Kristen C. Strocchia
@kcstrocchia.bsky.social
Children’s writer • Poetry lover • Mom of 7
Kidlit Honors: Ann Whitford Paul Awards 2024 & #PBParty 2025
Writes lyrical PB, quirky stories, & speculative upper MG/YA
SCBWI Eastern PA CoRA | Former K–12 Teacher | kcstrocchia.com
1/8 hosts: #KidlitZombieWeek
Kidlit Honors: Ann Whitford Paul Awards 2024 & #PBParty 2025
Writes lyrical PB, quirky stories, & speculative upper MG/YA
SCBWI Eastern PA CoRA | Former K–12 Teacher | kcstrocchia.com
1/8 hosts: #KidlitZombieWeek
Pinned
After many years of chasing my #kidlit publishing tail, it feels like I might actually be getting warmer. So excited that both of these manuscripts have received honorable mentions!
#WritingCommunity #WIP #amquerying #PB
#WritingCommunity #WIP #amquerying #PB
Shoveling is one of my favorite ways to work through my #amrevising ideas. It's methodical. It's a space to think and talk to myself. It's an inspiring setting. #Letitsnow
How about you #WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity what's your favorite activity for mentally revising?
How about you #WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity what's your favorite activity for mentally revising?
November 11, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Shoveling is one of my favorite ways to work through my #amrevising ideas. It's methodical. It's a space to think and talk to myself. It's an inspiring setting. #Letitsnow
How about you #WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity what's your favorite activity for mentally revising?
How about you #WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity what's your favorite activity for mentally revising?
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : #takeaways
This was one of the best #KidLit #amwriting & #amillustrating community events that I've ever attended online. Here are a few things that I'm taking away from this experience.
(I would also encourage more friends to try next year!)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi
This was one of the best #KidLit #amwriting & #amillustrating community events that I've ever attended online. Here are a few things that I'm taking away from this experience.
(I would also encourage more friends to try next year!)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi
November 9, 2025 at 8:18 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : #takeaways
This was one of the best #KidLit #amwriting & #amillustrating community events that I've ever attended online. Here are a few things that I'm taking away from this experience.
(I would also encourage more friends to try next year!)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi
This was one of the best #KidLit #amwriting & #amillustrating community events that I've ever attended online. Here are a few things that I'm taking away from this experience.
(I would also encourage more friends to try next year!)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
Share some info about your #process
My process is ever changing, but I have recently found a lot of resources that helped to streamline my understanding of my own stories. And just in time for this event!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Share some info about your #process
My process is ever changing, but I have recently found a lot of resources that helped to streamline my understanding of my own stories. And just in time for this event!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a man wearing glasses and a coca cola shirt is ready to go
ALT: a man wearing glasses and a coca cola shirt is ready to go
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:19 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
Share some info about your #process
My process is ever changing, but I have recently found a lot of resources that helped to streamline my understanding of my own stories. And just in time for this event!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Share some info about your #process
My process is ever changing, but I have recently found a lot of resources that helped to streamline my understanding of my own stories. And just in time for this event!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
What does your character have now that they didn’t in the beginning? #didit #finishline
My character now has knowledge—what her source (of strength, energy, inspiration, et al) is and the need to care for that source and spend time with it.
#scbwi #amwriting
What does your character have now that they didn’t in the beginning? #didit #finishline
My character now has knowledge—what her source (of strength, energy, inspiration, et al) is and the need to care for that source and spend time with it.
#scbwi #amwriting
November 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
What does your character have now that they didn’t in the beginning? #didit #finishline
My character now has knowledge—what her source (of strength, energy, inspiration, et al) is and the need to care for that source and spend time with it.
#scbwi #amwriting
What does your character have now that they didn’t in the beginning? #didit #finishline
My character now has knowledge—what her source (of strength, energy, inspiration, et al) is and the need to care for that source and spend time with it.
