iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

It’s that time of year. Sci Fi, Fantasy, spec fic writing friends. I went to this free conference last year, enjoyed the seminars & made a new connection. Check it out. 🙌 worldshift2026.manyworldswriting.com

worldshift2026.manyworldswriting.com

Worldshift 2026: The Speculative Fiction Writers' Conference

Speculative Fiction Writers' Summit

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Summer photos are GREAT but sometimes we don’t take the time to LOOK BACK. This month’s newsletter has writing and art prompts to help you remember WHAT HAPPENED in a creative way! Also find out about my connection with President Obama…. 🔗 bit.ly/4hDNSmF

Illustration of a polaroid photo with a giraffe and camera on a background with a substack post title card: Creativity & The Photo Finish

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Reposted by Melissa H. Mwai

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 26/06/2026

For those who do care about what's happening in the world, but who sometimes need an #Uplift: bsky.app/profile/debb... Hand-curated by yours truly. Criteria unapologetically subjective, but esp: word nerds • acts of kindness • quirky • obscure interest deep-dives • alt-text

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thrilled & blessed to be part of the team of dedicated educators who made this book possible. Can’t wait to see it on the shelves this December! #kidlit #childrensbooks #nonfiction #research

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

#BookReveal Thrilled to share the National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History & Culture cover (coming 12.29.26). We made it happen. youtu.be/fGGTZxrQohs?... #kidlit #nonfiction #researchgeek

youtu.be

New Book Cover Reveal (Dec 29 2026 Release)

YouTube video by Melissa H. Mwai

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

#KidLitChat, sharing this event if you’re working on a query letter. As a bonus, wining a critique from Karen Boss rocks. Her story sense is SO helpful! Check out the Writers’ Loft (@writersloftma.bsky.social) cozy KidLit community. Virtual members welcome. #PictureBooks #Querying

Bulleted list to join the Writers Loft Picture Book Query Letter Fest.

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

May resources for my #kidlit friends coming in hot! Lots of events & classes happening this month. #kidlitchat melissamwaiscreativelife.substack.com/p/7-kidlit-r...

open.substack.com

7 KidLit Resources to Keep Your Creative Momentum Going

Resource Roundup for Writers, Artists, & Neurodivergent Thinkers

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Really helpful tips from @vbartles.com! Also shoutout to DMV book creators. #kidlit #kidlitchat

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

5+ tips for writers, artists, & neurodivergent thinkers. Check out the packed post plus a giveaway for #adhdwriters. melissamwaiscreativelife.substack.com/p/5-tips-to-... #kidlitchat #kidlit #kidlitart

melissamwaiscreativelife.substack.com

5+ Tips to Springboard Your Creativity

Resource Roundup for Writers, Artists, & Neurodivergent Thinkers

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Christiana Doucette @doucette515.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

#KidLitChat It's #PoetryMonth, and so I am compelled to share my master list of verse novels with the chat. Because we should absolutely be celebrating poetry this month. And there's some AWESOME stories!

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

This is why writing about history is so cool. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, we help our readers travel through time! #kidlitchat

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

What SURPRISE did I learn from my first book fair? COURAGE wasn’t something I expected I’d need for my supply list. open.substack.com/pub/melissam... #kidlit #bookfair #marketing

open.substack.com

Creativity Takes Courage

March Newsletter 2026

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Writers, do you feel like it’s taking FOREVER to publish? Mel Rosenberg, took 10 YEARS to publish Emily Saw a Door! We talk about the value editors, illustrators, & community bring to a LONG writing journey. melissamwaiscreativelife.substack.com/p/tbr-talk-e... #writing #picturebooks #kidlitchat

open.substack.com

TBR Talk Emily Saw a Door with Mel Rosenberg

Listen now (38 mins) | Special Edition March 2026

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Got 10 minutes? The KDZ crew chats all things writing graphic novels on the KidLit Deconstruction Zone Podcast in our newest YouTube episode: bit.ly/4leRjQA. #kidlit #writingchildrensbooks

KidLit Deconstruction Zone Podcast episode title card: Demystifying Graphic Novels for Writers with illustrated graphic novel panel and book character wearing a construction hat.

