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The Nest
The perfect gathering spot to learn new writing strategies and to discover how to successfully navigate the writing process
Learn. Write. Revise. Repeat.
No writer is exempt from learning something new. And that's what makes the writing process so unique. If you need some writing tips and strategies to help you write your story, check out our
blog below.
The Nest


The Most Underestimated Type of Editing Writers Probably Don’t Think About
Copy editing is one thing. But this type of editing is a whole other beast that could save you time and embarrassment in the long run.
Starr Balmer-Chore


You Need To Create A Character Study For Your Children's Picture Book. Here's Why.
Get to know your characters. What are they like? What interests them? What irks them?
Starr Balmer-Chore


Conflict in Picture Books: If Your Story Doesn’t Have It, It’s Not a Story
Don’t write a children's picture book without it. Build your story around it and watch readers appreciate your story from start to finish.
Starr Balmer-Chore


Consistency: The Key to Writing a Children’s Picture Book Series
Find out which elements in your story should be changed (and remain the same).
Starr Balmer-Chore


Why You Should Create Branded Merchandise to Help Boost Your Book Sales
Learn how your children's picture book can lead to more readers and more profits. Plus, view a list of companies that may help you choose the best products for your book. Self-publishing a children’s picture book generally means doing ALL of the leg work to get it off the ground. Developing a story idea, writing the story, finding an illustrator, and getting it formatted are just some of the major tasks that need to be completed. But sometimes as authors, we don’t realize how
Starr Balmer-Chore


New Year, New Children's Picture Book? Here’s How To Get Started
Don’t procrastinate! Get started with fresh ideas for the children’s picture book you've always wanted to write. Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko Writing your first (or next) children’s picture book as a new year’s resolution is one thing. It’s a whole other thing when you actually have to make it happen. But don’t worry. 2023 is the year to say “No” to excuses and “Yes” to your writing goals. To get started, check out these simple strategies below and strive to put them in motio
Starr Balmer-Chore


Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make When Writing a Picture Book
Avoid these writing mishaps to prevent your readers from getting bored with your story
Starr Balmer-Chore


Beta Readers: Who They Are & Why You Need Them
Here’s a clue: They play a major role in determining whether your book hits the mark or misses it altogether.
Starr Balmer-Chore


Walk Away From Your Story: The Writer’s Reset
I’m not saying to completely abandon your masterpiece. It's just that you and your story need to spend some time apart — temporarily.
Starr Balmer-Chore


Stop Writing Picture Books Longer Than 1,000 Words. Here’s Why.
Your picture book might be too long for young readers and listeners. Find out why it may need to be shortened.
Starr Balmer-Chore


Why the Opening Line in Picture Books is Everything: Plus 3 Ways of Writing it
Your readers are smart. Yet their attention spans won’t keep them still for long. So, your book needs to grab their attention. Fast. . .
Starr Balmer-Chore


Read More Picture Books: The First Step Before Writing One
And when I say “read other picture books,” I mean “analyze numerous picture books and dissect them.”
Starr Balmer-Chore


Editor’s Pick: Top 5 Foods + Quick Meal Tips For Writers
Don't worry. You've probably eaten one of these this week to help you get through those tough days of writing without you realizing it.
Starr Balmer-Chore


3 Important Costs You Can't Avoid When Funding Your Picture Book
"As an independent children's picture book author, funding my own book was super easy and cheap" ― said no picture book author ever, most likely By NikolayFrolochkin / Pixabay Absorbing the cost of your picture book is just one of many responsibilities indie authors have to face and accept. There is no cheap way to produce a children's picture book. I repeat: There is no cheap way to produce a children's picture book. In fact, seeking "cost-effective" options may actually
Starr Balmer-Chore


What’s the Perfect Drink for Creatives?
Vodka, rum, coffee, and water are all consumed by creatives at some point. But which one gets your creative juices rolling?
Starr Balmer-Chore


Don’t Let Any Relative Critique Your Picture Book — And Here’s Why
Your friends, family, and colleagues may love you. But will they keep it real and give you the feedback you need?
Starr Balmer-Chore
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