iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

It's Comic-Con week! When I'm not wandering one of these places, you can find me in a panel room (so many writing and horror panels!!), cruising the show floor (my shopping list is nuts), or at one of the many off-sites. Come say hi! CON IS ON!!

Jana Tropper's San Diego Comic Con schedule: I'll be at the San Diego Library on Friday, July 24th at 1 PM talking about Visual Literacy for Early Readers. On Saturday, I'll be joining Comics Assemble for a Comics Camaraderie networking session from 4 to 6 PM at Marina D in the Marriott Marquis & Marina followed by Kids Comics Creators on Growing Future Comics Readers back in the convention center in room 26AB at 6:30 PM.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Creators share examples from their work, educators discuss classroom use, and time is reserved for Q&A. I really look forward to seeing you at the Shiley Special Events Suite in the San Diego Central Library on Friday, July 24th at 1 PM! #SDCC #educomix

Visual Literacy for Early Readers

Creators Julio Anta (Speak Up, Santiago!; Sol Goes for the Goal), Stephen Shaskan (author/illustrator, Pizza and Taco), Trisha Speed Shaskan (author, Itty Bitty Witch), and Dora Wang (author/illustrator, Pocket Peaches) and creator-educators Chris Pearce (cartoonist, Big Fat Notebook study guides) and Jana Tropper (Animal Rescue Friends; speech-language pathologist) discuss how they scaffold early visual literacy skills. From overall story construction to artistic choices within a single panel, understanding visual images—including identifying literal and nonliteral meanings, making predictions, and connecting images with background knowledge and other media—is a critical skill for young readers. Creators share examples from their work, educators discuss classroom use, and time is reserved for Q&A.

I really look forward to seeing you at the Shiley Special Events Suite in the San Diego Central Library on Friday, July 24th at 1 PM!

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Will I see you at ALA today at 9:30 AM? Join me, Red, Katie, and Matthew Loux as we talk about the unique things comics have to offer readers - from the reluctant to the proficient and everyone in between. See you at the graphic novel/gaming stage (#1343)! #ala #educomix

Visual Stories, Big Impact: Graphic novels are transforming how kids read, learn, and connect with stories. Join us for an exciting conversation with acclaimed authors and industry experts as we explore why these visual narratives are booming in youth collections. Discover the latest trends, tips for engaging reluctant readers, and strategies to position graphic novels as essential tools for literacy and creativity. Walk away inspired to champion this dynamic format in your library.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

There's also a lot of waffle ironing in Shaun Tan's THE ARRIVAL with a few departures for a double panel (rectangle), a splash page, or a double page spread.

Waffle iron grid style comic page from the graphic novel The Arrival by Shaun Tan

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Join @wendyparrisauthor.bsky.social , @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social, Katherine Riley, Becky Spratford & I as we discuss THE THRILL OF THE CHILL: TURNING FEAR INTO A CATALYST FOR CREATIVITY. Join us @C2E2 on Friday, 3/27 at 3:15 PM in room S402-B & at our signing at Anderson's #163. See you there!

Fear is no mind-killer. In fact, it may be the very thing that can drive you to the next level - at work, creatively, or in personal relationships. Join our panel of educators, librarians, and scientists as they discuss the way they actively master and weaponize fear in their creative and professional lives. This panel will talk about the nature of both harnessing and conquering fear as it is considered in writing, scientific research, and education and recommend titles for all ages.

C2e2 the thrill of the chill: turning fear into a catalyst for creativity. Friday, March 27th at 3:15 PM in room s402-b at the Chicago comic and entertainment expo.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I've been sitting on this announcement for a little while, but I can now officially confirm that Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-Ever has been chosen as the One Book, One Batavia Youth Selection for Batavia Public Library District!

