Coaching KidLit

By Sharon Skinner

A podcast about writing and publishing good KidLit, hosted by Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sharon Skinner.

Talking about the craft of writing children‘s books.

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FAQs about Coaching KidLit:

How many episodes does Coaching KidLit have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.

Coaching KidLit episodes:

December 06, 2023 Episode 24: Project Management for Writers with Guest Sara Gentry
In this special episode, Sharon takes a break while Christy nerds out with fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sara Gentry, focusing on project management for writers. They discuss setting practical deadlines, recognizing personal workflows, and the importance of documenting progress. They also emphasize approaching the creative process with intention while being open to discovery.

02:44 Understanding the Complexity of Writing a Novel
05:44 The Importance of Project Management in Writing
09:35 Setting Realistic Goals and Managing Energy
14:47 Understanding Your Writing Process
20:24 The Role of Planning and Scheduling in Writing
28:19 The Importance of Trying Different Writing Strategies

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
You can find Sharon Skinner at bookcoachingbysharon.com or connect with her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and X @SharonSkinner56.
You can find Christy Yaros at christyyaros.com or connect with her on Instagram and X @ChristyYaros.
You can find Sara Gentry at solutionsforwriters.com or connect with her on Instagram, Threads, and X @writewithsara.

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33min
November 01, 2023Episode 23: On Your Mark, Get Set, Write! NaNoWriMo and Beyond
Get set for a writing sprint with this motivating episode! Join writing coaches Sharon and Christy as they share tips to optimize writing sprints like NaNoWriMo.
Whether you're gearing up for a 30-day creative marathon or simply trying to make steady progress on your WIP, you'll gather insightful advice on planning, accountability, tracking achievements, celebrating small successes, and keeping perspective along the way.
Sharon and Christy draw from their personal experiences with writing challenges to provide an encouraging mix of practical strategies, managing expectations, and giving grace when life happens. You'll walk away inspired to start moving the needle on your writing goals.
Key topics include:
Crafting reasonable daily word count objectives
Leveraging accountability partners and writing communities
Using outlines and placeholder notes to boost efficiency
Tracking progress thoughtfully with data
Rewards and reflections for mini-milestones
Avoiding comparison and discouragement traps
Planning for inevitable disruptions
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter@ChristyYaros.
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35min
October 04, 2023 Episode 22: Writing Speculative Fiction with Guest Sara Gentry
In this special episode, Christy takes a break while Sharon geeks out with guest Sara Gentry on speculative fiction: defining this expansive genre, exploring its allure for young readers seeking escapism, touching upon Steampunk's charm, emphasizing nuanced character development while addressing societal issues, and cautioning against didacticism and singular viewpoints.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter/X: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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32min
September 06, 2023Episode 21: Using Other People’s Words
Sharon and Christy discuss the creative possibilities and potential pitfalls of using other authors' words in your book through epigraphs and quotes. They share thoughts on:
Navigating permissions for quoting lyrics, poems, and book passages
When short quotes may fall under fair use
Crafting fictional quotes and sources to fit your story
Using epigraphs artfully to set tone and expectations
Studying how mentor authors incorporate quotes
Deciding if quotes are right for your book and audience
This episode explores how quotes, epigraphs, and excerpts can legally and effectively enhance your work. Sharon and Christy provide tips and food for thought, but always recommend consulting official legal resources.

