Getting to The Heart of Why We Write

Please welcome author Gabriella Aldeman to the show! Some Highlights: Nerding out about language. Writing in English when it's your second language. Joining a professional kidlit organization as a translator and getting inspired to write her own stories. A love of writing.

Please welcome author Jolene Gutiérrez to the show! Her latest book, Mamiachi and Me just released on January 7. Congratulations, Jolene! And grab your copy now while it's still hot off the press!♨️

Please welcome author Christine Evans to the show! Christine and I met in 12x12 and this episode has been a long time coming–thank you all for your patience!! Some Highlights: The perfect time to start a new career–when you have small children.

Please welcome author Rachel Funez to the show! Her recent release, Sonia and the Super Duper Disaster, illustrated by Kelly Kennedy came out in July of this year. I met Rachel through the Rocky Mountain chapter of the SCBWI where she is very active as the critique coordinator and doing so many fabulous things. Please enjoy! Some Highlights: Mysteries, puns, and wordplay. Putting yourself out there as neurodivergent. The necessity of community.♥️ Life coaches for writers.

I hope you enjoy this episode with author illustrator Meg Auchenbach. It was such a delight to hear about her artistic journey and the inspiration behind her book, If You Are an Artist. Please enjoy!

Please welcome author Leslie Eva Tayloe to the show today! In this episode we talk about inspiration, patience, community, and more. Enjoy!!

Please welcome author Emily Dangremond to the show today! Talking with her is always a joy and I could seriously talk to her for hours on end about trees, consciousness, and more.  I hope you enjoy hearing what she has to say and it gives your day a boost. You are here. You are a writer. You don't need to wait for it to be in your job title.

Today's guest is author-illustrator Jena Benton. Talking with her was so inspiring, I had to stop myself from writing down everything she said as a quote to share. Please enjoy her love of language, books, Alaska, community, and creativity. Some Highlights: The impact teachers can have early on, whether to encourage or discourage our creativity. Writing play manuscripts in high school. “Networking is about the friends you make along the way.” Soundproof kid's corners for loud reading. Book recommendation love and kidlit obsession. Alaskan road systems. The traveling bard revival and why we need more oral storytellers. Cheesecake moments. It is important to have a community to support you through obstacles and let yourself experience the obstacles–be sad–but have a deadline to get back up and keep going. Listening to the music of words.Links Mentioned

Please put your hands together for kidlit author Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is an author and educator who features other kidlit creators on her blog. She is also a delightful human! Welcome, Ellen!

Please welcome Dara Henry to this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write! Her latest picture book, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs is out at a store near you now.  It was so fun hearing about her community involvement and the connections and joy within the writing community. I hope you enjoy! Some Highlights: The doors that open when you find your writing community. Sharing rejections to celebrate actively querying. Taking a break when facing obstacles. What would we do if we didn't write? Writing for joy, connection, readers, reflection, and celebration. The value of patience. It's something to exercise and work on–it's a slow process. Writing the words to write. Not every manuscript has to be published because all writing is purposeful–every bit improves our stories. Love of pajamas. Links Mentioned

Please give a warm welcome to kidlit author Melissa Trempe in today's episode! Her picture book, Ladybug Launch: Inspired by A True Story of Chinitas in Space co written with Dr. Natalia Ojeda and illustrated by Manuela Montoya came out earlier this year. Enjoy! Some Highlights: The joy of morning writing when the world is still asleep.

Hello and Happy Book Birthday to today's kidlit author and extra special bonus episode guest, Jill Dana! Her latest book, Butternut and the Flying Butter illustrated by Anusha Santosh releases TODAY!

Please put your digital hands together for kidlit author-illustrator Jenny Alvarado! Her two debut genres came out within the last 10 days and I'm sure she's in debut overload at the moment. Fortunately, we recorded this months ago! I hope you enjoy hearing our conversation about craft, art, story, inspiration, and alternate timelines.

