Pam Calvert's Blog
May 25, 2020
New PBU video: Story Structure SECRETS and last day to enter for giveaway!
Hey, everyone!
My newest video outlines the SECRET to picture book story structure. I give these details to all my mentees (if they need it) and my clients! Put your manuscript to the test!
Please share this, like, leave a comment on the video to help get the word out. The critique and picture book giveaway is on until midnight tonight CST!!!
I hope you learn a lot through the video!
Many hugs and happy writing!
Pam
May 22, 2020
New Friday Dine and WHINE is on!
Hey, everyone!
My newest Friday Dine & Whine is out where I share the story of my WORST rejection and what happened afterwards that changed my writing life!
Please share this, like, leave a comment on the video to help get the word out. The critique and picture book giveaway is on until Monday, May 25th.
I hope this encourages you as you travel on this challenging publishing journey!
Many hugs and happy writing!
Pam
May 18, 2020
Picture Book University YouTube is LAUNCHED!
Hooray! My first episode of Picture Book University workshop is published on YouTube where I outline the 6 top newbie writer mistakes I've been seeing in my mailbox lately. As a critique editor, picture book contest judge, RYS judge, as well as picture book mentor, I see A LOT of manuscripts through the year. Make sure your manuscript is not commiting any of these picture book crimes! ;)\
(Sorry the thumbnail is weird. I'm a newbie booktuber!
May 12, 2020
Picture Book University Coming to YouTube!
I'm so excited to announce something I've been working on for the past six months. Picture Book University, my free picture book workshop, is now going to be an interactive YouTube channel! I will post twice a week with tips on how you can realize your dream of becoming a picture book author. In addition to the in's and out's of writing a picture book, I'll also share with you exactly how to catch an editor or agent's eye, how to market your work, and most importantly, how to make children remember your writing and clamor for more!
On Mondays, I'll post a workshop video then on Fridays, it'll be our time for Dine and Whine where I'll share some stories about my rollercoaster ride of the ups and downs of the publishing industry. There will some funny (and sad) stories that happened to me, and I'll also answer any questions you might have specifically.
In order to get this project off the ground, I'm going to be offering free critiques and my newest picture books giveaways! You'll have a chance to win a free critique or a picture book (I'm offering five critiques and five pb's so ten people can win!).
What to do:
Subscribe to:
1. Picture Book University YouTube channel2. My instagram: @PamCalvertbooks3. My Twitter: @PammCalvert (If you're already subscribed, just let me know with a PM)
If you do all three, you'll be entered five times.
Your name will also be entered if you share my announcement when the video uploads. And if you make your own blog post, instagram post or tweet about the channel, I'll enter your name five times for each original post. Wow! You could have your name entered twenty or more times!
Deadline is May 25th to enter!
Thank you for your support, and I hope this will help you to break through the publishing barrier and realize your dreams!
Happy writing!
Pam
January 29, 2019
WEE OO WEE OO! ALERT! Flash: The Litle Fire Engine is ready for pre order!
I'm excited to announce that my newest book,
FLASH: THE LITTLE FIRE ENGINE
is already on amazon for pre-order.
The story follows Little Flash who's about to embark on his first day on the job. He's SOOOO excited! Will he be able to pitch in and save the day?
This is a character driven story made for boys and girls who love emergency vehicles. It's action packed with loads of sounds and a quick plot.
When I wrote this, it took a long time for me to figure out what was going to happen in it. I knew I wanted to write about a fire truck simply because there's tons of dump trucks, garbage trucks, backhoes, trains, etc, but not fire trucks! You must write about things that aren't already in the market if you want to sell.
Since I didn't know much about fire trucks, I did a lot of research for this story. My son-in-law helped me, too. (A family effort since my grandsons adore fire trucks.)
If you want to know more about how to write a character driven story, read my article here: CHARACTER DRIVEN PICTURE BOOKS. Also, if you're a budding picture book writer and need to learn more, grab my button on the side of this blog and join others in doing the free workshop, PICTURE BOOK UNIVERSITY . I will be posting extra lessons in the future (so follow this blog or follow via email so you won't miss them!)
Have a little fire fighter on your gift list? Give her/him this cute story! You can pre order or put it on your wish list as it comes just in time for next Christmas (Ahh! It'll be here before you know it.
The story follows Little Flash who's about to embark on his first day on the job. He's SOOOO excited! Will he be able to pitch in and save the day?
This is a character driven story made for boys and girls who love emergency vehicles. It's action packed with loads of sounds and a quick plot.
