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karen m. greenwald
WELCOME TO THE STRATOSPHERE!
Take a look at your prize crew! Each donor here is generously offering our awesome
#SUNWRITEFUN DISCOVERITERS the chance to soar!
(Note: Donors are not listed in any particular order. We value and thank all of them for their generous support!)
Secure your gear. You'll want to keep this list as your inspiration if the journey gets bumpy!
One more note: Eligibility for Galaxy Gems
requires you that you do two things:
1. Enter a story
2. Earn SUMMER FUN POINTS!
(Psst! What are you waiting for? It's time to get moving!)
GALAXY GEMS
2 EDITORS, 4 AGENTS,
1 12X12 SILVER MEMBERSHIP,
1 PB SUMMIT ADMISSION,
2 WEBINARS,
1 SHL CLASS, 1 PB KIDLIT ADMISSION,
1 MONTH OF BOOKOLGY FREE AUTHOR ADVERTISING, AND MORE...
CRITIQUE CHEMISTRY
BOOK CAPERS
WHO KNOWS WHAT STORIES WAIT FOR YOU!
AGENT "OUT OF THE SLUSH" READ W/ FEEDBACK
Melissa Nasson
Melissa Nasson has spent her life living in and around Boston, attending college and law school at Boston University (Go Terriers!). While studying at BU Law, she realized that becoming a literary agent would combine her passion for books with her legal background. Melissa is actively building her picture book, middle-grade, and YA list as a literary agent at Rubin Pfeffer Content, while also running Literary Lawyer, a solo practice providing legal services to authors, agents, and publishers. Melissa loves dogs, craft beer, playing acoustic guitar, making pickles, tending to her tiny vegetable garden, and her tortoise, Norton. She lives with her husband in Brighton, MA.
Melissa is seeking picture books, middle-grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction. She enjoys unexpected settings and loves to see manuscripts that bring to light untold stories from history, particularly featuring individuals from marginalized groups. Above all, she wants to see strong, polished writing, fully developed and multifaceted characters, and fresh concepts.
AGENT MS REVIEW & CRITIQUE
Alyssa Eisner Henkin
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Alyssa Eisner Henkin began her career in children’s editorial at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Her entrepreneurial leanings eventually led her to the agent side of the business. She was Executive VP at Trident Media Group before founding Birch Path Literary in 2021. Alyssa represents many award-winning and bestselling kidlit authors including R.J. Palacio, Julie Berry, Ruth Behar, Jen Bryant, Lisa Greenwald, Bobbie Pyron and Gail D. Villanueva. She is particularly interest in acquiring more PB's and graphic novel author-illustrators and more nonfiction authors. On the novel side, she loves witty, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful books. While her focus is on MG and YA, she’s eager to see more adult romcom. Slow burns and enemies to lovers, please! In all genres, she enjoys whimsy, tight plotting, underrepresented cultures, foodie themes, book lovers, international settings, feminism, body positivity, and complex family legacies.
"Great River Literary" was the clear name choice for the new agency established by Mary Cummings in 2021, after thirteen years as an agent for books for children and teens at Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises. Except in the depths of winter, nearly every evening Mary goes down to the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul to see the passing scene of trees and birds, barges and boats, kids and lovers - and always the play of light on the flowing water.
Mary finds great joy in helping her clients polish their stories to stand out for editors and to become books that will make a difference in kids' lives. Before becoming a literary agent, Mary was Education Director at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis where, among other accomplishments, she curated an annual festival of children's literature and selected judges for the McKnight Award from leading editors in children's publishing.
AGENT MS REVIEW & CRITIQUE
Mary Cummings
FREE ADMISSION: Oct. 8, 2022
Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit is the original online writing conference specifically designed for picture book creators. This year’s world-class event, The Write Stuff: Creating Picture Books That Are Out of this World, features Superstar Speakers Kate DiCamillo and The Fan Brothers! Plus, the full-day event includes in-depth workshops and agent and editor panels. It’s seven hours of picture book fun and insight coming October 8, 2022.
