Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)

Storystorm 2021 Day 5: Erin Dealey Picks Pictures (and Pictures Potters)

January 5, 2021 in Storystorm 2021 | Tags: Dear Earth From Your Friends in Room 5, Erin Dealy, Luisa Uribe | 839 comments

by Erin Dealey

Happy Day 5, Storystormers! This post is about playing with ideas—as an artist. Yep, I’m talking to all of you. Even if your illustrations are stick figures, what you write is ART. And by now you’ve (hopefully) got at least four picture book possibilities in your Idea Notebook and there are more to come. Hooray!

Wait—you do have an Idea Notebook, don’t you? Here’s mine, made from a repurposed book cover.

erinideanotebook

Many of my ideas stayed right here. Some I’ve gone back to and eventually shaped into manuscripts. A few became books. But having one place to jot ideas down is a huge improvement from my previous method: random scraps of paper + notes in my bullet-ish journal. I also believe that I’m far more creative if I write them down with pencil or pen, instead of going straight to my computer. My Idea notebook is my writer-version of a sketchbook. Do you think Michelangelo headed straight to the scaffolds of the Sistine Chapel or that slab of granite that became David without sketching things out? OK then. Where were we?

The initial idea for my newest picture book DEAR EARTH…FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5 (HarperCollins, illustrated by Luisa Uribe, Dec.1, 2020) is in this notebook. A few years back, I was wowed by a friend’s holiday illustration of a beautiful child-angel holding Earth in her hand. Those you who have read DEAR EARTH know that the main character is not an angel, nor is it a holiday book. So what happened?

Note: If you participated in Storystorm 2019, you’ll remember the fabulous Day 1 post by Cathy Breisacher Pictures Her Ideas and her list of brainstorming questions. As for me, I was so taken with the image of the angel, I wondered: Why is she holding Earth? Is she Earth’s protector? What about Climate Change? Does she take care of the other planets too? How?

That’s when I started playing around in my idea notebook.

I wanted to find a way to show how KIDS could help the angel take care of Earth all year long—not just on Earth Day. Important: Books for kids should be about kids, or kid-centric topics. But how would the angel communicate to the kids? This got me thinking about a format I’ve always wanted to try: a story told only in letters. See my guest post on Lauren Kerstein’s blog for details: 6 Quick-Read Crafty Tips for Writing a Manuscript in Epistolary Format. (You’ll meet Lauren when she guest blogs for Storystorm later this month!)

Meanwhile, my writing group, the PBJers, made me realize the angel concept might make the book too preachy or worse—a bit morbid (“Aren’t child-angels dead kids?”) Yikes! Their questions and concerns got me thinking—WHAT IF… Room 5 is making New Year’s resolutions and wants to help Earth? What if they write directly to EARTH? And what if EARTH writes back?

What does all of this mean for you, dear Storystormers? On Day 4 of 2020 Storystorm, I hereby challenge you to:

Scroll through the wonderful #kidlitillustration #picturebookillustration examples posted by illustrators on social media. (For other places to find pictures, See Cathy Breisacher: Picture Her Ideas above.) Pick one that resonates with you. Ask it questions. Put the answers in your Idea Notebook so you can play with them and shape them later.

Last but not least, as we work our way through Storystorm 2021, DO NOT STRESS that your ideas are crazy or weird or even morbid or bleh. Instead, let’s think of ourselves as potters. No, not the wand-waving Harry kind. The artist kind. A potter wouldn’t just take some clay, throw a pot, and call it a day. Sometimes we’ll smush our newly thrown pot back into a wad of clay and start over. Sometimes we’ll throw pot after pot and end up with just one that we might glaze and fire. That’s writing, isn’t it? Every one of us is an artist. Storystorm is the start.

Let us resolve to use this month to gather our clay. Then let’s make some art, my friends!

Erin Dealey is the author of 16 picture books & board books (so far), many in rhyme. She is currently revising a middle grade novel which will not go away. And then there were those angsty poems she wrote in college. Dealey’s original career goal was Olympic Gold Medal tetherball player. When that didn’t pan out, she became a teacher, theater director, actor, mom, and author—and welcomes any opportunity to connect kids with words. She lives in northern California with her husband and a very energetic Golden Retriever. You can find her online at erindealey.com and on Twitter @ErinDealey & Instagram @erindealey.

Erin is giving away 1 of your choice–either a picture book critique or a copy of DEAR EARTH…FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN ROOM 5!

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You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.

