About Denise
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I Love Children’s Books!
I am an author, writing coach, and “creative cheerleader,” exploring and supporting the many ways we pursue our dreams both through my books and in my interactions with the writers whose journey I am lucky enough to share.
I am an award-winning author of eight books from toddler to teen, including my newest picture book, Adela’s Mariachi Band, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina, as well as Crystal Kite winner If Your Monster Won’t Go To Bed, illustrated by Zachariah Ohora. I have a B.A. in Film & Television from UCLA and a Masters in Education from Harvard University and am on faculty at the Regis University MFA in Creative Writing Program (offering a semester in writing picture books), University College at the University of Denver and Lighthouse Writers Workshop.
I have been writing picture books and sharing my experience with other writers for over 25 years and over those years I have seen the children’s book industry change in many ways and continue to keep up with its evolution as both a reader and a writer. I always incorporate what I learn into the work I do with other writers.
You can learn more about me and my books at my website.
My Coaching Philosophy
I approach coaching and consulting as questioner and listener before offering guidance that I believe will make you a stronger writer so you will create stronger and better stories. I want to understand what you love about writing, the origin of a particular story, and what you love about that story. We explore your goals as a writer and the goals for the story. I try to listen to what you say and what you leave unsaid so that together we may dig beneath the surface to discover things about you and your approach to writing that may surprise and delight you. We’ll drill down to the essence of what you hope to share with kids through your words and see if there are ways to do it more effectively, more engagingly and more succinctly.
I may offer suggestions or examples to give you something to consider, but my desire is to support you and your vision. I will push you to look at your story in new ways, ways that may be uncomfortable at first, but will hopefully help you grow as a writer and enable you to break down and build up your stories. Ultimately the story is yours and you always have the option of taking or leaving any feedback I provide. During our time together, you will hopefully gain the confidence to recognize what truly supports the story you are telling and what does not.
Write Your Picture Book
For those who want one-on-one support writing a picture book story from start to finish.
Commit to Submit
If you’ve got a solid picture book story that you believe is ready to submit to agents or publishers, this is the place for you.
Courses & Workshops
Here you’ll find what and where I’m teaching, both in-person and online.
Don't Miss Out!
Hear about new offerings and receive tips by signing up for the Let's Write Picture Books Tip monthly email. You'll also receive a free gift: Is Your Picture Book Story Ready for Prime Time? 10-point Checklist.