Shows
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAccepting Imperfection and Embracing Courage with Author Gabriella AldemanPlease welcome author Gabriella Aldeman to the show!
Some Highlights:
Nerding out about language.
Writing in English when it’s your second language.
Joining a professional kidlit organization as a translator and getting inspired to write her own stories.
A love of writing.🖋️
“Embracing imperfection is the first step towards having courage.”
Abuela’s talkative parrot in her latest book.🦜
Celebrating mistakes along your learning journey.💃💃💃💃
The joy and energy in author visits.
The options clause–pay attention to it! You can n...
2025-01-1733 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteNurturing Your Soul with Writing and Zombie Manuscripts with Author Jolene GutiérrezPlease welcome author Jolene Gutiérrez to the show! Her latest book, Mamiachi and Me just released on January 7. Congratulations, Jolene! And grab your copy now while it’s still hot off the press!♨️🔥📚📚
Some Highlights:
Publishing her first books on her teacher’s typewriter in elementary school.
Denise Vega’s author visit at Jolene’s school in 2008 and the spark it ignited.
–“If you want to be a writer, why aren’t you now? Why not today?”
Nurturing your soul with writing. Do something for yourself before anyone else.
Following what br...
2025-01-0935 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteLifelong Critique Partners and Tangible Joy with Author Christine EvansPlease welcome author Christine Evans to the show! Christine and I met in 12x12 and this episode has been a long time coming–thank you all for your patience!!
Some Highlights:
The perfect time to start a new career–when you have small children.😂
Growing up reading classics, not knowing “author” was a real job one could do.
Starting with picture books before moving on to chapter books.
Starting with Googling–highly underrated.
Lifelong critique partners.
The joy of reading the story you wrote aloud to young list...
2025-01-0426 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAuthor Rachel Funez on Neurodivergence, Wordplay, and Super Duper DisastersPlease welcome author Rachel Funez to the show! Her recent release, Sonia and the Super Duper Disaster, illustrated by Kelly Kennedy came out in July of this year. I met Rachel through the Rocky Mountain chapter of the SCBWI where she is very active as the critique coordinator and doing so many fabulous things. Please enjoy!
Some Highlights:
Mysteries, puns, and wordplay.
Putting yourself out there as neurodivergent.
The necessity of community.♥️
Life coaches for writers.🖊️
Enjoy the ride–enjoy the process.
All the many things she...
2024-11-1117 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAuthor Illustrator Meg Auchenbach on Wild Acorns and Character WorldsI hope you enjoy this episode with author illustrator Meg Auchenbach. It was such a delight to hear about her artistic journey and the inspiration behind her book, If You Are an Artist. Please enjoy!💃💃💃💃
Some Highlights:
Drawing on the family dog…with markers.🐕
Nerding out about meditation and mindfulness.
What would your character wear? Read?
What does your character’s world look like to them?
Processing emotions through stories as a kid.
Be patient. Take your time learning the craft. There’s no reason to race t...
2024-11-0521 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAuthor Leslie Eva Tayloe on Invasive Vines and Patience as a PracticePlease welcome author Leslie Eva Tayloe to the show today! In this episode we talk about inspiration, patience, community, and more. Enjoy!!🎧🎧🎧
Some Highlights:
Stories developing from one sentence.
Inspiration from life experience.
Finding strength and connection through community.♥️📚
Staying in motion, keep going–if you face an obstacle, work on another aspect of author life.
Learning to write in new genres.
“I think forming a story is a type of craft.”
Developing patience–it’s crucial as a writer but also so hard!
Don’t hit the...
2024-10-2825 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAuthor Emily Dangremond on Mangrove Forests, Plant Literacy, and TreesPlease welcome author Emily Dangremond to the show today! Talking with her is always a joy and I could seriously talk to her for hours on end about trees, consciousness, and more.
I hope you enjoy hearing what she has to say and it gives your day a boost. You are here. You are a writer. You don’t need to wait for it to be in your job title. 💜
Highlights:
Increasing plant literacy.🌱🌲🌼
The difference between knowing flowers versus the trees in your neighborhood.
Dutchman’s Breeches–the flower, and other f...
