Picture Perfect

About Picture Perfect

Whether you are a seasoned author or a first-time writer, Picture Perfect is designed to guide you through the process of writing a book or novel that is entertaining, educational, and uniquely yours. With a little imagination, some hard work, and the guidance provided here in this podcast, you too can create a world that readers will want to visit time and time again. So, come join me on this exciting journey toward making your story something that is truly Picture Perfect! Hosted by author, editor and book coach Cara J. Stevens. Learn more at carajstevens.com.

Publisher

The Picture Perfect Podcast with Cara J. Stevens

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Mar 2023

Latest episode

10 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Jun 2025

   From Spark to Story

   Author Cara Stevens reveals how writers can use their creative spark and personal motivations to craft children's stories that deeply resonate with young readers, guiding their work from picture books to educational content.

2. 

   28 Oct 2024

   Chatting with Tanya Wright on Storytelling, Advocacy, and the Creation of Hairiette of Harlem

   In this episode, we hear from Tanya Wright, a powerhouse of talent whose career spans award-winning acting, screenwriting, producing, directing, and entrepreneurship. Known for her unforgettable roles on Orange is the New Black and True Blood, Tanya has recently added a new passion to her portfolio: children’s literacy and advocacy. In this episode, we dive into Tanya’s journey behind Hairiette of Harlem—a children’s book series and program she developed during the pandemic. What started as a natural hair care line quickly evolved into something even bigger. With the world in lockdown and social inequalities coming into sharper focus, Tanya re-envisioned Hairiette to address these issues, sparking a mission to empower kids through stories that resonate. Tanya shares the leap she took, moving across the country to attend Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, where she’s since received awards and recognition for her work. We talk about her publishing journey, her decision to go back to school, and the insights she’s gained along the way. Listen in as we cover: How Hairiette of Harlem went from hair care to a powerful tool for social change Tanya’s experience navigating the publishing world and bringing her story to young readers What it was like to attend Harvard mid-career and the doors it opened for her advocacy work Advice for anyone just starting out with a passion and a spark of an idea Tanya and I connected through our shared Vassar College roots, and I’ve loved following her inspiring path. I can’t wait to share her journey with you—this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling, advocacy, and taking bold steps toward meaningful change. Tune in to hear more about Tanya’s remarkable pivot, the vision behind Hairiette of Harlem, and her advice for anyone ready to make their own impact. You can find Tanya at https://www.TanyaIsHair.com Discover Hairiette's world and find Goodnight Hairiette, the book, film and reading curriculum at https://BigHairBooks.com On instagram: @tanyaishair On facebook: @Tanya Wright --- The Picture Perfect Podcast is brought to you with support from Gatekeeper Press Publishing, your partner in self-publishing for picture books, thought leadership, memoirs, novels, keepsake books, and more! Go to https://gatekeeperpress.com (https://gatekeeperpress.com/) to book a free consultation with one of their publishing experts, and mention Writegeist for an extra discount! ---- For more information about this podcast, visit https://carajstevens.com (https://carajstevens.com/) and check out the weekly column at https://bookishlyyours.medium.com

3. 

   10 Sept 2024

   Episode 13 Plot Twist!

   In this episode, we’re talking about one of my favorite ways to shake things up when you’re feeling stuck—plot twists! And, while we're talking about plot twists, this episode marks a new season and a new chapter in The Picture Perfect Podcast universe. Our audience have spoken and we're listening -- you're looking for more general writing advice, not just for picture books, with more content tied to Writegeist, the popular column on Medium where we explore the art, craft and spirit of all kinds of writing -- not just picture books. So grab your ear jammies (you know: those things you jam into your ears so you can hear the podcast without disturbing your neighbors?), and your favorite cuppa something cozy and comforting, sit back, relax, and enjoy the podcast! ---- The Picture Perfect Podcast is brought to you with support from Gatekeeper Press Publishing, your partner in self-publishing for picture books, thought leadership, memoirs, novels, keepsake books, and more! Go to https://gatekeeperpress.com (https://gatekeeperpress.com) to book a free consultation with one of their publishing experts, and mention Writegeist for an extra discount! ---- For more information about this podcast, visit https://carajstevens.com (https://carajstevens.com) and check out the weekly column at https://bookishlyyours.medium.com (https://bookishlyyours.medium.com) ----

4. 