Image showing One Book One Batavia youth selection - Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-Ever. At the top it reads 2026 one book 1 Batavia youth selection Batavia Public Library selected animal rescue friends: friends Fur-Ever as their youth one book one Batavia selection for 2026. I am honored and overjoyed for the opportunity to connect with readers in my own backyard. The image is on a library book checkout card. events include a presentation, read aloud and q&A on Monday, April 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The first 40 elementary students get a signed copy. The other event is Sunday, April 26th. It's a comic book workshop from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. is 3rd to 5th grade from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. is 6:00 to 8th grade. Registration is required at bataviapl.org. all events take place in Batavia Public Library.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

I just finished my very first book nook! I would definitely invest in some fine tweezers for the next one & would take the instruction booklet's advice to do all the gluing first, but I think it turned out lovely. I did take a little artistic license on the book covers and pictures, though. 😁

Owl Bookstore book nook. A small dollhouse size bookstore craft. Owl Bookstore lit up on top with flowers around the top. Large front window and glass door showing a variety of bookshelves. Framed photos in the window as well as an open book, a violin, and a camera.

Close up of framed photos. One with a white woman with brown hair in white wedding dress and Wonder Woman crown smiling and pointing to her husband, a white man with brown hair in a black tux with a red vest open to show the Superman symbol on the shirt beneath. Another picture shows the same white woman with a white little girl with blonde curls holding a stuffed Bluey toy

Inside the book book bookstore, a violin, an open book on a stand, and a camera sit on a front display shelf. Behind it is a bookshelf with three books facing out - animal rescue friends: friends forever, animal Rescue friends: finding home, Seeker society

Owl bookstore Book nook between hardcover books on a shelf lit up

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

In the next month, I will be at *three* boozy bookfairs! These events are all ages with everything from picture books to adult nonfiction, every genre and book type in between. I hope to see you there!

Meet local authors and buy books. Boozy Bookfair. Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora on Saturday October 18th from 12 to 4 PM. Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia on November 9th from 12 to 5 PM. Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove on Sunday, November 16th from 12 to 4 PM.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Join me, Dr. Jason DeHart (@wordsimagesworlds.bsky.social), Dr. Christian Hines (@hinessolo.bsky.social ), Kane Lynch (@kaneicaruslynch.bsky.social), & the legendary Scott McCloud (@scottmccloud.bsky.social) as we discuss graphic texts for social emotional learning. Jason, Kane, & I will sign after.

Express your emanata using graphic text for SEL graphic texts like comics and manga connect students with stories in a way no other medium can. The visual components evoke empathetic responses to characters and conflict while the text supports language development with built-in differentiation for all Learners. Dr. Jason dehart. (English teacher, building critical literacy and empathy with graphic novels), Dr. Christian Hines (assistant professor of reading and literacy at TXST), Kane Lynch (educator cartoonists real life ), Scott McCloud, (author, the cartoonist club, understanding Comics), and Jana tropper( speech language pathologist, graphic novelist seeker society) discuss the use of this powerful medium for understanding, creation and connection with students from preschool through college level.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Calling all #educomix folks attending #SDCC! Come attend this *incredible* panel at the Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians at the San Diego Central Library held alongside San Diego Comic Con! #kidlit #educomix

Title - Express Your Emanata: Using graphic texts for social emotional learning. Photographs of six panelists including Dr. Jason Dehart, Dr. Christian Hines, Kane Lynch, Scott McCloud, and Jana Tropper. The panel takes place on Friday, July 25th at 2:00 p.m. at the San Diego Public Library in the Shiley special events suite. Signings immediately following the panel.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Ripley is back home and on the mend! Her sisters are giving her welcome home sniffs through the bars of her pen, where she (and I) will be for the foreseeable future. 🩷

Small brown dog with a soft cone and shaved back left leg laying on a bed in a pen

Small brown dog laying on a bed in a pen with a larger brown dog and a larger brindle dog sniffing at the dog in the pen

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Ripley is done with her surgery and on the good drugs. The surgeon had to improvise a bit because in addition to her luxated patella, she also had a torn ACL and a torn meniscus. Woof. Luckily, the recovery time and rehab plan is similar, and we look forward to having her home tomorrow. 🩷

A light brown beagle mix dog lays in a metal crate at the vet and looks totally drugged out with her little tongue sticking out. She is covered in a green blanket.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Please send healing vibes toward my dog, Ripley, who is getting knee surgery today. And ulcer-soothing ones for me.