Storystorm 2021 Day 4: Carole Lindstrom Asks Questions

January 4, 2021 in Storystorm 2021 | Tags: Carole Lindstrom, We Are Water Protectors | 618 comments

by Carole Lindstrom

The very first thing I want to begin by saying is that NO idea is a bad idea or a ridiculous idea. NONE. So put that thought out of your head immediately. Those ideas are gems and kernels of stories that can become stand-alone stories one day, or bits and smatterings of stories tomorrow. So, promise yourself, and me, before I go any further that you will keep EVERY idea you come up with!! Deal? Deal!!! I’m proud of you already!!

I want to spend some time talking to you about where I get my ideas and perhaps that will give you some thoughts or insights into places that you can mine for your ideas.

I want to add that ideas rarely come to me when I sit down to come up with story ideas, if that makes any sense. My best ideas usually come rushing at me when I’m in the middle of doing other things. But I always make sure I leave my mind open to letting in new ideas. And definitely keep a notebook with you or use your notebook app on your phone to write them down, because I can never remember them when I tell myself that I will. Get in the habit of writing them down as soon as soon as they flow into your brain.

To be honest, most of my ideas with reading the news and/or current events on social media. Seeing what is going on in the world almost always sparks my creative juices to flow.

And then I usually start asking the questions:

WHY? Why is that thing that way? Why did that happen? Why didn’t anyone do anything about it? Why did someone do something?

And/Or

HOW? How did that happen? How could no one have done anything about that? How did that thing do that?

And/Or

WHO? Who was involved? Who did it? Who did something about it? Who could have done something about it but didn’t?

I tend to be drawn to writing stories that deal with environmental or social issues. So, what gets the ideas really popping in my brain is reading the news. Any type of story about environmental or social injustices would certainly be something I would read. If that isn’t your thing, and even if it isn’t, read things that you are interested in. Follow blogs and Facebook people/places that represent things that you find important or interesting. Their posts often spur ideas in me, as well. Oftentimes I find that the articles spark further questions in my mind. Or I want the article to go deeper, ask deeper questions, pick away at the real issues. And that’s where I, or you, come in. With the questions.

My mom always used to tell me that I was always asking “WHY?” as a kid. It seems to have followed me throughout my life and has come in handy as an author. Especially an author for children. Because aren’t they also always asking “WHY?”

I hope you find this helpful in some way. Enjoy the process.

Aapiji go Miigwech, Carole

Carole Lindstrom is an Anishinaabe/Métis author, and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. She writes books for children and young adults. Her debut picture book, Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle, was published with Pemmican Publishers in 2013. Drops of Gratitude, is included in the anthology, Thank U: Poems of Gratitude, edited by Miranda Paul and Illustrated by Marlena Myles, (Lerner/Millbrook – Fall 2019). We Are Water Protectors, inspired by Standing Rock, and all Indigenous Peoples’ fight for clean water, illustrated by Michaela Goade, (Roaring Brook Press – March 2020). Circles, is included in the anthology, Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, (Heartdrum – Feb 2021). She is represented by Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Carole lives with her family in Maryland. Visit her online at carolelindstrom.com.

Carole is giving away a 30-minute virtual visit.

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You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.

Storystorm 2021 Day 3: Ashley Franklin Brainstorms with Feelings

January 3, 2021 in Storystorm 2021 | Tags: Ashley Franklin, emotion in picture books, feelings | 875 comments

by Ashley Franklin

Hello there, writing friends! We’re at the start of a new year, so you know what that means: now is the time to tackle those writing goals with all the optimism you can muster.

Not feeling very inspired? It happens to the best of us. Don’t have a lot of time to commit to writing and need to be able to write on command? Well, that probably applies to many of us. What can you do? Stop waiting for inspiration to come to you and go get it.

Whenever I need to generate ideas, I rely on feelings. No, this doesn’t mean that I only write when I’m feeling good. It doesn’t even mean that I write sad characters when I’m feeling sad. I consider the wide range of feelings and emotions that are out there and pair them with different scenarios.

Want to give it a try? Here’s what you do:

STEP 1: Write down a list of emotions.

(Hack: Google a list instead. There are tons.)

(Fun Hack: I put these in a box and pull one at random.)

STEP 2: Pick a scenario. (You can come up with as many as you like, but I’ll offer a few to get you started.)

A day at the amusement park
Learning a new sport
First day of _____________
New kid at _____________
Finding something new
Playing an instrument

STEP 3: Pair an emotion with the scenario from Step 2.

Example: Disgusted + A day at the amusement park

STEP 4: Get brainstorming! What could happen during a day at the amusement park that would make a character feel disgusted?

STEP 5: Write down your answer(s) to Step 4.

STEP 6: Repeat.

(Hack: Use the same scenario but pick a different emotion.)

(Fun Hack: Pick two feelings that the character must wrestle with.)

Simple, right? This works best if you don’t do it from your adult perspective. Turn on your childlike wonder and maybe even project how kid you would respond in these scenarios.