Please welcome my friend and fellow Picture Book Peep, author Roxanne Chester! If you're a writer looking for a bit of encouragement, light, and connection, look no further! Some Highlights: The joy of community and connection within the writing world. How stories unite all of us with shared feelings. Finding a way to forgive yourself when you don't have the headspace or heartspace to push through and come back to writing afterward. Being kind to yourself as a writer. The benefits of creative expression. More about This is My Bag: An unhoused person carries a bag through the streets, to a shelter, to a house, to the subway, and the park. With each changing location, the protagonist and their bag also changes, reflecting the various faces and reasons for homelessness and asking the reader to contemplate themes of community, self-reliance, and the meaning of "home." Links Mentioned

Please give a big welcome to one of my favorite kidlit people and dear friend, Paul Vinelli! Some Highlights: Bereavement books and crossing genres. Collaborating with an artist to bring your book to life. Physically staging the scenes of your book. Taking a book to an art show. Finding creative purpose. Creating the story through staging and writing the text after the images. What animal would you choose to be you in an anthropomorphic world? Taking theater production as inspiration for telling stories. The trust process between an illustrator and picture book author. The benefits of mentorship and the relationships How much Paul and I love our writing community and some of those people who've had the biggest influence on us♥️♥️♥️: Susan Wroble (Co-RA of Rocky Mountain SCBWI) Stan Yan (Co-RA of Rocky Mountain SCBWI Laura Perdew (Connect Leader for Boulder, CO) Julie Rowan-Zoch (Connect Leader for Northern CO) Beth Anderson (her blog is SO HELPFUL) Kaz Windness (author-illustrator and AMAZING educator) Laurent Linn (art director and author) Lynn Becker (author) Debbie Ridpath Ohi (the kidlit bluesky fairy godparent also author-illustrator) Christiana Doucette (author) Claire Noland (author) Pattie Toht (author) Karen Grencik (literary agent) Harold Underdown (author, illustrator, publisher, educator) Eileen Robinson (editor, educator) Pamela Courtney (author, educator) Valerie Bolling (author) Links Mentioned

Put your hands together for today's guest, kidlit author-illustrator Lea Maryanow! I met Lea through 12x12 and had already unknowingly read her beautiful book nearly a year before!  I hope you enjoy our chat and hearing some much needed words of encouragement (speaking for myself here

Please give a virtual welcome to kidlit author-illustrator Molly Cranch on this special bonus episode! With her recent picture book debut, Hide and Seek, available on shelves now, it was a delight to hear about her journey as a storyteller, weaving words alongside her illustrations. More about Hide and Seek: A book about the wondrous camouflage techniques of animals around us. For detectives ages 3 years and up. (Also available in Dutch through Clavis!) Some Highlights: Arts integration in curriculum and the intersection between art and science. Crossing from the realm of illustration to weaving in narrative. What came first, the pictures or words? Inspiration found through working with kids and seeing them learn new things. The social context of illustration. Releasing a picture book while finishing a Master's Degree in Illustration. Links Mentioned

Please welcome kidlit author Kalee Gwarjanski to this episode of “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write!”  I loved hearing about Kalee's experience with the writing community, especially the support within her critique group. We had a lot to talk about from her background as a chef, to engineering, to the book she released this year (more about that below). I hope you enjoy this episode! Some Highlights: Personal chef turned kidlit author.

Please welcome author Ronni Diamondstein to this episode of “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write!”

Please welcome author Jessica Speer to this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write! Jessica is such a phenomenal human and I've enjoyed every time our paths have crossed in SCBWI events, seeing her present at panels and conferences.  If you ever get the chance, sign up for one of her classes or presentations. Highly highly recommend!

Please welcome author illustrator Ana Velez to the show!!!

