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.
(Last updated November 25, 2022) Like many others, I’ve been checking out Mastodon as a possible alternative to Twitter, if the latter implodes the way some say it might. Of all social media platforms, Twitter is my personal favourite. I get why some people say it’s negative but for me, . . .
When people talk about developing essential skills that will help them become a successful writer or illustrator in the traditional publishing industry, goals usually involve the practical aspects of the craft or business, like how to craft a compelling story or how to find an agent. I believe that learning . . .
To those doing NaNoWriMo this year: good luck! I hope you find all the words. Here’s the first episode of NaNoMusical; I have a dancing cameo!
?? Also see Debbie’s Main FAQ index: Frequently Asked Questions This is a question I often get asked, so I thought I’d finally write a post about it. Also do check out this excellent post by Naseem Hrab that includes answers from various Canadian publishers. In all the books I’ve . . .
FREE IN-PERSON EVENT: Meet Nancy Pearl, Karen Henry Clark and Sheryl Murray in person on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, 6:00 pm (PT) at University Book Store in Seattle! More info and RSVP here. Also, retweet this post by Oct. 13, 2023 for a chance to win a copy of the . . .
After decades of being a freelancer, first as a writer (mainly nonfiction) and now as a writer and illustrator, I’ve streamlined some of my business and creative routines. I’m going to start sharing some of these tips in my blog, in case it helps any other creatives out there. In . . .
I’m honoured to have my blog included in the MY PET FEET Virtual Book Tour! I encourage you to visit the other stops along the way so far, including Imagination Soup, Simply 7 on Jena Benton’s blog, Cabin Reads, Librarian’s Quest, Unleashing Readers, Pragmatic Mom and Here Wee Read. Billy . . .
(Shortlink: https://debbieohi.link/ClearTheList) UPDATED June 1st, 2023: I have a new Twitter thread for educators with crowd-funding projects. Teachers spent an average of $750 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies during the 2020-2021, according to a survey by AdoptAClassroom.org. Many teachers started using the hashtag #clearthelist on social media . . .
Adriana Hernández Bergstrom is a Cuban-American artist and children’s literature author-illustrator. She enjoys learning languages and lives in Florida. Abuelita and I Make Flan is her debut picture book, and comes out from Charlesbridge on Aug. 9th! I was lucky enough to see an early version of Adriana’s picture book . . .
Congrats to my writing critique partner and friend, Carmella Van Vleet, whose NOTHING IS LITTLE launched from Holiday House Books this week! This middle grade book has already received many accolades, including being a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. NOTHING IS LITTLE is about 11-year-old Felix, who likes being . . .