I am not surprised, but I am delighted. Also vibing. From one of my current #pb #wip ... #kidlitchat

I promote your pie to main character. Every time. #kidlitchat Like, if I was in acquisitions, I pick your pie for a dozen book series.

Way to go, subconscious!

Also "merely mournful" is my next username or greeting card company. #kidlitchat

Don't we all these days.

Whoa. Good for you.

I was going to say 'living the dream.' (I do love whipped cream freezer pie). But upon further pie-texture details, this might be 'waking up abruptly middream and having to lull yourself back in.' Good luck. #kidlitchat

As long as it's not like Stephen King's space frogs, appearing out of nowhere at the wrapup. #kidlitchat

Congrats! And succinct tips. Sounds like you're nailing it!

Yeouch, perfume, too? What about, like, Reeses Pieces. Or cash... #kidlitchat

You and Brian get partial credit, in the acknowledgements section of my business card.

I have a spreadsheet like that. Color coded like the top 3/4 of a spotlight, from 'Very Happy Optimistic Spring Green' to 'Not Sure About This Fit But Potentially Intrigued Orange'. It's reassuring to see so much good potential on a scroll. With a few Nope Red at the bottom to spur me on #kidlitchat

Ha! Composer sass.
I think the key is making sure you steal the beating heart, not just flair or details. Taking inspo from other art is great but especially if it's showing you a flash of something very human or True. You have to interpret that through the art before you can transform it. ✨️

I mean - we can't all be happy craftsy nuns. There's gotta be a grump to eventually, sort of win over.

I mean all but the very worst characters should all love dogs and bake delicious cakes, though, right? *grins*

Maybe shouldn't ask/trust another writer, though. Lore nerds. 🤩

But then there's me, who never owned any video game console, yet in the summer of sophomore year disappeared for ~3 weeks into the computer rpg Might & Magic VII Mandate of Heaven almost purely because I was obsessed with amassing amulets & other objects with oddly specific enchantments. Lore ftw!

That - to help focus the story. Plus omission can show a lot about perspective, esp a younger character, to show what they are or aren't aware of/care about or don't/may not understand. Imo. #kidlitchat

You had me at craftsy nuns.

For real. I trust her even more after a few pod interviews & buying a video seminar c. 2018. (Other fav Maggie tip was set a goal for a few awful novels to write for the experience, ready to trash them. Like illustrator Lee White of SVS Learn did with his 1st 100 paintings. But novels take longer..)