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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 9h

Yes, every time!

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 9h

Exactly! Querying is important but doesn't exactly nurture creativity.

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 14h

Does anyone else feel like they're in querying mode or writing mode, but never both? I wish I could find a happy balance between the two! #kidlit #booksky

a cartoon of a girl typing on a laptop with the website debbieohi.com visible

ALT: a cartoon of a girl typing on a laptop with the website debbieohi.com visible

media.tenor.com

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 1d

Because someone has to write the next great American novel. 😂

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 1d

Planning to do this now. 🙂

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 2d

I feel it in my bones.
A chill
I choose to blame
On the rustling leaves.
A sudden gust
Of realization
That tells me gently,
"It's over now."

Prompt #127
#SenseWrds

Sense Words @sensewords.bsky.social · 9d

Prompt 127

Autumnal
Whispering
Marrow

Do Not use the prompt words in your piece. Please use #SenseWrds , and include the prompt number. No combo prompts. Message me if you have more questions about the prompt. Happy writing! ~M 🙏🏻

Prompt 127

Autumnal
Whispering
Marrow

Close your eyes, and
let the words lead you.
What do they make you
see...feel... Now,
write about it. I want to
Challenge you! DO NOT use
the words in your piece.
Post your original work
to #SenseWrds , along with
prompt number.

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 2d

"No social media platform" 😂

PJ McIlvaine @pjmacwriter.bsky.social · 2d

#booksky
# writing
#writingcommunity

Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 2d

I have a similar system using Excel. I like your idea for colorcoding!

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 2d

I can definitely picture Tilly saying that!

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

That makes sense. Thanks! #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

Do you feel there's more leeway with books/movies not having to be less than five years old? I always worry about that. #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

I feel like I have to force myself to forget about it as soon as I hit submit. Move on to the next query. Then the next. It helps make the rejections a little less soul crushing. #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

I've been there! 😬

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

I enjoy writing queries but pitches are either very easy or very difficult. If it's the latter, I worry that means I don't have a good enough grasp of what I'm writing or there's something inherently wrong with my manuscript. #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

Yes! That's always a very real risk. #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

I usually try to personalize but if it sounds too forced, I won't. I'll mention if I saw a recent post or read an interview where they mention something that matches up with my manuscript. #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

Same. As a public librarian, I feel like I have an advantage when it comes to comps! #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 4d

I can relate. It makes me wonder if I should hold off on querying my top agents until I've sent it out few times and found all those inevitable problem areas. #kidlitchat

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 5d

Hoping the kiddos will enjoy watching Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit while making their own clay creations. A little spookiness to kick off the season! 🐰 🎃

Colorful clay packets alongside a DVD of Wallace & Gromit

Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 6d

Same!

Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 6d

Change "being on sub" to "actively querying" and this is me!

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 7d

Sounds like a good read. I've found some real gems at thrift stores including this one by Isaac Asimov and his wife from 1980.

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 9d

Thank you, @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social and @lydialukidis.bsky.social for hosting the 2025 #FallWritingFrenzy! My story was more somber than I anticipated but I think it's the story I needed to write today. ❤️

2025 Fall Writing Frenzy contestant badge

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 9d

Meant to say stem!

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Amanda Spino @amandaspino.bsky.social · 9d

Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins is a sweet story about a pumpkin without a stump.

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