Beth Anderson's Blog, page 2

Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 3” by Beth Anderson

I felt like this last part should be titled “From whence it came and where it goes,” but that just seemed a bit unwieldy. Every manuscript I tackle teaches me more about researching, so I often add a note on what was special in the back matter—sometimes a short note, sometimes longer. It’s valuable for kids to see the process in action and how a story emerges from books, documents, and more. And just like that research launched the book, back matter often shares extensions to launch kids into ne...

Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 2” by Beth Anderson

Though much of the fascinating information I glean from research never makes it into the story, some of it earns a place in back matter if it has the potential to engage and benefit educators, librarians, parents, and, most of all, young readers. Images and graphics are always a favorite!

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered for winner’s choice of my titles. ALSO let me know if you share on social media or with teachers for extra entries. AND if you ARE an active educator, please not...

Especially for Educators: “Back Matter Bounty for the Classroom: Part 1” by Beth Anderson

As I worked on the back matter for what hopefully is book number twelve, I thought about all the fabulous kinds of information that awaits teachers in these often overlooked sections. I’ve explored back matter in posts and gatherings for writers, but I’ve never done it from an educator perspective. SO… I decided it was time to remedy that with a BACK TO SCHOOL series focused on the endless potential of back matter contained in illustrated texts (AKA picture books)!

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment ...

Especially for Educators: “Creative Collaboration” by Teresa Robeson

I was so surprised to learn about author Teresa Robeson’s experience creating DISGUSTOLOGY: THE SCIENCE OF GROSS because it’s the opposite of the usual way authors, illustrators, and publishers work together. And what a great idea to share this collaborative process for use in the classroom to practice communication, creative thinking, and working in partnerships!

GIVEAWAY! For a chance to win a copy of DISGUSTOLOGY, just leave a comment after the post!

Congratulations to Donna Gwinnell La...

Behind the Scenes: “Using Timelines to Focus a Conservation Narrative” by Darcy Pattison

Ah, so much fascinating research, and so limited story space! Prolific author Darcy Pattison shares how she organized and focused NOT EXTINCT: THE PRZEWALSKI’S HORSE RETURNS FROM EXTINCT IN THE WILD, an amazing story with a ride range of appeal.

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing to win a copy of NOT EXTINCT!

Congrats to Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner, winner of THE MYSTERIOUS VIRGINIA HALL, WORLD WAR II’S MOST DANGEROUS SPY from Claudia Friddell.

Using Timelin...

Behind the Scenes: “Making it Personal: Interviewing Relatives of Historical Subjects” by Claudia Friddell

Writers often ask how to go about interviewing someone connected to the subject of a biography. The opportunity is golden, and…very intimidating! In this post, author Claudia Friddell shares her process of preparing for an interview with relatives of Virginia Hall, as well as conducting it. The book is fabulous! And so are her tips!

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of THE MYSTERIOUS VIRGINIA HALL, WORLD WAR II’S MOST DANGEROUS SPY.

Making It Personal: Intervie...

Behind the Scenes: “Using Poetry to Get Unstuck” by Julie Winterbottom

Ah yes, the conundrum of TMI (too much information). I know it well. It’s like you’re a kid in a candy store and can only choose one of the many varieties tempting you. Here’s a wonderful post from Julie Winterbottom on how she drilled down for her focus in MAGIC IN A DROP OF WATER: HOW RUTH PATRICK TAUGHT THE WORLD ABOUT WATER POLLUTION.

GIVEAWAY! You just might win a copy of MAGIC IN A DROP OF WATER if you leave a comment below!

Congratulations to Jilanne Hoffmann, winner of MUD TO THE R...

Behind the Scenes: “Organizing Facts for the Audience and Current Market” by Tanya Konerman

Ah, the fun of mud! But how does one create a viable manuscript with this topic and a pile of information? Like a mudpie, it takes some squishing and slopping and playing around. Here’s a post from author Tanya Konerman detailing her path to MUD TO THE RESCUE!

And don’t miss the GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win your own copy of MUD TO THE RESCUE! HOW ANIMALS USE MUD TO THRIVE AND SURVIVE.

Congratulations to Barbara Kimmel, winner of BUILD A SANDCASTLE by Eileen Rajala Me...

Behind the Scenes: “Finding ‘Something Extra'” by Eileen Rajala Meyer

Writers are always in search of a special way to tell a story or a unique format that serves the topic. In this post, Eileen Rajala Meyer shares the process that led to the final version of BUILD A SANDCASTLE.

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment after the post to be entered in the drawing for a copy of BUILD A SANDCASTLE!

Congrats to Jilanne Hoffmann, winner of FANTASTIC FLORA from Ann McCallum Staats!

Finding “Something Extra” by Eileen Rajala Meyer

First of all, thank you, Beth, for the oppo...

Behind the Scenes: “Crafting an Enticing Opening in Nonfiction” by Ann McCallum Staats

Ah, the HOOK! How can you grab the readers’ attention? Snag their interest? And pull them in to read your work? Hooks are key, but sometimes hard to come up with. Take a read through Ann McCallum’s post to learn four specific ways to create hooks. And then leave a comment to be in the drawing for a…

GIVEAWAY! A comment below gets you a chance to win a copy of FANTASTIC FLORA: THE WORLD’S BIGGEST, BADDEST, AND SMELLIEST PLANTS!

Beyond Once Upon a Time: Crafting an Enticing Opening in Nonfi...