iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

1. I like to do a character interview . 2. For YA, I write a fake dating profile. 3. I ask myself who would play it voice them in a movie. 4. What is their bucket list Stiff like that

110

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Heather Stigall @heatherstigall7.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

One of my kidlit groups was on @cindyschrauben.bsky.social's podcast, Author Peptalk, this wk! We chatted about how our kidlit friends help us along our journeys. Below is a clip. If you like podcasts, consider subscribing here: www.youtube.com/@Cindy-Willi... drive.google.com/file/d/1pJjn...

drive.google.com

The Value of Writing Groups - Heather.mp4

021

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Kidlit411 @kidlit411.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

We're pleased to host a giveaway of the picture book HANK'S CHANGE OF HEART by @cindyschrauben.bsky.social, illustrated by @schadefox.bsky.social (The Little Press Publishing) To enter, L + RP and confirm your entry in our Friday weekly update: kidlit411.com/2026/02/the-... (+ more ways to win)

064

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Kidlit411 @kidlit411.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Our weekly big list of kid lit links is up (Feb 6): kidlit411.com/2026/02/the-... Inside: Annual Valentiny contest, How to Promote on Tiktok, MG craft tips, more. Thanks @debbiefong.com for the illustration, @cindyschrauben.bsky.social & Jennifer Butts for the PB giveaways.

kidlit411.com

The Weekly 411 (2/6/26)

A one-stop place for all your kid lit information needs.

096

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Emotion and a spark of curiosity. "Until he was four years old, James Henry Trotter had a happy life." James and the a Giant Peach. Ronald Dahl

020

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 24/12/2025

POLL: Who bought or received bookish gifts this holiday season? (Psst: buying a bookish gift for yourself totally counts)

Four-panel comic of a child sitting by a decorated Christmas tree with wrapped gifts. Panel 1 text: “I love our Christmas tree.” Panel 2 text: “I love the scent, the decorations, the nostalgia.” Panel 3 text: “But most of all…” Panel 4 shows the child smiling with text: “I love all the book-shaped gifts with my name on them!” Art by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

231118

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Hannah Holt @hannahholt.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Have questions about children's publishing? Check out my interview with @cindyschrauben.bsky.social! I had so much fun chatting with her! youtu.be/1Dd_fEyop1Q?...

youtu.be

Critical Statistics from Published Authors. What You Need to Know with Hannah Holt.

YouTube video by AUTHOR PEP TALK PODCAST Cindy Williams Schrauben

041

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

AAAAHH-lex Plante 🐀👑 @aplante.com · 26/11/2025

won't have em for this weekend, but i've been getting a few more people at my table than I'd like lately asking *very pointedly* if i drew everything myself, so i designed a new sticker this afternoon that will hopefully quell some of those concerns. #art

an illustrated sticker design in bright colours

a "no parking anytime" sign, but half the letters have faded away to read "NO AI ANYTIME" and the no parking symbol has been spray painted to with a dripping red circle crossing out black dripping AI letters

132238694

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

I was wondering if that was a new term 🤣 gotta hate autocorrect

200

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

For my PBs, I'm a hard-core pantser which probably makes the process slower, but it's just the way my brain works. I am working on a MG and trying hard to follow Save The Cat.

100

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

I will be interviewing the editor Adam Blackman soon on my YouTube channel Author Pep Talk. What would you like to know? Post your questions below or send me a DM.

000

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Cheryl A. Johnson @cherylajohnson.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Tuesdays in the publishing world are a BIG DEAL! It's the day new books are sent out into the world. Two Critical Friends (aka critique partners) are celebrating their books and each one deserves its own post. #picturebookrecommendation #picturebook @cindyschrauben.bsky.social

131

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Kidlit411 @kidlit411.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Our weekly big list of kid lit links is up (Oct 31): kidlit411.com/2025/10/the-... Inside: Purpose of the Second Act, Free PB webinar, School Visit Primer, more. Thanks @mirandakramos.bsky.social for the illustration, @cindyschrauben.bsky.social & Scholastic for the giveaways.

kidlit411.com

The Weekly 411 (10/31/25)

A one-stop place for all your kid lit information needs.

