Welcome!
The goal of this blog is to bring and share information about Writing and Illustrating for children to published and unpublished authors and illustrators. I will post information I acquire from my interactions with editors and agents in the industry and share thoughts and techniques of other writers and illustrators in the field. Please send me your articles to help Children’s book professionals in the process of getting published. – Thanks, Kathy
A little about me:
I’m the former Regional Advisor in New Jersey for the SCBWI. It was a lot of work, but writing and illustrating and helping people is a passion of mine. Please visit my website to see my portfoilo and activity book titled “Horseplay.” www.kathytemean.com. If you have a passion to writer or illustrate for children, you should visit www.newjerseyscbwi.com and look at our events. We are a very active chapter and our members who come out and participate have been very successful in furthering their writing and illustrating careers.
I also run Temean Consulting, a Web Design and Marketing company for the creative individual or business. Children’s writers and illustrators will recognize the many clients we work with to show off their talents. Check out www.temeanconsulting.com and see some of the sites we have designed and developed for award winning authors, like Jerry Spinelli and Eileen Spinelli and David L Harrison.
In addition to heading up the NJSCBWI and writing and illustrating children’s books and magzines, I teach a children’s writing class and conduct classes for adults to learn the ins and outs of using Photoshop to enhance your illustrating. I also, do school visits to encourage writing and illustrating and conduct workshops for authors to assist in helping them market themselves. I have presented at the Highlights for Children “Life in the Spotlight” for the last few years and I am the editor-in-chief of Sprouts Magazine. – Please check out my website www.kathytemean.com
Click here to go back to blog postings https://kathytemean.wordpress.com
Kathy
Writing and Illustrating 
I love your site. Keep it up !
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By: knowledgetoday on March 29, 2009
at 3:17 pm
Thanks for visiting. Let me know if there is any types of information that you feel are interesting.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on April 20, 2009
at 11:16 pm
Hi Kathy. I’ve got a new computer and can’t reach you except this way. I have something ready for you about the New England SCBWI conference. Shall I send it? Thanks, Karen
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By: Karen Calloway on May 7, 2013
at 3:28 pm
Karen,
I just sent you an email from my email.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on May 7, 2013
at 11:40 pm
Thanks for sending science writers my way.
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By: David Raikow on April 20, 2009
at 4:16 pm
My pleasure. Let me know when you put up any interesting article.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on April 20, 2009
at 11:18 pm
Nice workshop today at Princeton U. Thank you to you and Laurie for all your hard work.
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By: Nancy Shaffery on October 26, 2009
at 1:36 am
Nancy,
Thanks! Everything is a lot of work, so it is nice to hear you thought it was a worth the effort. Hope to see you soon.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on October 29, 2009
at 6:12 pm
Kathy,
This is my first trip to a blog. What exactly is YAA? The character description sheet was very helpful. Thanks.
See you in class.
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By: Lisa Erfer on October 29, 2009
at 1:32 pm
Lisa,
I’m glad you like the sheet. It is just a start. I’m sure there are lots of other ideas. Happy that you visited.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on October 29, 2009
at 6:13 pm
Lisa,
I just realized I never answered your question about the http://www.yaagroup.com. It is a place dedicated to helping young writers learn all they need to become our future authors and artists – Young Authors and Artists Group. Hope you have been using your creative talents.
Happy New Year,
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on January 5, 2010
at 2:02 am
Rock-n-roll, Kathy. Thanks for posting. Certainly is sound advice. Will post a link from #YAlitchat over to this page. Thanks so much-Georgia
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By: georgiamcbridebooks on January 4, 2010
at 10:26 am
Georgia,
Thanks for visiting, leaving a comment and helping to spread the word. Hope you will become a regular visitor.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on January 5, 2010
at 1:59 am
Rock-n-roll, Kathy. Thanks for posting. Certainly is sound advice. Will post a link from #YAlitchat over to this page. Thanks so much-Georgia
+1
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By: I am on May 18, 2010
at 9:04 am
Rock-n-roll, Kathy. Thanks for posting. Certainly is sound advice. Will post a link from #YAlitchat over to this page. Thanks so much-Georgia+1
+1
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By: Adler Cunningham on May 24, 2010
at 12:13 pm
Hi Kathy,
Though I’ve been doing children’s books for 30 years, I’m just entering the world of blogs. Finding yours was a treat. I hope it’s okay to list it under “Supportive Sites” on my fledgling blog that’s all about picture books.
Thanks.
