Keep Writing Kidlit

Author: keepwritingkidlit

  • Motivator #7: Morgan Lau

    Motivator #7:
    Morgan Lau

    After discussing writing contests in the last interview, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that many of the people behind those endeavors are kidlit writers. Truly, the kindness of this community inspires its members to give back. This week, I’m speaking with a storyteller who did just that! Morgan is an author-illustrator, environmentalist, and…

  • Motivator #6: Adriana Gutierrez

    Motivator #6:
    Adriana Gutierrez

    I absolutely adore this week’s topic… writing contests! Adriana reached out to me via the website to pitch this discussion, and it immediately resonated with me. Contests have many benefits… There are usually prizes, like books, critiques, or memberships. It’s a way to engage in the community, reading and commenting on other entries. There are…

  • Motivator #5: Nancy Stark Lee

    Motivator #5:
    Nancy Stark Lee

    I’ve said I wanted to interview kidlit creatives who I don’t know and I meant it. This week, I’m finally doing just that! Nancy and I have never met (though I did reach out to her at the suggestion of a mutual friend), and I am so excited to learn about her. Not only is…

  • Motivator #4: Luce Williams

    Motivator #4:
    Luce Williams

    Luce and I met at the SCBWI In-Person Winter Conference in February 2023. (That’s also where I met Alma!) We ran into each other at lectures and mixers throughout the weekend, eventually exchanging information to keep in touch. (As a quick aside, this is the lesson of networking! 1) It’s exciting to meet peers because…

  • Motivator #3: Karen Alexander

    Motivator #3:
    Karen Alexander

    Once upon a time, I met Karen through Storyteller Academy, an online school for children’s book creators. During one of our classes in 2023, we realized we both lived in Los Angeles. We also both worked in the entertainment industry — Karen is in SAG-AFTRA, and I’m in the WGA. That year, both unions were…

  • Motivator #2: Miki Matsumoto

    Motivator #2:
    Miki Matsumoto

    This week, I’m speaking with Miki, who I met through a mutual friend at Storyteller Academy. (Shout out to Ricardo Aguilar!) After connecting virtually, we decided to meet up in person, organizing a group outing to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC. Though we had to contend with heavy rain on the…