Dottie Lee is a children’s book author, dancer, and healing arts practitioner who writes to inspire inclusion, confidence, and empathy in young readers. Her bestselling picture book, Frances Flamingo: Prima Ballerina, has sparked joy and conversation in families, schools, and libraries. Dottie lives in Texas, where she enjoys a good cup of coffee, walking her rescue Bichon Frise, Lily, and dreaming up new adventures for Frances Flamingo.
The magic happens when you stop thinking about writing for an age group and start thinking about writing to real people who just happen to be that age. Kids aren’t small adults, teenagers aren’t dramatic kids, and adults aren’t just older teenagers. Each group has its own wisdom, its own way of seeing the world, and its own stories that need telling.
In this post, we’ll unpack why your one-sentence pitch carries such weight, common pitfalls to avoid, and actionable tips for crafting a pitch that grabs attention and leaves industry professionals wanting more. Whether you’re querying an agent or writing your book’s blurb, understanding this skill is vital to your success.
Kerry Brackett is a renowned writer whose work deeply explores cultural narratives and personal introspection. Originating from Birmingham, AL, his writing is influenced by the city’s rich history and culture. He is the author of acclaimed novels like Shadows at Sundown, The Spirit of Kwanzaa: A Journey, Echoes of the Past, and Light on the Horizon.
D Adebiyi is a Nigerian-British poet and storyteller whose work blends lyrical precision with emotional depth, exploring themes of faith, identity, memory, and transformation. Her voice is both intimate and expansive—rooted in personal truth yet resonant with universal meaning. Guided by a deep reverence for language, Adebiyi crafts poetry that is sensory, textured, and musical in rhythm. Her writing often lives in the tension between opposites—beauty and pain, longing and resilience, the sacred and the everyday.
I’m a storyteller, maker, and believer in the quiet power of words. I write books that help people, especially kids, grow in self-awareness, emotional strength, and faith. Whether crafting a whimsical children’s tale or a reflective Christian journal, I aim to create something meaningful that whispers truth in a noisy world.
Dearheart, have you ever wondered about that tingle keeping you awake at night? Where does the fiery inspiration spark from? Why does your soul beckon you in? Consciousness is ever awake, whether you are asleep, stumbling, or taking the leap. It patiently waits for you to unlock the mysteries of your spirit and embrace the liberating journey that awaits.
Leonie’s Leap tells of the adventures of a fifteen-year-old orphaned acrobat who escapes his dreary life to join the circus as a trapeze artist. Just as the daring acrobat takes the bold plunge into the unknown, your inner exploration reveals the hidden wonders within.
Your capacity to return to this wild inner landscape is the answer to your deepest longing, the home where every prayer settles. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what path you have chosen—every bit of YOU knows it: you were born to live vibrantly from your depths. The world needs you to dwell in your wildly liberated heart. It breathes through your sacred dreams. Your wings. Your feet.
Are you ready to leap?
“A tender and moving adventure tale that asks all the big questions about longing, love, hope and wisdom. Leonie’s Leap is a grand story—and a gentle guide about how to live a well-intentioned life.” – Kellye Abernathy, author of The Aquamarine Surfboard
“Leonie’s Leap is a captivating and introspective tale that invites readers on a journey of self-discovery, courage, and transformation. It encourages readers to confront their inner longings, seek the hidden wonders within themselves, and boldly pursue the path that aligns with their deepest desires. The narrative speaks to the universal truth that each of us is capable of breaking free from the constraints of our circumstances, discovering the wild, liberated spirit within, and living a life fueled by passion and purpose. This book will make you believe that you are ready to take the leap.” – Charnjit Gill, author of Pray Tell
There’s something about true crime that grips the imagination. Maybe it’s the high-stakes mystery, the dark window into human behavior, or the relentless pursuit of justice… Whatever the draw, learning how to write true crime is not for the faint of heart! It demands accuracy, empathy, persistence, and, above all, a deep respect for the real lives behind every story.
