What lights you up about writing for children? In this episode, Cara shares how your creative spark and your deeper why can shape stories that truly connect—whether you're writing a picture book, middle grade novel, or workbook.

Thanks for making this the top picture book podcast on Spotify and Apple! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share. Visit carastevens.com to learn more.

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In this super-short-but-mighty 5- minute episode, we explore how your deepest why—the reason you started writing in the first place—can guide every book you write, from picture books to middle grade, YA, board books, or even educational workbooks.

I share what I've been working on, including a new Dora the Explorer book and my latest venture, Write, Teach, Spark—a framework that helps authors lead with purpose, teach what they believe in, and write stories that ignite something in others.

You’ll learn how to tap into your passion as creative fuel and use it to shape stories that resonate with young readers. Whether you're writing to spark wonder, soothe fears, share a tradition, or help a child feel seen, this episode is your reminder that your voice—and your why—matter.

In this episode, we hear from Tanya Wright, a powerhouse of talent whose career spans award-winning acting, screenwriting, producing, directing, and entrepreneurship. Known for her unforgettable roles on Orange is the New Black and True Blood, Tanya has recently added a new passion to her portfolio: children’s literacy and advocacy.

In this episode, we dive into Tanya’s journey behind Hairiette of Harlem—a children’s book series and program she developed during the pandemic. What started as a natural hair care line quickly evolved into something even bigger. With the world in lockdown and social inequalities coming into sharper focus, Tanya re-envisioned Hairiette to address these issues, sparking a mission to empower kids through stories that resonate.

Tanya shares the leap she took, moving across the country to attend Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, where she’s since received awards and recognition for her work. We talk about her publishing journey, her decision to go back to school, and the insights she’s gained along the way.

Listen in as we cover:

Tanya and I connected through our shared Vassar College roots, and I’ve loved following her inspiring path. I can’t wait to share her journey with you—this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling, advocacy, and taking bold steps toward meaningful change.

Tune in to hear more about Tanya’s remarkable pivot, the vision behind Hairiette of Harlem, and her advice for anyone ready to make their own impact.

You can find Tanya at https://www.TanyaIsHair.com

Discover Hairiette's world and find Goodnight Hairiette, the book, film and reading curriculum at https://BigHairBooks.com

On instagram: @tanyaishair

On facebook: @Tanya Wright

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The Picture Perfect Podcast is brought to you with support from Gatekeeper Press Publishing, your partner in self-publishing for picture books, thought leadership, memoirs, novels, keepsake books, and more! Go to https://gatekeeperpress.com to book a free consultation with one of their publishing experts, and mention Writegeist for an extra discount!

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For more information about this podcast, visit https://carajstevens.com and check out the weekly column at https://bookishlyyours.medium.com

In this episode, we’re talking about one of my

And, while we're talking about plot twists, this episode marks a new season and a new chapter in The Picture Perfect Podcast universe. Our audience have spoken and we're listening -- you're looking for more general writing advice, not just for picture books, with more content tied to Writegeist, the popular column on Medium where we explore the art, craft and spirit of all kinds of writing -- not just picture books.

So grab your ear jammies (you know: those things you jam into your ears so you can hear the podcast without disturbing your neighbors?), and your favorite cuppa something cozy and comforting, sit back, relax, and enjoy the podcast!

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The Picture Perfect Podcast is brought to you with support from Gatekeeper Press Publishing, your partner in self-publishing for picture books, thought leadership, memoirs, novels, keepsake books, and more! Go to https://gatekeeperpress.com to book a free consultation with one of their publishing experts, and mention Writegeist for an extra discount!

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For more information about this podcast, visit https://carajstevens.com and check out the weekly column at https://bookishlyyours.medium.com

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In this episode, titled "Exploring the Power of the Hero’s Journey in Storytelling," we delve into the well-known narrative framework "The Hero's Journey", first popularized by Joseph Campbell. This structure, derived from global mythological motifs, maps out a hero's transformative path through various stages—from the initial call to adventure and facing formidable challenges, to achieving personal growth and returning transformed.

