I so appreciate Margo Sorenson’s insights below, about the need to take a story from “oatmeal” to something special and unique. She does it through aloha spirit and puns, resulting in a charming picture book, Little Calabash, illustrated by Anneth Lagamo, about overcoming obstacles. And if you want to hear more about Margo’s work, see… Read more »
I always enjoy hearing the story behind the story and Vicki Conrad’s story behind her newest picture book biography is full of twists and turns, not unlike the swampy Everglades themselves. A Voice for the Everglades: Marjory Stoneman Douglas (Albert Whitman and Company) led Vicki on a several year “scavenger hunt” (to borrow her phrase)… Read more »
Today’s guest is my first ever international friend! Paddy Donnelly lives and works in Belgium though his Irish roots certainly inform his work. And his newest book– a debut as a writer/illustrator — is based on a lake nearby where he grew up. I am especially drawn to Paddy’s The Vanishing Lake (Yeehoo Press) because… Read more »
I had the great fortune to “meet” Jamie Hogan through the Institute of Children’s Literature, when I was an instructor there. I don’t remember if I was helpful to Jamie, but I certainly remember how her good heart shone through her work. I’m thrilled to be celebrating her return to the author/illustrator role with her… Read more »
As much as I love celebrating my friends’ work for Friend Friday, it is an especial delight to celebrate a debut book. And it is a delight to be reminded that authors (and other artists) have a superpower that goes beyond a way with words, as Colleen Paeff does in her essay below. Her debut… Read more »
I will confess, upon reading Amy Butler Greenfield‘s essay below, my stomach lurched. Give up a project that was “one small revision” away from a sale? Whoa. Yes, Amy’s story has a happy ending in that she did indeed sell the project. But my takeaway from the turn of events surrounding The Woman All Spies… Read more »
One of my passions is to tell little-known stories of the past; clearly Shari Becker and Louisa Jaggar share that passion. They went to incredible lengths to tell the story of determined flyer James Banning and now we are the beneficiaries of their hard work. It’s a pleasure and honor to host them today in… Read more »
Laurie Wallmark poses an intriguing question in today’s essay. I wonder how other book creators might answer it? While I wouldn’t describe my passion for historical fiction a rut, I’ve had a fabulous time trying my hand at a contemporary middle grade novel this last year or so. As I read Laurie’s essay, I discovered… Read more »
It was such a joy and so inspiring to chat with Janet Fox last Thursday (August 19) on my Write Space with Kirby Larson and Friends program, still viewable over on IGTV. One of the things I admire about Janet’s newest novel, Carry Me Home, is that it tackles an important societal topic (homelessness) without… Read more »
I first “met” Sarah Miller through her fabulous Miss Spitfire; Voya says “Miller brings history to life,” and that is no exaggeration. Her work always adds something fresh, especially to familiar subjects like the relationship between Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Now that I’m fortunate enough to call Sarah a friend IRL, it is a… Read more »