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Published by Sharon Skinner
A podcast about writing and publishing good KidLit, hosted by Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sharon Skinner. Talking about the craft of writing children‘s books. A NOTE TO OUR LISTENERS: Christy Yaros, co-founder of the Coaching KidLit podcast, has stepped away to focus her time and energy on other exciting opportunities. I’m deeply grateful for the insight, heart, and dedication she brought to building this podcast and supporting the KidLit community. As we move forward, I’ll be continuing the podcast solo—welcoming a range of guests to share their expertise and inspiration for writers creating stories for kids and teens. I’m excited to carry on the mission we started together and to keep supporting you on your KidLit journey. —Sharon Skinner Sharon Skinner is a book coach, editor, and author who helps writers craft stories that connect deeply with readers. With a passion for both story structure and heart, she brings decades of experience to coaching writers across genres and age categories, from picture books to adult. As the host of the Coaching KidLit podcast, Sharon continues its mission to inform, inspire, and support KidLit creators at every stage of the journey. At Coaching KidLit, we’re committed to inclusion. We believe stories are richer and more resonant when they reflect a wide range of lived experiences. That includes voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, Native and Indigenous peoples, people of color, people with disabilities, neurodivergent creators, and those from diverse cultural, religious, and gender backgrounds. We also understand disability through a broad lens, and we align with the social model of disability, which focuses on removing barriers—not "fixing" individuals. Bottom line? Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. And we're here to support stories that make that happen.
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From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
Host Sharon Skinner chats with author Pooja Makhijani about her winding writing journey, including her break from kidlit to focus on journalism, and her return with picture books centering on food, family, and cultural care networks. Makhijani shares how her passion for food and sensory detail infuses her work, the importance of writing to your obsessions, and her collaborative process with illustrators. The discussion touches on embracing imperfection in both baking and writing, staying mindful and present to enrich storytelling, and practical tips for incorporating authentic sensory experiences into kidlit. Connect with Pooja Online: Website: https://www.poojamakhijani.com Instagram: @laborofloaf
Host Sharon Skinner chats with author and bestselling illustrator Claudia Rueda about her creative journey from political cartoonist and lawyer to picture book creator. They discuss Claudia’s process for developing characters, especially her latest series, the Smushkins, and explore the unique challenges of writing and illustrating picture books for young children. Claudia shares insights into crafting stories visually, teaching picture book creation, and the importance of trusting the creative process. The episode also covers how writers can collaborate effectively with illustrators and offers actionable advice for both aspiring writers and artists in the kidlit world. Connect with Claudia Online: Website: https://claudiarueda.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiarueda
In this episode, Host Sharon Skinner sits down with acclaimed children's author Claudia Mills, who has penned over 60 books for young readers across all age categories. Together, they dive deep into the art of crafting difficult characters with tough dilemmas, drawing from Claudia Mills’s latest middle grade novel, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom. Discover how Claudia Mills’s background in philosophy enriches her stories, why asking big questions matters in middle grade fiction, and actionable tips for making characters leap off the page. Whether you’re a writer looking to bring more authenticity to your work or a reader fascinated by the challenges faced by unforgettable kid lit protagonists, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and heartfelt advice. Connect with Claudia Online: Website:https://www.claudiamillsauthor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiamillsauthor/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/claudiamills123.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudiamillsauthor
Host Sharon Skinner chats with Aubre Andrus, an award-winning author and ghostwriter of over 50 children's books, about building a writing career through work for hire projects. They discuss the ins and outs of work for hire, self-publishing, balancing passive and direct income, and the importance of networking directly with editors. Aubre shares tips on negotiating contracts without an agent, managing deadlines, and developing the versatile skill set required for writing in established brands and series. Actionable advice is offered for writers seeking to break into work for hire, emphasizing strategy, networking, and continual skill development. Connect with Aubre Online: Website: https://www.aubreandrus.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreandrus/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/aubreandrus.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AubreAndrusLLC Grab Aubre's Handout: 10 Real Work for Hire Book Projects Sign up for Aubre's Free Work for Hire Webinar: How I Built a Career in Children's Publishing Webinar Sign-up
