Coaching KidLit

Episode 48: Nature-Based Writing with Guest Erin Radniecki

Host Sharon Skinner and guest Erin Radniecki discuss nature-based writing: weaving nature into kid lit, fostering a sense of place, and using personal passion for nature to enrich storytelling and connect young readers to the natural world.
Topics Covered:
Erin’s journey: Combining passion for nature and writing [00:01:34]
Coaching nature-curious writers: Focus on characters’ relationship with nature [00:03:36]
Nature in various genres: Magical realism, contemporary, and broader definitions [00:06:13]
Importance of sensory details and connecting with nature as inspiration [00:16:40]
Using nature as metaphor or thematic element, even if not writing nature fiction [00:18:30]
Human relationships with nature and sense of place ([00:21:02]
Action items: Story Ecosystem Starter Kit & getting outside for inspiration [00:28:10]
Visit and/or Follow Erin Online:Instagram: @writewithnatureWebsite:: writewithnature.com

Episode 47: Writing Across Genres with Guest Jessica Vitalis

Sharon welcomes middle-grade author Jessica Vitalis. Jessica shares her journey from picture books to novels in verse, emphasizing perseverance, community, and continual craft improvement. They discuss the value of mentor texts, the process of writing across genres, pursuing literary awards, and the importance of connecting with and contributing to the kid lit community.
 
Visit and/or Follow Jessica Online:Website: https://jessicavitalis.com/Bluesky: @jessicavitalis.bsky.socialInstagram: @jessicavauthor

Episode 46: Steps for Self-Publishing Success with Guest Darcy Pattison

Sharon Skinner interviews prolific children's author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison, who shares insights and actionable advice on indie publishing, from book production to marketing, drawing on her experience publishing over 70 award-winning kidlit titles.
Visit and/or Follow Darcy Online:Facebook.com/DarcyPattisonAuthordarcypattison.bsky.socialMimsHouseBooks.comDarcyPattison.comsubstack.com/@darcypattisonindiekidsbooks.com
TOPICS COVERED
Darcy Pattison’s Journey to Indie Publishing (00:03:10) 
Choosing and Researching Nonfiction KidLit  (00:04:56) 
Managing the Business and Profitability of Indie Publishing (00:08:41) 
Offset Printing vs. Print-on-Demand for Picture Books (00:16:04) 
The Importance of Setting Clear Publishing Goals (00:22:00) 
Outsourcing Tasks and Wearing Multiple Hats as an Indie Publisher (00:29:01) 
Encouragement and Advice for Writers Considering Self-Publishing (00:31:48) 

Episode 45: Creatures as Characters & Symbols with Guest Rebecca Dolence

Sharon and guest Rebecca Dolence discuss using creatures as symbols in kid lit, exploring how folklore and personal experience inform storytelling. They share insights on developing creature backstories, avoiding stereotypes, and twisting familiar tropes, while encouraging writers to innovate and deepen character symbolism in their children’s literature.
Key Topics Covered:
The role of creatures and symbolism in children’s literature and storytelling
Avoiding stereotypes by giving creatures nuanced personalities and backstories
How personal experience and voice shape writing and coaching approaches
Using folklore, mythology, and animal symbolism in kid lit
Twisting and innovating on familiar tropes and creature archetypes
Visit Rebecca online at: LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Substack
And check out her Creature of the Month Club  and Free Villain Worksheet
Other Resources:
Slam Poetry Wiki
What is My Spirit Animal

Episode 44: Art and Impact of Verse in KidLit with Guest Joan Schoettler

Award-winning author Joan Schoettler joins Sharon Skinner to discuss her journey from teacher to kidlit writer, delving into the craft of verse novels, the importance of concise language and emotional resonance, and how authentic storytelling can connect deeply with young readers.
Visit Joan online at: https://joanschoettler.com/ and follow her on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram

Episode 43: Advice for Authorpreneurs with Guest Sara Fujimura

In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Sharon interviews guest Sara Fujimura about her writing journey and Authorpreneurial strategies, including networking, marketing, and maintaining a writing career, even when setbacks occur.
Emphasizing community building, Sara details her experiences in both indie and traditional publishing, the importance of identifying one’s audience, and how she overcame challenges. The episode provides actionable advice for aspiring authors, focusing on balancing writing and business aspects while achieving personal definitions of success.
Visit Sara online at: https://sarafujimura.com or https://www.tanabatawishes.com
 

Episode 42: Demystifying Middle Grade Series with Guest Matt McMann

In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner welcomes Matt McMann, USA Today bestselling author of the middle grade spooky mystery series Monsterious. Matt shares his unique writing journey—from winning school writing contests as a kid, to a long career as a musician, and finally returning to writing with encouragement and guidance from his wife, bestselling author Lisa McMann.
Matt discusses the ups and downs of his path to publication, including multiple book rejections before finding success with Monsterious. He explains the difference between dynamic, static, and anthology series and why he chose the anthology format for his books, allowing each story to feature different characters and monsters. Matt emphasizes the importance of perseverance and ongoing practice in developing writing craft.
Visit Matt online at mattmcmann.com, and follow him on Instagram @matt_mcmann

Episode 41: Exploring Emotional Writing with Guest Christopher Cheng

In this episode of Coaching Kidlit, Sharon Skinner welcomes award-winning children's author Christopher Cheng for an inspiring conversation about emotional writing in kidlit. Chris shares insights from his journey as a teacher and author, discusses the importance of writing from the heart, and reveals how personal experiences shape his stories. Listeners will learn practical tips on staying organized and embracing their unique voice—all while celebrating the emotional depth that makes children’s literature so powerful.
 
Visit Chris online at: ChrisCheng.com

Episode 40: Combining Cultural Aspects with Harshita Jerath

Sharon and Christy welcome Guest Harshita Jerath, author of picture books such as "The Leaping Ladoo" and "Cooler Than Lemonade" to discuss how she blends elements from her Indian heritage with American experiences in her writing, creating stories that resonate with broader audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Visti Harshita online at:
Website: harshitajerath.com
Instagram: @hjjerath
Facebook: Harshita Jerath Books and Blog

Episode 39: Ins and Outs of Indie Publishing with Guest Natalie Wright

In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner dives into the ins and outs of indie publishing with guest Natalie Wright. Natalie shares her journey from lawyer to successful indie author, discussing her writing process, character development, and the importance of a strong author platform. She offers valuable insights into creating emotionally resonant stories and building an engaged readership. Sharon and Natalie also emphasize the significance of authenticity and deep connection with target readers in both writing and marketing strategies.