#scbwi #amwriting
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
How would your character react to a surprise party? #surprise
Initially (the GIF response), followed by a whole party's worth of nervous chatty from the social overwhelm.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
How would your character react to a surprise party? #surprise
Initially (the GIF response), followed by a whole party's worth of nervous chatty from the social overwhelm.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a woman covering her mouth with her hand while another woman looks on
ALT: a woman covering her mouth with her hand while another woman looks on
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:06 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
How would your character react to a surprise party? #surprise
Initially (the GIF response), followed by a whole party's worth of nervous chatty from the social overwhelm.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
How would your character react to a surprise party? #surprise
Initially (the GIF response), followed by a whole party's worth of nervous chatty from the social overwhelm.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 6am
Up and at'em again! Working on my Novel in Verse this morning.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
Up and at'em again! Working on my Novel in Verse this morning.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 11:09 AM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 6am
Up and at'em again! Working on my Novel in Verse this morning.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
Up and at'em again! Working on my Novel in Verse this morning.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
Get yourself a treat for getting this far! #stillgoing
It's just a virtual treat for me tonight, but I could go for some hot spinach and artichoke dip right about now.🤤
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Get yourself a treat for getting this far! #stillgoing
It's just a virtual treat for me tonight, but I could go for some hot spinach and artichoke dip right about now.🤤
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
November 9, 2025 at 4:11 AM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
Get yourself a treat for getting this far! #stillgoing
It's just a virtual treat for me tonight, but I could go for some hot spinach and artichoke dip right about now.🤤
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Get yourself a treat for getting this far! #stillgoing
It's just a virtual treat for me tonight, but I could go for some hot spinach and artichoke dip right about now.🤤
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
How does your character react to disappointments? #reaction
Overwhelm is definitely my character's initial reaction, followed by some much needed alone time to process.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
How does your character react to disappointments? #reaction
Overwhelm is definitely my character's initial reaction, followed by some much needed alone time to process.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a woman holding a piece of paper with the word brat on the bottom right
ALT: a woman holding a piece of paper with the word brat on the bottom right
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:09 AM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
How does your character react to disappointments? #reaction
Overwhelm is definitely my character's initial reaction, followed by some much needed alone time to process.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
How does your character react to disappointments? #reaction
Overwhelm is definitely my character's initial reaction, followed by some much needed alone time to process.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
Take your character on a ride! Which is your character’s favorite ride at the amusement park? #anticipation
Answer: Fire in the Hole! (Silver Dollar City @Branson, MO)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Take your character on a ride! Which is your character’s favorite ride at the amusement park? #anticipation
Answer: Fire in the Hole! (Silver Dollar City @Branson, MO)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
November 9, 2025 at 12:07 AM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
Take your character on a ride! Which is your character’s favorite ride at the amusement park? #anticipation
Answer: Fire in the Hole! (Silver Dollar City @Branson, MO)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Take your character on a ride! Which is your character’s favorite ride at the amusement park? #anticipation
Answer: Fire in the Hole! (Silver Dollar City @Branson, MO)
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
What's your character's favorite exclamation? #voice
Answer: Oof!
*Chihuahua stare required.🤣
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
What's your character's favorite exclamation? #voice
Answer: Oof!
*Chihuahua stare required.🤣
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a close up of a chihuahua with a reviewionivere.com website behind it
ALT: a close up of a chihuahua with a reviewionivere.com website behind it
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
What's your character's favorite exclamation? #voice
Answer: Oof!
*Chihuahua stare required.🤣
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
What's your character's favorite exclamation? #voice
Answer: Oof!
*Chihuahua stare required.🤣
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
What weapon would your character choose in a battle? #stakes
Can I give a hint again?
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
What weapon would your character choose in a battle? #stakes
Can I give a hint again?
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a man is dancing in front of a car in a foggy weather .
ALT: a man is dancing in front of a car in a foggy weather .
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:04 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge :
What weapon would your character choose in a battle? #stakes
Can I give a hint again?
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
What weapon would your character choose in a battle? #stakes
Can I give a hint again?
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 3pm check-in
1,128 words! A little long BUT DONE! It's done! I SOOO needed this event today.
Thank you again @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social @elizabethsavanella.bsky.social and @kmarcuswrites.bsky.social for kicking things off!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
1,128 words! A little long BUT DONE! It's done! I SOOO needed this event today.
