Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Gennifer Choldenko - Writing tip of the Day!

I am a huge fan of Gennifer Choldenko & her Newbery honor book, Al Capone Does My Shirts, and the sequels, Al Capone Shines My Shoes and Al Capone Does My Homework. Gennifer was kind enough to give us a writing tip.

Gennifer says:

Build your writing muscles. The muscles for writing take time to develop.

Shrinking Violets Top Ten Marketing Tips

This is a Blast from the Past Interview that I still find very helpful.

Last year, authors Robin LaFevers and Mary Hershey started a promotion blog for shy authors, Shrinking Violets Blog.  I asked them to give me ten marketing tips to help us writers start off the new year.

1. Practice good marketing karma.
Don’t always be thinking “how can I promote my book” but rather "how can I entertain my audience or serve my reader. "

Marla Frazee Illustrator - Blast from the Past Interview

Here's a Blast from the Past with an interview from Marla Frazee...

Marla Frazee and I attended Art Center together many years ago.  She was then as she is now, funny, kind, generous and very talented.  As an award winning illustrator/author, she fills her books with mirth and joy. This year at the SCBWI National Conference, Marla, with her editor, Allyn Johnston, gave an entertaining presentation on the process of creating a picture book.  I am so pleased that she agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start illustrating and writing for children?

I've wanted to be a children's book writer and illustrator since I was a little kid.

Blast from the Past Interview - Illustrator Matthew Holm

Matthew Holm is one multi-talented author/illustrator. His graphic novel series Babymouse is a delight.  Written by his Newbery Honor winner sister, Jennifer L. Holm, the series is funny, darling and very pink! I am pleased that Matthew Holm agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I've known since I was in middle school, if not earlier, that I wanted to either do a comic strip, comic books, or write and illustrate children's books. Or all of the above. I consumed comic strips and comic books in prodigious amounts.