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Sarah Allen

@sarahallen.bsky.social
1K followers 273 following 382 posts

Award-winning author: WHAT STARS ARE MADE OF, BREATHING UNDERWATER, THE NIGHTMARE HOUSE, MONSTER TREE. Making silly sketches & songs & snuzzling cats. Better at Substack (sarahallen.substack.com)

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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
So...in July, something happened that hasn't happened in ten years and I went sort of insane about it for a minute... sarahallen.substack.com/p/something-...
sarahallen.substack.com
Something happened for the first time in 10 years (and I went insane)
Or, Why Is Relaxing So Not Relaxing?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Something I've been working on is teaching myself illustration, which is a little intimidating and scary. But Rachel Michelle Wilson has given her top advice for illustrators who started as writers! Her thoughts about diving in to illustration are SO good! sarahallen.substack.com/p/the-number...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Only three of these note cards left to go. Three scenes/chapters. Then this book is written!! It will be *underwritten* and need tons of fleshing out and revising, but that's what next drafts are for! And in the meantime, we're so close to the end!
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
What song or singer brings you back to your most core younger self? Mine is clearly evidence of how edgy and hip I am. sarahallen.substack.com/p/rewind-and...
sarahallen.substack.com
Rewind, and cue Clay Aiken
What song pulls you back to your truest younger self?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Congratulations to him for having the biggest tiny pile of dead skin.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
What book, film or TV character over 45 is your very favorite?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
You guys, I am very proud of myself, I just did something* I am absolutely petrified of, that overwhelms and freaks me out so much every time I have to do it that I want to puke. But I did it! And I'm not even dead! *see: buying plane tickets
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
"What advice would you give to writers who want to at least try social media to build their career but feel weird about posting?" sarahallen.substack.com/p/the-white-...
sarahallen.substack.com
The White Whale of Social Media Without Cringe or Burnout? with Kenny Gould
This is no author I know's favorite part of the job, so what do we do?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Just a few library displays I've done lately that I'm proud of 😊
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
This year, I decided that my main author platform social media goal was consistency. (I'm talking Insta and TT, not here. Here I'm a squatter.) Didn't matter if I posted meh stuff, if it got no views, but I WOULD do 1-2 posts a week no matter what. I HATE that it's working.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Are you a plotter or a pantser? Honestly, the longer I do this writing thing, the less clear-cut the answer feels. Here's what I've actually noticed about my process after several novels — 🧵
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I've sometimes felt like I was doing something wrong, because I never quite felt like a true plotter or a pantser, because my brain just kept jumping between the two. Now I treat that like a feature, not a bug! How bout you? A pantser or a plotter? sarahallen.substack.com/p/i-need-an-...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
I just want you all to know that I made a robot display at the library and he is very cute :D
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
I just did a middle school visit and an eigth grader wearing thick liner and a choker necklace told me I was the "coolest author ever" so I think the Jedi mind-trick worked!!
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Filming a silly today and a little worried at how much pretending to be 70 feels like my true form.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Yeeeah boi we're going to the seventh continent today to see what its REALLY like! Thanks to Greg Neri for being our guide! sarahallen.substack.com/p/what-write...
sarahallen.substack.com
What writers get wrong about Antarctica (and a chance to see for yourself!), with Greg Neri
And yes I work out with the golden girls, don't you?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The middle grade market is struggling. I see it in my MG author friends who aren't getting deals on incredible books that would have sold like lightning just a few years ago. But I have two reasons why what's happening right now might not be such a bad thing. 🧵
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
I've never seen another book quite like this one, and I absolutely loved it. What are you reading lately?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Num. 27 rising baby! You all are amazing. Thank you so much for helping this little newsletter about publishing and writing and creativity reach more artists like you. We've got such an enthusiastic and weird lil tribe being built over here, and I love it.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Wanna know what's sort of secretly going on in the middle grade world right now? sarahallen.substack.com/p/all-my-mid...
sarahallen.substack.com
All My Middle Grade Author Friends Are Writing Other Things And I'm Not Mad
Don't stop me 'cause I'm having a good time, having a good time
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Typing up a scene from my current WIP that has references to a John Cleese movie, Taskmaster, and Alan Rickman's portrayal of Colonel Brandon, so I feel I'm doing my job.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Just know that when I'm watching TV, I, too, am being watched.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
What happens when you write a poem every single day for a month? A group of us did a month-long poetry challenge and tbh I was surprised at some of the breakthroughs I had, even just mentally. Turns out the other poets learned a bunch too. 🧵
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Happy National Poetry Month from me and Michael Buble! www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL8r...
youtube.com
Happy national poetry month and April fools day from me and Michael Buble!
YouTube video by Sarah Allen
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Timicin my tuxedo cat wrote last years April 1st newsletter and he told me to share it again today because he says its basically the best expose ever written. sarahallen.substack.com/p/10-things-...
sarahallen.substack.com
10 Things The Writer Isn't Telling You, By Her Cat
Also, in case you've forgotten, your feline assistant's dinnertime is right now probly
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
April is almost here, and that means National Poetry Month is right around the corner. There's something quietly powerful about giving a student the first line of a poem and watching what they do with it. The blank page isn't so scary when someone hands you a door.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
So...we're having some THOUGHTS about the most recent Pixar movies on the stack today. Please don't hurt me. sarahallen.substack.com/p/pixar
