New podcast episode: EVERYTHING MFA! Anne-Marie talks with Michael Leali about our own MFA experiences, what programs are out there, how to apply, and Michael's new MFA Boot Camp through USF's MFA in Writing for Young Readers. https://bit.ly/mfapodcast #mfa #kidlitcraft #kidlitwriters #usfmfay

Whether you need a break to reset from your writing, or you're hoping to squeeze a few more words in by the end of the year, we here at #KidLit Craft wish you a happy holiday season. #amwriting #kidlitwriters

In our new interview, Donna Janell Bowman ("Wings of an Eagle") offers many helpful tips for writers, including the benefits of customizing both your character and narrative voice. We also touch on crafty insights, like the importance of play in writing. Read it here: https://bit.ly/495GFrz #kidlit

Get crafty with a season pass for #KidLit Craft's fall workshops, taught by excellent writers, including Michael Leali, Misa Suguira, and Ann Dávila Cardinal. You'll get access to the replay of each workshop to savor one at a time or marathon. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops #amwriting

Making your #KidLit dreams a possibility requires persistence, as Isabella Kung ("Nunu and the Sea") counsels in our interview. Our crafty chat also explores topics like finding the right tense and creating books that respect young readers' rocky emotional journeys. Read here: https://bit.ly/47Tf6At

What is your work in progress about? And what is it also about? Layering your story makes for a richer reader experience, as Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail achieves in her PB "Freddie the Flyer," which we analyze in a new craft article on the blog. Read it here: https://bit.ly/44GeITZ #kidlit #amwriting

Finding success as a #KidLit writer happens when you put yourself out there, as Charlotte Cheng ("Roar-Choo!") endorses in our interview. Charlotte also touches on crafty topics, like how she came to embrace the process of revision. Read it here: https://bit.ly/43SAXFL #amwriting #kidlitwriters

It's not too late to join the party! This Saturday, KidLit Craft is hosting a plotting party with acclaimed young adult author Ann Dávila Cardinal ("You've Awoken Her"). Bring an existing plot or create a new one in this fun and interactive workshop. Register: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Are you stuck on the plot for your novel? Join KidLit Craft & acclaimed YA author Ann Dávila Cardinal ("You've Awoken Her") on Sat. Nov.  15, for a plotting party! Ann will share an easy plotting method, then you'll work on a plot of your own. Register: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Sometimes it pays to slow down, as Khadijah VanBrakle ("My Perfect Family") advises in our author Interview. Khadijah advocates for taking all the time you need to learn the craft of storytelling and sings the virtues of not rushing through the drafting process. Read: https://bit.ly/4ohexGq #kidlit

In our interview, J.E. Thomas ("The AI Incident") promotes the power of finding community and helping other authors in what can sometimes feel like a competitive field. J.E. also discusses being an ideas person, revision, and other crafty topics. Read here: https://bit.ly/4qD6xBi #kidlit #amwriting

You're invited! On Sat., Nov. 15 acclaimed YA author Ann Dávila Cardinal ("You've Awoken Her") kicks off our interactive "Plot Party! Story + Friends = Painless Plotting" workshop. Develop a new plot or build on the one in your current WIP.  Register:  https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Don't miss it! Join us on Saturday for our workshop with acclaimed KidLit author Michael Leali ("The Truth About Triangles") about crafting scenes that are both plot and character forward. Bring your work in progress and get the jump-start you need. Register: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Struggling to craft scenes that are both plot & character forward? Join our Sat., Nov. 1, workshop with award-winning author Michael Leali. ("The Truth About Triangles").You'll learn how to craft scenes that further the plot & your character's journey. Sign up: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

So much is out of an author's control, from querying to publication dates. What's a writer to do? In our interview, Miriam Chernick ("The Zuzu Secret") advises writers to enjoy the process. Miriam also discusses writing multiple points of & dual motivations. Read here: https://bit.ly/3L22ga4 #kidlit

