Lindsay H. Metcalf

April 13, 2024

20 Questions

20 Questions: Our Favorite Podcasts

Lindsay H. Metcalf

April 13, 2024

20 Questions

Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,

where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve decided to just keep the questions coming!)

This month’s question:

What book-related podcast are you listening to?

“What Should I Read Next?” with Anne Bogel

Guests share three books they love, one they hate and what they’re reading lately. Host (and book whisperer) Anne Bogel recommends three books that would make a great next read. I have found so many titles to add to my TBR through this podcast as well as tips to improve my reading life. It’s a game changer as well as a really entertaining listen.

—Candy Wellins, author of A GEODUCK IS NOT A DUCK, illus. Ellie Peterson (Little Bigfoot, 2024)

“Literaticast” by Jennifer Laughran

I may be biased since Jenn is my agent, but it is popular amongst the kidlit community for a reason! Jenn has years of experience as a bookseller and a reputable agent. She is very knowledgeable about the children’s book industry and invites all kinds of interesting guests, from award-winning creators, agents, editors, booksellers, librarians, and more! Their conversations are fun, interesting, and I always learn something new from each episode—gaining a much deeper understanding about the inner workings of our industry, and her book recommendations are always stellar!

—Isabella Kung, author and illustrator of NO SNOWBALL (Orchard Books/Scholastic 2022)

“3 Point Perspective:
The Illustration Podcast” with Will Terry, Lee White, and Jake Parker

I’m not an illustrator, but I really enjoy listening to this podcast about both the craft and business of illustration. The hosts sometimes interview other artists—many from the children’s publishing world, but some not—about their practice and how they make a living in illustration; they sometimes take listener questions and review portfolios (they produce it as a YouTube show as well, so you can look at the illustrations they’re discussing); and they sometimes just banter and share information among themselves about the book publishing business, where they find inspiration, and what practices are effective for them (or not) and why.

—Carrie Finison, author of PIGS DIG A ROAD, illus. Brian Biggs (Putnam, 2024)

Lindsay H. Metcalf

February 15, 2024

20 Questions

20 Questions: Our Writing Spaces

Lindsay H. Metcalf

February 15, 2024

20 Questions

Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,

where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve decided to just keep the questions coming!)

This month’s question:

Where do you like to write?

“I write whenever/wherever I get the chance, sometimes at one of my local libraries, sometimes at the Y while waiting for my daughter, sometimes at the kitchen table while keeping an eye on the puppy. But my ideal spot is up in the office we added to our 1860s barn. The meadow view keeps me happy, and I’ve got binoculars for wildlife watching.

The serene version that mostly lives in my imagination.

—Melanie Ellsworth, author of BATTLE OF THE BOOKS, illustrated by James Rey Sanchez (little bee books, 2022)

“One of the things I love about writing is how portable it is. I’ve written at coffee shops, libraries, trampoline parks, soccer fields, in parked cars, and on planes, trains, and buses. That said, my actual office space is on the third floor of our house. I love having a dedicated space, even though it is a little too hot in summer and a little too cold in winter. The wall is decorated with illustrators’ postcards I’ve collected at conferences that help inspire me. A cup of tea is also essential, although it often gets ignored. I also have a co-worker who helps me out from time to time.”

—Carrie Finison, author of PIGS DIG A ROAD illustrated by Brian Biggs (Penguin Young Readers Group, September 2024)

“Because I write nonfiction (and have file boxes full of research), I write mostly from home where I can access my resources. I have two main spots: my cozy chair where I write, and my dedicated office, where I write, teach and will soon be voicing an audiobook. Chloe, my lhasa apso/poodle mix, is my constant companion.”

—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle Kids, 2023)

Lindsay H. Metcalf

November 20, 2023

Book Recommendation, Gift Guide

2023 Gift Guide

Lindsay H. Metcalf

November 20, 2023

Book Recommendation, Gift Guide

One of the best things about being part of a group of picture book creators is celebrating each other’s books. In past gift guides, where we recommended holiday gifts that paired well with our own books, we decided to change things up a bit this year! Below, you’ll find not one, but two sets of gift ideas for each book— each created by a different Soaring 20s member!

We hope you find something fun and unique for the children in your life. Happy holidays!