Books Mentioned:
Blood from a Rose by Sharon Skinner
The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany
Mirabella and the Faded Phantom by Sharon Skinner
Lostuns Found by Sharon Skinner
A Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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31min
August 02, 2023Episode 20: KidLit 101 with Guests Cheryl Malone and Victoria J. Coe
Christy and Sharon talked with Victoria J. Coe and Cheryl Malone, co-authors of Writing KidLit 101: A Self-Guided Course.
Key Topics Discussed:
Backgrounds and journeys of the guests as KidLit writers
Importance of reading current children's books as mentor texts
Differences between genre vs category in KidLit
Craft elements like perspective vs point of view, scenes, character arcs
Writing picture books vs novels
Collaborating to write "Writing KidLit 101" to help new writers
Actionable tips for writing KidLit:
Read debut authors
Examine older and newer books side-by-side
Write a motivational letter to yourself
Relevant Links:
Writing KidLit 101: A Self-Guided Course book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/writing-kidlit-101-a-self-guided-course-cheryl-lawton-malone/19842091?ean=9798987666548
Victoria J. Coe website: https://victoriajcoe.com/
Cheryl Malone website: https://www.cheryllawtonmalone.com/
Write On Productions website: https://writeonproductions.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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47min
July 05, 2023 Episode 19: Scene vs Summary: Balancing Showing and Telling
In this episode, Christy and Sharon discuss the balance between showing and telling in writing. They emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose of each scene and using scene and summary to efficiently convey information to the reader. They also highlight the significance of grounding the reader in each scene and using dialogue and setting effectively to reveal character and emotion. They caution against including unnecessary details that can bog down the story and suggest trusting the reader to fill in gaps and understand the story. Throughout the episode, they provide examples and practical tips for writers to improve their use of scene and summary in their writing.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
...more
39min
June 07, 2023 Episode 18: Creating Three-Dimensional LGBTQ+ Characters with Guest Sam Cameron
In this episode, Sharon and Christy are joined by fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sam Cameron to discuss how to craft nuanced, authentic LGBTQ+ characters that avoid stereotypes. They provide advice on tropes to avoid, positive examples of LGBTQ+ representation in books, and resources for conducting About GLAAD
The Vito Russo Test | GLAAD
"Pride" on Hulu
If you want to learn more about creating three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters in your kidlit, subscribe to Sam’s newsletter by visiting www.truantpen.com/lgbtq.
Books Mentioned:
Picture Books
Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
When Aiden Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
Middle Grade
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
Graphic Novel
The Prince and the Dress Maker by Jen Wang
Young Adult
Darius the Great is not Okay by Adib Khorram
Marissa Meyers’ Gilded Duology
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
This Poison Heart by Kaylynn Bayron

For more information about Sam Cameron, visit truantpen.com or follow her on Twitter at @sblaircameron.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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47min
May 03, 2023Episode 17: Re-Envisioning vs Revising
In this episode:
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of re-envisioning and revising a manuscript to ensure that it achieves the author's intended point. They emphasized the need to take a step back and look at the big picture, focusing on character arc, plot structure, and other key elements.
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of taking a break from a manuscript to gain distance and perspective, allowing the subconscious to work out the story's components. They emphasized the need to focus on the story's vision and purpose rather than getting bogged down in minor details.
Sharon and Christy discussed various tools and methods for identifying what's working and what's not in a manuscript, such as the Stoplight Method, Hierarchy of Editorial Needs, Inside Outline, and synopsis. They emphasized the importance of taking a step back and looking at the big picture before focusing on line-level perfection.
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of doing an inventory of scenes and subplots in a manuscript before revising. They emphasized the need to re-envision the story and make intentional changes that serve the story, even if it means discarding beloved scenes or ideas.
Sharon and Christy discussed the importance of revising a manuscript by focusing on the big picture elements such as plot, character development, and structure before moving on to line editing and polishing. They emphasized the need to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and to not get caught up in perfectionism.
Sharon and Christy discussed revisioning and shared tools and tips for writers to improve their manuscripts, including a worksheet and a spreadsheet. They emphasized the importance of finding the right tools and processes that work for each individual writer.
Resources Mentioned:
Sharon's Manuscript Triage and First-Aid Basics: https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/manuscript-triage-and-first-aid-basics/
Christy's Story Map Template: https://christyyaros.com/writer-resources

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
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47min
April 05, 2023 Episode 16: Category Shifts with Guest Tanja Bauerle
In this episode, Sharon and Christy talk with author/illustrator Tanja Bauerle about the joys and challenges of shifting categories from picture books to middle grade, how book coaching helped her level up her novel writing game, and what it's like working on a Revise & Resubmit request from an agent.
Books Mentioned:
Mary's Monster by Lita Judge
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Boat of Dreams by Rogério Coelho
Resources Mentioned:
https://tanjabauerle.com/resources/
https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/start-here-book-coaching-qa/
https://christyyaros.com/writer-resources

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
For more information about Tanja Bauerle, visit tanjabauerle.com or find her on Instagram @tanjaillustrates or Twitter @tanjabauerle.
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36min
March 01, 2023 Episode 15: Getting the Most Out of Workshops and Conferences
In this episode, Sharon and Christy talk about attending workshops and conferences for craft. They discuss why they're important, how to decide which ones to attend, and how to get the most out of the ones you do.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and Twitter @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ChristyYaros.
...more
40min

FAQs about Coaching KidLit:

How many episodes does Coaching KidLit have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.

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