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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Writers! Are you considering a developmental edit? Listen in on my conversation with freelance editor Denise Santomauro about all things editing. bit.ly/klcpod-developmental-edits

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Thinking about a writing retreat? We have you covered! Lindsay Lackey, Kristi Wright, and Anne-Marie Strohman take you behind the scenes of writing retreat planning from an actual writing retreat! bit.ly/klcpod-writing-retreats

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

We're a little late for Mental Health Awareness Month (May), but this interview with YA author Rocky Callen about writing mental health and other difficult-to-get-on-the-page topics is worth a listen. bit.ly/klcpod-mental-health

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Writing a character with mental health struggles? Check out this guest post by Rocky Callen, author of the YA novel A Breath Too Late. www.kidlitcraft.com/craft-articles/writing-mental-health-rocky-callen

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

New podcast episode: EVERYTHING MFA! Anne-Marie talks with Michael Leali about our own MFA experiences, what programs are out there, how to apply, and Michael's new MFA Boot Camp through USF's MFA in Writing for Young Readers. bit.ly/mfapodcast #mfa #kidlitcraft #kidlitwriters #usfmfay

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

Whether you need a break to reset from your writing, or you're hoping to squeeze a few more words in by the end of the year, we here at #KidLit Craft wish you a happy holiday season. #amwriting #kidlitwriters

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

In our new interview, Donna Janell Bowman ("Wings of an Eagle") offers many helpful tips for writers, including the benefits of customizing both your character and narrative voice. We also touch on crafty insights, like the importance of play in writing. Read it here: bit.ly/495GFrz #kidlit

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Get crafty with a season pass for #KidLit Craft's fall workshops, taught by excellent writers, including Michael Leali, Misa Suguira, and Ann Dávila Cardinal. You'll get access to the replay of each workshop to savor one at a time or marathon. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops #amwriting

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Making your #KidLit dreams a possibility requires persistence, as Isabella Kung ("Nunu and the Sea") counsels in our interview. Our crafty chat also explores topics like finding the right tense and creating books that respect young readers' rocky emotional journeys. Read here: bit.ly/47Tf6At

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

What is your work in progress about? And what is it also about? Layering your story makes for a richer reader experience, as Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail achieves in her PB "Freddie the Flyer," which we analyze in a new craft article on the blog. Read it here: bit.ly/44GeITZ #kidlit #amwriting

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Finding success as a #KidLit writer happens when you put yourself out there, as Charlotte Cheng ("Roar-Choo!") endorses in our interview. Charlotte also touches on crafty topics, like how she came to embrace the process of revision. Read it here: bit.ly/43SAXFL #amwriting #kidlitwriters

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

It's not too late to join the party! This Saturday, KidLit Craft is hosting a plotting party with acclaimed young adult author Ann Dávila Cardinal ("You've Awoken Her"). Bring an existing plot or create a new one in this fun and interactive workshop. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Are you stuck on the plot for your novel? Join KidLit Craft & acclaimed YA author Ann Dávila Cardinal ("You've Awoken Her") on Sat. Nov. 15, for a plotting party! Ann will share an easy plotting method, then you'll work on a plot of your own. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Sometimes it pays to slow down, as Khadijah VanBrakle ("My Perfect Family") advises in our author Interview. Khadijah advocates for taking all the time you need to learn the craft of storytelling and sings the virtues of not rushing through the drafting process. Read: bit.ly/4ohexGq #kidlit

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

In our interview, J.E. Thomas ("The AI Incident") promotes the power of finding community and helping other authors in what can sometimes feel like a competitive field. J.E. also discusses being an ideas person, revision, and other crafty topics. Read here: bit.ly/4qD6xBi #kidlit #amwriting

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

You're invited! On Sat., Nov. 15 acclaimed YA author Ann Dávila Cardinal ("You've Awoken Her") kicks off our interactive "Plot Party! Story + Friends = Painless Plotting" workshop. Develop a new plot or build on the one in your current WIP. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Don't miss it! Join us on Saturday for our workshop with acclaimed KidLit author Michael Leali ("The Truth About Triangles") about crafting scenes that are both plot and character forward. Bring your work in progress and get the jump-start you need. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Struggling to craft scenes that are both plot & character forward? Join our Sat., Nov. 1, workshop with award-winning author Michael Leali. ("The Truth About Triangles").You'll learn how to craft scenes that further the plot & your character's journey. Sign up: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

So much is out of an author's control, from querying to publication dates. What's a writer to do? In our interview, Miriam Chernick ("The Zuzu Secret") advises writers to enjoy the process. Miriam also discusses writing multiple points of & dual motivations. Read here: bit.ly/3L22ga4 #kidlit

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

When you're trying to chase the latest publishing trends, it can be easy to lose sight of how writing should be fun. In our interview, Ron Wolff ("Colony") guides authors to lead with what brings you joy. Ron also explores crafty elements like emotion & pacing. Read: bit.ly/46TGpuh #kidlit

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Scenes *can* be both emotional and active! Find out how in our Sat. Nov. 1 workshop with celebrated KidLit author Michael Leali ("The Truth About Triangles"). Michael will teach how to craft scenes that further the plot & also inspire character growth. Sign up: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

It's not too late to register! Join KidLit author Misa Sugiura on Saturday for a workshop on all things revision. We'll address all your revision fears, from macro-level topics like character development to micro-level elements like crafting themes. Sign up: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Struggling with writer's block? Feeling uninspired to keep writing? In our interview, #kidlit author Donna Galanti ("Loon Cove Summer") offers some words of advice: seek out the wonder you had for the world as a child. Read more here: bit.ly/4nGDH0O #kidlitwriters #amwriting

