Jessica Richter
@jrichter.bsky.social
Writer. Former English and creative writing teacher. Mom. Coach. Lover of libraries, quirky TV, musical theater.
Querying YA fantasy
#Revpit 2025 shortlisted
Querying YA fantasy
#Revpit 2025 shortlisted
Pinned
Jessica Richter
@jrichter.bsky.social
· Nov 17
Hi friends! I’m spending more time here, thought I’d re-introduce myself:
I’m a YA writer, former English and creative writing teacher, and mom of 2. If you’re into quirky characters, solving mysteries, and stories with a wee bit of magic, I’m your girl!
Also, I post funny things my toddler says.
I’m a YA writer, former English and creative writing teacher, and mom of 2. If you’re into quirky characters, solving mysteries, and stories with a wee bit of magic, I’m your girl!
Also, I post funny things my toddler says.
Oooooo. I’ll take it.
January 2, 2026 at 2:58 AM
Oooooo. I’ll take it.
Went to bed at 7:30 last night and woke up feeling so much better. Hey, 2026! Let’s gooooooooo!
January 1, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Went to bed at 7:30 last night and woke up feeling so much better. Hey, 2026! Let’s gooooooooo!
Feeling a little better after an awesome nap (take that, head cold!) and managed to make this today. Happy new year, friends!
January 1, 2026 at 3:45 AM
Feeling a little better after an awesome nap (take that, head cold!) and managed to make this today. Happy new year, friends!
I don’t think I’ve ever been sick on NYE, but here I am in bed with a wicked head cold. No reflecting or bubbles or noon-year’s eve parties with the kiddos for me.
But that’s okay. I’ll figure out something fun to do this weekend instead.
But that’s okay. I’ll figure out something fun to do this weekend instead.
December 31, 2025 at 7:03 PM
I don’t think I’ve ever been sick on NYE, but here I am in bed with a wicked head cold. No reflecting or bubbles or noon-year’s eve parties with the kiddos for me.
But that’s okay. I’ll figure out something fun to do this weekend instead.
But that’s okay. I’ll figure out something fun to do this weekend instead.
I’m writing on my laptop at my kid’s martial arts class. A random mom interrupts me to chit chat.
RM: Oh shoot. I’m sorry. Is that something for your job?
I hesitate, almost tell her ‘I’m just writing’ like it’s some dumb hobby. But then I sit a little taller. “Yes, I’m working.”
Feels good 😁
RM: Oh shoot. I’m sorry. Is that something for your job?
I hesitate, almost tell her ‘I’m just writing’ like it’s some dumb hobby. But then I sit a little taller. “Yes, I’m working.”
Feels good 😁
December 31, 2025 at 12:40 AM
I’m writing on my laptop at my kid’s martial arts class. A random mom interrupts me to chit chat.
RM: Oh shoot. I’m sorry. Is that something for your job?
I hesitate, almost tell her ‘I’m just writing’ like it’s some dumb hobby. But then I sit a little taller. “Yes, I’m working.”
Feels good 😁
RM: Oh shoot. I’m sorry. Is that something for your job?
I hesitate, almost tell her ‘I’m just writing’ like it’s some dumb hobby. But then I sit a little taller. “Yes, I’m working.”
Feels good 😁
For the first Christmas in many, many years, we had everything ready when the kids went to bed.
Hubs: we should probably turn on a movie, make sure they’re really asleep.
Me: Good idea. Then go to bed on time for once.
Friends, it is way past our bedtime and we’re still invested in Die Hard.
Hubs: we should probably turn on a movie, make sure they’re really asleep.
Me: Good idea. Then go to bed on time for once.
Friends, it is way past our bedtime and we’re still invested in Die Hard.
December 25, 2025 at 6:31 AM
For the first Christmas in many, many years, we had everything ready when the kids went to bed.
Hubs: we should probably turn on a movie, make sure they’re really asleep.
Me: Good idea. Then go to bed on time for once.
