110: Finding Inspiration in Unusual Places
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Ideas are everywhere! Today, we explore some of the most unusual places we've found inspiration and a few of our favorite inspiration stories from other authors. Resources mentioned in this episode: with Angela Dalton and Julie Hedlund - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! Books mentioned in this episode: by Julie Hedlund and Michael Slack by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and EG Keller by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Eva Byrne by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, and Elly MacKay by Katie Davis by...
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109: What Kelli Learned About Writing at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Kelli Panique started as a strictly behind-the-scenes support person with Picture Book Summit and has grown into our host and producer. In this episode, Kelli shares how she's been inspired to start writing her own picture book manuscripts after listening and learning over the last 12 years. If you're looking for a place to start on your next story, we think you'll find inspiration in today's chat. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30%...
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108 - What Emma Learned About Acquisitions at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Our own Emma Walton Hamilton was previously an editor of a children's imprint and even her mind was blown when Little, Brown editor Alvina Ling came to Picture Book Summit and pulled back the curtain on what really goes on in editorial and acquisitions meetings. Proof that no matter where you are on the writing journey, there is always something to learn. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for picture book writers...
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107 - What Julie Learned About Voice at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
In today's podcast, Julie Hedlund gives us an in-depth look at writing a picture book biography and how Lesa Cline-Ransome's presentation, Speak Their Truth: Conveying the Voice of Picture Book Biography Subjects, helped her move her manuscript from not-quite-there to acquired and published. Books Mentioned in this episode: by Julie Hedlund and Ilaria Urbinati Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online writing conference designed for...
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106 - What Katie Learned About Rhyming at Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
In today's podcast, Katie Davis dives into rhyming picture books, how listening to Julie Hedlund's workshop Verse Curse changed the way she views rhyme, and what she wants you to know if you're writing in rhyme! Including tons of tips you can use today! Books Mentioned in this episode: by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman Resources mentioned in this episode: - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! - Use code PODCAST for 30% off! What will we learn at this year's Picture Book Summit? Come find out! Join us for a one-of-a-kind, online...
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105 - Brian Lies Says You Should Keep Writing
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Ready for some motivation? Katie Davis interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Brian Lies! Katie and Brian Lies (pronounced Lees) have a delightful conversation about the importance of continuing to write (no matter what), enjoying the process, and knowing that every writer has a different path to publication. Brian will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where he’ll share how to use your writing tools (even ones you may not know you have) to connect with your audience in Reel Them In: Using All the Lures in Your Tackle Box to Engage Readers. Here’s what you can expect: NY...
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104 - Getting Honest with Deborah Underwood
Picture Book Summit Podcast
Another great episode for you today! Julie Hedlund interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Deborah Underwood! Julie and Deborah discuss the common elements in her books, from quiet to humorous to lyrical. Plus, they take a deep dive into Deborah's books TINY GARDEN and WALTER HAD A BEST FRIEND, their unexpected endings, and the importance of being honest with children. Deborah will be presenting at Picture Book Summit 2026, where she'll share more of her process and how you can explore your picture book ideas in Free Diving: Following Your Ideas Below the Surface. Here's what you can expect: A...
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103 - Derrick Barnes Doesn't Quit
Picture Book Summit Podcast
We're excited for this one! Today, Emma Walton Hamilton interviews 2026 Superstar Speaker Derrick Barnes! Before the New York Times Bestsellers and all the awards, Derrick Barnes almost quit writing picture books altogether. In this interview, he shares what kept him going and his advice for writers who feel like giving up. From writing greeting cards to substitute teaching, he reveals how each step of the journey prepared him for his prolific writing career. Get your ticket to hear Derrick at Picture Book Summit 2026 - Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craft. Early...
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102 - Our 2026 Winning Workshops!
Picture Book Summit Podcast
We have some amazing workshops coming to Picture Book Summit 2026. How do we know they will be so great? Our Founders are our Workshop presenters this year! Listen in to find out more about these workshops: Hook, Line, or... Stinker? Discover the Hooks in Your Book with Julie Hedlund Ebb and Flow: The Pull of the Page Turn with Emma Walton Hamilton and Katie Davis We're thinking deeply about hooks and pages so we can inspire you to improve these moments in your own manuscripts. Discover what inspires the PBSummit Team to develop these workshops. In fact, they are learning from...
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101 - Superstar Speaker Reveal 2026
Picture Book Summit Podcast
The team comes together to announce the Superstar Speakers for Picture Book Summit 2026! It's an exciting lineup and we can't wait to share it with YOU. Discover what they'll be teaching at this year's Summit and why we're just so excited to bring these keynotes to the Picture Book Summit stage. Get your ticket to Picture Book Summit 2026 - Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive Into Picture Book Craft. Registration for Picture Book Summit 2026 is open now.
info_outlineIt's Episode 100!! We're celebrating with a trip down memory lane, including a few of our favorite presentations, behind-the-scenes moments, and what we've learned along the way!
Books mentioned in this episode:
- On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex
- Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- Big Red Lollipop by Ruhksana Khan and Sophie Blackall
Past Presentations mentioned in this episode:
- Peter Brown: Picture Books for Breakfast
- Tomie DePaola: Tapping the Truth
- Andrea Davis Pinkney: Nonfiction with a Twist
- Sophie Blackall: Your Writing Voice
- LeUyen Pham: Storytelling vs. Storyshowing
- Jon Klassen: Using Your Fear
- Adam Rex: Dissecting the Fron: We're Going to Try to Analyze Humor, God Help Us
- The Fan Brothers: To Imagination and Beyond
- Vashti Harrison: Be Bold, Be Brave: Charting Your Creative Journey with Purpose
- Peter H. Reynolds: The World Needs Your Voice
- Paul O. Zelinsky: Behind the Scenes with an Author-Illustrator
- Matthew Cordell: How to Build the Bridge Between Pictures and Story
- Philip and Erin Stead: Picture Book Harmony
- Rukhsana Khan: Cultural Connections
- Nikki Grimes: The Music of Language
Be part of this year's Summit fun! Registration for Picture Book Summit 2026 is now open! Get Early Bird pricing through 8/27/26 at https://picturebooksummit.com!