iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Draw what makes your inner child smile 🥹

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

What was supposed to be my Mother’s Day post now just might be back to school post! Haha! #kidlitartpostcard

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Grateful for every late night, every little idea, and every moment that brought me here. Hi! I’m Sonya & I’m an author-illustrator rep by Jordan Hamessley. I write and illustrate PB’s and MG. Joined the #mermay challenge for #kidlitartpostcard Day 🤍 #kidlitart #kidlit #mermaid

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A.J. Irving 🩷💜💙 @ajirving.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Feeling 94.7% cruddy? Read these wonderful books by my @kidlitcollective.bsky.social sisters! Happy Children’s Book Week! #childrensbookweek #kidlitwomen #kidlit #booksky

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Traci Van Wagoner @tracivw.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Today is LOOK UP AT THE SKY DAY. Take a moment to pause, look up, and enjoy the lofting heights of clouds and blue and sunshine. Ahhh, a moment of peace. #kidlitart #LookUpAtTheSkyDay #MomentsOfJoy

Children's art showing a boy and girl looking up at the sky in the city with silhouette onlookers behind

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jen rofé @jenrofe.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Creators, *this is worth the read*. But, Roaring Brook closing isn't the same as Dial closing. Yes, there were layoffs, but RB is reshuffling & a new imprint is in the works. But the squeeze is real. We've been seeing it and feeling it for years. vickyweberbooks.substack.com/p/what-nobod...

vickyweberbooks.substack.com

What Nobody’s Telling Querying Writers About What’s Happening to Publishing Right Now

I’ve started this post four times.

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Happy Friday! ☀️ It’s finally starting to warm up here in Michigan 🌤️ I tried a softer color palette this time instead of my usual bright tones— how’d I do? 🙈 #kidlitartist #kidlitart #kidlitauthor #illustration #kidlit

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

The world gets loud while innocents carry scars. #FuckWar

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

This little illustration is inspired traditional Chaldean and Assyrian clothing, with a modern twist. A small piece of art that reflects my cultures and where my story began. 🥰 So, where are you from? #Chaldean #Assyrian #kidlitpostcard #CulturalRoots #kidlit

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

My first ever #kidlitpostcard ! How’d I do? Playing The Floor is Lava, Winter Edition. #kidlitillustration #kidlitart #kidlit #illustrator

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Steph Lau (she/her) @stephlaubooks.com · 05/11/2025

My first book launch event is TONIGHT! Come celebrate with me! It's not too late to register 😊 us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

That time of the year for the #Chaldean Community 😍 #Keleche

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jen rofé @jenrofe.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Querying writers -- Please give yourselves some grace and stop fretting about a few silly typos in your queries. We probably won't notice them, we're not going to hold them against you, and if we DO hold them against you, you don't want to work with us anyway.

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Jordan Hamessley @thejordache.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

How adorable is @britspixels.bsky.social's art? This little gal is making her way to editors this week and I'm so excited!

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Inspired by an @scbwi_nohio conference session with Kelly Pelsue on drawing vehicles with meaning, here’s an illustration from one of my favorite core memories— my dad’s old “mator”. #kidlitart #ownvoices #diversevoices

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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

The #scbwiohionorth conference Art Show people’s choice winner was @olgasmithart.bsky.social. The fantastic entries in the show were inspiring and a testament to the thriving creative community we have here in Ohio! Congrats, Olga! ❤️

2025 ART SHOW
PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER
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Olga Smith
YvvVV
SCBWI
Ohio North Region
SOCIETY @ CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Insta: @scbwi_nohio
@scbwi-ohionorth
scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth
where stories Take flight #scbwi
#kidlit #kidlitart

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A.J. Irving 🩷💜💙 @ajirving.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Last night I attended the 2025 Utah Book Awards. @kipalizadeh.net & I are honored our LGBTQ+ inclusive picture book, THE WISHING FLOWER, was selected as a finalist! All children deserve to see themselves in books. All children deserve to feel seen, safe, and loved. 💜 #kidlit #booksky

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Jordan Hamessley @thejordache.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

My amazing illustrator client @sonyaafnan.bsky.social just sent me this piece she drew of me as an astronaut. I’m obsessed! I’ve fully embraced my inner space nerd. Still manifesting representing an astronaut’s book someday! If you aren’t following Sonya, start!

