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Child’s Craft

Child's Craft
What IS a picture book?

We’re story-tellers! So, we often want to tell every scrumptious detail of our stories as we write. But not…
February 21, 2019
Child's Craft
Your Fifteen Minutes

Whether you write for children or adults, or both, meeting with industry professionals at writers’ conferences is essential. But…
January 21, 2019
Child's Craft
Christmas Grief

Christmas is usually crammed full of jingle bells and jolly times. But not always, and not for everyone. Just…
December 21, 2018
Child's Craft
What IS a Christmas Story?

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Yay! It really is my favorite holiday. It’s all about gratitude, family, friends, food and for…
November 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Is the Story Middle Grade or YA?

A Quick Look at the Two Middle Grade: Age of readers: 8 to 12 or 13 Length of books:…
October 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Nonfiction For Kids Is Big! – Part II

Last month we looked at an overview of writing nonfiction for kids. This month we focus in on writing…
September 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Nonfiction for Kids Is BIG!

In the publishing world nonfiction is a hot item at this time. For both children’s magazines and books (especially…
August 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Childhood Memories Made New

Inspiration for the stories we write often comes from our own childhood experiences. But, times change; cultures change; technology…
July 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Readability—a Key Element in Beginning Readers and Early Chapter Books

As I mentioned in my last post, Understanding Early Readers, there are several markets for books for emerging readers.…
June 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Understanding Early Readers

A few weeks ago I started typing a new manuscript. I thought it was going to be a picture…
May 22, 2018
Child's Craft
Revealing Your Character’s Character

In her book The Art of Characterization Fay Lamb proposes that writers “use the other elements of storytelling to…
April 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Crafting Characters Readers Will Love Part 1 by Jean Hall

According to Elaine Marie Alphin (Creating Characters Kids Will Love p. 2) “Kids read because a magical closeness springs…
March 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Some DOs and DON’Ts of Writing for Children By Jean Matthew Hall

Great writing is great writing! Right? Yes, but writing for children does have challenges that are different from…
February 21, 2018
Child's Craft
Writing for Children – Helpful Books for the Serious Writer by Jean Hall

I write for young children – picture books and board books. One of my goals for 2018 is to…
January 25, 2018
Child's Craft
Celebrate! by Jean Hall

I’ve been baking for a couple of weeks now. The wonderful aromas of spices, sugar and chocolates fill my…
December 21, 2017
Child's Craft, Genre
Christmas Picture Books by Jean Matthew Hall

By Jean Matthew Hall Before our grandchildren came along always read the Christmas story in Luke 2 around the…
November 21, 2017
Child's Craft
CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS PART 1 By Jean Matthew Hall

Book Genres specify the types of literature that share certain common aspects. Genres include mystery, romance, historical fiction,…
September 21, 2017
Child's Craft
31 UNIVERSAL THEMES IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE- Jean Hall

My daughter-in-law is a first-time mom to my newest grandchild. Dylan is four months old and, of course, absolutely…
August 21, 2017
Child's Craft
One Reason I Write for Children by Jean Matthew Hall

Why do you write for Children? To be famous? To teach children the truth? To evangelize children? To fulfill…
July 20, 2017
Child's Craft
Tips for Getting Published

I’ve been asked multiple times by others hoping to get published what tips I had for getting published. Here…
June 20, 2017
Child's Craft
Get in Here!

My husband and I recently spent a few days in Napa Valley. We stayed in a quaint Bed and…
May 20, 2017
Child's Craft
One Author’s Story

I frequently get asked the question of how I got published. Okay. I’ll tell. God placed the notion on…
April 20, 2017
Child's Craft
Create like the Creator

As I was running trails with my dog one day, I was overcome with awe at the beauty, the…
March 20, 2017
Child's Craft
Changing your Course

Back in my carpool driving days, I discovered that if I arrived early for afternoon pickup, I’d get a…
February 22, 2017
Child's Craft
Goals for the New Year from A to Z

So the new year has come! Did you make resolutions of things to do or not to do? Will…
January 20, 2017