“I’ve come to a much fuller understanding of where good plot originates — from deep inside a character — and that’s been transformational for me.” -Liz Garton Scanlon Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of more than a dozen beloved picture books, including the Caldecott-honored and best-selling All the World,

“There has to be someone or more than one person (but not too many) that readers can latch on to. Reading a book is like going to a new school. You don’t want to wander the halls alone.” -Chaitali Sen Chaitali Sen is the author of The Pathless Sky. Her

“Put your best effort into a story, but don’t fixate on making it perfect or even saleable. If you find yourself revising over and over again, move on to a new project. Stretch new muscles.” -Amanda Downum Amanda Downum is the author of the Necromancer Chronicles—The Drowning City, The Bone Palace, and Kingdoms

“Every book has a moment, where everything just clicks—you know all the beats that remain to get you to the end. And at that point it’s mostly a matter of getting it out of your fingers.” -Marshall Ryan Maresca Marshall Ryan Maresca is the author of the novels, The Thorn of Dentonhill and A

“There are many ways to promote a book, and they all don’t have to be about doing broadcast interviews or in-person signings.” -Marika Flatt Marika Flatt launched PR by the Book, LLC in 2002, combining her love of the media, public relations, and books. Marika received a Gold Bulldog Award

“If you’re a writer, write. Don’t write for publication, let alone success. ” -Greg Garrett Greg Garrett is the author of over twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, and memoir, including the acclaimed novels Free Bird, Cycling, Shame, and The Prodigal. He teaches fiction writing and screenwriting at Baylor University. On