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.
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.
4 and 9 have been discussing what 4’s voice will sound like when it eventually changes.
Right now, their money is on him spontaneously developing a British accent.
Right now, their money is on him spontaneously developing a British accent.
September 13, 2025 at 10:47 PM
4 and 9 have been discussing what 4’s voice will sound like when it eventually changes.
Right now, their money is on him spontaneously developing a British accent.
Right now, their money is on him spontaneously developing a British accent.
I’m not saying uninterrupted writing time is nessary, but I am saying I just made major edits on 10k words in two hours because those ideas have been sitting in my brain for weeks, just waiting for school to start.
September 4, 2025 at 2:31 AM
I’m not saying uninterrupted writing time is nessary, but I am saying I just made major edits on 10k words in two hours because those ideas have been sitting in my brain for weeks, just waiting for school to start.
4: Mommy? It feels like there’s a porcupine in my tummy.
Me: Like it hurts?
4: Yeah.
Oh no.
Me: Like it hurts?
4: Yeah.
Oh no.
August 29, 2025 at 8:34 PM
4: Mommy? It feels like there’s a porcupine in my tummy.
Me: Like it hurts?
4: Yeah.
Oh no.
Me: Like it hurts?
4: Yeah.
Oh no.
I feel like not enough people in this country know basic scientific facts like you can’t fight infectious diseases with guns.
August 28, 2025 at 10:43 PM
I feel like not enough people in this country know basic scientific facts like you can’t fight infectious diseases with guns.
Me: making small talk at a kid’s party with a mom who also coached softball.
Other mom: You really need to have a man on your staff if you want to be taken seriously as a coach.
Excuse me? I don’t need a man for anything, let alone to legitimize the choices I make or the leaderahip roles I assume.
Other mom: You really need to have a man on your staff if you want to be taken seriously as a coach.
Excuse me? I don’t need a man for anything, let alone to legitimize the choices I make or the leaderahip roles I assume.
August 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Me: making small talk at a kid’s party with a mom who also coached softball.
Other mom: You really need to have a man on your staff if you want to be taken seriously as a coach.
Excuse me? I don’t need a man for anything, let alone to legitimize the choices I make or the leaderahip roles I assume.
Other mom: You really need to have a man on your staff if you want to be taken seriously as a coach.
Excuse me? I don’t need a man for anything, let alone to legitimize the choices I make or the leaderahip roles I assume.
At 5’10” I rarely feel short around other women.
Then 9 started volleyball camp. I honestly didn’t know there were so many tall moms in one small-ish geographic area, let alone a whole bunch of them with several inches on me.
Then 9 started volleyball camp. I honestly didn’t know there were so many tall moms in one small-ish geographic area, let alone a whole bunch of them with several inches on me.
August 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
At 5’10” I rarely feel short around other women.
Then 9 started volleyball camp. I honestly didn’t know there were so many tall moms in one small-ish geographic area, let alone a whole bunch of them with several inches on me.
Then 9 started volleyball camp. I honestly didn’t know there were so many tall moms in one small-ish geographic area, let alone a whole bunch of them with several inches on me.
Spent the last several days camping. No internet. No phone service. Just me and my family, some bikes, a campfire, sand and dirt and crows. I’ve been waiting for this for years, waiting for my kids to be ready. Now I can’t wait to get back out there again.
July 18, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Spent the last several days camping. No internet. No phone service. Just me and my family, some bikes, a campfire, sand and dirt and crows. I’ve been waiting for this for years, waiting for my kids to be ready. Now I can’t wait to get back out there again.
I’ve spent a lot of time these past few years learning about dyslexia. And let me tell you—nothing made me step off my grammar/spelling soapbox faster. We’re all out here doing the best we can with what we’ve got. I see you, not your writing mistakes ❤️
July 9, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I’ve spent a lot of time these past few years learning about dyslexia. And let me tell you—nothing made me step off my grammar/spelling soapbox faster. We’re all out here doing the best we can with what we’ve got. I see you, not your writing mistakes ❤️
Mom milestone:
My youngest is now old enough that I can read physical books again without worrying he will A) tear it to shreds, B) smash snacks between the pages, C) color in it.
We’re still working on not removing bookmarks, but hey, this is major progress!
My youngest is now old enough that I can read physical books again without worrying he will A) tear it to shreds, B) smash snacks between the pages, C) color in it.
We’re still working on not removing bookmarks, but hey, this is major progress!
July 6, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Mom milestone:
My youngest is now old enough that I can read physical books again without worrying he will A) tear it to shreds, B) smash snacks between the pages, C) color in it.
We’re still working on not removing bookmarks, but hey, this is major progress!
My youngest is now old enough that I can read physical books again without worrying he will A) tear it to shreds, B) smash snacks between the pages, C) color in it.
We’re still working on not removing bookmarks, but hey, this is major progress!
You know that whole she “released a breath she didn’t know she was holding” thing?
My body’s version of this is releasing the tension I didn’t realize I was carrying in my shoulders.
My body’s version of this is releasing the tension I didn’t realize I was carrying in my shoulders.
June 26, 2025 at 7:06 PM
You know that whole she “released a breath she didn’t know she was holding” thing?
My body’s version of this is releasing the tension I didn’t realize I was carrying in my shoulders.
My body’s version of this is releasing the tension I didn’t realize I was carrying in my shoulders.
I’m a firm believer that good advice never expires.
Take, for example, sleeping when your baby sleeps. Mine is now 3yrs old. He sleeps a solid 11 hours. And sometimes I still go to bed when he does.
Take, for example, sleeping when your baby sleeps. Mine is now 3yrs old. He sleeps a solid 11 hours. And sometimes I still go to bed when he does.
June 25, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I’m a firm believer that good advice never expires.
Take, for example, sleeping when your baby sleeps. Mine is now 3yrs old. He sleeps a solid 11 hours. And sometimes I still go to bed when he does.
Take, for example, sleeping when your baby sleeps. Mine is now 3yrs old. He sleeps a solid 11 hours. And sometimes I still go to bed when he does.
Conventional wisdom says I should keep working on the draft I finished in March, but it’s darker than what I normally write and I’m having a hard time sitting with it.
I think I need to pivot to something more quirky and fun, something with a touch of magic.
That’s more my brand anyway.
I think I need to pivot to something more quirky and fun, something with a touch of magic.
That’s more my brand anyway.
June 21, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Conventional wisdom says I should keep working on the draft I finished in March, but it’s darker than what I normally write and I’m having a hard time sitting with it.
I think I need to pivot to something more quirky and fun, something with a touch of magic.
That’s more my brand anyway.
I think I need to pivot to something more quirky and fun, something with a touch of magic.
That’s more my brand anyway.