Why do I use this as one of my brainstorming techniques? I like to read and write books that have a large emotional pull. For me, it’s easier to already know what type of feeling I want the characters to explore from the very beginning because that will determine the choices that they make. If the character starts off with one emotion, I then think of what type of event must occur to cause a shift away from the original feeling.

Good luck as you try this out for yourself. You may find that once you brainstorm with feelings, it’s easier to get out of a writing slump and move toward completing your writing goals.

Ashley Franklin is the author of NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE (2019), “Creative Fixes” from the anthology ONCE UPON AN EID (2020), “Situationally Broke” from the anthology WHAT WE DIDN’T EXPECT (2020), BETTER TOGETHER, CINDERELLA (2021) and more. Ashley received her master’s degree in English literature from the University of Delaware. She is an adjunct college instructor, freelance writer, and proud mom. Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family.

Ashley is represented by Kathleen Rushall of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Visit Ashley’s at ashleyfranklinwrites.com, on Twitter @differentashley, Facebook at Ashley Franklin, or Instagram @ashleyfranklinwrites.

Ashley is giving away a non-rhyming picture book critique.

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You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.

Storystorm 2021 Day 2: Vivian Kirkfield Creates a Compilation Book

January 2, 2021 in Storystorm 2021 | Tags: From Here to There, Gilbert Ford, Vivian Kirkfield | 930 comments

by Vivian Kirkfield

Ten years ago, I skirted the shadows of Tara’s 2011 PiBoIdMo (now Storystorm) Challenge. I walked away with a notebook filled with 30 ideas and a thirst for more. Two months later, I hopped aboard the first year of Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge and wrote 12 picture book manuscripts. I got in the habit of gathering ideas from wherever they came and turning them into picture book stories. And that habit came in handy in the fall of 2017. I sold a manuscript to Ann Rider at HMH and she didn’t want just that manuscript—she wanted NINE! She wanted to create a compilation book about inventions that changed the way the world moves. My deadline was May 1, 2018—which gave me nine months to hand in nine submission-ready narrative nonfiction picture book biographies.

The idea for the first story actually came from my sister who had told me about a friend of a friend who was the granddaughter of the founder of the Greyhound Bus Company. It sounded like a fascinating story—my curiosity was piqued—and I dug deep into finding out more. After writing the rough draft and many rounds of revision and critique group feedback, my agent submitted it and we got interest from Ann. But the editor wasn’t sure if Eric and the bus were strong enough/popular enough to be a stand-alone picture book. Ann had an idea…would I be willing to write several more stories, similar in structure and tone, about the invention or creation of other things that move?

My answer, of course, was YES!

The editor wanted all the stories to include:

Engaging opening lines.
Child main character who has a dream/goal.
AH-HA moment.
Fun language/great rhythm/excellent pacing.
Legacy paragraph that shows how the invention impacts us today.
Satisfying ending that echoes the opening lines.

I got down to business. First, I made a list of vehicles, like the car and the train. I already had a manuscript about the invention of the hot-air balloon—maybe I could tweak it to fit this collection. But Ann also wanted me to think outside the box of things that move. Maybe a robot, she suggested. And I wondered, who invented the first robot? Early on, robots were part of science fiction—in the writings of H.G. Wells and Isaac Asimov. I dug deeper. I discovered the story of a young boy of fifteen who rebuilt the transmission of his family’s car—without an instruction manual. When he graduated from high school, he designed the first automatic doors. He engineered the first photoelectric entrance counters which were demonstrated at the 1939 World’s Fair. And he built the first robotic, a mechanical arm used at a General Motors factory in 1961 to weld car parts. His name? George Devol, the Father of Robotics. But I’d never heard of him and perhaps most of you haven’t either. I guess that’s another reason I write these narrative nonfiction biographies—I’m passionate about sharing the lives of these ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. I’m hoping to spark the curiosity of young readers to inspire them to create their own magic.

Another out-of-the-box moving invention was the folding wheelchair that opened doors, both literally and figuratively, for mobility challenged individuals. More digging revealed that this inventor had been a high hurdler in college. But after becoming a mining engineer, Herbert Everest broke his back in a mining accident. Paralyzed, but unwilling to forego his beloved road trips, Herbert and a mechanical engineering buddy, Harry Jennings, brainstormed until they came up with a wheelchair design that would allow the chair to fit in a car. Although there was a lot of information about their wheelchair company, there was almost nothing about Herbert’s early life. Where could I find that information? I consulted the census, I studied the online documents from the Colorado School of Mines where Herbert attended college, and I reached out to the special collections’ librarian at the downtown library in Oklahoma City where Herbert lived for many years. Lisa Bray was unbelievably helpful and I learned enough so that I could craft a credible story of Herbert’s early years.

