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The CBI Clubhouse: Home of The Fightin’ Bookworms!
You’ve found the ultimate learning & sharing spot for children’s writers, packed with articles, audio, video and fellowship with writers worldwide. Beginner or pro, everything you need is right here – and it’s all free with a Children’s Book Insider subscription!
Ready to kickstart your children’s writing career? Click “Join The Fightin’ Bookworms” and let’s go!
Recent Posts
Here's what's new in the Clubhouse!
Yes You Can!
Why We’re Optimistic. And Why You Should Be Too.
These days, picking up a newspaper or turning on your TV is an exercise in courage. Lord only knows what terrible piece of financial news will arise next. And it’s not just some abstract issue that impacts "the big boys". The current economic situation hits each of us, and makes each day its own unique [...]
Yes You Can!
Why We Fight
This site was created for a single purpose: to create more great children’s writers and, in turn, create more great children’s books. We are on a mission. A mission to provide a sense of connection and sharing…
Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!
Module 15 of the CBI Challenge is Online! This month’s CBI Challenge: Identify your weak spots — and make your strengths even more pronounced.
Ask Laura: How Do I Pitch an Agent or Editor at a Writing Conference?
It’s writing conference season, and that means more chances to meet agents and editors face to face. In this video, Laura talks about how to make the most of these opportunities.
Creating Realistic, Well-Rounded Primary Characters
Every plot point is a result of who your protagonist is: the situations in which he finds himself, how they affect him, the ways he reacts, and why he cares in the first place. Here’s how to build an protagonist who shines.
Middle Grade Author Donna Gephart on Reaching Young Readers
Listen in as award-winning author Donna Gephart discusses writing humorous middle grade fiction, tapping into the concerns of that age group, and reaching her market.
MFA in Children’s Literature: A Launching Point for Your Writing Career?
Thinking about taking your writing education to the next level, with a Master’s Degree of Fine Arts? Here’s a rundown of some top programs and what you should look for.
The Current CBI Challenge Module
Module 15 of the CBI Challenge is Online! This month’s CBI Challenge: Identify your weak spots — and make your strengths even more pronounced.
CBI Challenge: Strengthen Your Story’s Middle
Having a story sag in the middle is one of writers’ most common problems. Here’s how to avoid that trap….
One way to add interest to the middle of your story is to create a refrain, or chorus, that is sung or chanted by the story characters. Here are some tips for adding choruses to your work.
To Create Excitement, Mess With Your Characters!
Want to get your story buzzing with excitement? Give your characters a hard time! Here are some specific ideas….
CBI Challenge Exercise: Mapping the Middle
Here’s an exercise that’s designed to help you see what needs to happen in the middle of your story.
Beginners' Corner
Ask Laura: How Do I Pitch an Agent or Editor at a Writing Conference? It’s writing conference season, and that means more chances to meet agents and editors face to face. In this video, Laura talks about how to make the most of these opportunities.
Create Your Dream Writing Lifestyle – Without Spending a Fortune
Choosing the writing path offers abundant opportunities for growth, excitement and fun. Here are some ways to create an fulfilling writer’s lifestyle on a limited budget.
A Quick Visit with Author & Editor Diane Muldrow
Spend a few minutes with author and children’s book editor Diane Muldrow as she describes her work process, gives dialogue tips and more.
5 Ways To Instantly Improve Your Manuscript
Don’t submit that manuscript before you’ve read this! Laura’s got five easy ways to quickly and dramatically improve your odds of scoring that contract….
Video: What Should I Write About?
Driven to write a children’s book, but not sure what to write about? Let’s figure it out! In this video, we’ll give you some tips for avoiding what not to write about, and how to mine your own life experiences for great subjects.
Submitting to Publishers
Editors on the Move: Latest Children’s Publishing News (Updated for May) From the ever-changing publishing world, the latest from Abrams, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and more.
How to Tell if a New or Small Children’s Book Publisher is Legitimate
It seems like every day you can open up a trade journal and read about new children’s book publishers entering the scene. While most of these publishers are well-funded and have some sort of background in the industry, a few may be bad risks for an author or illustrator. Here are some ways you can check out a publisher before signing a contract.
Multiple Submissions vs. Simultaneous Submissions? Laura Explains!
One of our most common questions gets answered by Laura in this quick tutorial about multiple and simultaneous submissions.
How to Find the Right Publisher for Your Manuscript
Looking to send a manuscript to children’s book publishers? Here’s an easy three-step approach to help you find just the right publisher for your story!
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Published
In this excellent piece, literary agent Jeff Kleinman shows how anyone can go from zero to published!
Developing Story Ideas
Meet Your Audience: How to Learn, First-Hand, What Kids Want in a Book As a volunteer tutor, Fightin’ Bookworm Debby Johnson has learned what young readers like. Here’s what she’s discovered….
Is your story idea ready to be turned into a book? It’s time to find out!
Target Your Story Idea: Who Is Your Reader?
Here’s a simple tip that can have a big impact in developing your story idea….
Publishing Trends
MFA in Children’s Literature: A Launching Point for Your Writing Career? Thinking about taking your writing education to the next level, with a Master’s Degree of Fine Arts? Here’s a rundown of some top programs and what you should look for.
Inside the Mind of a Children’s Book Editor
To get published, it pays to understand the way editors think. Here’s a primer…
Agent/Author Laura Rennert on What Writers Need to Know to Succeed (podcast w/transcript)
Be a fly on the wall as top agent and newly minted author Laura Rennert talks about what’s new in children’s books, the electronic market and common submission mistakes made by writers.
