Omg... these are so. good. They are colored pencils (which is why I haven't used them yet. I have a good set of Derwent that I use for my art). The pencil on paper is smooth, but it's the wrapping that smells. It's infused with oils? So far, the first 4 (from Left) are amazing! #kidlitchat

#kidlitchat (& other #kidlit outlets) can be very inspiring. After last Tues, I checked my SCBWI member page, watched some "free" videos, took lots of notes, read some of Melissa Meyer's new book, then re-wrote a chapter that's been giving me grief. It's a process. It's all part of the process.

Middle Grade Verse Novel Stats 2026 It's my favorite month. National Poetry Month! And of course, I have updated middle grade novel-in-verse statistics to share. In 2025, I included verse novel awards as part of my infographic. This year, I'm not doing that here, but I will be posting each of the…

I love taking a short car ride through the country--just long enough to give me time to percolate an idea or work through a problem, then sit at my fave coffee spot and let the ambient noises do their thing. *My brain works best on mildly distracted. #kidlitchat

Thanks again, #kidlitchat authors/illustrators/creatives! Always enjoy my week better after our Tuesday chats! Looking forward to seeing what new topics/questions @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social start us out with next week!

I love spring! Time to dusk off (literally everything!) so why not think about what's working/what's not and look at our WIP/MS in new perspectives? #novelsinverse #newPOVs #switchingformats etc? #kidlitchat

I had a rotten M-W, but regardless, I showed up to my SCBWI network meeting. Let me tell you, friends-- show up! Writers support writers, and (like always) I walked away from our meeting feeling excited, energized & filled w/renewed hope. The industry may ebb & sway, but stories remain. #keepwriting

Browsing #kidlitchat posts helps me discover #kidlit people interested in interacting/engaging rather than just broadcasting. Also fun to see what events people are excited about, like #skypitch tomorrow (see @skypitch.bsky.social) & mthly #KidLitArt chat this Thu (see @kidlitart.bsky.social).

As a network rep for SCBWI-IL, one of my jobs is to share "news" + links w/fellow Illinois writers. Often, I have pointed to topics, trends and issues we've discussed. Having the thread histories to look back on is a huge plus in my book! (But I do miss the transcripts of yester-years.) #kidlitchat

One hour til #kidlitchat (9 pm Eastern/6 pm Pacific)! Do you know where your typing fingers are? Get ‘em ready, I say, and join us in the chat!

I'm surprised how early it's dark already. I typically wind down w/the sun and have been finding myself reading in bed again. While it IS cozy & comfy, a true "cozy" read must have those special elements that really hook me as a reader, making me feel immersed in the world &/or words. #kidlitchat

For me, a cozy read is definitely not one of those light, romantic books with all the "warm, happy feelings". I've always disliked that term for that genre. Cozy-reading- for me means wrapped up in a blanket, with a cup of coffee, and a book I don't want to put down! #kidlitchat

It would be a mistake not to mention all the female MCs that I admire: Laura (Ingalls)--for her darn goodness, Mary Lennox, Alice of WW and Anne of GG--inquisitiveness, Nancy Drew--tenacity/intelligence, Matilda--spirit, and Karana (Island of the Blue Dolphins)--strength and endurance. #kidlitchat

Honestly, for me it's usually the animal characters that stay with me longest. Winn Dixie, Charlotte, Pax, Despereaux...I'm a huge fan of Martin and the other "good" animals from the Redwall series. I (esp.) like rodent characters. I guess I love seeing the world from that perspective. #kidlitchat

Artists! Looking for a fun October challenge? Use the hashtag #scbwiArtober2024 when you post your prompt-inspired art! I've modified the prompt graphic 😜 to include Bluesky (I checked with SCBWI to make sure it's ok). www.scbwi.org/posts/scbwi-... #SCBWI #KidLit #KidLitArt

I know I've been MIA but I had a "grand" time w/family in July! AND I have been revising/writing & drawing/creating-Daily! Trying to keep to those goals I set earlier this summer. It's so satisfying to reach goals w/small steps. This is a recent illo I created w/the prompt #gymnastics #SimoneBiles

Here's a classroom project to connect math, science, and literature: A Curiosity Cabinet! Springboard off of THOMAS JEFFERSON'S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE to create your own mini-museum. ❤️📚🔍 @steamteambooks.bsky.social #Edusky #Skybrarian #K-12Educators&Librarians www.patriciamnewman.com/litlinks-sho...

