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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. 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…
Articles & Extras
Editors on the Move: Latest Children’s Publishing News (Updated for November)
From the ever-changing publishing world, the latest from Sourcebooks, Clarion, HarperCollins and more.
From Module 7 of the CBI Challenge - This Month’s Writing Exercises
Use these nifty exercises to create a killer plot catalyst!
Marketing Tip: Three Free Aids For Getting Publicity
Looking to promote your book...or yourself? Here are three excellent places to help make it happen!
New Writing Opportunity Exclusively for Fightin’ Bookworms
There's a November 8th deadline for this Fightin' Bookworms-only opportunity -- so click now and jump on this! ...
From Module 6 of the CBI Challenge - This Month’s Writing Exercises
Put Module 6 of the CBI Challenge into action with these character building exercises. ...
What Book Character Made the Most Impact on You When You Were a Child?
Let's hear from the Fightin' Bookworms! Tell us your choice for your favorite childhood book character.....
Module 5 - This Month’s Writing Exercises
Get your brain cells jumping with these fun exercises from the CBI Clubhouse. This month: developing your main character. ...
Follow Up: Here’s a Killer Google Reader Tip
As a follow up to Jon's "Become an Instant Expert" videos, here's a tip that makes the system even easier! ...
Writing Exercise: Make It Rain!
Laura's got a fun writing exercise that's perfect for a rainy day (or a sunny one...or a cloudy one...) ...
Photo Experiment: What’s Happening Here?
OK, Fightin' Bookworms, time to get creative. We give you a photo, you give us a story! ...
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.... ...
CBI Challenge: Writing Exercises for Developing Story Ideas
Two fun writing exercises: One to do privately, and one to share with other Fightin' Bookworms!
Target Your Story Idea: Who Is Your Reader?
Here's a simple tip that can have a big impact in developing your story idea....
Money $aving $ecrets of the Month!
Free & cheap stuff for writers. Each tip can more than pay for your entire CBI Clubhouse membership! ...
Be Careful Out There! (includes Podcast)
Before you sign anything, use these 5 steps to determine if an agent or publishing company is right for you. ...
Create Believable Middle Grade and YA Characters (incl. Podcast)
How to reach older readers with characters that are believable, bold and memorable.
Take Chances To Get Published
Playing it safe isn't always the best move. Here's how to "push the envelope" to get noticed! ...
Straight Talk About Talking Animals (includes Podcast)
Avoid the most common pitfalls when introducing chatty critters to your readers.
Open with a Bang! Crafting Great Beginnings
You've Got 10 Seconds to Grab an Editor's Attention. Here's How...
Understanding Point of View
Mastering point of view is one of the trickiest -- and one of the most important -- aspects of writing. ...
April’s Money $aving $ecrets!
Amazing free stuff for writers. Each of these tips can more than pay for your entire CBI Clubhouse membership! ...
Free eBook: The Non-Celebrity’s Guide to Getting a Children’s Book Published
Yes, non-famous folks can get published. Here's how.....
Get Published With Self-Help Articles for Kids
Looking for a great way to build publishing credits....and help young people? Here's a market that's always hopping! ...
Where To Find Free Lists of Children’s Book Publishers
The key information you need to locate and target a children's publisher for your manuscript is a click away. ...
March’s Money $aving $ecrets of the Month
Amazing free software for writers. Each of these tips more than pays for your entire CBI Clubhouse membership! Cool! ...
Will the eBook Revolution Bring More Opportunities For Children’s Writers?
eBook expert Rita Toews gives the scoop on new publishing opportunities for children's authors in this exclusive podcast.
It’s The Fightin’ Bookworm Stimulus Plan!
Been published? We'll help you sell some books with a free plug right here on the Clubhouse front page! ...
A Clever Way to Connect with Your Favorite Authors
Want to know a neat, simple way of making a memorable first contact with a favorite author? Read on! ...
How to Find Free WiFi Service
Now you really can write from anywhere. How to find free Wi-Fi service wherever you travel! ...
A Query Letter That Worked!
From "Author to Editor: Query Letter Secrets of the Pros", here's an actual query letter that pulled in a contract! ...
Laura visited the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference and reports on some trends to watch for.
How to polish your manuscript to a gleam by trimming, tightening or just plain hacking away!
You've got 10 seconds to hook an editor. Here's how to do it:
Two quick and easy ways to sharpen your writing instantly.
Groundbreaking young adult author Chris Crutcher shares his thoughts about writing for teens.
How to resist the urge to play it safe when writing for children.
Turn your great idea into a workable manuscript with these tips!
Don't buy any software for your writing business until you read this!
Get the scoop on a very cool resource that every children's writer should make use of.
Writing middle grade or young adult books? This article is an absolute must!
This delightful eBook opens a window into the writing process of a true master.