FREE SILVER MEMBERSHIP-1 YEAR
Julie Hedlund/12x12
The 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge is a calendar-year challenge to write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months, but it’s so much more than that too! 12 x 12 is a community of writers offering motivation, support, and accountability at all milestones of the picture book writing journey. Join us in an exclusive forum, private Facebook group, and monthly webinars focused on the craft of writing and publishing picture books. It’s the friendliest writing community on Earth!
2 (30 MIN.) VIDEO MS REVEALS
Clear Fork Publishing
"OUT OF THE SLUSH PILE" READ
Gnome Road Publishing
Callie Metler founded Clear Fork Media in 2009. In 2013, she added Clear Fork Publishing which she operates out of her corner business on the square in Stamford, Texas. Recently, Callie expanded her growing company. She is excited to partner with Blue Whale Press, founded by Steve Kemp and Alayne Kay Christian.
Metler is the illustrator for the Enchanted Snow Globe Chapter Book series written by Melissa Stoller and has written books: Swensons, Penick, and the TCR, and Ben’s West Texas Snow. Her third book, How to Babysit a Logan, tells the reader about autism from the perspective of her son Logan’s cat. When not working, she loves spending time with her two sons, Logan and Ben.
Publisher, Editor - Sandra Foreman Sutter is the owner ("top gnome") at GRP. She is the author of two traditionally published picture books, a former attorney and addictions counselor. She's also a mom, crazy cat lady, and fan of kind people.
We provide a system of respect and support for creatives and their work throughout the publishing process and beyond. We are committed to communication, collaboration, cultivation, and community!
AGENT MS REVIEW & CRITIQUE
Karen Grencik
In June 2011 Karen Grencik joined forces with Abigail Samoun to open Red Fox Literary. Among the awards garnered by her authors are the Parents' Choice Gold Award for Best Non-Fiction, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Best Picture Book Text, and the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best New Fiction. She has been ranked by Publishers Marketplace as one of the Top 10 agents for children's book sales in both 2012 and 2013.
FREE REGISTRATION-KIDLIT PALOOZA
Mira Reisberg
Dr. Mira Reisberg has worked as a former acquiring editor & art director, literary agent, children’s literature professor, & as the Director of the Children’s Book Academy for many years. Her former students have published over 860 books & won every major children’s book award that she knows of. She’s extremely excited to be co-teaching at the upcoming 2022 KidLit Palooza scholarship fundraiser with panels of brilliant authors, illustrators, editors, agents & art directors right here: https://bit.ly/22KidLitPalooza Mira has a PhD in Education and Cultural Studies with a focus on children’s books. Find her at the Children’s Book Academy:
http://bit.ly/CreateKidsBooks or on Twitter @ChildrensBookAc
2022's Picture Book Palooza includes interaction, tips, techniques, prizes, pitches, personal advice, handouts & re-usable worksheets for: board-YA novels,
and, illustration starring Award-Winning and debut authors and illustrators, Editors, Agents, and Art Directors, and more!
Susanna not only has a M.A. and M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology and Special Education of Children With Learning Disabilities, she’s also penned over 25 books, including the New York Times Bestseller, Moon’s First Friends: One Giant Leap For Friendship (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 2019). Her most recent books include Grandma’s Girl (Sourcebooks Wonderland, 2020), Mars’ First Friends: Come On Over Rovers! (Sourcebooks Wonderland, 2020) & Dear Grandma (Sourcebooks Wonderland, 2021). She’s also the founder of Making Picture Book Magic, and the creator of several popular kidlit contests such as: Halloweensie & Valentiny.
FREE COURSE REGISTRATION
Susanna Leonard Hill
MS CRITIQUE
Baptiste Paul
Baptiste Paul is the award-winning author of The Field, To Carnival!, and I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon. His works have garnered many starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and School Library Journal, and several titles have been translated into multiple languages. He loves writing stories inspired by his childhood in Saint Lucia, and featuring words from his native language, Creole. Baptiste is also a mentor for We Need Diverse Books and the co-author of several works with Miranda Paul, including their newest collaboration, Peace. He lives in Wisconsin with his family.
