Writing Poetry and Picture Books for Children-Matt Forrest Esenwine- Episode 6

“As a child, I loved writing and enjoyed coming up with stories and skits that would entertain," stated Matt Forrest Esenwine in his interview with the host of the Writers on Writing Podcast, Anthony Manna.

 

About this Podcast:

This podcast platform interviews authors who openly discuss their books, writing journeys, goals, and accomplishments. It also provides practical tips and motivation for writers at all stages of their writing journey. The diverse number of guest authors will almost certainly provide an educational environment in which all authors will make discoveries about crafting particular genres. Topics discussed on the podcast cover the entire spectrum of writing, self-publishing, indie publishing, marketing, and distribution. Listeners are encouraged to review and share this podcast with other writers.

 

HOST:

For the past 50 years, Anthony Manna has taught reading, writing, literacy development, drama and language arts in schools and universities in the United States and around the world. His goal is to help kids and teens discover great books and exciting activities and games that’ll get them reading, writing, and thinking.

His website provides parents and educators with information and guides that support the success of their children, tweens, and, teens as readers and writers and encourage them to enjoy discovering books that will inspire them to become life-long readers. You can learn about Anthony’s award-winning books such as Loukas and the Game of Chance, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale, and Greek Folktales: A Treasury of Delights by visiting his website.

 

GUEST:

A voiceover talent and commercial copy writer, Matt Forrest Esenwine can be heard on commercials, animation, and corporate videos throughout the US and abroad.  Over the years, Matt has had several adult poems published in independent collections, including the Tall Grass Writers Guild's "Seasons of Change," "The Licking River Review," and the Donald Hall tribute anthology, "Except for Love" (Encircle, 2019), among others. In 2012, his poem, "Apple-Stealing," was nominated by the Young Adult Review Network (YARN) for a Pushcart Prize. 

His debut picture book, "Flashlight Night" (Boyds Mills Press, 2017), received a starred review from Kirkus and was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the Best Picture Books for Kids of 2017. You can find his children's poetry in numerous anthologies including Lee Bennett Hopkins' "School People" (Wordsong, 2018) and J. Patrick Lewis' "The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry" (National Geographic Children's Books, 2015), as well as "Highlights for Children" magazine. Matt lives in New Hampshire with his wife and children. You can read more about Matt by visiting his web site