KidLit Craft
kidlitcraft.bsky.social
KidLit Craft
@kidlitcraft.bsky.social
a resource for children's book writers. podcast. classes. craft articles.
https://www.kidlitcraft.com/links
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. https://bit.ly/mfapodcast #mfa #kidlitcraft #kidlitwriters #usfmfay
February 10, 2026 at 9:36 PM
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
December 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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: https://bit.ly/495GFrz #kidlit
December 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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
December 9, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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: https://bit.ly/47Tf6At
December 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
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: https://bit.ly/44GeITZ #kidlit #amwriting
December 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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: https://bit.ly/43SAXFL #amwriting #kidlitwriters
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
November 13, 2025 at 4:15 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
November 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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: https://bit.ly/4ohexGq #kidlit
November 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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: https://bit.ly/4qD6xBi #kidlit #amwriting
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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:  https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
November 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
October 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
October 27, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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: https://bit.ly/3L22ga4 #kidlit
October 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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: https://bit.ly/46TGpuh #kidlit
October 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
October 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
October 17, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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: https://bit.ly/4nGDH0O #kidlitwriters #amwriting
October 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
October 13, 2025 at 10:01 PM
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: https://bit.ly/4n0etcR #kidlit
October 13, 2025 at 3:02 PM
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: https://www.kidlitcraft.com/workshops
October 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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
September 22, 2025 at 3:50 PM
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!
August 8, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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
August 1, 2025 at 3:15 PM