Friends, it is way past our bedtime and we’re still invested in Die Hard.
Hubs: we should probably turn on a movie, make sure they’re really asleep.
Me: Good idea. Then go to bed on time for once.
Friends, it is way past our bedtime and we’re still invested in Die Hard.
I peopled too hard today.
—everyone who rides that introvert/extrovert line during the holidays and needs a few hours of quiet introspection to recover.
—everyone who rides that introvert/extrovert line during the holidays and needs a few hours of quiet introspection to recover.
December 21, 2025 at 6:13 AM
I peopled too hard today.
—everyone who rides that introvert/extrovert line during the holidays and needs a few hours of quiet introspection to recover.
—everyone who rides that introvert/extrovert line during the holidays and needs a few hours of quiet introspection to recover.
I like cats. But after losing mine this year, I’ve decided I no longer want an indoor cat. And since I don’t like the idea of an outdoor cat in the city, I guess I’m just done with cats?
December 20, 2025 at 4:04 AM
I like cats. But after losing mine this year, I’ve decided I no longer want an indoor cat. And since I don’t like the idea of an outdoor cat in the city, I guess I’m just done with cats?
Apple Music can tell you my top song was “I’m Sill Standing” but it can’t show you my 3-now-4 yr old sitting at the piano saying he needs to be Johnny several times a week.
December 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Apple Music can tell you my top song was “I’m Sill Standing” but it can’t show you my 3-now-4 yr old sitting at the piano saying he needs to be Johnny several times a week.
4 is talking non-stop, filling his solo conversation gaps with random noises while laying in bed.
Me, after about 20mins of this: It really is time to go to sleep.
4: I probably could go to sleep IF YOU WOULD SOP TALKING!
Sigh.
Me, after about 20mins of this: It really is time to go to sleep.
4: I probably could go to sleep IF YOU WOULD SOP TALKING!
Sigh.
December 4, 2025 at 4:01 AM
4 is talking non-stop, filling his solo conversation gaps with random noises while laying in bed.
Me, after about 20mins of this: It really is time to go to sleep.
4: I probably could go to sleep IF YOU WOULD SOP TALKING!
Sigh.
Me, after about 20mins of this: It really is time to go to sleep.
4: I probably could go to sleep IF YOU WOULD SOP TALKING!
Sigh.
My turkey thawed out early so I cooked it yesterday which turned out to be an accidental stroke of genius.
Thanksgiving without the will-we-won’t-we eat on time (or at all) energy is actually relaxing!
Thanksgiving without the will-we-won’t-we eat on time (or at all) energy is actually relaxing!
November 27, 2025 at 9:38 PM
My turkey thawed out early so I cooked it yesterday which turned out to be an accidental stroke of genius.
Thanksgiving without the will-we-won’t-we eat on time (or at all) energy is actually relaxing!
Thanksgiving without the will-we-won’t-we eat on time (or at all) energy is actually relaxing!
4 was such a chatterbox at bedtime.
“Did you know clams live in the ocean? Do you think sharks cry? I wonder how air feels in your ears. Are there little Barbie bones in that digging kit? I really want it even if you think it’s scary.”
For the record, it was a fossil dig kit with fake dino bones 😆
“Did you know clams live in the ocean? Do you think sharks cry? I wonder how air feels in your ears. Are there little Barbie bones in that digging kit? I really want it even if you think it’s scary.”
For the record, it was a fossil dig kit with fake dino bones 😆
November 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM
4 was such a chatterbox at bedtime.
“Did you know clams live in the ocean? Do you think sharks cry? I wonder how air feels in your ears. Are there little Barbie bones in that digging kit? I really want it even if you think it’s scary.”
For the record, it was a fossil dig kit with fake dino bones 😆
“Did you know clams live in the ocean? Do you think sharks cry? I wonder how air feels in your ears. Are there little Barbie bones in that digging kit? I really want it even if you think it’s scary.”