To learn more, visit: www.baptistepaul.net.
WEBINAR
Justin Colon
Justin is a Latinx children’s author and active SCBWI member represented by Jennifer March Soloway of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. He’s also the founder/host of PBChat, a free weekly Twitter chat and annual mentorship program for picture book creators. Justin is also a professionally trained, working on-camera actor and voice actor. His roles are usually more on the darker, villainous side (because he’s awesome at it), but he is still a kid at heart and appreciates the impact children’s books had on him as a child and wants to pay that forward
For more information about Justin, visit: www.justincolonbooks.com;Twitter:@JustinRColon; on Instagram: @justinryancolon; about PBChat here: justincolonbooks.com/pbchat).
FULL-DAY NF WEB EVENT
SCBWI IA/MN
BOOKOOLOGY ELEVATOR AD
Bookology
Something Borrowed Non-Fiction
Virtual Conference, featuring:
-
Courtney Code (Editor-Abrams Books)
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Danielle Collins (Editorial Assistant-Beach Lane)
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Tricia Lawrence (Senior Agent-Erin Murphy Literary)
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Lisa M. Bolt Simons (Author)
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Melissa Stewart (Author)
Your own Fresh Bookology book giveaway, including ad design and a one-month elevator ad (a $240 value). Bookology magazine publishes articles for educators and librarians re children’s literature, its creators, and recommended books. Subscribed to by educators from pre-school to college, a bi-monthly newsletter, Fresh Bookology, keeps articles in front of those who know the importance of children’s books to young readers. In each newsletter, Fresh Bookology runs a giveaway for two signed copies of 4 to 10 different books.
Ad placement includes 3 versions of an individually-designed ad for your book:
1 for Fresh Bookology’s giveaway announcement
1 for a one-month elevator ad running on Bookology magazine, and
1 for your use on social media.
At the conclusion of the giveaway, Bookology staff will send you the name and address of the two giveaway recipients so you can mail out the signed book, along with any promotional goodies you insert.
Visit: Bookologymagazine.com.
WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A MANUSCRIPT OR CRITIQUE OR A 1-ON-1 CHAT WITH A KIDLIT AUTHOR, WE'VE GOT AN IMPRESSIVE LIST READY FOR YOU!
Marcie Colleen – Manuscript Critique and Book
Marcie Colleen has been a teacher, an actress, and a nanny, but now she’s a multi-published author of children’s chapter books, picture books, and comics! Her latest picture book, SURVIVOR TREE, illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Aaron Becker, is a lyrical tale about the real-life pear tree which withstood the attacks of 9/11 in New York City. SURVIVOR TREE was recently named an ALA Notable Book. In addition to writing books of her own, Marcie is also the Senior Writer/Editor for Epic!--the world’s leading digital reading platform for kids–where she writes across many formats including comics within the CAT NINJA Universe. She is a frequent presenter at conferences for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as a faculty member for The Writing Barn, San Diego Writer's Ink, and the University of California San Diego Extension.
You can learn more about Marcie at www.thisismarciecolleen.com.
Rose Viña – 30 Minute Zoom
Rose Viña is a Cuban American writer from California. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing for Young People from Lesley University, Cambridge. Her debut book, ICE BREAKER: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating, was named an American Library Association 2021 Rise Honor book and a SCBWI 2020 Crystal Kite award finalist. Her second book, ALICIA ALONSO DANCES ON, is out now. Rose currently lives in Sweden with her husband, son, and puppy.
Social Links: Twitter: @rosevinawrites; Instagram: @rosevina_author
Shirin Shamsi – Manuscript Critique
Shirin’s family left India during the Partition. Having lived on three continents, she views herself as a global citizen and now spends her time-sharing stories with children of the world. She has raised six children- three human and three feline, and lives in Illinois with her husband.