2024-10-1932 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAuthor-Illustrator Jena Benton on Oral Storytelling, Jungle Fowl, and More!Today’s guest is author-illustrator Jena Benton. Talking with her was so inspiring, I had to stop myself from writing down everything she said as a quote to share. Please enjoy her love of language, books, Alaska, community, and creativity.
Some Highlights:
The impact teachers can have early on, whether to encourage or discourage our creativity.
Writing play manuscripts in high school.
“Networking is about the friends you make along the way.”
Soundproof kid’s corners for loud reading.
Book recommendation love and kidlit obsession.
Alaskan...
2024-10-1533 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteStacks of Book Recommendations and Owning Your Author Identity with Author Ellen LeventhalPlease put your hands together for kidlit author Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is an author and educator who features other kidlit creators on her blog. She is also a delightful human! Welcome, Ellen! 💃💃💃💃
Some Highlights:
Pull ideas from your experiences, even when they don’t seem important at the time they’re happening.
Using stories to help children through challenging times.
The joy of connecting with kids through stories.📚
Shaping your story through revision, just like you would a lump of clay.
The difference between writing and getting...
2024-10-1136 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteWriting for Joy, Opening Doors to Community, and Hannukah Pajamakkahs with Author Dara HenryPlease welcome Dara Henry to this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write! Her latest picture book, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs is out at a store near you now.
It was so fun hearing about her community involvement and the connections and joy within the writing community. I hope you enjoy!
Some Highlights:
The doors that open when you find your writing community.
Sharing rejections to celebrate actively querying.
Taking a break when facing obstacles. What would we do if we didn’t write?
Writing for joy...
2024-10-0620 min
The Curious Compassionate PodcastHunger Action Month and How to Empower Your Relationship with Food with Author Gina Soldano-HerrleHunger. It’s something all of us feel at some point in our lives but our experiences vary almost infinitely. In this episode of The Curious Compassionate, author Roxanne Chester talks with author Gina Soldano-Herrle about her picture book, Nia’s Rescue Box, and the inspiration behind it.“I wanted to make it as accessible as possible. Everyone’s been hungry before. But there’s a difference between being hungry and being hungry and not knowing the next time you’ll be able to eat again.” – Gina Soldano-HerrleGet ready because we’re going for it–shame...
2024-09-3023 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteLeaning on Writing Community, Pursuing What You Love, and Ladybugs in Space with Author Melissa TrempePlease give a warm welcome to kidlit author Melissa Trempe in today’s episode! Her picture book, Ladybug Launch: Inspired by A True Story of Chinitas in Space co written with Dr. Natalia Ojeda and illustrated by Manuela Montoya came out earlier this year. Enjoy!
Some Highlights:
The joy of morning writing when the world is still asleep.😴
Beautiful biographies to add to your TBR list.📚📚📚
The benefits of Twitter pitch events, writing pitches to improve your writing as a whole. 🖋️
Sharing struggles and successes with a writing debut group.
Walki...
2024-09-2627 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteButterfly Gardening, Silent Films, and Butternut Squash with Author Jill DanaHello and Happy Book Birthday to today’s kidlit author and extra special bonus episode guest, Jill Dana! Her latest book, Butternut and the Flying Butter illustrated by Anusha Santosh releases TODAY!🎂🎉
Some Highlights:
The origin of the name for “German chocolate cake.”
What is butterfly gardening?
Paying attention to what inspires you.
All the different levels of enjoying stories, allowing them to become something new with every reading experience.
Embracing the performative aspect of picture books, they’re often meant to be read aloud.
Viewing pictur...
2024-09-2527 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAlternate Timelines, Writing for Laughs, and Double Debuts with Author-Illustrator Jenny AlvaradoPlease put your digital hands together for kidlit author-illustrator Jenny Alvarado! Her two debut genres came out within the last 10 days and I’m sure she’s in debut overload at the moment. Fortunately, we recorded this months ago! I hope you enjoy hearing our conversation about craft, art, story, inspiration, and alternate timelines.🎧💃
Some Highlights:
Writing with friends in grade school – inspiring each other.✏️
How the writing community can be a great place to connect IRL when working from home.
Sneaking a note to your past self, only without the domino effect on...