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

If revising seems intimidating, join us on Sat. Oct. 18 for a revision workshop with renowned KidLit author Misa Sugiura ("Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death"). We'll help you tackle your fears and kick-start your revision. Register here: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Embrace the joy of play! In our interview, Sandra V. Feder ("Shy Me") shares the advantages of being playful with your writing, from experimenting with different forms to exploring different genres. Sandra also discusses the benefits of being open to feedback. Read it: bit.ly/4n0etcR #kidlit

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Don't fear your novel revision! Instead, join us for a workshop on Sat., October 18, with acclaimed KidLit author Misa Sugiura ("Momo Arashima Duels the Queen of Death") about revising. You'll get all the tools you need to revise without the scaries. Register: www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Announcing: KidLit Craft Fall Workshops! Developing Plot by Exploring Character Michael Leali OCT 4 Novel Revision Misa Suguira OCT 18 And . . . Scene! Writing Active, Emotionally Resonant Scenes Michael Leali NOV 1 Plot Party! Ann Dávila Cardinal NOV 15 Sign up at kidlitcraft.com/workshops

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

We’re on break! #KidLit Craft is taking a few weeks off to rest, relax, and, of course, read and write #KidLit! Get excited… when we come back, we’ll be announcing a host of great offerings this fall, from classes to workshops. Until then, wishing you words—and a spectacular end to the summer!

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Maybe you love sour gummy worms. Or maybe you devour salty pretzels by the handful. Every writer has a go-to snack to enjoy during writing (or procrastinating). Tell us in a comment: what’s your favorite writing munchie? #kidlit #kidlitwriters #amwriting #writingcommunity #writesky

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Being a KidLit writer is a unique experience shared by the KidLit community. We understand the challenges—and joys—of writing books for children. So how can you tell us you’re a #KidLit writer without saying you’re “a KidLit author”? What inside jokes or niche references we'd recognize? #writesky

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Will the security guard come back to find her mid-heist? What if something unexpected happens—will she be able to adapt? Now you try. Think about ways you can include a ticking clock element in your story. What kind of deadline would it be? For how long?

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

That’s because the security guards have a 20-minute rotation. But the character knows she’d be cutting it close by that timeline, so she gives herself 15 minutes to get the job done just in case she runs into trouble. And so the clock starts. Will she get the object without being seen?

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

As we discuss in Episode 10 of the second season of KidLit Craft’s podcast, Kayvion Lewis effectively includes a ticking clock in her novel “Thieves’ Gambit,” our mentor text. In this YA thriller, a character hoping to steal an object from a museum knows she only has 20 minutes to do it.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

The momentum pulls your character—and reader—through the story and will keep your audience flipping pages to find out if all will be resolved before the deadline expires.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Be sure to define a consequence of what happens if the character doesn’t pull it off before the clock runs out. By doing so, you also raises the stakes for the story. With the pressure to beat the clock, your protagonist will be forced to act quickly before time runs out.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

With this technique, include an element of time, like a deadline, that adds urgency to the story and pushes your character into action. A ticking clock could last just a few minutes. Or it could be a longer range of time, like thirty days.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

And now for a crafty tip! How do you craft well-paced scenes that move the plot forward? One way is to introduce a “ticking clock” element.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

It’s Friday! What kind of writing day are you having? Whether you’re typing, deleting, or thinking today, we here at #KidLit Craft see you and your writing. We hope you have a great weekend ahead no matter what kind of writing (or not writing!) you’re doing. #writesky #amwriting #writingcommunity

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

How can you introduce some fun in between heavier moments? In a lighter story, how could you incorporate stretches that explore not-always-sunshiny truths your young readers might be learning? #amwriting #writesky #kidlit #kidlitwriters #writingcommunity #writers #booksforchildren

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Walliams respects his young reader enough to acknowledge that life isn’t always sunny and perfect. But nor is life strictly negative. One lesson of childhood is learning that the balance between light and dark, humor and pathos, comedy and tragedy is part of life.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Tom and the other members of the Midnight Gang decide to put on a show for Sally about the life she wants–but may never have given her prognosis. All the way through, Walliams uses humor to lighten the mood without minimizing the harsh realities of living with serious health challenges.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

But while Tom and his new friends make the most of the experience of being in the hospital, tragedy is never far from the edge of the story, in particular the character of ten-year-old Sally, who is gravely ill.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Twelve-year-old Tom unexpectedly lands himself in the children’s ward of a hospital. There he falls under the watch of the sadistic Matron and other frightful adults. Tom and his fellow kid patients go on late-night adventures together, exploring the hospital and having fun.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

As writers, we can pen stories that find that balance and help children adjust to the ups and downs that affect us all, young and old. In the middle grade novel, “The Midnight Gang,” author David Walliams expertly steers his reader through bursts of comedy and passages of sorrow.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Tonal shifts, from humor to tragedy, can make for emotionally complex and rewarding reading experiences. Young kid readers are learning that life isn’t always positive, but it’s not always negative, either.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

When people can’t see your vision, that’s exactly when Nadia Salomon (“A Rakhi for Rakesh”) urges writers to “keep following your arrow.” In our interview, we cover writing topics from world building to why #KidLit writers should read “Beowulf.” Read here: bit.ly/3ZCOFL2 #writesky

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Revisit your Writer’s Artist Statement whenever you’re discouraged by the publishing world, feeling helpless with a work in progress, or just burned out and disillusioned. It can anchor you when it feels like life—and your writing—is falling apart.

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KidLit Craft @kidlitcraft.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Get specific and dig deep. Really think about who you are as a creative and why you write. Perhaps most important, why, in particular, do you feel called to write for kids?

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