Get instant insight into what makes a book a winner with this free tool!
If you're "old-school" about keeping records, you'll enjoy using these manuscript and expense tracking charts.
Tackling a sensitive subject? Here's the right way to go about it.
We take the mystery out of advances and royalties
The Latest CBI
Download the November Issue of Children’s Book Insider! The brand spankin’ new November, 2009 edition of Children’s Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children’s Writers is here!
From Jon & Laura
The CBI Challenge Is Here! Join Us for an Exciting Step by Step Journey to Children’s Writing Success! Modules 1-7 Are Now Posted, with Articles, Video & More.
The Latest Website Walkthrough
Laura Walks You Through FunForKidzMagazines.com Learn how to submit to the publisher of Boys’ Quest, Hopscotch and Fun for Kidz in this video visit to their website!
The Latest Author Podcast
Audrey Carangelo’s Tips for Writing Easy Readers Listen in as the author of over 50 published books gives exclusive insight about the art of the easy reader.
Interview: Kaleb Nation - How a 21 Year Old First Time Author Hit It Big Using the Internet. Laura chats with Kaleb Nation, author of the new middle-grade fantasy Bran Hambric, about how he built an online fan base before his book was published! You’ll learn a lot from Kaleb…
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.
YA Author Barbara Shoup on How to Connect with Teens (podcast w/transcript) Listen in as Laura chats with Barbara Shoup, author of Wish You Were Here and Vermeer’s Daughter!
Author Maggie Stiefvater on Writing YA, Marketing Yourself & More! (podcast w/transcript) The author of Shiver — one of 2009’s most eagerly awaited books – shares some wonderful advice just for Fightin’ Bookworms!
Melissa Thomson on Writing Chapter Books (podcast w/transcript) Listen in as the author of "Keena Ford and the Field Trip Mix-Up" tells how to create memorable characters and plots for early chapter books.
The Latest Ask Laura Video!
Should Animals & Humans Communicate Within My Story? Talking animals are one thing. But what about animals that talk to humans? Good idea, or no-no? Watch as Laura gives her take on this intriguing question..
“Should I Follow Trends?” It’s tempting for writers to jump on board the latest publishing trends. But is it a good idea? Watch this video and find out!
Latest Videos
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!
Write for Success: 7 Tips For Children’s Book Writers In this video, we share 7 things you can start doing right now to improve your chances of children’s writing success!
Great Technique to Help You Think Like a Kid Trying to figure out what today’s kids want to read? Check out this simple way to uncover some inside info!
Laura on Arranging Your “Heirarchy of Values” From Module 3 of the CBI Challenge, a powerful method to get organized….and get writing!
Join the forum discussion on this post - (3) Posts
Video Tip: Another Quick Way to Make Yourself an Instant Expert! Jon shows you how to use a unique site called alltop.com to get a handle on any subject in a flash!
CBI Challenge Video: Has Someone Already Used My Story Idea? From Module #2, Laura shows you how to use the web to determine if your story idea has already been used in a children’s book.
CBI Challenge Video: Laura Backes on Developing Stories for Different Age Groups In this video, from Module #2 of the CBI Challenge: Laura discusses how to polish your idea to fit specific age groups.
Ramp Up the Tension In Your Story A book without tension is just plain boring. Here’s how to ratchet up your writing!
Video Chat - Laura on “How to Read Like a Writer” From Module 1 of the CBI Challenge, here’s Laura on how to get the right mindset for exploring the world of children literature in order to find your own rightful place.
A Crash Course in Submitting Your Manuscript to a Publisher Join Jon for a quick and helpful overview of the submissions process!
Video Tutorial: Using (and Mastering) Twitter Wondering what Twitter is and why you should use it? Join Jon for a video tutorial that will turn you from novice to power user in no time!
Cool Downloads
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 Classic eBooks
A Wonderful Classic Book — Free for Fightin’ Bookworms! Download this beautiful ABC Book with spectacular wood cuts. A true gem that will still delight a child 85 years after it was first published!
Help Us Grow!
Start Spreadin’ the News…. Now that we CBI folk are all in, it’s time to tell the rest of the children’s writing world about our amazing new gathering place. Here’s how you can do your part!
Author Interview Podcasts
Dianne de las Casas on Storytelling and Career Building Acclaimed author and award-winning storyteller Dianne de las Casas talks with Laura about how authors can become good marketers, how to treat your career as a business and why it’s important to strive for excellence.
Audio Interview with Author Jeff Stone Laura goes beyond the interview in May’s CBI in this in-depth discussion with Jeff Stone, bestselling author of "The Five Ancestors" series.
Sherry Henig on Her Experience as a Self Publisher As a follow up to this month’s CBI piece on self-publishing, Laura interviews an author finding success publishing her own children’s books.
