Many of you already know Susanna Leonard Hill and the myriad things she does to benefit the writing community, but there may be a few of you who aren’t familiar with all she does. Besides, Susanna is worth being celebrated!
Susanna is a prolific picture book writer (although with all the other things she does, I have no idea where she finds time to write.) One of her recent picture books, MOON’S FIRST FRIENDS, was on the New York Times bestseller list. All her books are wonderful, in my estimation. You can find a listing of them on her website.
When she’s not writing books, she’s supporting writers.
She is the mastermind behind Perfect Picture Book Friday, (recent post as an example) and each week during the blogging year she hosts a listing of picture books other bloggers have read and reviewed. These posts are also cataloged by topic, so if you’re looking for a book about some particular topic, check Susanna’s listings. You’re sure to find (dare I say it?) the PERFECT picture book.
On Tuesdays at Susanna’s, it’s time to meet debut picture book authors and illustrators as Susanna interviews a new debut for Tuesday Debut (recent post as an example). It’s a great showcase of new authors and illustrators, and lets readers get to know the person, their journey to publication, and their brand new book. Below the interview, there’s always a listing of previous Tuesday Debuts, and the list is getting long!
Wednesdays bring an opportunity for writers to have their pitches critiqued by blog readers, as Susanna presents Would You Read It Wednesdays (not just for picture book writers). Would you read this book as pitched? What suggestions can you make to help the writer make their pitch even more appealing? Each month, one lucky pitcher has their pitch reviewed and commented on by editor Erin Molta. Here’s a recent post as an example.
But wait! There’s more!
A few times a year, Susanna presents a writing contest that challenges writers to condense their writing into very few words, still with a full story arc. The first of these contests will be coming up soon – watch for my post about the Halloweensie contest sometime this month. There is also a Holiday contest in December, and a Valentiny contest in February.
Participants post their short stories on their blogs, or in the comments on Susanna’s contest post, and blog hop to read and support their fellow contestants. There are always amazing prizes for the winners, and an enormous amount of work for Susanna and her crew of helpers, who read every story (often over 200 entries per contest) and narrow the field to a shortlist of 12 or so. The shortlist is posted (without author names) on Susanna’s blog, and readers vote for their favorite.
Each of the shortlisted writers is guaranteed a prize, and sometimes there are honorable mention prizes as well. It’s a lot of fun, and a great way to hone your skills at expressing a full story arc in a very few words.
There are also blog post mini-series from time to time.
And there’s still MORE! Susanna runs a highly-commended picture book writing course called Making Picture Book Magic. Each month, there’s a new session of the interactive course, in which Susanna guides her students through the creation of a picture book manuscript, with interaction, feedback, and support in a private Facebook group. There is also a self-directed version of the course (at a lower cost) which doesn’t have the interaction, but still allows you to learn through Susanna’s brief daily lessons, and still helps you create a picture book manuscript by the end of the course. I have heard many positive comments about this course, and participating in it is definitely on my bucket list.
Back in 2013, I interviewed Susanna on By Word of Beth. To read that interview, click here.
All this, and she manages to write delightful pictures books, too. Here’s to Susanna, a person who is definitely FOR WRITERS! (and illustrators!)
Beth, I’ve taken her course and that’s how I got introduced to her back in the day. That’s how I got involved with all her other great writer events. She is amazing as is the comprehensive blog post! You & Susanna ROCK.
Thanks so much, Kathy! I really need to take her course. I recommend it all the time, but I’d like to experience it for myself!
Oh, my goodness, Beth! You made me all teary! What an incredibly sweet post to write – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! You made my day! ❤️❤️❤️
Awwwwww! I’m so thrilled that you like it. You are amazing, my dear friend. Sending you hugs and gratitude!
Hugs back! I always remember how much fun we had writing that blog hunt story for Erik
That was so much fun!
Susanna is amazing! And I love her sense of humor and delicious recipes. I also took her course and it helped me improve my writing immensely. She needs an award for the ways she helps the picture book writing community. Great post, Beth!
Oh yes, the recipes! How could I not mention the “something chocolate” with which she brightens the Wednesday posts? You are so right that she needs an award. For sure. Thanks so much, Pamela!
Thank you, Pamela! You’re too kind! I’m glad you enjoyed the course…and the recipes!
Susanna is and has been such a staple of KidLit. Great interview!
Thanks so much, Linda. Yes, she is a key person in our KidLit world, for sure!
Thank you, Linda! Remember Phyllis’s Fun Fashion Show and your Done With Glum Phyllis? And your picture of Phyllis on the Sundial Bridge?
Susanna’s class was one of the first PB writing class I took and it was awesome! I don’t know how she manages to teach, run contests, maintain a hopping blog, and write best-selling books!
I have no idea how she does it all, either, Teresa! Thanks for reading!
Thanks, Teresa ❤️ I feel very lucky to be part of this wonderful community!
I’ve bumped into Susanna’s social media from time to time, but most of this is new to me. Thank you for the great introduction!
I hope to see more of you, Carol! The Halloweensie Contest guidelines will be posted in the next few days if you’re up for a little fun!
I’m very glad to have introduced you to all the wonders that Susanna provides! As she says in her reply, watch for her Halloweensie contest, coming soon! Thanks for reading!
Thank you Susanna for all you do and thanks Beth for this post about a most encouraging, generous, and inspirational author!
It is a pleasure to be part of this wonderful community of kidlit writers, Claire!
You’re welcome, Claire. Your words about Susanna are spot on! Thanks for reading!
Susanna besides doing all that she does, Susanna is just plain NICE! What a great idea to spotlight her, Beth. =)
You’re so sweet, Wendy! And you are NICE too!!! ❤️
You’re so right, Wendy! Susanna is super-nice! (You’re pretty dang nice yourself, actually.) Thanks for reading!
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