Goodnight, all--I'm going to wind it down with an episode of Midsomer while I sketch some ideas for Thursday's #kidlitartpostcard. I'm hoping inspiration will hit! See you next time. #kidlitchat

Years ago, a title for a PB about jungle animals popped into my head. It didn't make literal behavioral sense for these animals. But when I turned to some old Nat Geos for photo reference, I found an article on the the exact little-known behavior that validated my title. Spooky. #kidlitchat

I depend on happy accidents in artwork--not only the unplanned inspiration, but the things different mediums do on their own. The trick is to put yourself in the path of randomness, RECOGNIZE it when it happens, and figure out how to build on it. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: Let's talk serendipity and happy accidents. How have these impacted you and your work? How do you keep yourself open to them? Hard work matters, of course, but do these other things ever factor in? #kidlitchat

Yep. www.theringer.com/2026/06/26/n...

“They want to turn America into a whites-only gas station restroom. I want her to be a place where all can find rest." michaelianblack.substack.com/p/they-are-t...

TOPIC: How do you see a work-in-progess with fresh eyes when you're deep in it? Share your tips and tricks for seeing your work anew... #kidlitchat

If you haven’t seen it yet, if you do one thing, watch Michelle’s speech ⬇️ youtu.be/v8mGupg83tQ

If you're not using it, you will be amazed at how Bluesky suddenly makes sense.

Thanks, everyone! Every Tuesday is an inspiration. :-) See you next time. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: The kidlit world lost one of its brightest lights recently, and it has prompted us to ask: whose work inspires you? #kidlitchat

The TBR pile never gets smaller . . . somehow. Thank you all for helping me maintain mine in all its tottering glory. See you next time! #kidlitchat

Not #kidlit (Shhhhh....), but I just finished listening to the latest Murderbot, and am bereft. I need another book THAT GOOD, pronto. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: Now that you have THE WHOLE SUMMER to catch up on your reading, what's at the top of your TBR list? #kidlitchat

Sorry I had to cut out early last night. I had some really nice responses from the #PBParty Illus. Showcase and am waiting to hear back on several submissions. Also signed up for @betnoire.bsky.social 's Children's Book Boot Camp and am working hard on revisions. Keeping busy! #kidlitchat

TOPIC: It's time for our #kidlitchat quarterly check-in . . . again! Has it been three months already? Yes, it has! Time to share what's been going on in your creative life, and what's coming up. As always, even the tiniest of baby steps deserve celebrating!

This is a great thread and not just relevant to preaching:

Whatever works . . . keep on keeping on. And come back next week! See you then. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: When you're developing a main character, what are the things that you think of beyond the physical (Music they'd like? Colors they'd wear? Recipes they'd love?)? Do you make mood boards or...? #kidlitchat

Less than 10 minutes until #kidlitchat (9E/6P). See you there!

And if you haven't heard Stephen Briggs reading the Tiffany Aching series, you've missed a rare treat.

#kidlit are you like me scrambling to check WIP for #mghubpitch for June 3 -9 2026. Unagented pitch 60 word #PB #CB #MG #YA #GN get the word out. #amquerying this off social media ( Google forms) sign up read info mghubpitch.com

Thanks, Maria--reposting with the #kidlitchat hashtag so others can see!

I am so glad I can check the hashtag tomorrow, because I know I missed a lot--thank you all for sharing! See you next time. #kidlitchat

I've mentioned this before, but I'm a big fan of Ursula Le Guin's Steering the Craft. Has anyone given the new podcast of writers reading her blog posts a listen? #kidlitchat

TOPIC: What are your favorite craft books, podcasts, and videos? And... why are these the ones you turn to? #kidlitchat

Goodnight, all. It's been real! See you next time. #kidlitchat

There are two kinds of feed back that I value: 1) from someone who knows you well, and says "You can do better" because they know you can, and 2) from a stranger, who helps me gauge what the work would communicate to a reader. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: Let's talk about feedback - both navigating the feedback you get and crafting helpful feedback when you give. What works for you on either side of the equation? Tips? Strategies? Best pie to soothe unexpected feedback? We want it all.... #kidlitchat

Guess what! It's #kidlitchat night--let's knock it out of the park! See you there (9pmE/6pmP)

Happy #Kidlitartpostcard Day! Hi! I'm Deb & I illustrate & write books for children! I love bringing stories to life with expressive, endearing characters. I am open to PBs, BBs, CBs & Activity Books. www.debjohnson.com #kidlitart #kidlit #picturebooks #childrensbookillustration #Illustrator

Goodnight, all--I'm going to go dream about Veronica's cookies. Take care, and don't forget to count your chickens. See you next time! #kidlitchat

Nobody knows, she said, darkly. #kidlitchat

I'm very low-tech--handwritten lists and a file folder for receipts--but I do also keep folders on my laptop for current projects, so everything, including research, urls and instructions (like for contests) is in one place. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: Due dates, expenses and subs . . . oh, my! How do you keep track of everything? Software, whiteboards, legal pads? Or do you just wing it and hope for the best? #kidlitchat

Last minute warning: #kidlitchat starts in 10 minutes! (9E/6P) see you there!

Have you seen the amazing #PBParty Showcase? Everyone is welcome to browse the finalists & Illustration Showcase. Comments are only for agent/editor/AD requests. I love these entries & illustrations so much...and can't wait for them to be out in the world. 💗 mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2026...

Next Thursday, May 7th is our next #KidLitArtPostcard day event. Get that art ready! Learn more here: www.ginaperry.com/postcard #kidlit #kidlitart

APPLICATION/INFO (Include CBBC in the subject line): [email protected]

#kidlit query time

Well . . . we have journeyed from the sublime to the ridiculous tonight. Which is apparently right on target. Keep on keeping on! :-D See you next time--socks optional. #kidlitchat

From my limited expereince, you need to have a one-sentence, a two-to-three sentence, a paragraph verging on synopsis, and maybe a VERY pared-down logline. All in the voice of your manuscript and managing to mention at least two comps. Whew. #kidlitchat

TOPIC: How many pitches do you have on hand for your manuscript? Do you have different pitches for contests, online pitchfests, queries and random meetings in elevators? How are they the same/different? #kidlitchat

Fair warning: there's another #kidlitchat coming up at the top of the hour (9E/6P). Fortify yourself! #kidlitchat

I really want to convey to everyone who entered #pbparty that the process is really the prize, and the difference between finalists, honorable mentions, and those that didn’t make it is like a single step at the START of a VERY long staircase. Don’t be discouraged!

Woo! I am HONORED to be included in this year's #PBParty Illustration Showcase!! Thank you, thank you to @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social and the whole team, who worked so hard to make this amazing opportunity possible. And kudos to all who entered!

Goodnight, all--keep up the good work! And please come back next time. This world of kidlit is not the same without you. #kidlitchat