Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN

Jes Trudel 🇨🇦 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ @jestrudel.bsky.social · 11d

Is it okay to nudge? Of course. But keep your emotions in check. If you're losing it after 3-6 months of not hearing from an agent, how are you going to handle 1+ years of no response from editors once you're on sub? I know it's hard, but be cool, calm, and collected. #querytip #writers #amquerying

3 2 12

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · 19d

I'm happy to share this can't-miss exciting opportunity for all #amwriting. Live POV Teaching Call on October 1st (you will get the recording).

Included is one month free access to Insiders Coaching Club for the month of October.
#kidlit #amquerying

writingblueprints.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZ...

NEW WORKSHOP: Mastering Point of View

A full workshop + one month of followup coaching!

writingblueprints.acemlnb.com

1 1

Reposted by Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN

That Librarian: Amanda Jones @librarianjones.com · 20d

It takes the whole community!

1 39 60

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · 20d

Hope everyone had a good summer. Placing this talented group of #kidlit authors on your radar. Stay tuned for more to come from @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social!
#booksky #pbcreativecrew #picturebookauthor #kidlit #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jul 2

Introducing…the Picture Book Creative Crew - a bunch of KidLit creatives with books sailing your way soon!

#booksky #pbcreativecrew #picturebookauthor #kidlit #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky

2

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 21

Both since I work full-time and write when I can. So yeah, I need to get more sleep.

Reposted by Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN

Melissa Stewart @mstewartscience.bsky.social · Jul 16

Woo-hoo!
I'm delighted to announce this upcoming book with from
@simonkids.bsky.social
@steamteambooks.bsky.social
@publisherswkly.bsky.social
#edusky #kidlit

2 6 30

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 15

PB Creative Crew has new members! With so much talent and heart in this group, I'm honored to be a member!
@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social
#picturebooks #kidlit #booksky #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jul 2

Introducing…the Picture Book Creative Crew - a bunch of KidLit creatives with books sailing your way soon!

#booksky #pbcreativecrew #picturebookauthor #kidlit #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky

2

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 15

While we're waiting for Alexia Andoni's #debut #picturebook, you can find her work in the What Is a Family? anthology. I'm looking forward to her lyrical stories! @alexiaandoni.bsky.social
@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social
#kidlit #booksky #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jun 27

Up Next...#pbcreativecrew member @alexiaandoni.bsky.social. Alexia is Mama to 1 dog, 2 cats, and 3 children. She has a poem in the anthology WHAT IS A FAMILY? edited by Wong & Vardell. Follow for more about her #debut soon. #picturebookauthor #kidlit #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky #booksky

1 6

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 8

There's still time to submit to #SmallPitch. Deadline is July 8, 11:59 pm EDT.
#amwriting #amquerying

#SmallPitch @smallpitch.org · Jul 7

The #SmallPitch pitch submission window is now OPEN for 48 hours!

Key reminders:
- Unagented writers only
- Finished manuscripts only
- One pitch per manuscript only
- Up to 3 manuscripts per writer
- No hashtags in your pitch
- Comps & emojis are okay
- Check our website for full guidelines & FAQ

#SmallPitch Submission Form

Please use this form to submit your pitch. A few reminders: You can pitch up to three manuscripts, with a limit of one pitch per manuscript. One pitch per form submission. Reload the form after submi...

forms.gle

3

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 8

My talented crew member @karengebbia.bsky.social gives her all to everything she does. I'm so excited for her upcoming #picturebooks!
@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social
#picturebookauthor #debutauthor #kidlit #booksky #childrensbooks #naturalist #teachersofbluesky #librariansofbluesky

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jun 25

Please welcome our next #pbcreativecrew member... @karengebbia.bsky.social! Karen has two #picturebooks coming from @nancyrosep.bsky.social/ @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social. Stay tuned for more!

#debutauthor #picturebookauthor #childrensbooks #kidlit #librariansofbluesky #teachersofbluesky #booksky

2

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 4

Learn how brainstorming was pivotal in my journey to publication. Comment on the 12x12 blog post to enter a drawing for a signed copy of #FreedomAtDawn (U.S. only) or a query letter critique.
#12×12PB #kidlit #picturebooks #amquerying #amwriting

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · Jul 2

This month’s featured author, @leahschanke.bsky.social, offers a thoughtful reminder for creatives:

“The strength of [brainstorming] stems from the suspension of judgment until ideas have been generated.”

Read more about her story here: buff.ly/3nk7JAE

2

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 2

Ronna Mandel does so much for the #kidlit community that I can't wait for her #debut #picturebook.
#booksky #jewishbooks
@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social
@ronnawriter.bsky.social

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jun 23

Up Next…#pbcreativecrew member @ronnawriter.bsky.social. Ronna’s #debut #picturebook HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR LATKES? with art by Madison Safer & published by Paw Prints, is out in 2026. #picturebookauthor #debutauthor #kidlit #booksky #childrensbooks #jewishbooks #teachersofbluesky #librariansofbluesky

1 4

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 2

If you like heartwarming #picturebooks, be sure to read Jeanette’s debut, MEATBALLS FOR GRANDPA, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. Stay tuned for more to to come!

@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social @thefelttippen.bsky.social #kidlit #booksky #teachersofbluesky #librariansofbluesky

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jun 20

Please welcome our next #pbcreativecrew member… @thefelttippen.bsky.social ! Jeanette’s debut, MEATBALLS FOR GRANDPA, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett, is out now! Stay tuned for more books soon.
#dementia
#kidlit #teachersofbluesky #librariansofbluesky #booksky #childrensbooks #kidlitbookreviewers

1 6

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jul 1

Can't wait to read your book, @meilinc.bsky.social!
@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social
#kidlit #picturebooks #booksky

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jun 18

Introducing…our next #pbcreativecrew member, @meilinc.bsky.social! Stay tuned for more book news from MeiLin!

