Many illustrators stick with traditional tools when creating picture book dummies. There is something special about the feel of pencil on paper that is just hard to recreate with a digital drawing tablet. Although there isn’t anyth...
As a children’s writer, I can go on and on about the intricacies of picture books, the literary prose often overlooked in a memorable middle grade or young adult book, but learning when to go there and when to keep it concise can b...
The holidays have ended. The excitement and inspired New Year’s declarations seem very far away. The regular, daily grind has set in. And it’s only the middle of January. So how do we recapture that New Year’s intention and keep go...
As a writer, I imagined that the way I’d make the most progress would be sitting in front of my computer screen, slogging away, churning out story after story. Certainly, there is something to be said for the solitary discipline of...
Happy New Year everyone! 2017 has sailed away and the seas of a new year are now upon us. This means new resolutions to keep us moving forward with our life’s ambitions and the ladies of Pen-Ultimate are full of life ambitions. Her...
Attending the SCBWI summer conference in Los Angeles was the best possible high, like cresting the pinnacle of a roller coaster with your hands in the air and screaming the entire descent. Only instead of feeling thrilled, shaken a...
Full confession: when I happened upon Lin Oliver at a tiny book fair in Pasadena a couple of months ago, I hadn't remembered she was co-founder and Executive Director ofSCBWI(Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), th...
When it comes to getting work illustrating for the children’s book market, a strong portfolio at a SCBWI event can leave a lasting impression. But if you’re uncertain how to leave that impression, I’ll answer 5 quest...
You Made Me a Mother (HarperCollins) is a sweet picture book debut for author Laurenne Sala, with captivating images by veteran illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser. In th...
