RESOURCES

Here I’ve assembled a collection of some of my favorite writing resources: books to read, classes to attend, industry updates to subscribe to, and communities to connect with. I’ve been cultivating this list for over a decade, and I hope you find these resources as helpful as I have!

Craft Books
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

by Stephen King

This classic is required reading for a writer starting out, including essential advice on craft, process, and the magic of creation.

Writing Picture Books

by Ann Whitford Paul

The preeminent treatise for all you picture book writers out there, taking a deep dive into craft and proving that while picture books may be short and sweet, writing one is far from simple.

Understanding Show, Don’t Tell: And Really Getting It

by Janice Hardy

One of the most common reasons for a query decline is a narrative that “tells” more than it “shows.” This excellent craft book brings concrete advice and examples to a tricky topic.

Classes & Workshops
Hugo House

Creative writing classes and workshops on everything from fiction, to nonfiction, to poetry. Offering classes online and in person at their Seattle studio.

The Highlights Foundation

Classes and workshops for writers and illustrators “who inspire kids through story.” Their online offerings are amazing, and their in-person retreats in Pennsylvania are nothing short of life-changing!

Jolie Stekly’s Write for Kids

This online, three-course series is an amazing introduction to writing for kids, covering everything from picture book craft, to YA novel plotting, to querying. Learn from the best!

Industry News & Information
Publishers Weekly Newsletters

Subscribe to free weekly newsletters for of-the-moment industry news on a variety of topics. The Children’s Bookshelf newsletter and PW Must Reads are two of my favorites for keeping in the know!

Publishers Marketplace

This site requires a subscription, but it’s the most comprehensive resource for researching agents’ and editors’ lists. If you’re getting ready to query or pitch, consider subscribing for a month to help you make the most informed decisions.

Manuscript Wishlist

While agency and publisher websites are sometimes the most up-to-date resource for wishlists, MSWL is a great clearinghouse for finding out what publishing professionals are looking for across the board.

Community
Pen Parentis

This wonderful organization offers community and accountability for all you parents trying to squeeze in some time for your WIP between soccer games and playdates. My weekly accountability group has kept my writing on track when everything else was flying off the rails!

SCBWI

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a great organization that offers conferences,  education, resources, and community for children’s book authors across the country. Your local chapter is a great place to start looking for your people!

PNWA

For those of you in the Seattle area, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association is an fantastic source of community and education. I’ve learned so much at their annual conferences over the years, and the connections I made there were where I got my start in agenting.