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Sonja McGiboney, Author

@sonjamcg.bsky.social
685 followers 260 following 99 posts

Sonja McGiboney is an author and photographer with a focus on children's literature. She created a series of concept PB called "Jazzy’s Books." She is focused on building her PB library with new stories.

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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I'm moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC. Any writers in that area?
zinnia flower with butterfly
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
As writers, we have images of our characters in our heads. For those of us that cannot draw more than a stick figure, getting another to see the same vision can be difficult. But Samantha Soliz made it easy. You can find more of her work here. www.instagram.com/poorunfortun...
A young witch casting a spell on a cookie jar with a crow telling her to stop.  A green blob is next to her.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Probably.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
SCBWI has a new feature for finding critique groups. I'm already in two of them so I haven't tried to use it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
That's sad. Have you found anyone online?
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Sometimes, you listen to the six pages, say goodbye, and move on. Sometimes, you become a leader that directs future, more streamlined meetings. Sometimes, their simple feedback can greatly impact your writing. You have to decide what it's worth and if you want to stay or go.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Working on another alphabet book. This one is a personal project for my daughter and future granddaughter. W is for wagon and walrus, but Evie (Our grand-dog that we now have full time) had to make an appearance too. (In reality, she wanted to eat the walrus. ha ha ha.)
Black dog in red wagon with a stuffie toy walrus.
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Reposted by Sonja McGiboney, Author
KidsWord & AllKidsBooks – Explore, Read & Share! @allkidsbooks.com · 28/03/2026
Your book was meant to be read, not stored. Put it in the hands of thousands of readers. List your print book → paperbackoasis.com
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Thank you.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Yep. I used brushes and smudge tool on my original photo.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
I know, it's just the way you referred to AI as slop... it made me laugh.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Noccalula Falls is only minutes from my house. I'm working on a kids book that uses photos of the animals from the petting zoo and natural scenes from the park. Ugh! It's going to be hard to choose which photos to use.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
You are correct. It's a photo that I took then used some brushes and the smudge tool in photoshop to paint the colors over it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Here is the original.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Bingo. It's a real photo that I took then used some brushes and the smudge tool in photoshop to paint the colors over it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
AI slop, how funny. It is my photo that I used brushes and the smudge tool to paint over it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Good for you. It's a photo that I took then used some brushes and the smudge tool in photoshop to paint the colors over it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
It's a photo that I took then used some brushes and the smudge tool in photoshop to paint the colors over it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Nope, I used the smudge tool in Photoshop but it's from a photo that I took.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Is this AI or Photoshop? Just wondering what makes you think one way or the other.
A magnolia tree flower that is done blooming and falling apart.
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Reposted by Sonja McGiboney, Author
KidsWord & AllKidsBooks – Explore, Read & Share! @allkidsbooks.com · 25/03/2026
Your children’s story, everywhere in seconds. 🌍✨ findkidsbooks.com makes it happen.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Have a hopping good time this weekend, whatever you celebrate.
a brown and white pit-bull wearing bunny ears wishing all a hoppy weekend.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
2026 will be a year of slowing down and trying to build an author community in my hometown.
A rose bush in the foreground with the tall, arch of a bridge above it.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Wish I could go, but I have a piano recital the next day and need to stay home and practice.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Hoping your holidays are merry and bright!
A brown and white Pitbull dog with holiday lights and red antlers.
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Reposted by Sonja McGiboney, Author
Charles Ghigna @charlesghigna.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Happy Picture Book Month! 🎉
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Hello, thank you. I've been writing concept picture books for over 8 years, Eddie's Adventures and my other chapter book are my first foray into "real" writing. I have a lot to learn, though. The cover was done by Cyndi Harvell, she did a good job.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Foothills Book Festival in Jasper, Alabama this weekend. There are so many great books to explore at the festival—but if you’ve got little readers, come see me! I’ve got shelves full of fun books and a spinner packed with prizes. www.facebook.com/foothillsboo...