The last chapter in this compilation book is one of my favorites. I know I wanted at least one water vehicle. But who invented the first boat? Canoes and kayaks have been around since before 8000 BCE. There was no way I would be able to pin down an AH-HA moment or delve into the childhood of those visionaries. So again, I tried to think outside the box. I googled ‘firsts in shipbuilding’ and I was lucky. Up popped the name of Raye Montague, who led the team of naval engineers in 1970 to create the first computer-generated ship design. More luck came my way when I uncovered several taped interviews she had given and I was able to hear her story, from childhood on, in her own voice.

My journey with FROM HERE TO THERE: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves, illustrated by the brilliant Gilbert Ford, has definitely been a labor of love—nine months, nine stories—and I think the journey is just beginning. But I’d like to leave you with a quote from Lisa Bray, that amazing Oklahoma City librarian, because it speaks to what the Storystorm Challenge is all about, and to what we, as writers, need to keep close to our hearts as we step into 2021 and craft stories that will engage young readers:

”There are interesting stories everywhere you look, and one doesn’t have to be famous to have a good story to tell.”

Writer for children—reader forever…that’s Vivian Kirkfield in five words. Her bucket list contains many more words—but she’s already checked off skydiving, parasailing, and visiting kidlit friends all around the world. When she isn’t looking for ways to fall from the sky or sink under the water, she can be found writing picture books in the picturesque town of Bedford, New Hampshire. A retired kindergarten teacher with a masters in Early Childhood Education, Vivian inspires budding writers during classroom visits and shares insights with aspiring authors at conferences and on her blog where she hosts the #50PreciousWords International Writing Contest and the #50PreciousWordsforKids Challenge. Her nonfiction narratives bring history alive for young readers and her picture books have garnered starred reviews and accolades including the Silver Eureka, Social Studies Notable Trade Book, and Junior Library Guild Selection.

To connect with Vivian and learn more about her books:

Website: www.viviankirkfield.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/viviankirkfield
Twitter: www.twitter.com/viviankirkfield
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/viviankirkfield
Instagram: www.instagram.com/viviankirkfield

Vivian is offering a 60-minute Zoom meeting to chat about a specific manuscript or anything else writer-related.

Leave one comment below to enter.

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.

Storystorm 2021 Day 1: She’s Gotta Habit

January 1, 2021 in Storystorm 2021 | 628 comments

by your Storystorm hostess, Tara Lazar

I listened to the Hidden Brain podcast last night, all about habits—how to develop good ones, how to lose bad ones. Aha, I thought, Storystorm is all about making story ideation a habit! How serendipitous!

The episode revealed that the less “friction” there is surrounding an activity, the more you’re likely to do the task and eventually make it habitual. And when it’s habitual, you don’t have to think about it. You don’t need to make a decision to do it, you just do. There’s no thinking. It’s automatic.

“Friction” means the things that make doing something more difficult. If the gym is too far away, you won’t go regularly. Too much friction. Lessening—or even eliminating—friction is the key to forming a habit. Want to jog every morning? Getting up early is a hassle. What lessens the rub? Sleeping in your workout clothes. Wake up and go!

In 2021, you want to make forming new story ideas a habit. Why? Picture books are a numbers game. They’re notoriously difficult to sell. The more ideas you have, the more potential manuscripts you write, the more the odds tilt in your favor.

Plus, not every idea is a good enough for a story. Some are awful. Case in point, an idea I have in my 2020 pile: “Bobby Bubble Wrap”. What the heck???

You need to push past the terrible ideas to get to the good ones. If “Bobby” had been my only idea in 2020, I would be in trouble career-wise. Luckily, it was one of 100. Out of that 100, I wrote a dozen and eight went on submission.

So let’s talk about friction. What’s stopping you from daily idea generation? The reason most people forget an idea is because they don’t write it down. If we want to create less friction here, have everything you need ready and accessible. I now keep my ideas in the “Notes” app on my phone. My phone is always with me (it became a habit when my kids got them), so it’s easily accessible. Moreover, my notes are saved to the cloud, so they’re there for eternity. Or as long as my wi-fi works.

Don’t like the phone? Carry a pen and small notebook. Or at least carry a pen. There’s always space to write on your palm. Don’t forget “Aqua Notes” in the shower, too. Put paper all over the house! (Just don’t forget to consolidate it into one place or one file. Make it a habit to do every night before bed!)

Is this too much friction? Or piggybacking?

The next tip is called “piggybacking”. Think about your day. What habits do you already have? Do you enjoy a morning cuppa? Start a new habit by tacking it onto an existing habit. When you sit down with your tea, read the blog, start daydreaming, get a new idea, write it down.

