Veronica Bartles
@vbartles.com
Author: THE PRINCESS & THE FROGS and TWELVE STEPS, recycle-knitter, graphic designer (web/book design, etc.) #KidLitConfections cookie queen, book-grandma, #ActuallyAutistic. (she/her) https://vbartles.com
Pinned
If you missed my Wonderful Websites that Work webinar last month, I just updated the on-demand, self-paced version of the course on my website (& I am in the process of updating all 5 of the other courses in the Selling Yourself Without Selling Yourself Short series)! vbartles.com/workshops/sy...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Chatting with @pgbellwriter.bsky.social on another platform about how as kids we had no concept of authors actually existing! One of the benefits of author school visits is that kids can see that authors are real people (like them!), plus see the labour and skill that goes into making books.
November 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Chatting with @pgbellwriter.bsky.social on another platform about how as kids we had no concept of authors actually existing! One of the benefits of author school visits is that kids can see that authors are real people (like them!), plus see the labour and skill that goes into making books.
I'm so thankful for you all! #KidLitChat is one of the biggest highlights of my week. (And I love that I get to share new #KidLitConfections with y'all almost every week!!)
November 26, 2025 at 2:47 AM
I'm so thankful for you all! #KidLitChat is one of the biggest highlights of my week. (And I love that I get to share new #KidLitConfections with y'all almost every week!!)
The biggest one: I am so thankful for my husband, @philbartles.bsky.social who always believes in me and supports me! Even before I sold my first book, every time I got discouraged and said I should "get a real job" to help support our family, he reminded me that writing IS my real job! #KidLitChat
TOPIC: Join us for our annual ThankFest: your opportunity to share the people, institutions, incidents that you are most grateful for in your professional or personal life--now or in the past. #kidlitchat
November 26, 2025 at 2:08 AM
The biggest one: I am so thankful for my husband, @philbartles.bsky.social who always believes in me and supports me! Even before I sold my first book, every time I got discouraged and said I should "get a real job" to help support our family, he reminded me that writing IS my real job! #KidLitChat
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
On Saturday, @authorsabb.bsky.social won the ALAN Award at @ncte.org, and I was honored to accept it on our behalf.
This is the speech I gave.
www.prettyokmaggie.com/blog/2025/11...
This is the speech I gave.
www.prettyokmaggie.com/blog/2025/11...
November 25, 2025 at 3:01 AM
On Saturday, @authorsabb.bsky.social won the ALAN Award at @ncte.org, and I was honored to accept it on our behalf.
This is the speech I gave.
www.prettyokmaggie.com/blog/2025/11...
This is the speech I gave.
www.prettyokmaggie.com/blog/2025/11...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I may sound like a broken record on this but that's the nature of trauma: every one of these children will be traumatized for life. For life.
My own separation from my mother via immigration was just about the gentlest imaginable version... and it's still the central truth of my adult life. I'm 60.
My own separation from my mother via immigration was just about the gentlest imaginable version... and it's still the central truth of my adult life. I'm 60.
NEW: Today we published a new investigation into something happening largely out of view: immigrant kids getting separated from their families and placed in federal shelters, in some cases after something as mundane as a traffic stop🧵 1/
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
ICE Sent 600 Immigrant Kids to Detention in Federal Shelters This Year. It’s a New Record.
Under a zero tolerance policy, the first Trump administration separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. New data suggests separations are happening all over the count...
www.propublica.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:27 AM
I may sound like a broken record on this but that's the nature of trauma: every one of these children will be traumatized for life. For life.
My own separation from my mother via immigration was just about the gentlest imaginable version... and it's still the central truth of my adult life. I'm 60.
My own separation from my mother via immigration was just about the gentlest imaginable version... and it's still the central truth of my adult life. I'm 60.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
People who pirate books: “I just think art and literature should be FREE to everyone!”
Yes, I too would love to live in a world where art is accessible freely to all and yet artists are paid a living wage, but as this magical wagical pixie wixie land does not exist, please don’t steal from us.
Yes, I too would love to live in a world where art is accessible freely to all and yet artists are paid a living wage, but as this magical wagical pixie wixie land does not exist, please don’t steal from us.
November 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM
People who pirate books: “I just think art and literature should be FREE to everyone!”
Yes, I too would love to live in a world where art is accessible freely to all and yet artists are paid a living wage, but as this magical wagical pixie wixie land does not exist, please don’t steal from us.
Yes, I too would love to live in a world where art is accessible freely to all and yet artists are paid a living wage, but as this magical wagical pixie wixie land does not exist, please don’t steal from us.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
BREAKING: Striking Starbucks baristas and their allies are demonstrating in Newport Beach today.
Why?
Because the company has racked up more federal labor law violations than any other corporation IN U.S. HISTORY!
Stand with these workers as they protest unfair labor practices!
Why?
Because the company has racked up more federal labor law violations than any other corporation IN U.S. HISTORY!
Stand with these workers as they protest unfair labor practices!
