Category: Blog
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Preparing for #pbparty
#PBPARTY is an annual contest run by Mindy Alyse Weiss to help connect unagented writers & author/illustrators with agents & editors. I’m prepping a manuscript and picture book dummy to submit this year, and was a 2024 Illustration Showcase Finalist. It’s a great time with a lot or participants, the ranking parties where users help… Read more
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#BluePit
A new pitch party debuted in Bluesky today. It’s not exclusive to kidlit, but it is nice to see so many creatives participating. Things felt pretty quiet over the holidays, and having a feed full of new creative pitches is welcome. This is the organizer’s announcement and rules: There are a lot of adult sci… Read more
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Bluesky Moderation – Nuclear Block & Mute Lists for Beginners
With X‘s tailspin into an unusable platform—where you are aggressively served content that is unwanted, offensive, and a waste of your time while your own content is suppressed—I have really taken to Bluesky, where I am finding the most welcoming community I’ve encountered online in many years. It is definitely worth committing to build a… Read more
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#PBCHAT Picture Book Club January 2025
I’ve organized a book club for picture books! A chance to meet other writers, illustrators, and creatives and talk about a picture book on Mondays at 9PM EST every two weeks, hosted on Bluesky. Follow the hashtag #PBCHAT We’re having a 1-hour chat using the hashtag #pbchat every 2nd Wednesday of the month! We’ll post… Read more
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#kidlitartpostcard January 2025
On the first Thursday of each month, children’s book illustrators from around the world share illustrations across social media using the hashtag #KidLitArtPostcard. Illustrator Gina Perry is kind enough to organize this event exclusively on Bluesky and Cara. Find out more at Gina Perry’s website. Check out my #kidlitartpostcards Check out all the great art being posted for #kidlitartpostcard day! Read more
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Carol & John’s Holiday Art Show 2024
One of my favorite events each year is the Holiday Art Show at my local comic shop, Carol & John’s. I’ve been contributing to the show for a few years, and my kids are able to donate their art as well! Since 2013, Carol & John’s has organized their Holiday Art Show to help provide… Read more
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#PBCHAT Picture Book Club December 2024
I’m organizing a picturebook book club on Bluesky for anyone who loves picture books! A chance to discuss a book each month and dive into the details. We’re going to start by scheduling a 1-hour chat using the hashtag #pbchat every 2nd Wednesday of the month! We’ll post our book choices ahead of time or… Read more
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#kidlitartpostcard November 2024
On the first Thursday of each month, children’s book illustrators from around the world share illustrations across social media using the hashtag #KidLitArtPostcard. Illustrator Gina Perry is kind enough to organize this event exclusively on Bluesky and Cara. Find out more at Gina Perry’s website. Check out my #kidlitartpostcards Check out all the great art being posted for #kidlitartpostcard day! Read more
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THE PIGEON vs. … A BABY BUNNY?
*Post originally published August 5, 2024 on boringstorybook.com One of the big pushbacks I see from companies, thought leaders, and institutions when it comes to leaving X and trying a new social media platform is “there aren’t enough people” or “they can’t leave all those followers.” But, who’s truly listening when accounts post? A large… Read more
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A List of …Lists (and Feeds & Starter Packs)
The algorithm-free aspect of Bluesky is refreshing, but setting up your account can be a little confusing, so I’ve put together a little explainer with some of the top lists/feeds to follow. When you connect with accounts that share your interests, check their profile for their lists, feeds, and starter pack tabs. Charlene Chua used… Read more