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Studio Notes


How to Create and Design Illustrated Non-Fiction Books for Children: A Behind-the-Scenes Guide
Travel back to the 1980’s to look at my approach to making non-fiction books for children from the initial concept to publication.
6 min read


Who Really Owns a Book? Why the UK 1988 Copyright Act Needs an Update for Today’s Creators
Imagine creating the blueprint for a book concept, compelling enough that the books become bestsellers - then your credit is removed.
4 min read


The Art of Writing Christmas Stories for Children
We’ll explore the secrets to writing Christmas stories for children, with practical tips, a list of inspiring examples.
19 min read


What comes after "Once Upon a Time" in Storytelling?
Once upon a time, a long time ago storytelling for children was dominated by magical kingdoms, brave knights, and fire-breathing dragons.
6 min read


How Do I Write for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) ? A UK Guide
Writing for children with special needs presents unique and fulfilling challenges. Whether you’re creating a story, an educational resource,
10 min read


David Antram: Book Maker,The Maverick Illustrator of the "You Wouldn't Want To Be..!" Series
David Antram is the celebrated illustrator who works in an astonishing variety of styles, yet he is perhaps best known for his caricatures.
22 min read


A Ghost in My Own Books: The Existential Adventures of a Schrödinger’s Cat/Author
In this strange business of ours, where we live and die by names, what irony to find myself suddenly nameless. A refresh, they called it.
6 min read


"The Universe is Made of Stories, Not of Atoms"
Muriel Rukeyser wrote, "that stories, not atoms, comprise the universe." In her 1968 poem "The Speed of Darkness".
7 min read


How Do I Protect My Intellectual Property as a Children's Book Author?
Once your creative work is out there in the world, how do you ensure that your intellectual property (IP) is properly protected?
8 min read


An Egg is a Dream: How Ideas Need to Be Nurtured
The Fragility of Ideas
At the heart of this metaphor ‘An Egg is a Dream’ is the whimsy of fragility. an idea starts small and grows.
6 min read


Open a Book, Open a World: The Timeless Power of Reading
In our world overflowing with distractions, the act of picking up and opening a book can feel revolutionary.
7 min read


Behind the Pages: An Inside Look at Patricia Borlenghi's Journey in Publishing and Patrician Press
I look at the publishing career of Patricia Borlenghi, her career in foreign rights, and as the founder of Patrician Press.
6 min read


Exploring the Magic: Creating Immersive Settings in Children's Books
Young children are remarkabl visual readers. They can absorb busy scenes and bold, simple images with the same ease.
6 min read


When Books Kill: The Pen is Deadlier Than The Sword
Books, in all their forms, hold the power to reshape societies, challenge norms, and incite action. ..and kill.
10 min read


Behind the Pages: Shirley Willis Illustrator on Art & Story
Shirley Willis Salariya has worked in a variety of art styles and always embraced experimentation.
20 min read


How Do I Handle Difficult Topics in Children's Books?
Difficult topics have always been part of the mix. From the loss of a parent in "Bambi" to the themes of war and displacement.
7 min read


Why is diversity so important in children's books?
The importance of diversity in kid's books goes beyond political correctness. It's about giving every child the opportunity to see themselve
15 min read


The Art of Rejection: How to Use 'No' as Your Launchpad for Success
Most people encounter rejection in various forms throughout their lives, whether in small, everyday situations or more significant moments.
7 min read


Research Tips & Tricks for Writing Children's Historical Fiction & Non Fiction
To research for accuracy in a historical children's book, use primary sources, consult secondary sources, visit historical sites.
13 min read


Why Authors Use Pen Names (And Why They Sometimes Regret It)
Using a nom de plume or pen name has been a common practice among authors and artists for centuries. Over the years, I’ve used several names
11 min read
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