Ssssshhhhh - Time to Be Quiet

 

Want to learn more about writing quiet picture books? Check out this great article by Nakisa Nooraee: 

https://nakisanooraee.com/pb-quiet/ 

You don't say...

 

Writing an all-dialogue picture book is on my to do list. Well, you know, writing and *selling* a dialogue-only picture book in on my to do list. Which led me to this article chock full of tips and tricks: 

https://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2020/03/dialogue-only-picture-books-challenges.html

Bushel & Peck

 

Run by a self-described "small but mighty" team, this wonderful kidlit publisher produces beautiful, meaningful books. According to their website, :"If you believe in the power of books, we want to hear from you! We are currently accepting both solicited and unsolicited manuscripts from authors, illustrators, and agents. Please use our submission tool below, and we'll be in touch in a few weeks. Thank you!"

Click here to learn more: 

https://bushelandpeckbooks.com/pages/submissions

CLASSIC

 

If you want to do anything well, you need to study the classics in your field. Allow me to present....

15 of the Greatest Children’s Picture Book Authors Then & Now

Nonfiction Awesomeness

Several of my books fall under the category of nonfiction, which is just SO me! I used to be a Research Attorney, and still love deep-diving into new and exciting topics. For a wonderful article on how to format your NF work, check out this article: 

http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/

Giving Me All The Vibes

 Learning about Tone is a key element to creating a great picture book - and this article on teaching readers about tone - is a fabulous resource. So light some candles, turn on some smooth tunes, and set that mood (but ... you know... for kids...) 

https://sherrymlee.com/2018/09/introducing-tone-and-mood-to-young-readers/

Hello September

 

The weather is finally turning here in hot and humid Florida, so I'm celebrating with new picture book releases. Won't you join me? 

September 2024 Debuts

So, How Much Money Do I Make?

This is SUCH a common question - from both kids and adults alike - when I visit schools, libraries and stores. The honest answer is... it depends. My income varies a lot year to year. Have I sold a book recently? Am I doing author events (answer to both BTW is YES!)? Any books going out of print? All of this impacts a writer's income. For a wonderful article on the issue, check out: 

https://laurasalas.com/writing-for-children/how-much-money-does-a-childrens-writer-make/

FAPA Awards

 

You know what’s better than winning an award for a picture book? Winning three of them! Thank you again to the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (@myfapa) for this honor, and of course to the dream team of Lauren Eldrige (@eldridgestudio) and Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

#bookaward #sohapysohappysohappy #picturebookaward #hustlebustlebug #picturebook #pb #bugbook #alldressddup

CHLA Conference

 

I have always wanted to attend this - did any of you go this year? This association has a mission "To encourage high standards of criticism, scholarship, research, and teaching in children’s literature." So obviously it's an awesoem group. 

Child Lit Association Event

"Just write, it's simple."

 

From Virginia Wolf to Ray Bradbury, this article lists wonderful little writer "nuggets" staright from the experts. You may to write a few down on post it notes and decorate your walls with them (yes, I did that).

Twenty-Five Pieces of Advice from Famous Writers That Are Actually Useful

Friendly Reminder

 

Friendly Reminder to check out Kidlit 411. As described on their website: 

We are a one stop info shop for children's writers and illustrators.

Our goal is to organize relevant information about writing and illustrating for children in one handy spot, right here. Our site includes:

• Topical Pages - links to articles and resources organized by topics 

• The Weekly 411 - each week, we compile the new links that were added during the week in an update post. You can receive this by email by subscribing to email updates (in the left hand sidebar)

So spend some time with us! Browse, click, connect and welcome to the world of kid lit writers and illustrators!