2024-09-1918 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteShared Humanity, Powerful Speeches, and Stories of The Unhoused with Author Roxanne ChesterPlease welcome my friend and fellow Picture Book Peep, author Roxanne Chester! If you’re a writer looking for a bit of encouragement, light, and connection, look no further!
Some Highlights:
The joy of community and connection within the writing world.
How stories unite all of us with shared feelings.
Finding a way to forgive yourself when you don’t have the headspace or heartspace to push through and come back to writing afterward.
Being kind to yourself as a writer.
The benefits of creative expression.
Mo...
2024-09-1723 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteRocky Mountain Community and Sartorial Librarians with Author Paul VinelliPlease give a big welcome to one of my favorite kidlit people and dear friend, Paul Vinelli!
Some Highlights:
Bereavement books and crossing genres.
Collaborating with an artist to bring your book to life.
Physically staging the scenes of your book.
Taking a book to an art show.
Finding creative purpose.
Creating the story through staging and writing the text after the images.
What animal would you choose to be you in an anthropomorphic world?
Taking theater production as inspiration for...
2024-09-1039 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteRelinquishing Control, Bilingual Writing, and Boost of Encouragement with Author-Illustrator Lea MaryanowPut your hands together for today’s guest, kidlit author-illustrator Lea Maryanow! I met Lea through 12x12 and had already unknowingly read her beautiful book nearly a year before!
I hope you enjoy our chat and hearing some much needed words of encouragement (speaking for myself here😂).
For a boost to your writing week or season in life, here are a couple quotes from the interview that I might just get embroidered on throw pillows for my office:
“Because I hope that what I have to say, the world needs. And I say that as h...
2024-09-0524 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteInspirational Learning, Dutch Publication, and Science Love with Author Illustrator Molly CranchPlease give a virtual welcome to kidlit author-illustrator Molly Cranch on this special bonus episode!
With her recent picture book debut, Hide and Seek, available on shelves now, it was a delight to hear about her journey as a storyteller, weaving words alongside her illustrations.
More about Hide and Seek: A book about the wondrous camouflage techniques of animals around us. For detectives ages 3 years and up. (Also available in Dutch through Clavis!)
Some Highlights:
Arts integration in curriculum and the intersection between art and science.
Crossing from the...
2024-09-0312 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteThe Art of Eating, Twitter Pitching, and Community with Author Kalee GwarjanskiPlease welcome kidlit author Kalee Gwarjanski to this episode of “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write!”
I loved hearing about Kalee’s experience with the writing community, especially the support within her critique group. We had a lot to talk about from her background as a chef, to engineering, to the book she released this year (more about that below). I hope you enjoy this episode!
Some Highlights:
Personal chef turned kidlit author.🍲📚
Selling a book through Twitter!
Eating, the hidden art that is a part of every person’...
2024-08-2923 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteReading Lists, Brownies, and Books We Love with Author Ronni DiamondsteinPlease welcome author Ronni Diamondstein to this episode of “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write!” 💃💃💃
Ronni was on my blog last year talking about her journey and picture book, Jackie and The Books She Loved illustrated by Bats Langley. You can check out that interview here, but come back here afterwards to check out this continuation for a deeper dive into her writing journey.🎧🎧🎧
Some Highlights:
Her first picture book as an author illustrator–a college project!📕
Building community through writing workshops and open mic nights.🎤
Growing community through book festivals and building a love of writing and...
2024-08-2233 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WritePre-published YA Author Takeover with Anne Hanovich On Mental Thesauri and Writing CommunityPlease welcome to the show, Anne Hanovich! On this episode of Getting to The Heart of Why We Write, we cooked up a pre-published author takeover edition.
Highlights:
I loved chatting with Anne about her writing journey including the first story she wrote which was typed up on a typewriter with construction paper. Use what you got, people! 😂
Using that habit, whether it’s the smell of coffee, a specific chair, or white noise from a cafe, to perk up your brain and get writing. Having done this myself off and on in dif...
2024-08-2125 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteOvercooked Ideas and Writing to Learn What You Want to Know with Author Jessica SpeerPlease welcome author Jessica Speer to this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write! Jessica is such a phenomenal human and I’ve enjoyed every time our paths have crossed in SCBWI events, seeing her present at panels and conferences.