063

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Mychal Threets @mychal3ts.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

The first two episodes of the revival of Reading Rainbow have nearly 500,000 views each 🤯 Do you know how cool that is for literacy, for book joy?! We are all worthy of reading, we are all readers 💚 And NOW episode three is out! Take a look, it’s in a book 📚🌈🦋 youtu.be/e4VIV48ZB0M?feature=shared

YouTube KidZuko clips of the first two episodes of the revival of Reading Rainbow. Both of the clips have over 400,000 views each

5268222169

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Sylvia Liu @sylvialiu.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Thank you @cindyschrauben.bsky.social - I had a lot of fun chatting with you yesterday about the importance of joining creative communities. youtu.be/aIkU6abeIb4?...

youtu.be

Author Peptalk - Creating For Kids is a Team Sport with Author & Co-Founder of kidlit411, Sylvia Liu

YouTube video by AUTHOR PEP TALK - Cindy Williams Schrauben

121

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Do you want to create books for kids? Join The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators @scbwi.bsky.social Today on Author Pep Talk I chat with @Jodi McKay the Co-Regional Advisory for @scbwi-mi.bsky.social about all things kids books and how this organization can help. Link in comments.

110

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Bookshop.org @bookshop.org · 07/10/2025

Can’t decide what to buy on Prime Day? Try: absolutely nothing, and then go support indie bookstores instead 📚

6377462771

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Agreed! There are so many more aspects to target such as character similarities, tone like humor, or a unique audience. I find Pinterest to be a valuable search location because many teachers and librarians post lists. #kidlitchat

080

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Yes, that one aspect makes it far more difficult. Staying on top of new releases is tough but so important

120

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

#kidlitchat I wish I had a magic tip, but I just want to say... Celebrate the fact that you are querying. The only real failure is not getting to that point.

2190

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

The discussion about seeing mistakes after hitting send makes me laugh because it's so true. I make myself wait a few hours at least and read again before hitting send. Sometimes it helps to spot the errors.

150

Reposted by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author

Heather Stigall @heatherstigall7.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Thanks for having me on the author panel today! I had a great time with @berrietr.bsky.social @cindyschrauben.bsky.social @melissatrempe.bsky.social & Brentom Jackson! If you reg. but missed the live event, a replay is coming soon! #kidlit #authorevent #individuality #SEL @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social

031

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

I am excited to announce that my YT channel Author PepTalk will launch on October 1. My first guest is @shannonisteaching As most of you know, Shannon is a TEDx speaker, certified brain coach, and award-winning children’s book author. Please subscribe. Link in first comment.

000

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

I'm starting a YouTube channel to #inspire #support and #giveback to the #WritingCommunity and help you publish that book. #AuthorPeptalk - weekly #videos on everything #writing, #publishing & #marketing. #interviews #TIPS #chats Share & comment with topic ideas. Link below

110

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Email a photo or screenshot of your receipt to cindy (at) cindyschrauben (dot) com by October 20 to receive the swag pack. Please put PREORDER SWAG in the subject line.

000

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

I'm starting a #youtube channel to #inspire #support and #giveback to the #writingcommunity . Author Peptalk will provide weekly videos on everything #writing #publishing and #marketing for #writers . #Authors #agents and #publishers will share #tips #stories #reviews Please share topic idea below

161

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Yes! What state? Which would you prefer I use?

100

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

It is just a list I make as a back to school reference for teachers and librarians

110

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

If you are a traditionally published author or illustrator from any of these states or a Canadian province and would like to be included in this annual list for #teachers and #librarians send me a message.

210

Cindy Williams Schrauben, Author @cindyschrauben.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

@kidlitchat.bsky.social What a great discussion. Lots to add to my TBR. It's so interesting to see the variety

020