Link below: 

Kid Lit 411

Awesome Awesome AWESOME School Visit Article

 

Author visits can be tricky to organize - but this fabulous article provides step by step instructions for schools' to follow. And it's pretty helpful for us authors too! Thank you Donna (https://www.donnajanellbowman.com/) for putting this together.

https://www.donnajanellbowman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Booking-an-Author-Visit-Where-to-Start.pdf

2023 Summer Picture Book List

 

SUMMER PICTURE BOOK LIST

B&N Book Signing

Excited to share my books during storytime at our local Barnes and Noble in Jensen Beach this Saturday at noon! @barnesandnoble @bnjensenbeach

 

The Story Behind the Story

 Want to know more about how (and *why*) I wrote DINOS DON'T MEDITATE? Check out this interview I did with the fabulous Lynne Marie. Because books don't just happen people.

https://www.literallylynnemarie.com/.../the-story-behind...

@soundstrue @soundstruekids #dinosdontmeditate Alex Willmore Author/ Illustrator

FLSCBWI Workshop for Word Wizards

 

A little bit of this. A little bit of that. And there you have it - what I do when I host a workshop for writers. Thank you so much for having me #flscbwi . . .

Central Elementary School

 

I found a new happy place ❤️🤗🎉 Thank you so much for hosting me this past week Central Elementary! It’s been a while since I’ve been out to Okeechobee, and your students (all 550+ of them!) made every minute of it so fun and fabulous! #authorvisit #centralelementaryschool #pb

Pre-Order These Prehistoric Pals

 

IT'S (almost) HERE! 

And ​​I have a​​ special favor to ask. ​As you may know, my latest picture book, DINOS DON’T MEDITATE, debuts on March 14, 2023. Releasing it into the world takes a village, and I’m grateful to have such a wonderful village to reach out to! 

DINOS DON’T MEDITATE is a follow up to the Kirkus and SLJ reviewed, DINOS DON’T DO YOGA. It features romping stomping Rex, and his serene pal Sam, and their attempts to balance peaceful rest with prehistoric playtime. Needless to say, chaos ensues!

I am so stinkin' proud of this book, and eager to get it into as many little hands as possible. 

Therefore, I hope you will consider pre-ordering DINOS DON’T MEDITATE. This makes a tremendous difference to an author, and helps ensure that the book shows up in retail stores nationwide. You can do this with a few clicks online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, and independent bookstores via Bookshop.

I’d also be very (very!) grateful if you would consider mentioning DINOS DON’T MEDITATE on social media. Whether it’s just a quick shout out, sharing the cover, or posting a picture of your favorite page – every post helps spread the word!  

Most importantly, thank you for your dino-mite support. I can’t wait to hear what you think about this book – and neither can Rex and Sam!  

 

Happy Book Birthday to MEEEEEEEEE!!!

 

Is it tacky to celebrate my own (book) birthday so loudly and and proudly? Don't care. I am SO excited for Rex and Sam's latest adventure. Thank you to Sounds True Kids, ALBLA, and a host of critique partners for making this ferocious follow up happen!

Sharpen Your Pencils!

 

It's almost time for Vivian Kirkfield's #50preciouswords writing contest - and you don't want to miss out! Click on over to learn more about this fun event and the AH-mazing prizes: 

https://viviankirkfield.com/2023/02/04/heads-up-50preciouswords-2023-is-coming-soon/

How NOT to Write a Rhyming Text

 

Superb article on the DON'Ts of writing in rhyme.

https://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2023/01/how-not-to-write-rhyming-picture-book.html

KIDLIT MAMA - Awesome Resource

From newbies to pros, I think every writer can get inspired by checking out this website. Elizabeth is a teacher and mother who puts together awesome book lists for little ones. Learn more here: 

https://www.thekidlitmama.com/

3 Resolutions for Writers

 

Ah, the sweet, crisp hope of a fresh New Year! Happy 2023 to each of you! 

This year I'm adding "writer-specific" goals to my list of resolutions, and I hope you will too. Here are three awesome resolutions to get you started. (I mean, c'mon. it's only three. And none of them involve salads. So, easy peasy!) Click here for more information: 

https://writingcooperative.com/3-new-years-resolutions-every-writer-should-make-in-2023-7321751b87ec