Coaching KidLit cover art

Coaching KidLit

Coaching KidLit

Written by: Sharon Skinner
Listen for free

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
Episodes
  • Episode 49: Vivid Voice Techniques with Guest Heather Preusser

    Episode 49: Vivid Voice Techniques with Guest Heather Preusser
    Jan 7 2026

    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_ preusser

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Defining and teaching "voice" in writing
    • Strategies for distinct character voices
    • Differences in voice across genre and age categories
    • Revision and highlighting voice in manuscripts
    • Influences from mentor texts and media

    #KidLit #WritingCommunity #BookCoach #VoiceInWriting #ChapterBooks #CraftOfWriting #ChildrensBooks
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
No reviews yet