Permission to Pause: Rest as Part of the Creative Process
As the final days of the year wind down, you may feel caught between two impulses: the urge to “get it all done” before the calendar flips—and the deep desire…
The Kidlit Compass Blog
Writing Through the Holidays: Creative Routines in Busy Seasons
Let’s be honest: November through December can be a whirlwind. Family gatherings, travel, school events, gift-giving, emotional highs and lows… it’s a beautiful season, but not always a spacious one.…
Plan Your Writing Year: Setting Smart Goals for 2026
There’s something powerful about turning the page on a new year. It invites reflection, intention, and (hopefully) a renewed connection to our creative work. But instead of setting rigid resolutions,…
Your Writing Year in Review: Reflecting on 2025
Before we launch into the new year with fresh goals and shiny new ideas, let’s take a moment to pause and look back. The end of the year is an…
Giving Thanks for Mentors, Critique Partners, & Book Friends
As writers, we often focus so intently on craft, revisions, and submission strategy that we forget to pause and appreciate the people who walk this path with us. But the…
The Illustrator Is Not Your Employee: Writing for Collaboration
One of the most common misconceptions among picture book writers — especially those new to the field — is that the author “hires” an illustrator. In traditional publishing, this isn’t…
Writing Nonfiction for Young Readers
Nonfiction picture books have never been more vibrant, imaginative, or in demand. From lyrical biographies to explorations of science, history, and nature, today’s nonfiction for young readers offers facts that…
What Makes a Picture Book Work? A Layered Look
When a picture book works—really works—it feels almost effortless. The story flows, the voice sings, and the art and text come together in perfect harmony. But behind that seemingly simple…
