Book Bannings: Seeking Sanity in a Dangerous Time
Lawrence Ferlinghetti outside City Lights Bookstore, 1957
(Note: This editorial originally appeared in the August, 2022 edition of…
Kidlit Social #82: The Texas Librarians Spearheading a New Anti-Censorship Movement
On this episode, Laura welcomes Carolyn Foote and Becky Calzada, two Texas school librarians who, along with librarian Nancy Jo Lambert,…
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…
Kidlit Distancing Social #48 Replay: Crafting Speculative Fiction & Graphic Novels w/Jennifer Brody (a.k.a. Vera Strange)
In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Brody (a.k.a. Vera Strange) the award-winning author of ten books, including The 13th Continuum…
Kidlit Distancing Social #11 – Patrice Williams Marks on How Sensitivity Readers Can Help Writers
On this week’s Kidlit Distancing Social, author, screenwriter and sensitivity reader Patrice Williams Marks shares how all writers can…
What is a Sensitivity Reader and Why Would I Need One?
by Jean Daigneau
Even though everybody loves a winner, what sometimes garners the most press is the bad news. In the world of children’s book…
How One Man’s Simple Idea Changed the Way the World Reads
Is it possible for one “regular” person to truly change the world? To bring hope and connection to millions?
When Todd Bol built a…
Traditional Writer Versus Indie Writer
by Tracy Bryan
When a writer — whether a traditional writer or an indie writer — imagines a story, they usually can’t wait to bring…
Why I Write Teen Books with Diverse Characters
by Michael J. Bowler
As a high school teacher for twenty-five years, I primarily taught kids of color. And yet, in the books and stories…
We Need More Diverse Books!
by Tracy Bryan
I am a relatively new children’s author, but from where I stand, (way down here looking up) there seems to have been a…
Terrified by Marketing? Then Don’t. Do This Instead…
I get it. You’re a writer, not a marketer. You’re not excited by the notion of “hawking your wares” or “pushing your book”. You think that,…
The Shortcut to Writing Stardom
by Laura Backes
Admit it, haven’t you wished that authors could be “discovered” just like old-time movie stars? You’re sitting in a…
Interactive eBooks for Kids Put the Readers in Control
by Alice Kuipers
Time for my latest confession (I seem to get into confessional mode when I write for you at writeforkids.org –…
Top Editor Emma Dryden on Working with Editors and Acting Professionally
Emma Dryden is one of children’s publishing’s most accomplished editors, having worked on hundreds of books for young readers, including board…
Blow as Deep as You Want to Blow: Jack Kerouac on the Art of Writing
In the late 50’s, Allen Ginsberg asked his friend Jack Kerouac to explain his concept of “spontaneous prose”. Kerouac responded with a…
How One Top Young Adult Author *Really* Feels About Social Media
Guest post by Alice Kuipers
Psst. Let me tell you a secret. I probably shouldn’t tell you this because I’m supposed to be good at…
Top Editor Emma Dryden on Hot Children’s Book Trends & How to Connect with Teens
(Paid subscriber to Children’s Book Insider? Keep reading for bonus content!)
Emma Dryden is one of children’s publishing’s…
10 Declarations for the 21st Century Children’s Author
It’s time for a fresh start.
For the moment, forget apps and ebooks. Forget query letters and page counts. Let’s focus…
A Top Editor on What Children’s Writers Must Know to Succeed Today
(Paid subscriber to Children’s Book Insider? Keep reading for bonus content!)
Emma Dryden is one of children’s publishing’s most…
Write Stories for Kids That Teach… Not Preach
Here at WriteForKids, we’re committed to helping you impact the lives of children around the world with your work. What’s the best way to write…
The World Is Now Ours. A Children’s Writing Vision for the 21st Century
Laura and I have been teaching people how to become successful children’s authors for close to 25 years. It’s a rich and wonderful way to…
