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Markie Lee Hayes

@markieleehayes.bsky.social
217 followers 306 following 124 posts

#KidLit PB writer. Dole Whip lover. Autism advocate. Creator of Around the Forest & The Forest Awards. Rep’d by Janine Le

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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Some news I'm excited to share... I'm now represented by @janinele.bsky.social at JLLA! 🎉 She checked all the boxes for me as an agent, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have her in my corner as we begin this next chapter together. The right agent is worth waiting for.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
It’s already miserable hot in North Carolina. I finally have an excuse to sit in the baby pool.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Having another baby at almost 40 has been the greatest gift for all of us. It’s taught our older (autistic) son patience and now he has a forever best friend!
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Every heartbreak and loss brought us here. I am so incredibly blessed to have my boys!
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
My 14-year-old AU son’s teacher just texted me that he was bouncing too aggressively on an exercise ball and popped it, traumatizing all the surrounding children. Never a dull moment.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
First grade me really said: “Minimal detail. Maximum storytelling.”
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
It’s Autism Awareness Day. This kid is pure joy and has completely shaped the way I see the world. He’s magic, and we could all use a little more of that right now.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
4 months of laughter and love 🩷 This new little guy has really inspired me to dive back into writing, head first!
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
2 months already! 🩵💙
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Feeling so loved and blessed 💕💕
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
I feel so honored to have been chosen as the Good Neighbor of the Year for my town. There are so many times I’ve felt like this world is too heavy for me, and giving back and spreading kindness is the one thing I have control over. ❤️❤️😂
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
I’ve picked up some new skills while prepping for the baby to come! Extra excited about the board & batten and my new nail gun.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
The cutest little turkey is joining us this Thanksgiving!
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
I'm the worst at keeping exciting news to myself. Luckily, nobody reads my 🦋 posts...
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Happy 13th to the boy that has taught us unconditional love and patience. I love seeing the world through your eyes, Lincoln. 💕
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
A little late night wrapping for someone’s birthday tomorrow… @devpetty.bsky.social
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Just old my kiddo I loved him as I put him to bed. His response: “yep”. 🫠 #autism #almost13
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
We’ve been trying to read a different book from our library every night this year. I get so giddy when Lincoln picks a book one of my friends wrote. 💓💓
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
#Caturday mood.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Did you attend your high school reunion? My 20th is this year, and all of the discussions around it have been surprisingly triggering. I didn’t realize how much I hated high school until now.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
2025 IS MY YEAR!! ✨ all the good things ✨
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Being a parent is hard. Being someone’s voice and advocate is hard. Isolation is hard. Sharing your stories is hard. Rejection is hard. But he’s my WHY. I’ll never stop. #autism #kidlit
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
We had a blast at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences yesterday & their Journey to Space exhibition. 🚀 Although, my son remains to be unimpressed by my stories of Space Camp 1996.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Writing has become my therapy this past year. I lost 2 pregnancies & my dear gran. My son was dragged down the hall by both his special ed teacher and 1:1. He’s now an eloper & I’ve been to pick him up off the side of the road twice. I’m looking forward to finding a new agent and starting fresh.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
I just asked my 12-year-old with autism what I do for a job, and he said 'work.' Sometimes, I’m embarrassed by how easily I set myself up.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
I’ve got a few fulls out and a new story in the works. I’m super excited about this next chapter. Manifesting greatness! ✨
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Do you ever just take 47 pictures of your cat?
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
I just finished writing back matter for a story I already loved. Now it’s 👩‍🍳💋
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
I’m always so humbled when I’m invited to be part of something special in our town. Between being a full-time caregiver & working, time is scarce, but writing lets me pour my heart into sharing the love I have for this place. The incredible people here inspire me every day. Shoutout to the B&G Club💓
