12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast

Where Picture Book Biographies and Poetry Come Together The National Poetry Month celebration continues! 12 x 12 charter member, poet, and author Lisa Rogers shares how poetry comes into play when writing picture books—even picture book biographies. In this episode, you'll discover: What it's like to be a poet and write a picture book about a poet How she finds the emotional throughline in her stories Why she's drawn to writing about creative people The impact of writing her John Cage book in second person Why she writes picture book biographies Why she didn't give up writing picture books The steps she took to stay committed to the writing craft How she determines the stories she's meant to write Why reading and writing poetry helps with writing picture books How word choice influences her writing choices The importance of creating mental images in your stories How sounds influence her word choice   Books mentioned in this episode*: 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Lisa Rogers and Chuck Groenink Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage by Lisa Rogers and Il Sung Na Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony by Lisa Rogers and Stacy Innerst Woody's Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows by Lisa Rogers and Susan Reagan Hound Won't Go by Lisa Rogers and Meg Ishihara All the Small Poems and Fourteen More by Valerie Worth and Natalie Babbitt Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice by Kari Lavelle and Bryan Collier Get the 12 x 12 Poetry Playbook for Picture Book Writers HERE: https://12x12challenge.com/poetryplaybook If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

Let's celebrate poetry! Welcome to National Poetry Month! We begin the celebration with one of our favorite poets AND poetry teachers, author Renee LaTulippe. Renee shares why she loves poetry and how, over her career, she's worked to help others understand and use poetry techniques in their own work. In this episode, you'll discover: How Renee helped set our 12 x 12 poetry elves up for success Why Renee is so passionate about poetry What is so appealing about free verse How to make poetry exciting for anyone Enjoying poems vs. determining their symbolism What should your readers take away from your work What she loves about the craft of writing What she sets out to do (and not do) with her poetry The definition of "common measure" How she went from writing poetry anthologies to a poetry picture book to a poetry graphic novel Ways Limelight: Curtain Up on Poetry Comics could be used in Drama and English classes. The difference between a poem, an anthology of poetry in picture book form, and a poem picture book  What she's working on now   Renee LaTulippe's books*: Crab Ballet by Renee LaTulippe and Cécile Metzger Limelight: Curtain Up on Poetry Comics by Renee LaTulippe and Chuck Gonzales   Whether you adore poetry or you're afraid of it, you're bound to be inspired by this episode.   Resources mentioned in this episode:  Renee LaTulippe's Writing Lyrical and Rhyming Picture Books Bundle is now available for 25% off here Renee's Lyrical Language Lab here Renee's Story Lark Road Curriculum here Get the free poetry download here.   If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

What does a bookseller want book creators to know? Welcome to our first After-Party! After-parties will be a semi-regular feature on the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast, where we'll take some time after a 12 x 12 webinar to dive a little deeper into something the speaker talked about or maybe ask a few questions we didn't get to during the live webinar. Our first after-party guest is author-illustrator and bookseller Julie Rowan-Zoch. Her recent webinar, "Ask a Bookseller," is available to the public now! (Podcast listeners get 25% off! Click here.) In the webinar, Julie shared how booksellers choose books to include in their inventory, what they want book creators to know, and how you can increase your chances of booking an event—even giving us a sneak peek at their behind-the-scenes software. In this after-party, we discuss what to actually say to a bookseller when trying to book an event or pre-order campaign, and more! In this episode, you'll discover: How to approach a bookseller about hosting an event How pre-order campaigns work How far in advance should you try to schedule in-person events and pre-order campaigns How to set up a book event when you're traveling Dates and times to NOT schedule your events Do's and Don'ts of using social media to connect with bookstores How a little kindness can go a long way   Julie Rowan-Zoch's books*: Debug This Book written by Omar Abed and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch I'm a Hare, So There! written and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch Stopping By Jungle on a Snowy Evening written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch Louis by Tom Lichtenheld and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch Not All Sheep Are Boring by Bobby Moynihan and illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch You're Here! (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch You're One! (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch You're Two! (Year-by-Year Books) by Karla Oceanak and Julie Rowan-Zoch   Julie Rowan-Zoch's "Ask a Bookseller" webinar is now available for 25% off here. The bookstore Julie Rowan-Zoch talks about in this episode is Old Firehouse Books.   Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Join the newsletter to find our upcoming free events, scholarships, and sales. Click here. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!   *At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may earn a commission on books published through the links in this post. (Links go to Bookshop.org when available.)

