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!
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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. Happy October! I have had an incredibly creative past 4-5 months and even wrote an entire body of new work. Some of my newer stories have won PITCH contests, some of my stories have WITCHES in them... and I'm really hoping to reach another major milestone in my career as a children's author soon. STAY TUNED for lots of exciting news on the way... in the meantime...
THE CONTEST! This is my first year participating in Kaitlyn Sanchez’s Fall Writing Frenzy. (You can read all about the contest here.) The challenge is to write a 200-word or less Fall-themed #kidlit story based on one of the photographs chosen for the contest. Right around when Kaitlyn announced the contest, I lost someone very close to me. My children and I find joy in talking to cardinals whenever we feel sad, and the feeling of loss paired with the dreary woods photo, inspired my entry, THE CARDINAL'S GIFT, complete at 188 words, in hopes of spreading JOY. Thank you, @KaitlynLeann17 for organizing the contest as well as to the many generous prize donors: @Ms_Holliday93, @readbystephanie, @ErDiPasquale, @IvanTaurisano, @ebonylynnmudd, @AndreaYWang, @AReynosoMorris, @amandarhill32, @HovorkaSarah, @chanastiefel, @ShannonStocker_, @AutumnLeaflet, @BrianGehrlein, and @JStremer. There is so much that has happened it truly is hard to keep up with. It's exciting, it's overwhelming, I'm working hard to scale.
Here are a few updates of what I have brewing for the rest of the year. I applied to the Rutgers University One-on-One Conference for Children's Literature. I have no idea if I will be accepted or not, but it looks like an incredible value and I'm taking a chance. That is in October in New Jersey. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I am taking part of a few conferences this summer: The Vermont College of Fine Arts Summer Residency Writing for Children and Young Adults and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference in August. Both of these have pitch opportunities to big editors, so I'm excited for the opportunity to pitch my new manuscripts to a panel of editors who will hopefully want to produce the book with me! In addition to the conferences, I am flying to Nashville, TN to pitch Island Girls to a big distributor. As some of you many know, one of my biggest struggles has been keeping up with the demand for Island Girls. I have wanted a distributor on my team and this is a very rare and exciting opportunity. Think of this like Shark Tank- I'll have 5 minutes to sell these guys on me and Island Girls which would be such a huge breakthrough for me. Please send me good vibes, this will happen over the weekend of August 18. I am excited and nervous, I could not pass up this opportunity! In addition to the conferences and reading camps, I am taking part of a few conferences and working on revisions for two manuscripts for editors at pretty big publishing houses. One for a new picture book I wrote and one for my middle grade novel. There are so many exciting things happening and I'm so thankful for your support and encouragement to keep writing and making a difference for our oceans! So much more to come! All my best, Blair April has been a busy month of many school visits! I absolutely love connecting with kids and hearing their ideas of how we can all work together and make a change.
I still have a few more schools to visit this week and also the Richmond Book Festival this weekend. Kidlit Contests are all around!I'm participating in this week's contest called the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest --
The Challenge: Find a gif and write a spring-inspired story. Blossoming flowers? Sure! Easter eggs? You bet! Mothers day? Of course! Anything related to Spring is yours for the telling. The Rules: 1. Your story should be geared towards kids ages 12 or under. 2. Choose a gif to inspire your story. 3. All gifs should be child appropriate and in no way be derogatory towards any faith, race, etc. 4. Now for the dreaded word count! You have 150 words. That’s it! No more but less is always welcome. Writing with such small word-counts is always tough but I felt up for the challenge. Thank you so much to the hosts for another fun #kidlit writing exercise! I went back and forth on what kind of story I wanted to write and I actually ended up writing two stories-- one about the Easter bunny and one about... spring at the beach. After reading both, it was clear that my beach story was stronger. Every class and conference I have been to says write what you know best... and I know the beach. Enjoy my entry below inspired by the GIF by O2 Slovakia, source: https://giphy.com/gifs/O2-Slovakia-jQgiGjRETNkCeY9JBS Happy Spring, y'all! Best of luck to all of the #SpringFlingKidlit writers! XOXO, Blair BBGB FOR THE LOVE OF PUBLISHING EVENT!The BBGB event was a huge success in Richmond, VA! I hosted a live audience in Richmond as well as a crowd cast of aspiring kidlit authors virtually. It was the first of many and I really enjoyed sharing my story and how I published Island Girls. Palmetto State Literacy Association ConferenceI had the incredible opportunity to speak and network at the Palmetto State Literacy Conference as a debut author. This conference was geared towards educators and I was able to speak to a crowd about how they could use Island Girls in the classroom. Mentor texts, environmental segments, creative writing courses, Earth Day, Ocean's Day, and mainly, as a way for kids to use their voices to create major change for our world! Thank you so much to Seafarer friend Kelly Mac and her mom Kaye who helped get me to this stage. What a thrill. I can't wait to return to beautiful Hilton Head Island next year. BOOKSTORE 1 SARASOTA EVENTThank you, SARASOTA! This event was a little unique because I got to surprise the crowd with the real Island Girls! Sadie and Josie each had a chance to share their story and answer questions from the audience. They even got to sign a few books. I am so proud to see them gain confidence when speaking and understand how much this little book is spreading awareness about plastic in our oceans. It was so fun and special to see friends from so many parts of our Florida life come out to support and celebrate with us. Thank you, so much, for the love and support, Florida! I'll be back!
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AuthorBlair 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. Archives
January 2025
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