Just Call Me Slushy
For articles about my experiences and thoughts while going through the Slush Pile as and editorial intern, Click Here.

Advice For Authors and Illustrators
If you are an author, Write, Type, Create! If you have writer's block, think about this quote from Christopher Paul Curtis, "Any kind of writing is writing, and you don’t know what it will lead to." If that doesn't work, try a writing exercise.

If you are an illustrator, Draw, Paint, Create! Do it every day if you can, even if it's just a doodle. It will make you a better artist. If you don't know what to draw for your children's book portfolio, look at picture books for ideas about what to draw. If that doesn't work, try an illustration jump start.

Both authors and illustrators should Read, Read, Read! The one thing I have heard over and over again from authors and editors is that you should read as many books as possible in the genre you want to write. Illustrators can learn a lot by reading too. They can learn about pacing and images telling the story by looking at and reading picture books.

Books About Children's Books For Writers and Illustrators
Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market (Annual, put out by Writer's Digest Books) - Information on how to, plus publisher and agent contact and submission information. Covers markets for books, magazines, greeting cards, puzzles, games, and plays.

Writing With Pictures by Uri Shulevitz - An amazing look at how a picture book is put together visually.

Picture This, How Pictures Work by Molly Bang - Talks about the visual language of images in picture books and was recommended to me by Marla Frazee.

Illustrating Children's Books by Martin Salisbury - A book I just got about illustrating picture books that uses images from picture books to illustrate how to create pictures for publication. It also has a resouces section and a glossary of common terms.

How to Write and Sell Children's Picture Books by Jean Karl - Gives you the real nuts and bolts of how to write for children.

Take Joy by Jane Yolen - Inspirational, instructional, and funny guide for writers.

It's a Bunny-Eat-Bunny World by Olga Litowinsky - Offers a good look into publishers and the business of children's books, as well as some how to information.

From Cover to Cover by Kathleen T. Horning - A book about reviewing children's books that has invaluable information about the different genres of children's books, and what qualities they should have.

Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott - A guide on how to write and to manage your life as a writer.

Places to Talk With Other Children's Books People
The Blue Board - Author Verla Kay's children's book discussion boards. Check out the rest of her site for other great info and advice.

SCBWI - the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators.

The Yellow Board - The message board on the Write4Kids site is also a great place to discuss creating children's books.

Author, Illustrator, and Industry Websites and Links
Click Here