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
Five-Bat ? ? ? ? ? review for HARDLY HAUNTED by Jessie Sima is such a spookily (is that a word?) fun story about a house who fervently wants a family to move in, so tries NOT to be haunted until she realizes that it’s better to just be herself. “She . . .
I should have posted this earlier, I know, but I’m still posting about October creative challenges just in case anyone wants to jump in as a creative participant or as a creative cheerleader (ideally BOTH, of course!). Suggestions on how to start participating as a latecomer: Don’t stress about it. . . .
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 . . .
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 . . .
(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. . . .
I met Nadia Salomon through the SCBWI and am also familiar with her online. I love her enthusiasm, positive outlook, and the support she has shown fellow members of the kidlit community over the years! I was excited to get a sneak peek of GOODNIGHT GANESHA, her debut as a picture . . .