In this episode, Sharon Skinner interviews author and mental health clinician Sarah Scheerger about integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into kidlit. Sarah Scheerger discusses her writing journey, the inspiration behind "Dude. Be Nice" and the importance of empathy and perspective in children's books, revision insights, educator resources, and actionable writing tips. Connect with Sarah online at: Website: https://www.sarahlynnbooks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahscheerger/ X: https://twitter.com/sarahscheerger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahlynnscheergerbooks
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Sharon Skinner welcomes back former high school teacher, book coach, and writer Sam Cameron to delve into the intricacies of writing for teens by understanding the teenage brain. Drawing from her teaching and coaching experiences, Sam explores how teen brain chemistry affects their curiosity, need for agency, and intensity of emotions. The discussion covers techniques for ensuring teen characters drive the story, the importance of presenting authentic interiority and emotional experiences, and strategies for preventing adult characters from overshadowing teens in kid lit narratives. Connect with Sam Online: Website: https://truantpen.com/ Substack: Truant Pen Instagram
Host Sharon Skinner chats with author Meredith Davis about her writing journey, the power of connections in publishing, and the importance of discovering and owning your unique superpowers as a writer. They discuss Meredith’s books, including The Minor Miracle and Her Own Two Feet, and explore how truth and personal history inform fiction. The episode offers practical advice for writers on finding their strengths, building writing community, and using personal experiences to create layered, authentic stories for young readers, and delves into the importance of owning one’s creative gifts, while offering actionable exercises for writers to discover and lean into their individual superpowers. Connect with Meredith Online: Website: https://meredithldavis.com Substack: Author with a Kidlit Crush Instagram FaceBook
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner chats with acclaimed children’s author Anne Broyles about her writing journey, growing as a writer, and the importance of perseverance. Anne shares insights on writing across genres, working with editors, and her latest nonfiction book, "Eating to Save the Planet." They discuss the lifelong process of improving craft, finding community, and why patience and resilience are essential for kid lit writers. Actionable advice encourages writers to keep learning and never give up on their publishing dreams. Connect with Anne on Social Media: IG: annebroylesauthor Bluesky: @annebroyles.bsky.social
Sharon Skinner and Heather Preusser explore the art of voice in kid lit, sharing practical strategies for creating distinct character voices, teaching voice techniques, and the importance of reading and analyzing mentor texts. Learn tips for revision, humor, and actionable exercises to enhance your writing craft. Visit Heather online at: Website: HeatherPreusser.com or Instagram: @heather_ preusser Key Topics Covered: Defining and teaching "voice" in writing Strategies for distinct character voices Differences in voice across genre and age categories Revision and highlighting voice in manuscripts Influences from mentor texts and media #KidLit #WritingCommunity #BookCoach #VoiceInWriting #ChapterBooks #CraftOfWriting #ChildrensBooks
Host Sharon Skinner and guest Erin Radniecki discuss nature-based writing: weaving nature into kid lit, fostering a sense of place, and using personal passion for nature to enrich storytelling and connect young readers to the natural world. Topics Covered: Erin’s journey: Combining passion for nature and writing [00:01:34] Coaching nature-curious writers: Focus on characters’ relationship with nature [00:03:36] Nature in various genres: Magical realism, contemporary, and broader definitions [00:06:13] Importance of sensory details and connecting with nature as inspiration [00:16:40] Using nature as metaphor or thematic element, even if not writing nature fiction [00:18:30] Human relationships with nature and sense of place ([00:21:02] Action items: Story Ecosystem Starter Kit & getting outside for inspiration [00:28:10] Visit and/or Follow Erin Online: Instagram: @writewithnature Website:: writewithnature.com
Sharon welcomes middle-grade author Jessica Vitalis. Jessica shares her journey from picture books to novels in verse, emphasizing perseverance, community, and continual craft improvement. They discuss the value of mentor texts, the process of writing across genres, pursuing literary awards, and the importance of connecting with and contributing to the kid lit community. Visit and/or Follow Jessica Online: Website: https://jessicavitalis.com/ Bluesky: @jessicavitalis.bsky.social Instagram: @jessicavauthor