You can follow Shirin on Twitter at @ShirinsBooks, on Instagram at @shirinshamsi1 or on her website: www.shirinshamsi.com
Megan Hoyt – Manuscript Critique
Megan Hoyt first fell in love with reading on a cozy branch of the crabapple tree outside her Texas home. Her picture book biography, Bartali's Bicycle (February 2021), with Harper Collins’ Quill Tree Books, has garnered many accolades, including being selected as a Jewish Book Award finalist. Her next book, The Greatest Song of All: How Isaac Stern United the World to Save Carnegie Hall, came out July 5, 2022, and three more books are forthcoming. Her first picture book, Hildegard’s Gift, came out in 2014. She serves as Membership Coordinator for the SCBWI Carolinas region. Find her on social media at @meganhoytwrites.
Jolene Gutierrez – Manuscript Critique or 15 Min Zoom
Jolene Gutiérrez is an award-winning teacher and librarian for the past 26 years. She’s the author of Mac & Cheese and the Personal Space Invader (Clear Fork, 2020), Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs & Beaks (Millbrook/Lerner, 2020), and the Stars of Latin Pop series (Rourke Educational Media, 2021). Jolene is an active member of SCBWI and The Author’s Guild, part of the KidLitCollective group and a co-creator of #KidlitZombieWeek.
You can follow Jolene on Twitter: @writerjolene & visit her website: www.jolenegutierrez.com.
Kari Lavelle – Manuscript Critique or Zoom
Kari Lavelle is the author of We Move the World (HarperCollins 2021). She has always had a love for words: as a kid reading books, as a speech pathologist helping children communicate, and now as a writer creating stories. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Learn more about Kari and her books at karilavelle.com and follow her on Instagram: @karilavellewrites and Twitter: @karialavelle.
Carol Kim – Manuscript Critique
Carol Kim delights in sharing stories with children. Whether she is uncovering striking facts about snakes, telling an inspiring story about children saving the world, or recounting the fast-paced antics of kids and pets, she seeks to spur children to love books and reading.
Christine Evans – 30 Minute Zoom
Christine Evans is the author of picture books and chapter books including Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist illustrated by Yas Imamura, the upcoming Dear Mr. G illustrated by Gracey Zhang, and The Wish Library series. Christine has jumped out of a plane once, windsurfed once, and water skied once. She much prefers books and writing to adrenaline sports. Originally from England, she has lived in California for over ten years with her husband and two young daughters.
Jilanne Hoffmann – 30 Minute Zoom
Jilanne Hoffmann's debut nonfiction picture book, River of Dust: How Wind-Borne Nutrients from North Africa Nourish the Amazon Rainforest, (a lyrical love letter from one continent to another sent in the form of dust) will be published by Chronicle Books in July 2023. Jilanne is a San Francisco Local Area coordinator for the SCBWI South Bay region and is a co-producer of Kidquake, the elementary school program of the Litquake Literary Festival, in San Francisco. She has placed 5th in Susanna Hill's Valentiny competition and received an honorable mention for a flash fiction bookmark competition judged by Daniel Handler. Jilanne is a member of 12x12 and the Writing Barn's Courage to Create community; blogs about perfect picture books at www.JilanneHoffmann.com; and is repped by Lori Steel of Red Fox Literary.
Follow Jilanne on Twitter: @Jill_SF and Instagram: @jilanne2694.
Candy Wellens – manuscript critique
Candy Wellins is a lifelong writer and book lover. A former elementary school teacher, Candy has a BA in journalism and an M.Ed. in literacy education. She’s now a full-time mom to three wonderful children who keep her up-to-date and immersed in children’s literature. When she’s not reading, writing or mothering, Candy loves running, traveling and naps! Her debut picture book Saturdays Are for Stella (illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan, Page Street Kids) was named a Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2020. Publishers Weekly called her debut picture book biography The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space (illustrated by Courtney Dawson, Philomel) “an introduction to a space pioneer that’s ideal for the youngest readers.” Future titles include Mabel’s Topsy Turvy Homes (Beaming Books 2022) and A Geoduck is Not a Duck (Sasquatch 2024).