I am so excited to share this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write with you featuring author Christine J. Ko! She is a part of Picture Book Peeps with me and appears regularly on our shared podcast, The Curious Compassionate.  Please enjoy hearing about her writing journey and her book, Sound Switch Wonder illustrated by Katie Crumpton, which she co wrote with her son, Owen Whang. So cool! Some Highlights: “I love books and I think books can change the world. They can change people and by changing people, they can change the world.” Ideas in Confucianism (shared with Christianity) that keep some narratives from being told. Finding gratitude through reading and questioning structures in place. “We cannot forget what humanity is capable of–each one of us. I think the remembrance of it will keep that kind of thing from ever happening again. Because we have the capability to be monstrous, sadly.” “Each one of us is unique, you really can't assume one person's experience is the same as another even if they maybe have outward characteristics that are similar. I really love the fact that more and more and more you can find more books with different experiences in them.” Links Mentioned

I was so fortunate to meet Beth Anderson through the Rocky Mountain chapter of SCBWI years ago and today I get to share her with all of you!!  Beth is such an encouraging, helpful, and kind presence in the kidlit world. Her blog is a wonderful resource and her books will lead you down all the rabbit holes of history you never knew you needed to explore. Some Highlights

Please welcome to today's episode author Diana I. Kline, Ph.D. Diana has taught in higher education for over thirty years in a variety of subjects including computer science, psychology, math, and education. While teaching computer science courses, she always reminded her students to recycle old computer equipment; otherwise, those items could remain on this Earth much too long!  I met Diana through the OH Central South SCBWI chapter and was immediately intrigued by her book, A SOLAR SYSTEM CHAT illustrated by Susan and Chris Cornetet which has the earth speak directly to other planets including what is going on with her environment and other problems that need to be solved.  It was fascinating to hear about her writing experience and knowledge about the Earth and conservation that inspired her to write this book. Please enjoy! Some Highlights: Writing a book alongside a full-time career. Finding story inspiration in the things we're passionate about. The difference one field trip can make. How much debris is in space? How many references is too many references? How encouraging others to write their stories can inspire you to write your own. Links Mentioned

I'd like to introduce you to author Jessica Stremer for today's episode! I've known Jessica since the very beginning of my kidlit journey. She was part of one of my first critique groups back in 2020. She quite literally helped shape my manuscript for my published picture book and many others.  I had the joy of seeing many of the manuscripts she brought for critiques become published books out in the world including GREAT CARRIER REEF (a NY Public Library Best Book of the Year and JLG Gold Standard selection), LIGHTS OUT: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds, and FIRE ESCAPE: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (a JLG Gold Standard selection). Jessica is an award winning author and actively encouraging presence in the kidlit world. I hope you enjoy today's interview and feel a spark of inspiration and excitement to fuel your own journey. Some Highlights: Several things you didn't know about wildfires and how they differ from mega fires. The scary experience of starting in one genre and moving into another. The many ways community has fueled her writing journey. Book clubs with her kids. Why write: “You never know who's going to read the book and the impact it will have on them.”  Final words of advice: “Find ways to make opportunities for yourself and be gracious.” Links Mentioned

Please welcome author Erin Chesnut to the show! I found Erin through Writer Moms Inc. on Facebook (link is below) and had so much fun talking with her about conversing with characters, choreographing movement, and just sitting down and doing the hardest part of all–writing the words. Please enjoy!Some Highlights: Experimenting with different styles of writing. The joy of human interest stories. Coming to fiction from an investigative journalism career. Finding those silent snatches of time to work on writing as a parent of small children. Focusing on 3 sections of writing at a time. The fun surprises within revision. Finding support in Facebook writer groups. Creating storylines for strangers when people watching. Schooling your face when writing in public. Links Mentioned

Today you're in for a mini treat with author Lynn Becker of the musical Monsters in the Briny and magical June Moon! I've known Lynn for years and she was one of my first guests back when I did these interviews in blog format. So, for a quick update and bonus treat to you listeners, Lynn and I caught up about her journey with her recent release. Her Books