Thank you again @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social @elizabethsavanella.bsky.social and @kmarcuswrites.bsky.social for kicking things off!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 3pm check-in
1,128 words! A little long BUT DONE! It's done! I SOOO needed this event today.
Thank you again @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social @elizabethsavanella.bsky.social and @kmarcuswrites.bsky.social for kicking things off!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
1,128 words! A little long BUT DONE! It's done! I SOOO needed this event today.
Thank you again @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social @elizabethsavanella.bsky.social and @kmarcuswrites.bsky.social for kicking things off!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 2pm check-in
Not so many words this time around. Lunch break. Fueling my brain while it kept on finoodling in the background. And you know what??? Those story keys I've been looking for... Found 'em!😁
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Not so many words this time around. Lunch break. Fueling my brain while it kept on finoodling in the background. And you know what??? Those story keys I've been looking for... Found 'em!😁
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a person is holding a wand in a dark room
ALT: a person is holding a wand in a dark room
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 2pm check-in
Not so many words this time around. Lunch break. Fueling my brain while it kept on finoodling in the background. And you know what??? Those story keys I've been looking for... Found 'em!😁
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Not so many words this time around. Lunch break. Fueling my brain while it kept on finoodling in the background. And you know what??? Those story keys I've been looking for... Found 'em!😁
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 1pm check-in
950 words—it's a little long, pushing toward a page and a half, but ready to put the climax cherry and resolution on top. Then I can start #amrevising for real.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
950 words—it's a little long, pushing toward a page and a half, but ready to put the climax cherry and resolution on top. Then I can start #amrevising for real.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a cartoon of a llama with the words this is happening yes
ALT: a cartoon of a llama with the words this is happening yes
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:58 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 1pm check-in
950 words—it's a little long, pushing toward a page and a half, but ready to put the climax cherry and resolution on top. Then I can start #amrevising for real.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
950 words—it's a little long, pushing toward a page and a half, but ready to put the climax cherry and resolution on top. Then I can start #amrevising for real.
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Ooo, a hint about my story's obstacle #plotpoint , well...
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
a woman in a white jacket is saying you think
ALT: a woman in a white jacket is saying you think
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Ooo, a hint about my story's obstacle #plotpoint , well...
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 12pm check-in
#amrevising while #amwriting my synopsis this hour—now weighing in at 631 words and getting close to wrapping up a full first draft...Let's go!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#amrevising while #amwriting my synopsis this hour—now weighing in at 631 words and getting close to wrapping up a full first draft...Let's go!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
November 8, 2025 at 5:04 PM
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge : 12pm check-in
#amrevising while #amwriting my synopsis this hour—now weighing in at 631 words and getting close to wrapping up a full first draft...Let's go!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#amrevising while #amwriting my synopsis this hour—now weighing in at 631 words and getting close to wrapping up a full first draft...Let's go!
#Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#Characterintroduction : My character's favorite breakfast is Norwegian Pannekaker with lingonberry jam. Though this is a rare breakfast treat for her.
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
November 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
#Characterintroduction : My character's favorite breakfast is Norwegian Pannekaker with lingonberry jam. Though this is a rare breakfast treat for her.
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
Wahoo! I got down 392 words of my synopsis in this hour. Will they change? Probably. But off to a great start!
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
November 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Wahoo! I got down 392 words of my synopsis in this hour. Will they change? Probably. But off to a great start!
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
#24hourChildrensBookChallenge #Childrensbooks #scbwi #amwriting #amillustrating
For the next 24-hours, I will be working on a synopsis for book 1 of my planned #YA #Contemporary #SFF trilogy told in dual POV. Wish me luck!
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
A 24-hour #KidLit Marathon?!?!? I'm in! What an amazing idea.
How about it #WriterSky #WritingCommunity? Will you join me and @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social in getting ready for the @scbwi.bsky.social 2026 Winter Conference?
www.scbwi.org/events/the-e...
How about it #WriterSky #WritingCommunity? Will you join me and @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social in getting ready for the @scbwi.bsky.social 2026 Winter Conference?
www.scbwi.org/events/the-e...
November 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
For the next 24-hours, I will be working on a synopsis for book 1 of my planned #YA #Contemporary #SFF trilogy told in dual POV. Wish me luck!