sarahallen.substack.com
Pixar
What their first and last movie do differently and why it matters for writers
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Reading doesn't have to happen at a desk! I created this FREE "Read in 20 Places" sheet to help kids discover that books can follow them EVERYWHERE. 🌟 Color it in as you go — because every place is a reading place! #ReadingIsFun #Literacy #KidsBooks
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
I sat down with Macmillan children's book publicist Samantha Sacks to talk about what it really takes to get a kids' book noticed. She had some thoughts about what ever kid lit author should know🧵
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Teachers!! St. Patty's is comin, and wouldn't that be a perfect time to do a little limerick unit? I gotchu covered! www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-...
teacherspayteachers.com
How to Write a Limerick! A Fun & Engaging Poetry Activity - Grades 4, 5, 6, 7
Introduce your students to the fun and rhythmic world of limericks with this engaging "How to Write a Limerick" worksheet! This resource breaks down the structure of limericks-5-line poems with a spec...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
What makes kid lit publicity different from adult book publicity? Well I know it goes over MY head so I decided to ask a professional. sarahallen.substack.com/p/what-makes...
sarahallen.substack.com
What makes children's book publicity different? with Macmillan Children's publicist, Samantha Sacks
And what can authors do about it?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
I knew I wanted to talk to my friend Jarrett Lerner about his banner year this year and how he made it happen, but I didn’t realize how thoughtful, encouraging, and generous his tips and advice were going to be. This is a really good one, folks! sarahallen.substack.com/p/he-has-ten...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Yeah.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Students can be so scared of poetry, but they don't have to be. Sometimes its just the blank page that's intimidating. So I've got 30 poetry starters for 5th-8th graders in case that's helpful for your students! www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/30-P...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Some thoughts on what I think we need more of in the world right now. sarahallen.substack.com/p/in-defense...
sarahallen.substack.com
In Defense of Being Totally and Completely Silly.
Even you. Even right now.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Interview with the editor of the renowned Cricket magazine on the newsletter today!!! If you're interested in publishing or just behind-the-scenes of a magazine, check it out! sarahallen.substack.com/p/getting-pu...
sarahallen.substack.com
Getting Published in a Children's Magazine in 2026, with Cricket editor Joseph Taylor
What are magazine editors really looking for?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
In case you're having withdrawals...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Today I can finally say what I've waited many a year to say.
media.tenor.com
a group of men are standing in a field and one of them is saying " i 'm 37 i 'm not old "
ALT: a group of men are standing in a field and one of them is saying " i 'm 37 i 'm not old "
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
If you've got kiddos to entertain during the upcoming holiday break, then I have something for you! The master list of author websites with activities, games, coloring pages, etc. This was so much fun to research, honestly. sarahallen.substack.com/p/bookmark-t...
sarahallen.substack.com
Bookmark this and your kid won't be bored during school break.
The master list of author websites with activities and free goodies.
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
I have had so much fun experimenting with and exploring Teachers Pay Teachers the last year. I'm learning a lot, and still lots to learn. All my resources are free, and this is my most downloaded one: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Hey hey!! It's the end of the year, and writing endings is hard, so I got the wonderful Arianne Costner to tell us how. Especially those funny, punchy kind. Seriously her tips are so good! sarahallen.substack.com/p/good-endin...
sarahallen.substack.com
Good Endings Are Like Punchlines, and How To Write Them, with Arianne Costner
And a Gift Guide Guide for Gifts
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
My favorite font is on this list. It's number twelve. Whats your favorite font? sarahallen.substack.com/p/44-hyper-s...
sarahallen.substack.com
44 Hyper-specific Things I'm Thankful For
What would you add to this list?
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Interviewed an actual clown (and writer/cartoonist/illustrator) this week and what he had to say was so cool and inspiring and thought provoking. sarahallen.substack.com/p/become-a-c...
sarahallen.substack.com
Become A Clown, Save Your Writing; with Travis Nichols
We're putting on our writing hats AND our red noses today
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Reposted by Sarah Allen
Eva Langston @evalangston.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Don't miss my interview with middle grade author @sarahallen.bsky.social. Sarah checks a lot of boxes when it comes to bumps in the publishing road, but she’s gotten to check a lot of the good boxes, too. Don't miss her great advice on The Long Road to Publishing! shows.acast.com/the-long-roa...
shows.acast.com
Highs & Lows of Author Life | The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston
with Sarah Allen
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Reposted by Sarah Allen
Eva Langston @evalangston.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Don’t miss this great episode of The Long Road to Publishing with MG author @sarahallen.bsky.social! shows.acast.com/the-long-roa...
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
There are some truly phenomenal family Halloween movies to watch this month, and here are 13 of my favorites: sarahallen.substack.com/p/top-13-fam...
sarahallen.substack.com
Top 13 Family Halloween Movies To Watch On Family Movie Night
Sarah's Version
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Reposted by Sarah Allen
Ally Ally Oxenfree @allymalinenko.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Oct 10 - Middle Grade Horror Books You Should Read Day 10 The Nightmare House by @sarahallen.bsky.social Penny Hope used to be brave, but that was before she met the Fear Maker. Years later, he still haunts her dreams
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Eeeee!!! Hit a pretty exciting milestone today over at the newsletter :D sarahallen.substack.com
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Hello wonderful teacher friends! How about a spooky season no-prep freebie? Halloween writing prompts to use in writing lessons, ice-breakers, independent work, however you want! Ideal for 4th-7th. Totally free here: sarahallen.substack.com/subscribe
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Sarah Allen @sarahallen.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Happy death day to the one and only Edgar Allan Poe. I'm sure he'd want us to celebrate.
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