #28 – Nicole C. Kear on Writing Across Age Groups & Genres

Meet a writer who is making her mark across multiple genres and categories – and learn how you can do the same. Nicole C. Kear has published two chapter book series, a middle grade novel, a highly acclaimed memoir and dozens of articles in such publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post and Good Housekeeping. Nicole is the model of a modern working writer, whose built a fascinating, rewarding career.

Kidlit Distancing Social #27 – Teresa Funke on the Steps You Can Take Now to Become a Successful Author

This week, we welcome back the inspiring Teresa Funke (Dancing in Combat Boots, V for Victory, 10 Things All Successful Authors Do). Teresa will help you get on – and stay on – the path to becoming a successful professional writer. She’ll share the things you can do write now that will pay big dividends down the road. If you need some inspiration and confidence – this is the Social for you!

Kidlit Distancing Social #25 Replay – Brian Weisfeld on Writing Books that Promote a Passion & Deliver a Message

Brian Weisfeld, author of The Startup Squad series (Macmillan), is devoted to empowering girls with an entrepreneurial mindset so they can realize their potential. In this episode, Brian gives his advice for authors seeking to change the world with their writing. If you have a passion or cause you’d like young readers to know about, Brian will help you understand how to create books that teach while entertaining.

Kidlit Distancing Social #16 – Sean McCollum on Following Your Passion & Living an Exciting Writing Life

In this episode, we welcome Sean McCollum, an award-winning author who has built a career based on following his passions around the globe – and then writing books about them. He shares how he did it and talk about how others can follow in his footsteps. If you’re looking to add excitement and passion to your writing life, Sean is the man to meet!

Kidlit Distancing Social #10 – Emma Dryden on the Changing Landscape of Children’s Publishing

Emma Dryden, founder of drydenbks, freelance editor and former Publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books, helps us navigate the new publishing landscape, and shares her tips for staying abreast of – and thriving through – the changes.