If you ever get the chance, sign up for one of her classes or presentations. Highly highly recommend!💯💯💯💯
Some Highlights:
Where we learn our relationship skills and how fiction can shape them.
Different ways the writing community can connect authors/illustrators/kidlit creators in the publishing world.
When you’re o...
2024-08-1626 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteFairy Tale Guinea Pigs, Kindness, and Encouragement with Author Illustrator Ana VelezPlease welcome author illustrator Ana Velez to the show!!!💃💃💃💃
I was blown away by her retelling of The Three Little Pigs in her book The Three Little Guinea Pigs and The Andean Fox. From the artwork to the beautiful story and characters, kind, encouraging take on a much-loved classic.
I hope you enjoy this episode and Ana’s words of encouragement and inspiration. If you like stories, fairy tales, or unexpected kindness in picture books, this is the interview for you!
Highlights:
Sharing her first stories with her students.
The value of o...
2024-08-1024 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteCo Writing, Diverse Bookshelves, and Finding the Passion to Share Your Story with Author Christine J. KoI am so excited to share this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write with you featuring author Christine J. Ko! She is a part of Picture Book Peeps with me and appears regularly on our shared podcast, The Curious Compassionate.
Please enjoy hearing about her writing journey and her book, Sound Switch Wonder illustrated by Katie Crumpton, which she co wrote with her son, Owen Whang. So cool!
Some Highlights:
“I love books and I think books can change the world. They can change people and by changing people, the...
2024-08-0231 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteBias, Books, and the Bizarre Realities in History with Author Beth AndersonI was so fortunate to meet Beth Anderson through the Rocky Mountain chapter of SCBWI years ago and today I get to share her with all of you!!
Beth is such an encouraging, helpful, and kind presence in the kidlit world. Her blog is a wonderful resource and her books will lead you down all the rabbit holes of history you never knew you needed to explore.
Some Highlights💃:
Encouraged to become a writer by her final class of students. “The surprising reality of the world.”
Picture books are relatable and great to...
2024-07-2632 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteSpace Debris, Planetary Conversations, and Research with author Diana I. Kline, Ph.D.Please welcome to today’s episode author Diana I. Kline, Ph.D. Diana has taught in higher education for over thirty years in a variety of subjects including computer science, psychology, math, and education. While teaching computer science courses, she always reminded her students to recycle old computer equipment; otherwise, those items could remain on this Earth much too long!
I met Diana through the OH Central South SCBWI chapter and was immediately intrigued by her book, A SOLAR SYSTEM CHAT illustrated by Susan and Chris Cornetet which has the earth speak directly to other planets including wha...
2024-07-1824 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAn Inspirational Publishing Journey, Inciting Excitement, and Opening Doors with Author Jessica StremerI’d like to introduce you to author Jessica Stremer for today’s episode! I’ve known Jessica since the very beginning of my kidlit journey. She was part of one of my first critique groups back in 2020. She quite literally helped shape my manuscript for my published picture book and many others.
I had the joy of seeing many of the manuscripts she brought for critiques become published books out in the world including GREAT CARRIER REEF (a NY Public Library Best Book of the Year and JLG Gold Standard selection), LIGHTS OUT: A Movement to Help Mi...
2024-07-1130 min
The Curious Compassionate PodcastFostering Positive Relationships with Nature through Meet the Trees by Emily DangremondIn this episode, Roxanne Chester and Gina Soldano-Herrle talk about co-Picture Book Peep Member Emily Dangremond’s book, Meet the Trees. Emily’s book inspires a personal connection with readers to each of the trees depicted (Juneberry, Aspen, Oak) as their stories unfold.As nature is such a huge force in our world, this conversation serves as more of a spark to alight whichever trail you choose to follow. We cover a wide range of natural relationships from how we feel about the moon to trees and even natural disasters. Find the tornado (or grass...
2024-07-0730 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteCharacter Conversations, Snatches of Time, and Just Getting Started with Author Erin ChesnutPlease welcome author Erin Chesnut to the show! I found Erin through Writer Moms Inc. on Facebook (link is below) and had so much fun talking with her about conversing with characters, choreographing movement, and just sitting down and doing the hardest part of all–writing the words. Please enjoy!Some Highlights:
Experimenting with different styles of writing.
