Jessica Scott Kerrin
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jessicascottkerrin.com
Jessica Scott Kerrin
@jessicascottkerrin.com
I'm a Canadian 🇨🇦 children's author who shares pro tips and curated links to middle-grade resources that I've found helpful for middle-grade authors, plus middle-grade books (mostly funny ones) I've enjoyed.
Children's authors "get to see the world through brand-new, wonder-filled eyes. We get to reconnect with our curiosity and turn it on our environment and the people in our circle."
#kidlit #mglit
What I’ve Learned Writing for Children
writerunboxed.com
May 14, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Discussing your draft novel with AI. "Sometimes it is magical; sometimes it tells you to eat glue." www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdS7...
#kidlit #mglit
arguing with ai (about my novel)
YouTube video by Yuvi Zalkow
www.youtube.com
April 25, 2025 at 10:30 AM
"We are all different in the way we make art." Have a peek at this author/ illustrator's day:
#kidlit #mglit
Put Your Butt in the Chair: Inside the Simple Alchemy of Making Art
“I go hours before I’m able to write a word. I make tea. I mean, I used to make tea all day long….I sharpened pencils in the old days when pencils were sharpened. I just ran pencils down. Ten…
lithub.com
April 25, 2025 at 10:13 AM
"I get stuck for the same reasons every single time."
#kidlit #mglit
Three Reasons I Usually Get Stuck In My Stories
Or, the stuff that's always missing when my books aren't "working"
stdennard.substack.com
April 16, 2025 at 5:39 PM
“Books can offer a way for boys to see themselves beyond the archetypes of “champion, warrior, or superhero."
#kidlit #mglit
Bologna Children's Book Fair 2025: Reaching Boy Readers Where They Are
Citing research on everything from academic performance to mental health, dropout statistics, and incarceration rates, panelists of “Where the Boys Are: The Right Books Can Make Them Heroes” discussed...
www.publishersweekly.com
April 15, 2025 at 7:54 PM
“Most avid readers are created between the ages of eight and 12. Our whole industry should be invested in this reading cohort.” Predictions from middle-reader publishers: bit.ly/4l0Bi0g #kidlit #mglit
Turning the Tide on Middle Grade Books
Movers and shakers behind five newish imprints are aiming to turn the tide on sales in the middle grade category.
bit.ly
March 24, 2025 at 5:47 PM
This middle-grade by Kate Dicamillo is a humourous exploration of an unlikely friendship between three Southern girls. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jenna Lamia, who delivered a brilliant interpretation. Five stars. #kidlit #mglit
March 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
No dragons or vampires in sight! Why quiet stories are also important:
www.wordsandpics.org/2025/03/feat...
#kidlit #mglit
FEATURE How To Write “Quiet” Stories
Words and Pictures is the online magazine of SCBWI British Isles.
www.wordsandpics.org
March 17, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Just ordered a copy. :)
I'm proud to be working with DCB, one of the Canadian publishers in this list. Every single one of DCB's books are printed here in Canada! Next time you're looking for a middle grade story may I (modestly) recommend A Bend in the Breeze as my best book to date?
March 13, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Sometimes the worst rejections come with the best outcomes. Worth reading: lindseyexplainsitall.substack.com/p/how-many-r...
How many rejection letters have you collected?
As for me? More than 1,500, but who's counting? (Apparently, I am.)
lindseyexplainsitall.substack.com
March 10, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Interested in reading humourous middle-grade nonfiction? I laughed alongside Leonardo during this account of the theft of his infamous painting. #kidlit #mglit
March 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
In consideration of audiobooks for children and others: worth a read. substack.com/@posthypnoti...
AUDIOBOOKS
Confessions of a Former Book Snob
substack.com
March 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Some thoughts on writing historic fiction for children. Lest we forget. Worth reading: www.wordsandpics.org/2025/03/writ...
WRITING Historical fiction for children
Words and Pictures is the online magazine of SCBWI British Isles.
www.wordsandpics.org
March 5, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Just finished the audio version of A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban, then went out and bought the print edition. It's a warm, funny middle-grade book, a delightful deep dive into self-confidence for young readers learning to play a musical instrument. Five stars. #KidLit
February 28, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Words of encouragement in these dark times from an outstanding Canadian: Daniel Levy www.instagram.com/reel/DGSHyOh...
February 21, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Just finished my second read of this wonderful middle reader. It is as funny as it is heartfelt. A great study in multiple points of view set in a very small town. Five stars. @erinentrada.bsky.social
February 21, 2025 at 2:04 AM
So funny and full of great pro tips for those of us struggling with distractions instead of writing. I've added Rain on Tents to my Spotify list.bit.ly/4hBbxRY
How to Write While Deeply Distracted
(from an ADHDer to the rest of you)
bit.ly
February 18, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Just finished this middle-reader. Five stars. Everyone deserves a remarkable teacher like Ms. Bixby.
February 16, 2025 at 8:14 PM
More books to add to my reading stack: bit.ly/415vqd4
The Carnegies
bit.ly
February 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM
I just joined the CCBC Book Head Book Club (featuring middle-grade fiction). It's free if you're a member of the Canadian Children's Book Centre: bit.ly/4gLSWBj
Join the Book Head Book Club
Join the Canadian Children's Book Centre for the first gathering of the Book Head Book Club, our new book club that will delve into today's best Canadian books for middle-grade readers and teens. Our ...
bookcentre.ca
February 13, 2025 at 11:56 PM