I love that you do that. I lerned that as a technique when I did a program at Oxford, and I'd catch the weirdest but most interesting lines eavesdropping while sitting on a bench. #kidlitchat

I think there can be a benefit in keeping a junk file when you're revising. Rather than just deleting a section, copy it into the file. Maybe it becomes the perfect passage for something else. #kidlitchat

@isabellakung.bsky.social's advice at Spring Fling this weekend agrees with something we discussed in the past - the inspirational effect of water. She highly recommended a hot shower to fix a manuscript problem. I think #kidlitchat came to the conclusion that being in or near any water was helpful.

SERIOUSLY. I read a picture book draft aloud to my 7yo and I was like "oh wait, let me edit that," in the middle. #kidlitchat

Go fishing! Okay, don't go fishing, but give yourself some time and space. You'll come back with new ideas, see more connections, and spot more groanworthy errors. #kidlitchat

Virginia is for lovers, and we love Virginia!

Go to #kidlitchat and have a great time!

Getting your project ready for querying or publication is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. I'm booking late spring and summer. Whether you need a deep edit, a query letter polish, or a professional eye to boost you to take your next step, I can help. www.alisonweisseditorial.com/services

This came up in a workshop session last night: When you're creating, it's okay to just play! Your work of a few hours or a few days doesn't have to be something you keep developing (though you can). Simply the act of doing stretches your creative muscles. It all contributes toward you leveling up.

Have a PB you're itching to get eyes on, but don't know where to turn? Join @writersloftma.bsky.social and me on May 21 for a Picture Book Circle! Get thoughtful feedback from your peers and me. It's a lot of fun, but spots fill up fast, so register soon! www.thewritersloft.org/loft-workshops

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My lovely Virginia friends, GO VOTE!

a blue sign that says vote with an eagle stamp ALT: a blue sign that says vote with an eagle stamp

My lovely Virginia friends, GO VOTE!

Two hooded figures with lamps approach a moonlit, isolated cottage. A woman answers the door. We have come for the child, says the hooded figure So soon? she asks It is time, says the hooded figure. The woman is distraught. We should never have got him a library card! What is done cannot be undone, says the hooded figure We couldn’t see the harm! We just wanted him to enjoy reading! For most, it ends there, says the hooded figure, turning away and walking into the wilderness Oh lord, What have I done! says the woman, the child walks past her and out into the darkness with them. Do not cry mother. I am a writer now.

my latest books cartoon for @theguardian.com

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#AskKidLit is open! Shoot over your pressing publishing questions. If you'd rather DM, just let me know.

Get that registration in! I'll be there critiquing, and I'd love to say hi!

It also gave me joy (and felt a little bittersweet) when my dad asked about the third book in a series I edited because apparently I never gave him a copy. And now I need to track it down. . . .

It gave me so much joy to see a deal post for a series my mom (and I very recently) both love, so I could share with her that there were more books to come.

Please feel free to reach out with questions!

Getting your project ready for querying or publication is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. I'm booking late spring and summer. Whether you need a deep edit, a query letter polish, or a professional eye to boost you to take your next step, I can help. www.alisonweisseditorial.com/services

Have a PB you're itching to get eyes on, but don't know where to turn? Join @writersloftma.bsky.social and me on May 21 for a Picture Book Circle! Get thoughtful feedback from your peers and me. It's a lot of fun, but spots fill up fast, so register soon! www.thewritersloft.org/loft-workshops

This came up in a workshop session last night: When you're creating, it's okay to just play! Your work of a few hours or a few days doesn't have to be something you keep developing (though you can). Simply the act of doing stretches your creative muscles. It all contributes toward you leveling up.

Spring is springing. It's the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs on that WIP and get ready to hit the query trenches. I can help with the process. Let's make your manuscript or QL sparkle! Services here!

Please reach out with questions and queries.

www.alisonweisseditorial.com/services

I think it depends. I mean, there ARE more animals than most racial groups represented in kidlit, but I think the story and intended audience can factor in to the creative decision, too. #AskKidLit

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Opening #AskKidLit. Hit me with those writing and publishing questions. Don't be shy. Asking for what you need is a superpower.

Still hesitant? We can always DM. Just let me know.

The point of kidlit is windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. That means a variety of books with a variety of content levels that kids can access free of judgement, means testing, or purity tests. "Clean" is the antithesis of what YA for teens should be.
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I also despise the framing that "clean" books are more appropriate for teens or that teens are en masse advocating for them. But it misstates what kids actually want: variety. So much of YA is now aimed at adults rather than teens. Refocusing on teens doesn't mean going "clean."

Creators, *this is worth the read*. But, Roaring Brook closing isn't the same as Dial closing. Yes, there were layoffs, but RB is reshuffling & a new imprint is in the works. But the squeeze is real. We've been seeing it and feeling it for years. vickyweberbooks.substack.com/p/what-nobod...

Happy Friday! I hope you get some recharge and joy this weekend. And maybe some much-deserved book time?

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It never ceases to amaze me how much revising I do to my editorial letters. This is an encouragement to you, dear creators. You see so much more when you give yourself a little time and space to step back.

I FEEL YOUR PAIN!