The joy of human interest stories.
Coming to fiction from an investigative journalism career.
Finding those silent snatches of time to work on writing as a parent of small children.
Focusing on 3 sections of writing at a time.
The fu...
2024-07-0428 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteFavorite Sea Monsters, Mythical Moons, and Lullabies with Author Lynn BeckerToday you're in for a mini treat with author Lynn Becker of the musical Monsters in the Briny and magical June Moon!
I've known Lynn for years and she was one of my first guests back when I did these interviews in blog format. So, for a quick update and bonus treat to you listeners, Lynn and I caught up about her journey with her recent release.
Her Books📚:
Monsters in the Briny–A rollicking read aloud with music for 4-8 year olds.
June Moon–A bedtime board book for toddlers and pres...
2024-07-0211 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteStory Seeds, Powerful Words, and Cereal Inspiration with Laura BowerLet’s welcome Laura Bower to the show! I met Laura through 12x12 and other’s I knew in her debut group, PBSOAR24. It was so much fun talking with her about growing the seeds of stories and all the joy there is to find in the kidlit world!
Some Highlights:
The power within words.
Finding her way into children’s writing from the back of a Cheerio box.
The peace of writing outside of our homes (and to do lists).
Finding friends in the writing world.
The joy in connecting with others through stories.
Carving space...
2024-06-2828 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteConnection, Thunderclouds, and The Reality of Writing with Author Leah MoserIn this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leah Moser whose book, I AM A THUNDERCLOUD illustrated by Marie Hermansson, came out with Running Press Kids on April 2, 2024 (also her birthday!!!).🎈🎂
I had so much fun connecting with Leah and talking about the welcoming world of kidlit, the reality of writing as a human person, and more.
Here are some highlights:
The college class that sparked her love for kidlit.
How an ideal writing day differs from the reality of how we get the writing done.☕
The...
2024-06-2120 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteTranscendent Words and Rainbow Cakes with Author Marzieh AbbasPlease welcome the prolific, award-winning, 12x12 webinar presenting author Marzieh Abbas! I met Marzieh through 12x12 and had so much fun talking with her about the transcendence of words and writing across genres. 🖋️
Here are some highlights🌟:
Her writing started as journaling and writing letters to her children in 2019. Her friend told her about how she kept a journal of letters written to her children about all the things she wanted to tell them. So, Marzieh started doing just that!
Marzieh had a professional bakery business before becoming an author.🎂
After winning a scholarship to Children’s Book Academ...
2024-06-1323 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteSelf Publishing Myths, Inspiring Curiosity, and Being A Book Nerd with Lauren RanalliPlease welcome author Lauren Ranalli to the show today! I found Lauren through the kidlit community online and had so much fun talking with her about inspiration, book nerdiness, and all things books and writing. I hope you enjoy the episode!
Some Highlights:
She first started writing stories after her son was born. As an interfaith family, her son was given many Christmas books, but she had a hard time finding any similar titles featuring Hanukkah. And so The Great Latke Cookoff began to take root, later becoming her first published picture book.
A...
2024-06-0625 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteWriter’s Cats, Dangerous Laundry, and Just Doing The Writing with Author Cedar PruittI had so much fun chatting with Cedar about her writing journey and the launch of her recent picture book, Fire Flight illustrated by Chiara Fedele.
Some of the highlights covered:
The benefits of not doing your laundry.
When giving up writing is impossible.
How many rejections is too many? (Spoiler, we can always keep going.)
The beauty of real life and its messiness.
Why you may want to write outside your typical genre.
The supportive writing community, especially kidlit and the wonderful people behind 12x...
2024-05-3131 min
The Curious Compassionate PodcastThe Curious Compassionate Meets Author Christine J. KoWe are so happy to feature one of our own Picture Book Peeps, Christine J. Ko today. She is in conversation with Gina Soldano-Herrle about her book Sound Switch Wonder (coauthored with Owen Whang and illustrated by Katie Crumpton) as well as her writing journey. 🖋️I just wanted a book with a main character with cochlear implants without it being about them being deaf…Just a book with them out there in the world. - Christine J. KoHere are some highlights:* The 5 years it took her from first draft to book!
