This December we get to meet a children’s book author, Nancy McNeil. Nancy wrote the picture book Becki’s Farming Adventures: Becki and the Trailer Kids (Spring). It won a silver medal in the 2025 Global Book Awards competition for children’s farm life.
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This is a blog about books, writing, teaching, and life.
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Author Spotlight: Sandy Ecker
This November I got to interview my critique group friend and accountability partner, Sandy Ecker. I met Sandy in the Children’s Book Mastery Coaching Program. She lives in Colorado and is the author of Penny’s Adventures: In Search of Tasty Treats.
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Author Spotlight: John Micklos Jr.
This October I interviewed John Micklos Jr. He is the author of more than 60 books for children and young adult readers. He writes everything from poetry picture books to fascinating nonfiction. I was lucky enough to learn from John when I participated in a creative coaching group through SCBWI.
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Author/Illustrator Spotlight: Stan Yan Part 2
In Part 1 of the interview with Stan Yan, we talked mostly about his work as an illustrator. But to get published, he also needed to write a great story. Great writers start by reading a lot of wonderful books. Can you guess what kind of books Stan Yan reads?
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Author/Illustrator Spotlight: Stan Yan Part 1
This month we will get to know Stan Yan, an award-winning American-born Chinese writer, illustrator, caricature artist, and instructor. He is also currently the Co-Regional Advisor of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Author Spotlight: Terrie Lynn Birney
Time for another author spotlight. Today I’m going to introduce you to one of my critique partners, Terrie Lynn Birney. Terrie and I met through Children’s Book Mastery Author Coaching.
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Author Spotlight: Nora Ho
There are many great children’s book authors out there. Every reader enjoys different kinds of stories. Every month or two I will interview a children’s book author so readers can learn more about the kinds of books they write.
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The Power of Writing Mentorships
When I decided to join Girls Write Now as a mentor, I wanted to create a similar program at my elementary school. But after mentoring for two years, I have finally realized the power of writing mentorships.
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Writing 3 Vocab Stories to Improve Creativity
Teaching writing is fun and difficult, especially when you have fourth graders. Writing 3 vocab stories is the best activity for all your teaching needs.
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Strategic Planning for All Writers
Today I just finished a coaching call that focused on quarterly strategic planning. Normally I watch these recorded calls, but today was Spring Break so I could attend. I learned so much about goals and planning that could change my writing career.
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