 You asked,
the kids begged… we listened! I can’t believe I get to say this… but I get to work with the incredible Svitlana Holovchenko again! I am so thankful to my agent and the team at EastWest for believing in us! STAY TUNED!!!
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It's somewhat unbelievable! You always hear authors announcing delays for their book releases... sometimes for YEARS, and it's fairly rare to hear that a book gets pushed FORWARD! And guess what?! This happened to me! I am very excited to announce that my amazing editor, Michele McAvoy, announced the official released of BIRTHDAY BASH on August 5, 2025. It was originally slated for fall, sometime more like October... but I am BEYOND thrilled to say, it will be here in LESS THAN A YEAR! August 5, 2025 can't come fast enough! Get ready for some serious laughs with Kiko and his crew. Cover reveal, sneak peeks at illustrations, and pre-orders will come soon!  Closing the triangle between Editor - Agent - Author
So much is happening it's hard to keep up. After a few years of attempts to "compete" in writing contests, I finally seem to be finding my groove! This past week I received an honorable mention for THE SCUBA PLUNGE entry in #50preciouswords and I also was named a QUEEN OF CREATIVITY with another honorable mention in #SpringFlingKidLit contest with my entry titled EQUATOR CHAOS. 2 honorable mentions in 10 days! WOO HOO! It's so fun to have my wacky imagination honored... I think I'm finally figuring out how to communicate the stories brewing in my brain in a way that is fun for children and adults to understand and enjoy! I'm over the moon excited for these recognitions! Thank you to the contest judges and everyone involved for your time. What a thrill! In other news, ISLAND GIRLS also made a few big book lists for 2024 that I'm celebrating! TOP EARTH DAY BOOKS by Charitree Foundation BEST EARTH DAY PICTURE BOOKS by Ha Dihn Between blog features, interviews, a TV show, a few classroom visits, a few keynotes... I've been very busy lately and it's so rewarding. I am very thankful to have a platform where I can inspire and empower our youngest budding ocean activists. What a fulfilling way to spend my time! And I currently have zero news on the publishing front but I am hopeful to hear something soon! I am sensing positive news is on the horizon and I can't wait to meet the next editors I get to produce a book with. In the meantime, here is a great interview I'd like to share if you wanted a little glimpse into my life as an author: Interview with Lori Keating & April Berry for KidLitMeetNGreet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CrGemAXK7Q ...and I'll post the episode of The Very Airy Library when it goes live! Thanks for following along! Blair  Interviews, contests, blogs, podcasts, and school visits galore!There is no doubt, SPRING IS HERE and I look forward to the writing contests that come with the change of seasons. I have many picture books brewing in my brain and I found recently that with prompts and contests, they are pulled out of my head and onto paper a lot easier! My inspiration for this story came from the spring time change and I wondered... what would happen if a boat crossed the equator at the same as the time change. What chaos would happen? And then... I wondered, what chaos would happen if it was also the morning of a holiday, what holidays would be the most fun for this to happen with?! I went with St. Patrick's Day and Easter. I had so much fun writing this... and my kids really got into playing around with the concept as well. The more chaotic and silly, the better... So, the rules for this contest were to find a GIF and write a 150-word spring-inspired story. And before I share, I’d like to thank to Kaitlyn and Ciara for hosting the contest. And a BIG thanks to all the prize donors: Kim Hoa, Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, Hà Dinh, Jyoti Gopal, Jocelyn Rish, Aixa Pérez-Prado, Merrill Rainey, Anna Sargeant at Sourcebooks, Jaime Gelman at Little Bee Books, Adam Blackman at Cardinal Press Books, Stefanie Molina at Ladderbird Agency, Hanh Bui, Ciara O’Neal, and Kaitlyn Sanchez. If you'd like, please support them here! Please enjoy the crazy, the silly, the absurd happenings in... EQUATOR CHAOS! Everything went topsy-turvy when they crossed the equator. The cranky crew turned into giggling goofballs, the current flowed backward, and I, Leprechaun, made my grand entrance… "Top o' the morning, me hearties!" I teased, expecting to dodge traps. But Captain corrected me, "It's Easter, lad." What?! Me heart sank like a cannonball. I missed St. Patrick’s Day!? Not on MY watch! With a little green glitter, the ship's barrels… POOF! Hello, pots of gold! Placing clues for me mates to hunt – for treasure, of course, not eggs… I lit the lanterns with glowing green lights. But then… we got caught in that strange, swirly current, crossed the equator again, and… the Easter Bunny appeared. "Leprechaun?!" I hollered, "Ahoy, me matey!” Grabbing the confused Bunny, I led us in a jig. Swirling around, we recrossed the equator. And then, we heard it – “Ho, ho, ho!” “Not again!” ...and the chaos continued.  EDITORS:
