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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 1d

In my book, Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops, a sausage dog follows the family home and never leaves. When the below amazing true story broke earlier this year, I kept thinking, "What if it was the other way around? What if Stu's dog disappeared instead?" Like this one.

www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...

The psychology of bringing 'mad' sausage dog Valerie in from the wild

Valerie's disappearance on South Australia's Kangaroo Island unleashed a 529-day hunt. She dodged rescue attempts and traps and had some wondering whether the sausage dog was mocking them and having t...

www.abc.net.au

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 1d

For TWO DAYS ONLY, you get free shipping when you buy my multi award-listed middle grade adventure, Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops, at Bookshop.org! Available in hardcover and paperback.

Find it here:
bookshop.org/p/books/stu-...

Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops

Check out Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops - <p><strong><em>A heartwarming and hilarious middle grade adventure about taking a chance on friendship while taking on time-stopping casino thieves.</em></st...

bookshop.org

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 1d

Oh, this is sad news indeed.

www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

Baker & Taylor Prepares Plan to Shut Down

At a town hall yesterday, B&T owner and CEO Aman Kochar announced that following the termination of the ReaderLink acquisition deal, he does not see a path to keep the library wholesaler in business.

www.publishersweekly.com

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 3d

Books find their way into libraries when people request them. Stu has been finding his way into libraries in the UK and around the world, but as someone who grew up relying on libraries for all of my books, I'd love to get him in more!

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 3d

It's always exciting to see pics of your book in the wild, especially on the other side of the world! STU AND THE SKETCHY TIME STOPS has found his way to Marlow Library in the UK! TY @ianbrownlie.bsky.social for sharing this pic!

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 4d

Today's newsletter is how snakes (toy, not real!) were a slithering surprise hit at my latest book event, last Sunday's Books and Beyond book market.

I hope you enjoy! 🐍

rebeccajchaney.substack.com/p/sell-snakes

#stuandthesketchytimestops #middlegrade #kidlit #kidlitnewsletter #bookmarketing

Sell Snakes!

Or How Small Slithering Specimens Increased My Book Sales

rebeccajchaney.substack.com

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 10d

I had so much FUN at the first Books & Beyond event with #middlegrade author friend Fiona Lloyd (if there was a prize for the most chatty stall, we would have won it). 😜

Congrats to author friends @selinafenech.bsky.social and Vivienne Fraser for putting on this event.

#stuandthesketchytimestops

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 13d

No, I'm not trying to draw wonky eyes, but I do spy with my little eye... Stu! The thrill of seeing your book in bookstores never goes away.

#StuandtheSketchyTimeStops #TheSketcherSeries #middlegrade #kidlit #kidlitchat

Copies of middle grade adventure novel, Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops, written by Australian children's author, Rebecca J. Chaney, on a shelf in a bookstore in two locations.

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 17d

Come and say hello to fellow middle grade author, Fiona Lloyd, and me at next Sunday's Books and Beyond Book Market at Ourimbah on the NSW Central Coast! It will be fun!

#booksandbeyond #bookmarket #meettheauthor #middlegrade #mg #kidlit #stuandthesketchytimestops #booksigning #middlegradeauthor

Come and say hello to middle grade authors, Rebecca J. Chaney and Fiona Lloyd at next Sunday's Books and Beyond Book Market at Ourimbah on the NSW Central Coast!

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 20d

Thanks to the Australian Children's Laureate Foundation, Children's Book Council of Australia - NSW Branch (Central Coast Branch), Central Coast Council Erina Library, and Words on the Waves Writers Festival for their support of this event.

#reading #education
#australianchildrenslaureate

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 20d

I'd first heard Sally speak at last month's Writing NSW Kids and YA Festival and was keen to hear more about her work and the current state of children's reading levels in Australia.

And last night's event did not disappoint, even if some of the stats were confronting.

