Stephanie L. Ward
@stephanielward.bsky.social
#Fantasy and #SciFi #MG writer. #SCBWI member. #MGBees #WMCNA 2020 Longlist #WriteMentor Novel in Development Award 2021 Kid's Favorite List
Also, we can't talk about childhood favorites without mentioning Dr.Suess.
Put me in the Zoo
Green Eggs and Ham
Come on....
So good.
#KidLitChat
Put me in the Zoo
Green Eggs and Ham
Come on....
So good.
#KidLitChat
I adore those precious moments when Mom acted out picture books. Favs?
* The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
*Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
by Hisako Kimishima
Although I don't write PB's, my MG writing is full of danger and fantasy, much like these stories.
Super Cool! #KidLitChat
* The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
*Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
by Hisako Kimishima
Although I don't write PB's, my MG writing is full of danger and fantasy, much like these stories.
Super Cool! #KidLitChat
TOPIC: What were your own favorite books from childhood? (Extra points if they're in the same genre you create now.) Do you ever revisit them for inspiration? #kidlitchat
October 1, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Also, we can't talk about childhood favorites without mentioning Dr.Suess.
Put me in the Zoo
Green Eggs and Ham
Come on....
So good.
#KidLitChat
Put me in the Zoo
Green Eggs and Ham
Come on....
So good.
#KidLitChat
I adore those precious moments when Mom acted out picture books. Favs?
* The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
*Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
by Hisako Kimishima
Although I don't write PB's, my MG writing is full of danger and fantasy, much like these stories.
Super Cool! #KidLitChat
* The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
*Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
by Hisako Kimishima
Although I don't write PB's, my MG writing is full of danger and fantasy, much like these stories.
Super Cool! #KidLitChat
TOPIC: What were your own favorite books from childhood? (Extra points if they're in the same genre you create now.) Do you ever revisit them for inspiration? #kidlitchat
October 1, 2025 at 1:11 AM
I adore those precious moments when Mom acted out picture books. Favs?
* The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
*Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
by Hisako Kimishima
Although I don't write PB's, my MG writing is full of danger and fantasy, much like these stories.
Super Cool! #KidLitChat
* The Gunniwolf by Wilhelmina Harper
*Ma Lien & the Magic Paintbrush
by Hisako Kimishima
Although I don't write PB's, my MG writing is full of danger and fantasy, much like these stories.
Super Cool! #KidLitChat
I find another writer willing to do sprints. Accountability is key for me. #KidLitChat
TOPIC: You are moving along on a project and... something (anything!)... distracts your attention. Or you wrap up one project and have not yet engaged with another. How do you regain momentum? Or how do you keep focused in general with all this life and everything else! #kidlitchat
June 25, 2025 at 3:15 AM
I find another writer willing to do sprints. Accountability is key for me. #KidLitChat
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Sharing more widely now! Working in managing editorial, I don't always get to interact with authors, and I miss it. So in addition to working in house, I'm reopening to freelance editing!
If you need a developmental or copy editor, I'd love to hear from you:
jamie-evans.com/editorial-se...
If you need a developmental or copy editor, I'd love to hear from you:
jamie-evans.com/editorial-se...
May 28, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Sharing more widely now! Working in managing editorial, I don't always get to interact with authors, and I miss it. So in addition to working in house, I'm reopening to freelance editing!
If you need a developmental or copy editor, I'd love to hear from you:
jamie-evans.com/editorial-se...
If you need a developmental or copy editor, I'd love to hear from you:
jamie-evans.com/editorial-se...
I adore planting flowers! I never thought about the writing connection until now. #KidLitChat
April 9, 2025 at 1:39 AM
I adore planting flowers! I never thought about the writing connection until now. #KidLitChat
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Hello Friends! Welcome to #MSWL Day 2025! 🎉
This is our first #MSWL Day on Bluesky, and we have new features to share!
Rather listen than read? Here’s a how-to! vimeo.com/1055984106
Here’s our Bluesky search guide: youtu.be/LnZt1MCjKZE?...
This is our first #MSWL Day on Bluesky, and we have new features to share!
Rather listen than read? Here’s a how-to! vimeo.com/1055984106
Here’s our Bluesky search guide: youtu.be/LnZt1MCjKZE?...
#MSWL Day 2025: Search Tips & Features
This is "#MSWL Day 2025: Search Tips & Features" by The Manuscript Academy on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
vimeo.com
February 12, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Hello Friends! Welcome to #MSWL Day 2025! 🎉
This is our first #MSWL Day on Bluesky, and we have new features to share!
Rather listen than read? Here’s a how-to! vimeo.com/1055984106
Here’s our Bluesky search guide: youtu.be/LnZt1MCjKZE?...
This is our first #MSWL Day on Bluesky, and we have new features to share!
Rather listen than read? Here’s a how-to! vimeo.com/1055984106
Here’s our Bluesky search guide: youtu.be/LnZt1MCjKZE?...