Why would a picture book author write a graphic novel? Why not? Author (and Charter 12 x 12 member) Marcie Colleen shares how curiosity (and the willingness to say yes) led her to reach beyond picture books and into the world of chapter books—and most recently, graphic novels for young readers. Marcie shares her journey to writing graphic novels (even though she's not an illustrator) and what she discovered about the similarities and differences between writing picture books and graphic novels. Plus, Marcie tells us all about her new 6-week graphic novel writing course: Panel by Panel: How to Write Comics & Graphic Novels (Even If You Can't Draw!) Listen to the podcast now as Julie and Marcie reflect on friendship, writing, comics, and so much more. In this episode, you'll discover: The importance of writing friends in your writing life Where a love of storytelling and curiosity can lead Why she's written all types of kidlit from picture books to chapter books to graphic novels for young readers How to sign up for Marcie's six-week graphic novel course The similarities and differences between writing picture books and graphic novels for young readers Why the graphic novel market is so rich right now Can you write a graphic novel if you can't draw? The challenges for illustrators of graphic novels Marcie's newest graphic novel (coming in 2027) How she began writing graphic novels  The different ways advances and royalties work with different graphic novel publishers The difference between art notes in picture books and graphic novels Why reading is such an important tool in your writing toolbox The importance of finding your style How the 6-week graphic novel course is set up week-by-week Marcie's role as Dance Captain in the 12 x 12 community (including playlists!) Books mentioned: The Penguinaut by Marcie Colleen Love, Triangle by Marcie Colleen and Bob Shea Survivor Tree by Marcie Colleen and Aaron Becker The Bear's Garden by Marcie Colleen Happy Friendsgiving by Marcie Colleen and Laura Sandoval Herrera Super Happy Party Bears by Marcie Colleen Cat Ninja by Marcie Colleen, Stephanie Cooke, Steven Scott, Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey, and Chad Thomas Kitten Ninja by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings Kitten Ninja: Braver Than Ever by Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Ellen Stubbings Time Buddies by Matthew Cody, Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, and Chad Thomas Time Buddies: Past, Present, Hooture, Vol. 2 by Marcie Colleen, Stephanie Cooke, Nick Murphy, Paul Ritchey, and Eduardo Medeiros Go with the Flow by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams Look On The Bright Side by Karen Schneemann and Lily Williams (the follow-up to Go with the Flow)   If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

What's the silver lining of having a broken arm? While Julie is away, Kelli will play! Kelli is taking over the podcast today. And, just like writing, an idea starts in one place, and then life smacks you down, and you have to head in a different direction. She didn't intend to break her arm/shoulder and do an episode about it, but when life gives you lemons, make lemon drop martinis! You'll discover: How Kelli broke her arm (and still made her flight!) The good and bad of breaking your dominant hand Praise for lefties! The importance of learning something new How to apply this to writing (It all connects, we promise!) Ideas for changing up your writing routine The benefits of finding a new perspective The importance of finding a critique group The pros of adding a new critique partner Type-written vs. hand-written first drafts A challenge to write in a different genre The growth that comes along with changing things up If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

In celebration of Women's History Month, Julie Hedlund interviews author Caroline Perry and they discuss their picture book biographies of two extraordinary women: Queen Elizabeth II and Julie Andrews. What led them to write about such famous people? What were the challenges of writing about a person who's still alive? What do they wish they had known when they started writing picture book bios? Find out in today's episode. You'll discover: What inspired their individual picture book bios What it's like to write about a living person How dogs played a role in both stories The surprising things they learned in their research How kids can relate to these stories about well-known adults The intersections of their stories Caroline's marketing efforts The pressure of writing about a person everyone knows How Caroline's book changed in the second edition after the Queen passed away Finding the emotional throughline Finding the North Star of the story Writing a story vs. writing a list of accomplishments How rejections about a real person hit different What makes you stop working on a potential bio The importance of telling women's stories that have been hidden in history   Books mentioned in this episode: The Corgi and the Queen by Caroline L. Perry and Lydia Corry Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Messi's Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T. by Caroline L. Perry and Luciano Lozano  The Memory Cake by Caroline L. Perry and Jennifer Bricking  I Am Not Happy by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson I Am Not Grumpy by Caroline L. Perry and Sydney Hanson Dandy by Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso   Find out more about Caroline: https://carolinelperry.com/ If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