Sharon Skinner interviews prolific children's author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison, who shares insights and actionable advice on indie publishing, from book production to marketing, drawing on her experience publishing over 70 award-winning kidlit titles. Visit and/or Follow Darcy Online: Facebook.com/DarcyPattisonAuthor darcypattison.bsky.socia l MimsHouseBooks.com DarcyPattison.com substack.com/@darcypattison indiekidsbooks.com TOPICS COVERED Darcy Pattison’s Journey to Indie Publishing (00:03:10) Choosing and Researching Nonfiction KidLit (00:04:56) Managing the Business and Profitability of Indie Publishing (00:08:41) Offset Printing vs. Print-on-Demand for Picture Books (00:16:04) The Importance of Setting Clear Publishing Goals (00:22:00) Outsourcing Tasks and Wearing Multiple Hats as an Indie Publisher (00:29:01) Encouragement and Advice for Writers Considering Self-Publishing (00:31:48)
Sharon and guest Rebecca Dolence discuss using creatures as symbols in kid lit, exploring how folklore and personal experience inform storytelling. They share insights on developing creature backstories, avoiding stereotypes, and twisting familiar tropes, while encouraging writers to innovate and deepen character symbolism in their children’s literature. Key Topics Covered: The role of creatures and symbolism in children’s literature and storytelling Avoiding stereotypes by giving creatures nuanced personalities and backstories How personal experience and voice shape writing and coaching approaches Using folklore, mythology, and animal symbolism in kid lit Twisting and innovating on familiar tropes and creature archetypes Visit Rebecca online at: LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Substack And check out her Creature of the Month Club and Free Villain Worksheet Other Resources: Slam Poetry Wiki What is My Spirit Animal
Award-winning author Joan Schoettler joins Sharon Skinner to discuss her journey from teacher to kidlit writer, delving into the craft of verse novels, the importance of concise language and emotional resonance, and how authentic storytelling can connect deeply with young readers. Visit Joan online at: https://joanschoettler.com/ and follow her on Facebook , Pinterest or Instagram
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, Sharon interviews guest Sara Fujimura about her writing journey and Authorpreneurial strategies, including networking, marketing, and maintaining a writing career, even when setbacks occur. Emphasizing community building, Sara details her experiences in both indie and traditional publishing, the importance of identifying one’s audience, and how she overcame challenges. The episode provides actionable advice for aspiring authors, focusing on balancing writing and business aspects while achieving personal definitions of success. Visit Sara online at: https://sarafujimura.com or https://www.tanabatawishes.com
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner welcomes Matt McMann, USA Today bestselling author of the middle grade spooky mystery series Monsterious. Matt shares his unique writing journey—from winning school writing contests as a kid, to a long career as a musician, and finally returning to writing with encouragement and guidance from his wife, bestselling author Lisa McMann. Matt discusses the ups and downs of his path to publication, including multiple book rejections before finding success with Monsterious. He explains the difference between dynamic, static, and anthology series and why he chose the anthology format for his books, allowing each story to feature different characters and monsters. Matt emphasizes the importance of perseverance and ongoing practice in developing writing craft. Visit Matt online at mattmcmann.com , and follow him on Instagram @matt_mcmann
In this episode of Coaching Kidlit, Sharon Skinner welcomes award-winning children's author Christopher Cheng for an inspiring conversation about emotional writing in kidlit. Chris shares insights from his journey as a teacher and author, discusses the importance of writing from the heart, and reveals how personal experiences shape his stories. Listeners will learn practical tips on staying organized and embracing their unique voice—all while celebrating the emotional depth that makes children’s literature so powerful. Visit Chris online at: ChrisCheng.com
Sharon and Christy welcome Guest Harshita Jerath, author of picture books such as "The Leaping Ladoo" and "Cooler Than Lemonade" to discuss how she blends elements from her Indian heritage with American experiences in her writing, creating stories that resonate with broader audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity. Visti Harshita online at: Website: harshitajerath.com Instagram: @hjjerath Facebook: Harshita Jerath Books and Blog
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner dives into the ins and outs of indie publishing with guest Natalie Wright. Natalie shares her journey from lawyer to successful indie author, discussing her writing process, character development, and the importance of a strong author platform. She offers valuable insights into creating emotionally resonant stories and building an engaged readership. Sharon and Natalie also emphasize the significance of authenticity and deep connection with target readers in both writing and marketing strategies.
In this episode of Coaching KidLit, host Sharon Skinner, joined by guest Janet Fox, discusses various aspects of middle grade (MG) writing. Janet shares her writing journey, her passion for MG, and offers valuable insights on the craft of writing, particularly focusing on MG readers, character development, the importance of passion in writing, and tackling the challenges of writing mysteries and contemporary stories. Janet Fox is online at janetsfox.com and Fox Tales on Substack
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 19, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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