/ en-US Tue, 26 May 2020 00:11:26 -0700 60 / 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg /author_blog_posts/19901792-new-pbu-video-story-structure-secrets-and-last-day-to-enter-for-giveawa Mon, 25 May 2020 08:22:00 -0700 /author_blog_posts/19901792-new-pbu-video-story-structure-secrets-and-last-day-to-enter-for-giveawa Hey, everyone!
My newest video outlines the SECRET to picture book story structure. I give these details to all my mentees (if they need it) and my clients! Put your manuscript to the test!Ìý





Please share this, like, leave a comment on the video to help get the word out. The critique and picture book giveaway is on until midnight tonight CST!!! Ìý
I hope you learn a lot through the video!
Many hugs and happy writing!
Pam




posted by Pam Calvert on May, 26 ]]> /author_blog_posts/19890379-new-friday-dine-and-whine-is-on Fri, 22 May 2020 14:33:00 -0700 /author_blog_posts/19890379-new-friday-dine-and-whine-is-on Hey, everyone!
My newest Friday Dine & Whine is out where I share the story of my WORST rejection and what happened afterwards that changed my writing life!


Please share this, like, leave a comment on the video to help get the word out. The critique and picture book giveaway is on until Monday, May 25th.Ìý
I hope this encourages you as you travel on this challenging publishing journey!
Many hugs and happy writing!
Pam





posted by Pam Calvert on May, 23 ]]> /author_blog_posts/19871489-picture-book-university-youtube-is-launched Mon, 18 May 2020 04:57:00 -0700 /author_blog_posts/19871489-picture-book-university-youtube-is-launched Hooray! My first episode of Picture Book University workshop is published on YouTube where I outline the 6 top newbie writer mistakes I've been seeing in my mailbox lately. As a critique editor, picture book contest judge, RYS judge, as well as picture book mentor, I see A LOT of manuscripts through the year. Make sure your manuscript is not commiting any of these picture book crimes! ;)\
(Sorry the thumbnail is weird. I'm a newbie booktuber!

posted by Pam Calvert on May, 19 ]]> /author_blog_posts/19845883-picture-book-university-coming-to-youtube Tue, 12 May 2020 06:06:00 -0700 /author_blog_posts/19845883-picture-book-university-coming-to-youtube I'm so excited to announce something I've been working on for the past six months. my free picture book workshop, is now going to be an interactive YouTube channel! I will post twice a week with tips on how you can realize your dream of becoming a picture book author. In addition to the in's and out's of writing a picture book, I'll also share with you exactly how to catch an editor or agent's eye, how to market your work, and most importantly, how to make children remember your writing and clamor for more!
On Mondays, I'll post a workshop video then on Fridays, it'll be our time for Dine and Whine where I'll share some stories about my rollercoaster ride of the ups and downs of the publishing industry. There will some funny (and sad) stories that happened to me, and I'll also answer any questions you might have specifically.Ìý
In order to get this project off the ground, I'm going to be offering free critiques and my newest picture books giveaways! You'll have a chance to win a free critique or a picture book (I'm offering five critiques and five pb's so ten people can win!).


What to do:
Subscribe to:
1. 2. My instagram: 3. My Twitter: (If you're already subscribed, just let me know with a PM)
If you do all three, you'll be entered five times.
Your name will also be entered if you share my announcement when the video uploads. And if you make your own blog post, instagram post or tweet about the channel, I'll enter your name five times for each original post. Wow! You could have your name entered twenty or more times!Ìý
Deadline is May 25th to enter!
Thank you for your support, and I hope this will help you to break through the publishing barrier and realize your dreams!
Happy writing!
±Ê²¹³¾Ìý


posted by Pam Calvert on May, 13 ]]> /author_blog_posts/17890124-wee-oo-wee-oo-alert-flash-the-litle-fire-engine-is-ready-for-pre-orde Tue, 29 Jan 2019 07:33:00 -0800 /author_blog_posts/17890124-wee-oo-wee-oo-alert-flash-the-litle-fire-engine-is-ready-for-pre-orde is already on amazon for pre-order.


The story follows Little Flash who's about to embark on his first day on the job. He's SOOOO excited! Will he be able to pitch in and save the day?

This is a character driven story made for boys and girls who love emergency vehicles. It's action packed with loads of sounds and a quick plot.

