KidLit Summer Camp Day 3
Welcome to Day 3! Did you miss interviews from Days 1 and 2? No worries. Click here for Day 1 and here for Day 2.
Today’s content focuses on books that take place in worlds that are different from our current one.
Author and book coach Sharon Skinner is an expert in speculative fiction. She takes us through the different genres that fall under the spec fic umbrella (such as sci-fi, fantasty, and steampunk, to name a few).
Book coach Erin Radniecki does a deep dive on writing books with animal POV characters. (If you are writing a novel featuring an animal POV character, make sure you grab Erin’s free workbook - it’s incredible!)
Middle grade author Anna Rose Johnson talks about how her family’s history inspired her award-winning historical fiction novel, The Star That Always Stays.
Author and creative coach Margaret McNellis offers tips for writing historical fiction that resonates with contemporary readers, using specific insights from her Robin Hood inspired YA novel, The Red Fletch.
You’ll find relevant links below and don’t forget to connect with our guests to let them know what resonated with you!
Ways you can thank our guests for their generosity:
follow and thank them on social media (don’t forget to tag them and you can use #kidlitsummercamp to refer to this event)
buy their books or request your library buy them
leave a positive review for their books, podcasts, YouTube channels, etc.
Sharon Skinner
Sharon Skinner holds a BA in English, an MA in Creative Writing and is a Certified Book Coach and freelance editor, who helps writers weave their words into stories that shine. She mainly writes fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and the occasional steampunk, for audiences of all ages. Skinner is an active member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and serves as the Regional Advisor for SCBWI AZ. She also served aboard the USS Jason, the first US Navy vessel to take women to sea (WestPac cruise). But that’s another story.
Connect with Sharon through her website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Sharon has a YouTube channel, and she co-hosts the Coaching KidLit podcast with Christy Yaros. Sharon also has a free character worksheet for email subscribers.
Sharon’s books are available in the KidLit Summer Camp book fair.
Erin Radniecki
Erin Radniecki is an Author Accelerator certified book coach working with fiction writers. She coaches a variety of genres but has a soft spot for middle grade books and stories with animal point of view characters. As a creative generalist, Erin understands the doubt, anxiety and loneliness that come with the creative process, and loves nothing more than helping her clients make progress in spite that pain. She lives in the Pacific NW and when she's not reading she can be found gardening for pollinators in her yard.
Connect with Erin through her website and Instagram.
Erin has a couple free resources for writers, including a guide on writing animal POV characters.
Anna Rose Johnson
Storytelling has always been a part of Anna Rose Johnson’s life—especially timeless tales tinged with vintage charm. She grew up fascinated by the early 20th century and now writes historical middle grade novels that reflect her love of classic children’s literature. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Anna Rose enjoys exploring her heritage through her stories, including her debut middle grade novel The Star That Always Stays (Holiday House), which was named an NPR Best Book of 2022, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and a 2023 Michigan Notable Book.
Connect with Anna Rose on her website, Instagram, and Twitter.
Anna Rose’s book is available in the KidLit Summer Camp book fair.
Margaret McNellis
Margaret is an author and wise woman. Her debut novel, The Red Fletch, came out in 2021. The Red Fletch is a YA historical fiction and retelling of the Robin Hood legend from the point-of-view of an asexual woman. It's the first book in the Heroes of Sherwood series. Book two, Outlawed, comes out in July 2023. When she's not writing, Margaret loves to draw, bake bread and cookies, and compose music. She also works to help creatives build confidence and call in the journey they wish to walk.
Connect with Margaret through her website and Instagram.
Margaret hosts the This Magickal Life Podcast.