Tag: book-review
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Backstory: Best Practices and What to Avoid
5 Ways to Nail Backstory I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. I have a complicated relationship with backstory. And I mean COMPLICATED. Here’s the thing: if the backstory is so important, why not tell THAT story instead? As a literary agent, I’ve been reading submissions for years now, and I can tell you this straight up:…
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The “Too Classic” Problem in Picture Books and How to Fix It
As a kid lit literary agent, I read hundreds—if not thousands—of picture book submissions every year. And one thing I keep noticing in manuscripts that may be holding authors back from landing representation is this—the writing feels too classic. Now, don’t get me wrong. Classics like The Velveteen Rabbit and The Tale of Peter Rabbit…
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Losing My Father While He’s Still Alive
I writhe my hands in my lap. Out the passenger-seat window familiar scenery appears—decrepit orange groves and crumbling fences. “You okay?” Brayden asks. “We don’t have to do this. I’ll turn around.” “No, no. I need to see him. It’ll be fine.” But I don’t trust the words I’ve just spoken. Over the last few…
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Encore: Author(ish) Podcast Episode 20: Interview with Dana Hawkins Author of Not In the Plan
I am sharing an encore episode of the Author(ish) podcast where I interview my co-host, Dana Hawkins in celebration of her debut, Not in the Plan, launching this week!
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 18: Interview with Riley Kilmore Author of Shay the Brave
In this episode, Riley and I talk about her upcoming MG debut Shay the Brave. About Riley In addition to her 20 years as a firefighter, Kilmore’s been a cop and a homeschool mom. She’s leaped from an airplane or two, sailed around the world, and with her husband of 36 years has raised six…
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Jamie Bills Author Spotlight
I am honored to introduce you to picture book author and influencer Jamie Bills. I absolutely fell in love with Jamie and I know you will, too! About Jamie Jamie Bills writes laugh-while-you-learn books sprinkled with heart. Inspired by Ross Burach, Ryan T. Higgins, Laurie Keller, and Aaron Reynolds, she believes humor has the power…
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Junes Smalls Author Spotlight
I am super excited to introduce you to picture book author June Smalls. June has several published books and several upcoming in the near future. About June June Smalls has been making up stories since she only had pets and stuffed animals to share them with. She writes fiction and nonfiction books that are funny,…
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Victoria Diaz Author Spotlight
I’m so excited to introduce you to Conquest Publishing author Victoria Diaz. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. Her Story Behind the Story is one you will not forget. Enjoy! Amy About the Author Victoria M Diaz is a Social Worker along…
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Sylwia Koziel Author Spotlight
I’m excited to introduce you to Conquest Publishing author Sylwia Koziel. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. Both her favorite writing tool and writing resource are favorites of mine as well! Enjoy! Amy Author Bio Sylwia is a born and raised Chicagoan,…
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Shaelynn Long Author Spotlight
About the Author Shaelynn Long is a dirt road kid from Michigan. She teaches English at a small-town community college. Shaelynn has previously published Blur, Dirt Road Kid, Work in Progress, and her debut novel, Fury’s Fate, came out in October 2023. This writer can often be found with a nose in a book and covered in Corgi fur.…
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Riley Kilmore Author Spotlight
I’m excited to introduce you to Wild Ink Publishing author Riley Kilmore. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. I can relate to Riley in our writing routine, which you’ll read about below! Enjoy! Amy About the Author In addition to devoting 20 years…
Amy Nielsen 