First Stories Welcomes Jessica Iwanski!

Welcome back to First Stories, dear readers, where we delve into the very first stories that got authors (and illustrators) thinking that maybe…just maybe, they could write something that others might read. But first, it’s September, and you know what that means (I hope, since you’ve seen ALL my posts about ALL the things, including… Read more »

First Stories Welcomes Paola Santos!

Where I live, the weather is hot, Hot, HOT, and the kids are back in school. Perhaps where you live, dear reader, kids are getting ready to return to school. Or they may have two to three more blissful weeks of summer vacation. Wherever you are, I hope your days are full of light, love,… Read more »

First Stories Welcomes Maritere Bellas!

Welcome back to the First Stories blog, where I talk with children’s book authors about the stories that inspired them to dive into the world of publishing! But before I introduce today’s guest, please remember that pre-orders for my second picture book, Backyard Stew, are available on any website (your local indie bookstore – do… Read more »

First Stories Welcomes Michelle Kennedy AND Bonnie Bright

Welcome back to the First Stories blog, where I talk with children’s book authors about the stories that inspired them to dive into the world of publishing. Today’s post is SUPER SPECIAL, because I am interviewing BOTH an author AND illustrator together for the first time on First Stories! But before I introduce today’s special… Read more »

First Stories Welcomes Mary Helen Berg!

Welcome back to the First Stories blog, where I talk with children’s book authors about the stories that inspired them to dive into the world of publishing. Before I introduce today’s special guest, I’m excited to announce that pre-orders for my second picture book, Backyard Stew, are available on any website (my publisher – Gnome… Read more »

First Stories…Featuring Lori Keating

Spring is in full bloom here in my part of the world! Yay! The return of warmer weather and gorgeous flowers had my girls building fairy houses when they were younger. So what time of year could be more perfect for the release of a fairy-themed chapter book?! That’s right, for the first time on… Read more »

First Stories…Featuring Cynthia Mackey

Welcome back to another installment of First Stories! After taking a break last year, it’s wonderful to be chatting with so many KidLit writers, specifically picture book writers. As the way many children are introduced to reading – and art! – picture books hold a special place in my heart. They are a unique partnership… Read more »

First Stories…Featuring Melissa Stoller

Today is World Read Aloud Day!! It’s the perfect day to grab your favorite book and your favorite person (or people!) and read a story! It’s also the perfect day to talk about a first story…the one that made a writer want to keep writing. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Melissa Stoller to First Stories!… Read more »

View From the Writing Desk: An Author’s Year 2025

Hello, dear readers, I hope your new year is off to a spectacular start! If you’re new to my site, I’m Heather Morris (not the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, not THAT Heather Morris, that’s another writing story for another day) and I write a little bit of everything. Fiction, nonfiction, children’s, adult, but… Read more »

Resources for a New Year of Writing

Hello friends! I’ve heard from many of you over the past few years. Many asking questions something like this: I’d like to write a picture book. How do I get started? Or I’ve got this idea knocking around in my head. How do I know if it’s any good? So you want to take time… Read more »