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Foothills Book Fest | Jasper AL
Foothills Book Fest, Jasper. 835 likes · 573 talking about this · 10 were here. Formerly the Sumiton Book Fest. We're now Foothills Book Fest. Same People, just a different name and location! October....
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Day 8, IG Challenge by Javacia Harris Bowser: Mini-Tutorial – Quick writing tip in a carousel post. You can write about anything. Use events in your life for subject matter and motivation. For me, it was a puppy. #SeeJaneWrite #authors #writers #dogs www.instagram.com/p/DPgW1y6DD2...
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Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Day 7 of the IG challenge. I learned how to make a reel. It's a simple one, but hey, it's a start. www.instagram.com/reel/DPgWwUd... #SeeJaneWrite #authors #writers #dogs
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Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Day 6, IG Challenge by Javacia Harris Bowser: Seasonal Bucket List – Share your fall bucket list. I don’t get out with my camera as much anymore, but hope to capture a little bit of fall color before it all disappears. #SeeJaneWrite #authors #fallcolors #photography
Image of a red leaf on yellow Chrysanthemums was taken at a winery in Smithfield, Virginia.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
I just submitted my entry into the Fall Writing Frenzy. Check it out on my blog. sonjamcgiboney.wixsite.com/sonjamcgibon... photo credit: Pexels via James L #FallWritingFrenzy @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis and @ebonylynnmudd
sonjamcgiboney.wixsite.com
From The Ashes
By moonlight, and the glow of the campfire ahead, the boys crept through the woods. They stopped before the clearing.Joe’s voice shook. “Brian, are you sure you want to do this? What if they come afte...
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Eddie Elf leaves the North Pole, and his loneliness, to seek adventure. Though it doesn't turn out as he hoped, he learns that magic, and friendship, happens when you help others. Preorder now for only $10.00 www.jazzysbooks.com/product-page... #Christmasbook #adventure #elfadventure
An elf with long ears and a purple coat and boots, rides an orange cat.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Lovely!
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Preorder price is only $10.00. It will go up to $14.99 after it's published.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
It's almost here and I'm ready to share the cover made by Cyndi Harvell Lee! youtu.be/EhVkVZ4pucI #coverreaveal #childrensbooks #chapterbooks #kidlit #selfpublishing #indieauthor
youtu.be
Cover Reveal The Adventures of Eddie Elf
YouTube video by Sonja McGiboney
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Thank you, Esther. I did submit it to Kirkus, so now I wait.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
I can understand the worry.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
That's terrific
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
I'm about to published my 1st Chapter book in a series, and I'm just formulating a plot for the 2nd book. I have maybe a 50 word outline. I wish I would have started this sooner so I could start hype for the 2nd book when excitement over 1st dies down.(Which would probably aid in 1st book sales.)
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
THE ADVENTURES OF EDDIE ELF is a magical, fun journey about courage, friendship, and finding where you belong. Cover reveal coming soon, but here is a peak at the back. Illustration by Cyndi Harvell #kidlit #KidLitSky #ChildrensBooks #HolidayBooks #SelfPublishing #BookSky #ChapterBooks #authors 🖋️📖💰
A toy elf is taped to the bumper of a tax and a dog, Boston Terrier breed, is trying to pull off the tape.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
No, I was wondering what experience Indie authors had with Kirkus. But I took the plunge anyway and submitted the manuscript to them and paid the $$$$. Fingers crossed that it is positive!
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Yes, I have done all that. I just debated getting a review because of the cost. Thanks for your offer of help.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Chapter book (kids/ adventure holiday) and I am almost ready to publish. I am considering getting a Kirkus review.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
thank you.
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Thank you, Sofia. Those are things I hadn't thought of. I have been writing children's books forever, and just wrote my first adult book under a pen name, I'll have to remember all that for the next one. Great ideas!
black and white sketch of a dog looking at a butterfly in the sunflowers
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Sorry, too general. I know beta readers, prof edits, prof artist, build anticipation. Are there other ideas to do prepub?
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Whoo hoo! Congrats!
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Hi Sofia, I'm not good at this platform. Which question are you responding to? I put out two, the one about Bookstr and the other about what to do before publishing?
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Sonja McGiboney, Author @sonjamcg.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Question? Are there any crucial steps I should take before publishing my book? #writingcommunity #writerslife #writer #author #booksky #indieauthor #writingcommunity #writerslife #writingtips 🐴💙📚 🖋️📖💰
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