Stephanie Maksymiw
@storiesbystephm.bsky.social
400 followers 400 following 150 posts
PB author | #SCBWI | #amquerying | 2025 #KidlitChuckleChallenge Winner, #50PreciousWords HM | 2024 #PitchMe Finalist, #kidschoicekidlitwritingcontest Winner, #50PreciousWords HM https://stephaniemstories.wixsite.com/home
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storiesbystephm.bsky.social
I almost didn't enter. Lesson learned, take a chance!
aprilberrybooks.bsky.social
OMGoodness, #kidlit friends! You are all so funny. 😂 It was so difficult (yet so very fun) judging the #KidlitChuckleChallenge entries this year!

I'm super excited to share that these folks are prize-winning KIDLIT CHUCKLE CHAMPIONS. 🏆✨

Congratulations to this year's winners!🎉
List of the 2025 winners for the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge humor writing contest List of the 2025 winners for the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge humor writing contest
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Poor spider was murdered by Murder By Cheesecake. 🕷️ 🍰
Squished spider in the book Murder By Cheesecake
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
You know you're old when...

You get excited for a delivery of Wild deodorant refills. 😂
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Nonfiction Series at #scbwiuniversity. Can't wait!
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
So many great prizes. #kidlit peeps who write humor, check this out.
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Let's talk passes.
Recently an agent who passes quickly had my MS for a longer time, but it was a pass. I believe they truly loved the story but just couldn't fit me in.
I was sad. I did retail therapy. I ate cookies.
Then I continued to query.
Not giving up!
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
I'm not even prepped for this week and tomorrow's Friday 😆
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Read an interesting historical fact.
Me: "I don't think this can be a full story, maybe a 50 Precious Words entry."
Writes a draft (yes, I know it's super early for that contest)
Me: "I know how to make this a full story now!"

Another non-fiction-ish draft coming soon!
kermit the frog is typing on a typewriter .
ALT: kermit the frog is typing on a typewriter .
media.tenor.com
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Getting the QueryTracker Annual Premium Subscription might have been a mistake. The data lover in me keeps getting distracted by agent timelines.
a cat wearing a pair of glasses with the words talk data to me above it
ALT: a cat wearing a pair of glasses with the words talk data to me above it
media.tenor.com
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Volunteered today! I was inside painting the birthday room, but look how cool the outside mural is! #UnitedWayDayOfCaring
Mural being painted
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
The weekend plan is to start reading the #kidkitzombieweek pitch winning stories...and then build my new Lego Wicket the Ewok set!

What's your plan?
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Some days you start the work day late because you had to stare at a bunny
Brown bunny sitting outside
Reposted by Stephanie Maksymiw
kidlitzombieweek.bsky.social
Thanks again for a great #KidlitZombieWeek! If you participated or were a winner, you can pick up your badges here.

sites.google.com/view/kidlit-...
#kidlitzombieweek2025
2025 Participant badge for Kidlit Zombie Week. Illustration of a mermaid zombie 2025 Winner badge for Kidlit Zombie Week. Illustration of a mermaid zombie
Reposted by Stephanie Maksymiw
kidlitzombieweek.bsky.social
#KidlitZombieWeek Day 6! BONUS DAY!

Read here: open.substack.com/pub/justinco...

Then come back & comment w/ your thoughts.

Thanks @justincolonbooks.bsky.social‬ for this great post!

Remember, zombies w/ the bonus day, you have until midnight EST 6/28/2025 to get in your pledge and pitch forms
Reposted by Stephanie Maksymiw
kidlitzombieweek.bsky.social
#KidlitZombieWeek Day 5!

Check it out here: www.transmediamutts.com/blog/is-fran...

Then come back & comment on this post with which body parts you're going to focus on for reviving your story.

Thanks so much @jocelynrish.com for this super fun interactive Kidlit Zombie Week 2025 post!
Reposted by Stephanie Maksymiw
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
I never thought of using post or notes on a wall. Cool idea
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
Who knew Max the dog was the one writing?!?! 🤣🐶
storiesbystephm.bsky.social
I was just thinking the same. And good timing...it's too hot to write on a laptop on your lap...pen/pencil and paper it is!