BLAIR NORTHEN WILLIAMSON
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IT FELT GREAT TO CREATE!

4/4/2025

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There is no doubt, SPRING IS HERE and I look forward to the writing contests that come with the change of seasons. 

There are so many ideas and books brewing in my brain and I found recently that with prompts and contests, they are one of the only ways I feel like I can sit down and actually create. 


My inspiration for this story came from reading at bedtime with my youngest daughter last night. We read THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES and I knew I needed to write something funny for this contest. Funny, silly, and, as usual, tie it to an ocean theme somehow. I had wavered for a week over whether or not I would enter, and I'm glad that I did. I don't think it's my best writing ever, but I had fun with it, and it was really fun to get this idea out of my brain and on to paper! I could see this being a fun book on a shelf one day!?

So, the contest is SpringFlingKidLit and
I’d like to thank to Kaitlyn and Ciara for hosting it again. And a BIG thanks to all the prize donors, too! The rules for this contest were to find a GIF and write a 150-word spring-inspired story. 

MONKEY SAVES THE SARDINE SNACK RUN is a very silly story that I wrote- it will hopefully ignite some curiosity about the Great Sardine Run that happens off the coast of South Africa between the months of May and July while making you laugh, smile, and enjoy a spunky, and unexpected hero of the story, Monkey.

And I promise to update you all more on future book launch events. Its really busy behind the scenes!

Big hugs, Blair


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MONKEY SAVES THE SARDINE SNACK RUN

150 words

Every Spring, the Sardine Snack Run returns, and it’s a big celebration.
Millions of sardines migrate in bait balls,
and hungry friends gather to fill their bellies.

But this Spring… the sardines went missing!
Seals searched.
Pelicans dove.
Shark circled.

Not a single sardine in sight.
So, the Sardine Snack Run was canceled.
“Best day ever turned into the WORST day ever,” Monkey sighed.
He swung back to the highland trees,

found a cozy branch,
and curled up for a nap.

Just as he was drifting off… GASP!
From up high, Monkey saw a shimmer shining far beyond the reef!
“The sardines!” he shouted. “They’re back!”
Monkey sounded the conch shell--BWAAAH!
SPLASH! PADDLE! FLIP!
He weaved through whirling fish,
surfed a dolphin’s wave,
and belly-flopped into the school of sardines--

SCOOP! SCOOP! SCOOP! 
Buckets filled. 
The celebration was saved!
“Best snack ever!” Monkey grinned.
​“Who’s up for a banana-sardine smoothie?"
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EDITORS:
If you are interested in acquiring this story or the potential series, please contact my agent Karen Kilpatrick 
[email protected]
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BIRTHDAY BASH COVER REVEAL!

1/23/2025

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Rising Stars: Meet Blair Williamson

1/15/2025

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Thanks for the feature, Canvas Rebels! Read more here

I am so excited to share that I have TWO NEW BOOKS launching this year.

BIRTHDAY BASH (Williamson / Woolley) with The Little Press
Releasing 9/16/2025

&

THE OCEAN PROTECTORS: Colors of the Coral Reef
(Williamson / Holovchenko) with Genius Cat Books
Releasing 11/11/2025
(Island Girls 2, rebranded)

I'll have preorder links soon, and I also plan to set up a newsletter.

Cheers to a great 2025, where we will work to celebrate the joy and magic of the sea while protecting our precious oceans!
​
Tags in the article: Rosie Pova Michele Cerullo McAvoy The Little Press Corner @East West Literary @Genius Cat Books Karen Philippin Kilpatrick Writing Workshops Svitlana Holovchenko Taylor Ackerman Woolley
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New Book Announcement!

11/1/2024

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The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef

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I'm so excited to announce The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef will be published with Genius Cat Books. This is going to be such a big opportunity for me: not only as an author but also FOR OUR OCEANS! Readers will experience a bleaching event through Svitlana Holovchenko's beautiful illustrations and learn about ways to fight our changing climate.

Svitlana is already hard at work and I can't wait to share this book with the world next fall, hopefully, September 16, 2024 -- it will be FANTASTIC! 
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Amazing Opportunities in the #kidlit space!

10/10/2024

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OPPORTUNITY #1:
​AGENT / EDITOR SPECTACULAR! 

