Writing for Children Institute for Writers
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Do you want to learn how to write for children? The Institute of Children's Literature has taught hundreds of thousands of aspiring writers, and the director of ICL is the host of Writing for Children. Bestselling children's author Katie Davis focuses on the craft of writing for children: how to write a children’s book, how to write for children’s magazines, how to get paid, and get published. There are listener questions, with answers from the experts at the Institute, plus hard-to-find resources and links included in every week's show notes. If you want to learn about how to get into children's publishing, Listen!
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Industry Insider Tips with Hannah Holt | Writng for Children 244
AN INTERVIEW WITH HANNAH HOLT
In this rebroadcast, we talk with Hannah Holt, a children’s author with an engineering degree. Her books, The Diamond & The Boy (Balzer+Bray) and A Father’s Love (Philomel) weave together her love of language and science. When not reading or writing, you can find Hannah running marathons and hiking mountains.
We talk about
Biggest misconception writers have about getting an agent and/or a book deal Advice for prepublished writers Hannah’s surveys: what she learned, how she used the input. How she created and researched a picture book about her grandfather Questions about “bare bones” publishing, indie, and traditional publishing. -
Four Ways to Learn to Love Nonfiction
FOUR WAYS TO LEARN TO LOVE NONFICTION
Many writers view nonfiction as less: less creative than fiction, less fun than fiction, less interesting to kids than fiction, and definitely something they want to do less often. Some will accept the possibility of writing a little nonfiction to break into publishing, but do not like the idea of doing it steadily. For many, they want to do the important work of fiction.
But nonfiction is important. Especially now. Kids love nonfiction, and it's an important teaching tool in support of school curriculum. And nonfiction can offer children something that can help them long after the book is closed: an appreciation of the value of well-researched, accurate facts. That's why we're bringing this rebroadcast to you today.
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Launching a Story from a Title
LAUNCHING A STORY FROM A TITLE
Chances are you fall into one of two camps when it comes to titles: You either love creating them or you dread trying to think up something clever that will catch a reader’s eye. Thanks to Jan Fields, today we’re going to have some fun creating titles. So much fun your new titles just might launch a new story.
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Top 3 Narrative Nonfiction Missteps
TOP THREE NARRATIVE NONFICTION MISSTEPS
Nonfiction is basically broken into two broad types. Expository nonfiction describes, explains, and informs. Narrative nonfiction uses story elements to convey a factual experience. Narrative nonfiction tells a story through carefully researched, factual recounting. Not all nonfiction books are strictly expository or strictly narrative. Some in fact contain both, but for now, Jan Fields has given us a lead on common missteps when writing narrative nonfiction. -
Why Entering Contests Helps YOU
INTERVIEW WITH A CONTEST JUDGE
In this rebroadcast, we interview frequent ICL contest judge and longtime instructor Nancy Coffelt. As well as being a multi-published picture book author and illustrator, Nancy is a fine artist and has been showing in galleries across the country since 1984. Her work is included in personal, public and corporate collections around the world. Nancy also writes and illustrates books for children. Her books include Catch That Baby, Fred Stays with Me, and The Big Eclipse. -
8 Tips for Your Writer Website
TIPS FOR YOUR WRITER WEBSITE
Every author needs a website—yes, even if you're not published yet. In the Internet age, your website acts as your online business card for readers and even prospective agents and editors.
In this rebroadcast, we discuss tips for keeping your website user friendly and keeping them coming back for more.
Customer Reviews
Graduate of ICL
During my time as a student at ICL in the early 00’s, I learned so much! I gained and picked up very valuable information and tools that has helped me in my writing. So excited to know that ICL has a podcast! Will definitely be tuning in!
Story Structure
This topic was well presented by Katie, very useful & complete. Thank you!!
Practical advice for those who want to write for children!
I love that Katie’s podcast is specifically for writing for children. I listen to a LOT of writing podcasts, but this is one of the only ones that is specifically targeted towards children’s authors. In addition to the shorter episodes with practical advice, I’m so thankful previews of the author interviews are offered for free on the podcast. So encouraging!