The Coaching KidLit podcast explores aspects of children’s book writing and offers craft and coaching tools for leveling up your KidLit writing game.
We feature interviews with KidLit authors, coaches, and industry experts, and dive into writing craft, creative processes, and the publishing realm.
And, of course, we provide children’s book recommendations and list our recent favorites, which may or may not lead to a full-on debate/discussion about the KidLit books we love and why we love them.
Give us a listen and let us know what you like, or don’t like, and send us your topic and KidLit book recommendations.
Pitching Us
If you’d like to be a guest on the podcast, pitch us at coachingkidlit@gmail.com.
Make sure to include your bio, why you would make a great guest, and the topics you’d like to cover.
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Episodes
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Episode 49: Vivid Voice Techniques with Guest Heather Preusser
Sharon Skinner and Heather Preusser explore the art of voice in kid lit, sharing practical strategies for creating distinct character voices, teaching voice techniques, and the importance of reading and analyzing mentor texts. Learn tips for revision, humor, and actionable exercises to enhance your writing craft. Visit Heather online at: Website: HeatherPreusser.com or Instagram: @heather_
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Episode 48: Nature-Based Writing with Guest Erin Radniecki
Host Sharon Skinner and guest Erin Radniecki discuss nature-based writing: weaving nature into kid lit, fostering a sense of place, and using personal passion for nature to enrich storytelling and connect young readers to the natural world. Topics Covered: Erin’s journey: Combining passion for nature and writing [00:01:34] Coaching nature-curious writers: Focus on characters’ relationship
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Episode 47: Writing Across Genres with Guest Jessica Vitalis
Sharon welcomes middle-grade author Jessica Vitalis. Jessica shares her journey from picture books to novels in verse, emphasizing perseverance, community, and continual craft improvement. They discuss the value of mentor texts, the process of writing across genres, pursuing literary awards, and the importance of connecting with and contributing to the kid lit community. Visit
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Episode 46: Steps for Self-Publishing Success with Guest Darcy Pattison
Sharon Skinner interviews prolific children’s author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison, who shares insights and actionable advice on indie publishing, from book production to marketing, drawing on her experience publishing over 70 award-winning kidlit titles. Visit and/or Follow Darcy Online:Facebook.com/DarcyPattisonAuthordarcypattison.bsky.socialMimsHouseBooks.comDarcyPattison.comsubstack.com/@darcypattisonindiekidsbooks.com TOPICS COVERED Darcy Pattison’s Journey to Indie Publishing (00:03:10) Choosing and Researching Nonfiction KidLit (00:04:56)
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Episode 45: Creatures as Characters & Symbols with Guest Rebecca Dolence
Sharon and guest Rebecca Dolence discuss using creatures as symbols in kid lit, exploring how folklore and personal experience inform storytelling. They share insights on developing creature backstories, avoiding stereotypes, and twisting familiar tropes, while encouraging writers to innovate and deepen character symbolism in their children’s literature. Key Topics Covered: The role of creatures and