Let's welcome Laura Bower to the show! I met Laura through 12x12 and other's I knew in her debut group, PBSOAR24. It was so much fun talking with her about growing the seeds of stories and all the joy there is to find in the kidlit world! Some Highlights: The power within words. Finding her way into children's writing from the back of a Cheerio box. The peace of writing outside of our homes (and to do lists). Finding friends in the writing world. The joy in connecting with others through stories. Carving space for a writing practice in the time you have. Final Words of Advice: Don't rush. Links Mentioned

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leah Moser whose book, I AM A THUNDERCLOUD illustrated by Marie Hermansson, came out with Running Press Kids on April 2, 2024 (also her birthday!!!).

Please welcome the prolific, award-winning, 12x12 webinar presenting author Marzieh Abbas! I met Marzieh through 12x12 and had so much fun talking with her about the transcendence of words and writing across genres.

Please welcome author Lauren Ranalli to the show today! I found Lauren through the kidlit community online and had so much fun talking with her about inspiration, book nerdiness, and all things books and writing. I hope you enjoy the episode! Some Highlights:  She first started writing stories after her son was born. As an interfaith family, her son was given many Christmas books, but she had a hard time finding any similar titles featuring Hanukkah. And so The Great Latke Cookoff began to take root, later becoming her first published picture book. At the time she didn't know self publishing was a thing (much like myself) and she ended up waiting 6 years before doing anything with the manuscript. Once she learned more about self publishing from a friend, she went for it! Lauren published her first book in  2018 since has published 3 others since, while also having a ton of fun doing it. The myth that self publishing is an option for people who can't get a publisher. It's a choice. How much control do you want over it? Importance of creating and carving out quiet time. We're all researching the same thing–the beauty in sharing resources and spending your precious hours on making your book amazing. Benefits of a business mastermind–not just with authors, but other business owners. Play around with the format, in person, virtual, meeting times and days, adapting as the years go on. Advantages of having control over the whole publication process in self publishing whenever you face obstacles. The myth of self publishing that you go it alone. If you are not an illustrator, DO NOT ILLUSTRATE YOUR BOOK. You can have a team, editors, illustrators, website designers, and more. SCBWI is a great place to start looking for illustrators and other pros on your team. Also this post on Lauren's site about working with an illustrator. I loved hearing Lauren talk about why she writes–because of the curiosity it inspires. She wants to see more stories out there. Picture books inspire curiosity to learn more which is exactly what my new podcast project, The Curious Compassionate, with Picture Book Peeps is about. More about Snow Day at The Zoo: “What happens when the zookeeper's children get snowed in with their favorite animals? Find out in this wonderful winter adventure! A rhyming picture book that is perfect for young readers and animal lovers.” Available for pre-order now, out on November 30, 2024. Other Links: Lauren's Website Snow Day at The Zoo by Lauren Ranalli and illustrated by Mollie Olinyk  All of Lauren's Books Lauren's Training and Coaching info Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Lauren's Free Self-Publishing Guide Book Recommendations: Yellowface by R. F. Kuang Erasure by Percival Everett Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and if you want to revisit Our Town by Thornton Wilder first I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots by Lid'ya C Moore and illustrated by Niña MataThank you, Lauren! And stay tuned for next week's episode with author Marzieh Abbas!

I had so much fun chatting with Cedar about her writing journey and the launch of her recent picture book, Fire Flight illustrated by Chiara Fedele.  Some of the highlights covered: The benefits of not doing your laundry. When giving up writing is impossible. How many rejections is too many? (Spoiler, we can always keep going.) The beauty of real life and its messiness. Why you may want to write outside your typical genre. The supportive writing community, especially kidlit and the wonderful people behind 12x12 Picture Book Challenge and Storystorm. How many of our mentors may not even know us but the lasting impact they can have on us through podcasts, webinars, etc. Cedar's book, Fire Flight which is based on the true story of an owl and human who came together for an unbelievable moment during a wildfire. Links Mentioned: FIRE FLIGHT: A Wildfire Escape (Now available) WHAT MARCEL FOUND: The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings Illustrated by David Litchfield (Summer 2026) Cedar's website The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Tara Lazar's Storystorm Book Recommendation:  Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Please welcome to the show, Anne Hanovich! On this episode of Getting to The Heart of Why We Write, we cooked up a pre-published author takeover edition.  Highlights: I loved chatting with Anne about her writing journey including the first story she wrote which was typed up on a typewriter with construction paper. Use what you got, people!

