Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Focus on Esther Hershenhorn

Author, teacher, and writing coach Esther Hershenhorn will be our guest for the Sept. 16 Writer’s Webcast interview. The show will be uploaded on the Internet the week of Sept. 18 at WaukTOWN Radio.

As a board member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and Regional Advisor of SCBWI’s 900-member Illinois chapter, Esther is also an advocate for children’s books and the people who create them.

Esther’s story is a balm to every writer who isn’t yet published, but wants to be.

She often introduces herself as “the Susan Lucci of children's books” since the road to publication seemed to take as long as what the Emmy-winning soap opera star endured. The accolades from writers that Esther has coached and worked with are testament to her talent, skill, and knowledge of the current publishing scene. Her generosity is also evident, as well. Esther’s name comes up consistently with other writers who speak highly of her and have requested that she be interviewed on Writer’s Webcast.

Esther's books include Chicken Soup by Heart, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award, and the middle grade novel The Confessions and Secrets of Howard J. Fingerhut. She teaches writing for children classes at the University of Chicago's Writer's Studio and Chicago's Newberry Library.

Although Esther’s journey took some time, she discovered something even more wonderful than what she first sought. She found her story was also worth sharing to motivate and inspire other writers. I’m looking forward to talking with her!

If you have a question for Esther, please leave a comment and I will ask it during the interview.


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