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

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!