Frustration = when you've finally managed to get your brain horses all running in the same direction and then there's a phone call you can't ignore.

Ooh, me too, please! :)

I love this list! Some I've read, some I need to check out. With the lights on. And people around. And my terrifying poodle and mini schnauzer to protect me. ;)

Thank you very much to The Writers' Union of Canada! I was fortunate enough to receive a mentorship micro-grant that will allow me to work with Ted Staunton on my current MG novel.

Thank you! :) I'm afraid I'm less active on social media than I used to be. I'm still getting the hang of things. But I'll get there! :)

On Saturday, I'll present a workshop on Writing Groups for the Writers' Community of Durham Region! For more information, visit www.wcdr.info/calendar-new/

book cover for Making Sense of Dog Senses with the words SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards over top and the words We made the second round in the Canada and North America Division to the side. Underneath it says Only 2 more days to vote!

Voting on the @scbwi.bsky.social Crystal Kite Awards ends on the 19th. Don't forget to make your picks! And if you enjoyed my book with @razlatif.bsky.social, MAKING SENSE OF DOG SENSES (from @owlkids.bsky.social), we would love your vote in the Canada and North America division. #kidlit #CanKidLit

My tribute to a very good boy.
#superman #krypto

Spent yesterday waiting at a hospital with Spawn for a day surgery. Unfortunately, the surgeon had to cover another department, so after several delays, the surgery was cancelled. Long, stressful day. At least we got to have a nice visit! Still. Frustrating.

This month’s featured author, @leahschanke.bsky.social, offers a thoughtful reminder for creatives:

“The strength of [brainstorming] stems from the suspension of judgment until ideas have been generated.”

Read more about her story here: buff.ly/3nk7JAE

It was pretty great! (Speaking as a circa 1974 person.)
Keep in mind that the cold war was very much a factor, though... by grade 6, I had learned just enough to think the world was about to end in fiery nuclear disaster. And we all basically bathed in DEET each summer, and SPF 8 was plenty. ;)

Yes, AI is faster. But I just spent five minutes thinking about ghost food, and specifically whether the ghosts in my MG WIP would have access to ghost bananas, and if so, would they slip on the peels? Which, sure, maybe AI could have come up with. But I like to think I had more fun with it.

I don't know what I expected to see on BlueSky this morning, but this wasn't it... and yet, it feels apt.

😹

Amazing insights from Therese Walsh, as always! :)

This book is a beautiful blend of past and present, offering glimpses into ancient China and our connection to the greater world. Loved this one and so will you @erindaydreams.bsky.social @karinayanglaser.bsky.social
@harpercollins.bsky.social
#bookposse

Very cool idea!

#NewIllustrationOfTheDay by Australian Robert Ingpen, now 88. Sampling exceptional draughtsmanship from his illustrated Alice. Posting for the 160th anniversary intermittent Alice illustrations by living artists from breathtaking work prompted by Carroll’s book. @thestorymuseum.bsky.social #Alice

If you don't know the Canadian Children's Book Centre, you really should! 👇

Need to recharge? Join us tonight for an evening of poetry readings!

The Writers' Community of Durham Region invites you to an online evening of shared poetry and readings, featuring poet Jessica Moore!
Theme: Writing Toward the Mystery
June 10, 2025 at 7:00 via Zoom.
Visit https://www.wcdr.info/calendar/ or contact me for more information!

A Whodunnit

Husband: Did you do anything with those cooked chicken breasts I had left out to thaw? Like maybe put them somewhere?

Me: No, why?

Clues: Empty plate on counter. Short schnauzer. Tall poodle.

Don't miss this one! It will be brilliant. :)

Ink drawing of a dog sitting and listening to a phonograph, with a real purple petunia flower used as the horn of the phonograph. Signed “D. Ohi” with the copyright noted as ©2014 Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

So much is about learning how to really LISTEN.

#FoundObjectArt

I've had similar thoughts listening to my Middlest Niece talk about her hockey training. Even though I don't understand all the terminology, I appreciate her passion! There is so much to learn from athletes. Even for those of us who aren't quite sure what all the lines on the ice are about. ;)

The Writers' Community of Durham Region invites you to an online evening of shared poetry and readings, featuring poet Jessica Moore!
Theme: Writing Toward the Mystery
June 10, 2025 at 7:00 via Zoom.
Visit https://www.wcdr.info/calendar/ or contact me for more information!

I don't want to jinx things, but it looks as if I will have exciting book-related news to share here soon! :) Fingers crossed...

Woke up this morning with one of those weird, half-baked story ideas that feels utterly important, and utterly lacking in external details. But at leaste I know what it's supposed to "feel" like! ;)

Thank you so much for your kind words! Newsletter is in the works. If you email me at erin@erinthomas.ca, I'll add you to my list!

» 10 Manuscript Publishers Open to Direct Submissions in April, 2025

Some submission opportunities, if anyone happens to have a manuscript ready that fits!