Maintaining a reading life alongside your writing life, book promotion life, and regular life-life can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a writer, I know the importance of each of these elements, yet balancing them can be a real challenge. Here are some techniques I’ve found to keep all these plates spinning, and my thoughts on why they’re all crucial to our creative and personal well-being. The Importance of Reading Stephen King famously said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as t ..read more

​July is all about jumpstarting your creativity! Transport yourself into a writing mode featuring people and animals going places. Here are a few exercises to rev up your ability to find and execute on ideas this month:                                                                      Canva image 1. Read books about transportation this month. Boats, planes, trains, cars, animals, and more. Now write a f ..read more

​“No one knows what it's like to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blue eyes...”                                                                            — Pete Townshend (The Who)   In this song an individual voic ..read more

Hey, brilliant book creators! As someone who lives in Texas, the birthplace of Juneteenth, I can tell you that while the holiday may have passed, we celebrate its spirit all month. And make it our mission to spread the cheer and keep the stories of freedom, resilience, and history alive. Whether you're writing your next big hit or simply seeking inspiration, here are three fantastic children's books about Juneteenth that will spark your creativity and captivate young readers. "Juneteenth Jamboree" by Carole Boston Weatherford and Yvonne Buchanan Let's start with a gem that beautifully captur ..read more

​By Melissa Stoller   This June, jump into writing practices that will make your stories soar.   Here are a few exercises to get you started: ​                                                                       Canva Image ​ ​1)    Jump into five minute brainstorming sprints. Set a timer, and write down all the story ideas that come to mind.  2)    Jump into ten minute ..read more

​Thomas Edison said, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.”   The Self-Awareness domain of SEL, includes knowing one’s strengths and limitations and developing an understanding that success requires struggle, effort, and willingness to try new strategies. Seeing mistakes and setbacks as part of learning is vital for developing a “growth mindset.” Failure becomes a motivator, rather than a stopping point. ​With this in mind, let’s enter The School of Failure: A Story About Success, written by Rosie J. Pova and illustrated by Monika Filipina (2022, Yeehoo ..read more

Get ready uncover long lost history with A Day for Rememberin. In this poignant and historically rich picture book, Leah Henderson illuminates the origins of Memorial Day, from the perspective of a young African American boy. This beautifully illustrated book is a testament to the resilience and collective spirit of the newly freed citizens of Charleston, South Carolina in 1865. ​​ Henderson’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of 10 year-old Eli, giving young readers a relatable guide through a significant but often overlooked event in American history. The book highlights the first Memorial ..read more

Canva image  ​ by Melissa Stoller Where I live, May is National Pet Month! What a wonderful time to celebrate all the pets in our lives. This month, spend some time thinking about how to celebrate all types of pets, real and imaginary, and how you can infuse pets into your story ideas.   Here are a few prompts to get you started: ​ ​1)    If you have a pet in your life, study your pet in detail. Research the type of pet, and notice their habits, likes and dislikes, and distinct personality traits. Include some details in a story!  2)    If yo ..read more

When I was a child, two different ice cream trucks regularly visited my neighborhood. We eagerly gobbled goodies from both, but we announced their arrivals differently. Truck A sparked shrieks of delight. Truck B set off a singsong ditty among us that rhymed the name of the brand with phrases proclaiming this ice cream tasted bad and made us sick. I joined in, never questioning how the song came about.   One day, as Truck B arrived, I was alone on the porch when the other children in the neighborhood started singing. As the scene unfolded before me, suddenly I saw and heard it through th ..read more

As April unfolds its petals, it brings the sweet fragrance of National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate the beauty and power of verse. In the vibrant landscape of children's literature, poetry holds a special place, weaving tales of imagination, emotion, and culture. This month, let's shine a light on three extraordinary poets whose voices enrich the world of KidLit. Nikki Grimes With a pen dipped in the ink of empathy and understanding, Nikki Grimes mesmerizes readers with her poignant verses. Her numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award and the ALA Notable Book recognition ..read more