12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast

021 - Celebrating AANHPI Month with Carren Jao

Meet Carren Jao [https://www.carrenjao.com/], one of the passionate co-leaders of the 12 x 12 Asian Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (ANHPI) Affinity Group. Ellen Lee [https://www.ellenlee.com/] was unable to join us for this conversation, but please visit her website, too. Together, these women have created a warm, welcoming, educational "community within the community" in 12 x 12. Not surprisingly, many incredible picture books have been published by members of this group. Listen in to discover: * The establishment and purpose of the 12 x 12 Affinity Groups * The evolution of the ANHPI Affinity group name and why it's important * Carren's background in the arts and journalism, and how that connects to picture book writing * How Carren and Ellen came to offer Monthly Mixers to the ANHPI Affinity Group * Learning from members about switching agents mid-career * Tips on executing "scrappy" book promotion ideas members have shared * Carren's upcoming debut picture book, The Shape of Love * Books Carren and Julie love for AANHPI month--and every month! * Fighting against book bans as a community and as individuals * What's next for Carren Books mentioned in this episode: * The Shape of Love [https://belcantobooks.myshopify.com/products/pre-shape-of-love], by Carren Jao and Corinne Caro * When A Rhino Has to Wait [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9798890034489], by Dazzle Ng and Estrela Lourenço * Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781620142608], by Andrea J. Loney and Keith Mallett * A Morning With Grandpa [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781643794228], by Sylvia Liu and Christina Forshay * Sparkles For Sunny [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780593694626], by Sylvia Chen and Thai My Phuong * Bing's Cherries [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780593902813], by Julia Kuo and Livia Blackburne * Unbreakable [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781419772894], by Minori Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, and Chris Sasaki * Barbed Wire Between Us [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781636551920], by Mia Wenjen and Violete Encarnación * Amah Faraway [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781547607211], by Margaret Chiu Greanias and Tracy Subisak * Shell Song [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781665938679], by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson * The Legend of Ban-Dal [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781499817973], by Jessica Yoon and Seo Kim * Sun, Moon, and Star [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780823459407], by Nancy So Miller * The Moon Rabbit [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781536238914], by Eva Wong Nava and Jason Chuang * Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and The United States [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780316571753], by Rajani LaRocca and Huy Vuon Lee * The Power of Your Name [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781454947424], by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Olivia Sua * Finding Papa [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780063060968], by Angela Pham Krans and Thi Bui * Another Word for Neighbor [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780063334915], by Angela Pham Krans and Thai My Phuong * At The Window, [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781536224788] by Hope Lim and Qin Leng * The First Girl On Stage [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781949528169], by Shruthi Rao and Devika Joglekar * When Science Stood Still: How S. Chandrasekhar Predicted the Existence of Black Holes [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781665949965], by Shruthi Rao and Srinidhi Srinivasan * Gwei The Hungry Ghost [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9798217002795], by Emmeline Lee and Basia Tran Grab these books and more from the 12 x 12 Bookshop.org Podcast list here [https://bookshop.org/lists/12-x-12-picture-book-podcast-recommendations]. And check out our full list of books by 12 x 12 ANHPI members here [https://bookshop.org/lists/books-by-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-members]. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Not a member of 12 x 12 yet? Join the wait list and get a free gift. Join here. [https://juliehedlund.lpages.co/12-x-12-matthew-winner/] Thank you for listening! #kidlit #booktok #author #AANHPImonth

