Coaching KidLit

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.

Episode 16: Category Shifts with Guest Tanja Bauerle

In this episode, Sharon and Christy talk with author/illustrator Tanja Bauerle about the joys and challenges of shifting categories from picture books to middle grade, how book coaching helped her level up her novel writing game, and what it's like working on a Revise & Resubmit request from an agent.
Books Mentioned:
Mary's Monster by Lita Judge
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Boat of Dreams by Rogério Coelho
Resources Mentioned:
https://tanjabauerle.com/resources/
https://bookcoachingbysharon.com/start-here-book-coaching-qa/
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.
For more information about Tanja Bauerle, visit tanjabauerle.com or find her on Instagram @tanjaillustrates or Twitter @tanjabauerle. 

Episode 15: Getting the Most Out of Workshops and Conferences

In this episode, Sharon and Christy talk about attending workshops and conferences for craft. They discuss why they're important, how to decide which ones to attend, and how to get the most out of the ones you do.
 
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 14: Navigating Critique Groups

In this episode, Sharon and Christy talk about how to navigate critique groups, the positives, perils and pitfalls inherent in getting and giving feedback, and how to find a critique group that will best serve your needs.
 
Sharon's Critique Guide, "The Art of Critique: Giving and Getting Good Feedback"
Christy's Critique Group Needs Self-Reflection Journal
 
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com.

Episode 13: Mentor Texts with Book Coach Sara Gentry

In this episode Christy and Sharon are joined by fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sara Gentry. Sara, Sharon, and Christy talk about using the Author Accelerator Inside Outline as a tool for studying published books as mentor texts.
Books discussed:
The Next Great Jane by K.L. Going
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
May B. by Caroline Starr Rose
After the Fall by Dan Santat
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
 
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com.
For more information about Sara Gentry, visit solutionsforwriters.com

Episode 12: Good Beginnings

Sharon and Christy discuss what makes a good opening for a KidLit novel, and test each other's detective skills with some excellent opening lines from published KidLit.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com.

Episode 11: Plot

Christy and Sharon talk about plot, different forms of plot/subplot, some of the plotting tools that are available, and dig into plot in KidLit.
 
Darcy Pattison's Shrunken Manuscript Revision Method: https://www.darcypattison.com/writing/revision/shrunken-manuscript-watch-webinar/
 
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com.

Episode 10: How Does a Published KidLit Author Use a Book Coach? with returning guest Cindy L. Rodriguez

Cindy L. Rodriguez returns to chat with Christy and Sharon about the value of hiring a book coach, whether you're just starting out, still aspiring, or a multi-published author.
Cindy’s debut picture book, Three Pockets Full, came out from Cardinal Rule Press on September 1.
Jump to:
[3:04] The Backstory of the Story
[8:02] Critique Group vs. Coach 
[11:08] The Manuscript Evaluation
[13:16] On Feedback from Your Book Coach/Editor
[19:29] The Story You Think You're Telling vs What's on the Page
[24:36] Working with a Coach When You Already Have a Contract
[26:58] Why We Love "Why?"
[30:29] Book Coaching as an Investment in You
[32:20] Actionable Items
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com.

Episode 09: Coaching KidLit: What We Do and How

Christy and Sharon dive into Coaching KidLit, what exactly this book coaching thing is, which is not a very simple answer, but nonetheless an interesting one, because at its essence, it's all about helping you write, edit, and polish your manuscript so it's the best it can be.
 
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @CoachingKidLit
For more information about Sharon Skinner, visit bookcoachingbysharon.com.
For more information about Christy Yaros, visit christyyaros.com.