Author Spotlight Series

The 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series Preview

In 2015, I thought it would be interesting to turn Two Writing Teachers over to children’s authors, illustrators, and professional teaching book authors for week. I wanted to learn from people I admired about their writing process, craft, and experiences with you. Except for 2019 (when I was balancing work and a move to a… Continue reading The 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series Preview

Author Spotlight Series · authors · giveaway · middle grade novel · picture book · professional books

ICYMI: The 9th Annual #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series

Here's a recap of this year's Author Spotlight Series.

Author Spotlight Series · character development · picture book

Where the Writer Ends and the Character Begins 

Craig Barr-Green likes to see how a writer creates unbearable tension and resolves it. Like Gina, he sometimes experiences sensory overload, and like Gina he can deal with it by jumping into a book.

Author Spotlight Series · picture book · writer's notebook · writing process

From Idea to Book: Sharing the Process

When we write, we gain an insider’s perspective on the process. Sharing what we learn with kids makes teaching authentic and meaningful.

Author Spotlight Series · inspiration

Inspiration Advice – Tree House Not Included

Natasha Tripplett is often asked where she finds her writing inspiration. She's fortunate to work in an environment that lends itself to oodles of ideas.

Author Spotlight Series · biography · inspiration

You Can Write For Children

Remember what made you say “wow” as a kid? Richard Ho advises to build your story around that sense of magic.

Author Spotlight Series · professional books

How Do I Fit It All In? Reflecting on Writing Beyond February 

Dawnavyn James writes, "I thought that if this was going to be my only opportunity to share the importance and benefits of Black history in the elementary classroom, I had to be strategic. I had to be purposeful. I had to choose, which was very hard for me to do."

Author Spotlight Series · middle grade novel

Writing to Remember

Today's guest author, Ruth Behar, states, "When I think about the most essential reason why I write, it is to remember. To remember those who came before me and what they thought and how they lived and what they dreamed of. "

Author Spotlight Series · authors · middle grade novel · picture book · professional books

A Sneek Peek at the 9th Annual #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series

Starting tomorrow, picture book, middle-grade, and professional-teaching authors will share their insights on writing, their processes, and the path to publishing in #TWTBlog's Author Spotlight Series. We want to hear your thoughts throughout the week, so there's a book giveaway for those who share comments on each author's post!

Author Spotlight Series · giveaway

Author Spotlight 2023 Roundup

In case you missed it, here's a recap of the 2023 Author Spotlight.

Author Spotlight Series · nonfiction · picture book · spelling

Can You Spell U-p-l-i-f-t? The Power of Spelling to Level the Playing Field

In 1936, eighth grader MacNolia Cox became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio spelling bee and to advance to the finals in the national bee. How Do You Spell Unfair is the story of her groundbreaking achievement against a backdrop of racial discrimination.

art · Author Spotlight Series · illustrations · illustrators

Finding Inspiration: A Children’s Book Illustrator’s Journey

A journey through diversity, emotions, and nature: A children's book illustrator's endless pursuit of inspiration.