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Debbie’s Blog

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.

1888 Squirrel Attack

More proof that squirrels have been gradually taking over the world … from as early as the 1800s. (Thanks to Luisa Perrella for the link)



Daily motivation: #amwriting

Writers on Twitter are probably already familiar with Johanna Harness and #amwriting but if you’re not, you should be! #Amwriting is an ongoing chat. You’re not expected to stay tuned-in constantly. The chat happens in the background of your writing day. It is a virtual watercooler for writers, a place you . . .



Woohoo – my illustrated short story’s been accepted for the TOMO anthology!

I’m delighted to announce that my short story, KODAMA, has been accepted for publication in TOMO, a YA anthology coming out from Stone Bridge Press.  Proceeds from the sales of the Tomo anthology will go to organizations that assist teens in the quake and tsunami hit areas. Tomo, which means friend in Japanese, . . .



Working on the cover for I’M BORED

My art director (Laurent Linn at Simon & Schuster) called yesterday to say he had a cover mockup, saying that he had just emailed it to me, was interested in hearing what I thought. I opened the email attachment while he was still  on the phone. Then I started yelling . . .



My sister’s book trailer PLUS soundtrack composed by my niece

My sister, Ruth Ohi, just posted a book trailer for her newest picture book, Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet. She created it using iMovie, and the soundtrack was composed by my niece. And yes, I am fairly exploding with pride here. 🙂 Ruth has illustrated over 53 books (12 of which she also . . .



Creativity & Productivity: Rethinking my social media and blogging habits

Apologies for the hiatus; I’ve been away most of this month at a writer’s conference and then on an anniversary vacation. Though fun and (esp. in the case of the SCBWI Summer Conference) inspiring, it’s been a hectic month, and I’m REALLY looking forward to getting back to work. And . . .



Sue Alexander Award Nomination!

I know I’ve been scarce on Inkygirl recently, but it’s been craaaazybusy around here with travel, work and prep for the SCBWI Summer Conference. I attended as both a writer and illustrator, and have been posting my kidlit illustration info and reports over on the Where The Sidewalk Begins blog for children’s . . .