#picturebookauthor #picturebooks #kidlit #kidlitcommunity #teachersofbluesky #librariansofbluesky #booksky #childrensbooks #youngreaders #kidlitbookreviewers #booklovers

1 2

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jun 19

Thank you @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social! Go to linktr.ee/leahschanke to learn more and order your copy.
#FreedomAtDawn #juneteenth #kidlit #picturebooks #robertsmalls #civilwarhistory #teachers #librarians #schoollibrarians #collectiondevelopment #booksky

3

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jun 18

Thank you to my crew members for a wonderful introduction! Please visit my author website for more information on my #debut #picturebook. www.leahschanke.com
#FreedomAtDawn #PB #kidlit #booksky #publiclibraries #collectiondevelopment #teachersofbluesky #librariansofbluesky #biographicalfiction

1 1 8

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · Jun 16

I'm so thrilled to be a part of this talented crew of picture book authors. Stay tuned for our introductions and news about our books!
#booksky #kidlit #PB #booklaunch #amwriting

Picture Book Creative Crew @pbcreativecrew.bsky.social · Jun 15

Introducing…the Picture Book Creative Crew! We are a bunch of KidLit creatives with picture books sailing your way soon!

@karengebbia.bsky.social @meilinc.bsky.social @alexiaandoni.bsky.social @ronnawriter.bsky.social @leahschanke.bsky.social @thefelttippen.bsky.social
#bluesky #pbcreativecrew

1 8

Reposted by Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN

skellyton bones jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · Jun 11

How about some neutral-leaning-good news?

Brooklyn Public Library is making funding available for libraries across the US who want to develop freedom to read programming for young people. It's open to any library, with a note that small and rural libraries are especially encouraged to apply.

4 86 220

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · May 19

Congratulations! I look forward to reading it! #kidlit #booksky #PB

Stephanie Gibeault @stephaniegibeault.bsky.social · May 19

I'm excited to share that mine and @davidhohn.bsky.social's upcoming picture book THE DOG WHO SAVED THE BEES has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! 🐕🐝 This biography of a beehive inspector and her rescue dog comes out on August 1. Pre-order now!
#kidlit #CanKidLit #edusky

1 7

Reposted by Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN

Emma Miller 😁 @emmadmiller.bsky.social · May 15

😁📖✍️
#literary #words

2 6

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · May 15

The #PBParty New Draft Challenge & Critique Train is now open through May 17.
#kidlit #PB #amwriting

Mindy Alyse Weiss @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social · May 15

The #PBParty New Draft Challenge & Critique Train starts NOW & lasts all of May 15 – 17 EDT
🚂Write a new PB draft
🚂Shout 'DONE' on this post
🚂Add your name to the Critique Train Google doc: tinyurl.com/Critique...
🚂CELEBRATE! 🎉
🚂FAQ: tinyurl.com/Critique...
Good luck ✨✨

PBParty Critique Train

PBParty Critique Train open for passengers on… May 15 - 17 Check out the FAQ here Keep up to date with PBParty events (including the contest) on Facebook Congrats for writing a new PB! Please add your name and e-mail below. I’ll critique the 1st person who completes a draft. They’ll criti...

tinyurl.com

1

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · May 15

There's a 24-hour window to enter this contest for a chance to win a critique of five pages of your novel.
#kidlit #MG #YA #amwriting

Mindy Alyse Weiss @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social · May 15

Enter to win one of 6 prizes of a five page novel critique from @michellebark.bsky.social, Senior Editor at @darlingaxe.com over on the Writers Helping Writers blog.

Good luck! :)

writershelpingwriters.net/2025/05/phen...

Phenomenal First Pages Contest - Guest Editor Edition

If you would like objective feedback on your first pages, please use our form to enter our contest. Good luck. :)

writershelpingwriters.net

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · May 13

I'll be adding many of these #PB and #MG books to my reading list.
#kidlit #booksky

Kalaniot Books @kalaniotbooks.bsky.social · May 13

Thanks to @imaginationsoup.bsky.social for this fine list of 30 Best Jewish Books for Kids (with Jewish Main Characters) including SOOSIE: THE HORSE THAT SAVED SHABBAT and THE MELODY imaginationsoup.net/childrens-je...

30 Best Jewish Books for Kids (with Jewish Main Characters)

Honor Jewish culture by reading Jewish books with Jewish main characters! These fictional children's books fill a much-needed gap in children's literature because there just hasn't been enough Jewish ...

imaginationsoup.net

2 4

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · May 13

Join me for an author event for my debut #picturebook, FREEDOM AT DAWN, at #barnesandnoble Westwood in Charleston, SC on May 25, 2025, at 1 pm ET.
#FreedomAtDawn #booklaunch #booksigningevent #booksky #kidlit
@albertwhitman.bsky.social

@obohdraws.bsky.social

@pbcreativecrew.bsky.social

Leah Schanke's announcement of her picture book signing event at Barnes & Noble Westwood in Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday, May 25, at 1 PM.

1 6

Leah Schanke | Author of FREEDOM AT DAWN @leahschanke.bsky.social · May 13

My #PB biography about a curious cowboy who makes a major discovery won honorable mention in #PBParty 2025!
#picturebooks #kidlit #amwriting #amquerying

2 10