November 24, 2025 at 9:53 PM
BREAKING: Striking Starbucks baristas and their allies are demonstrating in Newport Beach today.
Why?
Because the company has racked up more federal labor law violations than any other corporation IN U.S. HISTORY!
Stand with these workers as they protest unfair labor practices!
Why?
Because the company has racked up more federal labor law violations than any other corporation IN U.S. HISTORY!
Stand with these workers as they protest unfair labor practices!
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Our next goal is getting the freedom to read bill out of the House. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter for updates & actions. www.massfreedomtoread.org
Mass Freedom To Read
www.massfreedomtoread.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Our next goal is getting the freedom to read bill out of the House. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter for updates & actions. www.massfreedomtoread.org
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
An ICE agent was caught removing a sign marking an ICE kidnapping in DC last week! Do we think he did it out of anger, embarrassment, or most appropriately shame? If you think what you’re doing is right, why are you trying to hide the evidence? 👀
November 24, 2025 at 2:49 PM
An ICE agent was caught removing a sign marking an ICE kidnapping in DC last week! Do we think he did it out of anger, embarrassment, or most appropriately shame? If you think what you’re doing is right, why are you trying to hide the evidence? 👀
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
My pettiest post returns! It's The Scourge of Upside Down Knitting Needles! How did we do in 2025? afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/18/t...
November 18, 2025 at 12:16 PM
My pettiest post returns! It's The Scourge of Upside Down Knitting Needles! How did we do in 2025? afuse8production.slj.com/2025/11/18/t...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
This is not at all surprising.
theconversation.com/learning-wit...
I think the maddening thing here is many more critical folks who study info search, learning, etc could have (and have been) saying this. The process matters
I think the maddening thing here is many more critical folks who study info search, learning, etc could have (and have been) saying this. The process matters
Learning with AI falls short compared to old-fashioned web search
Doing the mental work of connecting the dots across multiple web queries appears to help people understand the material better compared to an AI summary.
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:35 PM
This is not at all surprising.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I'm editing an anthology about unlikable characters and seeking work from younger writers, 15-21. If you know of one such writer who might want to submit their work for consideration, please share this call for submissions: audacity.substack.com/p/acquired-t...
Acquired Tastes: A Call for Submissions
For younger writers, ages 15-21
audacity.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Once again, thanks for a great #KidLitChat all! It's been lovely chatting with you! <3 Thanks for hosting @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social -- I'm already thinking about treats for next week, if anyone wants to make requests! vbartles.com/kidlitconfec... #KidLitConfections
Veronica Bartles: #KidLitConfections Recipes
vbartles.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Once again, thanks for a great #KidLitChat all! It's been lovely chatting with you! <3 Thanks for hosting @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social -- I'm already thinking about treats for next week, if anyone wants to make requests! vbartles.com/kidlitconfec... #KidLitConfections
Speaking of creating recipes and baking stories, I have a new #KidLitConfections treat for #KidLitChat tonight! Cheesecake Stroopwafel Cookies, paired with I'LL FIND YOU WHERE THE TIMELINE ENDS by Kylie Lee Baker i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2025/11/twis...
November 19, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Speaking of creating recipes and baking stories, I have a new #KidLitConfections treat for #KidLitChat tonight! Cheesecake Stroopwafel Cookies, paired with I'LL FIND YOU WHERE THE TIMELINE ENDS by Kylie Lee Baker i-am-so-grateful.blogspot.com/2025/11/twis...
I'm sure you'll be shocked to hear that I think of my story structure in terms of creating a new recipe. I start with a few basic ingredients (a character & a question are usually my starting points), and then I build from there based on what "flavor" fits the story I'm trying to tell. #KidLitChat
TOPIC: How do you come up with your story's structure? Are you a Save the Cat person? A hero's journey lover? Do you follow a natural rhythm, have another template or not even think about it? Discuss away! #kidlitchat
November 19, 2025 at 2:10 AM
I'm sure you'll be shocked to hear that I think of my story structure in terms of creating a new recipe. I start with a few basic ingredients (a character & a question are usually my starting points), and then I build from there based on what "flavor" fits the story I'm trying to tell. #KidLitChat
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I am wearing a cute new hat today that my son informed me he does not like, and so I am thinking about this “Open Letter to the Female Hat-Wearing Dog in ‘Go, Dog, Go’”: theuglyvolvo.com/an-open-lett...
An Open Letter to the Female Hat-Wearing Dog From “Go Dog, Go” – The Ugly Volvo
theuglyvolvo.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I am wearing a cute new hat today that my son informed me he does not like, and so I am thinking about this “Open Letter to the Female Hat-Wearing Dog in ‘Go, Dog, Go’”: theuglyvolvo.com/an-open-lett...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
This pulled things out of me I didn’t expect. #agentlife #amwriting
A ✨very special✨ episode for #amquerying writers/creators launched yesterday with @heathercashman.bsky.social on The Many Reason for Agent Passes (Beyond Writing Quality) and How to Cope with Them! If you need some encouragement, go listen!!👇 #writingcommunity
open.spotify.com/episode/1A0D...
open.spotify.com/episode/1A0D...
