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

Tips for Editing Your NaNoWriMo Work in the New Year

When National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is reaching its end, it is time to start thinking about how you will edit your new masterpiece. As you enter the new year, there will be plenty of time to make tweaks and rewrites so you can reach your goal of one day publishing your work. Many writers can be hard on themselves when it comes to editing, … Continue reading Tips for Editing Your NaNoWriMo Work in the New Year

Tips for Building Confidence as a Writer

There are many skills and personal traits that can help you be a better writer. Confidence might not be the first one to come to mind, but it’s more important than you might think. If you want to be successful as a writer, you need to believe in your work and your abilities.  You also need to be confident enough to share your work with … Continue reading Tips for Building Confidence as a Writer

THE EASTSIDE EXTRA Series by Anita Storey: Review + Author Interview

Anika Veerkar, Benicio “Benny” Flores, and Libby Abrams are neighborhood friends–and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries. Continue reading THE EASTSIDE EXTRA Series by Anita Storey: Review + Author Interview

More Conflict for You: The Conflict Thesaurus SILVER EDITION is Now Out (plus a giveaway!)

I always get a bit excited when a book I’m waiting for finally releases, so it’s great to finally share that The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggle (Vol. 2) is now out! This SILVER EDITION is the twin of the GOLD EDITION, and continues to explore all the ways we can better leverage the conflict in our story.  If you are new to these … Continue reading More Conflict for You: The Conflict Thesaurus SILVER EDITION is Now Out (plus a giveaway!)

Recommended: BEST FRIENDS, BIKINIS, & OTHER SUMMER CATASTROPHES by Kristi Wientge

Alex has always known her best friend and next-door neighbor, Will, will be there for her. That’s just how it’s always been. Until a girl from the pool named Rebekah comes over to them and says hi. Suddenly, Will is changing his clothes, restyling his hair, and breaking all of their summer plans and Alex is not happy about it . . .

Click to read more! Continue reading Recommended: BEST FRIENDS, BIKINIS, & OTHER SUMMER CATASTROPHES by Kristi Wientge

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