A 35 pound brown and white beagle mix dog sits in the front seat of a car while wearing a purple collar and a red and black harness.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

We pitched it as the first book in the series, and I will always hold out hope for a season 2 to get the green light. Until then, I hope you all enjoy the adventure with the students from Shackleton's School for Seekers. Aut inveniam viam aut faciam, my friends.

Jana Tropper holding a copy of SEEKER SOCIETY, a middle grade graphic novel, next to a window

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

It's also about understanding that the gifts you've been given don't erase the challenges that come with them or those hardships that just happen to the same person.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Today, SEEKER SOCIETY hit stores, & readers can have a copy in their hands. If you or someone in your life who wants to read about shipwrecked superpowered kids trying desperately to survive & solve riddles about the mysterious island they've been stranded on, SEEKER SOCIETY is the book for you.

Comic book splash page - bats rushing out of a cave

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Over the years since that conversation, we pitched, got notes & revised under the guidance of Matthew Cody, the art of Zack Giallongo, & the colors of Whitney Cogar. The story hit Epic, & I watched my students check it out, but it didn't look like it was going to move to print... until last summer.

A panel from SEEKER SOCIETY, a middle grade graphic novel. The character is a headmistress standing in front of students, welcoming them

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

I hopped on board quickly, recognizing the app it would be published on as one I personally used with my students but unsure of the ultimate reach a digital library of books would have on students. This conversation took place in December 2019.

Jana Tropper holds two copies of SEEKER SOCIETY, a middle grade graphic novel, in front of a bookshelf featuring books about Ernest Shackleton

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Welcome to the (print) world, SEEKER SOCIETY! A few years ago, Kyle Higgins and I met for drinks over Christmas, and he asked if I would be interested in co-writing a children's graphic novel.

Jana Tropper is in front of a bookstore shelf with SEEKER SOCIETY, a middle grade graphic novel, on display faced out

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Since I'm not seeing Disney push ads for this anywhere on social media, I'll do it for them. Ironheart premieres June 24th on Disney+ so make sure you tune in! Chicago, you better show up for your hometown show!! #ironheart #chicago

Ironheart poster featuring Riri Williams posing heroically in front of the city of Chicago's skyline

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

One of my jobs in college was working at the Barnes & Noble in downtown Naperville. I spent slow times writing stories on the back of receipt paper and borrowed just about everything with a dust jacket I could get my hands on.

Jana Tropper author signing. Barnes & Noble Naperville. Friday, May 9th. 4-6 PM. Author of Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-Ever and Animal Rescue Friends: Finding Home.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Happy Free Comic Book Day, all! Check out your local comic shop and buy a few while you're out. #FCBD

Three single issue comics (Minecraft, Will Eisner biography, and Superpets) and one trade of Batman Scooby Doo Mysteries Volume 4 fanned out.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

I just finished CHILDREN OF VIRTUE AND VENGEANCE by @tomiadeyemi.bsky.social this morning, and now I'm just supposed to go to work? All day?🤯😡😭

Screenshot of Libby listing for Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi showing it will be ready in approximately two weeks

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

See also: if you don't know what to serve for your wedding dinner. Ten years on, guests still bring it up as the best wedding dinner ever.

A man in a black tuxedo holds a white plate filled with breakfast food: scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, sausage.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

I got to sign a very beat up copy of my first book, ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS: FRIENDS FUR-EVER today. My heart is so full. 🩷🐕📚

A beat up copy of Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-Ever

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

I also got a print from local artist Brianna Boyd who also happened to be there enjoying the festivities! I can't wait to hang it in my classroom. 🩷

An art print of a Black woman in a short sleeve yellow T-shirt on the left side and most of the print showing off beautiful braided hair outlined in oranges, yellows, and browns in front of a purple/yellow background

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

I had a wonderful evening at Yellow Bird Books in Aurora, IL, this past week for their first Galentine's Day celebration. There were art stations for needle felting, paper crafts, and bead art plus hot cocoa, tea, and other sweet snacks.

