iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Omg... these are so. good. They are colored pencils (which is why I haven't used them yet. I have a good set of Derwent that I use for my art). The pencil on paper is smooth, but it's the wrapping that smells. It's infused with oils? So far, the first 4 (from Left) are amazing! #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

#kidlitchat (& other #kidlit outlets) can be very inspiring. After last Tues, I checked my SCBWI member page, watched some "free" videos, took lots of notes, read some of Melissa Meyer's new book, then re-wrote a chapter that's been giving me grief. It's a process. It's all part of the process.

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

I love taking a short car ride through the country--just long enough to give me time to percolate an idea or work through a problem, then sit at my fave coffee spot and let the ambient noises do their thing. *My brain works best on mildly distracted. #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Thanks again, #kidlitchat authors/illustrators/creatives! Always enjoy my week better after our Tuesday chats! Looking forward to seeing what new topics/questions @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social start us out with next week!

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

I love spring! Time to dusk off (literally everything!) so why not think about what's working/what's not and look at our WIP/MS in new perspectives? #novelsinverse #newPOVs #switchingformats etc? #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

I had a rotten M-W, but regardless, I showed up to my SCBWI network meeting. Let me tell you, friends-- show up! Writers support writers, and (like always) I walked away from our meeting feeling excited, energized & filled w/renewed hope. The industry may ebb & sway, but stories remain. #keepwriting

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 23/10/2024

Browsing #kidlitchat posts helps me discover #kidlit people interested in interacting/engaging rather than just broadcasting. Also fun to see what events people are excited about, like #skypitch tomorrow (see @skypitch.bsky.social) & mthly #KidLitArt chat this Thu (see @kidlitart.bsky.social).

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

As a network rep for SCBWI-IL, one of my jobs is to share "news" + links w/fellow Illinois writers. Often, I have pointed to topics, trends and issues we've discussed. Having the thread histories to look back on is a huge plus in my book! (But I do miss the transcripts of yester-years.) #kidlitchat

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Greg Pincus @gregpincus.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

One hour til #kidlitchat (9 pm Eastern/6 pm Pacific)! Do you know where your typing fingers are? Get ‘em ready, I say, and join us in the chat!

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 09/10/2024

I'm surprised how early it's dark already. I typically wind down w/the sun and have been finding myself reading in bed again. While it IS cozy & comfy, a true "cozy" read must have those special elements that really hook me as a reader, making me feel immersed in the world &/or words. #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 09/10/2024

For me, a cozy read is definitely not one of those light, romantic books with all the "warm, happy feelings". I've always disliked that term for that genre. Cozy-reading- for me means wrapped up in a blanket, with a cup of coffee, and a book I don't want to put down! #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 18/09/2024

It would be a mistake not to mention all the female MCs that I admire: Laura (Ingalls)--for her darn goodness, Mary Lennox, Alice of WW and Anne of GG--inquisitiveness, Nancy Drew--tenacity/intelligence, Matilda--spirit, and Karana (Island of the Blue Dolphins)--strength and endurance. #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 18/09/2024

Honestly, for me it's usually the animal characters that stay with me longest. Winn Dixie, Charlotte, Pax, Despereaux...I'm a huge fan of Martin and the other "good" animals from the Redwall series. I (esp.) like rodent characters. I guess I love seeing the world from that perspective. #kidlitchat

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 11/09/2024

Artists! Looking for a fun October challenge? Use the hashtag #scbwiArtober2024 when you post your prompt-inspired art! I've modified the prompt graphic 😜 to include Bluesky (I checked with SCBWI to make sure it's ok). www.scbwi.org/posts/scbwi-... #SCBWI #KidLit #KidLitArt

A promotional graphic for SCBWI Artober 2024, featuring the hashtag "#scbwiArtober2024" and a list of 31 daily art prompts for the month of October. The prompts include words such as "Whispers," "Mirror," "Hay Ride," "Plaids," "Fog," "Cocoa," "Clock," "Umbrella," and "Sunset." The background is a deep burgundy, decorated with autumn leaves in the top left and bottom right corners. Participants are encouraged to share their creations on Twitter (X), Instagram, and BlueSky using the hashtag.

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 07/08/2024

I know I've been MIA but I had a "grand" time w/family in July! AND I have been revising/writing & drawing/creating-Daily! Trying to keep to those goals I set earlier this summer. It's so satisfying to reach goals w/small steps. This is a recent illo I created w/the prompt #gymnastics #SimoneBiles

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Beth Anderson @bandersonwriter.bsky.social · 07/08/2024

Here's a classroom project to connect math, science, and literature: A Curiosity Cabinet! Springboard off of THOMAS JEFFERSON'S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE to create your own mini-museum. ❤️📚🔍 @steamteambooks.bsky.social #Edusky #Skybrarian #K-12Educators&Librarians www.patriciamnewman.com/litlinks-sho...

patriciamnewman.com

LitLinks: Show students how to create a cabinet of curiosities - Patricia Newman

In this activity, students create their own “cabinet of curiosities.” You can easily integrate science, math/measuring, and language arts.

