A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 50th Annual New England SCBWI Conference with Co-Director Jim Hill

The 2023 New England SCBWI Conference will be held Friday, April 28th – Sunday, April 30th.

This is my go-to writing conference because it’s always got great depth in everything kidlit, from writing picture books to middle grade and young adult novels, plus graphic novels and illustration. I was looking for the inside scoop to share with readers and got it and thanks to Co-Director Jim Hill.

This year’s conference will be extra special because:

– It’s the conference’s 50th anniversary!
– It’s IN PERSON. While Zoom conferences are great, I think we’re all ready to meet up live with writing and illustrating peeps who we haven’t seen for a bit.

For a run-down on what the schedule includes and more, read our full article! Continue reading A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the 50th Annual New England SCBWI Conference with Co-Director Jim Hill

Three Pockets Full by Cindy Rodriguez features a boy wearing a guayabera, a traditional Mexican shirt, on the cover and his dog

Recommended: Three Pockets Full by Cindy L. Rodriguez

Written by Cindy L. Rodriguez and illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalán, Three Pockets Full: A Story of Love, Family, and Tradition will delight young readers as it skillfuly balances themes of grief and change with humor and hope. Beto is adamant that he doesn’t want to wear a guayabera, a traditional Mexican wedding shirt, to his mother’s wedding. He repeats the fun refrain: “Nope! Nunca! Not … Continue reading Recommended: Three Pockets Full by Cindy L. Rodriguez

Focusing Your Attention While Writing with ADHD

At least 8% of US adults are affected by attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Folks who live with ADHD find it difficult to focus and may have a hard time regulating their behavior. However, an ADHD diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t complete challenging, focus-intensive tasks like writing the next big YA thriller or children’s adventure book. Even famous writers like Agatha Christie and George Bernard … Continue reading Focusing Your Attention While Writing with ADHD

How to Make Money as a Freelance Writer During College

Photo via Pexels Are you looking for ways to make money before landing your dream career? Whether you’re still in college or a recent graduate hunting for a full-time role, freelancing could be a great way to earn some cash on the side. Despite what many people think, you can earn a comfortable income by selling your writing skills online! Of course, everyone who is … Continue reading How to Make Money as a Freelance Writer During College

The Inside Scoop on the 2022 New England SCBWI Conference: An Interview with Juliana Spink Mills

This year’s New England SCBWI Conference is Friday, April 29th through Sunday, May 1st. It’s my regional conference and I look forward to it every year. This year’s conference is particularly special because co-director Juliana Spink Mills lives in my town. It’s wonderful that a writer-friend is running the show!

I wanted to get the word out about how great this conference is, so I sat down with Juliana to get the inside scoop. Continue reading The Inside Scoop on the 2022 New England SCBWI Conference: An Interview with Juliana Spink Mills

Recommended: The Ogress and the Orphans

This is the feel-good book that we need right now, when there is so much not right with the world. It’s got the kind Ogress you want to hug and the greedy dragon it’s so easy to hate, especially when he plays tricks on people for his own benefit. And then there are the clever orphans to cheer on as they try to unravel why so many bad things are happening . . . Continue reading Recommended: The Ogress and the Orphans

Writing on Proposal: A Different Option

One of the most common pieces of advice given to writers is that their manuscripts must be complete and as perfect as possible before querying agents or editors. That is true in most cases, but there are some instances where complete manuscripts are not required. In fact, just a proposal will do. What? I have an idea for a book, a really good idea, and … Continue reading Writing on Proposal: A Different Option

List of Ten by Halli Gomez

The Secrets Authors Keep: LIST OF TEN News Halli’s Been Waiting to Tell Us!

Have you ever seen those mysterious tweets from authors . . . “I have a secret I can’t wait to tell you!”

How frustrating is that? Well, as it turns out, it’s just as frustrating for the author! Halli’s had both some new book cover secrets as well as some award secrets. As soon as she was allowed to talk, I got the scoop!

Here’s a look into the secrets authors have to keep. Continue reading The Secrets Authors Keep: LIST OF TEN News Halli’s Been Waiting to Tell Us!

Cole Champion: STEM Versus Superpowers

As a fellow reader, I already have a list of books to read in 2022, and a list of books to recommend. Top on my list to recommend is the new middle grade series featuring Cole Champion, a regular kid who attends a not so regular school. (Think Sky High meets Big Hero 6.) These books include three features certain to grab the attention of … Continue reading Cole Champion: STEM Versus Superpowers