I found children’s author Rob Sanders’ blog in November during the Picture Book Idea Month Challenge. Both his blog Picture This! and website are filled with wonderful resources, fun illustrations and information.
Since I have A to Z on the brain this week, I wanted to highlight his recent series the Picture Book Writer’s Glossary. He shares definitions to various writing terms. Many of the entries have links to previous posts he’s written.
His blog makes me feel like I’ve won the picture book information lottery.Â
On his website, Rob Sanders Children’s Author, welcomes visitors to his site as “A home away from home for writers, teachers, and kids. Come back often, the door is always open.” I would encourage this.Â
Rob says, “I’m a writer who teaches and a teacher who writes.” His blog posts are always informative and helpful. His first picture book Cowboy Christmas is scheduled to be released by Golden Books-Random House in the fall.Â
If you click on the “Hey Kids” icon, you can find downloadable writing activities — a couple with a cowboy theme just like his book — and cowboy recipes.Â
Teachers can find a page on “Tips for helping kids find their writing voice!”Parents can find a sheet of writing tips sheet. His writing pledge is for kids, but honestly it wouldn’t hurt for me to recite it every day.Â
Rob also offers critique services too.
While his sites are focused on picture books, I believe they offer any genre writer a great example of how to offer unique information to a both readers and fellow writers. If you study author websites, add Rob’s site to your homework list.Â
I also want to thank Kelley Lynn at Between the Bookends. She gave me the The Thumbs Up From Skunk Award — a stinkin’ cute award — as well as the Liebster Award.Â
Don’t get too distracted by the skunk’s cuteness. Kelley mentioned in her award post about a pitch contest. You may want to hop over to Forever Rewrighting to read the details of what agent Tricia Lawrence will read in the contest. It’s open from Feb. 13-17. Lawrence is a new agent and is well established in YA/MG.Â
Happy Groundhog Day!Â
catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com
Congrats on the awards Stacy and thanks for all the info on Rob Sanders’ blog. It’s been such a busy time since Nov I’ve only stumbled over there once. I must subscribe right now. Happy Groundhog day!
Stacy S. Jensen
Catherine, the glossary is a keeper for PB writers. I really like his website. If someone is working on a website, this is a good one to study for ideas.
Coleen Patrick
Congrats on your awards Stacy and thanks for the great links.
🙂
Stacy S. Jensen
Thank you for the memories today with your LHOP memories.
Beth Stilborn
Happy Groundhog Day to you, too, Stacy! Wow, what a wealth of resources there are on Rob’s blog.
And now (drum roll please) you’ve just won another award. I’ve presented you with the Kreativ Blogger Award — see this link for details: http://www.bethstilborn.com/kreativ-blogger-award-thanks-debbie-johannson/
Stacy S. Jensen
Yes. I’m sure I missed several great blogs during November and still haven’t caught up with all of the 12x gang. I’m slowly making my way through the lists.
Stacy S. Jensen
And Thank YOU Beth for the award. I hit return too early.
Kelley
You’re very welcome!! I hope you enter the contest 🙂 See you there!
Stacy S. Jensen
Contests like that are golden, but I’m not sure I’m ready to pitch. We’ll see what the next week brings my way.
Cathy Mealey
Stacy – you are so right. Rob’s blog is extremely informative. I have found so many answers there – some to questions that I did not know I had!
Happy Groundhog Day!
Stacy S. Jensen
I love that Cathy – “some to questions that I did not know I had!”
Romelle
Yes, Rob’s PICTURE THIS! is full of great information. His earlier posts is a must read. It’s a go-to site for PB writers! Glad you found him.
Stacy S. Jensen
Romelle, I know. I still have a lot of posts to search. I think the glossary is a great start.
August McLaughlin
Love the way you show your gratitude through these posts! Happy Groundhog back at ya. 😉
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks August. I haven’t shown my gratitude to the groundhog, because we got hit with a snowstorm 🙂 Of course, we were snug and warm, so I can’t be too mad.
Linda at teacherdance
Wow, Stacey, this is wonderful for me too–teaching & writing. Many thanks!
Stacy S. Jensen
Yes Linda this site is a wonderful on many different levels.
thiskidreviewsbooks.com
Thank you for telling us about Mr. Sanders’ site! I checked it out – it’s pretty cool! Congratulations on your awards! I like the skunk 🙂
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks. I love the skunk too.
Claudine G.
Thanks for the link to Rob’s site! I’m hopping over now to take a peak.
Stacy S. Jensen
I think you’ll find it helpful Claudine.
Julie Hedlund
His blog IS amazing, and I too discovered it during PiBoIdMo. Thanks for sharing it!
Stacy S. Jensen
I know Julie. Just another great benefit of PiBoIdMo.
Susanne Drazic
Hi, Stacy. CONGRATS on your new awards.
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks Susanne.