2020, right? I've been working on finding silver linings, or rather, treats among all the tricks this year has brought. Here are some of my favorite October opportunities for children's writers:Don't miss Brian Gehrlein's #PBCritiqueFest raffle! There are a LOT of amazing prizes and a LOT of opportunities for additional entries. Last year I wonContinue reading "Picture Book Opportunities in October!"
Fall Writing Frenzy 2020
[UPDATE: So honored to share that this story placed this year!] I feel like all the seasons have been a frenzy this year but, at least writing frenzies are the GOOD kind of frenzy. If you're a member of the kidlit writing community, you've heard of Kaitlyn Sanchez - mom, teacher, children's author, agent, (maybeContinue reading "Fall Writing Frenzy 2020"
On disappointment and creativity
So maybe you put yourself out there to do a thing. A big thing. A thing you thought would Really Make a Difference. And, maybe that thing didn’t work out. And you feel crushed. And you’re wondering if you should just give up. But here’s THE THING: If you are feeling disappointed and heartbroken, thatContinue reading "On disappointment and creativity"
Talking about BIG things with little kids
Another deviation from writing for fun but very necessary things. Some of this is copied and pasted from my school social work blog (you'll probably pick up on that vibe). Big things are going on. Big things that are terrifying and overwhelming. As adults, when we can't wrap our minds around them, how can weContinue reading "Talking about BIG things with little kids"
Showing Up for Yourself
Sometimes I like to think that there is a parallel universe where parallel-universe-Nicole is still going to work and interacting with extended family members in person and grocery shopping without a mask while listening to news updates about our first female president. I hope she's happy. She has a lot to be grateful for. And,Continue reading "Showing Up for Yourself"
Resources for Talking with Young Children about COVID-19
You may or may not know that I am a mama to two toddlers and a school social worker currently working with Early Childhood/Preschool-aged children. I know this blog is supposed to be about writing but if there was ever a time for a crossover-episode, this is it. So here goes: How are you supposedContinue reading "Resources for Talking with Young Children about COVID-19"
#50PreciousWords
Another contest!!! This one is hosted by the wonderful Vivian Kirkfield and it's a real challenge: write a story for children in less than 50 words! You read that correctly. 50 words! I actually came up with a couple. I focused on conveying snapshots of fun childhood experiences and it was a delightful and energizingContinue reading "#50PreciousWords"
Valentiny 2020
[UPDATE: I am so honored and thrilled to announce that this story won first place! Someone pinch me!] It's time for ❤ Susanna Leonard Hill's<3 Valentiny contest! Her 5th one! She knows how to spread the love. The challenge: Write a kid's Valentine's story in 214 words or less in which someone is curious.I'm curiousContinue reading "Valentiny 2020"
Author Interview (& Giveaway!) with Ciara O’Neal
It's Sunday afternoon and my delightful winter break is drawing to a close. It's time to emerge from the time-warp cocoon filled with too many cookies and delighted toddler shrieks. Wait, was that a delighted shriek or an injured shriek? I'm sure they'll be fine. Back before I lost track of what day of theContinue reading "Author Interview (& Giveaway!) with Ciara O’Neal"
2019 Holiday Story Contest
Susanna Leonard Hill has another contest (I seriously don't know how she does it). The challenge for this contest is to write an original story with kid-appeal, 250 words or less, that focuses on a holiday treat! My brain kept substituting "peppermint mocha latte" every time I read "treat" but maybe that's just me. YouContinue reading "2019 Holiday Story Contest"
Nicole Loos Miller 