Beth Anderson's Blog, page 6

Mining for Heart: “Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life” by Randi Sonenshine

That sneaky octopus has been hiding for a day or two, but fear not…author Randi Sonenshine is here with a post on how she lured that fascinating and elusive creature out with lyrical nonfiction! 

Randi’s offering a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of THE DEN THAT OCTOPUS BUILT!

Congrats to Jolene Gutiérrez, winner of a signed copy of ÁNH’S NEW WORD from Hanh Bui! 

Lyrical Nonfiction: The Heartbeat of My Writing Life

by Randi Sonenshine

When I was growing up, we ow...

Mining for Heart: “Write the Stories Only You Can Tell” by Hanh Bui

I spent my teaching career teaching English to students like young Hanh Bui, hoping that they would find their voice in a new language, hoping they would share their stories one day. Stories like Hanh’s touch my heart, and I’m so glad she’s found a way to bring her experiences to others who will be enriched by reading them. Here she explains her process of “mining” her memories. 

GIVEAWAY! One lucky person who leaves a comment below will win a signed copy of ÁNH’S NEW WORD by Hanh Bui.

Write the...

Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

Henry Herz tackles some difficult topics, like smoke and gravity. Here he explains his three-pronged approach to I AM GRAVITY, his new release. And I have to say, not only was the text lyrical and engaging, and the illustrations downright gorgeous, it’s pretty mind blowing to consider the vast impact of gravity— so much more than what keeps us from floating off into space. 

Congratulations to Maureen Egan , winner of LEAFY LANDMARKS from Michelle Schaub! 

Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here

by ...

Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub

When I read LEAFY LANDMARKS by Michelle Schaub, I was amazed by the layers! Not only all the research and multiple angles, but also an incredible poetry collection! Such a great book for the classroom! Michelle is here to share how the layers of her manuscript grew over time as she persevered to publishing. 

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of LEAFY LANDMARKS from Michelle. 

Congratulations to Kim Larson, winner of UNICYCLE DAD from Sarah Hovorka!!

Leafy Landmarks: The...

Behind the Scenes: “Writing Childhood Stories for the Modern Market” by Sarah Hovorka

Setting is a key piece of story. For me, it requires lots of research. For author Sarah Hovorka, writing a fictional story based on a childhood memory, it required an awareness of how times have changed. Sarah offers a few examples, and …

a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment below the post for a chance to win a copy of UNICYCLE DAD!

Congratulations to Laura Perdew, winner of BIRD GIRL: GENE STRATTON-PORTER SHARES HER LOVE OF NATURE WITH THE WORLD! from Jill Esbaum!

Writing Childhood Stories...

Mining for Heart: “Discovering a Kindred Spirit” by Jill Esbaum

I wonder if we all have a childhood passion sleeping inside of us just waiting to be awakened. For Jill Esbaum, this was her personal connection, her way into a story about Gene Stratton-Porter. With this post and this gorgeous new book, Jill will have all of us thinking about revisiting long ago  joys.

We have a GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of BIRD GIRL: GENE STRATTON-PORTER SHARES HER LOVE OF NATURE WITH THE WORLD!

Congratulations to Elizabeth Volkmann, winner of...

Behind the Scenes: “Waking the Muse for WAKE UP, WOODLANDS” by Karen Jameson

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of WAKE UP, WOODLANDS! from Karen Jameson.

Congratulations to Teresa Robeson, winner of one of Melissa’s Mwai’s 2024 DK series books coming out this year and a 30-min Ask-Me-Anything session!

Waking the Muse for WAKE UP, WOODLANDS

By Karen Jameson

My picture book, WOODLAND DREAMS, released from Chronicle Kids in October, 2020, to great reviews, a Kirkus star and even a write up in the NY Times! It had sold multiple foreign edition...

Behind the Scenes: “The Mysterious World of Work-for-Hire Early Readers” by Melissa H. Mwai

Today we get a peek into the world of work-for-hire early readers with Melissa H. Mwai. Along with essential info for people interested in breaking into writing for children via work-for-hire, she also shares links to resources and more specifics to explore.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of one of Melissa’s DK series books coming out this year: A PUERTO RICAN CHILDHOOD (April 2024), HARLEM RENAISSANCE (June 2024), or  HISTORY OF JAZZ (September 2024) AND a 30-min...

Behind the Scenes: “Making Marketing Fun – From Facebook Post to Podcast in Under 12 Months” by Gina Soldano-Herrle

Many people are surprised to learn that much of the marketing for children’s books is placed in the laps of authors and illustrators. For most of us, it’s daunting and uncomfortable. But Gina Soldano-Herrle has made it fun, and she’s here to share how she discovered this piece of her journey.

GIVEAWAY! Gina is offering a 30-minute Ask Me Anything about online marketing. Comment below for a chance to win!

Congratulations to Michelle Steinberg, winner of Vivian Kirkfield’s giveaway: 30-mi...

Especially for Educators: “Using Picture Books Across Curriculum Subjects in Every Grade Level” by Vivian Kirkfield

Vivian Kirkfield, one of the kid lit community’s most energetic encouragers, has a new book hitting bookstores—and wow! it’s a powerful story beautifully told! PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: ANNIE LONDONDERRY, THE FIRST WOMAN TO CYCLE AROUND THE WORLD will inspire and bring history alive for all ages. Like Vivian, I’m a former teacher who’s a firm believer in the power of picture books, a.k.a. illustrated texts, and all they offer to reinforce and introduce content area skills and concepts, whether on t...