For the record, it was a fossil dig kit with fake dino bones 😆
4 wakes at his regular time, but with Fall Back it’s an hour earlier.
Me: Remember we walked about this? Your body needs to adjust, so do your best to rest.
4: I don’t want to rest! I want to go back to the old time!
Same, buddy. Same.
Me: Remember we walked about this? Your body needs to adjust, so do your best to rest.
4: I don’t want to rest! I want to go back to the old time!
Same, buddy. Same.
November 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
4 wakes at his regular time, but with Fall Back it’s an hour earlier.
Me: Remember we walked about this? Your body needs to adjust, so do your best to rest.
4: I don’t want to rest! I want to go back to the old time!
Same, buddy. Same.
Me: Remember we walked about this? Your body needs to adjust, so do your best to rest.
4: I don’t want to rest! I want to go back to the old time!
Same, buddy. Same.
I honestly didn’t think trick-or-treating could get any cuter than last year when my kid said “I love you” instead of thank you at every house.
This year? 4 complimented everyone.
“I like your pumpkins!”
“I like your spooky skeletons!”
“Your decorations are amazing!”
My heart kept melting ❤️
This year? 4 complimented everyone.
“I like your pumpkins!”
“I like your spooky skeletons!”
“Your decorations are amazing!”
My heart kept melting ❤️
November 1, 2025 at 5:23 AM
I honestly didn’t think trick-or-treating could get any cuter than last year when my kid said “I love you” instead of thank you at every house.
This year? 4 complimented everyone.
“I like your pumpkins!”
“I like your spooky skeletons!”
“Your decorations are amazing!”
My heart kept melting ❤️
This year? 4 complimented everyone.
“I like your pumpkins!”
“I like your spooky skeletons!”
“Your decorations are amazing!”
My heart kept melting ❤️
Oregon Halloween tradition: getting your kids new rain boots to go with their costumes.
October 31, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Oregon Halloween tradition: getting your kids new rain boots to go with their costumes.
4 in the middle of the night:
Mommy! Help me! My blankie is unbuckled and I’m cold!
Mommy! Help me! My blankie is unbuckled and I’m cold!
October 31, 2025 at 4:04 PM
4 in the middle of the night:
Mommy! Help me! My blankie is unbuckled and I’m cold!
Mommy! Help me! My blankie is unbuckled and I’m cold!
I’ve been getting up at 5:30 to write for a long time. I’ve also been working out nearly every day in the afternoon for several months.
But getting up at 5:30 to work out? My body is certain it needs to prepare for the apocalypse. Quick! Get in a million calories then take a huge nap!
But getting up at 5:30 to work out? My body is certain it needs to prepare for the apocalypse. Quick! Get in a million calories then take a huge nap!
October 28, 2025 at 8:09 PM
I’ve been getting up at 5:30 to write for a long time. I’ve also been working out nearly every day in the afternoon for several months.
But getting up at 5:30 to work out? My body is certain it needs to prepare for the apocalypse. Quick! Get in a million calories then take a huge nap!
But getting up at 5:30 to work out? My body is certain it needs to prepare for the apocalypse. Quick! Get in a million calories then take a huge nap!
One of the small promises I made myself was to start working out in the morning once I finished editing and had my query list under control.
Well, friends, here we are. No more rushing around to cram this in or prioritize my body last. Just me sweating in the garage at 5:45 am.
Well, friends, here we are. No more rushing around to cram this in or prioritize my body last. Just me sweating in the garage at 5:45 am.
October 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
One of the small promises I made myself was to start working out in the morning once I finished editing and had my query list under control.
Well, friends, here we are. No more rushing around to cram this in or prioritize my body last. Just me sweating in the garage at 5:45 am.
Well, friends, here we are. No more rushing around to cram this in or prioritize my body last. Just me sweating in the garage at 5:45 am.
Why is querying such a sweaty business?