I’ve found that there’s no regular time of day for me to get a new idea, it just comes randomly. But that’s because I’ve become more attuned to what’s happening around me. My senses are sharper; I’ve been practicing story ideation for a long time. It’s second-nature. I don’t have to force myself to think of something. I overhear my kids talking, I watch a show, I read an article and BAM—an amorphous blob begins to take shape.

This is the goal. Standing in the storm with an umbrella means you’re more likely to get struck by lightning.

I highly recommend this Hidden Brain episode, and the entire podcast in general. Listening is one of my habits!

Drawing by Laurie Keller

Tara Lazar is a picture book author and the founder of Storystorm, now in its 13th year. Register for the challenge here, thru January 7th. If you can, please purchase Storystorm SWAG—all proceeds ($4 per item) will be donated to hunger charity Blessings in a Backpack.

Follow Tara on Twitter @taralazar, Instagram @taralaser and TikTok (new!) @taralazarbooks. Most of all, have a creative start to 2021!

Storystorm 2021 Registration is CLOSED!

December 26, 2020 in Picture Books, Storystorm 2021 | Tags: Storystorm registration | 2,609 comments

Official registration for STORYSTORM 2021 is now closed.

You can still participate by reading the daily posts and creating story ideas, but you will not be eligible for prizes.

(But you will be eligible for a pile of brand new story ideas to keep you writing through the year!)

Every year when Storystorm rolls around, I like to pick a theme for this registration post.

This year’s theme will come as no surprise…

WE FINALLY MADE IT THROUGH 2020!

And that’s all I have to say about that.

Welcome to STORYSTORM 2021!

Four years ago I changed the name and month of my annual writing challenge, from Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) to STORYSTORM. Why? Answer’s here.

Although this challenge begun as a picture book writer’s event, any writer interested in brainstorming new story ideas in January is invited to join the STORYSTORM challenge of 30 ideas in 31 days. Any genre, any style; student, amateur, hobbyist, aspiring author or seasoned professional.

How does STORYSTORM work? It’s simple…

Register.
Read the daily posts on this blog, beginning January 1st.
Write down one (or more) story idea daily.
At the end of January if you have at least 30 new ideas, you can sign the STORYSTORM PLEDGE and be eligible for PRIZES.

So are you ready? Follow these steps:

Register ON THIS BLOG POST by signing your name ONCE in the comments below. Full name, nickname, whatever name you’ll use for the entire event.
Teachers participating with a class can register under the teacher’s name.
Please leave ONE comment ONLY. Do not reply to say “hi” to a friend. Do not comment to fix a mistake. ONE COMMENT. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect.
Registering makes you eligible for prizes.

Visit this blog daily (taralazar.com) in January for inspirational essays by guest bloggers—professional authors, illustrators and experts in creativity.

Instead of visiting the blog directly, you can receive the daily posts via email by entering your address and clicking the “Follow Tara’s Blog” button in the left column—look under my photo for it.

At the end of January, if you have at least 30 ideas, sign the STORYSTORM PLEDGE (to be posted on January 31) and qualify for prizes.

Prizes include agent feedback, signed books, original art, writerly gadgets and gizmos.

Remember, do not share your ideas publicly in January. They are YOURS. No need to prove that you have them at the end of the month. The pledge you will sign is on the honor system.

Are you in? Awesome. Optionally, pick up your Official Participant badge (by Mike Ciccotello) below and affix it to any social media account you wish. (Right click to save to your computer, then upload it anywhere.)

You can also opt to join the STORYSTORM Facebook discussion group. Everyone needs writing friends!

(Your writing pals this year are our lightbulb mascots, Earl and Pearl!)

The Facebook group remains a year-round source of writing information and support, mostly focused on picture books, I admit, because that is where this all began.

STORYSTORM registration will remain open through JANUARY 7th.

In the meantime, head over to STORYSTORM SWAG CENTRAL to pick up your official journal. All proceeds from sales ($4 per item) will be donated to children’s hunger charity Blessings in a Backpack. There are mugs and shirts, too!

Thank you for joining, and let’s have a month filled with creativity and joy!

Cover Reveal! JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT), the Debut Picture Book by Phaea Crede

December 17, 2020 in Picture Books | Tags: JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT), Phaea Crede, Terry Runyan | 30 comments

There’s an adorable new furbaby coming to town! It’s JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT), a debut picture book by Phaea Crede! Let’s take a look at that non-feline feline, illustrated by Terry Runyan…

Phaea, as you know, the Storystorm Challenge is coming soon, so I’m sure blog readers are going to want to know how the idea for JET began!

The original inspiration came from my 3rd grade teacher. Without meaning to (I hope) she made me feel like I couldn’t be a good writer because of my learning disability. That rotten feeling imprinted on me that “real writers don’t have dyslexia.”