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 20d

in convo with Melbourne Writers Festival education advisor, Karys McEwen, on how to challenge the traditional ways that children learn to read, and the importance of making reading - and all its forms - accessible to all children, including those who find it the most challenging.

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 20d

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australian children reach the end of their primary school years without the reading skills they need for life?

This was just one of the statistics discussed at last night's insightful chat between Australian Children's Laureate 2024-2025, Sally Rippin (on left in pic),

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 22d

Maybe we just don't want to admit to doing it. 😂 #kidlitchat

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 22d

Yes, swimming's a great one too. So relaxing. #kidlitchat

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 22d

Being in nature, whether that's out in my garden fighting weeds or taking a walk on the steep hills around my place that remind me I'm not as young (or fit) as I used to be!
#kidlitchat

kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · 22d

TOPIC: How do you recharge your creative energy? Is it by digging into more work? Time off? Going to a concert? Performing a concert??? What works for you... and how do you make sure you do it? (Psst. Please remember to do it!) #kidlitchat

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 22d

Same for me! #kidlitchat

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · 22d

One of my favourite quotes in my middle grade speculative adventure, Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops. 💜

#stuandthesketchytimestops #book1 #thesketcherseries #bookquotes #bookquote #middlegrade #kidlit

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Sep 5

Acclaimed Australian children's author, Morris Gleitzman, thinks being childish is exactly what we need right now, and I agree!
www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...

Morris Gleitzman on kids, potholes and fixing the grown-up world - ABC listen

Morris Gleitzman is back with Childish, a funny and heartfelt story about kids fixing what adults can’t, starting with potholes.

www.abc.net.au

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 27

Today's newsletter, the final in a trio about the Writing NSW Kids & YA Festival, includes chats about graphic & verse novels, comics & poetry, and how to create and maintain a thriving career in an everchanging industry. Enjoy! 💜
#kidlit #newsletter

rebeccajchaney.substack.com/p/quirky-quo...

Quirky Quotes, Serious Statistics, and Topical Takeaways from the Writing NSW Kids and YA Festival 2025 – Part Three

Yep, still a mouthful to say...

rebeccajchaney.substack.com

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 27

Oh, I missed a great #kidlitchat today! For what it's worth, I still haven't learned when to move on from projects. 😐 I'll be scrolling back through the #kidlit community's answers to this question for suggestions!

kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · Aug 27

TOPIC: How do you know when to move on from a project? Is there an expiration date on your work? And how do you deal with the mountain of defunct research, drafts and sketches--not to mention the emotional toll of saying goodbye? #kidlitchat

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 20

Today's newsletter is the second in a trio about this month's Writing NSW Kids and YA Festival in Sydney, including discussions on why series fiction is still a winner with kids, why Australian teens need Australia stories, and creating #kidlit communities.

Enjoy!

open.substack.com/pub/rebeccaj...

Quirky Quotes, Serious Statistics, and Topical Takeaways from the Writing NSW Kids and YA Festival 2025 – Part Two

I still Think That's a Mouthful of a Heading

open.substack.com

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 20

When my kids brought those Scholastic order forms home, I'd grab them to see what I wanted to order as well. Alas, my kids have grown out of the age where they bring those forms home. 😥
#kidlitchat

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 20

You and me both, my friend. 😉
#kidlitchat #MGWaves

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Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 20

Middle grade books gave me the escape I needed from reality and I guess that child still lives within me. #kidlitchat

Rebecca Chaney @rebeccajchaney.bsky.social · Aug 20

I love writing middle grade as this is the age of hope and discovery, where kids start to wonder about the world around them and where they fit in. For me personally, it was the age when my parents split and my world grew chaotic. A time where I grew up fast.
#kidlitchat

kidlitchat @kidlitchat.bsky.social · Aug 20

TOPIC: Why do you create/read the stories you create/read? Like… if you write MG, what makes THAT the age range you focus on? Yes, we all do lots of stuff, but if you gravitate towards one thing... why? #kidlitchat

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