Thank you for listening to this bonus mini episode about who I am and what I do as a ghostwriter, author, and core story consultant. If you're interested in hearing more or grabbing some of the free marketing resources I mentioned, here are all the relevant links. Links: My Calendar to book a free 20 Minute Strategy call and grab your free copy of my Streamlined Media Strategy Branding Blueprint My Website Core Connected Marketing on Substack

Today I am so pleased to introduce you to author Steena Hernandez. Steena's debut picture book, Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers, illustrated by Melissa Castillo is coming out with Beaming Books on October 22, 2024.  It was a joy to talk with Steena and I can't thank her enough for being on the show. Here are some highlights: The joy of being a library family and sharing that time together, picking whatever book your heart desires. The overwhelming generosity found within the kidlit world. The beauty of the two way street one can find in kidlit critique group relationships. Chalk painting and walking in nature to refill a creative well running dry. Her home that is full of chalk painted furniture. How joyful it is to go back after the chalk paint dries with a bottle cap and scrape the paint away, creating something worn and new at the same time.  How powerful it can be to step away from our writing. Taking a real break from it and coming back after a week away. Her background in professional dance and it's inspiration to create her debut picture book. Writing for the little girl who wants to see someone who looks like her on the cover. Links Mentioned: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Steena's website, Twitter, Instagram, Newsletter, and Link.tree  PbParty PBSOAR24 on Instagram and Twitter Vivian Kirkfield's 50 precious words Las Musas Books Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers is available for preorder at Nowhere Books and the Twig in San Antonio, Target, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, Amazon. Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers Cover Reveal Rachael Herron, Ink in Your Veins Podcast

Today, I have a fun interview for you with author Megan Woodward. Her upcoming debut picture book, This Book is Definitely Not Cursed, illustrated by Risa Rodil is available for pre-order now and hitting shelves near you on June 25, 2024. We talked about all sorts of fun things like hugging trees, making fools of ourselves reading books, the compulsion to write, and what it's like to juggle writing in several genres at a time. She has an exciting new newsletter where you can find out fun stuff about curses, get writing advice, and hear some hilariously bad advice for parents.

Today I have the pleasure of talking with author LD Green. I met LD through Kids Comics Unite (a super fun community for comic and word nerds/creators, linked below). Immediately I felt like we could have talked for hours about all the things! We talk about all sorts of things in today's episode from tree-hugging to word clouds, so please enjoy! Some highlights: The slam poetry world  Collaborating with other authors Parallel writing/working with author friends Telekinesis stories Advocacy through writing–being an artivist (my new favorite word) How to have an immersive reading experience with both a physical book and audiobook The benefits of tree-hugging on your writing The power of atmosphere in recharging your creative batteries The joy of seeing your words turned into pictures when collaborating with an illustrator A modified digital version of Julia Cameron's morning pages. It has word clouds, archives, and all sorts of fun tools! (750words.com) “I write to know myself. I write to comfort myself, to process what's hurting me, to heal–make sense of my life. I put things together to keep myself company. I feel like I'm in dialogue with myself. I'm creating this other part of me to talk to.” Final words of wisdom: Somebody always has a bigger dog. Don't lose time over jealousy or competition because there's room enough for everyone. Links: LD Green website LD's Instagram LD's Link.tree Phoenix Song We've Been too Patient on Amazon Journey to The Enchanted Inkwell trailer Thank you again, LD! And thank all of you for listening; stay tuned for next week with author Megan Woodward!

