Episodes
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In this episode of Coaching KidLit, hosts Sharon Skinner and Christy Yaros discuss key aspects handling research with returning guest Laurie Calkhoven.
Laurie, an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, shares her extensive experience in writing over 50 books for young readers, including tips on conducting effective and organized research for both fiction and nonfiction.
She emphasizes the importance of using trusted sources, primary resources, and libraries, while also sharing practical advice on managing research time and avoiding rabbit holes. Laurie also provides insights into structuring research, drawing inspiration, and repurposing research for different audiences.
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In this episode, host Christy Yaros and guest Sara Gentry dive into the vital role of community for KidLit writers. They explore various types of writing communities, from large organizations like SCBWI to intimate critique groups, and discuss how to choose the right community for your needs. Christy and Sarah share valuable tips on balancing free and paid resources, the benefits of connecting with fellow writers, and how community support can enhance your writing journey. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice on finding your people in the world of children's literature and reminds listeners that in the sometimes solitary world of writing, you're never truly alone.
Follow us on Instagram and X/Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and X/Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and X/Twitter @ChristyYaros.
You can find Sara Gentry at solutionsforwriters.com or connect with her on Instagram, Threads, and X @writewithsara.
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In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner talks with special guest Lori Alexander about writing and publishing nonfiction for children.
Lori shares her journey from writing picture books to nonfiction, highlighting her award-winning works on historical figures in science and medicine. She discusses her process of finding ideas, conducting deep research, and using narrative techniques to engage young readers. The episode provides actionable advice for aspiring nonfiction KidLit writers and touches on current trends and recommendations for science writing resources.
Find out more about Lori Alexander at https://www.lorialexanderbooks.com/
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Sharon and Christy talk with prolific writer and fellow Author Accelerator Book Coach Laurie Calkoven about the differences between various early KidLit categories, including picture books, early readers, and chapter books.
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In this episode of Coaching KidLit, hosts Sharon Skinner and Christy Yaros dive into techniques for effectively telling stories that involve backstory, flashbacks, and flash-forwards.
They discuss the importance of understanding the narrative perspective in time and the challenges associated with various methods of integrating past events into the present storyline.
Practical guidelines are given on how to balance storytelling elements to keep the reader engaged without overloading them with information.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:00 Understanding the Narrator's Position in Time
02:18 Creating Immediate and Relatable Narratives
04:13 Incorporating Backstory Effectively
05:36 Balancing Flashbacks and Story Flow
24:45 Prologues and Epilogues: When and How to Use Them
29:45 Actionable Tips for Writers
33:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow us on Instagram and X/Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and X/Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and X/Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode, Christy and Sharon delve into the art of getting character emotions on the page and explore effective techniques for showcasing characters in their unique worlds, setting character-specific rules, and crafting emotionally engaging narratives.
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In this episode of Coaching KidLit, hosts Sharon Skinner and Christy Yaros dive deep into the concept of theme in KidLit writing. They discuss how to think about theme as the overarching idea of a book, touching on Cheryl Klein's concepts of experiential, emotional, and thematic points. The hosts emphasize the importance of connecting with the reader through characters' emotional journeys and how different themes can be explored at varying levels of KidLit, from picture books to young adult novels. They also cover the significance of revision and layering in developing rich, thematic content, and advise writers on planning and revising with theme in mind, using practical examples and actionable advice to help writers enhance their work.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Sharon talks Picture Books with award-winning author/illustrator and Picture Book publishing guru, Michael Hale.
From the importance of open communication and trusting collaboration between authors and illustrators to the invaluable advice for aspiring creators considering traditional vs. self-publishing, this episode is brimming with inspiration and practical tips about creating book dummies, the value of cheerleaders in your writing journey, and how to bring your best work to life.
Topics Covered:
Concise StorytellingPaths to Picture Book PublishingWorking with IllustratorsChallenges in CollaborationDeveloping the Craft -
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Christy and Sharon dig into eleven great Writing Craft Books, why they like them, how they use them, and why you might want to check them out.
The discussions centers ways to use of craft writing books and materials when writing KidLit, including tools and approaches for character development, story structure, and effective editing.