   19 Aug 2024

   Exploring the Power of the Hero’s Journey in Storytelling

   In this episode, titled "Exploring the Power of the Hero’s Journey in Storytelling," we delve into the well-known narrative framework "The Hero's Journey", first popularized by Joseph Campbell. This structure, derived from global mythological motifs, maps out a hero's transformative path through various stages—from the initial call to adventure and facing formidable challenges, to achieving personal growth and returning transformed. The episode discusses how The Hero's Journey is not only applicable to epic tales and myths but also serves as a powerful tool for writers across all genres, enabling them to craft compelling narratives with deep emotional resonance. Explore how this powerful structure is represented in classic children's stories like Harold and the Purple Crayon, Corduroy, and Alice in Wonderland, and learn how all writers can implement this structure in their works, whether they are penning novels, screenplays, or even short stories. Listen to the end for five prompts to dive deeper into using the Monomyth Hero's Journey framework in your own work, whether you're analyzing text, writing something new, or editing your work in progress. ------- This episode is brought to you by Gatekeeper Press, your trusted partner in independent publishing. Mention the code "Writegeist" to get 5% off and book your free consultation with their team today! ------- Do you have a topic or a question about picture books or indie publishing you'd like to hear covered in a future episode? Drop me a line over at www.carajstevens.com/contact and let me know!

5. 

   9 Aug 2024

   Mirror Magic: Crafting Symmetrical Stories for a Satisfying Narrative

   In this episode of The Picture Perfect Podcast, we delve into the world of chiastic structure—a fascinating narrative technique that mirrors the beginning and end of a story to create a beautifully symmetrical and deeply satisfying tale. Join me as we explore the secrets of crafting stories that come full circle, leaving readers and viewers feeling fulfilled. Whether you are a storyteller of picture books, fiction or non-fiction, understanding how to use this 'Mirror Magic' can transform your storytelling. Learn how this structure works, see it in action in popular books and films, and stick around until the end for 4 practical tips for incorporating it into your own writing. Perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of craft to their narratives and make their stories resonate on a deeper level. ------- This episode is brought to you by Gatekeeper Press, your trusted partner in independent publishing. Mention the code "Writegeist" to get 5% off and book your free consultation with their team today! ------- Do you have a topic or a question about picture books or indie publishing you'd like to hear covered in a future episode? Drop me a line over at www.carajstevens.com/contact and let me know!

6. 

   15 Jul 2024

   Embracing the Magic of Intuitive Writing

   In this enlightening Picture Perfect episode, we delve into the powerful role of intuition in crafting picture books. Whether you're sketching out your first characters or polishing a final draft, learning to tap into your intuitive sense can transform your creative process. We'll explore practical tips and inspiring insights to help you connect more deeply with your inner creative spirit. From unlocking the secrets of seamless storytelling to infusing your illustrations with life, tune in to discover how to let your intuition guide your pen and bring your picture book dreams to vivid reality. Join us as we uncover the magic that happens when intuition meets imagination in the enchanting world of picture book writing. Stick around to the end for 3 action-oriented tips on embracing flow in your own writing. ---- This episode is sponsored by: Gatekeeper Press Gatekeeper Press is a self-publishing company and book distributor that offers a variety of services for authors and publishers, including book and eBook printing, publishing and distribution. Visit ⁠www.gatekeeperpress.com⁠ (www.gatekeeperpress.com) and use code WRITEGEIST for a 5% discount on any package as well as a free consultation call. Learn more: ⁠https://linktr.ee/carajstevens (https://linktr.ee/carajstevens)

7. 

   12 Jun 2024

   From Mess to Masterpiece - How to KonMari your Picture Book Manuscript

   How to Edit Your Picture Book the Marie Kondo Way Embrace the art of letting go to transform your story into a masterpiece Editing your completed manuscript can feel overwhelming, especially when it means cutting scenes, characters, and ideas you love. But don’t worry — you don’t have to kill all your darlings. By applying Marie Kondo’s life-changing method of clearing clutter to tidy up to your writing, you can ensure that everything in your final manuscript sparks joy and serves a purpose for your reader. This approach not only helps streamline your story; it also allows you to repurpose beloved elements as bonus content, enriching and tightening up your overall narrative, building excitement for your book, and keeping your readers engaged. This episode is sponsored by: Gatekeeper Press Gatekeeper Press is a self-publishing company and book distributor that offers a variety of services for authors and publishers, including book and eBook printing, publishing and distribution. Visit www.gatekeeperpress.com (www.gatekeeperpress.com) and use code WRITEGEIST for a 5% discount on any package as well as a free consultation call. https://linktr.ee/carajstevens (https://linktr.ee/carajstevens) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

8. 

