Juli 💖💜💙
@juli-writes.bsky.social
Kid Lit writer with ADHD who likes to rock climb (She/her)
Rep: Sharon Belcastro at @belcastroagency.bsky.social
IG: @juli_writes #12x12PB #SCBWI
Rep: Sharon Belcastro at @belcastroagency.bsky.social
IG: @juli_writes #12x12PB #SCBWI
I will just post about my favorite thing so far this quarter which was attending a ren faire for book idea research (and of course, merriment). I'll likely be going back in the fall for more. 🏴☠️🏰😄 #KidLitChat
TOPIC: We have a tradition here at #kidlitchat of checking in every quarter to share what we've been up to, career-wise. What have your past three months been like, and what's next? (Plans, daydreams and false starts are totally valid responses!)
June 4, 2025 at 1:18 AM
I will just post about my favorite thing so far this quarter which was attending a ren faire for book idea research (and of course, merriment). I'll likely be going back in the fall for more. 🏴☠️🏰😄 #KidLitChat
ADD a letter and ruin a movie
Rogue Once: A Star Wars Story
Rogue Once: A Star Wars Story
ADD a letter and ruin a movie
Helloboy
Helloboy
ADD a letter and ruin a movie
ferris bueller's days off
ferris bueller's days off
May 26, 2025 at 4:44 AM
ADD a letter and ruin a movie
Rogue Once: A Star Wars Story
Rogue Once: A Star Wars Story
Reposted by Juli 💖💜💙
Open call to sign, and link to donate.
Please spread the word.
Please spread the word.
Jews for Food Aid for Gaza
Jewish people support food aid for families in Gaza and an immediate end to the Israeli government’s food aid blockade. #JewsForFoodAidForPeopleInGaza
www.foodaidforgaza.org
May 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Open call to sign, and link to donate.
Please spread the word.
Please spread the word.
I want to share a bit laterally to this topic: if you get feedback on word count (too short/long), it may be a deeper insight. You can technically have a wordless picture book that is paced wonderfully. Hence, a note on word count to me warrants a look at the pace of your story. #kidlitchat
TOPIC: Let’s talk, if you don’t mind, about… well… wait for it… pacing! What are your tips for keeping your story moving briskly? In picture books, how does art impact the pace? What do you do when you find your story meandering? #kidlitchat
May 14, 2025 at 1:24 AM
I want to share a bit laterally to this topic: if you get feedback on word count (too short/long), it may be a deeper insight. You can technically have a wordless picture book that is paced wonderfully. Hence, a note on word count to me warrants a look at the pace of your story. #kidlitchat
This is relevant to last night’s #KidLitChat discussion on querying!
Authors! I would rather not be addressed at all in a query letter than addressed as “Agent.” I’d rather be addressed as “Mr. O’Brien” than not addressed at all. I’d rather be addressed as Mark than as “Mr. O’Brien”!
tl;dr: just call me Mark
tl;dr: just call me Mark
May 7, 2025 at 7:43 PM
This is relevant to last night’s #KidLitChat discussion on querying!
Writing a great query is a separate skill from writing a great book, so my best tip is to study successful queries. www.query101.blog/about is a great resource (and includes the query that landed my first agent). There's also queryshark.blogspot.com by the late, great agent Janet Reid. #KidLitChat
TOPIC: Let's talk... queries! What are your best tips for writing it great query? What do you avoid or, if you receive queries, reallllly dislike seeing? And... who and what are you querying these days? #kidlitchat
May 7, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Writing a great query is a separate skill from writing a great book, so my best tip is to study successful queries. www.query101.blog/about is a great resource (and includes the query that landed my first agent). There's also queryshark.blogspot.com by the late, great agent Janet Reid. #KidLitChat
I was thinking about the individual moments that moved me forward in writing and realized that they all had one thing in common: finding knowledge and inspiration in community (like this one!) #KidLitChat
TOPIC: What are some of the key moments in your career/writing/illustrating journey? What are the moments or events that moved you forward or were turning points? And what has been "the best thing ever!" moment for you so far? #Kidlitchat
April 30, 2025 at 1:41 AM
I was thinking about the individual moments that moved me forward in writing and realized that they all had one thing in common: finding knowledge and inspiration in community (like this one!) #KidLitChat
Hi #KidLitChat ! I am currently at the library studying and am delighted to see where the convo goes tonight as I plot out my MG. ☺️
April 23, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Hi #KidLitChat ! I am currently at the library studying and am delighted to see where the convo goes tonight as I plot out my MG. ☺️
Missed #KidLitChat tonight (traveling mid air ✈️) but I wanted to hop in and answer about the part of my creative process I can't do without:
It's wonder.
It's wonder.
TOPIC: What's the one part of your creative process you cannot do without? Your mood board? A rhyming dictionary? Your lucky writing hat? Your size 0.5 mechanical pencil with 2B lead? Hmmm? #kidlitchat
April 16, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Missed #KidLitChat tonight (traveling mid air ✈️) but I wanted to hop in and answer about the part of my creative process I can't do without:
It's wonder.
It's wonder.
