Ad-Lib Mondays
What I’ve Read in January
In December, I did a post listing the best of the books I’d read during 2014 – the ones I hadn’t had time or space to review over the course of the year. Rather than waiting until the end of the year, I’ve decided to do a mini-list at the end of each month, instead.…
Read MoreJulie Hedlund — In the Spotlight!
Most of you, if you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, know that for the past three years I have participated in the 12×12 picture book writing challenge founded and headed by Julie Hedlund. It has been a wonderful experience, and I have found community, encouragement, and support in the group, as…
Read MorePARTY AT BETH’S BLOG!
May I have a drum roll, please? How about a trumpet fanfare? What is going on, you ask? We’re celebrating a very special occasion in our part of the bookreaderwriterblogiverse today — Erik, the wonderful Kid Who Reviews Books is about to have a birthday and Susanna Leonard Hill and I could not let that…
Read MoreThe Gift of Hand-Crafting
(Note: Julie Gribble and Lori Hanson will return with their Making a Picture Book series in the New Year.) There are so many ways to be creative in this world, and at this time of year, hand-crafted creativity abounds. Some people knit (and I have endless admiration for those who do), others do fine needlework,…
Read MoreYou are Gifted
Yes, you. You are a talented, interesting, vibrant, cherished part of my community of friends and connections. You are gifted. And to celebrate that, throughout the month of December — which is traditionally a month for gift-giving — I am going to give you various gifts through my posts. I won’t tell you now what…
Read MoreHow to Make a Picture Book, part 3e
Today, Lori Hanson, illustrator of Bubblegum Princess, continues her posts about character development through illustration. Thanks, Lori! ♦ ♦ ♦ After attending a winter SCBWI conference in New York City in 2011, I was flying over the continent, sketchbook in hand, to return home to California. Now, I will admit that flying in a 747…
Read MoreIt’s Still Halloween — or at least, Halloweensie!
You may have thought that Halloween was over. Well, the part about dressing up and getting treats is finished for this year (unless you’re lucky and have leftovers), BUT Halloween isn’t over until HALLOWEENSIE is over! Halloweensie? That is Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantabulous and astoundingly popular Halloween story contest. It’s Halloweensie because the stories are…
Read MoreHow to Make a Picture Book, part 3d
Character Development/ A Collaborative Process Developing the Characters for the Bubblegum Princess by illustrator Lori Hanson Today, I’m delighted to welcome Lori Hanson, illustrator of Bubblegum Princess — the other half of the collaboration team with author Julie Gribble. Lori will explain how the illustrations contribute to the development of the characters. Thanks, Lori,…
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