Coaching KidLit

By Sharon SkinnerEducation Arts Books How To

Coaching KidLit episodes

March 06, 2024Episode 27: Writing Craft Book Roundup
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Christy and Sharon dig into eleven great Writing Craft Books, why they like them, how they use them, and why you might want to check them out.
The discussions centers ways to use of craft writing books and materials when writing KidLit, including tools and approaches for character development, story structure, and effective editing.
Topics covered include:
Editing with a plan
Character development
Emotional storytelling
Respectful diverse representation
Practical writing application
Continuous learning and improvement
Craft books selection and use
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.
37 min
February 07, 2024 Episode 26: Navigating Through Emotional Topics in Middle Grade with Author Karen Chow
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Christy and Sharon discuss the process of writing and publishing emotionally challenging KidLit with guest, Karen Chow. Chow, a middle-grade novelist and engineer by day, opens up about her debut novel Miracle, in which she explores tough subjects such as cancer, grief, and emotional recovery. Chow shares her experiences from college until her book’s publication, as well as insights about her creative process. She provides advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in writing and self-care during the process.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Karen Chow
01:42 Discussing Karen's Debut Novel: Miracle
03:09 Exploring Tough Topics in Middle Grade Literature
03:34 The Inspiration Behind 'Miracle'
05:16 The Writing Process and Challenges
10:09 The Journey to Getting Published
21:20 The Impact of 'Miracle' on Readers
30:16 Advice for Writers Tackling Difficult Topics
33:53 Teaser for Karen's Next Project
39:15 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow us on Instagram and X: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com or follow her on Instagram @sharon_skinner_author_bookcoach and X @SharonSkinner56.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com or follow her on Instagram and X @ChristyYaros.
For more information about Karen Chow, visit her website at kchowrites.com or find her on Instagram @kchowrites.
41 min
January 03, 2024 Episode 25: Writing Routines and Practices
Christy and Sharon discuss writing routines and processes for writers navigating their creative journeys, including the need for flexibility, embracing imperfection, and finding joy in the process of creating a sustainable and personalized writing routine.

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.
28 min
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.

33 min
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.
35 min
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.
32 min
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.
31 min
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.
47 min
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.
39 min
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.
47 min