Illustration of Jordan wearing an astronaut suit labeled NASA Jordan flashing a peace sign in space with the Earth behind her.

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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

The amazing faculty and team that made for a fun and informative #scbwiohionorth Fall Conference. Thanks to all who made it a success!

Joann Hill, Katie Carella, Emily Feinberg, Daria Peoples, Lindsay Bonilla, Elise McMullen-Ciotti, Dr. Kristy Boyce,John Rudolph, Jane Smith, Kelly Pelsue, Merrill Rainey, CJ Penko, Kristy Tartara, and Britney Rudowsky group photo at #scbwiohionorth Fall Conference.

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

Had such a wonderful weekend at the SCBWI Ohio North Conference! I connected with so many amazing authors and illustrators, learned from inspiring editors and agents, and came home creatively recharged. @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Note to witches: never leave your broom unattended on halloween night… 🎃 #KidLit #KidLitArt #Halloween

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Jordan Hamessley @thejordache.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

At the #PeopleofPublishing25 Conference today. If you’re around, say hi! I’m excited to reconnect with great publishing people! #PeopleofPublishing

Jordan Hamessley holding a People of Publishing Conference program.

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Lots of fun lines and textures in my new upcoming artwork so excited for this one! 😬 #KidLitArt 🎨

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Jess Mey @jessmeywrites.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

I got ✨the✨ screenshot from @jamesfarner.bsky.social this morning, which means I finally get to tell you all about... my book deal. 🥹 "Grace & Jo Have Never Solved a Murder" coming fall 2026 from @daturabooks.bsky.social! #amwriting #bookdeal #mystery #writingcommunity

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Excited to connect with other #kidlit creators 😬 eek! Can’t wait!

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SCBWI-Ohio North @scbwi-ohionorth.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Tonight! PITCH PARTY prep Zoom event with @littlerainey.bsky.social It’s not too late to register: www.scbwi.org/events/2025-... #scbwiohionorth #scbwi #querying

Pitch Party Prep
Tuesday, Sept. 9th 7-8pm (ET)
Be prepared for the Conference
Pitch Party! *
*The Pitch Party occurs on Friday Evening of the Fall Conference
• Learn how to prepare a book pitch
• Receive live feedback on pre-submitted pitches
• Learn about the conference
Pitch Party
• Ask any questions
SCBWI
SOCIETY SE CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Ohio North Region
where stories
Take flight
Hosted by
Author-Illustrator & Co-Regional Advisor
MERRILL RAINEY

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

I’ve left X and I’m hoping to build more connections here on Bluesky. I’m Sonya, an author and illustrator represented by JABberwocky Agency. I’d love to connect with more writers and illustrators. Let’s be friends! 🙃🌼🫣 #WriteStuff #KidLitArt

media.tenor.com

a group of people peeking out of a door

ALT: a group of people peeking out of a door

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

Leaving two war-torn countries meant letting go of almost everything—even the photos that held our story. Today my sister found this one of me in Syria before we came to America. 🥹 More than a photo, it’s a reminder of survival, new beginnings, and the life we carried in our hearts.

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

Back at Costco! Where are my sweet potato lovers at? #revisionsnack

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Road trip mode: packed, stacked, and ready to roll! 🎒🚗⛺️ #KidLitArt

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

She missed the mermaid… maybe next time she’ll remember her goggles 👀 Follow me on instagram 🙃 #writingcommunity #kidlitart #authorillustrator

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

Big feelings & a small celebration. My manuscript is officially being prepped for submission with my amazing agent 📚This gnome scene isn’t part of the story, but it holds its own gentle magic 💛 I just launched a #DTIYS challenge on Instagram — come join in! 🎨 #WritingCommunity Artwork by me 🙂

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Sonya Afnan @sonyaafnan.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

so we’re just casually editing three manuscripts, tossing in some illustrations, maybe rewriting a fourth on the side?? ohhh okay, cool cool, totally normal. good chat. #amwriting #amediting #amillustrating

media.tenor.com

a young man is biting a pencil in his mouth while writing on a piece of paper .

ALT: a young man is biting a pencil in his mouth while writing on a piece of paper .

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