danielle davis

This Writer’s Life in LA Parent Mag!

June 1, 2021 / By

 

I’m thrilled to have an interview in the May/June issue of L.A. Parent Magazine about This Writer’s Life
 by fellow LA writer, Ronna Mandel!

You can read it right here (page 23)!

“By developing their own process and their own writer’s life, [kids] can solidify a practice that will serve them now and later by absorbing narrative components, honing writing techniques, and, perhaps most importantly, nurturing the ability to channel their feelings and experiences into creativity and stories—
a meaningful practice they can lean on their whole lives.”

 

Photo credit:  Rippin Sindher

“Story Breath” article in SCBWI Bulletin!

May 19, 2021 / By

  

I’m thrilled to have an article in the spring issue of the SCBWI Bulletin:

“Story Breath: Inspiration for Plot and Pace in Picture Books!”

And check out that tender, dreamy, hopeful magazine cover by my friend, Maple Lam!

This piece encapsulates my view of what makes the form so special and how to inspire your particular story’s unique energy and movement. (And the accompanying darling dragon sketch is by illustrator Faith Pray.)

“…picture books are different. Special. Distinct…Just like breath, each [one] has its own flow, rhythms, patterns.”

 

I offer a rationale for the metaphor of breath for plot and pace as well as six common “breath beats” from inhale to held breath to gasp. 

Plus, there are examples of those “breath beats” from all the wonderful picture books in the image below! 

 

Big thanks to SCBWI for the opportunity to have my work in a publication I’ve been reading and enjoying for so many years. 

free online kids writing workshop!

June 12, 2020 / By

Join me for an online creative writing workshop for kids (around 7-12 years-old)

through Studio City Library on Wednesday, June 17th!

In eight lines over eight pages, kids will create a booklet that tells a party true, partly made-up story about their shoe (or other item of clothing)!
This activity teaches narrative structure while making a zany, fun book to keep.
All kids need: a pen or pencil, one sheet of notebook or printer paper, scissors if you have some.
To sign up, simply email Lauren the librarian at lkratz@lapl.org!

my writer’s life (FREE!) creative writing activities journal

March 26, 2020 / By

 

 

It’s here! It’s free! It’s a downloadable, printable PDF from my website! 

That’s right, it’s:

My Writer’s Life Creative Writing Activities Journal for Kids (volume one)!

This journal contains 10 creative writing activities aimed at 8 to 12-year-olds that can be used in conjunction with corresponding This Writer’s Life episodes on YouTube or explored on their own. I hope it’s of use to budding writers to explore story, language, and imagination, all things they might need right now.

Here it is in my webshop.

And if you sign up for my newsletter, you’ll not only get new episodes of This Writer’s Life, but a welcome email that automatically sends you a link to this writing journal for kids. 

Take care of yourself and each other during this time of compassionate physical distancing for the greater good, and happy writing to the kids in your life!

Here’s a little snippet of me talking about this resource.

 

 

zinnia and the bees video

January 8, 2018 / By

I made a short video about Zinnia and the Bees for teachers or librarians (or anyone!) to show to students in order to give them a sense of the story. Plus, there’s a show and tell!

Come see!

 

interview on books between podcast!

October 14, 2017 / By

 

It was a treat to have a fun conversation with teacher and podcaster Corrina Allen of the wonderful Books Between Podcast for teachers, librarians, parents, or anyone interested in middle grade literature. I’m a listener and fan of the podcast, so it was especially neat to have a chance to be on the show!

Corrina and I talk about Zinnia and the Bees, the metaphors of yarn-bombing and bees, adolescence, recent books I’ve loved, when Roald Dahl visited my school, my favorite picture books of all time, and vermicomposting. You can take a listen here.

 

 

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zinnia and the bees at collage collage!

August 22, 2017 / By

My last stop was Collage Collage in Vancouver BC (and my first time to that fantastic city!). It’s a very special art space for kids and we had a two hour slot to talk about the book and make yarn bees! How wonderful is that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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