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Sharing February's newsletter with writing/art prompts to show love and care. Also, there's author news about my children's poetry anthology, the KDZ Podcast episode on love, and celebrating my birthday, plus one year of monthly creative projects. Huzzah! 💜 bit.ly/3OHQm7c

Title card of the illustrated word love with a read heart

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

In this month’s resource roundup for #writers, #artists, & #neurodivergent people, I’m inspired by love…and hope you are too. 🔗 substack link: bit.ly/46AuFvU

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Hi writing friends. The KidLit Deconstruction Zone Podcast is back with our first episode of season 2. In this episode, we chat about writing love in KidLit + information about a critique giveway mentioned at the end. ➡️ youtu.be/9Ybpd65FEng?... #kidlit #writing #childrensbooks

youtu.be

Writing Love Kids Understand: 4 Tools for Children's Authors

YouTube video by The KidLit Deconstruction Zone Podcast

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Reposted by Melissa H. Mwai

kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

TOPIC: Yesterday was Groundhog Day in the US. Taking a cue from the movie, let's talk do-overs--aka REVISIONS. How many revisions do you typically go through on a story or art? And do you sometimes keep revising to avoid . . . finishing? (Extra points for honesty.) #kidlitchat

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Given the circumstances of the U.S. right now for immigrants & people of color, I’ve been feeling heartbroken. Heartbroken isn’t the same as helpless. My newsletter this month challenges us to use our creative platform to advocate for others. melissamwaiscreativelife.substack.com/p/creativity...

melissamwaiscreativelife.substack.com

Creativity When Things Are Not Okay

January 2026 Newsletter

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Liam is not my son or daughter but could be. I can’t imagine how scared Liam or any of the hundreds of kids detained all over the United States. I’m sharing this because Liam is 5 years old.

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Veronica Bartles @vbartles.com · 14/01/2026

Yes! That's my favorite thing about picture books. When paired with great illustrations, a simple, unremarkable first line becomes brilliant. #KidLitChat

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Reposted by Melissa H. Mwai

kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

TOPIC: While we're still thinking about fresh beginnings, what are some of your all-time favorite first lines in children's books? ("Where's Papa going with that ax?" is already taken!) And what do you think makes a first line really grab the reader? #kidlitchat

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Veronica Bartles @vbartles.com · 31/12/2025

Yes! The journey is often the most delicious part of the adventure! I love all of the things I get to discover on my way to the ending. Both in baking and in story! #KidLitChat

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Brian Kirby @boringstorybook.com · 31/12/2025

I have to brainstorm a lot about an ending, because I usually have a solid concept that leads to a punchline, but need to tie things together to be MEANINGFUL. #kidlitchat

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Scott Rhoades Writes Daily @scottwrites.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

I usually write a very brief story summary with main plot points as a first step, so I have at least a general idea of an end. #kidlitchat

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Reposted by Melissa H. Mwai

kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

TOPIC: Let's talk endings here at 2025's end. Do you know how you're going to end your story when you start? Do you know the ending first? Do you have tricks/tips for making your story's ending as satisfying as possible? #kidlitchat

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

What creative things are you cooking this new year? In my December newsletter, I chat about cooking, arroz con gandules, gingerbread cookies, and creativity. Check out my food inspired art and writing prompts: bit.ly/3L5KlzN #writing #art #kidlit #kidlitart #cooking

bit.ly

Food, Glorious Food

Creativity Inspired By The Food We Eat [December 2025 Newsletter]

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kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

TOPIC: It's quarterly check-in time! Time to bask in the accomplishments of the last three months--or breathe a sigh of relief that you've managed to *get through* the past three months. Either way, share what's been going, career-wise, since September! #kidlitchat

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Happy December creative friends! What's something you created last month?

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Had a lovely time creating gelli prints with my kiddo. #art #printmaking #familyart

Decorative night landscape print by melissa h mwai.