   10 May 2024

   Episode 8: Crafting Picture Perfect Protagonists

   In this episode, we delve into the heart of storytelling by examining what makes a main character shine in the world of picture books. We look at main characters in classic children's literature as well as go through a sample developmental edit of an actual client manuscript to show how to transform a character from flat to fantastic with a few taps of the keyboard. Stick around to the end for four priceless strategies from a picture book agent on how to ensure your main character will be memorable and relatable and resonate with young readers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

9. 

   17 Apr 2024

   Episode 7: Mastering the Art of Show, Don't Tell

   In this episode, we address the age-old writing advice of “Show don’t tell” as it relates to writing for children. We dive into why it’s so important to show instead of tell, especially with children’s books, and I include some real excerpts from a developmental edit with one picture book client. I also share a tried-and-true method of writing picture books that helps ensure my own manuscripts are as vivid and inviting as possible before I even get to the first full draft. Mentioned in this episode: Understanding Show, Don't Tell (And Really Getting It) (Skill Builders Series  (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32453803-understanding-show-don-t-tell-and-really-getting-it)#1) by Janice Hardy Picture Perfect on Amazon.com, by Cara J. Stevens https://a.co/d/7m0kxwe My website: carajstevens.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

10. 

    16 Jan 2024

    Episode 6: Making the most of limited word count in picture books

    In episode 6, I share how to make the most of the limited word count of a picture book. That includes storytelling techniques, some tips on how to economize your words -- including some words that can almost always get cut from any manuscript -- how to use editing to maintain tension in your storytelling, and what it really means when authors say “show, don’t tell.” As a bonus, at the end of this podcast, I include some simple math about word count, page count, words per page and words per sentence that you can keep in mind when you’ve finally arrived at that whittling down editing stage, so keep a pen and paper or a note app handy and stick around to the end. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

11. 

    16 Nov 2023

    Episode #5: Crafting a self-published picture book series

    In this very special episode, we have our first guest! Teacher Terrel, one half of the mother-daughter duo known as Once Upon a Dance, joins us to talk about her self-publishing journey. With 20+ picture books and counting, Terrell has tons of experience and she's not shy about sharing the details -- good and bad, mishaps and success -- of her experience. Terrell has self-published through Amazon and Ingram, has hired editors, illustrators and book designers, and does her own social media marketing. If you're looking to self-publish a picture book or a series, this episode is for you! Learn more at onceuponadance.com, and give the team a follow on Instagram @once_uponadance. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

12. 

    6 Jul 2023

    Episode 4: The question at the heart of your story

    In today’s episode, I share a writing craft secret that is at the heart of every great story: how to make sure there is a compelling question inside your story. Although I’ll be talking about it through a picture book lens, this secret actually works for all kinds of works of fiction, and some types of non-fiction as well. One of the main goals in telling any story is to drive the reader to keep turning the page until they finally reach the (very satisfying) end. In order to do that, you need to have an underlying reason for telling the story. If you can get your reader to wonder what happens next at every stage in your story, then you're well on your way! In this episode I share how to find the question at the heart of your story, give examples of beloved children's books that have simple yet elegant questions embedded in them, and help you locate or craft a compelling question to place at the heart of your own writing to help you weave your own magical spell with every story you write. -- Show notes: Sign up for my newsletter for a deeper dive into each episode's topics as well as some extra goodies from time to time at carajstevens.com (https://www.carajstevens.com) Get a copy of my book, Picture Perfect, in ebook or paperback on Amazon (https://a.co/d/7mCmPAo) Send me a note (https://carajstevens.com/contact)and let me know what you're thinking or what you want to learn about next! -- Books mentioned in this podcast: Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom Goodnight Moon Harold and the Purple Crayon The Day the Crayons Quit If You Give a Mouse a Cookie The Lorax The Cow Tripped Over the Moon Jamberry If I Built a Car Harry Potter --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

13. 

