Beautiful part of writing: you don’t have to get it right the first time unlike, say, brain surgery. – R. Cormier
(Quote above & others available as free, print-ready posters for classrooms, libraries, bookstores and elsewhere here)

Welcome to my blog (scroll down to see individual posts), which was originally on a separate site at Inkygirl.com. I also have a separate Inkygirl newsletter on Substack at debbieohi.substack.com.
Also see: Inkygirl interviews – Resources
(Quote above & others available as free, print-ready posters for classrooms, libraries, bookstores and elsewhere here)
Just got back from the SCBWI Summer Conference in LA. My roommate was the amazing illustrator, Eliza Wheeler, and I had a chance to see her just-released picture book, THIS IS OUR BABY, BORN TODAY (Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin). So sweet! And of course, gorgeously illustrated. For ages 3-5. . . .
“Write, write, write… The world is full of people with good ideas. The published authors are the ones who sat down and got them written.” – Jennifer Fallon
I have a new post up on the Kidlitartists.com blog with tips for introverts who are attending the upcoming SCBWI Summer Conference in LA, but the post has useful info for any introvert nervous about networking.
I had a fabulous time at nErDcamp. What a wonderful community! As author Ruth Spiro said, sometimes making a new friend is like meeting an old friend. Like many other authors attending, I am paying my own way. Thank you SO much to Colby and Alaina Sharp and the rest of the Nerdy . . .
“Writing is a solitary endeavor, but trying to get published doesn’t have to be.” – Nancy Parish
The first MITZI TULANE, PRESCHOOL DETECTIVE picture book launches next Tuesday from Random House Children’s! Here’s some insider info from the dedication page: mine is for my mom, who died of cancer when I was in my 20s. We didn’t have a ton of money when we were growing up, and Mom sewed . . .
Reminder: For those of you who are writing and/or illustrating children’s picture books: Feel free to download and use my picture book thumbnail templates during your early brainstorming.