When I wrote this, it took a long time for me to figure out what was going to happen in it. I knew I wanted to write about a fire truck simply because there's tons of dump trucks, garbage trucks, backhoes, trains, etc, but not fire trucks! You must write about things that aren't already in the market if you want to sell.

Since I didn't know much about fire trucks, I did a lot of research for this story. My son-in-law helped me, too. (A family effort since my grandsons adore fire trucks.)

If you want to know more about how to write a character driven story, read my article here: ÌýAlso, if you're a budding picture book writer and need to learn more, grab my button on the side of this blog and join others in doingÌýthe free workshop, . I will be posting extra lessons in the future (so follow this blog or follow via email so you won't miss them!)

Have a little fire fighter on your gift list? Give her/him this cute story! You can pre order or put it on your wish list as it comes just in time for next Christmas (Ahh! It'll be here before you know it.

posted by Pam Calvert on January, 30 ]]> /author_blog_posts/17581254-interview-free-picture-book-critique-and-free-picture-books Thu, 15 Nov 2018 14:15:00 -0800 /author_blog_posts/17581254-interview-free-picture-book-critique-and-free-picture-books

Are you a picture book writer and need some advice? Would you like a free paid critique or a chance to win Brianna Bright, Ballerina Knight?Ìý
You're in luck!
Children's writer, Justin Colon, has interviewed me on TONS of questions about the picture book biz from what makes a picture book stand out from the crowd to the obstacles facing picture book writers. If you want an inside look at all things picture books, take a look at this article:
Make sure to enter the give away at the end of the article!Ìý
And don't forget to reblog, repost and tweet it out to your picture book writing friends!

posted by Pam Calvert on November, 16 ]]> /author_blog_posts/16839669-brianna-bright-book-giveaway-on-goodreads Wed, 23 May 2018 20:13:00 -0700 /author_blog_posts/16839669-brianna-bright-book-giveaway-on-goodreads
Just click this link to sign up! So easy! BRIANNA BRIGHT BALLERINA KNIGHT giveaway

If you think someone might want the chance to win this book, please share!






posted by Pam Calvert on January, 25 ]]> /author_blog_posts/16258457-brianna-bright-ballerina-knight-coming-june-5-2018 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0800 /author_blog_posts/16258457-brianna-bright-ballerina-knight-coming-june-5-2018 I'm thrilled to announce that my strong girl picture book is about to be here! will come to doorsteps all over the US on June 5th, 2018! You may preorder it now!
I'd originally gotten this idea for a ballerina knight when my editor asked for a book targeted for girls. Being a champion of alternative girl books, I was already working on a strong ballerina book. But I was also reading The Game of Thrones. In one of the books, Arya Stark, a princess of one of the noble houses, was being taught how to use a sword. Her teacher called it water dancing. I thought, wouldn't that be fun if my ballerina could also be a knight and so, Brianna Bright was born!
Liana Hee, my illustrator did such a beautiful job throughout. I love her style which is reminiscent of the 1950's with a modern twist. You should check out all her other artwork on her instagram here: and her etsy site here: .Ìý




posted by Pam Calvert on February, 18 ]]> /author_blog_posts/14435754-brianna-bright-ballerina-knight-early-pictures Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:43:00 -0800 /author_blog_posts/14435754-brianna-bright-ballerina-knight-early-pictures
Okay...I've recovered now.

The illustrator, , has done an amazing job. I can see little girls wanting to emulate her bravery right now. And her pink poodle sidekick, Pixie, is PERFECT.

SO...here she is:



I'm in meltdown wait mode, though. We really don't have a definite release date, but GETTING CLOSER!



posted by Pam Calvert on February, 07 ]]> /author_blog_posts/13366865-princess-peepers-picks-a-pet-nominated-for-iowa-s-state-award Thu, 03 Mar 2016 07:52:00 -0800 /author_blog_posts/13366865-princess-peepers-picks-a-pet-nominated-for-iowa-s-state-award

What makes a character that children love to read about? For one thing, she really wants to please other people and although the other princesses are mean to her, she doesn't retaliate. In the end, she always does her own thing and that's the message of the book.

There will be a new Princess Peepers coming out. I'm so excited to share about this. But I can't reveal it yet. In this one, Princess Peepers will be taking a stand for true beauty on the inside!

If you want to learn more about how to write books like Princess Peepers Picks a Pet, check out my article on . These are the types of books editors want to see!

Happy Reading and Writing!

posted by Pam Calvert on January, 05 ]]>