iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 17/08/2026

A new author newsletter! Very happy that I've switched to @leaflet.pub. People have option to subscribe by email, read via web browser, or read in an Atmosphere reader like @standard-reader.app.

debbieohi-news.leaflet.pub

New Judy Blume covers!

Launching from Atheneum/Simon & Schuster August 25th, 2026

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 19/07/2026

Update via my new Author Newsletter on @leaflet.pub. How my middle grade novel writing is going, how I'm getting back into the flow again, how finding the joy in blogging is helping my writing overall, more.

debbieohi-news.leaflet.pub

Writingwritingwriting

How I'm getting back into the flow again

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 28/06/2026

I've finally found a new home for my author newsletter! This monthly @leaflet.pub newsletter will be focused on what I'm working on. Subscribe by email or browse here: debbieohi-news.leaflet.pub/3mpe4rshthk2e

debbieohi-news.leaflet.pub

My New Author Newsletter

Why I've settled on Leaflet for my Author Newsletter

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 22/06/2026

My goal: To write & submit a MG novel to my agent @grimmlit.bsky.social before we have to move back to the house. THIS IS A REALISTIC GOAL as long as I don't let myself get sucked into other commitments and projects, and stay disciplined. This week, however, is STILL about packing & purging. 😜

Debbie lying sprawled on a messy carpet, pretending to look exhausted, with half-packed boxes and other evidence of moving activity around her.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 19/06/2026

Life happens! Had to put writing on hold again as we empty our house before a much-needed reno, finding & moving into a rented apt (1 year), renting a storage unit & deciding what to put into storage, working w/builders & architect. Hoping to get back into regular work routine starting July. 🤞🏽

Smiling couple in front of apartment with moving boxes.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 25/03/2026

Continuing to make steady progress on my MG, averaging around 1000 wds/day. For me, the key is writing first thing in the morning. Also using Focus Tomato app (love the ambient coffee shop sound, too). claushuang.com/focusTomato/...

claushuang.com

Focus Tomato - The simplest Pomodoro timer

Focus Tomato is a serious tomato helping you stay focused.Cheer you up when you succeed.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/03/2026

Instead, I wish them luck. 🩷 My next career goal: to *debut* as a middle grade author. I continue to work hard on my craft and am delighted to be able to carve out more focustime for writing while I continue to mentor and help in other areas. Pls do wish me luck, eh? Thank you!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/03/2026

I no longer use phrase "you got this" because esp since the pandemic, there are many who are still facing behind-the-scenes challenges (directly or indirectly), or have been struggling to achieve a longterm goal over MANY yrs. While well-meaning, "you got this" can have opposite of intended effect.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/03/2026

I know I'm lucky to be in a position to be able to afford to do this and am grateful. For those who don't know, I began as an MG writer, not an illustrator. See debbieohi.com/2024/05/pers... Before you say "you got this!" please keep reading... 😉 cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/03/2026

1st time in a long while that I haven't had a book contract waiting in wings, so it's a bit scary NOT to have that safety net. As much as I love illustrating pbs, I found I was always having to put aside my MG writing for book illustration deadlines. Time to do something about it. cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/03/2026

Scary but exciting! Starting this week, I'm putting all picture book ideas/projects on the back burner, turning down pb illus, focusing on my MIDDLE GRADE WRITING. For the past 15+ years, it's been other way around. Time to be proactive and (finally) get my MG projects finished. #KidLit cont'd

Five pencils arranged horizontally, each with a small black-and-white cartoon character drawn beside it to appear as if sitting at the pencil like a desk. Characters are using laptops or writing, with one character leaning back in a chair and another with a cat curled on top of the pencil. Illustration by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, ©2017, with credits along the left side.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 21/02/2026

My next career goal: to debut as a MIDDLE GRADE AUTHOR. I began as a MG writer. It's how I found my agent at Curtis Brown. For those who didn't know about my writing roots, see: debbieohi.com/2024/05/pers... I'm also learning to set boundaries: debbieohi.com/2026/01/2026... Wish me luck, eh?