When you're trying to chase the latest publishing trends, it can be easy to lose sight of how writing should be fun. In our interview, Ron Wolff ("Colony") guides authors to lead with what brings you joy. Ron also explores crafty elements like emotion & pacing. Read: https://bit.ly/46TGpuh #kidlit

Scenes *can* be both emotional and active! Find out how in our Sat. Nov. 1 workshop with celebrated KidLit author Michael Leali ("The Truth About Triangles"). Michael will teach how to craft scenes that further the plot & also inspire character growth. Sign up: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

It's not too late to register! Join KidLit author Misa Sugiura on Saturday for a workshop on all things revision. We'll address all your revision fears, from macro-level topics like character development to micro-level elements like crafting themes. Sign up: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Struggling with writer's block? Feeling uninspired to keep writing? In our interview, #kidlit author Donna Galanti ("Loon Cove Summer") offers some words of advice: seek out the wonder you had for the world as a child. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4nGDH0O #kidlitwriters #amwriting

If revising seems intimidating, join us on Sat. Oct. 18 for a revision workshop with renowned KidLit author Misa Sugiura ("Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death"). We'll help you tackle your fears and kick-start your revision. Register here: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Embrace the joy of play! In our interview, Sandra V. Feder ("Shy Me") shares the advantages of being playful with your writing, from experimenting with different forms to exploring different genres. Sandra also discusses the benefits of being open to feedback. Read it: https://bit.ly/4n0etcR #kidlit

Don't fear your novel revision! Instead, join us for a workshop on Sat., October 18, with acclaimed KidLit author Misa Sugiura ("Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death") about revising. You'll get all the tools you need to revise without the scaries. Register: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

Announcing: KidLit Craft Fall Workshops! Developing Plot by Exploring Character Michael Leali OCT 4 Novel Revision Misa Suguira OCT 18 And . . . Scene! Writing Active, Emotionally Resonant Scenes Michael Leali NOV 1 Plot Party! Ann Dávila Cardinal NOV 15 Sign up at kidlitcraft.com/workshops

We’re on break! #KidLit Craft is taking a few weeks off to rest, relax, and, of course, read and write #KidLit!  Get excited… when we come back, we’ll be announcing a host of great offerings this fall, from classes to workshops. Until then, wishing you words—and a spectacular end to the summer!

Maybe you love sour gummy worms. Or maybe you devour salty pretzels by the handful. Every writer has a go-to snack to enjoy during writing (or procrastinating). Tell us in a comment: what’s your favorite writing munchie? #kidlit #kidlitwriters #amwriting #writingcommunity #writesky

Being a KidLit writer is a unique experience shared by the KidLit community. We understand the challenges—and joys—of writing books for children.  So how can you tell us you’re a #KidLit writer without saying you’re “a KidLit author”? What inside jokes or niche references we'd recognize? #writesky

And now for a crafty tip! How do you craft well-paced scenes that move the plot forward?  One way is to introduce a “ticking clock” element.

It’s Friday! What kind of writing day are you having? Whether you’re typing, deleting, or thinking today, we here at #KidLit Craft see you and your writing. We hope you have a great weekend ahead no matter what kind of writing (or not writing!) you’re doing.  #writesky #amwriting #writingcommunity

Tonal shifts, from humor to tragedy, can make for emotionally complex and rewarding reading experiences. Young kid readers are learning that life isn’t always positive, but it’s not always negative, either.

When people can’t see your vision, that’s exactly when Nadia Salomon (“A Rakhi for Rakesh”) urges writers to “keep following your arrow.”  In our interview, we cover writing topics from world building to why #KidLit writers should read “Beowulf.”  Read here: https://bit.ly/3ZCOFL2 #writesky

Getting clear on who you are as a writer and what it is you want to create can help you steer through uncertain times.  Take this weekend to brainstorm your Writer’s Artist Statement.

What does your character dislike? How strongly do they feel about those dislikes? Defining a character with the things they feel strongly about can give readers an instant connection to your character and make them come alive for readers. What does your character dislike? #writesky #amwriting

Some of the best writing happens with fear. In our interview, Jasmine Warga (“A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall”) advocates for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and taking risks with your writing. We also discuss embracing failure & creating joy. Read here: https://bit.ly/45A9Tgt

Happy Independence Day! We’re celebrating our literary independence… the right to write and the right to read.  However, not everyone recognizes these rights. Many kid lit authors are facing book bans and censorship.  How can you embrace your own literary independence and advocate for others?