The episode discusses how The Hero's Journey is not only applicable to epic tales and myths but also serves as a powerful tool for writers across all genres, enabling them to craft compelling narratives with deep emotional resonance. Explore how this powerful structure is represented in classic children's stories like Harold and the Purple Crayon, Corduroy, and Alice in Wonderland, and learn how all writers can implement this structure in their works, whether they are penning novels, screenplays, or even short stories.

Listen to the end for five prompts to dive deeper into using the Monomyth Hero's Journey framework in your own work, whether you're analyzing text, writing something new, or editing your work in progress.

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This episode is brought to you by Gatekeeper Press, your trusted partner in independent publishing. Mention the code "Writegeist" to get 5% off and book your free consultation with their team today!

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Do you have a topic or a question about picture books or indie publishing you'd like to hear covered in a future episode? Drop me a line over at www.carajstevens.com/contact and let me know!

In this episode of The Picture Perfect Podcast, we delve into the world of chiastic structure—a fascinating narrative technique that mirrors the beginning and end of a story to create a beautifully symmetrical and deeply satisfying tale.

Join me as we explore the secrets of crafting stories that come full circle, leaving readers and viewers feeling fulfilled.

Whether you are a storyteller of picture books, fiction or non-fiction, understanding how to use this 'Mirror Magic' can transform your storytelling.

Learn how this structure works, see it in action in popular books and films, and stick around until the end for 4 practical tips for incorporating it into your own writing.

Perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of craft to their narratives and make their stories resonate on a deeper level.

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This episode is brought to you by Gatekeeper Press, your trusted partner in independent publishing. Mention the code "Writegeist" to get 5% off and book your free consultation with their team today!

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Do you have a topic or a question about picture books or indie publishing you'd like to hear covered in a future episode? Drop me a line over at www.carajstevens.com/contact and let me know!

In this enlightening Picture Perfect episode, we delve into the powerful role of intuition in crafting picture books. Whether you're sketching out your first characters or polishing a final draft, learning to tap into your intuitive sense can transform your creative process. We'll explore practical tips and inspiring insights to help you connect more deeply with your inner creative spirit. From unlocking the secrets of seamless storytelling to infusing your illustrations with life, tune in to discover how to let your intuition guide your pen and bring your picture book dreams to vivid reality. Join us as we uncover the magic that happens when intuition meets imagination in the enchanting world of picture book writing.

Stick around to the end for 3 action-oriented tips on embracing flow in your own writing.

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This episode is sponsored by:

Gatekeeper Press

Gatekeeper Press is a self-publishing company and book distributor that offers a variety of services for authors and publishers, including book and eBook printing, publishing and distribution.

Visit ⁠www.gatekeeperpress.com⁠ and use code WRITEGEIST for a 5% discount on any package as well as a free consultation call.

How to Edit Your Picture Book the Marie Kondo Way

Embrace the art of letting go to transform your story

This episode is sponsored by:

Gatekeeper Press

Gatekeeper Press is a self-publishing company and book distributor that offers a variety of services for authors and publishers, including book and eBook printing, publishing and distribution.

Visit www.gatekeeperpress.com and use code WRITEGEIST for a 5% discount on any package as well as a free consultation call.

https://linktr.ee/carajstevens

In this episode, we delve into the heart of storytelling by

In this episode, we address the age-old writing advice of “Show don’t tell” as it relates to writing for children. We dive into why it’s so important to show instead of tell, especially with children’s books, and I include some real excerpts from a developmental edit with one picture book client. I also share a tried-and-true method of writing picture books that helps ensure my own manuscripts are as vivid and inviting as possible before I even get to the first full draft.

Mentioned in this episode:

Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It) (Skill Builders Series #1) by Janice Hardy

Picture Perfect on Amazon.com, by Cara J. Stevens https://a.co/d/7m0kxwe

My website: carajstevens.com

In episode 6, I share how to make the most of the limited word count of a picture book. That includes storytelling techniques, some tips on how to economize your words -- including some words that can almost always get cut from any manuscript -- how to use editing to maintain tension in your storytelling, and what it really means when authors say “show, don’t tell.” 

As a bonus, at the end of this podcast, I include some simple math about word count, page count, words per page and words per sentence that you can keep in mind when you’ve finally arrived at that whittling down editing stage, so keep a pen and paper or a note app handy and stick around to the end.