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
@scbwiwestchester.bsky.social
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
Just a few more hours until kickoff! Looks like my brain is ready to get going now when it should be resting up. Oh, the excitement!
#WriterSkey #KidLit #WritingCommunity
#WriterSkey #KidLit #WritingCommunity
A 24-hour #KidLit Marathon?!?!? I'm in! What an amazing idea.
How about it #WriterSky #WritingCommunity? Will you join me and @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social in getting ready for the @scbwi.bsky.social 2026 Winter Conference?
www.scbwi.org/events/the-e...
How about it #WriterSky #WritingCommunity? Will you join me and @scbwiwestchester.bsky.social in getting ready for the @scbwi.bsky.social 2026 Winter Conference?
www.scbwi.org/events/the-e...
November 8, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Just a few more hours until kickoff! Looks like my brain is ready to get going now when it should be resting up. Oh, the excitement!
#WriterSkey #KidLit #WritingCommunity
#WriterSkey #KidLit #WritingCommunity
For some great insights into early graphic novels and chapter books, check out my interview with editor
@emilydaluga.bsky.social and literary agent Rachel Orr.
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
@emilydaluga.bsky.social and literary agent Rachel Orr.
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
We're hosting 2 webinars on chapter books and early reader graphic novels! Editor's perspective with @emilydaluga.bsky.social on 11/3 and agent's perspective with Rachel Orr on 11/13. Find out more in this interview by @kcstrocchia.bsky.social.
easternpennpoints.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/a...
easternpennpoints.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/a...
November 2, 2025 at 8:34 PM
For some great insights into early graphic novels and chapter books, check out my interview with editor
@emilydaluga.bsky.social and literary agent Rachel Orr.
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
@emilydaluga.bsky.social and literary agent Rachel Orr.
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
Reposted by Kristen C. Strocchia
Do you write for children? 📚
Do you write spooky stories? 👻
Listen to @kdzpodcast.bsky.social podcast or watch the most recent episode on YouTube for tips on how to write a spooktacular kid's book:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2-n...
#KidLit #booksforkids #gilbertandtheghost @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social
Do you write spooky stories? 👻
Listen to @kdzpodcast.bsky.social podcast or watch the most recent episode on YouTube for tips on how to write a spooktacular kid's book:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2-n...
#KidLit #booksforkids #gilbertandtheghost @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Do you write for children? 📚
Do you write spooky stories? 👻
Listen to @kdzpodcast.bsky.social podcast or watch the most recent episode on YouTube for tips on how to write a spooktacular kid's book:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2-n...
#KidLit #booksforkids #gilbertandtheghost @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social
Do you write spooky stories? 👻
Listen to @kdzpodcast.bsky.social podcast or watch the most recent episode on YouTube for tips on how to write a spooktacular kid's book:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2-n...
#KidLit #booksforkids #gilbertandtheghost @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social
My 6yo decided to do some of the #scbwiArtober2025 prompts with me. Hey look, more costumed worms! Like mother, like son.😁
October 31, 2025 at 9:12 PM
My 6yo decided to do some of the #scbwiArtober2025 prompts with me. Hey look, more costumed worms! Like mother, like son.😁
I did it! This was my first time taking the #scbwiArtober2025 challenge, and boy did it feel good to stretch myself. Here's a few things I'm taking away from this experience:
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
October 31, 2025 at 1:15 PM
I did it! This was my first time taking the #scbwiArtober2025 challenge, and boy did it feel good to stretch myself. Here's a few things I'm taking away from this experience:
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
#WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity
Day 31: #scbwiArtober2025
No bones about it! The curse of the grave diggers was real. And these reanimated skeletons rattled Wrigley just as much as any living bird.
No bones about it! The curse of the grave diggers was real. And these reanimated skeletons rattled Wrigley just as much as any living bird.
October 31, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Day 31: #scbwiArtober2025
No bones about it! The curse of the grave diggers was real. And these reanimated skeletons rattled Wrigley just as much as any living bird.
No bones about it! The curse of the grave diggers was real. And these reanimated skeletons rattled Wrigley just as much as any living bird.