I think picture books should stretch children. I think they should be full of wonderful, amazing words. Jane Yolen amazebookchild Change image and share on social
My beloved husband goes through radiation, and a book of sonnets is my passionate response. And then after he dies, I write another book of poems as a farewell. The two keywords here are passion and joy. I simply have a passion for writing, and I do it with joy. Jane Yolen belovedbookfarewell share on social
I don't care whether the story is real or fantastical. I tell the story that needs to be told. Jane Yolen carefantasticalreal Change image and share on social
Why am I working so hard? Going for 400 books, perhaps, but who's really counting? Jane Yolen bookcounthard Change image and share on social
Write every day. You don't have to write about anything specific, but you should exercise your writing muscle constantly. Jane Yolen constantlydayexercise Change image and share on social
Read something of interest every day - something of interest to you, not to your teacher or your best friend or your minister/rabbi/priest. Comics count. So does poetry. So do editorials in your school newspaper. Or a biography of a rock star. Or an instructional manual. Or the Bible. Jane Yolen biblebiographycomic share on social
Don't let anyone discourage you from writing. If you become a professional writer, there are plenty of editors, reviewers, critics, and book buyers to do that. Jane Yolen bookbuyercritic Change image and share on social
Don't ever write just for a trend or fad, because it's a moving target, and by the time you get your work out there, the trend or fad is gone. Dig deep; don't be afraid to write fiercely. Expose your heart. Jane Yolen afraiddeepdig share on social
When you realize my best selling books are 'Owl Moon,' the 'How Do Dinosaur' books, and 'Devil's Arithmetic,' how can the public make sense of that! I have fans who think I only write picture books or only write SF and fantasy. I have fanatics of my poetry and are stunned to find out I write prose, too! Jane Yolen arithmeticbookdevil share on social