Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Larissa D. Elliott

@larissadelliott.bsky.social

1.4K followers 1.5K following 970 posts

Picture book author repped by @charlottewenger.bsky.social. Sometimes writer of YA & MG. Wife. Mommy. Band director. 🇵🇭🇺🇸. She/her. #12x12pb. #Kidlitart on IG @ larissa.d.elliott. ADHD is my superpower.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Nov 13

Hi everyone! I often introduce myself by saying I'm a music teacher by day, a mommy by night, and a writer in the spare moments. I'm also an ADHD writer which means I write a little of everything and I bounce back and forth between projects. #kidlitchat

15 1 200

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 13d

It's time for all the October art challenges! My challenge for you is to include diversity in the art you're making. Feel free to go out of order or include diversity beyond what's included in this list. Use the hashtag #DiversifyMyArt or #DiversifyMyArt2025 and feel free to tag me!

#DiversifyMyArt October challenge 2025. Feel free to combine with other challenges. 1. Cleft lip
2. Crutches or cane
3. Curly hair
4. Vitiligo
5. Insulin pump
or glucometer
6. Pregnancy
7. Cerebral Palsy
8. Tattoos
9. Fat positivity
10. Leg braces
11. Piercings
12. Oxygen tank
13. Lazy eye
14. Birthmark
15. Broken arm or leg
16. Facial hair
17. Evidence of faith
18. Braids/locs
19. Mixed race family
20. Dwarfism
21. Twins
22. Religious headwear
23. Albinism
24. Cornrows
25. LGBTQIA+
26. Prosthetic limb
27. Service animal
28. Hair loss
29. Visual impairment
30. Saree
31. Sign language

3 9

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 14d

Yes!

1 1

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 14d

And then when I got to the other side I looked at the gap that was actually only a few feet off the ground and thought "I don't know why I was so worried about that." And I'm praying that this is a sign that I'm ready for something big.

1 4

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 14d

I have a recurring dream about a large gap in a tall flight of stairs. If I don't stretch far enough or jump or somehow crawl around the edge, I will fall far. But last night, I dreamt I looked at the gap and thought "That's doesn't look too bad. I can do that."

2 6

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 22d

Myst was such an awesome game...and its sequels. I want to try doing it in VR. I think that's a thing.

1 2

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 22d

Ellen Brock is awesome! I also love Abbie Emmons. #kidlitchat youtube.com/@abbieemmons...

Abbie Emmons

I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author d...

youtube.com

1 5

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 26d

Landing hungry.
Disappointed.
Hoot!

2 5

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 29d

I feel like almost everything I read growing up (80s, 90s) was in 3rd person. #kidlitchat

1 2

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 29d

I have a couple of 1st person picture books in various stage of sub right now. They are very kid/family focused so the kid pov makes sense. My animal character and fairy tale style stories are often 3rd person pov. I guess because a human kid wouldn't identify as much with the MC? #kidlitchat

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 29d

(reading a YA)

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 29d

I recently had to DNF a YA that was in 3rd person. I didn't make it through the first chapter. It felt weird not being in 1st. #kidlitchat

2 2

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 29d

My 1st person picture book manuscripts keep getting editor feedback saying something about the voice not being kid-like enough. It's hard! But I love 1st. #kidlitchat

2 4

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · 29d

My first couple of (YA) novel drafts were written in 3rd person. I was working on voice and decided to write a diary entry for my MC (in 1st). I loved it so much, I went back and rewrote the whole novel in 1st person. It feels much more personal and relatable. Interiority is easier! #kidlitchat

Reposted by Larissa D. Elliott

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · Sep 6

❄️✨ The 12 x 12 Winter Illustrator Challenge is here! ✨❄️

Members—you can submit artwork Sept 1–Oct 15. Draw a 12 x 12 character doing a winter activity. 🎨

All entries will be featured on our social channels. Check email/forum for the link!

#12x12PB #kidlit

1 2 8

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

Ditto!

1 4

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

Bonus: 1-on-1 mentorships, for sure. And probably one of those week long stays in Italy workshopping with some big name from the industry. The dream! #kidlitart

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

🤣

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

Those will probably end up being my empty-nester hobbies...in 11 years when my youngest graduates. Maybe sooner if she does the whole locking-herself-in-her-room thing. #kidlitart

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

I wouldn't mind learning something more physical/3D than just drawing/painting. I was pretty crafty as a kid. I wouldn't mind learning how to throw a pot or do stained glass or carve wood. But those all seem hard, so maybe felt/fabric art? #kidlitart

2 5

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

"I have to do dishes?"

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

I've toyed with the idea of painting interiors as a contractor if I have a mental breakdown from teaching, lol. I've done a bit of drywall too and wouldn't mind doing that. I'm not a fan of flooring. My poor knees. #kidlitart

1 1

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

I've done some online workshops from Highlights and they're great! The retreat center really is magical too. The food!!! #kidlitart

1 3

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

You get your money's worth with the 12x12 webinars even if you can't do all the rest! #kidlitart

1 3

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

I did a few domestika illustration courses. They have sales all the time so it can be quite affordable if you need that. For writing skills, I highly recommend the 12x12 picture book challenge community. #kidlitart

1 12

Larissa D. Elliott @larissadelliott.bsky.social · Aug 29

I mostly do self-taught learning. I did a few YouTube tutorials and some copying of fav illustrations, but I worry my stuff will look too much like copying, so I end up floundering on my own. I haven't had real art education since a drawing class in college. I should probably change that. #kidlitart