debbieohi.com

My word for 2026: Healing (and why I chose this word) – Debbie Ridpath Ohi

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 21/02/2026

Starting Mar/2026, I'll be without any outstanding book contracts for first time in 15+ yrs. This is both terrifying AND exciting. Also on purpose: I've been declining #KidLit book illus contracts because I figure it's the best way to *finally* guarantee I'll have focustime I need to WRITE. cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 28/01/2026

Able to WRITE again. Starting each day with freewriting, not being picky about what I write, just *writing*. Also purposely scheduling in 15 min reading for the JOY every day, which is helping. Some days I'm able to read for far longer, but I find it essential for my writing to be consistent.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 19/11/2025

3/ My priority these days has been to support the family and friends who have been going through especially difficult times. Still looking for the balance between that & putting on my own oxygen mask. I know some of you are going thru the same. 🩷

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 19/11/2025

2/ Trying NOT to beat myself up about not being more productive lately. Focusing on my own journey at my own pace. It's one reason I've been pulling back from social media a tad, even though I know pre-holiday season is when I should be posting more about bookstuff but it's been a challenge. 🩷

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 19/11/2025

Haven't been posting much here lately, apologies. It's been more of a challenge to focus on pure writing lately because I've been stressed about certain family and dear friends who have been going through a rough time (some of whom are continuing to go through a rough time). cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 19/08/2025

Trying very hard NOT to be like the writer in my comic as I work on a first rough draft. My tendency has been to edit as I write. Some writers can do this successfully but it always keeps me from finishing, deciding it's not good enough. I WILL FINISH THIS DRAFT. @work.debbieohi.com #WriterSky

Cartoon of a paramedic dragging a struggling writer toward an ambulance labeled “Writer’s Block Emergency.” The writer shouts, “It was a dark and humid night… no, that’s not it. It was a stormy night? No wait! It was an overcast and steamy night ARGH I’M SO CLOSE!!” Artwork by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 18/08/2025

6/ He's asked me NOT to get it critiqued or run it by beta readers, that he's happy to provide feedback. Goal: to get it into good enough shape to warrant a contract. So now I'm just WRITING. ❤️💛💙💚🧡 Wish me luck, eh?

Four-panel comic of a writer at her laptop. Panel 1: She smiles and thinks, “I’m having a good writing day,” with a blue angel saying “Good for you!” and a red devil saying “So what?”. Panel 2: The background fills with red, self-doubting thoughts while the devil whispers more negativity and the angel looks worried. Panel 3: The writer yells “STOP! I know that things may change tomorrow. But right now…” as both the angel and devil react. Panel 4: She calmly returns to writing, thinking again, “I’m having a good writing day,” with only the blue angel remaining. Art by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 18/08/2025

5/ My editor at Simon & Schuster expressed in seeing anything I was working on. Around a month ago, I told him about two books I've been working on; he is interested in both! Going to focus on one at a time. He likes my detailed synopsis & writing samples, asked me to send him a rough draft. cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 18/08/2025

4/ I connected with my awesome agent Ginger Knowlton (Curtis Brown Ltd) with my MG novel writing. We got close a few times! But no contracts. 😢 Once I started doing picture books, I stopped submitted MG. But now? I'M WORKING ON MG AGAIN!!!! cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 18/08/2025

3/ As much as I have been enjoying writing/illus picture books, more & more I've been missing longer form writing. I have been paid for my writing in the past (nonfiction, short fiction, poetry) & have edited a book for Writers Digest Books, was columnist for Writersmarket.com. cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 18/08/2025

2/ Since being discovered as an artist (not as a writer!) in 2010 at the SCBWI Summer Conference, I have focused on picture books. Tho I've made attempts to work on my MG novels, it always took the back burner, never enough time for me to focus on MG. I decided to just embrace PBs. 🩷 But.... cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 18/08/2025

UPDATE for those who missed earlier news: I'm taking a break from picture books to go back to my original career goal of becoming a published middle grade author. See my Perseverance post. cont'd

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 30/06/2025

Wrote a longer post about gratitude, @jpchanda.bsky.social, and embracing my next career challenge: www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/ #Gratitude #KidLit