If you are interested in acquiring this story or the potential series, please contact my agent Karen Kilpatrick [email protected] My entry for #50preciouswords aims to capture the exhilarating experience of THE SCUBA PLUNGE, inviting everyone to share in its wonder. Please enjoy this thrilling moment brought to you by me, a retired scuba diving instructor, who would like to bring the magic of the ocean directly to the laps of readers everywhere.   WHAT AN INCREDIBLE CONTEST! I came up with 67 IDEAS IN JANUARY & MY BRAIN IS STILL IN CREATIVE OVERDRIVE! I’m so thankful to Tara Lazar for organizing my (very) active imagination into potential books & future series and I am SO EXCITED TO GET TO WORK! Sometimes the amount of ideas I have can be incredibly overwhelming so I like to follow these steps to keep me churning ideas, inspired, and writing! 1) organize new ideas into my working google doc list 2) outline the ideas I'm most excited about 3) select my top TWO ideas 4) write pitches 5) pitch the ideas to my agent... She will help me decide what to work on next! Story Storm 2024 was something I had always wanted to participate in and it sure did exercise my brain in a fun way. If you see me day dreaming... there is no doubt a new picture book is brewing in this brain of mine!   I have some upcoming ventures that promise to make a positive impact on the environment and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues!
2. Designing an Earth Week Program for 6 Grade Levels:Another exciting venture on the horizon involves crafting an entire program for six grade levels dedicated to Earth Week. This comprehensive initiative aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among students by engaging them in various activities and discussions. From interactive workshops to eco-friendly projects, I hope to design a program to foster a deeper connection with nature and promote sustainable practices. The hope is that these young minds will carry the lessons learned into their daily lives, becoming ambassadors for a greener, more sustainable future. 3. Going Out on Submission with Climate Fiction on Coral Bleaching:In the realm of creative expression, there's a thrilling development in the form of submitting a climate fiction story centered around coral bleaching. Climate fiction, or cli-fi, has emerged as a powerful medium to convey the urgency of environmental issues. This narrative explores the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems and the devastating impact of climate change on coral reefs. Going out on submission signifies a step toward reaching a wider audience and amplifying the message of conservation through the art of storytelling. 4. Researching Red Tide in Florida Over Spring Break:Spring break holds a unique adventure – diving into research on red tide in Florida. Red tide, caused by harmful algal blooms, poses a significant threat to marine life and coastal ecosystems. By dedicating time to study and understand the dynamics of red tide, there's an opportunity to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact. This hands-on research experience adds a practical dimension to environmental advocacy, reinforcing the importance of scientific inquiry in addressing environmental challenges. My weeks and months ahead are filled with a commitment to environmental activism, education, and creative storytelling. Each endeavor, whether through public speaking, program design, fiction writing, or scientific research, contributes to a collective effort to safeguard our planet. Embracing these opportunities fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment, propelling us forward into a future where the well-being of the Earth is at the forefront of our endeavors.  Celebrating an incredible year...One year ago, I embarked on a journey fueled by passion and purpose, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on our planet. Today, as I celebrate the first birthday of "Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic," I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride as I reflect on the incredible journey this project has taken me on.
