• Author Interviews,  Writing Journey

    Meet the #MidWeekCritique Team

    #MidWeekCritique is a monthly initiative started by children’s writer Lori M. Keating to giveaway 3 – non-rhyming PB critiques of up to 700 words. It’s gone over wonderfully, and Lori felt called to build a team to reach more writers each month. This past month I joined the #MidWeekCritique team along with April Berry and Elizabeth James. Learn more about the group and its founder, Lori M. Keating. To enter the weekly contest, follow the #MidWeekCritique hashtag each week on Twitter and comment with your favorite GIF! Lori M. Keating How long have you been writing picture books? The very first picture book I wrote (and illustrated) was for a…

  • Children's Books,  Inspiration,  Writing Journey

    Introducing my Kid Lit Pitch Pie FREE resource

    I’ve been a member of writing Twitter since 2010 and have participated in dozens of pitch events. But you know how long it took before I got my first heart? Ten years!! In 2021, I received my first ❤️ during PBPitch from a wonderful and kind agent. I submitted my story right away, and she requested several additional manuscripts! That’s when a buzz filled my heart and spoke to me, saying — this is possible! I began honing my pitch writing skills, learning more about the process, and dove right in. I studied successful pitches and trends during events and entered another pitch event. Four hearts this time and 7…

  • Author Events,  Book Reviews,  Children's Books,  Children's Literature

    Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 || Book Review: Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athlete by Mia Wenjen

    Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE. I’m so honored to be a book reviewer this year, and to share my #gifted book CHANGING THE GAME: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN FEMALE ATHLETE by Mia Wenjen with you! #readyourworld A little about the book: CHANGING THE GAME: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN FEMALE ATHLETE by Mia Wenjen shines a spotlight on seventeen Asian American female athlete trailblazers who attained high levels of success despite setbacks such as poverty, gender stereotypes, and racism. The book is an inspirational stepping…

  • Uncategorized

    Introducing the #Growyourwriting Challenge

    I’ve added a new page and fun writing challenge to my site! I hope you’ll check it out and find out how to earn some pretty badges while growing your writing skills! Are you a writer who wants to sharpen your skills on a budget? Do you like badges? If so, you will enjoy this fun, low-pressure, self-paced, and FREE challenge to #growyourwriting skills. Check it out!

  • 12x12

    12 Days for Writers: Day 3

    Children’s author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year’s resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity – what DIDN’T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! Here is my list for 2021. My writing successes in 2021!  First and foremost… I’m showing up! Whether thinking of ideas while homeschooling my children or taking them to the park, or writing during…

  • Author Events,  Sunflower Scribe Spotlight,  Writing Contests

    Calling Picture Book Writers | #PBCritiqueFest is here!

    Alright, folks, have you got a completed picture book manuscript (or two or seven or more like me?) and would love to get fresh eyes and feedback from talented authors, illustrators, and/or agents on your project? Now is your chance! Click on over to #PBCritiqueFest and fill out the registration form and you are automatically entered! Ok, ok easy peasy right?! But how would you like to earn MORE entries? There’s an opportunity for that as well!! By following the links above, you can also find the additional entries form and discover how to earn 200 extra entries. You have two weeks to get on this, so what’s stopping you!…

  • Writing Contests,  Writing Journey

    #FallWritingFrenzy Contest Entry: SEA IN THE SKY

    SEA IN THE SKY By Christine Alemshah [WC: 196] The stormy sea sky mocked me. Could Daddy and I see the same sinister moon?  Hopefully, he’s tucked safely inside his ship, not in danger of falling overboard as the swirling clouds suggested. “No costume, Beatrice? It’s almost time for trick-or-treating,” called Mom. I kicked the screen door. It squeaked. I hoped it might break. “You don’t want to go?” “I can’t, Mom. The sea is in the sky tonight.” “I think it’s lovely with that crescent moon up there.” “You mean the frowning crescent face staring at me?  It’s creepy — and Daddy…” “Was supposed to go trick-or-treating with us?,”…

  • Uncategorized,  Writing Journey

    How to use twitter lists and bookmarks

    Hello everyone! Are you on Twitter? Have you heard of bookmarks? Or lists? I’ve received questions about these tools lately, and I wanted to share a how-to guide and why you might want to utilize bookmarks and lists on Twitter. I’m an organization queen, so they help me feel better about my twitter navigation experience, and I hope you enjoy using these helpful tools as well! Twitter lists:Why might you use a Twitter list? My top reason for using creating one is to organize relevant groups of people based on events or topics. I also use lists during pitch events to find other writers in my genre. Using a list,…

  • Writing Contests,  Writing Journey

    #SpringFlingKidLit contest entry: FLORY’S FAIRY WINGS

    Thank you for this delightful Spring Fling Kid Lit contest opportunity hosted by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal. There are also some amazing prize donors! You can shower our hosts and prize donors with love by visiting their blogs, following on social media, and viewing their amazing books. I found my gif HERE. I now present my tiny tale introducing Flory, The Garden Fairy. FLORY’S FAIRY WINGS By Christine Alemshah WC: 149 At graduation, Flory and her fairy friends debuted wings displaying their true power.  Willow’s green wings cascaded a flowering arch.  Phoenix’s fiery wings transformed her into a bird. Amaya’s silver wings showered everyone in light rain. Flory…

  • Book Reviews

    Book Review: What Do Moms Do? By Amy Houts & Emily Bush

    This little gem arrived in the mail recently, and I read it to my girls right away. They are super curious about what Moms do all day (answer: ALOT!). It’s a constant conversation we carry out each day. To their delight, this little book by Amy Houts & Emily Bush talked about that very subject! They loved saying at the end of each page whether it was something their mom did or not. Their giggles and snickers told me they loved it. I also must talk about the animal mom/children illustrations throughout the book. They are just darling and very nostalgic for picture stories from my childhood. My new reader…