Two people sit across from each other at a restaurant table, smiling at the camera. The table has drinks, a glass teapot, and a water bottle on it. The restaurant is busy, with diners and waitstaff in the background.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 25/07/2025

Just heard back from my editor at Simon & Schuster Children's, and he loves my writing samples for my MG novel! 🎉🥳 He already approved my detailed synopsis. He's asked me to send him a rough draft, to NOT worry about finessing (I can revise later). See @work.debbieohi.com for earlier updates.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 16/07/2025

I'm about 1/4 way thru fast-drafting my rewritten MG novel. So happy to be able to finally include evil SQUIRRELS in a book, woohoo!!! It's been heavily revamped since earlier versions but is still a spooky MG with Japanese yokai. Follow @work.debbieohi.com for updates or debbieohi.com/newsletter/

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 08/07/2025

If you aren't interested in my work but are looking for my #BlueSkyTips, #CommunityPolls, #KidLit posts, and ramblings about my various geeky interests, pls follow my MAIN acct at @debbieohi.com instead. For both accts, pls don't count on DMs to reach me. Instead: debbieohi.com/contact Thanks! - D.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 08/07/2025

I'm using my @work.debbieohi.com acct for work-related updates. I promise NOT to post daily wordcount updates etc. 😜 Will aim for a post a week, I think, & will try to include tools/resources I am finding useful. If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.

Screenshot of a notification settings pop-up labeled “Keep me posted.” A large red arrow points to the toggle switch for “Posts,” which is turned on. The “Replies” toggle is off. A blue “Save changes” button is visible below.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 05/07/2025

Wrote 1039 wds today, also outlined next scene. Resisting the urge to revise as I write (as is my tendency). Also not worrying about voice or details. This first draft is going to be SUPER ugly but my goal is to have the bones in place asap, based on the detailed synopsis that my editor approved!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/07/2025

Thanks to those who have offered to be beta readers, but JP has actually asked me to send the rough draft directly to him, NOT to get it critiqued or run it past beta readers. After working together on picture books for 15 yrs, I trust him. Plus I suspect he knows that I'm prone to over-thinking. 😊

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/07/2025

Diving into my MG rewrite starting TODAY! Much easier, now that I have a detailed synopsis that's been approved by my editor. Wrote 1200 wds earlier this morning. Fast-drafting (using a lot of placeholders & not worrying about voice), will revise in next pass. Editor has asked for a rough draft.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 03/07/2025

Detailed MG synopsis of my proposed rewrite APPROVED by my editor, woohoo! Current goal: To get my MG into good enough shape to warrant a contract. For those wondering about the context of the above, see my @work.debbieohi.com feed for updates.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 30/06/2025

Wrote a longer post about gratitude, @jpchanda.bsky.social, and embracing my next career challenge: www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/ #Gratitude #KidLit

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 27/06/2025

Holy cow. My editor has already responded and is interested in helping provide guidance as I revise (!!!!). Feeling incredibly lucky, grateful and (this is a biggie) FULL OF HOPE.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 27/06/2025

Whew. I just sent out my middle grade book proposal to my editor @jpchanda.bsky.social at @simonkids.bsky.social. I AM BOTH TERRIFIED AND EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 23/06/2025

Woohoo, finally finished a draft of my detailed synopsis of my MG! Now I'm working on the synopsis for a different MG I've been working on. Very different types of stories, but I really love both ideas & am torn. Sending both to my editor at Simon & Schuster to see which he likes most. 🤞🏽

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 20/06/2025

This is the first time since 2011 that I've had no book contract in the wings. This is on purpose. After much angsting, I've decided to take a break from picture books so I can focus on writing middle grade. I'm both terrified and exhilarated. PLEASE WISH ME LUCK. #KidLit

A real-life paintbrush tip appears to pour rainbow-colored paint down onto a joyful girl with arms raised. The paint flows over her body and splashes outward. Illustration by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 20/06/2025

My go-to fountain pen is still my Pilot Falcon with a Soft Fine nib. The flex nib enables me to get a slight variable line width, and the pen is a reliable starter (e.g. even if I don't use it for weeks but pick it up, it still writes with no problem). I just wish it had a bigger ink capacity.

