About Me
I’m a freelance writer, children’s author, creative consultant, and award-winning poet. After a successful career in biotech law, I obtained my MFA from and taught creative writing at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Currently, I consult on manuscripts ( and speak at schools, museums, and libraries )(. Through our successful collaboration, )Write On Productions, kidlit best seller Victoria J. Coe and I offer writers a new way to get on track and stay on track, including tools, resources, and exclusive digital content. Our first publication, Writing Kidlit 101: A Self-Guided Course, released in January 2023. Our second book, Writing Kidlit 102: Your First Draft, is available now. We know how hard it is to write because we’ve been there. Both of us dreamed of writing kidlit while juggling kids and careers. Now having sold more than 350,000 books between us, we can’t wait to help you achieve your dream.
To get to know me better, check out my latest interview.
News & Announcements
Cheryl’s new picture book, Featherita, was published by Nightingale Books on 12.3.24.
The Massachusetts Center for the Book has selected Dario and the Whale for the 2021 Library of Congress’ Great Reads From Great Places program, a list of books representing American literary heritage.
GREAT READS FROM GREAT PLACES: FITTING IN
Recent Podcasts and Classes:
SO YOU WANNA WRITE A CHILDREN’S BOOK WITH VICTORIA J. COE AND CHERYL LAWTON MALONE
THE SECRET SAUCE TO WRITING & PUBLISHING A CHILDREN’S BOOK WITH VICTORIA COE & CHERYL LAWTON MALONE
COACHING KIDLIT: KIDLIT 101 WITH GUESTS CHERYL MALONE AND VICTORIA J. COE
KIDLIT 101 WITH VICTORIA J. COE & CHERYL LAWTON MALONE
BEING BAD: CREATING ANTAGONISTS YOUR READERS WILL LOVE TO HATE