020 - Heidi E.Y. Stemple Loves Backmatter

Award-winning children's author Heidi E.Y. Stemple [https://www.heidieystemple.com/] joins co-hosts Julie and Kelli to celebrate her latest picture book releases and to talk about why backmatter is so important for picture books (and when it's not). Listen in to discover: * How Heidi got to 50 published books (and counting) * The pressure and privilege of being Jane Yolen's daughter * Why Heidi got a tattoo of her mother's signature on her right wrist * The definition of picture book backmatter (and frontmatter, and marginalia) * Why backmatter should provide an entry back into the book or an exit out * The do's and don'ts of crafting backmatter * When additional information should go on your website or in a teacher's guide * Examples of backmatter from several of Heidi and her mom's books * How to decide if your book needs backmatter * Why you want your backmatter to match the target age, tone, and style of your book * Whether you should write the backmatter upfront or simply give possible ideas Books mentioned in this episode: * Lydia Loves Bugs: [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781641708456] A Children's Book About Insects by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Yulia Pankratova * The Poetry of Car Mechanics [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781662660214] by Heidi E.Y. Stemple * Zoey Zoombeck, Superhero [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781681157153] by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Alexandra Colombo * Janie Writes a Play: Jane Yolen's First Great Story [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781623543273] by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Madelyn Goodnight * She Sells Seashells: Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781623543280] by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Emily Paik * You Nest Here With Me [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781684373710] by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Melissa Sweet * Greyling by Jane Yolen and David Ray * E. Norm Moose [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781939017437] by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Annie Gregoire * A Kite for Moon [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780310756422] by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Matt Phelan * How To Get Your Octopus to School [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780593205228] by Becky Scharnhorst and Jaclyn Sinquette * Over, Bear! Under, Where? [https://www.amazon.com/Over-Under-Where-Julie-Hedlund/dp/0593203550] by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack * Yuck, You Suck! [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781728415666] Poems About Animals That Sip, Slurp, Suck by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Eugenia Nobati * Eek, You Reek! [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9798348056094] Poems About Animals That Stink, Stank, Stunk by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Eugenia Nobati * La Princesa and The Pea [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780399251566] by Susan Middleton Elya and Juana Martinez Neal * Butt or Face [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781728271170] by Kari Lavelle Grab these books and more from the 12 x 12 Bookshop.org Podcast list here [https://bookshop.org/lists/12-x-12-picture-book-podcast-recommendations]. Listeners who want more from Heidi on Backmatter can get 25% off her webinar, Backmatter Matters at 12x12challenge.com/heidi. [https://12x12challenge.com/heidi] If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

019 - Jorjeana Marie: Improv for Writers

Meet stand-up comedian, actress, TV writer, audiobook narrator, and picture book author Jorjeana Marie [https://jorjeanamarie.com/], here on the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Podcast to discuss using improv techniques to write humorous, character-driven picture books. Jorjeana shares her background and why she's drawn to picture books through character, heart, and humor, then outlines key improv "rules" and games she applies to writing. She talks about her inspiration for writing the book, IMPROV FOR WRITERS, which Julie tested out before this episode. Listen in to discover: * What draws someone as accomplished as Jorjeana Marie to 12 x 12 * Jorjeana's dedication to writing picture books * Why picture books (and all books) are critical for children * An overview of the "rules" of Improv and how they can be adapted for writing * The benefit of the "Yes, and" game in both improv and writing * Why listening and staying present is a crucial piece of the writing puzzle * The importance of committing to whatever you are creating * Julie's experience playing some of the improv games from the book * The difference between writing prompts and improv games * How to use improv games to write funny picture books * Why the best comedy (and humorous picture books) is layered * Jorjeana demonstrating improv techniques live * The connection between poetry and improv Books mentioned in this episode: * Improv for Writers: [https://amzn.to/3PGAxyv] 10 Secrets to Help Novelists and Screenwriters Bypass Writer's Block and Generate Infinite Ideas by Jorjeana Marie * Over, Bear! Under, Where? [https://amzn.to/4dtY7qb] by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack Grab these books and more from the 12 x 12 Bookshop.org Podcast list here [https://bookshop.org/lists/12-x-12-picture-book-podcast-recommendations]. Julie is offering listeners 25% off her webinar, Cooking Up Funny Picture Books [https://juliehedlund.teachable.com/p/cooking-up-funny?coupon_code=PODCAST&product_id=6224188]. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening! #kidlit #booktok #author #writingtipsforbeginners #writingtips #ya #mg #picturebooks #improv #humor

