Effective feedback is crucial for authors, helping them refine their work through insights from critique partners. For young writers, peer critique not only enhances their writing but fosters collaboration and critical thinking. Practical strategies for teaching critique include modeling with published books, using visual cues, providing sentence starters, and encouraging a supportive feedback environment.
Author Archives: asiqueira1307
How to Get Inspired
Sometimes, even prolific writers get stuck and can’t find an idea. But if you work your inspiration muscles, ideas will flow and float in your brain. Sometimes, so many, you’ll have to find a way to put them all on paper. The main source of ideas is your life. Pay attention to your surroundings. WhatContinue reading “How to Get Inspired”
Tips to Create Suspense and Engaging Stories
Tension keeps readers emotionally engaged, motivating them to keep turning the pages. Readers immerse themselves in your story when characters face moments of uncertainty, conflict, or suspense. They connect with characters’ feelings and challenges, becoming active participants in the story, wondering what will happen next. They can’t wait to turn the pages. Six Ways toContinue reading “Tips to Create Suspense and Engaging Stories”
Why am I changing my playlist?
Dear educators and authors, a few months ago, I created my YouTube Playlist and blog/newsletter called – Big Feelings, Tiny Tales. It was all about writing craft plus Social Emotional Learning. Due to a lack of time and based on my strength as a professional children’s book author, I decided to focus on writing tipsContinue reading “Why am I changing my playlist?”
Exploring Space and Personal Space in Learning
Students will explore the concepts of personal space and teamwork through a space-themed video and activities. They will read a bilingual picture book that illustrates family bonds and imagination, learn 18 space-related vocabulary words, and engage in discussions about character arcs and point of view. Creative activities will also be provided.
Mastering the Writing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The video outlines the author’s detailed writing process, emphasizing that it requires time and reflection. After generating an idea, the author researches extensively before drafting, followed by multiple revisions with critique partners. The Vlog/newsletter offers insights into various writing topics, aimed at enhancing writing skills through structured learning.
Join Barnes & Noble for 25% Off Pre-Orders
Today, there’s an opportunity for readers to support authors through pre-orders, particularly for a bilingual book titled “If Your Abuelo is an Astronauta,” launching April 14, 2026. Barnes and Noble is offering a 25% discount for members. Pre-ordering grants access to a signed bookplate or critique. Join the mission!
How to Hook Young Readers: Writing Strategies
Writing Tips for the Little Ones. Have you ever read a book that made you say, “Just one more page…”—and then suddenly you’ve finished the whole thing? That’s the magic of a page-turner, and it’s something even young writers can learn to create. In Video #4 of my Writing Craft Series for Kids, I shareContinue reading “How to Hook Young Readers: Writing Strategies”
Teaching Story Elements & the importance of Personal Space with Mentor Texts: A Sticky Hermana Approach
Teach story elements and social-emotional learning with the bilingual book Sticky Hermana. Explore characters, plot, setting, point of view, conflict, and theme through engaging activities and mentor text strategies. Perfect for teachers, librarians, and parents. Includes free handouts and guides at anafiction.com.
Mistakes, Magic, and Mindset: How Growth and Language Powers Great Stories
As an educator, I truly believe in the power of a growth mindset. Our brain is like a muscle—it grows stronger with practice and even through mistakes. As a children’s book author, my goal is to help kids believe they can achieve their dreams. In Bella’s Recipe for Success (with Geraldine Rodriguez, Beaming Books), andContinue reading “Mistakes, Magic, and Mindset: How Growth and Language Powers Great Stories”
Ana - The Teacher and the Writer 