I just jumped back in and, man, my palms are gross and my heart is beating fast. I keep telling myself I’m just typing my name into an online form, but my body is pretty sure I’m about to step on stage to perform an intricate Italian aria.
I just jumped back in and, man, my palms are gross and my heart is beating fast. I keep telling myself I’m just typing my name into an online form, but my body is pretty sure I’m about to step on stage to perform an intricate Italian aria.
October 15, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Why is querying such a sweaty business?
I just jumped back in and, man, my palms are gross and my heart is beating fast. I keep telling myself I’m just typing my name into an online form, but my body is pretty sure I’m about to step on stage to perform an intricate Italian aria.
I just jumped back in and, man, my palms are gross and my heart is beating fast. I keep telling myself I’m just typing my name into an online form, but my body is pretty sure I’m about to step on stage to perform an intricate Italian aria.
Sometimes I feel bad that my kids know next to nothing about pop music. But then they request Danse Macabre on the way to school because they want to hear the skeletons dance and I think, maybe, I’m doing something right.
October 14, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Sometimes I feel bad that my kids know next to nothing about pop music. But then they request Danse Macabre on the way to school because they want to hear the skeletons dance and I think, maybe, I’m doing something right.
Ever since my cat died, my dog has been extra concerned about my well-being. Like now. I’m just laying next to my 4yo, trying to get him to sleep. Suddenly, I hear the tap-tap-tappity of doggie paws as he walks up the door, pauses, then tap-tap-taps back to his pillow.
The sweetest boy.
The sweetest boy.
October 10, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Ever since my cat died, my dog has been extra concerned about my well-being. Like now. I’m just laying next to my 4yo, trying to get him to sleep. Suddenly, I hear the tap-tap-tappity of doggie paws as he walks up the door, pauses, then tap-tap-taps back to his pillow.
The sweetest boy.
The sweetest boy.
4: I know naughty words.
Me: You do? Like what?
4 (whispering): Like “I don’t love you” and “that’s dumb”
Me: You do? Like what?
4 (whispering): Like “I don’t love you” and “that’s dumb”
October 6, 2025 at 6:49 PM
4: I know naughty words.
Me: You do? Like what?
4 (whispering): Like “I don’t love you” and “that’s dumb”
Me: You do? Like what?
4 (whispering): Like “I don’t love you” and “that’s dumb”
We’re driving through my old college campus:
Me: …And in those buildings they do science and math…
4: Do they build evil robots there?
Me: If they’re building evil robots anywhere on campus, that’d be the place.
4: I want to go there.
Me: …And in those buildings they do science and math…
4: Do they build evil robots there?
Me: If they’re building evil robots anywhere on campus, that’d be the place.
4: I want to go there.
October 5, 2025 at 2:12 PM
We’re driving through my old college campus:
Me: …And in those buildings they do science and math…
4: Do they build evil robots there?
Me: If they’re building evil robots anywhere on campus, that’d be the place.
4: I want to go there.
Me: …And in those buildings they do science and math…
4: Do they build evil robots there?
Me: If they’re building evil robots anywhere on campus, that’d be the place.
4: I want to go there.
This is my favorite headline right now. I love Portland!
‘Emergency’ World Naked Bike Ride planned in Portland
The announcement comes in response to Trump's "militarization of our city."
www.oregonlive.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:07 AM
This is my favorite headline right now. I love Portland!
Something I’m realizing about my writer self is this: when a chapter that isn’t working, it’s almost always because my character lacks agency. Things are happening to her; she’s not making things happen.
The best part about these revisions? They’re FUN. Get after it, darlings.
The best part about these revisions? They’re FUN. Get after it, darlings.
September 25, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Something I’m realizing about my writer self is this: when a chapter that isn’t working, it’s almost always because my character lacks agency. Things are happening to her; she’s not making things happen.
The best part about these revisions? They’re FUN. Get after it, darlings.
The best part about these revisions? They’re FUN. Get after it, darlings.