I use ProWritingAid to catch all the missing commas. But nothing beats a good Excel spreadsheet to outline/revise and a Word doc to create stories. #KidLitChat
TOPIC: How does technology impact your creative process? Is there 'must have' tech for you? And how does technology--past, present and future--shape the stories we tell? #kidlitchat
February 12, 2025 at 2:19 AM
I use ProWritingAid to catch all the missing commas. But nothing beats a good Excel spreadsheet to outline/revise and a Word doc to create stories. #KidLitChat
To bring what my imagination created into something visual would be a dream come true. Whether it be fan art,🎨, turned into a cartoon/anime✨️, or a full-length film🎬, I'd swoon😍.
#MGEscapades #MGQuestionOfTheWeek #MiddleGradeBooks
#MGEscapades #MGQuestionOfTheWeek #MiddleGradeBooks
For our question of the week, we want to know the fan-made thing you dream about! Is it art, cosplay, or something else?
#MGEscapades #MGEQuestionOfTheWeek #MiddleGradeBooks
#MGEscapades #MGEQuestionOfTheWeek #MiddleGradeBooks
January 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
To bring what my imagination created into something visual would be a dream come true. Whether it be fan art,🎨, turned into a cartoon/anime✨️, or a full-length film🎬, I'd swoon😍.
#MGEscapades #MGQuestionOfTheWeek #MiddleGradeBooks
#MGEscapades #MGQuestionOfTheWeek #MiddleGradeBooks
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
We now have a starter pack! 😁
Follow all of the Middle Grade Escapades here: go.bsky.app/6XsfvxG
Follow all of the Middle Grade Escapades here: go.bsky.app/6XsfvxG
January 30, 2025 at 11:51 AM
We now have a starter pack! 😁
Follow all of the Middle Grade Escapades here: go.bsky.app/6XsfvxG
Follow all of the Middle Grade Escapades here: go.bsky.app/6XsfvxG
@mgescapades.bsky.social Can't wait to connect with other MG writers and for all the fun MG posts!
January 24, 2025 at 2:21 AM
@mgescapades.bsky.social Can't wait to connect with other MG writers and for all the fun MG posts!
2025 Goal: Finish editing this MS and query it.
Theme saying: good habits get the job done.
Accountability: X on calendar. Buy a book each month I achieve my goal.
Goal: Edit every weekday, even if it's only a short amount of time. #KidLitChat
Theme saying: good habits get the job done.
Accountability: X on calendar. Buy a book each month I achieve my goal.
Goal: Edit every weekday, even if it's only a short amount of time. #KidLitChat
TOPIC: Resolutions time! What are your shiny new career goals for 2025 (the ones under your control)? Do you have a theme word for the year? How do you plan to hold yourself accountable? #kidlitchat
January 8, 2025 at 2:32 AM
2025 Goal: Finish editing this MS and query it.
Theme saying: good habits get the job done.
Accountability: X on calendar. Buy a book each month I achieve my goal.
Goal: Edit every weekday, even if it's only a short amount of time. #KidLitChat
Theme saying: good habits get the job done.
Accountability: X on calendar. Buy a book each month I achieve my goal.
Goal: Edit every weekday, even if it's only a short amount of time. #KidLitChat
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Thanks for reposting this survey, @debbieohi.com <3 -- #KidLitChat folks: if you haven't already, please take a minute after tonight's chat to fill out the survey and let me know your thoughts about making the retreat I've been threatening/promising into a reality! <3 www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVBF6GC
December 18, 2024 at 2:43 AM
Thanks for reposting this survey, @debbieohi.com <3 -- #KidLitChat folks: if you haven't already, please take a minute after tonight's chat to fill out the survey and let me know your thoughts about making the retreat I've been threatening/promising into a reality! <3 www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVBF6GC
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
This feed! If you click the pin button at the top it adds it to the ribbon by your home feed and discover feed. And it’s full of so much #KidLit fun. But maybe you already have it pinned/saved? ❤️
Glad you are joining us for #KidLitChat!
Glad you are joining us for #KidLitChat!
December 18, 2024 at 2:43 AM
This feed! If you click the pin button at the top it adds it to the ribbon by your home feed and discover feed. And it’s full of so much #KidLit fun. But maybe you already have it pinned/saved? ❤️
Glad you are joining us for #KidLitChat!
Glad you are joining us for #KidLitChat!
Oops, I forgot the tags... #KidLitConfections #KidLitChat
Hmm...what do you think these bad boys would pair well with?
Fudge dipped peanut butter cookies
Fudge dipped peanut butter cookies
December 18, 2024 at 2:25 AM
Oops, I forgot the tags... #KidLitConfections #KidLitChat
Valor Wings by @subity.bsky.social gave me all the feels. I mean...Dragons meets WWII?! It blew my mind.
TBR: Quantum Interstellar Sports League by @JScottSavage Illiterated by: @BrandonDorman
#KidLitChat
TBR: Quantum Interstellar Sports League by @JScottSavage Illiterated by: @BrandonDorman
#KidLitChat
TOPIC: Which children's books caught your attention in 2024? Which are still on your TBR list? #kidlitchat
December 18, 2024 at 2:10 AM
Valor Wings by @subity.bsky.social gave me all the feels. I mean...Dragons meets WWII?! It blew my mind.