In Unwritten Pages, embark on an evocative journey through the fragmented experiences of a life marked by innocence, heartache, and resilience. This poignant poetry collection delves into the complexities of a childhood, and marriage, casting light on lost love and the heavy weight of societal expectations. Each poem offers a window into raw emotions and unfiltered truths, capturing the tumult of desire, the ache of separation, and the bittersweetness of nostalgia.
The collection explores both the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of growing up, paying tribute to the friendships that shape us. Through vivid imagery and stirring language, Unwritten Pages invites readers into a world where words provide solace and reflection, becoming a sanctuary for healing. Each poem urges us to confront the unspoken, to acknowledge the pain and joy that coexist, and to embrace the beauty in life’s unwritten chapters. This is a celebration of resilience and the human spirit’s strength in the face of heartache, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, light can be found within the stories we share.
Finding your way into writing—whether it’s the first project or the fiftieth—can feel strangely difficult. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the writing itself, but the getting started. What helps most is having a few steady tools, a bit of structure, and a mindset that keeps the pressure low while the momentum builds. With the right approach, that overwhelming blank page can start to look a lot more inviting!
While memoir, middle grade, and YA may not be the most popular genres to write in today, they offer a wealth of opportunity for authors who are willing to take on the challenge. These genres are ripe for fresh voices, authentic stories, and new perspectives that resonate with readers in meaningful ways.
My first written work was in market research, in engineering and sales. I have written many papers on subjects including Taxonomy, Entomology, Plant Diseases, and Landscaping as an Advanced Master Gardener at VanDusen, Vancouver. What Really Happened to the Hat and the Gloves is my first nonfiction novella. I have written from personal experience about the impact Alzheimer’s can have on the person affected, their closest relatives, and caregivers.
L. P. Simone lives and writes in Washington, DC, where she has worked as a history and writing teacher, a librarian and an advocate for human rights.
Riley aims to encourage readers to fall in love with the world around them. Author of two independent chapbooks and currently working on her debut self-published poetry collection, Riley can be found anywhere spilling into the pages of her journal or plotting her next adventure. Sometimes both at the same time!
As November arrives, the crisp air and shorter days create an ideal backdrop for writing. Whether you’re diving into NaNoWriMo or simply looking for inspiration, November’s unique themes offer countless possibilities. In this post, we’ll explore why prompts can be a powerful tool, examine November’s distinct atmosphere, and provide ten prompts designed to tap into the month’s spirit and seasonal shifts. These prompts are crafted to help you explore new ideas, unlock creative energy, and delve deeper into storytelling.
Just a (nearly) middle-aged mum from the UK, looking to spread some love and joy through writing. Writing romance novels, with some spice, and allowing the reader to find escapism from our, often stressful, lives.
Koushik Banerjea is the author of two novels, both written while still the sole carer for his late mother: Another Kind of Concrete (Jacaranda 2020) and Category Unknown (London Books 2022). His short stories have appeared in Feign Lit, Jerry Jazz Musician, Salvation in Stereo, Minor Literatures, Verbal, Writers Resist, and in the crime fiction anthologies Shots in the Dark and Shots in the Dark II. He has had poems published in Third Space, Building Bridges (forthcoming Renard Press November 2024), Mogadored (Tangerine Press), Razur Cuts Magazine, and online in House of Poetry magazine.
Folklore stories provide a framework that reflects human experiences, allowing writers to explore profound truths about life, morality, and community. Understanding and incorporating these tales can offer depth to your characters and plots while helping you craft narratives that are both engaging and meaningful.
In my book I share with you the good, the bad, and the ugly of infertility, as well as the physical, financial, and emotional impact this journey had on me and those closest to me. I tackle subjects such as mental health, emotional and physical struggles, relationship dynamics (partner, friends and family), blended families, work, finances, fertility, and IVF.
Featured Star Author William Guest Books by William Guest William Guest is the author of Who Are We, Places You Want to Go, and What I Cannot Abandon. Guest graduated