Topics covered include:
Editing with a planCharacter developmentEmotional storytellingRespectful diverse representationPractical writing applicationContinuous learning and improvementCraft books selection and useFollow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Christy and Sharon discuss the process of writing and publishing emotionally challenging KidLit with guest, Karen Chow. Chow, a middle-grade novelist and engineer by day, opens up about her debut novel Miracle, in which she explores tough subjects such as cancer, grief, and emotional recovery. Chow shares her experiences from college until her book’s publication, as well as insights about her creative process. She provides advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in writing and self-care during the process.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Karen Chow01:42 Discussing Karen's Debut Novel: Miracle03:09 Exploring Tough Topics in Middle Grade Literature03:34 The Inspiration Behind 'Miracle'05:16 The Writing Process and Challenges10:09 The Journey to Getting Published21:20 The Impact of 'Miracle' on Readers30:16 Advice for Writers Tackling Difficult Topics33:53 Teaser for Karen's Next Project39:15 Conclusion and Contact Information
Follow us on Instagram and X: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and X @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and X @ChristyYaros.
For more information about Karen Chow, visit her website at kchowrites.com or find her on Instagram @kchowrites.
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Christy and Sharon discuss writing routines and processes for writers navigating their creative journeys, including the need for flexibility, embracing imperfection, and finding joy in the process of creating a sustainable and personalized writing routine.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this special episode, Sharon takes a break while Christy nerds out with fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sara Gentry, focusing on project management for writers. They discuss setting practical deadlines, recognizing personal workflows, and the importance of documenting progress. They also emphasize approaching the creative process with intention while being open to discovery.
02:44 Understanding the Complexity of Writing a Novel
05:44 The Importance of Project Management in Writing
09:35 Setting Realistic Goals and Managing Energy
14:47 Understanding Your Writing Process
20:24 The Role of Planning and Scheduling in Writing
28:19 The Importance of Trying Different Writing Strategies
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
You can find Sharon Skinner at bookcoachingbysharon.com or connect with her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and X @SharonSkinner56.
You can find Christy Yaros at christyyaros.com or connect with her on Instagram and X @ChristyYaros.
You can find Sara Gentry at solutionsforwriters.com or connect with her on Instagram, Threads, and X @writewithsara. -
Get set for a writing sprint with this motivating episode! Join writing coaches Sharon and Christy as they share tips to optimize writing sprints like NaNoWriMo.
Whether you're gearing up for a 30-day creative marathon or simply trying to make steady progress on your WIP, you'll gather insightful advice on planning, accountability, tracking achievements, celebrating small successes, and keeping perspective along the way.
Sharon and Christy draw from their personal experiences with writing challenges to provide an encouraging mix of practical strategies, managing expectations, and giving grace when life happens. You'll walk away inspired to start moving the needle on your writing goals.
Key topics include:
Crafting reasonable daily word count objectivesLeveraging accountability partners and writing communitiesUsing outlines and placeholder notes to boost efficiencyTracking progress thoughtfully with dataRewards and reflections for mini-milestonesAvoiding comparison and discouragement trapsPlanning for inevitable disruptionsFollow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter@ChristyYaros.
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In this special episode, Christy takes a break while Sharon geeks out with guest Sara Gentry on speculative fiction: defining this expansive genre, exploring its allure for young readers seeking escapism, touching upon Steampunk's charm, emphasizing nuanced character development while addressing societal issues, and cautioning against didacticism and singular viewpoints.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter/X: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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Sharon and Christy discuss the creative possibilities and potential pitfalls of using other authors' words in your book through epigraphs and quotes. They share thoughts on:Navigating permissions for quoting lyrics, poems, and book passagesWhen short quotes may fall under fair useCrafting fictional quotes and sources to fit your storyUsing epigraphs artfully to set tone and expectationsStudying how mentor authors incorporate quotesDeciding if quotes are right for your book and audienceThis episode explores how quotes, epigraphs, and excerpts can legally and effectively enhance your work. Sharon and Christy provide tips and food for thought, but always recommend consulting official legal resources. Books Mentioned:Blood from a Rose by Sharon SkinnerThe King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord DunsanyMirabella and the Faded Phantom by Sharon SkinnerLostuns Found by Sharon SkinnerA Fault in Our Stars by John GreenHarry Potter by J.K. RowlingFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. RowlingFangirl by Rainbow RowellAttack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. KingThe Devil's Arithmetic by Jane YolenA Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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Christy and Sharon talked with Victoria J. Coe and Cheryl Malone, co-authors of Writing KidLit 101: A Self-Guided Course.