George Shannon
http://georgeshannon.wordpress.com
http://www.georgeshannon.org
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By: George Shannon-Author on September 10, 2010
at 12:13 pm
Hi there,
We are having Ms. Ettlinger visit our schools in March. Would you mind if I used some of the photos/text from your site for our bulletin boards? It’s so interesting! (I’ve already gotten permission from Sleeping Bear Press.) Most appreciated : )
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By: Kristy on January 28, 2011
at 9:08 am
Kristy,
Of course, you are welcome to use any of Doris’s pictures for her school visit. If you find they do not print big enough for you, let me know. I may be able to send something bigger or get it from Doris. I know you and the children will love her.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on February 1, 2011
at 2:05 am
This information is welcomed. I have a friend who has a talent for adorable children’s stories.
I will e mail her about this site in five seconds.
bye
Jaye
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By: jgavinallan on May 13, 2011
at 8:51 am
Hi Kathy, enjoyed finding your blog…due to looking into contacting Abi Samoun and her new agency! I’d love it if you would be interested in possibly listing my blog for artists…THE WAY TUGEAU hope you’ll check it out. Like my website articles I write to HELP artists in the industry as I have for going on 20 years now. http://catugeau.wordpress.com A new blog post about an interview with Callaway Digital Arts will be going up end of this week I think. love to increase the following…that’s the point of writing all this! thanks and best to you…
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By: catugeau on June 28, 2011
at 4:19 pm
Hi Kathy
I just found your wonderful resource today. It’s great and full of so much useful information for us children’s authors. You can never get enough information!
Cheers!
Rob Bullock
http://www.ninnylizard.com
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By: Robert Bullock on August 22, 2011
at 12:57 pm
Rob,
Thanks for the note. Hope you will stop back to visit.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on August 27, 2011
at 5:53 pm
Hi Kathy. I am new to your blog and also new to writing children’s books.. I am looking for help in getting published and getting my vision for my books to become a reality. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you
Nancy Mindo
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By: Nancy Mindo on August 30, 2011
at 9:08 am
I was excited to see your site but now I see that it hasn’t been updated. I hope you are still doing this blog. Looks like it was a good thing.
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By: Cindy Seinar on December 22, 2011
at 6:55 pm
Cindy,
I blog everyday, so it is current. I haven’t changed the About Page, but that is not where the meat of the information lives. Are you a writer or an illustrator?
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on December 24, 2011
at 12:16 am
Greetings Kathy,
I realize that your blog is more business oriented than most of our blogs,so you may not have time to collect this award by its rules. However, I elected you because you truly deserve to be acknowledged for your fine blog, the inspiration you exude, and the opportunities that your present to others.
Please, if you get time, accept this award, with my heartfelt gratitude, for the doors that you open for others. Blessings to you!
http://orples.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
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By: orples on March 20, 2012
at 9:07 am
nice to meet you
David in Maine USA
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By: fivereflections on May 4, 2012
at 12:44 am
Off topic question for you. So I am building my wordpress site and wondering if you pay at all. Do you pay for plugins? Your site looks great. Any tips for me?
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By: Rick Crawford on June 14, 2012
at 10:06 am
Rick,
You don’t have to pay for plug-ins with WordPress. I do play to display videos, but have to email, because it isn’t working now. Everything else is provided for free. Sorry, I did not see this right away.
Kathy
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By: kathytemean on June 23, 2012
at 3:32 pm
Hi Kathy. I stumbled upon your great site. I have a question. I”m Australian and living in Latin America, so the New Jersey site http://www.newjerseyscbwi.com might not be so relevant to me. I only just started to illustrate for tweens and would like to develop this further. Any suggestions/tips for more ‘global’ sites ? Thank you! Cheers, Jenny
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By: Jenny on July 30, 2012
at 4:33 pm
I’ve nominated you for an award – pop by my blog – http://www.mandyevebarnett.com – to pick it up.
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By: mandyevebarnett on September 7, 2012
at 10:53 pm
Mandy,
Thanks! I’ll take a look.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on September 8, 2012
at 11:35 am
Kathy,
I love the interview with Susan Hood. What a lovely person. Can’t wait to read the PB’s. Thanks.
Darlene
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By: darlenebeckjacobson on October 30, 2012
at 12:38 pm
Hi. Kathy , I have been reading your blog for over a month now and find it very informative . Several of my writing questions have been answered by reading your blog. I write both YA and middle reader fiction. I just published a two part article and want to stay in the public eye at this time . How do I continue to make sure this continues? The article was in the National PKU News. It was the story of my life .