What One Top Reviewer Looks for in a Children’s Book
Laura chats with Terry Doherty of the Reading Tub about how to get a book reviewer’s attention.
Writing For the Expanding Tween Market (includes Podcast)
Publishers are actively targeting the "tween" market. Here’s how write for this lively and responsive audience.
Get The Latest Issue of Children's Book Insider!
Download the July Issue of Children’s Book Insider! The new edition of Children’s Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children’s Writers is here!
Hey, Look Who’s on the Cover of the New Writer’s Journal!
Besides the cute little kid, of course. It’s CBI! Noelle Sterne’s terrific interview with Laura is featured in the new issue. Click here for more info.
Get Published in ‘10 — Take the CBI Challenge!
It’s our amazing step-by-step children’s writing course, and it’s free for all Fightin’ Bookworms! Click to learn more…..
Fightin’ Bookworm Claudia McAdam Sells Her 13th Book from a CBI Tip!
It’s the kind of e-mail we love to get:
I need to credit Children’s Book Insider with leading to the sale of my 13th book, Riddle at the Rodeo, which is due out this April from Soto Publishing. Last year you ran a piece about Soto Publishing’s call for middle grade novels–a call which I answered with my submission. And the rest, as they say, is (a very happy) history.
So, I write today as an encouragement for all children’s writers– published or yet-to-be-published. A subscription to CBI yields numerous benefits, from expert advice on all aspects of the craft to actually leading to a work’s publication. Thank you!
The Writing Process
Find Your Strengths as a Writer Make the most of your talent, by focusing on your strong — and your weak — points.
Creating Realistic, Well-Rounded Primary Characters
Every plot point is a result of who your protagonist is: the situations in which he finds himself, how they affect him, the ways he reacts, and why he cares in the first place. Here’s how to build an protagonist who shines.
Bestselling Author Lisa McCourt on Inspiration and Creativity
Lisa McCourt’s books have sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and her picture book I Love You Stinky Face is being made into a major motion picture. She sat down with Laura to discuss her creative approach, and her quest to become “The Next Top Spiritual Author”
From Module 13 of the CBI Challenge, a no-nonsense guide to mastering a vital aspect of the writing process: point of view.
Genre Specific Tips
Middle Grade Author Donna Gephart on Reaching Young Readers Listen in as award-winning author Donna Gephart discusses writing humorous middle grade fiction, tapping into the concerns of that age group, and reaching her market.
Try this Picture Book Editing Checklist
Editors receive more picture book manuscripts than any other genre. To make your work stand out from the crowd, you need to do more than study how to devise a winning plot and create believable, unique characters. You need to polish your prose until it sparkles. Here’s a checklist to help with the editing process…
Author Steve Swinburne on Writing Humor, Nonfiction, Mysteries & More!
Listen in as Laura chats with multi-talented children’s author and photographer Steve Swinburne. Steve’s got some great advice for aspiring writers!
Video: A Great Way to Get Your Foot in the Door and Get Published
Psst… Here’s a secret: there’s a segment of children’s publishing that offers great opportunity and little competition from other writers. Want to know what it is? Check out this video!
The 21st Century Writer
Writing Jobs Online – 4 Sites to Help You Find Freelance Opportunities It’s easier than ever to find writing jobs online. In this quick video, Jon shows you how to use four great sites to help earn valuable experience — and a few extra dollars!
How to Create an eBook for the iPad – Free!
Jon’s come across an amazing resource that will help you take the leap into the digital publishing world — and it won’t cost you a cent! Check out this quick video and get started today.
Video Tour: Jon Shares His Favorite Blogs!
Want to get the inside scoop from editors, librarians and agents every day? Join Jon for a quick video tour of book and writing-related blogs he checks each morning!
Video: Check Out a Fun New Tool to Promote Yourself
Jon’s found a nifty new way to generate some online attention for your blog, your site or your books. This quick video shows you exactly how it’s done.
Writing Exercises
A Nifty Exercise to Learn Pacing from Top Writers A simple and very powerful exercise to discover the secret of great pacing.
Spark Up a Hot Catalyst With This Exercise
Get your story going! Use these nifty exercises to create a killer plot catalyst.
Who’s the Antagonist Here? A Little Something to Discuss….
Did Dr. Seuss turn the antagonist-protagonist relationship on its head in The Grinch? Hmmm… Let’s talk about it!
Writng Exercise: Developing Secondary Characters
There’s an art to creating minor characters. This exercise will show you the way!
Bonus Freebies
A Gift for the Fightin’ Bookworms – an eBook That Can Change Your Career (and Maybe Your Life) I recently met a remarkable woman who truly defined the spirit of perseverance and positive thinking. Through her, I learned a secret that just may change everything about your future as a children’s writer. In this brief eBook, I share it.
A New Adventure from Tori Stellar, Children’s Book Author!
Follow the delightful misadventures of Tori Stellar, as she writes her way to the top of the slushpile.
Another Great Free eBook for Fightin’ Bookworms!
With delightful stories and marvelous illustrations, "Billy Bounce" is a true gem. And it’s yours free!
Free eBook: The Non-Celebrity’s Guide to Getting a Children’s Book Published
Yes, non-famous folks can get published. Here’s how…..