Key Topics Discussed:
Backgrounds and journeys of the guests as KidLit writersImportance of reading current children's books as mentor textsDifferences between genre vs category in KidLitCraft elements like perspective vs point of view, scenes, character arcsWriting picture books vs novelsCollaborating to write "Writing KidLit 101" to help new writersActionable tips for writing KidLit:Read debut authorsExamine older and newer books side-by-sideWrite a motivational letter to yourselfRelevant Links:
Writing KidLit 101: A Self-Guided Course book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/writing-kidlit-101-a-self-guided-course-cheryl-lawton-malone/19842091?ean=9798987666548Victoria J. Coe website: https://victoriajcoe.com/Cheryl Malone website: https://www.cheryllawtonmalone.com/Write On Productions website: https://writeonproductions.com/Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode, Christy and Sharon discuss the balance between showing and telling in writing. They emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose of each scene and using scene and summary to efficiently convey information to the reader. They also highlight the significance of grounding the reader in each scene and using dialogue and setting effectively to reveal character and emotion. They caution against including unnecessary details that can bog down the story and suggest trusting the reader to fill in gaps and understand the story. Throughout the episode, they provide examples and practical tips for writers to improve their use of scene and summary in their writing.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode, Sharon and Christy are joined by fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sam Cameron to discuss how to craft nuanced, authentic LGBTQ+ characters that avoid stereotypes. They provide advice on tropes to avoid, positive examples of LGBTQ+ representation in books, and resources for conducting About GLAADThe Vito Russo Test | GLAAD"Pride" on HuluIf you want to learn more about creating three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters in your kidlit, subscribe to Sam’s newsletter by visiting www.truantpen.com/lgbtq.Books Mentioned:Picture Books
Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
When Aiden Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
Middle GradeToo Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
Graphic NovelThe Prince and the Dress Maker by Jen Wang
Young AdultDarius the Great is not Okay by Adib Khorram
Marissa Meyers’ Gilded Duology
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
This Poison Heart by Kaylynn Bayron
For more information about Sam Cameron, visit truantpen.com or follow her on Twitter at @sblaircameron.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode:
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of re-envisioning and revising a manuscript to ensure that it achieves the author's intended point. They emphasized the need to take a step back and look at the big picture, focusing on character arc, plot structure, and other key elements.Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of taking a break from a manuscript to gain distance and perspective, allowing the subconscious to work out the story's components. They emphasized the need to focus on the story's vision and purpose rather than getting bogged down in minor details.Sharon and Christy discussed various tools and methods for identifying what's working and what's not in a manuscript, such as the Stoplight Method, Hierarchy of Editorial Needs, Inside Outline, and synopsis. They emphasized the importance of taking a step back and looking at the big picture before focusing on line-level perfection.Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of doing an inventory of scenes and subplots in a manuscript before revising. They emphasized the need to re-envision the story and make intentional changes that serve the story, even if it means discarding beloved scenes or ideas.Sharon and Christy discussed the importance of revising a manuscript by focusing on the big picture elements such as plot, character development, and structure before moving on to line editing and polishing. They emphasized the need to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and to not get caught up in perfectionism.Sharon and Christy discussed revisioning and shared tools and tips for writers to improve their manuscripts, including a worksheet and a spreadsheet. They emphasized the importance of finding the right tools and processes that work for each individual writer.Resources Mentioned:Sharon's Manuscript Triage and First-Aid Basics: https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/manuscript-triage-and-first-aid-basics/
Christy's Story Map Template: https://christyyaros.com/writer-resources
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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In this episode, Sharon and Christy talk with author/illustrator Tanja Bauerle about the joys and challenges of shifting categories from picture books to middle grade, how book coaching helped her level up her novel writing game, and what it's like working on a Revise & Resubmit request from an agent.
Books Mentioned:Mary's Monster by Lita Judge
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Boat of Dreams by Rogério Coelho
Resources Mentioned:https://tanjabauerle.com/resources/
https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/start-here-book-coaching-qa/
https://christyyaros.com/writer-resources
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
For more information about Tanja Bauerle, visit tanjabauerle.com or find her on Instagram @tanjaillustrates or Twitter @tanjabauerle.
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