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
I’m up to 51,000 words in the first draft of my middle grade! In the home stretch now. If you’re confused about why I’m talking about writing middle grade and not picture books, please see my Perseverance post. Using Linda Sue Park’s #12minutes first-drafting method helped me get going, as . . .
Ah, rejections. It’s part of the business, before and after publication. If you’d like to get straight to the poll results, feel free to browse the original Twitter thread about writer rejections. As someone who has received many rejections over the years, I am well acquainted. In the years I . . .
To those who never have problems writing the first drafts of their novels, you can skip this post. For others like me who sometimes find it a challenge (especially during the past couple of years) getting that first draft down, I highly recommend Linda Sue Park’s 12-minute Pomodoro routine. I . . .
In prepping for a picture book writing workshop I did recently (via Journey For Kidlit), I posted a poll on Twitter to find out how picture book writers, agents and editors felt about pagination in submissions. Results were fascinating. And people are still posting answers, so feel free to bookmark . . .
Looking for reading-focused recommendation sheets and activities? Feel free to check out my free, print-ready archives and especially the section with book review and recommendation sheets. Here are just a few: Bookmark Recommendations: Finding Summer Reading Activities and Programs: Check your local library. Chances are good that you’ll find summer . . .
I’m delighted to partner with Brooke Van Sickle and Journey To Kidlit to offer a picture book writing workshop (online) geared toward beginning picture book writers. Don’t know the difference between a picture book manuscript and a short story? Want to know more about picture book manuscript format? Confused about . . .
For more advice and resources, please visit my main FAQ: Answers To Frequently Asked Questions, especially my top pieces of advice for those who want to write or illustrate books for young people someday. I’ve been asked this many times but have postponed adding something “official” to my main FAQ . . .
Kaz Windness is an author-illustrator who loves to make her readers laugh. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier. Swim, . . .
I recently posted a poll on Twitter, asking how creators cope with the occasional (or not so occasional) twinge of wistfulness or envy when hearing about a colleague’s success. I go through this sometimes as well, especially if I’m already feeling low or have been going through a rough time. . . .
Just finished STEALING HOME by J. Torres and David Naimsato, now available from Kids Can Press; I bought my copy from Mabel’s Fables. LOVED. Geared toward middle grade, this graphic novel focuses on Sandy Saito, a young baseball fan whose family is forced to move away from their home in . . .