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Hey Crystal Smith Illustrates @crystalsmithart.bsky.social · 04/08/2024

When I first started illustrating books I wondered if the 'page turn' was really important (spoiler: it is!) & how to get the viewer to see the image the way I wanted them to. ⭐️ Wrote a little article: How To Direct the Viewers Eye in Children’s Books Art: tinyurl.com/22y9khm7 #kidlit #kidlitart

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 24/07/2024

My book club showed me Storygraph to keep track of my reading trends etc. I feel like I could completely ditch Goodreads (if I didn't have all my classroom library already logged there I would!) #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 24/07/2024

I'm in a local book club with women much younger than me. It's loads of fun and way out of my normal reads! Finishing "Bunny" for that now but also reading my way through my state's (IL) MG list for this upcoming year. Finished "Starfish" last week. #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 17/07/2024

I did a search to see when I my first #kidlitchat post/participation began and it was January 2017. It's so incredible that the chat is 15 years old! (And crazy to think that it's been 7+ years that I've been along as well! Where does the time go?)

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 26/06/2024

POLL for K-12 Educators: What is on your wishlist for Bluesky? What would encourage you to spend more time here? Also, what kind of posts do you enjoy seeing from #kidlit & #MGlit book creators here? FYI: EduLib feed #CommunityPolls #KidLit #Edusky #Skybrarian #SchoolLibrarians 🧵👇🏼

The image has a bright green background with the word "EduLib" in large black letters at the center. On either side of the text are white butterfly silhouettes. Below "EduLib," there are several hashtags related to education and libraries, including #EduSky, #EduLib, #Skybrarian, #TeacherSky, #SchoolLibrarian, #TeacherLibrarian, and related hashtags. The image also features two QR codes, one labeled "Feed" and the other labeled "Info." At the bottom, there is a URL: https://debbieohi.link/edulib-feed.

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Brian Kirby @boringstorybook.com · 10/07/2024

Reminder to check the #kidlitchat Starter Pack to follow people! go.bsky.app/2NHcZCX

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Bonnie Adamson @bonnieadamson.com · 16/07/2024

I'm wearing this silly hat for a reason. #kidlitchat turns 15 this month!! Fifteen!! We survived Twitter/X long enough to find a new home here where the skies are blue. Join us to celebrate and reminisce about the good ol' days, tonight (July 16, 9 pm EDT). See you there!

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 16/07/2024

I work w/ #kidlitart more often lately but, similar to saying "author" when not published yet, I struggle when asked if I illustrate. There are things I'd change, but what I DO like motivates me to keep trying. This is for #scbwidrawthis July #backpack #illustrating #scbwiillustrators #scbwi

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 14/07/2024

To #KidLit ILLUSTRATORS seeking representation: Reply with one (1) post that includes 1 image (I advise your name be in image somewhere) + link to your portfolio and/or Instagram URL. Makes sure it's easy to find your contact info, if agents are interested! cont'd 👇🏼

Kidlit Illustrators seeking representation: Reply with one comment that includes one image. Make sure your image includes identifying info in case it is shared. In your comment text, including link to your portfolio and/or Instagram URL. If you can fit it in the one comment: include info about what kind of kidlit illustration work you are seeking. Please ONLY post in thread if you are the illustrator seeking rep.

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 16/06/2024

Day15 Clubs and Schools for #illustratepride w/ @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social Took my youngest to the Int'l Airport today & should've taken a larger notebook! I could spend the whole day people watching. These 3 are inspired by some kiddos I saw there today. #kidlitart

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 15/06/2024

Oops! I forgot a step: 6/12, 6/13, 6/14 I managed to get 500+wds each day! Accountability & supporting one another is the way to go! #junewritingchallenge w/@kristyacevedo.bsky.social (And since working on our goals has been on our minds lately, I even wrote about it! tinyurl.com/4vj4njs3 )

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Neil Gaiman @neilhimself.neilgaiman.com · 14/06/2024

Dead is the only age that's too late to start being an author.

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Michelle Jing Chan (she/her) 🌈 @michellejingchan.bsky.social · 14/06/2024

✨ COVER REVEAL ✨ . For MY LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK ABOUT PRIDE written by @kylelukoffwrites and illustrated by me!🌈 This June marks 3 years since I came out, & I’m still pinching myself that I get to work on this w someone as talented as Kyle💜 . Preorders: michellejingchan.com/pride

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 14/06/2024

It's Day 14 already! The prompt is #chalkart w/ @adriakarlsson.bsky.social & @anneappert.bsky.social I haven't made many "quiet" images for the #illustratepride challenge but I see this person, tucked back into their own corner, away from the #prideparade crowd but totally content to be themselves.

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Annalee Newitz @annaleen.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

Calling all aspiring climate fiction writers! Polish those stories and submit them to Imagine 2200! The deadline is fast approaching – submissions close on 6/24. I'm one of the judges, along with Omar El Akkad. Winners get cash prizes and publication! Details here: grist.org/climate-fict...

grist.org

Imagine 2200: Write the future

Everything you need to know about the 2024/2025 Imagine 2200 climate fiction short story contest, celebrating the futures we want to see.