SCBWI Indiana is hosting an amazing opportunity to pitch to top agents, editors, and art directors in the #kidlit space. 

Registration opened today (10/10/2024) at 10:00 AM EST and some slots are filled already. 

SCBWI Members, hurry over and reserve your spot in the Agent / Editor Spectacular! 

OPPORTUNITY #2:
​GIRL POWER HOUR VIRTUAL CONFERENCE hosted by *my amazing editor* Michele McAvoy! It's TOMORROW
Link to register here

*I went last year and it was very valuable! 
OPPORTUNITY #3:
LAUNCH & LEARN with Author Lynne Marie, Brenda Reeves Sturgis, and Nico Ecenarro!
I had the amazing opportunity to work with Lynne Marie this week on a new manuscript and she is AMAZING. She told me about this launch event that she is hosting - you won't want to miss it! ESPECIALLY authors who have books coming out soon! 
I think this webinar will be a great value and it is ALSO tomorrow! October 11, 2024

REGISTER HERE

'Tis the season to be a #kidlit writer in the #writingcommunity!

We all need to lift each other up and spread the love! 
Hope to see you all at some of these events...
I'm signed up for ALL of them.

Good luck!

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Big News!

10/7/2024

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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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BIRTHDAY BASH is releasing EARLY!

9/3/2024

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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! 
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The inspiration behind the Author's #MSPL

5/31/2024

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Closing the triangle between Editor - Agent - Author 

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In the exciting world of children's literature, where creativity and imagination flourish, there's a triangle connecting authors, agents, and editors. It's a dynamic relationship where stories are born, nurtured, and brought to life. But lately, I wondered— about the need to close this triangle, ensuring all sides are equally heard and valued.

In the #kidlit writing community, it's mainstream practice for editors and agents to share their Manuscript Wish Lists (#MSWL) far and wide. These lists serve as beacons, guiding aspiring authors toward the stories that are in demand, and where they will have the best chance to receive representation or publication. It's a beautiful thing—a collaborative effort to match stories with homes where they'll thrive.

Yet, in the middle of communication via #MSWL's, a crucial voice seems to fade into the background: the author. As an author myself, I've found myself pondering, what happened to our place in this exchange? While agents diligently submit one or two stories at a time to publishers, what about the manuscripts sitting patiently in authors' drawers, waiting for their moment to shine?

It's a question in my mind that has sparked numerous conversations within the kidlit community— an exploration of how we can amplify the author's role in this intricate dance of storytelling. After all, authors are the heart and soul of children's literature. Their voices, experiences, and perspectives shape the narratives that inspire and empower young readers around the world.

One key idea that emerged from these discussions is the concept of the Manuscript Pitch List (#MSPL). Imagine a space where authors, agents, and editors converge—  where authors can also showcase their manuscripts, just like agents' and editors' wish lists. It's a dynamic idea that bridges the gap, allowing all parties to see the full scope of available stories.

By incorporating the author into this equation, we're not only empowering creators but also enriching the storytelling landscape. Authors bring a diverse array of voices and stories to the table, and by giving them a seat at the forefront of the conversation, we're opening doors to new and exciting narratives that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Moreover, the Manuscript Pitch List serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the kidlit community. It's a reminder that storytelling is a collective endeavor—a journey that we embark on together. When authors, agents, and editors come together with a shared vision, magic happens.
But this isn't just about manuscripts and wish lists—it's about fostering meaningful connections and nurturing a culture of inclusivity and support within the kidlit community. It's about recognizing the invaluable contributions of every voice in the room and championing diversity in storytelling.
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As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of children's literature, let's remember the importance of closing the triangle—of elevating the voices of authors and ensuring that their stories are heard. Together, let's rewrite the narrative, one page at a time.​​

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Named QUEEN OF CREATIVITY!

4/18/2024

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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
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Entering Earth Day Madness & Spring Fling Contest!

4/3/2024

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​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, t
he 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.

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EDITORS:
If you are interested in acquiring this story or the potential series, please contact my agent Karen Kilpatrick 
[email protected]
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    Author

    Blair has travelled extensively all over the world. She and her husband enjoy taking their kids on big adventures together. Blair writes children's picture books for all ages! Most of her stories are inspired by life events. They feature kid’s curiosity, love of the environment, laughter, and fantasy.
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