Welcome to my new blog, which now includes content from many of the blogs I’ve created over the years. You can now also access content via category from this one page instead of having to search for my individual blogs, which were scattered over various platforms and websites.
Thanks to all who helped Michael Ian Black and me celebrate the launch of I’M SORRY, the newest in the I’M picture books about kids’ emotions by Michael Ian Black and me (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers)! The fourth book in the I’M book series, this story helps . . .
By Sara Truuvert Darshana Khiani does not give up. Eleven years passed between her decision to pursue children’s writing and the publication of her PB debut, How to Wear a Sari. And it took eleven drafts of the story for her to pinpoint her protagonist’s motivation. It turns out, Darshana and . . .
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I found it much more of a challenge to FOCUS on creative projects during the pandemic. Things are getting better now, but early on? Forget it. I did way too much doom-scrolling online, worried constantly about loved ones as well as . . .
I’m excited to see more submissions for my I’M… Books In The Wild Gallery! I welcome submissions: use this link. There will be prizes! Deadline: Oct. 1st, 2021. Above: A young reader with I’M SORRY in Newton, MA Above: Olivia with the I’M… books in Ohio. Above: Moore family in Michigan-“We . . .
Thanks to all who joined Michael Ian Black and me at our I’M SORRY virtual book launch party at An Unlikely Story Bookshop last night! If you missed it, you can watch the replay here. And if you buy our book through the bookstore, you’ll receive a bookplate signed by . . .
Back to main FAQ Note: This advice is for those who are interested in approaching traditional publishing houses, not for those who are self-publishing. Congratulations on finishing your story! My advice: DON’T send out your story as soon as you’ve finished writing it. Unless you’re already very familiar with picture . . .
To help celebrate the Sept. 7th launch of I’M SORRY, the newest in the kids’ emotions picture book series by Michael Ian Black and me (Simon & Schuster), I’m inviting readers of all ages to submit photos for my I’M… Picture Books Reader Gallery. There will be PRIZES; Michael will . . .
(Updated October 5, 2023) Children’s book illustrator Gina Perry started the #KidLitArtPostcard challenge to help fellow illustrators find work during the pandemic. “I’ve been mailing promo postcards to editors and art directors for many years – it’s part of the core #kidlitart experience – bringing illustrators new work, getting tacked . . .
I’m gradually updating, condensing and moving over info to my main FAQ on my new website. Here is my updated entry for anyone who is just starting to think about writing or illustrating books for young people someday. My top pieces of advice for those who want to write or . . .
(Updated April 4, 2024 – Shortlink: https://debbieohi.link/HowToSupport Also see How To Support Indie Bookstores With Indie Bookstore Links) The quandary: You want to support someone’s new book and as much as you’d like to buy it, you can’t. Perhaps you can’t justify the cost of the new book right now. . . .