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Dev never disappoints!
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
While I’m on this journey to find a new agent, an editor (that pulled my story from a slush pile) invited me to personally submit to her because she loved the voice of my characters. 🥳 You don’t need an agent to validate your writing, friends 🩷❤️
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
A form rejection on a full is icky.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
You can’t put a price on Dev’s expertise. And it’s for a good cause.
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Reposted by Markie Lee Hayes
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic @grubreport.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Two more days left to bid on some wonderful kidlit offerings in aid of those affected by the on-going LA wildfires!
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Teresa Robeson @teresarobeson.com · 20/01/2025
Please consider supporting this auction for a good cause: www.32auctions.com/kidlitforlos... I have donated a #PictureBook critique.
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Dev Petty @devpetty.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Hey PB writers! I’m offering a couple picture book critiques with zoom/ask me anything sessions in the #KidLiForLA auction inside money for those impacted by the wildfires. www.32auctions.com/organization...
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Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic @grubreport.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Folks of @kidlitforla.bsky.social are raising money to help out those affected by the LA wildfires. I'm auctioning of an AMA, a PB critique, and a free author visit for Title I schools. www.32auctions.com/organization...
32auctions.com
AMA + PB critique--Author Stephanie V.W.Lucianovic
Auction item 'AMA + PB critique--Author Stephanie V.W.Lucianovic' hosted online at 32auctions.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
For those of you upset over losing TikTok, might I recommend the Merlin Bird ID app to pass the time. 10/10 ⭐️
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Lincoln: “what does hit mean?” Me: “well, it has more than one meaning. Can you use it in a sentence?” Lincoln: “what does hit mean?” Touché. #autism #smarterthanme
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
I’ve been holding onto a manuscript that I love as an option for my previous editor, and now I’m SO excited to send it out into the world for the first time as I’m back in the querying trenches. #kidlit #amquerying #pb
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Do you have a shadow box? It’s one of my favorite things. Mostly items from my grandparents and my childhood. A few new memories, too.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
I met up w/a friend over Christmas. She just lost her 11-year-old daughter (lifelong complications from CMV in utero) We chatted about life as FT caregivers & she said “it’s lonely”. I cried, bc I’ve felt the isolation. If you’re a parent and you feel lonely, please know that you’re not alone. 🙏
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
Drive-in movies in the winter are underrated.
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
What’s your word for 2025? Mine is something I really leaned into this year and want to continue in all aspects: ⭐️ COMMUNITY ⭐️ Community to: ✨ lean on ✨ learn from ✨ thrive with ✨ give back to Share yours 👇
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
I’d snatch this up if I didn’t already own them all!
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Any guesses what came home with me?
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
We usually do a Toys for Tots drive at work. This year, I wanted to see the impact directly in our community. We were able to sponsor 42 (!!!) kids from our local Boys & Girls club. That’s a full outfit, shoes, jacket & wishlist items. Plus stuff for the club. 🥹🥹
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Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic @grubreport.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
In tears over this lovely review of HUMMINGBIRD SEASON this morning. "I want to take a beat to note how this book, and so many others for young readers, does a great job demonstrating exactly what a given passion can do for a young person..." www.news-gazette.com/arts-enterta...
news-gazette.com
Deb Aronson | Hummingbirds provide a ray of hope during a dismal time
When I realized “Hummingbird Season,” a debut novel by Stephanie Lucianovic, is a story set in the time of COVID-19, I set the book aside for minute. I was not
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Having a publisher cancel your book is the absolute worst! Especially when it’s about your son & how he copes w/the world around him. Having to tell him & friends that ask that’s it’s no longer coming out 💔 But I know it will find the right home again. #amquerying #autism
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Markie Lee Hayes @markieleehayes.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
There’s not a lot I have control over in life. Being a FT caregiver, publishing flipping me on my back, & my body fighting me…kindness is something I CAN control. Last week, we filled the community pantry, spent a day at an assisted living home & stocked 5 Free Little Libraries. Kindness is free ❤️
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