Beth Anderson's Blog, page 13

March 25, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “How to Write a Chapter Book Series” by Christine Evans

In today’s post, Christine Evans shares the basics of writing a chapter book series.

AND Christine is offering a giveaway! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of THE WISH THAT GOT AWAY! 

christine_headshot

Congrats to Robin Brett Wechsler, winner of MAKE WAY FOR ANIMALS by Meeg Pincus!


How to Write a Chapter Book Series
 by Christine Evans

Thank you Beth for having me on the blog today! I’m Christine, a chapter-book and picture-book author living in beautiful California. The first three books in...

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Published on March 25, 2022 04:06

March 20, 2022

Cover Reveal! Cloaked in Courage: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier

Women’s History Month bonus!

COVER REVEAL!

The gorgeous and creative cover for CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER is out in the world!

Yes! Another revolutionary woman! REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT (released 2/1/22) is set at the opening of the American Revolution, and Deborah Sampson’s story takes place during the last 2 years of the war.

I discovered Deborah Sampson’s story a few years ago and considered it briefly. But I put it aside, unsure if it was a story I f...

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Published on March 20, 2022 14:00

March 18, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “One Research Dive, Two Books” by Meeg Pincus

Who doesn’t love a 2-for-1 deal?! If you’re really lucky, the solution to your story idea that results in “too much information” just might be two books! Kid lit writer Meeg Pincus was paying attention and, in solving her manuscript problem, found two “solutions”!

And we have a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of MAKE WAY FOR ANIMALS!

Congratulations to Linda Skeers who won a copy of TO THE FRONT! in the giveaway from Christopher Cyr! 

Make Way for Animals_cover“One Research Dive, Two Books...

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Published on March 18, 2022 05:00

March 11, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “Face to Face with Clara Barton” by Christopher Cyr

As a child, I read a biography about Clara Barton. In those days bios were “MG” books with possibly a couple line drawings, but otherwise, no illustrations. Wow! have bios for children changed! Now we have incredible art to bring stories of people from the past to life. And the new bio of Clara Barton, TO THE FRONT! CLARA BARTON BRAVES THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM written by Claudia Friddell and illustrated by Christopher Cyr, is gorgeous!  I LOVE this post in which illustrator Christopher Cyr shares ...

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Published on March 11, 2022 04:01

March 4, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “Collaborating with Kids in Writing a Nonfiction Picture Book”  by Christy Mihaly

We’ve got a really special post today on the collaboration between an author and students. Christy Mihaly shares how THE SUPREME COURT AND US sprang from this partnership. And to celebrate US History in the classroom, we’re teaming up for a special 2-BOOK GIVEAWAY for educators and librarians!

There are multiple ways to enter the EDUCATOR / LIBRARIAN 2-BOOK USHistory GIVEAWAY of THE SUPREME COURT & US + REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT. (Winner announced 3/11, US addresses)

On Twitter accounts @CM...
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Published on March 04, 2022 05:00

February 25, 2022

Mining for Heart: “Writing About Historical Events: 3 Tips for Adding Heart” by Jill Esbaum

Jill Esbaum is one of the incredible children’s authors I met at my first writing retreat. She shared her knowledge, encouraged us, and made me think this crazy writing for children idea just might be possible. I’m grateful to know Jill and excited to share this post about crafting heart in her fabulous new release, JACK KNIGHT’S BRAVE FLIGHT—HOW ONE GUTSY PILOT SAVED THE U.S. AIR MAIL SERVICE. 

Jill is also offering a giveaway! Leave a comment after the post for a chance to win a copy of JACK K...

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Published on February 25, 2022 04:00

February 18, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “The Dive and Soar of Picture Book Writing” by Brooke Hartman

I doubt I’m the only one who has received feedback that a story is “flat.” In this post, Brooke Hartman shares how she enhanced the highs and lows, the dive and soar, to bring emotional impact to the pages of her two upcoming releases. 

AND Brooke is offering a fabulous GIVEAWAY: signed copied of her 4 books, plus swag! Just leave a comment after the post for a chance to win.

Congratulations to Marla Yablon  – you’ve won a copy of The Leaping Laddoo from Harshita Jerath!

Brooke and Craig's Rehearsal Dinner

The Dive and Soar of pi...

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Published on February 18, 2022 05:21

February 11, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “From Life to Story: Connecting Cultures” by Harshita Jerath

I’ve always been a fan of familiar stories told through other cultures. Harshita Jerath as created a delightful new version of the familiar Gingerbread Man by shifting the setting to India. Here she tells how that idea sprang from real life experiences and her efforts to connect her children to her native land. 

Harshita is offering a GIVEAWAY! A copy of her debut picture book, THE LEAPING LADDOO. Just leave a comment below for a chance to win. 

“From Life to Story: Connecting Cultures” by Hars...

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Published on February 11, 2022 04:45

February 4, 2022

Especially for Educators: “A Treasure Trove for Teaching Writing” by Julie Danneberg

Julie Danneberg’s post has inspired me to add a NEW CATEGORY to my blog! From the start, my intent with this blog was to offer quality content for kid lit creators, and also for educators. So many of us kid lit people are/were educators inspired to write by our experiences in the classroom. Much of what we share is meaningful to those who teach writing and students of all ages. I’ll let Julie explain the potential she sees for using blog posts featuring real-world writing experiences in the clas...

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Published on February 04, 2022 04:53

January 28, 2022

Behind the Scenes: “Designing the Cover” by Susan Reagan

It’s truly special when I get to share a post from an illustrator who brought my words to life on the page. The illustration process is fascinating to me! I’m so grateful for Susan Reagan’s gorgeous work. And for her willingness to share a piece of her process here—the cover! The crucial cover! Think about how often you pick up or put down a book based on the cover. I loved learning about her process! 

We’re celebrating the Feb. 1 release of REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOM...

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Published on January 28, 2022 05:08