Author Spotlight Series · teacher-as-writer · writer's notebook

Doing More to Inspire

The things that motivate author Dana Kramaroff, to push through writing heavy content, are also what motivates so many of her students. She values the habits that energize her process, the tricks she uses to keep going, and the ways in which she helps herself when writing is difficult.

Author Spotlight Series · the persona of a writer · writers

No, Really. I’m a Writer

Crystal Hubbard states, "I don't hide that I write. But I probably don't talk about it as much as I should in terms of strengthening my 'brand.'"

Author Spotlight Series · partnerships · poetry

Death is My Writing Partner

Many authors appreciate the support of writing group friends to provide feedback and perspective on projects. Amy Ludwig VanDerwater gratefully writes with Death by her side.

Author Spotlight Series · journaling · picture book

Power of Curiosity

Author Darshana Khiani shares why stories start with curiosity and why you need a lot of them. Learn how to help children harness the stories all around.

audience · Author Spotlight Series · Joy · picture book

Make Your Audience’s Eyes Shine

Author Chana Stiefel shares how a maestro’s philosophy can help you connect with readers.

Author Spotlight Series

A Sneek Peek at the 8th Annual #TWTBlog Author Spotlight Series

Starting this Sunday, picture book authors, illustrators, and middle-grade authors will share their insights on writing, their processes, and the path to publishing on #TWTBlog's. 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 · middle grade novel

Rejection, Love, and Writing

Middle grade author Elly Swartz shares how true authenticity and emotional resonance are the secret sauce in her writing, and how important it is for children to dream big and understand that rejection doesn’t define them.

Author Spotlight Series

Writing Ten Blocks to the Big Wok

Author-illustrator Ying-Hwa Hu is reminiscing the sunny walk in San Francisco’s Chinatown that brought about the creation of her author-illustrator solo debut Ten Blocks to the Big Wok. The sights, sound and tight-knit community she witnessed come together in a picture of happiness she tells in her story.

Author Spotlight Series · graphic novel · middle grade novel

Graphic Novels Combine Words and Images to Create a Unique Art Form

Cartoonist Gavin Aung Than shares the process of creating his middle-grade graphic novel series, Super Sidekicks.

Author Spotlight Series · books

This Is A School! The Joy of Reading, Writing and Connecting with Students

On March 29, 2022 something interesting, something unexpected, something I almost didn’t welcome-in happened.

Author Spotlight Series · research · research-based writing

Treasure Hunt: Help Students Research Hidden Figures

Alice Faye Duncan shares three overlooked resources for biographical research. They include newspapers, museums, and family photo albums.

Author Spotlight Series · craft · middle grade novel

Ideas, Craft, and Stories

Author Aisha Saeed shares her writing inspiration and the relationship between authors and their young readers and how they inspire her storytelling.