Julie Hedlund and Kelli Panique enjoy a delightful conversation with author Marzieh Abbas. Marzieh has over 40 published books for kids, from board books to middle grade. In our discussion, she elaborates on her journey from professional baker to award-winning author. Marzieh's story is so inspirational. Come be inspired to create your own successful writing journey. You'll discover: How 12 x 12 played a pivotal role in Marzieh becoming a multi-published author Why she chooses to publish in the US market while she lives in Pakistan How she was inspired to write for children The challenge of being a writer without access to public libraries or bookstores How she studied mentor texts to learn to write picture books Writing Muslim books for Muslim kids vs. sharing the experiences of Muslim children with a mainstream audience Why finding joy in the publishing process is crucial What it is like to write a picture book bio of a living person The importance of being in a community that gets what you're trying to do   Books mentioned in this episode: A Dupatta Is . . . by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan  Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect: The True Story of Pakistan's First Woman Architect by Marzieh Abbas and Hoda Hadadi Aarzu All Around by Marzieh Abbas The Camel Library by Marzieh Abbas and Anain Shaikh  The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers Malala's Magical Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët  Henna is... by Marzieh Abbas and Anu Chouhan  Awe-samosas! by Marzieh Abbas and Bhagya Madanasinghe A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh Abbas Ali and Najwa Awatiff  Radiant Ramadan by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed Friday Fun by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed Excited for Eid by Marzieh Abbas and Anoosha Syed Together We Ride by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita Big Red Lollipop by Rukhana Khan and Sophie Blackall   Get 25% off Marzieh Abbas's webinar Mentor Text Your Way to Picture Books that POP!  HERE. Join Marzieh's Substack here. If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

Can young readers handle difficult topics? Author Leah Schanke thinks so. It's just one of the reasons she wrote her debut picture book, Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls's Voyage Out of Slavery. In this interview, Leah Schanke and Kelli Panique celebrate Black History Month by shining a light on how she discovered the story of this book and the steps she took to bring it to life—including tips for bringing your own historical stories to life. You'll discover: How she came to writing picture books Why she writes history for young readers What inspired her to write Robert Smalls's story How her critique group helped this book come to life The big change that made the original story more kid-friendly What she said when editors asked her to "age up" the story Leah's research process How she stayed true to her vision of the story The context notes she includes for the editor or illustrator The pitch event that connected Leah with her publisher Tips for writers of nonfiction and historical fiction Her favorite thing that didn't make it into the book The book she wishes she wrote   Books mentioned in this episode: Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls's Voyage Out of Slavery by Leah Schanke and Oboh Moses Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero by Cate Lineberry Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares   Resources mentioned: Picture Book Summit Podcast: The Appeal of Dark Picture Books If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe, and review so other kidlit writers can find us! Thank you for listening!

Author Kirsten W. Larson and Julie Hedlund discuss the joy of writing nonfiction, including:  Why Kirsten loves writing nonfiction for young readers Where her writing process starts The difference between primary and secondary sources Why Kirsten loves the 12 x 12 community  What it means for her to be a 12 x 12 Elf The advice she has for newer writers and seasoned writers How she pushes through until a manuscript works   Resources from Kirsten:  Kirsten's website Reimagine Insiders Group   Books mentioned in this episode:  This is How You Know by Kirsten W. Larson and Cornelia Li Song After Song: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book by Kirsten W. Larson Telling It True: How to Write Nonfiction Kids (and Teens) Want to Read by Kirsten W. Larson  Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery by Meeg Pincus and Yas Imamura    In the World of Whales by Michelle Cusolito and Jessica Lanan    Future projects not yet available: Shape of Our Stories: How Books Became to Be  Light of Resistance   Get 25% off Kirsten W. Larson's webinar Noodling on Nonfiction Structure HERE.  Sign up for the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge by February 15th! Click here!    At no additional cost to you, 12 x 12 may receive a commission when a purchase is made through the links above.