Happily, I outgrew that idea. But I wanted to write something that called back to that sadness and frustration I’d felt as a child, but with humor! The image of a cat hearing she wasn’t a REAL cat because she liked water seemed perfect. I wanted Jet to realize by the end that she gets to define what being a cat is for herself.

I love that theme in a book—that being yourself is the only way to be.

Did you want to be a children’s writer when you were young?

No way! Writing seemed way too hard. I wanted to be a farmer—although I’m sure I got the idea that farms were fun from reading picture books…? I only started writing seriously in my late 20s, and that was mostly comedy sketches when I was performing at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre. But when you think about it, picture books aren’t that different from comedy sketches.

Speaking of sketches, tell us about the first time you saw Jet brought to life by Terry Runyan.

That was a bonkers moment. The first time I saw Jet was the same day I found out Terry would be illustrating the story. Along with that great news, my editor sent Terry’s character sketch of Jet just sitting and looking out at the reader. Jet had this open, sweet expression, pink cheeks, and these little lets that totally killed me. I screamed when I saw her and probably scared my family.

Jet’s world is so colorful and fun. It’s a bright, happy book. Is that who you are as a writer? What can we expect next from you?

Oh, thank you. And I HOPE that’s who I am as a writer. I often say that goofy enthusiasm is 80% of my brand, and I believe that translates to my stories as well! Embracing the silliness of life is my ultimate goal. This may sound cliché, but I just want to write stories that make kids laugh AND inspire them to be themselves. That’s what I needed as a kid! As for the future I’m working on a few (very silly) projects right now and I’ll have some big news to share publicly soon. But my main focus right now is introducing Jet to the world!

Thanks for showing Jet off! What a cutie!

JET THE CAT (IS NOT A CAT) will be released with Barefoot Books on May 1, 2021!

Best wishes with the book and your future projects!

Phaea Crede writes silly picture books for silly kids. She’s had lots of writing jobs in her life, like scriptwriting for the TV shows Nature Cat and Word Girl. Once, she even got to play video games and write about them for a living! But nothing in the world compares to writing picture books. Visit her online at phaeacrede.com.

Time for Bed’s Story: Hear it from Bed Himself! (plus a giveaway)

December 9, 2020 in Picture Books | Tags: Monica Arnaldo, Time for Bed's Story | 71 comments

with author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo

I’m so excited to be on the blog today (thank you Tara!) sharing a bit about Bed—the main character from my latest picture book, TIME FOR BED’S STORY.

Bringing an inanimate object to life for a book presents a number of challenges, both from a writing and an illustration standpoint, and this fall I got the chance to explore the process all over again by building a scale-model of Bed for a window display!

Here’s an early snapshot of Bed’s cardboard frame, to give you a streamlined idea of the design:

I wanted Bed’s look to reflect the personality of the character, with the traditional angles and lines of the headboard hopefully conveying a no-nonsense, dignified air. I felt that the fussier Bed seemed to the reader, the more satisfying it would be to watch the child barge in and make a mockery of bedtime.

A few more details and a coat of paint brought Bed’s signature scowl to life:

Next came all the soft stuff: mattress, pillow, quilt. After all, Bed has a soft side of course! The quilt in particular really helps warm things up. In the book illustrations the design is based on a loose interpretation of the old “broken dishes” pattern, which dates back to the 1790s, but sewing the real thing proved much harder (I am decidedly not a quilter!).

The finishing touches were Bed’s stickers, of course! I drew all the unicorns, rainbows, pizza and dinos in marker on some label paper with a sticky backing, and then cut them out and stuck them roughly where they appear in the artwork (which is certainly one way to kill a quarantine afternoon).

And here is the final product installed in the window at the wonderful Babar Books (Montrealers, check them out!). I’m so thrilled with the result, and love this old grump so much. Hopefully you feel better after sharing your story, Bed.

Monica, I’m thankful that you’ve made your Bed, because now I can interview him!

Hello Bed, you’re looking comfy today. You know, it’s not every day that I get to interview a bed! What do you like to do to wind down for the night and get ready for sleep?

Hello Tara Lazar, thank you. It is not every day that Bed gets to feel heard.

Bed likes to practice some calming meditation exercises, or sometimes do some reading if there’s a book open nearby. Anything to try and get centered before the chaos of bedtime begins.

Oh, no, Bed! Chaos? Bedtime is supposed to be a quiet, soothing experience. What is going on over there?

Well, Tara Lazar, Bed’s child has no interest in a soothing bedtime experience, and quiet is not a big part of the routine. Singing? Yes. Yelling? Sometimes. But mostly there are many excuses about another book, or glass of water, or trip to the bathroom. And always there is kicking.

Can you just close your eyes and drift off? I’ve got some breathing exercises that work well. Or maybe you need a weighted blanket? I haven’t tried one but I’ve heard they’re excellent!

