Sunflowers Grow, a Fall Writing Frenzy Example for 2020 by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Sunflowers Grow by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez Even sunflowers endure shadows. That doesn't stop the bee from visiting. Even the happiest people endure pain. That doesn't stop us from growing. Our perfect vision of the future may be spotted and marred and yet… We keep going. We keep striving. And reaching. For the sun. Through the … Continue reading Sunflowers Grow, a Fall Writing Frenzy Example for 2020 by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez →

Fall Writing Frenzy 2020 is almost here!

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, I'm jumping with excitement today because the Fall Writing Frenzy is back! If you participated last year, thank you SO much for making it such an amazing event and creating such a beautiful community. If you haven't participated before, you are in for an even bigger treat than free candy … Continue reading Fall Writing Frenzy 2020 is almost here! →

Review of While We Can’t Hug

Hedgehog and Tortoise can't hug, but they can show each other how much they care in other ways. An important book right now with our social distancing world as well as a beautiful reminder of what friendship means.

Author Interview and GIVEAWAY with Beth Anderson about her newest picture book: “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses

"To make a nonfiction story more than a “report,” you need to find what I call the “heart” of the story"--Beth Anderson

Author Interview and Giveaway with Tammi Sauer about her newest picture book THE FARM THAT MAC BUILT

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, Get ready for a good, old-fashioned hoe-down today because we get the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Tammi Sauer about her new picture book that just released this week: THE FARM THAT MAC BUILT! Kaitlyn: Hi, Tammi, thanks so much for joining us today! Tammi: Thank YOU for having … Continue reading Author Interview and Giveaway with Tammi Sauer about her newest picture book THE FARM THAT MAC BUILT →

Book Birthday Interview and Giveaway with Debut Author Candy Wellins

For Candy's book birthday: "We started the morning with a batch of Grandma Stella’s cinnamon rolls (recipe available on my website http://www.candywellins.com) to enjoy for breakfast. Later today, I’m doing a Zoom party with a few close friends. I’m doing a bigger virtual book launch on September 5 through The Writing Barn, a local writer’s retreat where I first began my author journey 4 ½ years ago. Anyone is welcome to attend this free event (https://www.thewritingbarn.com/class/free-book-launch-celebration-with-candy-wellins-kirsti-call-online/) I’m teaming up with author Kirsti Call and her new book MOOTILDA’S BAD MOOD. We’ll be discussing BIG emotions in books for little people. "

Author Interview and GIVEAWAY with author Lauren Kerstein about her picture book coming out Sept 1st!

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, SPLASH! I hope you’re all getting some water fun this summer. If you are, this post is going to be awesome. If you haven’t gotten any swim time in, this will be extra fun for you, because you can IMAGINE you are! BUT that’s not all! This is a double … Continue reading Author Interview and GIVEAWAY with author Lauren Kerstein about her picture book coming out Sept 1st! →

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Hey Math is Everywhere Readers,

Check out my post on Donna Martin’s blog on ways to get kids reading!

Tell me in the comments what you’re doing to encourage reading, or the hard times you’re having with this or the tricks I’ve shared that you’d like to try!

Happy Friday!

Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Story Catcher Publishing

kaitlyn

Creative Ways to Get Your Kids Reading

by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

For a while when my daughter was two, she didn’t want to sit still for a book but she LOVED baths. She didn’t want to get out, in fact. So one day I decided I’d bring some books to the bathroom and read to her there. She was already sitting in one place, and I needed something to occupy me when she kept asking to stay in longer. Bonus: a way to get her out was to say, “Okay, one more story, and it’s time to get out.” Boom!

Creative ways to get your kids reading can be hard to come by, so hopefully some of these will spark something for you and your family.

Another thing that’s worked really well for us is to get books that are about the shows or movies my daughter loves. I know…

View original post 535 more words

COVER REVEAL and GIVEAWAY with Debut Author Katie Frawley for Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places

"I can’t believe I’m finally sharing the cover of my debut picture book with the world! GAHH!!!!" --Katie Frawley

Author Interview and Giveaway about Lake Fun Interactive Book by Rinda Beach

Hey Math is Everywhere Readers, It's summertime! I know some of us aren't quite sure because we're still staying home due to COVID-19, but some are taking trips to the lake, or wishing they could, and this book, LAKE FUN FOR YOU AND ME, is for you all! Kaitlyn: Thanks for joining us today to … Continue reading Author Interview and Giveaway about Lake Fun Interactive Book by Rinda Beach →

The Picture Book Mechanic Editing Services

Believe it or not, when I ask a writer what they are trying to say with their story, they often can’t answer. This is an important question.--Lynne Marie

Free Access to “How to Stand Out in the Query Trenches Webinar”

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers and Kidlit Zombie Week Friends, By now you may have heard that the very generous and creative Kailei Pew has invited me to do a webinar to help send African American writers and illustrators to the SCBWI conference this summer. I made one request of her: Can I give a … Continue reading Free Access to “How to Stand Out in the Query Trenches Webinar” →

BulletProof Pitching Guest Post by Jocelyn Rish for #KidlitZombieWeek

If you want more information about writing pitches, I have a series of videos with more examples in my Facebook group Transmedia Mutts - Helping Writers Unleash Their Creative Bark (https://www.facebook.com/groups/transmediamutts/). Come join us! --Jocelyn Rish

The Anatomy of a Manuscript Resurrection: An Analogy #KidlitZombieWeek

"Remember: this story is special. You wrote it for a reason. And it will be so happy to see you when you dust it off and pull it out to be revived." --Kaitlyn Leann

Interview and QUADRUPLE Giveaway with Illustrator Nusha Ashjaee about the LyricPop Picture Book she illustrated

No matter how bad things are or how low and sad you are at the moment, just know that the feeling is temporary and that good days and joy will come again. While you may not completely get “over” your hardships, you’ll be able to know how to live with it and even appreciate the way it has shaped you.--Nusha about "Don't Stop"

Closing to Submissions Wednesday!

