RYAN T. HIGGINS: The Importance of Looking at Your Story in Small Chunks

Ryan T. Higgins is the bestselling author and illustrator of the picture book “Mother Bruce” which received the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor. In this episode, Ryan walks us through the storyboarding and editing process of illustrating his children’s books and he delves into the importance of looking at your story in small chunks to avoid overthinking about your book as a whole. Ryan shares tips on breaking into the publishing world and landing representation, and how to self-publish and promote your work. We also discuss ways to prevent writer’s block and why it’s so important to have a critique partner to help grow story ideas. Say 'Hi' to Ryan on Twitter and follow him on Instagram to check out his awesome sketches! Check out the books and resources mentioned in his episode by clicking here! Happy listening! Xo, Yin PS. Do you know anyone who would love our conversation? Please share this episode to help spread the word! --- If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really love your support in growing our community by subscribing to us on iTunes, and leaving a rating and review. These specific steps help to increase our visibility on iTunes which really helps new listeners discover us. A huge heartfelt thank you for your time and support! You can click here to go directly to our iTunes page! --- For EXCLUSIVE EARLY ACCESS to our shop, meet fellow members in our community and check in about your work-in-progress, and join in on other bookish talks and 88 Cups of Tea related things, join our private Facebook group! You can really feel the love and support in our community. You also get the opportunity to submit your questions for upcoming guests on the show. Click here to join our private Facebook group! IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to have a clear profile picture of yourself. If not, send over links to either your Twitter or Instagram. Fill out the 3 questions that pop up as soon as you request to join. To protect our group's safe space, these steps help us weed out any spam/fake profiles/creepers. Can't wait to meet you! --- Warm welcome to our new listeners, be sure to check out our archive of episodes by clicking here! ---  "Every day is Friday for authors and illustrators.”  -Ryan T. Higgins (Click to tweet)  “At the end of the day it’s what makes the story better.” -Ryan T. Higgins (Click to tweet)  --- WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN TODAY'S EPISODE:  Ryan shares the storyboarding and editing process of illustrating his children's books  Why it's crucial to have a critique partner to help grow story ideas  How to self-publish and promote your work  Advice on breaking into the publishing world and landing representation  Ways to prevent writer’s block  The importance of looking at your story in small chunks to avoid overthinking about your book as a whole  How Ryan manages his social media presence without over sharing his work