Coaching KidLit

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 Chow01:42 Discussing Karen's Debut Novel: Miracle03:09 Exploring Tough Topics in Middle Grade Literature03:34 The Inspiration Behind 'Miracle'05:16 The Writing Process and Challenges10:09 The Journey to Getting Published21:20 The Impact of 'Miracle' on Readers30:16 Advice for Writers Tackling Difficult Topics33:53 Teaser for Karen's Next Project39:15 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.

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.

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.
 

Episode 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.

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.

Episode 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.

Episode 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.

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.

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 respectful research. Sam shares her expertise on bringing dimensionality to LGBTQ+ characters by addressing:
• Common pitfalls and clichéd portrayals• Strategies for making characters feel authentic and complex• Guidelines for respectful and accurate representation• Recommendations for further reading and research
Together they offer practical tips authors can use to craft LGBTQ+ characters that feel truly human - avoiding one-dimensional "token" portrayals and instead tapping into the full richness of the community's lived experiences.
Resources Mentioned:
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.

Episode 17: Re-Envisioning vs Revising

In this episode:
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of re-envisioning and revising a manuscript to ensure that it achieves the author's intended point. They emphasized the need to take a step back and look at the big picture, focusing on character arc, plot structure, and other key elements.
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of taking a break from a manuscript to gain distance and perspective, allowing the subconscious to work out the story's components. They emphasized the need to focus on the story's vision and purpose rather than getting bogged down in minor details.
Sharon and Christy discussed various tools and methods for identifying what's working and what's not in a manuscript, such as the Stoplight Method, Hierarchy of Editorial Needs, Inside Outline, and synopsis. They emphasized the importance of taking a step back and looking at the big picture before focusing on line-level perfection.
Christy and Sharon discussed the importance of doing an inventory of scenes and subplots in a manuscript before revising. They emphasized the need to re-envision the story and make intentional changes that serve the story, even if it means discarding beloved scenes or ideas.
Sharon and Christy discussed the importance of revising a manuscript by focusing on the big picture elements such as plot, character development, and structure before moving on to line editing and polishing. They emphasized the need to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and to not get caught up in perfectionism.
Sharon and Christy discussed revisioning and shared tools and tips for writers to improve their manuscripts, including a worksheet and a spreadsheet. They emphasized the importance of finding the right tools and processes that work for each individual writer.
Resources Mentioned:
Sharon's Manuscript Triage and First-Aid Basics: https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/manuscript-triage-and-first-aid-basics/
Christy's Story Map Template: https://christyyaros.com/writer-resources
 
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.