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By: Kay Marie Emerson (@PKUKT5782) on January 20, 2013
at 6:02 am
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award – pop on over to collect it. http://www.mandyevebarnett.com
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By: mandyevebarnett on March 2, 2013
at 11:41 am
I love your site Kathy – I have tagged you in a blog hop about the Writing Process. I really hope you will participate and share. Thank you!
http://orthodoxmom3.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/writing-processes-a-blog-hop/
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By: orthodoxmom3 on June 6, 2014
at 12:27 pm
Your site is very helpful. I’m a freelance portrait artist, planning to become and illustrator…I’d be very grateful if you would consider viewing my websites: http://callieswordsillustrated.wordpress.com/ and http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/callie-smith.html
Thanks, and have a great day.
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By: Callie Smith on June 22, 2014
at 7:40 am
Just a big “thank you” for our recent interview Kathy, and I hope we keep in touch! 🙂
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By: Mary Manning on June 22, 2014
at 10:57 am
Mary,
My pleasure. Hope you will take a minute to reply to the people who left a comment for you.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on June 22, 2014
at 11:39 am
I love your site Kathy! Very informative and helpful! I’m a children’s book illustrator and author, so glad to find your site!
-Helen H. Wu
http://helenhwu.com/
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By: Helen H. Wu on August 26, 2014
at 10:20 am
Hello Kathy. I have just subscribed to your email newsletter and have found recent articles interesting and helpful. However, I believe it is essential that articles about writing not contain glaring errors. Typos can happen, but when “sole” is written instead of “soul”, and “quarks” instead of “quirks” (article on the Ten Tips to juice up your Protagonist, it really detracts from the author’s credibility. I hope this feedback is helpful.
Lise
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By: Lise Pomerleau-Mayne on October 27, 2014
at 1:24 pm
Lise,
Thank you for pointing out the errors.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on October 27, 2014
at 2:38 pm
Kathy, your blog is full of great stuff! My only criticism is that there are a lot of errors in spelling, punctuation, usage, etc., in your posts, so when you’re aiming at writers, especially nitpicky editorial-oriented ones (kinda like myself), having someone who’s equally nitpicky proofread before you post would probably be to your advantage and get you even more respect–since it’s already a given that you do get a lot of deserved respect for all the value you provide in so many venues!
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By: petra jain on February 18, 2015
at 1:40 pm
Petra,
Thank you for your kind note. It is a matter of trying to provide as much information as I can to help writers and illustrators – EVERYDAY and still have a life. I realize there are types, etc. and I would love to fix them if someone points them out, but I would have to cut back on the information if I were to spend a lot of time editing. I do my blog before I go to bed and sometimes I read the post when I wake up and see mistakes. I’ll consider cutting back.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on February 18, 2015
at 2:46 pm
Oh, I just noticed an earlier commenter mentioned the same thing I just did. But I totally agree with the things she points out as well, especially about credibility. Among several problems/errors I saw in just a single post, the word “it’s” was used when it should have been “its.” Harder to get away with these kinds of things on a site for writers–avid members of the Grammar Police!
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By: petra jain on February 18, 2015
at 1:45 pm
no no cutting back! hahaha tho if you do it to have a life, we’ll understand but miss you daily. I look forward to your amazing posts!
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By: catugeau on February 18, 2015
at 5:07 pm
Chris,
Petra was saying I had some typos and I needed to spend more time editing what I put out. There isn’t time for that, unless I cut back. But I think most people want the information. I guess I could ask for people to let me know when I make a mistake. Actually, I thought they were doing that. Right now I am doing a website for Newbery Medal Winner Phyllis Naylor. She won for Shiloh. So now I have two Newbery winners along with my other list of authors.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on February 18, 2015
at 9:58 pm
Hi Kathy,
I’ve tagged you on my blog today – have fun.
http://mandyevebarnett.com/2015/05/11/book-tagging-your-turn-11may/
Mandy
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By: mandyevebarnett on May 11, 2015
at 1:29 pm
Hey Kathy,
I notice that you have a list of authors added to your site. Would you consider adding me? Check out my blog at http://www.taneekabdasilva.com.
Thanks!
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By: Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva on July 16, 2015
at 5:46 am
[…] Kathy Temean is a former Regional Advisor in New Jersey for the SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). She also runs hugely successful Temean Consulting, a Web Design and Marketing company for the creative individual or business. […]
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By: Monday Advice from Agents and Editors: Face the Consequences | Tangled Words on July 20, 2015
at 1:05 pm
Hi, i liked your site since we can find all the words needed to enrich our writing skills.
