Beth Anderson's Blog, page 13

Behind the Scenes: “Building Layers from Life” by Helen Wu

This week’s guest blogger, Helen H. Wu, shares how she found the layers in TOFU TAKES TIME. When you write from a personal experience, paying attention to emotions and details can contribute to the creation of a multi-layered story.

Helen has a special giveaway, too—a signed bookplate and a limited edition art print! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win! 

Congratulations to Lisa Connors, the winner of a book of choice from Elisa Boxer!

Building the Layers from Life by Helen H. Wu

The ...

Mining for Heart: “Finding the Manuscript’s Mission” by Elisa Boxer

Welcome Elisa Boxer, and thank you for this wonderful post with another way of viewing the HEART of a story! 

Giveaway! Elisa is offering a signed copy of one of her books—your choice! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win!

Congratulations to Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner, winner of FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE from my post last week!

Finding the Manuscript’s Mission byElisa Boxer

In One Turtle’s Last Straw, what began as a story about ocean pollution became a story about the power o...

Behind the Scenes: “Building Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine”

This post is another in my author’s journey. Though my initial attraction to Franz Gsellmann’s story came from the child within, and the writing brought more layers of connection, as I reflect back on it now, I’ve found something deeper. 

To celebrate the release of FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE, we’ve got a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of the book, illustrated by Caroline Hamel, from Kids Can Press. 

The winner of SO MUCH MORE TO HELEN! from Meeg Pincus’ po...

Behind the Scenes: “Building Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine

This post is another in my author’s journey. Though my initial attraction to Franz Gsellmann’s story came from the child within, and the writing brought more layers of connection, as I reflect back on it now, I’ve found something deeper. 

To celebrate the release of FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE, we’ve got a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of the book, illustrated by Caroline Hamel, from Kids Can Press. 

The winner of SO MUCH MORE TO HELEN! from Meeg Pincus’ po...

Mining for Heart: “Finding a Fresh Angle on a Famous Figure” by Meeg Pincus

I remember being amazed by Helen Keller’s story as a child. Such a fascinating person! It’s no surprise we have multiple books on her for children…so do we need more? Absolutely! But not more of the same. Finding a fresh angle is part of the challenge when writing about such a major figure. Here Meeg Pincus shares how she found a different angle and the heart of SO MUCH MORE TO HELEN! THE PASSIONS AND PURSUITS OF HELEN KELLER. 

And we have a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below for a chance to w...

Behind the Scenes: “Walking the Rhyme” by Lynn Becker

No doubt the reason most editors say “no rhyming books” is due to the fact that rhyme is so difficult to do well. When Lynn Becker said she “walked out the rhymes” as she wrote her debut picture book MONSTERS IN THE BRINY,” I asked her to share that in a blog post. All that walking paid off! In a glowing review,  Kirkus notes “the perfectly scanned rhymes” and says “This catchy read-aloud demands to be sung at the top of your lungs.” 

And Lynn’s offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment after the...

Mining for Heart with…Puns?! by Kimberly Wilson

As a word nerd, I enjoy puns, idioms, and all sorts of word play when I write. And sometimes it’s easy to get carried away. There’s a delicate balance and lots to consider. Here, Kimberly Wilson shares her process of making choices with word play in her debut picture book, A PENNY’S WORTH. Read on to learn how each word requires thought and  must serve the story.

Kimberly is offering a giveaway! Just leave a comment below for a chance to win your very own copy of A PENNY’S WORTH. 

Congratulations...

Mining for Heart: “Weaving in the Story’s Layers” by Elizabeth Brown

I met Elizabeth Brown at a nonfiction retreat in 2016, and, in a round table session with an editor, I saw the beginning of this story. I’m so thrilled it’s now as a picture book! Thank you, Elizabeth for sharing your process of ensuring the balance of layers while also keeping your focus.

And Elizabeth is offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment after the post for a chance to win a copy of LIKE A DIAMOND IN THE SKY!

Congrats to Sarah Meade, winner of THE WISH THAT GOT AWAY by Christine Evans!

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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! 

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...

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...