2024-05-2421 min
The Curious Compassionate PodcastBooks as Bridges with Sound Switch Wonder by Christine J. Ko and Owen WhangIn this episode, Roxanne Chester and Gina Soldano-Herrle talk about co-Picture Book Peep Member Christine J. Ko’s book, Sound Switch Wonder. Christine’s book creates a bridge toward an unhearing experience told through the POV of a boy with cochlear implants (like her son, Owen Whang, also her co-author).We were definitely ambitious in this first episode of The Curious Compassionate. 🏋️We wanted to tackle the idea of using picture books as bridges between different experiences with radical empathy and curious compassion. A bit much for 22 minutes, no?With that said, this is really...
2024-05-2422 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteCore Story Archetypes in Core Connected Marketing with Gina Soldano-HerrleThank you for listening to this bonus mini episode about who I am and what I do as a ghostwriter, author, and core story consultant. If you're interested in hearing more or grabbing some of the free marketing resources I mentioned, here are all the relevant links.
Links:
My Calendar to book a free 20 Minute Strategy call and grab your free copy of my Streamlined Media Strategy Branding Blueprint
My Website
Core Connected Marketing on Substack
2024-05-2106 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteLibrary Families, Chalk Painting, and Ballet with Author Steena HernandezToday I am so pleased to introduce you to author Steena Hernandez. Steena’s debut picture book, Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, illustrated by Melissa Castillo is coming out with Beaming Books on October 22, 2024.
It was a joy to talk with Steena and I can’t thank her enough for being on the show. Here are some highlights:
The joy of being a library family and sharing that time together, picking whatever book your heart desires.
The overwhelming generosity found within the kidlit world.
The beauty of the two way street one can...
2024-05-1727 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteCurses, Bookworms, and Screenwriting with Author Megan WoodwardToday, I have a fun interview for you with author Megan Woodward. Her upcoming debut picture book, This Book is Definitely Not Cursed, illustrated by Risa Rodil is available for pre-order now and hitting shelves near you on June 25, 2024.
We talked about all sorts of fun things like hugging trees, making fools of ourselves reading books, the compulsion to write, and what it’s like to juggle writing in several genres at a time.
She has an exciting new newsletter where you can find out fun stuff about curses, get writing advice, and hear some hi...
2024-05-1026 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteTelekinesis, Tree-hugging, and Collaboration with Author LD GreenToday I have the pleasure of talking with author LD Green. I met LD through Kids Comics Unite (a super fun community for comic and word nerds/creators, linked below). Immediately I felt like we could have talked for hours about all the things! We talk about all sorts of things in today’s episode from tree-hugging to word clouds, so please enjoy!
Some highlights:
The slam poetry world
Collaborating with other authors
Parallel writing/working with author friends
Telekinesis stories
Advocacy through writing–being an artivist (my ne...
2024-05-0231 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteStory Cravings, Wonder Walls, and A Little Bit of Everything with Meghana NarayanToday we’re in for a treat with abstract artist and children’s book author Meghana Narayan, of the newly released A Little Bit of Everything illustrated by Michelle Carlos.
Meghana and I cover a lot of ground from what apps we use to catch random ideas to the magic of sharing parts of yourself through your writing.
Grab a cup of tea, settle in and enjoy the episode! 🙂
Highlights:
She’s spent a lifetime crafting stories, since she was a child.
The origin of her debut picture book as a love...
2024-04-2632 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteUnexpected Riches in Life and Literature with C.S. BoyllToday I’d like to welcome C.S. Boyll to the show! This week on “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write,” Cindy and I talk about everything from kidnapped midwives to Cincinnati Ohio chili.
It was so much fun talking with Cindy who has been writing across genres for many years. I love meeting other multi-genre writers and hearing about their journeys and passion for different projects!
I was lucky enough to connect with Cindy through the Rocky Mountain SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and was happy to find out our pa...
2024-04-1824 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteChoosing Paths through Obstacles and Loving Planners with Jessica SantiestebanPlease welcome Jessica Santiesteban to “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write!” Today we are hosting an illustrator takeover edition.
Jessica and I talk about her background in art and story. After having her first art show at 21, she later had her daughters and from there grew the seed of inspiration that sparked her first story.