Christopher Award Winning Picture Book Author Linda Arms White on Writing From Historical Events In this informative podcast, Laura chats with picture book author Linda Arms White about writing biographies and books based on actual historical events.
A First Time Author Makes A Huge Splash In this podcast, go beyond the feature interview in this month’s CBI to learn more about bestselling author Jay Asher’s fast rise to success.
Audio Interview: J.H. Everett Author, illustrator and historian J.H. Everett on making books educational (and fun), how to get a children’s writing career off the ground and much, much more!
Laura Interviews Author Kathryn Lay Kathryn Lay has more than 1,600 — that’s right, 1,600 — publishing credits. Listen in and find out how she’s built such a thriving career!
Victoria Hanley on Writing YA Fantasy In this podcast, Laura interviews popular Young Adult author Victoria Hanley about the ins and outs of writing YA fantasy novels.
David Harrison On His Journey To Success Laura chats with David Harrison, author of more than 70 books, about his fascinating career.
Ellen Jackson On Writing Nonfiction Listen in as Laura discusses the craft of writing nonfiction with acclaimed author Ellen Jackson.
Website Walkthroughs
Bonus Video: Multimedia Ideas You Can Use On Your Own Site As a followup to this month’s CBI piece on multimedia, Laura visits two publisher websites to show how you can spiff up your own site with some cool visitor-friendly ideas.
CBI Challenge Bonus Video: A Bonanza of Writing Exercises! Exercises are fabulous ways to get into the writing groove. Join Laura as she visits two great sites packed with exercise goodness!
Join the forum discussion on this post - (2) Posts
Laura Visits Stone Arch Books Join Laura for a video tour through the site of Stone Arch Books, publisher of graphic novels and chapter books. Learn the ins and outs of submitting to this excellent publisher!
Video Walkthrough: Boyds Mills Press Come along as Laura Backes takes you on an Fightin’ Bookworms-only insider tour of a top publisher’s website! What kinds of books do they publish? And, most importantly, what kind of manuscripts do they want to see? Click play….and find out!
Video Walkthrough: Peachtree Publishers Laura leads you on a personal tour of this excellent publisher’s website!
Laura Visits the Website of Lee & Low Books Publisher websites are treasure troves of information for smart writers. Learn how to pick up clues about what a publisher needs, as CBI Publisher Laura Backes leads you on a video tour through the website of a superb indie publisher.
Ask Laura
“Is it OK to Switch Points of View?” In this video, Laura answers one of the trickier questions a writer can face: Is it acceptable to change points of view mid-story?
“How Do I Find a Publisher?” If there’s one question every author has, it’s this one! In this installment of Ask Laura, learn the ins and outs of finding the right publisher for your manuscript.
“Can I tell an editor how the artwork should look?” In this video, Laura answers a common question from picture book authors: How can I let an editor know what the artwork to accompany my story should include?
“How Do I Propose a Picture Book Series to an Editor?” You’ve written a picture book manuscript intended to be the first in a series of books. How do you let an editor know that without impacting your chances of acceptance?
Instructional Videos
Become an Instant Expert on Any Subject with Google Reader Researching a book? Trying to grasp a trend or fad? Need to understand a subject that you know absolutely nothing about? In these videos, Jon will show you an ingenious method to become an instant expert about anything using Google Reader. It’s easy, fun & free!
CBI Extras
Yes You Can! Why We Believe in Children’s Publishing… And Why We Believe in You. Right now, declare: No negativity. No cynicism. No fear. If you want to build a successful career as a children’s writer, you can — and you will — do it. Read why we’re optimistic about the road ahead, and why we’ve built the web’s most positive and supportive community for writers…
Laura & Jon Discuss the January Issue of CBI Join Children’s Book Insider editors Laura Backes and Jon Bard for their video commentary on the January issue of CBI, with bonus information and insights. Also, find out why Jon and Laura believe that the current state of children’s publishing can lead to some golden opportunities for Fightin’ Bookworms.
Tour the Clubhouse If you haven’t taken the video tour yet, why not spend a few minutes and let us guide you around your new online home? This video is free for non-members as well, so, everyone, have a look!
Instructional Audio Podcasts
Jon & Laura on Writing Fiction for Kids A few years back, Jon and Laura sat down to talk about the key ingredients of writing fiction for children. From story ideas to manuscript submission, they covered all the bases. Originally a special bonus for select customers, the entire talk is now available to all CBI Clubhouse
5 Reasons Why You Can’t Become a Writer….and Why None of Them are True No more excuses! In this podcast, we take away all those nasty reasons many writers have that block them from success.
3 Commandments of Writing Picture Books - A CBI Podcast Can we really boil down the mysterious process of writing a picture book into about four and a half minutes? We’re sure as heck gonna try!