We begin our Black History Month celebration with 12 x 12 member and author Valerie Bolling, who talks about reinventing her writing as a means to expand on her love of writing picture books and reach more young readers. In this interview, we get to dive into all the ways Valerie keeps growing and challenging herself to write different types of stories—and we hope she challenges you along the way. You'll discover: Why she writes in different picture genres and styles How important it is for kids to see themselves in our stories Why branding yourself isn't always necessary Why Valerie writes some stories in prose and some in rhyme The benefits of being a 12 x 12 member The importance of reading picture books—and not just to your kids Why she recommends joining 12 x 12 What prompts Valeire to give back to the picture book writing community The one negative about 12 x 12 The book she wishes she wrote Books mentioned in this episode:  Let's Dance by Valerie Bolling and Maine Diaz Bing Bop Bam, Time to Jam! by Valerie Bolling and Sabrena Khadija Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita Together We Ride by Valerie Bolling and Kaylani Juanita I See Color: An Affirmation of our Diverse A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change by Valerie Bolling and TeMika Grooms The March for Hope by Valerie Bolling and Monica Mikai  A Season for Fishin' by Pamela Courtney and Toni D. Chambers  My Heart Speaks Kriolu by Stefanie Foster Brown and Keisha Morris Daddy Daughter Dance by Malcolm Newsome and Jenin Mohammed  The Six Triple Eight: A True Story of the Black Woman Battalion of World War II by Tonya Abari and Lance Evans Prayer Is by Tameka Fryer Brown and Alleanna Harris  Riding Magic by Kelly Starling Lyons and E.B. Lewis That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown and Nikkolas Smith   Get a 25% discount on Valerie's webinar: How to Use Tension to Create Captivating Picture Books. Click here! Get 25% off Tameka Fryer Brown's webinar Picture Book Range: Writing Across Styles and Topics   Sign up for the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge by February 15th! Click here! 

Are you in the submission trenches? Co-Founders of The Complete Picture Book Submissions System Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Hedlund share their submission expertise to help you write better query letters! What you'll discover: Tips for submitting your manuscript to agents or editors A template for writing your pitch The person who reads your query first (It may not be who you think it is...) The difference between a pitch and a synopsis Who should be the focus of your pitch The job of the pitch Why the voice of your pitch is so important   Get Emma and Julie's free submissions training here: picturebooksubmissions.com/free-training   Come be part of the community! Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. Register by February 15, 2026 here: 12x12challenge.com/membership/ Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your fellow kidlit writers!

Join the fun as Julie Hedlund interviews our first-ever podcast guest: agent Adria Goetz of KT Literary!  What you'll discover: How Adria became an agent What editors are looking for (and NOT looking for) in today's market The importance of market entry points and hooks The top 3 booksellers in the United States How to make your work stand out in a tough market Why Adria keeps coming back to 12 x 12 as a Featured Agent What it's like getting submissions in your inbox How agents view submissions with AI components Picture books Adria loves right now   Books mentioned in this episode:  The Princess and the Grain of Rice by Tina Cho and Honee Jang Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin In the Groves by Andrea Cruz Floren    Come be part of the community! Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. Click here to register by February 15, 2026. Get 25% off off Adria's 12 x 12 webinar here: https://12x12challenge.com/adria Adria's website: https://adriagoetz.wpcomstaging.com/  

Houston, we have a co-host! Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Laurel and Hardy. Thelma and Louise. Life is more fun with a partner—and work is certainly easier with someone who has your back. And no one has Julie's back like her co-host Kelli Panique.  What you'll discover in this episode: How Julie and Kelli started working together What they each bring to the partnership Why community is so important to them Kelli's favorite and least favorite things about working in 12 x 12 Little-known facts about Kelli   Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. Click here to register by February 15, 2026. Subscribe and review if you like the podcast! Future episodes will include author and illustrator interviews, conversations with agents and editors, and discussions on the craft of writing picture books and getting published. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Podcast!  Host Julie Hedlund, Founder of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, introduces us to this new podcast for picture book writers and/or illustrators.  What you'll discover in this episode:  The history of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge When to register for the 2026 challenge 12 things Julie wished she knew when she started writing picture books   Join the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge in 2026. Click here to register by February 15, 2026. Subscribe and join us for the new endeavor! Future episodes will include author and illustrator interviews, conversations with agents and editors, and discussions on the craft of writing picture books and getting published. Find out more at www.12x12challenge.com. We'll see you there!