I have reinvented my career at least 3 times and going to 4 when graphic novel comes out next year. #kidlitchat

#kidlitchat another source of information is the podcast Writers with wrinkles. They frequently interview, editors, agents, and writers.

#kidlitchat I used to get most news from Scbwi conferences—especially the LA Summer con-where I had fun conversations with writing friends. But with few SCBWI local conferences and SCBWI’s Summer in-person conference canceled, I mostly get information online like PW & CBI. Also my critique group.

Had so much fun yesterday, sharing Squirrel Draws BIG Feelings @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social @lucianaillustra.bsky.social @eastwestlit.bsky.social — with storytime, silly songs and drawings our own BIG feelings! Thank you, Ruby’s Books!

Happy 4.12 #Aries Birthdays to Gianna Marino, @nchurnin.bsky.social Gary Soto, and one of the Queens of #kidlit #BeverlyCleary —from the #KidlitAriesBirthdayClub

Happy birthday!!!

Diving back into rewrites today! Rewriting is where my book shines brighter.

A manatee underwater, eating a full head of romaine lettuce with other lettuce floating nearby.

Sometimes writing books for kids means that I get to have breakfast with manatees... #research #wildliferescue

Yes—I miss that conference SO much. Zoom is too impersonal.

#kidlitchat I did the nano contest once and made it two weeks only but managed to add nearly 100 pages to the book I was writing. Then I spent a month+ rewriting. Still, I don’t need challenges. I can’t relax unless I’m writing.

Waving, Erin (g)

When SCBWI used to have the amazing summer conference in person, I would be energized by talking with friends and learning from workshops, often discovering new ideas and submission options. #kidlitchat

This is my fave #kidlit #conference of the year! I volunteered for years and ran it for 2 years, and I’m thrilled to be back as faculty this year! I hope to see you there! Registration starts at 10AM this morning! Link: www.scbwi.org/events/2026-... @newenglandscbwi.bsky.social

Jeff Probst on why he is 'incredibly proud' to make 'Survivor' a family show Jeff Probst on why he is 'incredibly proud' to make 'Survivor' a family show: 'My number one goal was to make this a positive show for families that is safe and fun and inspires adventure.'

Jeff Probst on why he is 'incredibly proud' to make #Survivor a family show: 'My number one goal was to make this a positive show for families that is safe and fun and inspires adventure.' ew.com/jeff-probst-...

A whiteboard leaned against a shelf with many trinkets. On the whiteboard, it says “When you look at a blank page, think of who you love”

In his acceptance speech for award for best screenplay, Ryan Coogler said “when you look at a blank page, think of who you love” and I dunno, that really moved me so I wrote it down and sat it on my desk to look at while I work

Kid Writer Mentorship Advice, please

open.substack.com/pub/lindajoy...

#Kidlitchat Thanks for a fun topic!!

Possibly, but she was just a pretty girl with a popular crowd and I was an easy target. I imagined her as the evil witch Angelica in an old series called Dark Shadows.

Great title!

#kidlitchat I named a mean girl after the mean girl that tormented me in school. But I ultimately softened her personality so it was understanding why she was mean.

It’s a long list! I have lots of papers from when I was a kid writer. Not sure which box it’s in. #kidlitchat

#kidlitchat My history of creating names goes back to my childhood. It all began with cats. I still have the lined paper with my pencil printed list of cat names. And the first mystery I wrote at age 11 (200 pages) was called Holiday Terror with the main character’s last name “Holiday.”

#kidlitchat another name story…I named a minor character a random name and then at a SCBWI conference, I realized I’d used the full name of a guy I’d met a few times. I’d accidentally used his full name. Afterwards I was quietly embarrassed whenever I saw him. Fortunately he never read my book.

#kidlitchat Another title story—when I sold my first books (Sweet Dream YA romances) in the 90’s, I created fun titles. They were changed to generic Opposites Attract & Almost Perfect. So for my 3rd Sweet Dream, I took a generic title from an old book—and for the first time they didn’t change it.

#Kidlitchat I love coming up with titles—I’ve even helped friends choose theirs. Here’s one of my title experiences…For 20 years I played with a body-switching idea I called Turn Left at the Milky Way. Never sold — until I changed the title to Dead Girl Walking. It’s on Audible & ebook.

Love this

#kidlitchat I create plot by pitting characters against each other and giving them difficult situations to overcome… Or work together to solve.

Wordle 1,691 4/6

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#kidlitchat revisions make the book shine. I usually do too many revisions to count.
One picture book literally had half of the words cut after many editorial revisions.

Libraries are magical! #KidLitChat