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How to Tell if Your Story Idea is Good Enough

Most writers find it very difficult to judge the merits of their own story ideas. In this excerpt from a workshop taught by the prolific and uber-creative author Stephen Swinburne, you’ll learn his quick process to judge new ideas. It’s quite powerful.

Kidlit Distancing Social #19 Replay – Laura Backes on Crafting Great Opening Lines & Scenes

This week, it’s time for a writing craft geek-out session! Join Laura Backes, founder & publisher of Children’s Book Insider, the Children’s Writing Monthly, for an evening devoted to opening lines and strong story beginnings.
 
If you’ve been struggling to kick off your manuscripts with powerful, reader-grabbing openings, this is the session for you.

Kidlit Distancing Social #18 Replay – Bad Kitty Author Nick Bruel on Creating Subversive – and Hilarious – Characters

Nick Bruel is the author and illustrator of New York Times bestseller Boing! and the Bad Kitty books.
 
Nick has created some brilliantly subversive – and hilarious – characters. On the Social, he and Laura had an extensive and fascinating discussion about his process and his tips for writers looking to give their kidlit characters a little extra edge.

Kidlit Distancing Social #17 Replay – P.J. McIlvane on Connecting with Editors & Agents at Twitter Pitch Parties

This week, we welcome P.J. McIlvane, picture book author & co-founder of #PBPitch, an ongoing series of Twitter Pitch Parties connecting kidlit authors with editors and agents.
 
P.J. explains what Twitter Pitch Parties are, how writers can use them to advance their careers and shares some inside tips on how to stand out and catch the eye of an editor or agent.

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 #15 – Helen Wu on Writing for the International Market

In this episode, we welcome Helen Wu, associate publisher at Yeehoo Press, a publisher dedicated to publishing fun, enchanting, and socially responsible children’s books for audiences around the world. Helen and Laura have a meaty discussion about emerging worldwide kidlit trends, and opportunities for authors to publish internationally.

Watch all the Kidlit Social Replays

Find out what your favorite authors, editors, agents & writing educators have to say when they appear on the Kidlit Social, a free educational hangout for kidlit writers, presented by Children’s Book Insider, the Children’s Writing Monthly.

Kidlit Distancing Social #14 – Eileen Robinson on Middle Grade Fiction for Boys

In this episode, we welcome Eileen Robinson, publisher at Move Books, a small press that focuses on middle grade novels for boys. MG for boys is a hot and growing market, so this is a very timely topic.

Eileen’s had an accomplished and varied publishing career including work in acquisitions and development, pub planning, leveled reading, audio books and more.

Kidlit Distancing Social #13 – Josh Funk on Creating Successful Kidlit Series

In this episode, Josh Funk brings his special brand of fun to the Social. Josh has created one successful children’s book series after another, and he’ll share how he did it, and how other writers can follow the same path. This is really powerful insight for any writer seeking to build a long-term successful writing career.

Watch all the Kidlit Social Replays

Find out what your favorite authors, editors, agents & writing educators have to say when they appear on the Kidlit Social, a free educational hangout for kidlit writers, presented by Children’s Book Insider, the Children’s Writing Monthly.