She published her first book, My Favorite Fairy, originally in Spanish before later translating it into English. Her recent book which she illustrated is Always Flying Bobby written by C.S. Boyll.
If you’re anything like me...
2024-04-1131 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteAcadia Editing Services' Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. Fights Red Pen Phobia and, Embraces Editing JoyPlease join me in welcoming Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. of Acadia Editing Services to the show! Paulina has 15+ years of experience and so much to share, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Here are some highlights of things we talked about:
The joy in exploring new subjects through copy editing, learning something new each time a manuscript comes across your desk.
Mohawk artist Shelley Niro and other inspiring subjects.
How even though it’s scary to start a new career, we can do scary things....
2024-04-0525 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteLiving Seasons and Loving Books with Author Jo RenfroPlease join me in welcoming Jo Renfro to “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write” in today’s episode! You may notice today’s show is out on a Friday instead of a Thursday–we’ve got the cold season blowing through my house so we’re moving a bit slower in general.
It’s giving me a chance to practice being patient through this season of life, just like Jo advises in the episode!
Jo is the author and illustrator of the picture book, Peg Gets Crackin’. Peg’s adventures will continue, just as Jo’s own adventure...
2024-03-2921 minGetting to The Heart of Why We WritePrancing with Sleeping Beauty and Other Inspirational Tales with Stacy JubaI couldn’t be more excited to introduce Stacy Juba to you today. She has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. Stacy is an author, editor, and teacher with 30 years of experience.
Here are some highlights from our chat:
How she learned over many years to refill her creative well with meditation, yoga, reading, and jigsaw puzzles with a partner.
Finding inspiration from all the different corners of daily life from flag etiquette to theme park princesses.
The importance of ergonomics.
How Oracle cards are dif...
2024-03-2128 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteBetter Than Fiction Characters and Crucial Community with Wendy C. GoldsteinHello, story nerds! Today’s guest on Getting to The Heart of Why We Write is Wendy C. Goldstein. Wendy’s recent book, Oscar’s Blue Bandana, is the true story of her dog, Oscar, earning his blue bandana as a therapy dog.
I met Wendy through the kidlit world in 12x12 and along with a handful of other writers we’ve created the PictureBookPeeps debut group. Website and podcast for our group are forthcoming. So, in the meantime enjoy this episode and check out Oscar’s Blue Bandana at your nearest book retailer!
Highlights:
The b...
2024-03-1422 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteBuilding Community and Dancing onto The Page with Laura RoettigerToday’s guest is Laura Roettiger, author of two picture books including the recently published An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story illustrated by Debbi Palen.
Laura is a reading specialist with a background in teaching and curriculum creation. Her superpower as a teacher is encouraging curiosity in children, which she has brought into the stories she now writes.
We covered a lot of topics in our short time together and I hope you enjoy listening!
Here are some things we cover in today’s interview:
The benefits dancing can offer...
2024-03-0735 min
Kids' Questions AnsweredWhat happens when food goes bad?When happens when strawberries go moldy at the grocery store? Author Gina Soldano-Herrle joins us to answer our questions about food waste. Gina's picture book, Nia's Rescue Box, tells the story of a girl visiting a food rescue for the first time. But what's a food rescue? Gina and Dr. Danger discuss food waste, food rescues, and treasure hunts. Super Eddie chimes in with what he does, or doesn't do, to prevent food waste. Find Gina Soldano-Herrle on Instagram: @gina.soldano Nia's Rescue Box printables Nia's Rescue Box on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and N...
2024-03-0606 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteDisappearing through windows and the alchemy of writing with Jilanne HoffmannToday we have an interview with Jilanne Hoffmann, author of A River of Dust illustrated by Eugenia Mello.
Favorite Quotes:
“We went out with our first manuscript, A River of Dust, to auction. I don’t recommend that to anybody! Afterward there was a long dry spell.”
“I daydream and that can fill the [creative] well. I just look out the window and can disappear.’”
“I love the challenge [of writing]. It’s making something from nothing. It’s like alchemy.”
Our chat about the similarities between meditation and writing.
H...
