KidLit Craft
@kidlitcraft.bsky.social
a resource for children's book writers. podcast. classes. craft articles.
https://www.kidlitcraft.com/links
https://www.kidlitcraft.com/links
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
#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
#kidlit #kidlitwriters #amwriting #writingcommunity #writesky
August 1, 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
#kidlit #kidlitwriters #amwriting #writingcommunity #writesky
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
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
July 25, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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.
How do you craft well-paced scenes that move the plot forward?
One way is to introduce a “ticking clock” element.
July 23, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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.
How do you craft well-paced scenes that move the plot forward?
One way is to introduce a “ticking clock” element.
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
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
July 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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
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
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.
July 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM
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.
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: https://bit.ly/3ZCOFL2 #writesky
In our interview, we cover writing topics from world building to why #KidLit writers should read “Beowulf.”
Read here: https://bit.ly/3ZCOFL2 #writesky
July 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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: https://bit.ly/3ZCOFL2 #writesky
In our interview, we cover writing topics from world building to why #KidLit writers should read “Beowulf.”
Read here: https://bit.ly/3ZCOFL2 #writesky
Getting clear on who you are as a writer and what it is you want to create can help you steer through uncertain times.
Take this weekend to brainstorm your Writer’s Artist Statement.
Take this weekend to brainstorm your Writer’s Artist Statement.
July 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Getting clear on who you are as a writer and what it is you want to create can help you steer through uncertain times.
Take this weekend to brainstorm your Writer’s Artist Statement.
Take this weekend to brainstorm your Writer’s Artist Statement.
What does your character dislike? How strongly do they feel about those dislikes?
Defining a character with the things they feel strongly about can give readers an instant connection to your character and make them come alive for readers.
What does your character dislike? #writesky #amwriting
Defining a character with the things they feel strongly about can give readers an instant connection to your character and make them come alive for readers.
What does your character dislike? #writesky #amwriting
July 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
What does your character dislike? How strongly do they feel about those dislikes?
Defining a character with the things they feel strongly about can give readers an instant connection to your character and make them come alive for readers.
What does your character dislike? #writesky #amwriting
Defining a character with the things they feel strongly about can give readers an instant connection to your character and make them come alive for readers.
What does your character dislike? #writesky #amwriting