    3 May 2023

    Episode 3: How to draw readers in and make a great first impression

    The key to successful storytelling at any stage is weaving a tale that is compelling, but if you don’t hook the reader in right from the start, they won’t stick around long and they might not even pick up your book to begin with. This episode is all about that question: are you making a great first impression with your book? The way you figure that out is to look at the title, the cover and the first line. Just as when you’re applying for a job, you have your resume, your cover letter and your interview. Each one is an opportunity to make a great first impression, show the potential employer what a great fit you are, and also make sure you’re a good match. And, to use another metaphor, it’s the same as when you go fishing. The fish takes the bait — they pick up the book — they get hooked by the title, and then you have to carefully reel them in — with a great first line. If any one of them is a misstep or feels like a bad fit, the deal is off. Someone else gets the job, the fish swims away and the book goes back on the shelf. In the previous episode, we talked about a book as a factor of two people: The AUTHOR and The READER.  Because… Let’s face it, if you’re writing for yourself, it’s a journal entry. But if you’re writing for a young reader, you have an obligation and goal to write something that your audience is actually excited to read before they even know what the story is about. If you leave it up to kids, they’re going to hunt for the familiar first. Listen in as we explore what attracts readers and how to craft a story kids will beg adults to read to them. Hungry for more picture book writing tips? You can find my e-book Picture Perfect by Cara J. Stevens on Amazon.com or go to my website at carajstevens.com and sign up for that newsletter to get the 20-point checklist and get notified as soon as new episodes drop. Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

14. 

    10 Apr 2023

    Episode 2: Introducing the Zero Draft — the Road Map that will keep your writing and editing on track (even if you are prone to side-quests)

    If you’re really getting creative as you write and revise your manuscript, you’re GOING TO get lost and that’s a good thing. The WHY we talked about in episode one — that is your story's compass. Your ZERO DRAFT — that’s your map. It’s a bird’s eye view of your story. That is why this is the best writing and editing tip I can give you —  even if the words come to you fully-formed as you write — is to write a ZERO draft no matter where you are in the writing process. Get a free download of the 20-point checklist for writing picture books by signing up for my newsletter at carajstevens.com. The Picture Perfect book is now available for free for KindleUnlimited subscribers or for purchase as an e-book or in paperback from Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

15. 

    21 Mar 2023

    Episode 1: How to transform your simple idea into a strong story concept (hint: you need to find your WHY)

    One of the most frequent requests I get from aspiring picture book authors is "can you take a look at my story idea and tell me if it's any good?" In today's podcast, I share a secret with you that shouldn't be a secret at all because I want everyone to know this… if you think it could be a good picture book, then it can. Everyone who asks me that question will get a YES! Some ideas need more deep work than others, but if you're inspired and passionate enough to put in the work, your idea deserves the chance to realize its potential. The difference between a great idea and a great story is in the deep work I mentioned above. And that comes from knowing your WHY: Why you are passionate about it. Why you want to share it. Why you believe there are people out there who are ready to fall in love with it. In this episode, I share a whole slew of questions you can ask yourself about your story, about your audience and about your motivation to help you find your WHY and create a deeper story that has the potential to change someone's life for the better. This episode is one in a series of 20 questions to ask yourself as you go through the process of writing a picture book. If you’d like access to the checklist with all the questions, sign up for my newsletter at carajstevens.com (http://carajstevens.com) for a free PDF. And if you’re antsy to get the advice all at once, you can find my book Picture Perfect by Cara J. Stevens for free on KindleUnlimited, or for purchase as an e-book or mini-paperback on Amazon.com (http://Amazon.com). Don't forget to subscribe to get notified as soon as the next episode drops. And if you liked this episode, it would mean so much to me if you could share it with your writer friends and take a moment to drop a rating wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

16. 

    7 Mar 2023

    TRAILER: Welcome to Picture Perfect, the podcast for picture book writers

    Welcome to Picture Perfect, the podcast for picture book writers. I’m Cara Stevens, children’s author, editor and book coach and the author of Picture Perfect, Picture book writing secrets YOUR editor WANTS you to know. I absolutely LOVE helping writers make their picture book dreams a reality as they navigate the process from idea to final manuscript. I’ve been working one-on-one with authors for a long time, but I know that hiring a book coach or editor or taking a class isn’t for everyone. That’s why I’ve created this podcast. Picture Perfect walks you through the key elements of picture book writing, from where to find an idea that makes your heart sing to specific details like how many words a picture book should be and how to find the ideal audience for your book. Stick with me as each week, we explore a different element of picture book writing in this free mini-master class I’ve created just for you! And if you’re looking for more info, you can subscribe so you won’t miss a single episode, sign up for my newsletter at carajstevens.com (https://carajstevens.com)for a free picture book writing checklist, or buy my e-book, Picture Perfect by Cara J. Stevens at Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect-insiders-writing-picture-ebook/dp/B0BY25RM57), available for free for KindleUnlimited subscribers. Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/picture-perfect-podcast/message

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

4,330

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

53

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

68

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.