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Check out these handpicked resources for writers, artists, and ADHD-friendly creatives. Let me know if you find them helpful! open.substack.com/pub/melissam... #writing #art #adhd

open.substack.com

Librarian Mode: Everything but Pumpkin Spice

Helpful Things for Writers, Artists, and Neurodivergent Thinkers [November Resource Roundup]

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Love it when poetry prompts me to make art! Chilly November night Cozy blanket season— Time to hibernate. #haiku #saturdayhaiku

Illustration of a cold kid wrapped in a blanket with haiku by Melissa H. Mwai.

Chilly November night
Cozy blanket season—
Time to hibernate.

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Reposted by Melissa H. Mwai

Cheryl B. Klein @cherylklein.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

For querying writers: I did a critiques today for an SCBWI conf & got questions about what kind of books you can cite as comps, & I think it’s worth distinguishing between *pitching* comps and *selling* comps. A brief 🧵:

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

The ending to this #haiku has been on my mind for a while. Happy to have taken a great photo to set the stage. Ready? Set? Go! Autumn trees cheer for runners— shaking leafy poms! #poetry #haikusaturday

Golden maple tree photo and haiku by Melissa H. Mwai (2025).

Haiku Saturday: November 8, 2025

Ready? Set? Go!

Autumn trees cheer for runners—

shaking leafy poms!

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Just your reminder that clocks fall back this weekend in most of the U.S. at 2am on Sunday, November 2, 2025. #daylightsavingtime #fallhumor #acornart

An illustrated acorn with a frazzled expression complains about how daylights savings time drives them nuts. Art by Melissa H. Mwai.

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

This month’s newsletter gets weird…but in a creative way. Check out the writing/art prompts as well as links to resources & the Halloween-themed KidLit Deconstruction Podcast episode! 🔗 Newsletter: bit.ly/3Lbipdz 🔗 KDZ Linktree: linktr.ee/kdzpodcast #kidlit #kidlitart #writing #art

bit.ly

Growing Eyeballs, Making Monsters, & Creative Juxtaposition

Let's Get Weird [October 2025 Newsletter]

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

That ghost IS THE BEST! Art 🔥 👻 #kidlitchat

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Brian Kirby @boringstorybook.com · 28/10/2025

Looking to connect with others in the #kidlit space? Set aside Tuesdays at 9pm eastern and join #kidlitchat

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Mwahaha….bringing in the #writing tips for #kidlit horror in ep 8 of our podcast. In 7 minutes, we chat about fearsome foes, balancing horror intensity, fear, & sensory details. (Unfortunately, we couldn’t talk about “killing your darlings” since revision is hard to see in published books.) 💀

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Hey #kidlit #kidlitart friends, Storyteller Academy’s hosting a neat spooky art workshop next week. Check it out! bit.ly/4o5lavF

Spooky crearions witb Areee Chung. $47 includes live workshops & replays. Mon 10/27-Tue 10/28, 5-7pm PT.

Illustrated book characters from Creepy Carrots & Bob the Vampire Snail & more.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 15/10/2025

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Annie Cardi @anniecardi.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

I mistyped #kidlitchat as #kidlitcat, so if any illustrators want to draw a Kidlit Cat for me, that would be great.

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

This month’s resource roundup has a dash writing advice, a sprinkle of arts, and with a cozy spiced side of neuro-friendly sensory suggestions. open.substack.com/pub/melissam... #kidlit #kidlitart #adhdwriter

open.substack.com

Librarian Mode: For the Spooky, Fall Season

Good Stuff for Writers, Artists, & Neurodivergent Thinkers [October Resource Roundup]

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Melissa H. Mwai @me-mwai.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

I worked with @teabowart.bsky.social on Gnomes & Ungnomes. He’s a fantastic artist & art director! Check out his kickstarter for this sci-fi fantasy graphic novel for middle grade. kck.st/4mGqGmQ

kck.st

LUNA LILY and the LUNAR PARK - Issue One

A Sci-Fi Fantasy middle-grade Graphic Novel About Family, Friendship, and Finding Your Power!

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