Writing for Kids

Publications

My recent and forthcoming publications for children include articles, features, crafts, poems, games, and activities in:

  • Highlights for Children
  • Humpty Dumpty’s Magazine
  • Spider
  • Babybug
  • Voices of the Valley: First Press

Agent

I’m represented by Red Fox Literary.

Current Projects

I’m working on a nonfiction children’s book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a fiction story with animals (a favorite topic of mine!), a humorous adventure set in the Philippines, and a craft book.

When I’m not writing books or articles, I enjoy dabbling in children’s poetry. Sharing the humorous side of life is always fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

* How did you start writing for children?

I have a friend who writes picture books. When I returned to the U.S. after living in the Philippines, she told me that editors were looking for multicultural stories. I started writing about the Philippines so I could share my memories of this fascinating country and the beautiful Filipino people.

* Where do you get your story ideas?

They come from all kinds of places. Sometimes my children are the inspiration, or kids in the classroom or at the park. I also get ideas from the newspaper, friends, books I read, and funny things my pets do. I have an abundance of ideas but not enough time to write about all of them.

* How long does it take to write a children’s book?

It depends upon the book. Picture books are short but every word has to count. After the story is written, then I put it aside for a while and come back to it a month or two later to revise the story. When I write nonfiction, it takes much longer. Sometimes I’m doing research for six months or a year before I start writing.

* What else do you write for children?

After working on a book for a long time, I like to take a break and write poetry. It’s fun and bouncy, and I can be silly with words.

I also like to design games, activities and crafts for children.

* Do you write every day?

I would like to, but other responsibilities get in the way. I try to write at least five days a week. I find that the more often I write, the easier it is.

* What advice do you have for a new writer trying to get published?

Read as much as you can in the genre you want to publish in.  It’s important to know what’s out there and to see how others have mastered the craft.

Recommended Books for Children’s Writers

  • The Giblin Guide to Writing Children’s Books by James Cross Giblin
  • Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market by Alice Pope
  • The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author’s Tips on Writing Children’s Books and Publishing Them, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids by Aaron Shepard
  • The  ABCs of Writing for Children by Elizabeth Koehler Pentacoff
  • You Can Write Children’s Books by Tracey E. Dills
  • Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
  • Blockbuster Plots Pure and Simple by Martha Alderson
  • How I Write by Janet Evanovich