So what I’ve learned tonight on #kidlitchat is that everyone here is super cool 😎 what incredible and unique hobbies and talents people have!
April 9, 2025 at 1:50 AM
So what I’ve learned tonight on #kidlitchat is that everyone here is super cool 😎 what incredible and unique hobbies and talents people have!
I find the advice “write what you know” fits well with finding inspiration in your hobbies & writing about them accurately. As someone who crochets & rock climbs, it’s easy to find inaccurate portrayals. But of course, not everything can be experienced so you do your best to research 🧐 #kidlitchat
TOPIC: April showers . . . etc. etc. What non-career-related hobbies/pursuits/obsessions make your creativity flower? How does what you admire or find fascinating leave its mark on your writing or art? #kidlitchat
April 9, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I find the advice “write what you know” fits well with finding inspiration in your hobbies & writing about them accurately. As someone who crochets & rock climbs, it’s easy to find inaccurate portrayals. But of course, not everything can be experienced so you do your best to research 🧐 #kidlitchat
Excuse me a moment *consults StoryGraph*
Ah, yes! I adored the picture book BATHE THE CAT by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts. So funny between the rhyme and the clever pictures/expressions.
As far as if I use humor in my work...I do! A lot. How? I have no idea.😆 #KidLitChat
Ah, yes! I adored the picture book BATHE THE CAT by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts. So funny between the rhyme and the clever pictures/expressions.
As far as if I use humor in my work...I do! A lot. How? I have no idea.😆 #KidLitChat
TOPIC: We all need a good laugh . . . right? Which kid's books would you nominate for Best in Funny, either recent or classic? (Extra points for your own books if comedy is your thing!) And how do you use humor in your work, if at all? #kidlitchat
March 26, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Excuse me a moment *consults StoryGraph*
Ah, yes! I adored the picture book BATHE THE CAT by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts. So funny between the rhyme and the clever pictures/expressions.
As far as if I use humor in my work...I do! A lot. How? I have no idea.😆 #KidLitChat
Ah, yes! I adored the picture book BATHE THE CAT by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts. So funny between the rhyme and the clever pictures/expressions.
As far as if I use humor in my work...I do! A lot. How? I have no idea.😆 #KidLitChat
People: Wow, you remember your dreams? I wish I could!
The dreams in question: Going to a 2000s mall Sbarro's Pizza and asking for a pint of white sauce to go
The dreams in question: Going to a 2000s mall Sbarro's Pizza and asking for a pint of white sauce to go
March 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
People: Wow, you remember your dreams? I wish I could!
The dreams in question: Going to a 2000s mall Sbarro's Pizza and asking for a pint of white sauce to go
The dreams in question: Going to a 2000s mall Sbarro's Pizza and asking for a pint of white sauce to go
The #KidLitChat discussion tonight on pitches/log lines made me remember that cozy trend of "blind dates" with a book (you know, where the book you chose was in a paper bag and had short pitch on the front).
Anyway, have a great evening everyone! 'til next week 😊
Anyway, have a great evening everyone! 'til next week 😊
March 19, 2025 at 2:07 AM
The #KidLitChat discussion tonight on pitches/log lines made me remember that cozy trend of "blind dates" with a book (you know, where the book you chose was in a paper bag and had short pitch on the front).
Anyway, have a great evening everyone! 'til next week 😊
Anyway, have a great evening everyone! 'til next week 😊
For PBs, writing a short pitch (as if for a Twitter pitch event - RIP) is the first thing I do for a new idea! It helps me gauge if the stakes and hook are appealing. I also love reading jacket copy to study.
For MG/YA, looking forward to seeing what others have to say on synopses! #KidLitChat
For MG/YA, looking forward to seeing what others have to say on synopses! #KidLitChat
TOPIC: What are your tips and tricks for writing a synopsis of your manuscript? What about a logline? Or an elevator pitch? If you are on the receiving end of these, what are common errors and what would you like to see? #kidlitchat
March 19, 2025 at 1:46 AM
For PBs, writing a short pitch (as if for a Twitter pitch event - RIP) is the first thing I do for a new idea! It helps me gauge if the stakes and hook are appealing. I also love reading jacket copy to study.
