Brain Burps About Books
BBAB 242 : Picture Book Summit

Brain Burps About Books Podcast #242

Picture Book Summit

An Interview with Julie Hedlund

Announcements

Just a quick note to let you know that I’m starting a new podcast soon called Writing for Children (if I haven’t already started by the time you hear this). Want to know more? It’s going to be pretty awesome and very different from this show. Go to writingforchildren.com to learn more.

This week's guest is Julie Hedlund!

Julie Hedlund is an award-winning children's book author, founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, blogger, and a regular speaker at SCBWI and other industry events.

Her picture book, A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS, Little Bahalia Publishing, 2013, first published as an interactive storybook app, was the recipient of the 2014 Independent Book Publisher's Association Benjamin Franklin Digital Gold Award. Her storybook app, A SHIVER OF SHARKS, Little Bahalia Publishing, 2013, was a 2014 Digital Book Award winner. Her latest book, MY LOVE FOR YOU IS THE SUN, is available on Amazon.

Julie is a monthly contributor on author/illustrator Katie Davis' Brain Burps About Books children's literature podcast, a PAL member of SCBWI, and a contributing editor on the subject of 21st Century Publishing for Children's Book Insider.

Julie & I talk about
  • Where the idea for Picture Book Summit came from.
  • What is a Master Mind group and how ours got started.
  • Advantages of going to an online event vs. an in-person conference.
  • What happens if you miss one of our online sessions.
  • The agents and editors we interviewed for Picture Book Summit.
  • The landscape of publishing in the 21st century.
  • How many spots are left in Picture Book Summit.
  • How to give us feedback on Picture Book Summit at www.speakpipe.com/katiedavis.
  • Our amazing project manager Kristin Ammerman.
  • The PJ party!
Direct download: 242-PictureBookSummit.mp3
Category:Children's Book Publishing -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

BBAB 241 : What’s So Great About the 500 Word Picture Book?

Brain Burps About Books Podcast #241

What’s So Great About the 500 Word Picture Book?

An Interview with Laura Backes

Announcements

Just a quick note to let you know that I’m starting a new podcast soon called Writing for Children (if I haven’t already started by the time you hear this). Want to know more? It’s going to be pretty awesome and very different from this show. Go to writingforchildren.com to learn more.

  • I'm hosting a FREE webinar to give you a sneak peek of Get Your First 1,000 Followers! You can ask me anything you want and I'll be doing LIVE website critiques. Pick the time that works best for you:
Listener Questions

Tune in to hear the answer to these burning writer questions and fears:

  • How do I reach my target audience of 12-16 year olds?
  • How do I start my platform when I'm not photogenic and I write under a pseudonym?
  • I'm afraid of not having time to keep up with everything.
  • It's hard to start when I put everyone else's needs before my own.
  • Plus, a shout-out to my newest listener, Jackie!
This week's guest is Laura Backes!

Laura Backes has been publishing Children's Book Insider, The Children's Writing Monthly for 25 years. Along with its companion membership site, The Children's Writing Knowledge Base (www.CBIClubhouse.com). CBI is the largest source of information for aspiring and published children's book writers in the world. Along with her husband Jon Bard, Laura has co-created numerous instructional webinars, videos, courses and books for writers, and is a frequent speaker at writing conferences.

Laura & I talk about
  • Picture Book Summit - There are a few spots left. Register at www.picturebooksummit.com.
  • How she became an editor.
  • What it's like to write a rejection letter.
  • Why she prefers being an editor to being an agent.
  • How to not be a "hack" in your writing.
  • Innate talent vs. Developed talent.
  • Why age is an advantage in your writing.
  • What's the deal with 500 word picture books?
  • How picture book readers are more sophisticated today than in the past.
  • The best way to write a great book.
  • How you can join us at the Picture Book Summit PJ Party!
Direct download: 241-What_s_So_Great_About_the_500_Word_Picture_Book.mp3
Category:Children's Book Publishing -- posted at: 11:59am EDT

BBAB 240 : Followers + Fear = Super Bad

Brain Burps About Books Podcast #240

Followers + Fear = Super Bad

Announcements

Just a quick note to let you know that I’m starting a new podcast soon called Writing for Children (if I haven’t already started by the time you hear this). Want to know more? It’s going to be pretty awesome and very different from this show. Go to writingforchildren.com to learn more.

  • Thanks, everyone, who signed up for my free training for Get Your First 1,000 Followers! You’re not too late if you want to – just go to GetYourFirst1000Followers.com
This week's guest is YOU!

Tune in to hear the answer to these burning writer questions and fears:

  • How do I sustain a website?
  • What do I have to offer on an on-going basis?
  • Where will I find the time to write AND sustain a platform (in addition to my full time job)?
  • Given my easily distracted life, what if my writing is actually crappy?
  • My biggest fear is my books will never find their readers.
  • I am terrified of social media.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Direct download: 240-Followers__Fear__Super_Bad.mp3
Category:The Craft of Writing -- posted at: 3:00am EDT