Writers dig for the motherlode, the enormous power at the center of themselves, their stories, and their characters. How do we do that? This week is Ground Hog Day, a silly American tradition, but one that lasts. What gives ir staying power? Writers might dig deeper to find out if it shows up in a story they’re [...]

We’re a smokin’ group – and here’s why. We all share the glory of each other’s triumphs, our hard-earned knowledge, and our great writer energy. Here’s how it works – Just yesterday Debbie Freedman told up her picture book, BLUE CHICKEN got a starred review from Kirkus! And there was more! An illustration for BLUE [...]

 “Hello? Is this Kathleen K’-ah-mumble??” The voice on the phone is often elderly and always insecure. “Yes,” I chuckle (warmly, I hope.) “This is Kathleen Kudlinski.” “Are you the Naturalist?” they ask, if they’ve been reading my newspaper column. The question “Are you the author?” means they’re a teacher, librarian, or child who has read [...]

I’m panting toward the finish line in this marketing marathon. Eight book signings down; one to go in this crazy wonderful book launch season for Horse Indian Wolf, the Hidden Pictures of Judy Larson, by Kathleen Kudlinski. I’ve been in libraries, large and small; bookstores, chain and indie; plus a nature museum and the UConn [...]

“To be a writer you must _____” That’s how I start all my beginner classes. I write that sentence on the board and wait until somebody comes up with the missing word. (It’s “write.”) The point: You don’t get to be a writer by hoping or earning degrees or reading about writing. You have to [...]

Often the best souvenirs writers bring back from Trips To Away are fresh new books to write – or a whole new committment to our art.  When we leave our homes, computers, and regular schedules, we become untethered. All the assumptions and paradigms that restrict us as writers suddenly come into question. Wide open, we float [...]