Incoming: a crafty tip! How do you craft a story that is both timeless and timely? As authors, sometimes it’s tricky trying to balance writing stories that feel of-the-moment with stories that feel like they could take place at any time.

With all the ways we can get distracted, it's easy to close yourself off to ideas. In our new interview, Rhonda DeChambeau (“Top Heavy”) spills the tea on noticing the ideas that are all around us. Rhonda also talks about heart moments and humor. Read here: https://bit.ly/4eai1GC #writesky #writesky

This weekend, try a writing experiment to study speech… Go to a cafe or somewhere you can inconspicuously listen to other people talking. Transcribe and/or record conversations you hear.  Later, revisit what you heard. What takeaways do you have for writing dialogue that feels genuine? #writesky

And now for a crafty tip!  If you want to make an impact right away and draw your reader in from the very beginning, aim for a powerful first line.  First, study a few lines from mentor texts.

Publishing trends come and go, but what really excites you? Instead of trying to cater to the latest fad, focus on the projects that your heart wants to write, as Laura Murray ("The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School") advises in our interview. Read here: https://bit.ly/4kuvf3k #writesky #amwriting

Have you ever wondered how an author you admire can compose amazing writing?  Find out! Choose a passage from a book you love. Then write the excerpt out by hand, or type it up, or speak it. What do you discover when you’re generating the words yourself?  What takeaways do you have? #writesky

Let’s talk conflict! The best YA romance novels are loaded with conflict. Readers want a swoonworthy love story where the leads have to work for their Happily Ever After (HEA) rather than get together with minimal obstacles.

Sometimes it’s easy to get locked into one idea at the expense of others. In our interview, Danielle Dufayet ("Benford Draws a Blank") advises writers to keep pursuing new ideas rather than get too attached to one project. Read our interview with Danielle: https://bit.ly/4dZ3iyg #writesky #amwriting

Many writers find that having a movie or video game soundtrack on in the background can help generate words on the page. These audible assistants can make it easier to focus or get you into the mood of your character or scene. Do you have a favorite soundtrack for writing? #amwriting #writesky

Concretizing your character's abstract emotional journey in physical ways can create a resonant story. In Katherine Rundell's “Impossible Creatures,” our hero, Christopher, stumbles upon a portal to a magical world.

While it seems like there are strict rules about rhyming, Kerry Aradhya ("Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube") promotes following your intuition when it coms to rhyme. Read our interview with Kerry, where we cover a range of crafty topics, like conducting research, here: https://bit.ly/4kQLzez #writesky

Love. Power. Loyalty. Think about one of your favorite stories. What is the core theme? And what theme does your own work in progress exemplify? To build a powerful story, introduce the theme right away for the benefit of the reader in the earliest pages. #writesky #amwriting

Craft Tip: Try this exercise for character development.  Someone who loves your protagonist unconditionally is telling their best friend about them. What do they say? Try this exercise with your antagonist. What do you learn about the “bad guy” from one of their loved ones? #writesky #amwriting

Summer's the perfect time to dive into that TBR ("to be read") pile! What's at the top of yours? Get our FREE BOOK LOG to help you keep track of your reading and craft takeaways when you sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/#newsletter. #amreading #booksky #writesky #kidlit

Starting Monday! This summer, make your novel happen with KidLit Craft’s “Plan a Novel (or Novel Revision)” class! In this generative course taught in weekly Zoom meetings with fellow novel-writing KidLit authors, you’ll master craft elements, like theme and setting.

A fear of first drafts can scare the words away. In our snack-sized author interview, Ann Dávila Cardinal ("Breakup from Hell") encourages writers to embrace the mess and imperfection of first drafts. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4dyEUTK #writesky #amwriting #kidlit #writerproblems #booksky