When I first started illustrating books I wondered if the 'page turn' was really important (spoiler: it is!) & how to get the viewer to see the image the way I wanted them to. ⭐️ Wrote a little article: How To Direct the Viewers Eye in Children’s Books Art: tinyurl.com/22y9khm7 #kidlit #kidlitart

My book club showed me Storygraph to keep track of my reading trends etc. I feel like I could completely ditch Goodreads (if I didn't have all my classroom library already logged there I would!) #kidlitchat

I'm in a local book club with women much younger than me. It's loads of fun and way out of my normal reads! Finishing "Bunny" for that now but also reading my way through my state's (IL) MG list for this upcoming year. Finished "Starfish" last week. #kidlitchat

I did a search to see when I my first #kidlitchat post/participation began and it was January 2017. It's so incredible that the chat is 15 years old! (And crazy to think that it's been 7+ years that I've been along as well! Where does the time go?)

POLL for K-12 Educators: What is on your wishlist for Bluesky? What would encourage you to spend more time here? Also, what kind of posts do you enjoy seeing from #kidlit & #MGlit book creators here? FYI: EduLib feed #CommunityPolls #KidLit #Edusky #Skybrarian #SchoolLibrarians 🧵👇🏼

Reminder to check the #kidlitchat Starter Pack to follow people! go.bsky.app/2NHcZCX

I'm wearing this silly hat for a reason. #kidlitchat turns 15 this month!! Fifteen!! We survived Twitter/X long enough to find a new home here where the skies are blue. Join us to celebrate and reminisce about the good ol' days, tonight (July 16, 9 pm EDT). See you there!

I work w/ #kidlitart more often lately but, similar to saying "author" when not published yet, I struggle when asked if I illustrate. There are things I'd change, but what I DO like motivates me to keep trying. This is for #scbwidrawthis July #backpack #illustrating #scbwiillustrators #scbwi

To #KidLit ILLUSTRATORS seeking representation: Reply with one (1) post that includes 1 image (I advise your name be in image somewhere) + link to your portfolio and/or Instagram URL. Makes sure it's easy to find your contact info, if agents are interested! cont'd 👇🏼

Day15 Clubs and Schools for #illustratepride w/ @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social Took my youngest to the Int'l Airport today & should've taken a larger notebook! I could spend the whole day people watching. These 3 are inspired by some kiddos I saw there today. #kidlitart

Oops! I forgot a step: 6/12, 6/13, 6/14 I managed to get 500+wds each day! Accountability & supporting one another is the way to go! #junewritingchallenge w/@kristyacevedo.bsky.social (And since working on our goals has been on our minds lately, I even wrote about it! tinyurl.com/4vj4njs3 )

Dead is the only age that's too late to start being an author.

✨ COVER REVEAL ✨ . For MY LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK ABOUT PRIDE written by @kylelukoffwrites and illustrated by me!🌈 This June marks 3 years since I came out, & I’m still pinching myself that I get to work on this w someone as talented as Kyle💜 . Preorders: michellejingchan.com/pride

It's Day 14 already! The prompt is #chalkart w/ @adriakarlsson.bsky.social & @anneappert.bsky.social I haven't made many "quiet" images for the #illustratepride challenge but I see this person, tucked back into their own corner, away from the #prideparade crowd but totally content to be themselves.

Calling all aspiring climate fiction writers! Polish those stories and submit them to Imagine 2200! The deadline is fast approaching – submissions close on 6/24. I'm one of the judges, along with Omar El Akkad. Winners get cash prizes and publication! Details here: grist.org/climate-fict...