018 - Julie Travels Down Under

G'day, Mates! Our fearless leader, Julie Hedlund, recently returned from a month down under in Australia. Of course, there were stunning beaches and beautiful sights to see, but what we really want the tea on are the bookshops, libraries, and other fun literary adventures! (Seriously!) Julie discovered a vibrant book scene in Sydney, and she's ready to dish. Listen in to discover: * What took Julie to Australia * Who she met while she was there * Why we say you're never alone as a 12 x 12 member * How submissions to Australian publishers work * The differences she noticed between the Australian and the North American kidlit markets * Meeting the local SCBWI RA * The Library of New South Wales * Literary icon Pamela Allen * How travel inspires creativity * Picture book topics and trends in Australia * The interactive Pamela Allen museum exhibit * A read-aloud of Who Sank the Boat? [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780698113732] by Pamela Allen * The literary field trip to a winery-restaurant-bookstore * Her visit to P.L. Travers' house and the Mary Poppins statue * Which American authors' books she saw in Australian bookstores Books by authors mentioned in this episode*: * Who Sank the Boat? [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780698113732] by Pamela Allen * The Best Rangoli Ever [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781739325015] by Sheena Garg * Gapagap [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781739325008] by Sheena Garg * Boy in the Big Blue Glasses [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781925820560] by Susanne Gervay and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall * Ships in the Field [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780648203520] by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro * Time for Bed [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780152010669] by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer * Possum Magic [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780152632243] by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas * Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780547366203] by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury * Whoever You Are [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780152060305] by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub * I'm an Immigrant Too! [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781534436022] by Mem Fox and Ronojoy Ghosh * The Future Book [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9798217033171] by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris Special thanks to Karen Henricks, Susanne Gervay, Sheena Garg, and Karen Robertson! If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

017 - Rajani LaRocca: Writing Fueled by Joy

Inspired by Joy in Storytelling Newbery Award-Winning Rajani LaRocca shares personal insights into her writing, including when she started writing, when she came back to it, what she loves about writing in different genres, and how joy fuels her creative endeavors. Listen in to discover: * The original spark for her picture book SOME OF US * The importance of sharing our citizenship stories. * Surprising things she learned while writing this book. * How kids respond to SOME OF US. * Her inspiration for A VACCINE IS LIKE A MEMORY. * How she balances her work as a physician with her work as an author. * How being in community inspired her to write * The struggle to write when times are tough * The gift of giving your manuscripts time to sit * If Rajani has a favorite among her books * The different genres she has written * What children say to her about her books Books mentioned in this episode*: * Some of Us [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780316571753] by Rajani LaRocca and Huy Voun Lee * A Vaccine is Like a Memory [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781499813265] by Rajani LaRocca and Kathleen Marcottte * Seven Golden Rings [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781643797359] by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan * Where Three Oceans Meet [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781419741296] by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan * Summer is for Cousins [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781419757334] by Rajani LaRocca and Abhi Alwar * Fall is for Beginnings [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781419777400] by Rajani LaRocca and Abhi Alwar * Your One and Only Heart [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780593326336] by Rajani LaRocca and Lauren Paige Conrad * Red, White, and Whole [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780063047433] by Rajani LaRocca * Midsummer's Mayhem [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781499808889] by Rajani LaRocca * Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781682631034] by Leslie Bulion and Mike Lowery * We Are the Light [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780063290037] by Rajani LaRocca and Sayan Mukherjee * Vibhi and the Voice [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9781536238518] by Rajani LaRocca and Cindy Derby * Such Great Heights [https://bookshop.org/a/11334/9780063296879] by Rajani LaRocca Get special deals on Rajani's past 12 x 12 webinars: * Rock Your Revision for 25% off [https://12x12challenge.com/rajani1] * Rhyming vs. Lyrical: When and How (and Why) to Use Each for 25% off [https://12x12challenge.com/rajani2] * Get them both in a special bundle for 40% off! [https://12x12challenge.com/rajani3] If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!