GreatStorybook

Actionable Information and Creative Inspiration for Writers and Illustrators. From Baby Books to YA Novels.

Inspiration at the London Book Fair

This entry is part 13 of 14 in the series Community

Contributing writer Amy Koerner gives us the scoop on the London Book Fair. Here’s what the fair offers authors.

How to Really Write Every Day

This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series Writer's Block

If you can’t find the time to write, here’s my best fix for that. Find out how to write every single day no matter how crazy your schedule.

Why Powells Bookshops Are Awesome

This entry is part 12 of 14 in the series Community

Powells is MUCH more than one of the largest indie bookshop chains. Get the scoop on how and why Powells is important to YOU, even if you don’t live in Portland.

Types of Books with Pictures

This entry is part 1 of 7 in the series Story Types

What is the difference between an illustrated book, a comic book, a wimmelbook and a graphic novel? Here is a list of the different types of books with pictures – and what distinguishes one from all the others.

Women’s Day Inspiration

This entry is part 15 of 15 in the series Creative Exercises

It’s important to pay attention and get inspiration from what’s happening around us. Observation and perception is what makes us writers. Here’s a creative writing exercise that honors International Women’s Day.

Choosing to read a self published book over a traditional one.

This entry is part 11 of 14 in the series Community

Every month, I read a storybook to kids at the library. This February, I found myself choosing to read a self published book instead of one by Mac Barnett. Here’s the story of how a story with baby turtles won me over – and everyone else.

My List of Top Storybooks 2017

This entry is part 10 of 14 in the series Community

Every February, I make a list of the top storybooks for that year. My local library orders these books for the children’s department. Here’s the 2017 list.

How to Produce a POD Board Book

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Self Publishing nuts and bolts

It’s finally possible to easily produce your own board book without having to place a minimum order of 5000. In fact, you can even do just one: the first board book POD is here.

Writing Exercise: Cliché Love

This entry is part of 15 in the series Creative Exercises

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from breaking some rules. In this really fun writing exercise, you’ll find how cliches can improve your writing.

Query Letters: how to make them rock

This entry is part 22 of 23 in the series Publishing Biz

If you want to formally introduce yourself to an agent or editor, you need to know what they actually want from our query letters. Here are the 7 things to definitely do (and a few to never do).