Today we're in for a treat with abstract artist and children's book author Meghana Narayan, of the newly released A Little Bit of Everything illustrated by Michelle Carlos. Meghana and I cover a lot of ground from what apps we use to catch random ideas to the magic of sharing parts of yourself through your writing.  Grab a cup of tea, settle in and enjoy the episode!

Today I'd like to welcome C.S. Boyll to the show! This week on “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write,” Cindy and I talk about everything from kidnapped midwives to Cincinnati Ohio chili.  It was so much fun talking with Cindy who has been writing across genres for many years. I love meeting other multi-genre writers and hearing about their journeys and passion for different projects!  I was lucky enough to connect with Cindy through the Rocky Mountain SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and was happy to find out our paths cross in many ways.

Please welcome Jessica Santiesteban to “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write!” Today we are hosting an illustrator takeover edition.  Jessica and I talk about her background in art and story. After having her first art show at 21, she later had her daughters and from there grew the seed of inspiration that sparked her first story. She published her first book, My Favorite Fairy, originally in Spanish before later translating it into English. Her recent book which she illustrated is Always Flying Bobby written by C.S. Boyll. If you're anything like me and enjoy using planners, bullet journals, or stickers, check out the link to Jessica's site and Etsy below where she offers her custom stickers, journals, and more!  I so enjoyed talking with Jessica about creativity, rules, and breaking them when needed. We covered a lot in this episode, check out some highlights below and enjoy listening.

Please join me in welcoming Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. of Acadia Editing Services to the show! Paulina has 15+ years of experience and so much to share, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Here are some highlights of things we talked about: The joy in exploring new subjects through copy editing, learning something new each time a manuscript comes across your desk. Mohawk artist Shelley Niro and other inspiring subjects. How even though it's scary to start a new career, we can do scary things. Her background in academia and the similarities and differences between editing and being a professor. The importance of relationships and community even across fields. The benefits of fresh air to maintaining balance, including how gardening can be an emotional outlet. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from our conversation: “I get to meet people I never would have heard of or learned about or talked to and I get to read their work. When I dig into a manuscript I get to play around with it. I take very seriously that this is someone's passion project that they've worked hours and hours on but I get to tweak it and help make it better–to help them get their message out. That's really rewarding and I really enjoy those relationships I build with my clients.” “You're going to make mistakes. You won't do everything well. But just keep trying. You're going to have problems. There are things you're going to do not well. You'll make mistakes but keep coming back at it, keep trying, and be kind to people.” Talking with Paulina was inspiring, fun, and a total joy. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the why of her editing work–to help. She works primarily with academics editing academic and nonfiction manuscripts. Most of her clients are professors who lead busy lives like she did in her own professorship before she started Acadia Editing Services.  So, she started editing to help lighten the load. With the whole contents of the book in one place (even if it's not tidy), she can clean it up. That way she makes life a little bit easier for her clients one manuscript at a time. Some parting advice from Paulina: don't listen to that little voice in your head that says you can't. You are worth more than you know. In editing (and writing) we often undercharge because we don't believe in ourselves or our worth. Know your worth, believe in yourself, and remember that this is your business. Also, editors aren't here to tear everything down with their red pens, they're here to help your writing shine a little brighter. Links mentioned: The 60+ books Acadia Editing has brightened Paulina's book–Politicians Behaving Badly: Men, Women, and the Politics of Sexual Harassment Acadia Editing Services website Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. on LinkedIn Acadia Editing Services Facebook As always, thanks for listening and stay tuned for more interviews next week!! On deck we have illustrator Jessica Santiesteban.