Wow, wow, WOW! You have all blown me away with your outpouring of love, support, and queries. On this first day, I received over 100 queries! Therefore, I will close to unsolicited submissions on Wednesday at 11:59 PM PST. Unsolicited queries submitted after this time will unfortunately be deleted. I'm absolutely elated to see so … Continue reading Closing to Submissions Wednesday! →

Open to Submissions!

Hi all, I have some FANTASTIC news! I am now officially an Associate Agent at Olswanger Literary! So to celebrate, as of today, June 14, 2020, I am open to submissions from kidlit writers! To submit, please check out my Literary Submissions page. I'm so excited to see some wonderful stories hit my inbox soon! … Continue reading Open to Submissions! →

Special Compare and Contrast Interview with Teresa Robeson!

But for both books, the end hope is really the same: I want them to reach a wide audience so that people who normally don’t care for science might see the human side of it, and people who know nothing about Chinese-Americans or Chinese culture can learn more about it. --Teresa Robeson

Author Amanda Jackson on Starting a Freelance Picture Book Editing Business and Critique GIVEAWAY

I just adore picture books. As writers, we wrap our hearts up in these stories - it's such a privilege for me to be able to help other writers along their way.

Author Interview with Melissa Stewart about her upcoming middle-grade book Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses

Every time I read an article or hear an idea that fits one of my categories, I add it to the designated folder. Over time, the information adds up, and eventually I may have enough information to start writing.

Book Birthday Celebration and GIVEAWAY for SUPERHEROES DON’T BABYSIT by Amber Hendricks

superhero sister in mask looking at brother

Hi Math is Everywhere Readers, Today is SUPER special because we’re celebrating Amber Henricks' newest picture book that was released yesterday! And it’s about superheroes!! Note: this celebration was supposed to happen yesterday, but out of respect for #BlackoutTuesday, we postponed it. Now put on your super hero masks and get ready for some fun … Continue reading Book Birthday Celebration and GIVEAWAY for SUPERHEROES DON’T BABYSIT by Amber Hendricks →

Interview and GIVEAWAY with debut MG Author A.S. Mackey

No matter what genre you write, you’ll need to read LOTS and LOTS of books in that genre to know what you can offer that is different or better. Spend time in bookstores and libraries. What’s missing on your favorite shelf? What’s an angle or perspective that isn’t out there?

Debut Author-Illustrator Interview and GIVEAWAY with Korrie Leer

First came the boxes. Then the baby. Then the loud, nonstop crying! Desperate to get away, new big sister Cassie climbs into one of the empty boxes and sets off. She drives, she sails, and she soars...but she still hears whimpers. How far will Cassie have to go to finally get some peace and quiet? Perfect for families with new babies, this imaginative picture book lets big siblings escape--and makes them want to come back.

Author Interview with Heather Macht about her newest picture book Rex the…We-Don’t-Know

Don’t give up. I know that’s so cliche, but seriously...just don’t. If you have the drive and the passion, keep to it! Don’t let bad news along the way keep you from moving forward. This journey is filled with rejections and heartache. BUT it’s also filled with so many rewarding moments, too, that overshadow the bad.

Author and Illustrator Interview with Lou and Julia about their newest picture book Calm Down, Zebra

cover with cartoon zebra and boy and girl

It has been really fun and has made me realise all sorts of subconscious things about the story writing process in general and my adventures with Julia, Zebra and Annie in particular. --Lou about this lovely interview

Interview and GIVEAWAY with Debut Author Karla Valenti

Karla Valenti has created an exciting and innovative way of reading about important people in STEM. Kids and teachers are going to eat this up for its inventive analogy and entertaining storytelling. And BONUS, they'll be enjoying learning! --Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Spring Fling Kidlit SURPRISE!

Hi Spring Fling Kidlit Participants, In true kidlit fashion, Ciara and I have a last-minute surprise for you! Our deliberations have been intense, and we just couldn’t stop at 19 prizes. Lucky for us, the amazingly generous Ellen Leventhal stepped up and is offering a picture book critique. Please make sure to show her all … Continue reading Spring Fling Kidlit SURPRISE! →

Author Interview and Giveaway with Pat Zietlow Miller for Her New Book: My Brother the Duck

My mom simply said, “You’ve done hard things before.” That really hit home with me. I thought, “I have done hard things.” So now, when I start feeling like something won’t happen, I remember what my mom said and dig back in to the work.

Author Interview with Sue Fliess about her newest picture book The Princess and the Petri Dish

cover of The Princess and the Petri Dish with girl scientist

I was struggling to find the real story--and to streamline it. Then my critique group called for an intervention and encouraged me to write it in rhyme, mainly just to boil the story down to its essence, and go from there. Fortunately, when I did this, it became my story!

Spring Fling Kidlit Update Twitter Chats

Hi Spring Fling Kidlit Participants, Ciara and I are really enjoying all your phenomenal stories, thank you so much for sharing them with us and connecting with each other! If you want some extra fun while we read through the entries, we're having Craft Chats, Writing Exercises, and Prize Donor Trivia on Twitter under the … Continue reading Spring Fling Kidlit Update Twitter Chats →