It all began as a simple idea – a vision to create a book that not only told a story but also carried a powerful message. The journey from concept to reality involved turning that idea into a tangible project, which then evolved into a carefully crafted manuscript. The addition of captivating illustrations brought the narrative to life, making it a visually compelling experience for readers. What started as a personal project soon gained momentum, attracting the attention and support of corporations and individuals alike. The ripple effect was heartwarming as people from different walks of life began rallying behind the cause, encouraging my efforts to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution. The transition from a manuscript to a movement was marked by the book's growing popularity. Readers not only embraced the story but also embraced the mission – to free the seas of plastic. The support manifested in the form of book purchases, honors, and features in various magazines and articles, amplifying the message to a broader audience. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the recognition received for the hard work invested. The book has been honored with various awards, a testament to the collective effort put into creating a meaningful piece of literature that resonates with readers and environmental advocates alike. The impact extended beyond the pages of the book, reaching festivals, schools, and communities. Invitations poured in, allowing me the incredible opportunity to share my mission with children around the world. Being a part of these events and engaging with young minds has been a deeply fulfilling experience, knowing that we are sowing the seeds of awareness and responsibility. Looking back, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. It reinforces the belief that hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to a cause can yield remarkable results. The feeling of seeing a dream transform into a reality is indescribable, and it serves as a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to meaningful change. Throughout this journey, I have adhered to the principles of kindness, directness, and professionalism in every interaction. These values have not only shaped the project but have also fostered positive relationships with supporters, collaborators, and advocates. As I raise a toast to the first birthday of "Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic," I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support and enthusiasm that have surrounded this endeavor. The journey has just begun, and I eagerly anticipate many more book birthdays, each one marking a step closer to a world where we celebrate the beauty of this planet, where it is free of plastic pollution. In conclusion, this past year has been a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the positive change that can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Here's to the continued success of "Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic" and the hope that its message and the message of future books, will inspire generations to come. Cheers to a future where our seas are free, and our planet thrives. Blair  I can hardly contain my excitement as I sit down to write this blog entry. The words are pouring out of me, and I can't help but feel both humbled and amazed by the incredible turn of events in my writing journey. I never thought I'd be able to write about having an agent, but here I am, sharing my story with you all. "Slogging in the slush" is a term I often use to describe the arduous process that authors go through to secure literary representation. It's a term that encapsulates the endless hours of effort, the unyielding determination, and the unwavering belief in one's work required to catch the attention of a literary agent in the highly competitive and sometimes cutthroat publishing industry. The query trenches, as they're commonly called, can be a daunting place. Rejection letters pile up, self-doubt creeps in, and the act of sending your manuscript into the abyss of the internet can be disheartening. Some agents send form rejections, some never respond at all, and, in the rare instances when they do express interest, they may eventually say something along the lines of "I'm not the champion of your work." I've been through it all. In 2023 alone, I sent out a staggering 109 query letters to agents, hoping to find someone who believed in my work as much as I did. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I sometimes wondered if I would ever find the right fit. Then, it happened. After months of relentless effort, I received a response. But not just any response – it was from one of the top agents in the industry, working at one of the most prestigious literary agencies. I was shocked, stunned, and in complete denial that Karen Kilpatrick would want to talk to me. But after our first Zoom meeting, I could see that she did indeed believe in my writing and saw the potential in my work. Karen is a lawyer, an author, an agent, brand creator, editor, toy inventor, the list goes on... bottom line, she hustles hard and is hungry for book sales. I am honored, excited, and completely overjoyed to announce that I'm now working with Karen at East West Literary Agency. It's a dream come true, a milestone I could hardly have imagined. I had done everything I could to promote my work, including submitting to publishing houses that allowed unagented submissions and connecting with smaller publishers and editors through conferences and pitch contests. Now, I'm excited to take things to the next level with Karen by my side. This is such an incredible opportunity and I can't wait to see what kind of traction we can gain. I couldn't be more thrilled to have such an amazing teammate in this journey. But let me make it clear – I'm not relaxing at this point. I don't want to. It's time to work harder than ever, to continue making connections, and to create more leads and interest in my stories. This is just the beginning, and I'm determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Check out the year end sales announcements by this agency here I cannot wait to have one, two, or more than a few announcements on this reel in 2023/2024 and many years to come. This milestone is beyond exciting, and it's one of the biggest accomplishments in my life to date. It's a validation of all the hard work, a humbling experience, and an exhilarating step forward. I can't wait to see where this journey with Karen and East West Literary will take me. It's time to celebrate and to keep pushing forward in the world of writing, and I hope you'll all be there with me every step of the way.
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