Julia Stilchen

The Night Creepers by James Tingle For Ages 9 - 12 I thought that this story was interesting. When several kids attempted to venture out after dark, purely out of boredom, they discover a place that really shouldn't even be there. I wasn't sure exactly where the story was going to head. In the end, I felt the story was left at a point where it leaves the ending to reader's imagination, as far as why their secret place had vanished completely. Interesting concept. I could see this story continuing on in a series to solve some kind of mystery. Will there be a book 2? Available on Amazon.com ebook To learn more about James Tingle or to check out his other books, you can visit him online at his Amazon's Author page !

6th Annual PiBoIdMo November 2014 I am very excited to be participating in this year's, Tara Lazar 's, PiBoIdMo ! Each year, I had caught it just too late. This time, I made sure to set the date on my Calendar.  PiBoIdMo, Picture Book Idea Month, is pretty much what it says. A month where writers get together for a 30-day challenge to create 30 picture book concepts in 30 days! Along the way, we get to enjoy daily blog posts by picture book professionals and enter for prizes. To learn more about the challenge, visit here . If you are a writer or illustrator or both, and love to write and learn about writing picture books, this is a great online opportunity to challenge yourself. Registration is open from Oct. 25th - Nov. 7th.  Just visit Tara's website to register.

Ahoy! thar! Do you know what today is? Besides that it be September 19th? It be International Talk Like A Pirate Day!   And do I have some fun news t' share. There be a collection o' short stories was released recently as an anthology:   Teapot Whales! No. That don't sound starboard. Teapot Scales? Oh me no. Wait I have it...silly me. It is Teapot Tales! And it be all about pirates, mermaids and sea monsters from t' wide blue. Have you heard o' it? You should because it has magic, wonder and adventure. Everyone enjoys some bit o' adventure don’t you think? We could always use some magic too.   Come celebrate with us as we talk like pirates on International Talk Like A Pirate Day and read Teapot Tales!     As a token o' our appreciation, we’ve decided not t' make anyone walk t' plank. Instead, we be givin' away some pirate treaaye. Aye! Loot! So you can plund...

I have taken several writing courses through the Children’s Book Academy and have absolutely loved and enjoyed the materials, meeting other writers and illustrators, and learning a great deal on improving my writing as well as my understanding of the craft and the publishing industry. Dr. Mira Reisberg , the founder of CBA and literary agent, is running a new course, “The Pleasures and Craft of Poetic Techniques. She is giving special discounts up till May 5th. If you have a love for writing and especially desire to refine, improve and learn more about Poetic Techniques, this is the course to take. In fact, probably the only online course out there regarding this specific area. I urge you to at least stop by this link and read all what is offered and if it fits your goals of a writer, sign up! And while you are there, check out any of her other courses! Children's Book Academy