November 16, 2025 at 5:12 PM
This pulled things out of me I didn’t expect. #agentlife #amwriting
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I have been arguing via email about this with city councilman and his arguments for are just. Not good. It basically boils down to "an alternative might take more time" which. Ok??? That's all you've got???
Anyway if you live in Oakland please feel free to yell about this. It sucks.
Anyway if you live in Oakland please feel free to yell about this. It sucks.
If you live in Oakland PLEASE consider writing in via this extremely easy form to our city officials to urge them to REJECT a contract w FLOCK surveillance cameras, which shares data directly with ICE and DHS.
Keep our neighbors safe.
FLOCK OUT OF OAKLAND
actionnetwork.org/letters/no-f...
Keep our neighbors safe.
FLOCK OUT OF OAKLAND
actionnetwork.org/letters/no-f...
Tell City Council: No FLOCK Surveillance for ICE in Oakland
The Oakland Police Department is looking to push through a $2.25M contract to expand its surveillance network under the privately-owned company FLOCK Safety — and we need you to show up and demand the...
actionnetwork.org
November 18, 2025 at 1:39 AM
I have been arguing via email about this with city councilman and his arguments for are just. Not good. It basically boils down to "an alternative might take more time" which. Ok??? That's all you've got???
Anyway if you live in Oakland please feel free to yell about this. It sucks.
Anyway if you live in Oakland please feel free to yell about this. It sucks.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I've now heard from 3 authors targeted on X by a scammer impersonating Lois McMaster Bujold. Bujold impersonator refers author to "Eleanor Wood at Spectrum Literary", also an impersonation. Goal: to sell editing svcs. Scam is impersonating multiple authors & agents writerbeware.blog/2025/11/14/i...
If a Famous Author Calls, Hang Up: Anatomy of an Impersonation Scam - Writer Beware
You open your email program one morning. The usual work stuff. Some spam (annoying that it got past your filters!). A couple of newsletters (maybe later). You sip your coffee, scroll down. Wait. What’...
writerbeware.blog
November 16, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I've now heard from 3 authors targeted on X by a scammer impersonating Lois McMaster Bujold. Bujold impersonator refers author to "Eleanor Wood at Spectrum Literary", also an impersonation. Goal: to sell editing svcs. Scam is impersonating multiple authors & agents writerbeware.blog/2025/11/14/i...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Blow for OpenAI in Germany as court rules song lyrics used illegally
A German court ruled on Tuesday that OpenAI violated copyright on nine popular songs in a lawsuit that marked another attempt to prevent the free use of artists' content online. The Munich Regional Co...
www.yahoo.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
THEN YOU PURCHASE THEM AND DO NOT USE THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Blow for OpenAI in Germany as court rules song lyrics used illegally
A German court ruled on Tuesday that OpenAI violated copyright on nine popular songs in a lawsuit that marked another attempt to prevent the free use of artists' content online. The Munich Regional Co...
www.yahoo.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:23 PM
THEN YOU PURCHASE THEM AND DO NOT USE THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
how did i go so long not knowing we were literally teaching people to read wrong. i knew something wasn't right but jesus christ www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers
For decades, schools have taught children the strategies of struggling readers, using a theory about reading that cognitive scientists have repeatedly debunked. And many teachers and parents don't kno...
www.apmreports.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM
how did i go so long not knowing we were literally teaching people to read wrong. i knew something wasn't right but jesus christ www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
This wknd, consider buying a book from your local indie bookshop? (It doesn't have to be mine) Other ways to show your support: tell other people about your local indie bookshop, share this post.
Also see my Indie Bookstores & Booksellers list:
bsky.app/profile/debb...
#IndieBookstores #ShopLocal
Also see my Indie Bookstores & Booksellers list:
bsky.app/profile/debb...
#IndieBookstores #ShopLocal
a cartoon of a woman hugging a book standing in front of a store that says support indie bookshops
Alt: Illustration a woman hugging a book standing in front of a store that says support indie bookshops
media.tenor.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:04 PM
This wknd, consider buying a book from your local indie bookshop? (It doesn't have to be mine) Other ways to show your support: tell other people about your local indie bookshop, share this post.
Also see my Indie Bookstores & Booksellers list:
bsky.app/profile/debb...
#IndieBookstores #ShopLocal
Also see my Indie Bookstores & Booksellers list:
bsky.app/profile/debb...
#IndieBookstores #ShopLocal
Reposted by Veronica Bartles
I know it's really about control, but the way these evil monsters talk about banning books to save the children out of one side of their mouths, and downplay an actual pedophile out of the other is rage inducing
November 14, 2025 at 12:49 AM
I know it's really about control, but the way these evil monsters talk about banning books to save the children out of one side of their mouths, and downplay an actual pedophile out of the other is rage inducing