Please join me in welcoming Jo Renfro to “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write” in today's episode! You may notice today's show is out on a Friday instead of a Thursday–we've got the cold season blowing through my house so we're moving a bit slower in general.  It's giving me a chance to practice being patient through this season of life, just like Jo advises in the episode! Jo is the author and illustrator of the picture book, Peg Gets Crackin'. Peg's adventures will continue, just as Jo's own adventures will (hiking the Appalachian trail and more!). So stay tuned for more books!  Some Highlights: The joy of sharing your in-home library with extended family. Starting small to build your community in a new place. Sparking ideas with fresh air and fresh colors. How texture can inspire writing. Final words of wisdom: Life is a journey, it's happening now because that's how it's supposed to happen. Be patient with your journey, live it! Links mentioned: Jo's website, Jo on Twitter, and on Instagram Peg Gets Crackin' on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop and Beaming Books–Also don't forget to request it from your local library! Jo's Books at Blue Mountain Arts

I couldn't be more excited to introduce Stacy Juba to you today. She has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. Stacy is an author, editor, and teacher with 30 years of experience.  Here are some highlights from our chat: How she learned over many years to refill her creative well with meditation, yoga, reading, and jigsaw puzzles with a partner. Finding inspiration from all the different corners of daily life from flag etiquette to theme park princesses. The importance of ergonomics. How Oracle cards are different from tarot. Short answer: Oracle has more flexibility and freedom of interpretation. Using EFT tapping, vision boards, action steps, and concrete goals to move past obstacles. “Find those things that rejuvenate you and remember not to take it personally.” “[Writing] gives me a voice. When I write, I feel like I'm fully myself.” Words to past self: make sure each scene is as fleshed out as it can be with a balance of dialogue, setting, and story elements. Links mentioned: Book Editing Blueprint Course (to cut down on rounds of paid editing and send your best work)  Energize Your Writing Toolkit (more ways to use body language and cut down on crutch words) Time Management for Writers  Stacy's recent book: Prancing Around with Sleeping Beauty  Stacy's Shortcut for Writers website and Facebook Group Stacy's author website with all her series Thank you for listening today and make sure you're all caught up on author interviews with last week's guest, Wendy C. Goldstein. Next up we have author illustrator Jo Renfro!

Hello, story nerds! Today's guest on Getting to The Heart of Why We Write is Wendy C. Goldstein. Wendy's recent book, Oscar's Blue Bandana, is the true story of her dog, Oscar, earning his blue bandana as a therapy dog. I met Wendy through the kidlit world in 12x12 and along with a handful of other writers we've created the PictureBookPeeps debut group. Website and podcast for our group are forthcoming. So, in the meantime enjoy this episode and check out Oscar's Blue Bandana at your nearest book retailer! Highlights: The benefits of having a writing coach when battling imposter syndrome. Bringing a book to life with real characters at author visits. The better than fiction Oscar who inspired her book. How crucial community is to writing. Links: The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Oscar's Blue Bandana on Bookshop, Amazon Wendy and Oscar's website Wendy and Oscar on Instagram Thank you again to Wendy for sharing your time to talk with me. I can't wait to see what Oscar does next in this series! If you're craving more author interviews stay tuned for next week with author/editor Stacy Juba! In the interim, make sure you're all caught up on Why We Write including last week's interview with Laura Roettiger. Thanks for being here!

Today's guest is Laura Roettiger, author of two picture books including the recently published An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story illustrated by Debbi Palen. Laura is a reading specialist with a background in teaching and curriculum creation. Her superpower as a teacher is encouraging curiosity in children, which she has brought into the stories she now writes.  We covered a lot of topics in our short time together and I hope you enjoy listening! Here are some things we cover in today's interview: The benefits dancing can offer your writing. The generosity and friendliness in the kidlit world, especially in the Rocky Mountains. The best of times hearing readers laugh with enjoyment over your words, when the words just click, and when a child tells you that your book is their favorite. If things aren't working, sometimes you just need to walk away.  When obstacles arise and writing is impossible, how can you stay connected? Links mentioned: Laura's Instagram, website, and Twitter. Buy An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story from publisher, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Second Star to The Right Books. Aliana Reaches for the Moon from publisher, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, Amazon, and Second Star to The Right Books. Picture Book Gold Thank you, Laura, for sharing your time with me and what you've learned throughout your writing journey. Up next week is author Wendy Goldstein. While you're waiting make sure you're all caught up on the latest episodes including last week's interview with Jilanne Hoffman.