When I wrote this, it took a long time for me to figure out what was going to happen in it. I knew I wanted to write about a fire truck simply because there's tons of dump trucks, garbage trucks, backhoes, trains, etc, but not fire trucks! You must write about things that aren't already in the market if you want to sell.
Since I didn't know much about fire trucks, I did a lot of research for this story. My son-in-law helped me, too. (A family effort since my grandsons adore fire trucks.)
If you want to know more about how to write a character driven story, read my article here: CHARACTER DRIVEN PICTURE BOOKS. Also, if you're a budding picture book writer and need to learn more, grab my button on the side of this blog and join others in doing the free workshop, PICTURE BOOK UNIVERSITY . I will be posting extra lessons in the future (so follow this blog or follow via email so you won't miss them!)
Have a little fire fighter on your gift list? Give her/him this cute story! You can pre order or put it on your wish list as it comes just in time for next Christmas (Ahh! It'll be here before you know it.
November 15, 2018
Interview, free picture book critique and free picture books!
Are you a picture book writer and need some advice? Would you like a free paid critique or a chance to win Brianna Bright, Ballerina Knight?
You're in luck!
Children's writer, Justin Colon, has interviewed me on TONS of questions about the picture book biz from what makes a picture book stand out from the crowd to the obstacles facing picture book writers. If you want an inside look at all things picture books, take a look at this article: Interview and Give Away with Author, Pam Calvert.
Make sure to enter the give away at the end of the article!
And don't forget to reblog, repost and tweet it out to your picture book writing friends!
May 23, 2018
Brianna Bright Book Giveaway on Goodreads!
My publisher is offering 20 free hardcover copies of Brianna Bright on Goodreads. The giveaway is running until June 4th, so you have time.
Just click this link to sign up! So easy! BRIANNA BRIGHT BALLERINA KNIGHT giveaway
If you think someone might want the chance to win this book, please share!
Just click this link to sign up! So easy! BRIANNA BRIGHT BALLERINA KNIGHT giveaway
If you think someone might want the chance to win this book, please share!
January 18, 2018
Brianna Bright Ballerina Knight Coming June 5, 2018!
I'm thrilled to announce that my strong girl picture book is about to be here!
Brianna Bright, Ballerina Knight
will come to doorsteps all over the US on June 5th, 2018! You may preorder it now!I'd originally gotten this idea for a ballerina knight when my editor asked for a book targeted for girls. Being a champion of alternative girl books, I was already working on a strong ballerina book. But I was also reading The Game of Thrones. In one of the books, Arya Stark, a princess of one of the noble houses, was being taught how to use a sword. Her teacher called it water dancing. I thought, wouldn't that be fun if my ballerina could also be a knight and so, Brianna Bright was born!
Liana Hee, my illustrator did such a beautiful job throughout. I love her style which is reminiscent of the 1950's with a modern twist. You should check out all her other artwork on her instagram here: Liana Hee and her etsy site here: The Art of Lianna Hee.
December 22, 2016
Brianna Bright Ballerina Knight Early Pictures!
I'm thrilled to show you the first mockup of my character driven story, Brianna Bright Ballerina Knight's cover! And it's SO CUTE!!!! **swoon**
Okay...I've recovered now.
The illustrator, Liana Hee, has done an amazing job. I can see little girls wanting to emulate her bravery right now. And her pink poodle sidekick, Pixie, is PERFECT.
SO...here she is:
I'm in meltdown wait mode, though. We really don't have a definite release date, but GETTING CLOSER!
Okay...I've recovered now.
The illustrator, Liana Hee, has done an amazing job. I can see little girls wanting to emulate her bravery right now. And her pink poodle sidekick, Pixie, is PERFECT.
SO...here she is:
I'm in meltdown wait mode, though. We really don't have a definite release date, but GETTING CLOSER!
March 3, 2016
Princess Peepers Picks a Pet Nominated for Iowa's State Award!
I'm beyond excited to share that Princess Peepers Picks a Pet was nominated for the Iowa State Goldfinch Award. That means librarians got together and made a master list of the best books for ages K-3rd. The children will read them all and then vote on their favorite. I am thrilled librarians thought so highly of my book!What makes Princess Peepers a character that children love to read about? For one thing, she really wants to please other people and although the other princesses are mean to her, she doesn't retaliate. In the end, she always does her own thing and that's the message of the book.
There will be a new Princess Peepers coming out. I'm so excited to share about this. But I can't reveal it yet. In this one, Princess Peepers will be taking a stand for true beauty on the inside!
If you want to learn more about how to write books like Princess Peepers Picks a Pet, check out my article on character driven stories. These are the types of books editors want to see!
Happy Reading and Writing!
