By Sharon Giltrow

Well, here I am wrapping up another year, which was jammed packed with so many fantastic and funny books. Here are the books I featured in 2022 and their wise takeaways…

Now for a sad wrap up.

This will be my last blogpost for The Children’s Book Academy. With three books coming out next year and many more books to write I have decided to focus more on my own writing.

Thank you to Mira and the crew at The Children’s Book Academy for giving me the fabulous opportunity.
I have enjoyed every minute of it and I can’t wait to see who takes over from me 😊.

All the best in your writing and illustrating careers. I will be cheering you from the sidelines.

BIO:
Sharon Giltrow grew up in South Australia, the youngest of eight children, surrounded by pet sheep and fields of barley. She now lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband, two children and a tiny dog. Sharon is a children’s author who writes humorous and heartfelt picture books. As well as speculative, adventure filled middle grade books. Since 2020 Sharon has built a collection of literary work including BEDTIME, DADDY! GET READY, MAMA! with EK Books and the soon to be released early middle grade series, THE UTILITY BELT. Sharon is represented by Fiona Johnson of Beyond Words Literary Agency

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by Bryan Patrick Avery

Well, another year is coming to a close. Soon, we’ll all start making resolutions, setting goals, and looking for new ways to better ourselves. I’d like to suggest a way to challenge yourself in the coming year: commit to reading more.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. We also know that we don’t always have the time to read as much as we’d like to. (My TBR pile keeps getting bigger.) So, this year, let’s take a different approach to reading.

Here’s how it works:
Instead of counting books read, or measuring the height of your TBR pile, simply commit to reading for 30 minutes a day.

30 minutes a day is 3 ½ hours per week.
3 ½ hours per week is 182 hours per year.
That’s a lot of reading!

Finding time to read is a luxury many can’t afford. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the 30 minutes all at once. Maybe try reading for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 more before bed. Or break it up into even smaller chunks. Block the time off on your calendar if that helps. Once you get started, you may find it easier to continue. So give it a try.

If you can’t get the 30 minutes in every day, don’t worry. Try again the next day. The key thing is to keep reading.

Looking for a book to read? Below are a few of my new favorites. Add them to your TBR pile and get to reading!
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Nigel and the Moon – Antwan Eady and Gracey Zhang (PB)
Knight Owl – Christopher Denise (PB)
A Seed in the Sun – Aida Salazar (MG)
Amari and the Great Game – B.B. Alston (MG)
Spy School The Graphic Novel – Stuart Gibbs and Anjan Sarkar (GN)

Well, that’s all for this month (and this year). Happy writing and have a magical month.

by Melissa Stoller

​December brings the winter holiday season for many faith traditions. I celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah, and at this time of year, I find myself immersing in holiday foods, family parties, and lots of decorating. I am thankful to be able to enjoy the holiday lights with family and friends and I hope to spark some story ideas when we are all together.

​Here are a few ways you can gather inspiration this holiday season:

1. List the rituals and ritual objects related to the holidays you celebrate. Notice the details on your objects and research their meanings. Are there any family stories associated with your observances?Interview family members and jot down ideas for stories.

 

1. As you make your favorite holiday recipes, ask some questions. Where did this recipe come from? How was it handed down in my family? Who were the people that cooked it years ago? Where did they come from? What types of ingredients are used? Perhaps as you taste a treasured holiday treat, you will be inspired to write a related story.

 

1. As you decorate or enjoy decorations in your neighborhood or in area store windows, think about the festivities. How is light incorporated into many holiday traditions? How do symbols play a part in the holiday atmosphere? Perhaps watch movies or search online for movie scenes and get inspired by the decorations, lights, and festive attire. 

 
I hope these brainstorming exercises spark some story ideas or revisions – let me know in the comments. 
 
Cheers to creativity and to a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

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MELISSA’S BIO:
 
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. She is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written with Callie Lovvorn and Shirin Rahman). Melissa is a Blogger and Course Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Advisory Council member, and a past school and synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. Melissa is represented by Jonathan Rosen at The Seymour Agency. www.MelissaStoller.com
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