Four white women sitting at a needle felting craft station smiling at the camera inside a small bookstore above a picture showing BAD DREAMS AT NIGHT, two handmade cards, a braided wire art heart, an I AM BEAUTIFUL round pink pin, two Yellow Bird Books stickers, and an art print of a Black woman with long braids

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Happy (belated) 9th birthday to our first fur baby, Ripley! The fur may be getting whiter, but the snores are just as loud, the food thievery just as quick, and the cuddles just as sweet. Thanks for putting up with all of these dogs we keep bringing into your house.

Three pictures of the same beagle/coonhound mix looking adorable. "Happy birthday" is written in balloons in a digital sticker. One picture of the dog has a digital pink party hat on her head.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

I support all DEIA initiatives except for the increasing number of cats I have to look at while watching the ✨PUPPY✨ BOWL. 🐕‍🦺🐕🐩🐶

A man stands in front of a screen that says FIRST HALF BY THE NUMBERS: 4 tug-o-ware, 3 illegal bathing penalties, 2 dog-collar tackles, 4 puppy power naps.

Oreo cake truffles dipped in white candy melt and decorated with green icing. Little signs on the top say "fly Eagles fly," "no one like us; we don't care," and "Philly Philly Philly" on a white serving tray.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

SEEKER SOCIETY. The book of my heart. And the very first professional comics job I ever got. I was hired to write this with middle school pal and comics superstar Kyle Higgins. After being warned not to get my hopes up for a print release SEEKER SOCIETY got its release date - June 3rd, 2025!!

A beautiful tropical island background with text: "Barnes & Noble preorder sale 25% off all preorders. Middle grade graphic novel series. X-Men meets Lost. Use promo code PREORDER25 for 25% off." Picture of the Seeker Society book cover which is the title SEEKER SOCIETY on a scroll page and characters holding a map in the foreground.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

I've been an SLP for almost 15 years, but I have only just now gotten the Holy Grail* of toys!! *Some SLPs believe the Holy Grail is Cariboo. I'm agnostic on this issue.

A critter clinic, a plastic toy with six doors and a keychain with six matching color-coded keys. A plush dog and a plush cat sit in two of the open doors.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Happy 7th birthday to Newt, our middle child and our sweet baby angel who can do no wrong. You are the first one back inside after potty breaks & the last one on watch each night before bed. You haven't rolled in wild animal poop on Thanksgiving in years, & you almost never have scary medical crap.

A pink background with wrapped gifts. Three balloon shapes frames show a small brown dog being cute laying down and holding toys. Text reads: Happy birthday!

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

I want to make an author/educator/presenter/consultant website this year, & Idk where to begin. I'm so overwhelmed with choices. Does anyone 🩷 the person they hired to build their page? Did anyone make their own w/o coding know-how? I haven't made a website since Homestead days... #WriterSky #kidlit

A photo of a dark gray T-shirt laid flat on top of a blanket. The t-shirt says, in capital white letters, "Sorry, I'm just the writer"

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

The artist is @genevievekote.bsky.social, and the colorist is @smashpansy.bsky.social, and I'm just the writer that tries not to wreck their art with too many words.

A dark gray T-shirt with the words "SORRY, I'M JUST THE WRITER" in capital white letters laid out on a bed

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

Literally never. Not once have I wondered. (I only rate and review on the zon to help authors for their sales algorithm.)

An email screenshot from Amazon with the subject line: Jana, ever wonder if your reviews are getting noticed?

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

I'm excited for the first Comic Book Club meeting of 2025, too, kid, but it's late. Go. To. Bed. (This is sent via @seesawlearning which is the district's official learning and messaging app.)

Screenshot of text message exchange. Timestamp 10:43 PM. Student says, "Hi, Mrs. Tropper. This is [name redacted]. I just wanted to let you know I will be working on [name redacted] on our final project. Thank you."

Timestamp 10:44 PM. Teacher replies: "Sounds great. Tell [name redacted] to message me also. And go to bed. It's late. It's past my bedtime, so it's definitely past yours. 😁 See you tomorrow!"

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

Flights booked for #SDCC! @tootalljosh.bsky.social & I checked San Diego Comic Con off the bucket list (thx to guest passes of a pro friend) in '13. In '23, I *was* the professional. 🩷

A white woman stands and smiles in front of a San Diego Comic Con step and repeat

A white woman smiles and holds a San Diego Comic Con panelist tent card in front of a San Diego Comic Con step and repeat

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

This arrived today with no note or indication of who sent it. Thank you, anonymous friend!

