Blogfish

Authors and Illustrators share children's book publishing information

What Happens When You Put Your Characters in Extreme Danger?

Bryan Patrick Avery

30 June, 2019

Life? Or Death? There is no more compelling scenario in magic then one in which a magician’s failure could lead to harm or certain death. The escape artist, handcuffed and chained before being lowered into a tank of water, must find her way out or risk drowning. The infamous bullet catch has...

Bryan Patrick Avery

29 June, 2019

Most well-known magic artists aren’t famous because of the tricks they perform, but because of the personality of the magicians themselves. Magicians like Daryl, Don Alan, and Johnny Thompson found their fame by portraying themselves as someone audiences could relate to, enjoy spending time with,...

Melissa Stoller

29 June, 2019

There are many inspiring and helpful books about writing and creativity that may be useful as you continue along your children’s book writing path. Here are five that I recommend: BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR, by Elizabeth Gilbert Read this book to be inspired to live your best...

Bryan Patrick Avery

29 June, 2019

Magic tricks, when done well, tend to be structured in a way that will be familiar to writers. They usually have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Take a simple coin vanish. The magician borrows a coin from a spectator (beginning), makes it disappear (middle), and then, when it seems the coin is...

Melissa Stoller

29 June, 2019

Last month, I wrote about organizing and conducting a writing critique group, providing critiques, and accepting critiques. You can find that post here. Today’s post includes tips for sustaining a critique group, and what to do when it’s time to move on. Again, I’m shouting out to all my...

Sarah Momo Romero

29 June, 2019

We live in a world where we have easy access to excitement, laughter and bright colors, always vying for our attention. But there is something very beautiful to be said for the quiet moments that might often get overlooked. This month, I was drawn to a couple of picture books with a little more...

Bryan Patrick Avery

29 June, 2019

This month, we lost a living legend in the magic world: Johnny Thompson. A mentor and consultant to many top magicians, Johnny came to prominence as the Great Tomsini in an act he performed with his wife Pam. The two created a slapstick act, integrating illusions with a series of hilarious...

Melissa Stoller

29 June, 2019

There are many benefits to joining a critique group. I gain so much from my partners’ insightful comments on my work. And I benefit by reading critiques of work written by other group members. Additionally, I learn by analyzing and providing critiques of my critique partners’ manuscripts. I...

Sarah Momo Romero

29 June, 2019

This winter has been an usually cold and wet one in Los Angeles. For me, the unexpected rains and cooler temperatures are a welcome change, our Earth definitely needs all the replenishment it needs after the scorching summer heat. But I also find myself with the winter blues, cooped up inside...

Melissa Stoller

29 June, 2019

CHEERS TO 2019! In my December 2018 Blogfish post, I suggested 5 tips for staying motivated during the busy holiday season: picking one project to work on, setting up an accountability check in, carrying a journal, continuing to read, and mapping out a calendar. Click here for that post. Now in...

ABOUT

Our awesome lineup of authors & illustrators love sharing goodies that will help others!

1st Mondays begin with Clear Fork/Spork editor/art director, former agent and former kidlit professor Mira Reisberg PhD who is also the Director of the Children's Book Academy.
2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books.
3rd Mondays will feature Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer, man of mystery, and professional magician among other things.
4th Mondays will feature the fabulous debut author/illustrator Sarah Momo Romero of 'Wake up Little Bat' fame.
5th Mondays will be a mystery post from the vaults.

Blogfish

Authors and Illustrators share children's book publishing information

What Happens When You Put Your Characters in Extreme Danger?

Four Books with Character, Part 1

It's All About Writing Resources - Part 1

Three Essential Ingredients for Great Mysteries

It's All About Critique Groups - Part 2

Appreciating Beauty in the Quiet Moments

World-Building Isn't Just for Science Fiction and Fantasy

It's All About Critique Groups - Part 1

Kicking the Winter Blues with Love and Emotion

It’s All About a New Start in the New Year

ABOUT