A fountain pen rests on a blank sheet of paper, with its ink forming a drawing of a barefoot girl in a flowing dress. The girl appears to be tugging on the end of her dress, which connects directly to the pen tip. Illustration by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 04/06/2025

I resisted for a while, but I've been lured to the side of Team #OxfordComma.

Cartoon of a woman speaking to a group of commas on the ground. She says, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t keep you all in my manuscript. It’s nothing personal!” The commas respond with speech bubbles: “Don’t listen to those Oxford comma haters,” “Pick on the semi-colons instead,” and “You serial comma killer!” The artist’s signature and website (Debbie Ridpath Ohi – DebbieOhi.com) appear at the bottom.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 02/06/2025

This week is first in a long time where my creative work focus is solely WRITING books for young people (current: a spooky middle grade), have no contracted deadlines, don't feel pressured to be actively promoting a just-released book, and I am not travelling. Enjoying this moment while it lasts.

Found object illustration of a smiling girl with long dark hair surfing on an orange surfboard. The wave is represented by a piece of curly kale, and the background is a plain white textured surface. Artist credit: Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 29/05/2025

Woohoo! Just handed in final art for I'M BUSY, a new picture book written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social & illustrated by yours truly!!! Can't wait until our book (newest in the I'M series) launches Feb.24/2026. www.simonandschuster.com/series/The-I... #ImBusy #KidLit @simonkids.bsky.social

Four colorful book covers. Each is showing different children's emotions, with bold text titles and illustrations of book characters:

A girl leans on the large text "I'M BORED" on a blue background.

A girl sits on the floor looking at a pink flamingo draped over the letters "I'M SAD" on a purple background, with a Potato peering worriedly over one of the letters at the Flamingo.

A round-faced Potato with a concerned expression is inside the orange and red words "I'M WORRIED" on a yellow background.

A girl holds a brown Potato and stands beside a flamingo, with the words "I'M SORRY" in teal on a green background.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 06/05/2025

Hi! This is my work-only broadcast feed about what I'm working on RIGHT NOW. Experimenting with using this Bluesky instead of a regular email newsletter. If you're looking for my *main* EVERYTHING acct where I post #BlueSkyTips etc, see @debbieohi.com. Special thanks to those who follow both!

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 06/05/2025

My Simon & Schuster Children's editor just responded to my recent post vowing to send him something by the end of June. ❤️ NOW I REALLY HAVE TO DO IT. #Accountability #KidLit

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 05/05/2025

Gradually moving into WRITING mode, as I wait for feedback on final art for a picture book. Current project: novel for young people. Spooky elements, Japanese yokai, *heavily* revamped from previous. Starting every morning with writing. A bit rusty (so much of past decade has been art) cont'd

Cartoon illustration of a nervous-looking girl stepping off a purple patch labeled "Comfort Zone" toward a distant green patch labeled "Goal," which is surrounded by tiny purple flowers. The text underneath reads "(take tiny steps)," emphasizing gradual progress toward personal growth. Art by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 01/05/2025

While I wait for feedback on final art for I'M BUSY (there will be at least one more round of art, but hopefully just minor tweaks), I'm ramping up prep for my shift into novel writing! Super excited about this.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 17/04/2025

Woohoo! Handed in final art for I'M BUSY, the newest in the I'M... picture books written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social and illustrated by me. Cover not yet public. There will likely be a few more tweaks, but the bulk of the art is done. 🎨🥳 #KidLit

Four children’s book covers with bold text and cartoon characters:

Top left: “I’M BORED” – girl leans on the word, looking bored.

Top right: “I’M SAD” – girl and slumped and sad-looking flamingo with a concerned potato.

Bottom left: “I’M WORRIED” – anxious potato between the words I'M and WORRIED.

Bottom right: “I’M SORRY” – girl holds an angst-ridden potato, with an angry-looking flamingo sitting on the word SORRY.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only) @work.debbieohi.com · 14/04/2025

Working on final art for I'M BUSY. Cover finished/approved, but not public yet.

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