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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler

@jenfw.bsky.social
556 followers 1.1K following 206 posts

Children's Author / Puzzle Specialist Author of 30+ #kidlit books, including fiction, text books, NF puzzle books, and comic books. The Puzzler's Guides to Alaska, Oregon, and California: one part puzzle book + one part natural history guide.

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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Come play! Alaska Book Week scavenger hunt/puzzle contest. Randomly drawn winners will receive prizes. I'll send The Puzzler's Guide to Alaska to someone--maybe you?! Find the pieces, solve the puzzle, submit your answer. Visit AlaskaBookWeek.org for instructions.
In the center, my hands extend from four layers of shirts in bright right red, purple, pink, and a multi-colored pile jacket. I'm holding a long skinny gray rock in my left hand and a round gray rock in my right, stacked to look like an exclamation point. The background is a pointy gray mountain with dark green and brown vegetation at lower elevation and Aialik Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. Inset is a screenshot of puzzle instructions from the Alaska Book Week website and the Alaska Book Week logo. There's a pink stripe down the right side because the exclamation photo didn't extend as far as I wanted! I would love for you to come play my game, solve the puzzle, and submit an answer. Winners will be randomly chosen from entries.
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Yeah. That's nice! #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
What are some things you create that aren't kidlit? How is it like the kidlit creative process? I'm creating a garden. I guess maybe watching the garden grow is similar to watching a story take shape. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
I remember explaining the importance of a little white stitch in the eye of an embroidered animal. You're right: it gave the animal life!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Count me in!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Oh, yes, rhyming is great fun! I'm not so comfortable editing other people's rhymes, though. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Isn't it interesting how the creative process is so much the same for all of us? We all have the same moments no matter how many different ways we arrive at them. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Oooo. Yes. Good one! #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Agreed. I love a good flow. They never fail to surprise me. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Oh. Yeah. I wasn't even thinking about this part. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
My favorite part is the blank page. So much possibility! The hardest part is working through a zillion revisions--especially when reconciling contrasting opinions. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Aside from the moving thread, look at this gorgeous journal. I love journaling while I travel. Sigh. My journals look nothing like this. And while they never will, I'll bet I can do a bit better than I usually do, and this makes me want to try. Thanks, Mirka! #kidlit
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Cheers to authors in DC representing us all! #kidlit #thankyou! #AABB #readfreelyreadwidely P. S. I want rainbow lipstick, please.
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Am I connected to any programmers, coders, or app-developers here? If I am, would you be willing to email or chat with me about interactive puzzles? Thanks!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Sure, #KidsLoveNonfiction. So do I! Michelle, this looks great! Cheers to you!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Sure, #KidsLoveNonfiction. So do I! Michelle, this looks great! Cheers to you!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Think about it: 500 words is the length of a pb manuscript. If you write pbs, this might be fun for you. I LOVE IT! And I got an "honorable mention" last year, despite drawing a genre that is well out of my bailiwick. Fast, fun 500-word fiction! #kidlit #ornot #NYCMidnight nycmidnight.com/500
nycmidnight.com
500-word Fiction Challenge — nycmidnight
The 500-word Fiction Challenge is an international creative writing competition that challenges participants to create short stories based on genre, action, and object assignments in 48 hours.
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Oh, wow! That's wildly interesting! And adorable. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Okay, everyone: What's your favorite wildlife encounter ever? Where? What animal? What happened? Did you write about it? I want to know! #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
What a super-fun family activity and Insta theme! I'll go find you there. Hmmm. Maybe you should cross-post to here??? #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
These are outstanding! #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
I AGREE! It IS all related! And putting a book together is definitely like baking--there's always magic or a curse in the oven.
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
I think it was Katherine Patterson who said something like "the things that take me away from writing [kids] are the things that give me something to write about." That stuck with me. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Travel, wildlife watching, gardening, crafting. My mind ventures into neat places when I'm doing these things. #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
If I were anywhere near any of these places, I'd be there. Psst, Grace, when you come to Alaska, may I please be the "in conversation with" person? #kidlit #goseeGrace #sayhitoLisaforme