Bed has never heard of this “weighted blanket” before—is that like when your child takes all of their toys and several very heavy books and household items and hides them under their blanket as a game but then forgets about them for several days? Because Bed did not find that helpful. Please send Bed the breathing exercises, though.

Besides the exercises, is there anything else you want, Bed? You know, the holidays are almost here!

(Breathe in for 5, hold for 7, exhale for 8.)

Well Tara Lazar, Bed doesn’t like to complain, but the holidays can be a stressful time—all the excitement and seasonal treats Bed’s child consumes can lead to some pretty late nights. So if Bed could ask for anything, it would be a little understanding. Maybe, just once, there could be a bedtime where Bed’s feelings are considered also? …And maybe some new picture books to liven up the bedtime rotation.

Thanks, Bed. Picture books are perfect!

In fact, let’s give a lucky blog reader a copy of your book, TIME FOR BED’S STORY from Kids Can Press!

Leave a comment below and a random winner will be chosen before the holidays.

Good luck!

Monica Arnaldo is an illustrator and author living in Montreal. In addition to children’s books, her work has appeared in children’s magazines and middle grade novels. Client include HarpeCollins/Katherine Tegen Books, Kids Can Press, Owlkids Books, Penguin Random House, Editions Scholastic, and Chirp Magazine. Visit her online at monica-arnaldo.com and follow her on Instagram @monicaarnaldo.

Gifts for Writers: 2020 Holiday Edition

December 4, 2020 in Writing, Writing for Children | Tags: 2020 gifts, christmas 2020, gifts, gifts for writers, hanukkah 2020, holiday 2020, holiday gifts, holiday season | 25 comments

Our first gift this year is the adorable “Snow Bear” mascot by the generous and talented Tatjana Mai-Wyss. Give her a follow on Instagram @tatjanamaiwyss for a daily dose of happy! You can also find her art on Etsy.

Speaking of Etsy, that’s where our initial group of gifts can be found. Etsy offers a variety of unique treasures for a superstar scribe. Here are a few examples…

Leather iPhone “Book” Case

This is a handsome, protective and useful phone case. There are several Etsy artisans offering similar ones—you can pick a favorite—although I’m sold on the vintage book design.

Literary Cookie Cutters

If you like to bake, then these are for you! Fahgettaboud gingerbread men! Your favorite writer wants to bite into Emily Dickinson!

Alternatively, give these to your writer-baker friend and they’ll gift you right back with a set of Shakespeare sugar cookies. (I see two sprinkles making a fine mustache.)

Book Shelf Scarf

Bonus: this scarf goes with any sweater hue!

Book Spine Stair Decals

Genius! Decals! You don’t need to hire a painter!

Sari-Covered Journals

Beautiful keepsake journals in every jewel color of the rainbow.

Vintage “Game of Authors”

I had never seen this before, but serendipity had me stumble over these games of yore. The first is from thee 1920’s and the second is the 1943 “Salem Edition.”

I love games of all kinds. Maybe your friend the children’s writer does, too. After all, we’re just overgrown kids.

MoMA “Writer’s Block” Jumping Game

Based on the perennial waiting-for-our-food-at-the-diner game, this version features colorful pencils to lighten the writer’s blocked mood.

The Storymatic Card Game

Invented by a writing professor, this card game offers character traits, situations and motivations even your most daringly creative friend never thought of shoving into one story.

Once Upon a Time Game

Pick some cards and then steer the story your way!

Modcloth is one of my favorite places to shop for quirky clothes. They are equally offbeat with their accessories!

Colored Pencil Wallet

It looks like it carries pencils, but it carries stuff to buy pencils.

What the @’&#*? Earring Set

How I needed these when writing THE UPPER CASE! (Not because I was cursing while creating it, but because these characters make cameos!)

OK, so maybe your writer friend wants to do some actual writing!

Vivid Gel Pen Set

Bright and smooth for fanciful journaling.

Delde Sliding, Standing Pen Pouch

I stole this idea from Heidi Stemple! This case is amazing…you unzip, pull down on the side handles, and all your writing implements are there for the grabbing! Indispensable for book signings!

ReMarkable Tablet

Writes like paper, saves like a computer!

Scapple Mind-Mapping Software

Watch the demo of this simple, straightforward method of connecting ideas visually. Scapple is helpful writer’s tool from the folks at Literature & Latte who brought you Scrivener.

While your writerly pal is doing their thing, they could use a thing to ensure their comfort. (If they’re cozy, they will keep that B.I.C.!)

Happy Heat Foot Warmer

Happy heat for happy feet!

Ember Heated Smart Mug

Hot tea! Hot coffee! Hot cocoa! YES, PLEASE!