For MG/YA, looking forward to seeing what others have to say on synopses! #KidLitChat
For MG/YA, looking forward to seeing what others have to say on synopses! #KidLitChat
#KidLitChat I am on my way!! Walking home from the library. Excited to join in the discussion soon 😊 📚
March 19, 2025 at 1:09 AM
#KidLitChat I am on my way!! Walking home from the library. Excited to join in the discussion soon 😊 📚
Happy Purim! My apricot hamantaschen 🥳#KidLitConfections
March 14, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Happy Purim! My apricot hamantaschen 🥳#KidLitConfections
My update! A lot has happened in the new year:
1) First agent left the business 😭
2) Signed with a new one 🎉
3) Successfully did #StoryStorm ! 🌧️
4) Finally made progress balancing copywriting full time and writing kidlit 🙌
#KidLitChat
1) First agent left the business 😭
2) Signed with a new one 🎉
3) Successfully did #StoryStorm ! 🌧️
4) Finally made progress balancing copywriting full time and writing kidlit 🙌
#KidLitChat
TOPIC: It's quarterly check-in time: your chance to share what's been happening with you creatively since December. Did those New Year's resolutions get you off to a good start? (Note: ANY start is a good start!) #kidlitchat
March 12, 2025 at 1:17 AM
My update! A lot has happened in the new year:
1) First agent left the business 😭
2) Signed with a new one 🎉
3) Successfully did #StoryStorm ! 🌧️
4) Finally made progress balancing copywriting full time and writing kidlit 🙌
#KidLitChat
1) First agent left the business 😭
2) Signed with a new one 🎉
3) Successfully did #StoryStorm ! 🌧️
4) Finally made progress balancing copywriting full time and writing kidlit 🙌
#KidLitChat
Amazing #PBParty winner entries! 👏
I loved reading as if I were an agent/editor looking to request work; it’s a great exercise whether you are querying or on sub. All the entries are excellent, but only some would be a “fit”—Idk why but it’s comforting to me in the publishing journey 💖
I loved reading as if I were an agent/editor looking to request work; it’s a great exercise whether you are querying or on sub. All the entries are excellent, but only some would be a “fit”—Idk why but it’s comforting to me in the publishing journey 💖
The #PBParty agent/editor/AD showcase opened early this morning and requests are flying! With 55 finalists and 20 in the Illustration Showcase, we'd love to have even more participate.
Everyone may read them & cheer online, but comments are only for requests.
mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2025...
Everyone may read them & cheer online, but comments are only for requests.
mindyalyseweiss.com/pbparty-2025...
March 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Amazing #PBParty winner entries! 👏
I loved reading as if I were an agent/editor looking to request work; it’s a great exercise whether you are querying or on sub. All the entries are excellent, but only some would be a “fit”—Idk why but it’s comforting to me in the publishing journey 💖
I loved reading as if I were an agent/editor looking to request work; it’s a great exercise whether you are querying or on sub. All the entries are excellent, but only some would be a “fit”—Idk why but it’s comforting to me in the publishing journey 💖
Fun topic! I've written PBs with Jewish holidays. Something I find interesting is when I look in book stores, the Jewish holiday PBs are usually in the Jewish section, not childrens (unless out on display for the holiday) 😲 Has anyone noticed similar with other observances or faiths? #KidLitChat
TOPIC: Let's talk about holiday tie-ins: share your thoughts on tapping into specific calendar observances for your stories, from the whimsical (Be Kind to Squirrels Day) to the culturally significant (Black History Month). Laissez les bon temps rouler! #kidlitchat
March 5, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Fun topic! I've written PBs with Jewish holidays. Something I find interesting is when I look in book stores, the Jewish holiday PBs are usually in the Jewish section, not childrens (unless out on display for the holiday) 😲 Has anyone noticed similar with other observances or faiths? #KidLitChat
This picture book is an absolute delight! And also a great read if you are studying rhyme 🐷🧡 #KidLit #PictureBooks #BookSky
Please join me on March 22 at Maxima Book Center in Lexington, Mass, for a fun construction-themed story time with my picture book Pigs Dig a Road. If your kiddo loves trucks, construction sites and/or pigs, this is the event for you! 🐷 🚧
March 4, 2025 at 9:51 PM
This picture book is an absolute delight! And also a great read if you are studying rhyme 🐷🧡 #KidLit #PictureBooks #BookSky
This is sort of on and off topic, but my favorite place to look for inspiration are in the dedication and/or acknowledgement section of a book 💙📚 #KidLitChat
TOPIC: We lost a giant of children's literature this month: Uri Shulevitz inspired generations of children and #kidlit creators. Which authors and/or illustrators do you look to for inspiration? #kidlitchat
February 26, 2025 at 2:10 AM
This is sort of on and off topic, but my favorite place to look for inspiration are in the dedication and/or acknowledgement section of a book 💙📚 #KidLitChat
ALSO! I can't remember where I heard it, but it was such good advice for pantsers: "Your first draft IS your outline." #KidLitChat
TOPIC: Let's talk process. Do you start at the beginning of ideas and power through? Do you just work on whatever hits your mind? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Spill the beans (and give tips) here at #kidlitchat
February 19, 2025 at 2:16 AM
ALSO! I can't remember where I heard it, but it was such good advice for pantsers: "Your first draft IS your outline." #KidLitChat
For PB, it often starts with title or a line and I power through a first draft. I'm new to writing MG, but so far it's been getting glimpses of scenes/dialogue pop into my brain and marking where that could fit into plot/narrative. I also always write a pitch to "see" where I'm going. #KidLitChat
TOPIC: Let's talk process. Do you start at the beginning of ideas and power through? Do you just work on whatever hits your mind? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Spill the beans (and give tips) here at #kidlitchat
February 19, 2025 at 2:15 AM
For PB, it often starts with title or a line and I power through a first draft. I'm new to writing MG, but so far it's been getting glimpses of scenes/dialogue pop into my brain and marking where that could fit into plot/narrative. I also always write a pitch to "see" where I'm going. #KidLitChat