Today we have an interview with Jilanne Hoffmann, author of A River of Dust illustrated by Eugenia Mello. Favorite Quotes: “We went out with our first manuscript, A River of Dust, to auction. I don't recommend that to anybody! Afterward there was a long dry spell.” “I daydream and that can fill the [creative] well. I just look out the window and can disappear.'” “I love the challenge [of writing]. It's making something from nothing. It's like alchemy.” Our chat about the similarities between meditation and writing. How writing is like boot camp. “Everyone has their own voice and the world needs their stories.” “After you have a finished draft, think about it critically. Read your own writing critically as you would others.” Links: The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge The Writing Barn Jilanne's website A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon illustrated by Eugenia Mello on Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble Jilanne's other books Jilanne's Linktr.ee Jilanne on Bluesky, Twitter, and Instagram

Today's guest is Michelle Lee, author of Between The Lighthouse and You (Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble). We talk about how ideal writing times vary for different people, querying as an elementary school student, writing across different genres to enrich your writing, and more. With her lifelong involvement in the writing world and Ph.D. in English Literature, she is a real life doctor of words! Links mentioned: Michelle's website The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge #50Preciouswords Storystorm Some nuggets of wisdom:  Try things that take you out of your normal routine.  Find ways of playing as an adult! Be bolder but also be patient with the process and yourself. Thank you, Michelle!!!

Sorry for my lateness with today's podcast! It is Friday but I am here and with another sparkling author interview on “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write.” Today, we have Lisa Rogers whose recent book Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage illustrated by Il Sung Na has received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more! I cannot thank Lisa enough for sharing her time with me, or you for taking the time to listen along with us and share the journey we're all on in this writing life. Links mentioned: Lisa Rogers website Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage illustrated by Il Sung Na Other published books by Lisa Rogers 12x12, which she joined when it first started in 2012 A member of Picture Book Gold along with me and 14 other fantastic authors and illustrators. Thank you again, Lisa, for your time! And congratulations on your upcoming books and all you've done so far.

Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your time with me! Today's episode was filled with so many great topics, the benefits of libraries, critique groups, and celebrating each other's success within the writing community. Here's a list of further resources to check out and links mentioned: Sharon's Website Bonus: Sharon's Post in Storystorm 2024 12x12 Challenge Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt Sharon's other books: Bedtime, Daddy!; Get Ready, Mama!; Let's Go Shopping, Grandma! Thank you again, Sharon! And thanks for listening!

Natasha was so much fun to have on the show and I couldn't have asked for better parting words, "Have fun on the journey" creating stories for children. Stay curious! I encourage you to follow that curiosity straight to Natasha's website and many books. Night Before Series Biographies, Fiction, and More Learn about Author Visits (she is an expert!) Facebook Page Instagram Her latest translation of The Night Before My Birthday (and by no coincidence this episode is releasing the week before her birthday on Feb. 7!). Happy Birthday, Natasha!

In today's episode, I had the opportunity to interview a pillar in the kidlit community, Vivian Kirkfield! I hope you enjoy hearing about her journey, the 5 essential Ps for any writer no matter where they are on their writing journey, and her latest book, Pedal, Balance Steer available for preorder (publication 02-20-2024). Here are other links to Vivian's work and places to connect with her: Vivian's Website #50PreciousWords 2023 (keep an eye out for news on 2024!) Vivian's other books 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge (mentioned by us in the chat) Vivian on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn As someone who's participated in #50preciouswords, attended Vivian's presentations on kidlit, and read her work, I can't thank her enough for what she is continuing to do for all of us in the writing community and those budding writers just starting to put pen to page. Thank you Vivian!!!!