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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 #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 #75: 2nd Anniversary Edition – Laura Answers Your Writing Questions!
On this episode, we celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Kidlit Social with an “Ask Laura Anything” special! Laura answers a wide range of questions about writing, editing and submitting your work.
Kidlit Social #72: How Lesléa Newman Changed the World – And What Comes Next
Meet Lesléa Newman, author of dozens of children’s books that have made a major impact on our culture. In 1989, Lesléa published her first picture book, Heather Has Two Mommies. It’s a work that has deeply inspired parents and children, LGBTQ and otherwise, and has been a lightning rod for censorship and book bannings. Since then, Lesléa has built an award-winning career filled with beautifully written and meaningful books that give life to her motto: Changing the World One Book at a Time.
CBI Interview: Picture Book Author Johnny Ray Moore
Author Johnny Ray Moore is a dual threat in kidlit: he can write in verse and in prose. The author of six published picture books, Moore’s newest book is a diverse, heartfelt lyrical celebration of winter, spring, summer and fall along with the joys of fatherhood in the aptly titled Seasonal Adventures (Reycraft, June 2021), illustrations by Cbabi Bayoc. The book was hailed by Kirkus as “a pure ode to nature and sincere Black boy joy.”
Kidlit Social #71: Alda P. Dobbs on Mining Your Family History to Create Compelling Fiction
On this episode, we meet Alda P. Dobbs, author of the acclaimed middle grade novel The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna. We talk about mining our family history for inspiration, and how to keep the spirit of the true stories alive while crafting compelling fiction.
Kidlit Social #69: ‘Radical Solutions’ to Beat Fear, Doubt & Criticism and Thrive Creatively
On this inspirational episode, meet award-winning Middle Grade/YA author and creative writing professor Todd Mitchell. Todd joins us to share insights from his new book Breakthrough: How to Overcome Doubt, Fear, and Resistance to Be Your Ultimate Creative Self.
Todd offers up some amazing, radical, perspective-shifting solutions for how to enhance creativity, deal with doubt, procrastination, and criticism, and make creative endeavors more enjoyable and effective.
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