You can follow her at www.facebook.com/candywellins, on Instagram @candywellins and on twitter @candy_wellins. Candy and her family live in Central Texas.
Jennifer Buchet – Manuscript Critique (Plus Special Writing Barn $25.00 "Courage to Create" Discount)
Jennifer is an award-winning kidlit author, former marketing guru, and super-fun pre-k educator. She's also a regular feature contributor to Cricket Media, including the social studies magazine, FACES. She is an active member of many writing communities including SCBWI, 12x12, and the Children’s Book Academy.
Jennifer's debut picture book, Little Medusa’s Hair Do-Lemma (Clear Fork Publishing) recently launched in May 2021 to rave reviews. When she's not writing enchanting tales for kids, she's searching for feyfolke in the woods or stirring up magic in the kitchen.
You can follow Jennifer on Twitter @Yangmommy or visit www.buchetbooks.wixsite.com
Karen M. Greenwald - Manuscript Critique
Karen is a children’s author, (non-practicing) attorney, and international award-winning brand strategist. Her debut, A Vote for Susanna, The First Woman Mayor, was chosen by the Kansas Center for the Book to represent the state at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. Greenwald's picture book was also named one of the 15 Kansas Notable Books of 2022. School Library Journal called it, “An engaging work of narrative nonfiction that has clear applications in classrooms and school libraries.”
Greenwald participates in SCBWI and 12x12. She co-founded #SunWriteFun, a popular writing contest that raises money for minority and need-based children’s literacy charities. Professionally, Greenwald has won numerous prestigious international awards for STEM creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion. Bylined credits include online, print magazines, and The Washington Post.
You can follow her on Twitter: @karenmgreenwald, Instagram: @karenmgreenwald, or
GoodReads by clicking HERE.
COLOSSAL CRITIQUES
ZEN ZOOMS
BOLD BOOKS
CHECK OUT #SUNWRITEFUN'S GENEROUS KIDLIT AUTHORS AND AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATORS
...HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE WHOSE YOU WANT?!
Rob Sanders
Rob Sanders is a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. He is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the arena of LGBTQIA+ literary nonfiction picture books. Rob’s nonfiction books continue to break new ground, including the first picture books about the Pride Flag, the Stonewall Uprising, a transgender Civil War soldier, a gay presidential candidate, and the first gay marriage in America. His work also continues to introduce readers to heroes of the LGBTQIA+ community—from Harvey Milk to Gilbert Baker, from Cleve Jones to Bayard Rustin, and more. His fiction explores friendship, relationships, standing up for others, and being allies. Blood Brothers, his first middle grade novel, written in powerful, raw verse releases in July 2022. And Rob pays it forward. He serves as co-regional advisor for SCBWI Florida and is a frequent speaker, teacher, mentor, coach, and critiquer. He is also a member of the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Steering Committee. Rob is represented by Rubin Pfeffer.
Website: robsanderswrites.com; Blog: robsanderswrites.blogspot.com; Facebook: RobSandersWrites; Twitter: RobSandersWrite; Instagram: RobSandersWrites
Nancy Churnin
Nancy Churnin is an award-winning children’s book author who writes about people that inspire kids to heal the world. Among her honors: the 2021 National Jewish Book Award, 2022 Sydney Taylor Honor and National Federation of Press Women Award for Dear Mr. Dickens, now featured at The Charles Dickens Museum in London; Sydney Taylor Notables, Social Studies Notable Trade Books for Young People; South Asia Book Award, Children and Teen's Choice Book Awards finalists, Junior Library Guild and starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly.
