Huge thanks to @yaoyaomavanas.bsky.social and Jade Rector for the beautiful cover art and design! x

In case you didn't know: Preorders are important for #debut authors like me because it shows bookstores & my publisher that my novels belong in this world and will allow me to keep writing books. You can also ask your library to preorder & request it for checkout! Preorder link is in in my bio 📚

Synopsis: Sixth grader April Xue loves acting and would do anything for the spotlight, but the school's #theater director won't cast her in a play because she has a #disability. April learns to confront her insecurities and hatches a plan to prove to everyone that she deserves a fair shot 🌟

The cover of "Casting April" with the text "Coming June 16, 2026, from Penguin Random House, preorder now!"

Text says: "Casting April" features backstage drama, secrets that spin out of control, complex friendships, and a strong disabled main character. It's a heartwarming story about identity, big dreams, and the importance of believing in yourself.

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share that my debut #middlegrade novel, "Casting April," is now available for preorder ✨ It comes out on June 16 from @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social, which is truly a dream come true. So grateful to my team for believing in this book ♥️

That’s very helpful, thank you!!

A screenshot of the Bluesky settings list. Each item has a relevant picture next to it. It includes Account, Privacy & security, moderation, content & media, appearance, accessibility, languages, help, and about.

Hello, it's me again! Please flip on your Alt Text reminder. How, you might ask?

First, go to settings. You should see a list like this:

Haha thanks for hosting!! #KidLitChat

Thanks so much for hosting #KidLitChat, Greg!!

Haha yesss so true. I get a lot of my ideas when I’m in the shower or doing random tasks around the home (or on my commute!) #KidLitChat

How do you like Plottr? I just downloaded it for a trial, but I haven’t started experimenting with it yet. I’ve watched a couple tutorials but I still feel slightly intimidated! #KidLitChat

Ahh thank you, good to know! #KidLitChat

Haha love this! I’m reading “The Renegade Reporters” by Elissa Brent Weissman and it also addresses digital privacy in similar ways. (It also talks about cookies!) Not sure if you’re planning to query, but it could be a good comp title! #KidLitChat

I feel the same way lol. It’s hard for me to just listen to my own voice! If it weren’t for that, I’d probably use voice notes a lot more #KidLitChat

To sum up my answer to the @kidlitchat.bsky.social original topic, I think: I'm grateful that the technology exists to offer more accessibility options for those who find traditional methods of creating more of a challenge. ❤️
#kidlitchat

Very cool, Debbie! I’ll have to look into both of these tools #KidLitChat

A belated hello to #KidLitChat! I need to add this weekly chat to my calendar so I don’t forget 😅 I started using #Scrivener a few years ago & it’s been a game changer. I wrote all drafts of my forthcoming debut novel on Scrivener. Amazing organizational tool designed for writers!

Yes this is super helpful! I often think of ideas when I’m doing random things around the apartment. This is a good reminder to actually jot them down lol

I haven’t written a single word of my WIP since I’ve been recovering from RSV and pneumonia. I’m still not 100% but I miss writing, so I hope to jump back into those pages soon. Any tips for restarting a writing routine? #kidlit #amwriting

Thank you for sharing, Sara! 💛

The Remarkable Normalcy of Being Disabled and in Love

The Remarkable Normalcy of Living With a #Disability and in Being In Love. In a new essay collection, the influencer couple Shane and Hannah Burcaw peel back the layers of “interabled” relationships, including their own, by @wendyluwrites.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/w... via @nytimes.com

Enjoy your parental leave, Sara! I am so happy for you and look forward to reading all of your updates 💛💛

Ooh such a good title!

There's a misconception that children's literature is less compelling or important. It's not true.

Even if we think kids aren't ready to talk about difficult things, the reality is that they're already witnessing and experiencing them. Books can help them understand & process their daily lives.

Had a great time chatting with so many awesome writers during #KidLitChat! I love how active the kidlit community is on here. Thanks for hosting @gregpincus.bsky.social @bonnieadamson.com, and Happy New Year, everyone! ✨

Resolutions aren't for everyone! That's a great intention. I feel like a lot of people struggle with being too hard on themselves (including myself!). #KidLitChat

It can be tough, especially during the holidays and other busy periods of the year. I definitely end up missing days...it's inevitable. But I give credit to my writing group and accountability partners for keeping me going 💪🏼 #KidLitChat

Ooh it runs in the family! That's so true, I remember I'd spend hours just messing around with code and refreshing webpages to see what my changes looked like. #KidLitChat

Thank you!! x