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Coaching KidLit

Coaching KidLit

By: Sharon Skinner
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About this listen

A podcast about writing and publishing good KidLit, hosted by Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sharon Skinner.

Talking about the craft of writing children‘s books.

A NOTE TO OUR LISTENERS:

Christy Yaros, co-founder of the Coaching KidLit podcast, has stepped away to focus her time and energy on other exciting opportunities. I’m deeply grateful for the insight, heart, and dedication she brought to building this podcast and supporting the KidLit community.

As we move forward, I’ll be continuing the podcast solo—welcoming a range of guests to share their expertise and inspiration for writers creating stories for kids and teens. I’m excited to carry on the mission we started together and to keep supporting you on your KidLit journey.

—Sharon Skinner

Sharon Skinner is a book coach, editor, and author who helps writers craft stories that connect deeply with readers. With a passion for both story structure and heart, she brings decades of experience to coaching writers across genres and age categories, from picture books to adult. As the host of the Coaching KidLit podcast, Sharon continues its mission to inform, inspire, and support KidLit creators at every stage of the journey.

At Coaching KidLit, we’re committed to inclusion.
We believe stories are richer and more resonant when they reflect a wide range of lived experiences. That includes voices from the LGBTQIA+ community, Native and Indigenous peoples, people of color, people with disabilities, neurodivergent creators, and those from diverse cultural, religious, and gender backgrounds.

We also understand disability through a broad lens, and we align with the social model of disability, which focuses on removing barriers—not "fixing" individuals.

Bottom line? Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. And we're here to support stories that make that happen.

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Episode 48: Nature-Based Writing with Guest Erin Radniecki

    Episode 48: Nature-Based Writing with Guest Erin Radniecki
    Dec 3 2025

    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 with nature [00:03:36]
    • Nature in various genres: Magical realism, contemporary, and broader definitions [00:06:13]
    • Importance of sensory details and connecting with nature as inspiration [00:16:40]
    • Using nature as metaphor or thematic element, even if not writing nature fiction [00:18:30]
    • Human relationships with nature and sense of place ([00:21:02]
    • Action items: Story Ecosystem Starter Kit & getting outside for inspiration [00:28:10]

    Visit and/or Follow Erin Online: Instagram: @writewithnature Website:: writewithnature.com
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    34 mins
  • Episode 47: Writing Across Genres with Guest Jessica Vitalis

    Episode 47: Writing Across Genres with Guest Jessica Vitalis
    Nov 5 2025

    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 and/or Follow Jessica Online: Website: https://jessicavitalis.com/ Bluesky: @jessicavitalis.bsky.social Instagram: @jessicavauthor
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    35 mins
  • Episode 46: Steps for Self-Publishing Success with Guest Darcy Pattison

    Episode 46: Steps for Self-Publishing Success with Guest Darcy Pattison
    Oct 1 2025

    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/DarcyPattisonAuthor darcypattison.bsky.social MimsHouseBooks.com DarcyPattison.com substack.com/@darcypattison indiekidsbooks.com

    TOPICS COVERED

    • Darcy Pattison’s Journey to Indie Publishing (00:03:10)
    • Choosing and Researching Nonfiction KidLit (00:04:56)
    • Managing the Business and Profitability of Indie Publishing (00:08:41)
    • Offset Printing vs. Print-on-Demand for Picture Books (00:16:04)
    • The Importance of Setting Clear Publishing Goals (00:22:00)
    • Outsourcing Tasks and Wearing Multiple Hats as an Indie Publisher (00:29:01)
    • Encouragement and Advice for Writers Considering Self-Publishing (00:31:48)
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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