Taking action after a fab #kidlitchat Trying to focus & make #kidlitprogress! @debbieohi.com suggested 3Things. I combined it w/using dry erase lists. I thrifted this frame (w/dry-erase false front) knowing I'd find a purpose to use it! (The page underneath stays put.) What would your page include?

Day12: A child supporting their parent. I have a few more ideas to try (on my list!) that show #acceptance in other ways too.❤️🏳️‍🌈❤️ #diversity I feel that I "overworked" this one but alas, it's a challenge. #kidlitart #prideparade #illustratepride w/@anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social

What’s the most boomer complaint you have?

I think this wins for my favorite idea of the night! #kidlitchat

I've been staring at a blank wall behind my laptop while in webinars lately and the empty space is getting to me. I decided to put up message-center boards to keep me focused. I like @debbieohi.com 3 things idea-it will be the first paper I tack up! I'm hoping my husband doesn't invade. #kidlitchat

I am a true observer of human nature. If I need a break & things aren't turning out the way I need them too, timewise, project-wise or otherwise, I go where I can people-watch. Busy orchards, shopping centers, parks, etc. I prefer to be outdoors, but you never know when you need a break! #kidlitchat

It's almost #kidlitchat time... if you're early, (or late or follow the feed much later) take a look at this workshop @vbartles.bsky.social is offering next month!

Reminder: #kidlitchat is happening tonight/Tue at 9 ET / 6 pm! Keep an eye on the @kidlitchat.bsky.social acct for the Topic, or co-hosts @bonnieadamson.com & @gregpincus.bsky.social. Banner art by @boringstorybook.com! To participate, follow #kidlitchat posts, post with #kidlitchat to be seen.

#kidlitchat is a comin'! Top of the hour (9 PM Eastern/6PM Pacific) right here on Bluesky. We hope you'll join us as we build the #kidlit community here....

I'm caught up now! Today's prompt was "costume" so I chose the "bee"-as in BEE PROUD/BEE YOURSELF! 🐝🌈 I also backtracked to Day8 & included "pets." This is going to be such a GRAND parade! #illustratepride w/ @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social #prideparade #kidlitart #illustrateart

I drew this one ahead of time, knowing I would be busy during the weekend. Days 9+10 #flags #tutus for #prideparade #illustratepride w/ @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social Hoping to get in day 8 tomorrow (saw some amazing #pridepups this weekend)! #kidlitart #illustrationchallenge

Today is Day7 of the #illustratepride challenge with @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social I messed up & lost some of the clarity w/this one-oops. The prompt is #magic I based it on a talented friend, who has a heart of gold for the people he meets and the communities he works with.

I opened registration for my Preparing Your Perfect Presentation virtual workshop! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 25 from 8-9:30pm EDT and then go sign up! I'm excited to do this! #KidLitChat (I have other courses in the series, if y'all are interested!) www.eventbrite.com/e/prepare-yo...

Another tip of the hat to @kristyacevedo.bsky.social and the #junewritingchallenge #Day6 Thanks to this gentle nudge, I managed an easy 600+ words this afternoon on a PB idea that stewed overnight. That's a nice lil' ol' draft that I can work with. #kidlitprogress #pbWIP #amwriting #kidlit

Day 6 of #illustratepride is all about dancing & the hair! (I had to add stars bc she resembles a drawing I did of the goddess, Nut, years ago.) Look over these great prompts for the #prideparade #illustrationchallenge w/ @adriakarlsson.bsky.social and @anneappert.bsky.social and join in the fun!

Oh, #kidlitart you are making my #educator #writer #illustrator #booklover heart happy today! Kudos to @ginaperry.bsky.social for getting #kidlitartpostcard rolling here. I'm going to do my best to fangirl ya'll so my #bluesky feed will always be filled your amazing art & talent!

I'm blogging for SCBWI every Thursday this month. For my first post, I explain five reasons why aspiring picture book authors should type up picture books they love. Check it out: scbwi.blogspot.com #kidlit #picturebooks #writing