2024-03-0132 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteElementary School Queries and Being Bold with Michelle LeeToday’s guest is Michelle Lee, author of Between The Lighthouse and You (Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble).
We talk about how ideal writing times vary for different people, querying as an elementary school student, writing across different genres to enrich your writing, and more.
With her lifelong involvement in the writing world and Ph.D. in English Literature, she is a real life doctor of words!
Links mentioned:
Michelle’s website
The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge
#50Preciouswords
Storystorm
Some nuggets of wisdom:
2024-02-2231 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteBeing Brave Enough to Improve and Finding Flow for Writing through Painting with Lisa RogersSorry for my lateness with today’s podcast! It is Friday but I am here and with another sparkling author interview on “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write.” Today, we have Lisa Rogers whose recent book Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage illustrated by Il Sung Na has received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more!
I cannot thank Lisa enough for sharing her time with me, or you for taking the time to listen along with us and share the journey we’re all on in this writing life.
Links...
2024-02-1626 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteFinding Joy in The Writing Process and Community Success with Sharon GiltrowThank you, Sharon, for sharing your time with me! Today's episode was filled with so many great topics, the benefits of libraries, critique groups, and celebrating each other's success within the writing community. Here's a list of further resources to check out and links mentioned:
Sharon's Website
Bonus: Sharon's Post in Storystorm 2024
12x12 Challenge
Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt
Sharon's other books: Bedtime, Daddy!; Get Ready, Mama!; Let's Go Shopping, Grandma!
Thank you again, Sharon! And thanks for listening!
2024-02-0824 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteNatasha Wing Shares about Encouragement, Community, and Opening Doors for Curiosity Through BooksNatasha was so much fun to have on the show and I couldn't have asked for better parting words, "Have fun on the journey" creating stories for children. Stay curious!
I encourage you to follow that curiosity straight to Natasha's website and many books.
Night Before Series
Biographies, Fiction, and More
Learn about Author Visits (she is an expert!)
Facebook Page
Instagram
Her latest translation of The Night Before My Birthday (and by no coincidence this episode is releasing the week before her birthday on Feb. 7!). Happy Birthday, Natasha!
2024-02-0122 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteThe 5 Ps of Writing with Vivian KirkfieldIn today's episode, I had the opportunity to interview a pillar in the kidlit community, Vivian Kirkfield!
I hope you enjoy hearing about her journey, the 5 essential Ps for any writer no matter where they are on their writing journey, and her latest book, Pedal, Balance Steer available for preorder (publication 02-20-2024).
Here are other links to Vivian's work and places to connect with her:
Vivian's Website
#50PreciousWords 2023 (keep an eye out for news on 2024!)
Vivian's other books
12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge (mentioned by us in the chat)
Vivian on: Facebook, Twitter...
2024-01-2538 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteThe Magic of Perfect Meter with Rebecca Gardyn LevingtonIn this episode, Rebecca and I talk about community, rhyme, her writing mantras and so much more! Some of the resources she mentioned and places to find her and her books are below.
Rebecca's Website
Afikoman, Where'd You Go? A Passover Hide-and-Seek Adventure illustrated by Noa Kelner (preorder live now, publishes 2/20/24)
Brainstorm!, Whatever Comes Tomorrow and other books
Renee LaTulippe Lyrical Language Lab
The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge
Storystorm
2024-01-1830 min
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteGetting to The Heart of Why We Write with Karen M GreenwaldChildren's book author and co-founder of #SunWriteFun, Karen Greenwald, talks with me about genealogy research, why kidlit is more difficult than law school, and why she writes. For more info about Karen, check out her website: https://www.karengreenwald.com/
2024-01-1134 min
The Alignment ShowThe Alignment Show Ep. 42 with Gina Soldano-HerrleGina Soldano has found a way to combine two of her passions, writing and food rescue. She wanted to help Vindeket Foods, a food rescue nonprofit in Fort Collins, Colorado, and she loved to write. So she wrote "Nia's Rescue Box," a picture book to spread the word about food rescues, which differ from food pantries. Food rescues combat food waste and revalue people who experience food insecurity, giving them safe access to good, healthy food. Learn from this fascinating conversation that can galvanize your own values! A perfect episode for the holiday season!In this episode...
2023-12-2239 min