TBR: Quantum Interstellar Sports League by @JScottSavage Illiterated by: @BrandonDorman
#KidLitChat
TBR: Quantum Interstellar Sports League by @JScottSavage Illiterated by: @BrandonDorman
#KidLitChat
My earliest memory is my dad acting out the PB, The Gunniwolf by:Wilhelmina Harper. #KidLitChat #kidlit classics.
TOPIC: Tonight we're hitting the #kidlit classics. Can you point to the stories that inspired you to pursue a career in books for children? What about the ones you missed early on and have come to admire as an adult? #kidlitchat
November 20, 2024 at 2:16 AM
My earliest memory is my dad acting out the PB, The Gunniwolf by:Wilhelmina Harper. #KidLitChat #kidlit classics.
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Pinnable post for the KidLit Mega Feed. Admins: @boringstorybook.com @charlenedraws.bsky.social @debbieohi.com. Volunteer Moderator list, more info,check if you can post to feed, read this page.
Please:
📌Save/pin the feed if you enjoy it
🔁Repost to help spread the word
bsky.app/profile/debb...
Please:
📌Save/pin the feed if you enjoy it
🔁Repost to help spread the word
bsky.app/profile/debb...
September 3, 2024 at 9:26 PM
Pinnable post for the KidLit Mega Feed. Admins: @boringstorybook.com @charlenedraws.bsky.social @debbieohi.com. Volunteer Moderator list, more info,check if you can post to feed, read this page.
Please:
📌Save/pin the feed if you enjoy it
🔁Repost to help spread the word
bsky.app/profile/debb...
Please:
📌Save/pin the feed if you enjoy it
🔁Repost to help spread the word
bsky.app/profile/debb...
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Hey everyone! I'm Melanie. I write middle grade novels and picture books, as well as a pretty awesome newsletter about creativity. My latest book is Crushed, which is a #metoo story set in middle school. Happy to make your acquaintance! ✨
November 8, 2024 at 11:13 PM
Hey everyone! I'm Melanie. I write middle grade novels and picture books, as well as a pretty awesome newsletter about creativity. My latest book is Crushed, which is a #metoo story set in middle school. Happy to make your acquaintance! ✨
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Halloween has a season, but spooky love doesn't! There are fabulous spooky middle grade books coming out all the time that deserve more love, and hear are a few recommendations by the most excellent @adriannacuevas.bsky.social: teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2024/09/09/a...
Boo! Spooky Middle Grade Titles to Share All Year, a guest post by Adrianna Cuevas
Check out these titles by queer and BIPOC authors that will satisfy young readers as we approach spooky season
teenlibrariantoolbox.com
September 10, 2024 at 6:28 PM
Halloween has a season, but spooky love doesn't! There are fabulous spooky middle grade books coming out all the time that deserve more love, and hear are a few recommendations by the most excellent @adriannacuevas.bsky.social: teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2024/09/09/a...
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
#kidlitzombieweek starts Monday! Do you have manuscripts you thought were dead? Join us to bring those zombies back to life w/ blog posts, discussions, & of course #prizes! Check all the details out here:
sites.google.com/u/0/d/1uPxbh...
Share and tag all your #amwriting #amrevising #kidlit friends
sites.google.com/u/0/d/1uPxbh...
Share and tag all your #amwriting #amrevising #kidlit friends
June 15, 2024 at 7:56 PM
#kidlitzombieweek starts Monday! Do you have manuscripts you thought were dead? Join us to bring those zombies back to life w/ blog posts, discussions, & of course #prizes! Check all the details out here:
sites.google.com/u/0/d/1uPxbh...
Share and tag all your #amwriting #amrevising #kidlit friends
sites.google.com/u/0/d/1uPxbh...
Share and tag all your #amwriting #amrevising #kidlit friends
Good night, #KidLitChat! It's been fun.
June 26, 2024 at 2:13 AM
Good night, #KidLitChat! It's been fun.
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Tonight is #kidlitchat!
Early Tuesday reminder that #kidlitchat happens here at 9pm Eastern/6 PM Pacific. And, of course, you are invited to join us!
June 25, 2024 at 7:38 PM
Tonight is #kidlitchat!
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
I love stories about competitions! This middle grade novel by Siobhan McDermott comes out today! #TBRTuesday #SFFlit
March 5, 2024 at 6:29 PM
I love stories about competitions! This middle grade novel by Siobhan McDermott comes out today! #TBRTuesday #SFFlit
Reposted by Stephanie L. Ward
Happy book birthday to @erinentrada.bsky.social and her new middle grade novel, THE FIRST STATE OF BEING! I'm always here for heartfelt time travel shenanigans. Go 👏get👏it👏today!👏
March 5, 2024 at 9:04 PM
Happy book birthday to @erinentrada.bsky.social and her new middle grade novel, THE FIRST STATE OF BEING! I'm always here for heartfelt time travel shenanigans. Go 👏get👏it👏today!👏