Peggy Archer
Children's Author

It's hot. Everywhere! Is anyone getting anything done?!

The Fourth of July holiday made me think about the word 'United' as in 'United States' or 'United under God.' And as my mind trailed off, I thought of how children's writers and illustrators unite and connect with each other. What we have in common brings us together. Our love of good books. Our connectivity with children. One of the best places for children's writers or illustrators to be united is through SCBWI,the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. It's a place to find each other. That perfect critique group, the author who says just the right thing to motivate or send us in the right direction, or that editor who is looking for just the story we've written.

Children's writers are very generous people. They share information, marketing tips and updates, opportunities for children's writers. They want the rest of us to succeed, too!

Maybe on this holiday we might stop and think about what our own part is here. So in honor of Independence Day, let's each share one bit of helpful information with another children's writer or illustrator this week. It's sure to come back to us many times over.  Read More 

My husband and I just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We renewed our vows. Our kids totally surprised us with a celebration with family and friends. It was wonderful.

It made me think about committment. People often want things, but hesitate to make that committment. And it just doesn't work that way. If you love something, or someone, you make a committment to stick with it, through the good and the not so good times. Because it's where your heart it. And it's so worth the journey!

Writing for children is like that, too. First,  Read More 

Almost three weeks ago I discovered Kidlitosphere and the Comment Challenge. Kidlitosphere is a community of people who blog about children's and young adult literature. The challenge was to post comments on 100 blog sites within a 3 week period, which amounts to around 5 comments per day.

It sounded easy enough.  Read More 

For the past 17 years we been blessed with Esther Hershenhorn, Illinois SCBWI RA, whose catchy enthusiasm, positive thinking, and insight into the world of children's books has helped many children's writers and illustrators move forward. She encouraged us to tell our stories, pointed us in the right direction, and helped us to connect. Lucky me, that her generosity spilled over into Indiana.  Read More 

Earlier this month our critique group got together for an all-day meeting when one member opened her home to us for the day. It was great! No rush to get home on time. More time to share tips and advice, news and up-coming events, new writing ventures, and finally, critiques.
A big part of writing and publishing for children is 'connecting.'  Read More 

The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) is an international organization, and the best organization, for anyone interested in writing or illustrating children's books. I am the Assistant Regional Advisor for the Indiana Chapter of SCBWI, and help plan and implement events in Indiana.

On Saturday, July 18th, Indiana SCBWI hosted our 1st Summer Schmooze at the Michigan City Public Library. Twenty-six children's writers & illustrators gathered together for an afternoon of schmoozing and snacks.  Read More