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Yep! Thanks @doucette515.bsky.social!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Today's the last day to submit a 150-word #SpringFlingKidlit story. You have until 11:59 PM CST. Do it and you could win one of these generous and fun prizes: sites.google.com/view/springf... I'm posting my story now! #Entered @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social @ciaralovesbooks.bsky.social
sites.google.com
Spring Fling Writing Contest - Prizes
Prizes 2025
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Last night, I participated in my first-ever live social media event: #kidlitchat! I want to give a hearty shout-out to @gregpincus.bsky.social whose tips, encouragement, and forbearance made me feel welcome. Thank you, Greg! I learned heaps and had some fun. Cheers to rhymers and first-timers!
A tiny bluish butterfly or moth (not sure which) sitting on the corner of my notebook as I write by hand in the Alaska Bush. This little butterfly spent a looooong time with me, sitting on my hand as I wrote, on my pen, on my notebook, on my hat, and on my ratty sneakers. I wrote down everything we discussed. Cheers, y'all!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
YES! Writing a pb is like writing a poem. I agree--and I like that.
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Hmmm. I'm going to have to think on this one. Thanks, Alexandra!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks, Brooke!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Oh, that's good. I think I can relate to this. Thanks, Veronica!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
I like this idea! Let's keep it going. Nothing like rules to keep a convo flowing!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Okay. What determines whether a book needs to be written in rhyme? #kidlitchat
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Is this how I get the box I'm responding to? Thank you, Greg. You get bonus points tonight for assisting me.
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Testing, 1-2-3. What happens if I post on my own and add #kidlitchat Poetry peeps, what's the difference between "verse" and "poetry," especially in terms of rhyming pbs. Go!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Harold and Highlights: Two enthusiastic thumbs up! #kidlit
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Harold and Highlights: Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
I can't speak to the general population, but I can say that the dogs I care for (dog sitter here) always win!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Love this #kidlit! I've always loved illustrations and 3-D art or physical spaces combined in photography. And then this story is timely and broadly inclusive. This is something special. Click on over and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this book. jenabenton.com/2025/02/18/s...
jenabenton.com
Simply 7 with Alice Brière-Haquet & Michela Eccli & Giveaway: THREAD BY THREAD
Originally published in France, today’s picture book is amazingly creative in its approach to storytelling with knitting!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Speaking of #kidlit blog interviews. What are your favorite kidlit blogs? Give me links, please. One I read a lot is jenabenton.com/category/sim...
jenabenton.com
Simply 7 interview – Jena Benton
Posts about Simply 7 interview written by jenabenton
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
I wanted to think this story was based on a real-life event. It turns out it was! Hooray for #kidlit blog interviews!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Good diet, exercise, and READING! Yep, that's the plan I'm working from. Thanks, @donalynbooks.bsky.social!
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
What is a word that you consistently type incorrectly? One of mine is "teh" instead of "the." Anyone else do that? #amwriting #kidlit #typos
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Writer and illustrators: How long do you typically sit and work at one time--if you sit while you work? Do you make an effort to get up and move from time to time? #kidlit #BIC #stayinghealthy
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
This is one of my favorite things to do as a writer and puzzler. When I wrote an embroidery newsletter, the opening letter-from-the-editor was always about whatever was going on at the moment, and then I'd tie it to embroidery. It ALWAYS worked. Everything's connected! #Kidlit #amwriting
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Oh, wow! I'm so excited to discover this, and I look forward to seeing the film and interview. Thank you, @technolibrary.bsky.social and librarians everywhere. And you, too, Sarah Jessica. #LibrariansRule #ItsOnMyList #ILoveLibraries #KidLit
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
I'm not writer who has trouble coming up with ideas. I have too many. (It's a problem!) But I enjoy Storystorm, and I do what the posts suggest. Today's post launched me way over the finish line. If you're behind on ideas, check this one out: taralazar.com/2025/01/25/s... @lisariddiough.bsky.social
taralazar.com
Storystorm 2025 Day 25: Lisa Frenkel Riddiough Proves You Are The Idea
by Lisa Frenkel Riddiough Greetings, StoryStormers!! I must confess right off the bat that I am not one who struggles to find ideas. I have gazillions! Sometimes I have so many ideas that I become…
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Great article from Melissa Stewart @mstewartscience.bsky.social about narrative and expository nonfiction. All puzzle books are nonfiction according to Dewey, but I would call my Puzzler's Guides expository nonfiction. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Thanks! #PuzzlersGuides #kidlit #nf
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JenFW #kidlit writer, puzzler @jenfw.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Ages ago, I heard Donalyn speak at a literacy conference in Columbus, OH. I was inspired then by her enthusiasm and experience encouraging young readers. I'm looking forward to her new reading reflection project. For #FollowFriday, I highly recommend @donalynbooks.bsky.social. #kidlit
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