Secret Garden Sherpa Fleece Blanket

Other blankets available; I just loved the birdie!

Out of Print Sweatshirt

I know some fashionistas say that adults should not wear cartoon merch. You know what I say to that? See this gift.

Panda Fleece-Lined Slipper Socks

Cute AND cozy—the perfect combination!

Your writer, while feeling cozy, will also get hungry. To stop hangry from spilling onto the page, consider these snacks.

Ma-Ka-Rohn Macarons

I ordered these for my daughter’s birthday and I can say MMMMRFFFFUMMFF!

(That’s “yummy” while my mouth is full.)

Amma’s Kitchen Kerala Mixture

Based on popular street food from India, this is a bag of spice and crunch. I usually opt for the mild, but the hot variety isn’t too hot!

BookBrews Subscription Box

Each month they ship a book, coffee/tea and chocolate. The gift that keeps you eating and reading!

As I often tell students, to be a good writer, you have to be a good reader.

Women of Letters Scratch-Off Chart

As you read, scratch off the title to reveal the woman behind it all!

Heroine Book Shelf

Here’s how it works…you nail it into your wall and place your books atop! Voila!

“Here I come to save the page!”

Literary Insults Chart

Have a clever burn within reach.

Once your writer has a book published, they need a way to display it!

The Bookstand.net

I first discovered these hand-made, sturdy stands at my local indie, The Bookworm in Bernardsville, NJ. I ordered a set of 6 for myself and they are the hit of every book festival! They hold about 5-6 picture books, titled upward for optimal viewing as crowds stroll by. There’s even a space on the front of the stand to place a small sign.

The wooden dowels are removable, which makes packing them up and transporting them easy. They have different sizes for various kinds of books. Best career purchase I ever made!

One last gift, this one for writers to give the non-writers in their life.

StoryWorth Subscription

With StoryWorth, you encourage family and close friends to share stories you haven’t heard before, then they’re collected and bound into a book. That’s a monumental memento! I wish this was around when my grandparents were still here!

I hope you enjoyed these gift suggestions!

Share the love and share your own picks in the comments!

Happy Holidays!

LATKES FOR SANTA CLAUS by Janie Emaus (plus a giveaway)

December 1, 2020 in Picture Books | Tags: Brian Langdo, Janie Emaus, Latkes for Santa Claus | 30 comments

According to the Pew Research Center, 1 in 5 U.S. adults were raised in an interfaith family. While that doesn’t necessarily mean a Christian/Jewish upbringing, it is the most common mix…which makes me wonder why there aren’t more books that explore this dynamic.

Well, Janie Emaus has a sweet (and savory) picture book for those families! Introducing LATKES FOR SANTA CLAUS!

Janie, what was your inspiration for this story?

I grew up in a Jewish family and celebrated my first Christmas after marrying my husband. When our daughter was born, we had a Christmas Tree and a Menorah. As she grew up, I wondered if it was ever confusing for her. I looked for books with characters she could relate to and not finding any that were written in a fun, entertaining way, I decided to write my own. And because there weren’t any books, I thought, this would sell in a heartbeat! Wrong. Over two decades of heartbeats passed before the book sold.

Wow, that is an epic level of perseverance! What kept you going?

I’m always writing something. I would put the story away for months at a time and concentrate on another project. I sold a YA romance, Mercury in Retro Love, to a small press, which has since gone out of business and I have the rights back. I started blogging and writing for various websites. Along the way, I won an honorary mention in the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop competition. I had several agents and am actually querying again with my women’s fiction. I’ve learned not to take rejection personally, which is difficult at times. Because as writers we pour our heart and soul onto the page.

Yes, you took your family’s experience and poured it into this book. I know many families who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. What was one of your family’s favorite holiday traditions?

Our favorite family tradition is getting together and making latkes! The women get together and chop, peel, fry, gossip, drink and laugh. We usually make them a few days before our Hanukkah dinner. Of course, this year will be a much smaller event. And yes, I’ve made latkes for Santa Claus, but he ate them with us at the dinner table and not on his sleigh!

Well, I’m known to prefer salty over sweet, so if I were Santa, I’d love to get a latke! (I mean, how many cookies could he possibly eat?)

Thanks for sharing your story of perseverance, Janie!

Blog readers, leave a comment below to enter the book giveaway.

One random commenter will win a copy of LATKES FOR SANTA CLAUS.

Good luck!

Janie Emaus’s debut picture book, Latkes for Santa Claus, was released October 13th. She is also the author of the young adult novel, Mercury in Retro Love. Her essays and short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and websites. In 2016 she won honorary mention in the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop Competition. To learn more about Janie, visit her website at janieemaus.com and follow her blog at https://medium.com/@janieemaus.