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

Taking action after a fab #kidlitchat Trying to focus & make #kidlitprogress! @debbieohi.com suggested 3Things. I combined it w/using dry erase lists. I thrifted this frame (w/dry-erase false front) knowing I'd find a purpose to use it! (The page underneath stays put.) What would your page include?

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

Day12: A child supporting their parent. I have a few more ideas to try (on my list!) that show #acceptance in other ways too.❤️🏳️‍🌈❤️ #diversity I feel that I "overworked" this one but alas, it's a challenge. #kidlitart #prideparade #illustratepride w/@anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social

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Durrell @durrell.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

What’s the most boomer complaint you have?

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

I think this wins for my favorite idea of the night! #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

I've been staring at a blank wall behind my laptop while in webinars lately and the empty space is getting to me. I decided to put up message-center boards to keep me focused. I like @debbieohi.com 3 things idea-it will be the first paper I tack up! I'm hoping my husband doesn't invade. #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

I am a true observer of human nature. If I need a break & things aren't turning out the way I need them too, timewise, project-wise or otherwise, I go where I can people-watch. Busy orchards, shopping centers, parks, etc. I prefer to be outdoors, but you never know when you need a break! #kidlitchat

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

It's almost #kidlitchat time... if you're early, (or late or follow the feed much later) take a look at this workshop @vbartles.bsky.social is offering next month!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 11/06/2024

Reminder: #kidlitchat is happening tonight/Tue at 9 ET / 6 pm! Keep an eye on the @kidlitchat.bsky.social acct for the Topic, or co-hosts @bonnieadamson.com & @gregpincus.bsky.social. Banner art by @boringstorybook.com! To participate, follow #kidlitchat posts, post with #kidlitchat to be seen.

Screenshot of the kidlitchat Bluesky account. Text lets people know that the chat happens every Tuesday night at 9 pm ET (6 pm PT), co-hosted by Bonnie Adamson and Greg Pincus, banner art artist Brian Kirby.

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Greg Pincus @gregpincus.bsky.social · 12/06/2024

#kidlitchat is a comin'! Top of the hour (9 PM Eastern/6PM Pacific) right here on Bluesky. We hope you'll join us as we build the #kidlit community here....

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 11/06/2024

I'm caught up now! Today's prompt was "costume" so I chose the "bee"-as in BEE PROUD/BEE YOURSELF! 🐝🌈 I also backtracked to Day8 & included "pets." This is going to be such a GRAND parade! #illustratepride w/ @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social #prideparade #kidlitart #illustrateart

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 11/06/2024

I drew this one ahead of time, knowing I would be busy during the weekend. Days 9+10 #flags #tutus for #prideparade #illustratepride w/ @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social Hoping to get in day 8 tomorrow (saw some amazing #pridepups this weekend)! #kidlitart #illustrationchallenge

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 07/06/2024

Today is Day7 of the #illustratepride challenge with @anneappert.bsky.social & @adriakarlsson.bsky.social I messed up & lost some of the clarity w/this one-oops. The prompt is #magic I based it on a talented friend, who has a heart of gold for the people he meets and the communities he works with.

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Veronica Bartles @vbartles.com · 07/06/2024

I opened registration for my Preparing Your Perfect Presentation virtual workshop! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 25 from 8-9:30pm EDT and then go sign up! I'm excited to do this! #KidLitChat (I have other courses in the series, if y'all are interested!) www.eventbrite.com/e/prepare-yo...

Green and purple background, with a white circle in the center to highlight event information. At the top of the circle is the title: Prepare your Perfect Presentation over a whiteboard with line drawings of children that says My story matters...and yours does too! An illustrated version of author Veronica Bartles, wearing a purple shirt, green skirt, and green mask holds her arms out to highlight the date and time of the event: Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 8-9:30pm EDT

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 06/06/2024

Another tip of the hat to @kristyacevedo.bsky.social and the #junewritingchallenge #Day6 Thanks to this gentle nudge, I managed an easy 600+ words this afternoon on a PB idea that stewed overnight. That's a nice lil' ol' draft that I can work with. #kidlitprogress #pbWIP #amwriting #kidlit

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 06/06/2024

Day 6 of #illustratepride is all about dancing & the hair! (I had to add stars bc she resembles a drawing I did of the goddess, Nut, years ago.) Look over these great prompts for the #prideparade #illustrationchallenge w/ @adriakarlsson.bsky.social and @anneappert.bsky.social and join in the fun!

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Juli Caveny @julicaveny.bsky.social · 06/06/2024

Oh, #kidlitart you are making my #educator #writer #illustrator #booklover heart happy today! Kudos to @ginaperry.bsky.social for getting #kidlitartpostcard rolling here. I'm going to do my best to fangirl ya'll so my #bluesky feed will always be filled your amazing art & talent!

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Debra Kempf Shumaker @debrakshumaker.bsky.social · 06/06/2024

I'm blogging for SCBWI every Thursday this month. For my first post, I explain five reasons why aspiring picture book authors should type up picture books they love. Check it out: scbwi.blogspot.com #kidlit #picturebooks #writing

scbwi.blogspot.com

The Official SCBWI Blog

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