Craft Articles

Join us in exploring others’ craft and building our own.

Here you will find explorations of mentor texts – articles that dive into specific craft elements in published books, interviews with authors, and tips on growing and improving as a writer.

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Lea Lyon: Following Curiosity and Trying New Things
Author Interview Kristi Wright Author Interview Kristi Wright

Lea Lyon: Following Curiosity and Trying New Things

“If you're researching for a nonfiction project, search beyond library databases. Reach out to librarians and archivists. Visit locations where events from the story you're researching took place, and visit archives and libraries in the area. Above all, reach out to experts in the subject matter. They are invaluable resources and are invested in the public (especially children) knowing more about their area of expertise.”

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It Starts with a Daydream: A Q&A with Rita Williams-Garcia
Author Interview, Middle Grade, Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman Author Interview, Middle Grade, Young Adult Anne-Marie Strohman

It Starts with a Daydream: A Q&A with Rita Williams-Garcia

I fully transport myself from my reality into the world that I seek to create. In a word, I daydream. Deeply. I put myself with the character, close to the character, sometimes in the character, to taste the dirt when they're in the dust storm or feel the scratchy bristles of cane stalk whip my face. Then I write it. Later, I make adjustments, because what I have to understand is different from what the reader should feel. Sometimes I have to rein it in or pull back. It's not always the point that the reader should feel each and everything—but the writer must!  

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The Secrets to a Great Non-Fiction Picture Book: Q&A with author Evan Griffith
Author Interview, Middle Grade, Picture Books Anne-Marie Strohman Author Interview, Middle Grade, Picture Books Anne-Marie Strohman

The Secrets to a Great Non-Fiction Picture Book: Q&A with author Evan Griffith

"This isn’t specific to PB writers, but I would just say to any writer: Be kind to yourself and your drafts. Many writers, myself included, struggle with self-criticism or perfectionism, so I try to give myself this advice daily. First drafts can and should be messy. Second and third and seventh drafts, too. There is beauty in the mess. Writing is mostly re-writing. When you’re feeling discouraged, reach out to some writer friends for support. Seek community."

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