A hand holding a copy of the card game Bards Dispense Profanity in front of a white cabinet filled with tabletop games

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

...and candy menorahs and midday naps and craft time and love.

A white man holds up a menorah made out of Joys bars

A black Great Dane / lab mix stares unamusedly at the camera while balancing a wooden container on his head

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

...and silly dogs and ridiculous gift wrap and lighting candles...

A toddler girl lightning the second candle on a menorah as an adult helps

A man lies in a soft dog bed with a light brown dog, both asleep

A toddler unwraps an eight foot long snake-shaped present

A toddler and her grandma work together to stamp onto a sheet of paper at a table

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

Holidays mean family and Yahtzee and crazy faces and Jaegerbombs at noon...

Two white men in their forties and two white women in their thirties smile as they pose with small glasses before taking a Jaegerbomb

A toddler and a middle aged white woman smile at the camera in front of a Christmas tree

A toddler and a white woman with red glasses make silly faces in front of a Christmas tree

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

I have been an SLP for almost 15 years. I've worked in a self-contained program with autistic kids who use AAC devices for 10 years. How am I *just now* noticing the icon on LAMP for "Thursday" is Thirsty Thursday?! #slpeep #slp #aacforall 🤣🤣🤣

A picture of an augmentative alternative communication device software screen showing the days of the week. The focus is on Thursday, which shows a person clutching their throat and a thought bubble showing a wine glass with a straw, ice, and yellow liquid.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

A Hallmark Christmas movie party with my besties! Complete with snacks (my Oreo balls won't save a small town bakery but they taste great) and bingo. 'Tis the season to be merry! 🩷🎄🤶🏻🎅🏼🦌

A Hallmark Channel movie bingo card in the foreground, a movie in the background with a lit Christmas tree.

A white woman with blonde hair and glasses, a white woman with brown hair, and a white women with brown hair in glasses, all three in Christmas sweaters, all smiling in front of a lit Christmas tree.

Oreo cake balls covered with white, green, and red coating

Appetizers laid out on a low living room table

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

I wrapped an eight foot long plush snake for my niece for Christmas, and it turned out so much funnier than I ever could have imagined.

Eight foot plush snake wrapped in wrapping paper featuring dinosaurs wearing winter weather clothing

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

Then I celebrated Small Business Saturday/Sunday with a spooky ornament from Blue Imber, books for my niece from Yellow Bird Books, earrings from Repurposed Julery, and handmade glasses toppers sleeves. Plus I dropped a cool $140 at Soap Distillery (that's WITH 25% off, good through December 6th). 😁

A green round ornament with a skull wearing a Santa hat and crossbones, two small dangle green earrings, two hard back books (Brains by John Devolle and A Stick is an Excellent Thing by Marilyn Singer and LeUyen Pham), and three rectangular fabric sleeves for eyeglasses.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

The best way to spend a weekend? Start with a quick stop at my local indie bookseller - Yellow Bird Books Aurora - to sign a few books.

A white woman wearing green frame glasses and a green hoodie under a black puffer jacket smiles and points to a copy of Animal Rescue Friends: Finding Home up on a bookstore shelf.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

Sometimes you just gotta use Beyonce lyrics to teach part of speech to make it through the day.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

I know I need to take advantage of this early momentum of the excitement on this new(ish) platform so I get into algorithms as a middle grade graphic novel #kidlit author / SLP who would love to write more and create educational materials and visit schools, but I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE WICKED TONIGHT

In a small office in front of a cabinet and White board, a white woman with pink glasses smiling and holding up her left wrist to show off headed Wicked-themed friendship bracelets. Wearing a pink sweater with BLONDE embroidered in dark pink in the center of the chest.

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Jana Writes Comix @janawritescomix.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

Please reach out to my username on Gmail or direct message me here! Literacy night presentations and workshops, PDs, virtual appearances - I love it all! 🩷📚 Reading comics is reading! #kidlit #mglit #graphicnovels #educomix #amwriting #publiced

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