For teacher guides, resources, projects, and more visit: www.nancychurnin.com
Follow Nancy on Facebook: Nancy Churnin; Facebook: Nancy Churnin Children's Books; Twitter: @nchurnin; Instagram: @nchurnin
Dow Phumiruk
Dow Phumiruk is an award-winning author/illustrator of children's picture books, with 19 books published and/or to come. She is one of the illustrators of YES WE WILL by NYT bestselling author Kelly Yang. She has illustrated A LIFE OF SERVICE, by Newbery Honor winner Christina Soontornvat and ONE GIRL, by NYT bestselling author Andrea Beaty. HUGSBY, written and illustrated by Dow, is a Colorado Book Award finalist. Dow is a retired pediatrician and teaches medical students part time. She was born in Bangkok, Thailand and now lives in Lone Tree, Colorado with her family and enjoys sewing and light hiking.
Lauri Fortino
My name is Lauri and I’m a retired Library Assistant. I’m also a children’s picture book author, freelance writer, and captioner. I’m the winner of the 2022 Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award. My picture book The Peddler’s Bed, published by Ripple Grove Press, is available now. It’s illustrated by the incredibly talented Bong Redila.
You can follow my blog here: https://frogonablog.net
Laurie Wallmark
Laurie Wallmark has an MFA in Writing and is a former software engineer and computer science professor. Today she writes award-winning picture book biographies about women in STEM, as well as other types of children’s books. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received many prestigious awards. Her titles include Ada Byron Lovelace & the Thinking Machine, Grace Hopper-Queenof Computer Code, Hedy Lamarr's Double Life, and Dino Pajama Party. One lucky winner will get a copy of Dino Pajama Party!
You can follow her on Twitter @lauriewallmark & learn more about Laurie at www.lauriewallmark.com.
Teresa Robeson
Teresa Robeson is the APALA Picture Book Award-winning author of QUEEN OF PHYSICS (also ILA Nonfiction PB Honor and NCTE Orbis Pictus Nonfiction Recommended Book). Other publications include TWO BICYCLES IN BEIJING and an essay in NONFICTION WRITERS DIG DEEP, edited by Melissa Stewart. Her upcoming works include a nonfiction poem in NO WORLD TOO BIG, edited by Dawson, Metcalf, and Bradley; two biographical graphic novels with Penguin Workshop, one on the Dalai Lama (2023) and the other on Bruce Lee (2024); as well as two picture books, the informational fiction CLOUDS IN SPACE: THE NEBULA STORY with MIT Kids/Candlewick (2024) and an own-culture picture book with Astra Young Readers (2024). Teresa and her family try to live a self-sufficient lifestyle on 27-acres where they’ve been raising chickens for twenty years and growing and processing much of their own vegetables. When not writing or washing veggies for hours on end, Teresa enjoys knitting, soap-making, sewing and doing art.
Website: http://teresarobeson.com; Twitter at @TeresaRobeson;
Instagram at @tmrobeson
Nadia Saloman
Nadia Salomon is the author of two forthcoming books, including her non-fiction, picture book biography, MYRLIE: A VOICE OF HOPE, the recipient of the 2019 SCBWI WOOP Honor Award for work of outstanding progress. Her debut, GOODNIGHT GANESHA, is a Bank Street Best and ALSC DIA Selection for 2022. She works closely with SCBWI, the Desi Kidlit Community, Storyteller Academy, and 12 x12 Challenge. Nadia holds a journalism degree from Emerson College and is an award-winning journalist who has freelanced with The Boston Globe. When not participating in her own goodnight rituals, Nadia can most likely be found curled up in her reading nook or spinning silly yarns.
For more information, visit: www.nadiasalomon.com
Diane O’Neill
Diane O'Neill is a Chicago writer who fell in love with books when she was eight. Her debut picture book, Saturday at the Food Pantry, illustrated by Brizida Magro and published by Albert Whitman & Co., was one of the Chicago Public Library’s Best Picture Books of 2021 and was Parents Magazine’s October 2021 book club selection. Her works have also appeared in LADYBUG Magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Tribune, the South Side Weekly, and It All Changed in an Instant: More Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous & Obscure.
