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!

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/

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/

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!  

 

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/

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

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