I am devouring the book Your Brain on Art. One thing I’ve learned is the scientific mental health benefits of poetry! Did you know that poetry can help us “relax and gain perspective on ourselves” because our brains process poetry differently than prose? It also activates neuroplasticity processes in the brain by creating new narratives and can stop anxious thoughts. So, for Poetry Month, remember to share and experience poetry with kids! Here are my favorite children's poetry books. Here is...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Did you know that kids laugh OUT LOUD hundreds of times every day? But adults…well, do we laugh at all? We all know laughing is good for us, but I, for one, am guilty of being a grumpy stress case on occasion. That's why my goal recently has been to laugh at least once a day. That seems like a small goal, but it’s been harder than I thought. I'm increasing my laughing out loud with... Funny reels (JulieStory, Bomanizer) Funny newsletters (Bob Shea) Want to join me in laughing more? (If so,...
30 days ago • 1 min read
In my new business, Imaginarium Author Solutions, Ellen and I do a lot of school visit consulting for authors and illustrators. Last week, I observed several pretty famous authors/illustrators at their school visits. Not only did it confirm what Ellen and I are recommending, but I got a few new ideas, too. I love learning! But I had to share with you one thing I learned from Loren Long that BLEW MY MIND (because how did I not know this after being a book reviewer for 15 years!?). Maybe...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
I’m back to my usual middle grade reading, but I got a few friends to help me review February MG books. Yay for smart, bookish friends and asking for help! I’m feeling hopeful for spring. How about you? This newsletter is sponsored by Reading Simplified. You’ve Tried It All… But They’re STILL Struggling to Read Traditional reading methods are too slow for struggling students. What if your student could make years of progress in just 12 weeks—without endless drills or complex programs? Join...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
I go through reading burnout phases from time to time. Do you? So, I've been taking a break from my kidlit reading for a few weeks and reading adult nonfiction books. One recent book I loved is Cues by Vanessa van Edwards --it's great for introverts and extroverts alike. Have you read it? How do you switch up your reading when you need to re-energize your reading life? What do you tell your readers when they’re in a “nothing is good” phase? I did sneak in some kidlit nonfiction a few weeks...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Happy Tuesday, creative friends. We have an exciting announcement to share today! But First, Why Your Book Sales Matter We know some authors and illustrators who don’t see the need to help publishers sell their books. This is a mistake. Book sales are important for these reasons: Editors/publishers look at these numbers before offering you the next deal. If they do buy your manuscript, your last book’s sales numbers will affect the amount the publisher offers for the new deal. What you sell...
2 months ago • 1 min read
I've been reading about neuroplasticity and how gratitude changes your brain. With the busyness of having three jobs, Imagination Soup, Imaginarium Author Solutions, and writing new manuscripts, I've been out of the journaling habit. So it goes sometimes, right? But I'm renewing that habit...I even treated myself to a shiny new journal! To support my brain and mental health, I'm writing down the things I'm grateful for-- the things that carry me and support me. Here are a few things from my...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Writing - Closing the Loop Like many of you, I'm obsessed with mysteries—novels, detective series, and crime podcasts. People love a good mystery because we crave resolution. A mystery presents us with an open loop—an unresolved puzzle. We need to close the loop to feel satisfied. But writing, especially long-form projects like novels, forces us to live with an open loop for months or even years. That lingering uncertainty can feel pretty discouraging. When you sit down to work on your novel,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Big news in the children's publishing industry. This morning, the Newbery and Caldecott medal and honor books were awarded by the American Library Association Youth Media. (Along with more awards, too!) The below image gives you a hint. Check out the winners! What do you think? Who did they miss? If you want to refresh your memory of what won in the past, here are the last two years winners: 2024 Newbery & Caldecott Awards 2023 Newbery & Caldecott Awards Have a great week, and happy reading!...
3 months ago • 1 min read