Shaunda Wenger
S. K. Wenger is the author of the humorous STEM picture book, Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! (Albert Whitman 2021), five leveled-readers in the educational market (Benchmark Education / Richard C. Owen, Publisher), and poems that have appeared in Babybug, Cricket, and Miracles of Motherhood (a June Cotner anthology/Center Street). In 2020 she was honored with the WIFYR Fellowship Grant for a MG novel-in-progress. Shaunda enjoys guiding other writers in sharpening their skills as a feedback judge on manuscripts submitted at RateYourStory.com. She is represented by Stacey Kondla at The Rights Factory.
Visit: www.skwenger.com Twitter: @SKWenger Instagram: @skwenger_books for more information.
Vicky Fang
Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent 5 years designing kids’ technology experiences for both Google and Intel, often to inspire and empower kids in coding and technology. She started writing to support the growing need for early coding education, particularly for girls and kids of color. She is the author and sometimes illustrator of nineteen new and upcoming books for kids, including Layla and the Bots, Invent-a-Pet, I Can Code, Friendbots, and the forthcoming Ava Lin, Sniff and Scratch, AlphaBot, and The Boo Crew Needs You.
Find out more about Vicky by following her on Twitter at @fangmous or on her website at www.vickyfang.com. Twitter: @fangmous; IG/FB: @fangmousbooks
Aimée Bissonette
Aimée has written many picture books for children. She especially loves writing about nature and “everyday heroes,” people who made a difference to their families, friends, and communities and whose stories need to be told. Her most recent everyday hero book, HEADSTRONG HALLIE! The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female “Fire Guard” was a 2022 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner. Aimée’s favorite place is anywhere outdoors, regardless of the season.
You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @AimeeBissonette or visit her website at www.aimeebissonette.com.
INDIE BOOKSTORE GIFT CARDS
WE LOVE INDIES!
THE FOLLOWING ARE ON
TEAM #SUNWRITEFUN '22!
(Psst! Ok, $ may not grow on trees, but it looks
like gift cards just might! Remember, you don't
have to win a prize to support these indies.)
Redbery Books
Maureen Palmer is the proud owner of Redbery Books, a charming, independent bookstore in Cable, Wisconsin. Her beautiful little store has a wonderful children’s section. Maureen regularly hosts author signings and programs including a children’s summer reading program, a “grandreads” subscription gift service, and a “children’s literature for adults” book club.
You can follow Maureen on Twitter at @Redberybooks, Instagram at @Redberybooks and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Redbery-Books-51474867685/?fref=ts. Learn more about her amazing store at https://www.redberybooks.com/
Maureen is donating a $25 Gift Certificate to her store!
Grandpa’s Barn
Lloyd Wescoat is the founder and owner of Grandpa’s Barn, an independent bookstore on the shores of Lake Superior in Copper Harbor, Michigan. Lloyd’s collection of picture books cannot be beat and little vacationers flock to her store. Lloyd hosts author signings during the annual Art in the Park and organizes several book clubs for adult readers at her store and at the public library in Calumet. She is also a co-owner of Mudminnow Press.
You can follow Lloyd on Instagram at @GrandpasBarnBooks; Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/grandpasbarn
Learn more about her amazing store at https://grandpasbarnbooks.com/
Lloyd is donating a $25 Gift Certificate to her store!
Bliss Books & Wine
Bliss Books & Wine is an independently owned bookstore for wine enthusiasts and book lovers. Our founding mission-to provide an environment and perfect atmosphere to indulge in fantastic wine, get lost in a great book or engage in conversation with friends-was hampered by COVID-19. Currently, we are operating online with a virtual bookstore, author events, monthly book discussions, and occasional pop-up events around the KC area. We're working diligently towards opening a brick-and-mortar in 2022 with our Kickstarter campaign. In the meantime, please continue to Read, Sip & Relax.
Visit: www.blissbooksandwine.com/
Twitter: @BlissBooksWine;
IG: bliss_books_wine_kc; www.facebook.com/BlissBooksWine
Bliss Books & Wine is donating a $25 gift certificate to their store!