I’m Jessica Helou the founder of the online magazine : “Oui Society”.
You can all take a look at our website as well the interesting articles.
http://www.ouisociety.com
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By: Jessica Helou on September 14, 2015
at 7:00 am
Hi Kathy. Thank you for this wonderful blog. It’s most useful and a favorite. Within the last 40-50 days I believe you ran a peice on a religious/ inspirational leaning press that opened to submissions. Do you recall the press. I can’t find it. I really thought I saved it bit I guess I didn’t. Thanks again:)
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By: Debbie Vidovich on September 15, 2015
at 3:02 pm
Debbie,
Could it have been this post?
https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/christmas-holiday-stories-15-to-20000-words/
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on April 1, 2016
at 11:46 am
Am look for ghost writer notice mention 15 thru 25k but this is around on 100k word project……
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By: richard johnson on April 2, 2016
at 8:36 am
Not sure – are you asking to help looking for a ghost writer?
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By: Kathy Temean on April 2, 2016
at 12:42 pm
sorry am look possible ghost….. no ty
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By: richard johnson on April 2, 2016
at 2:19 pm
thank you so very much after viewing this website I knew that I can defeat both my rival writers at school I cant thank you enough
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By: sophie on April 1, 2016
at 5:53 am
By: Kathy Temean on April 1, 2016
at 11:41 am
Thank you so much. I just “happened” to find you. Great info!!!!!!!!!
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By: Emmie Werner on April 7, 2016
at 9:12 am
Emmie,
That’s great! Welcome to the community. Hope you stop back often.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on April 7, 2016
at 11:50 am
It was a pleasure meeting you at lunch today, Kathy. Your blog is a treasure!
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By: Stacey Shubitz on June 4, 2016
at 1:38 pm
Stacey,
Thanks! Hope you stop back. It was fun talking to you, too.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on June 4, 2016
at 2:18 pm
Great site Kathy. Thank you for compiling the word list on hair. Had been tearing my hair out!
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By: Esther Campion on September 2, 2016
at 6:27 pm
Ha! Thanks for the cute note.
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By: Kathy Temean on September 2, 2016
at 9:32 pm
Hi Kathy,
I am tagging you on a blog Q&A for 21st November at http://www.mandyevebarnett.com
No obligation but if you do have fun
Happy writing
Mandy
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By: mandyevebarnett on November 12, 2016
at 11:46 am
Thank You ,it’s hard industry trying climb mountains highest peck’s to trust E-Publisher like create space Publishing unknown royalties .
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By: richard johnson on November 12, 2016
at 2:22 pm
Not seeing how to send a giveaway book and/or article to you for consideration. I have a new narrative nonfiction coming out in March.
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By: Natasha Wing on February 17, 2017
at 1:33 pm
How do we have a new book of ours considered for review and giveaway? When Jackie Saved Grand Central came out in March but I don’t see on your site how to submit a book. Please advise. I’m wondering if HMH has already contacted you?
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By: Natasha Wing on April 21, 2017
at 11:33 am
I have a new book coming out possibly June 2017. It’s in the series of Savanna Jones. Authors name Claudette Bardot. I’m having a problem with Amazon let my book go for free I have thousands of followers but no income to show for it. I’m thinking of going to another e-book but paying for it like Lulu, her baby books but I have decided. Please keep in touch Claudette Bardot
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By: Claudette Bardot on April 21, 2017
at 4:59 pm
Hello, I am new to all of this and just blundering my way through by trial and error, more of the latter I think. I have a fb page and website for the purpose of putting myself out “there”. I am not able to focus and thus not able to organize myself well as I try to transition and make a go of writing (and art) in this very large and connected world. Have you some advice for getting focussed or organized (barring the ability to focus)?
Thank you.
Janine (PS I located you via David Harrison’s blog)
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By: Janine on June 26, 2017
at 2:24 pm
This is a great site! Excited to find it. I especially like First Pages, but I can’t seem to find out when it is available and how to enter. Does it occur regularly? Every month? Only when announced? Could you please provide a little info about how to enter? Thanks. Keep up the good work!!!
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By: Carol Samuelson-Woodson on June 30, 2017
at 11:43 am
Carol,
I do the first pages every month. You can find the information on who is doing it and how to submit every Friday – no submissions guideline with the results – not needed. Just scroll back a week or do a search or wait for next Friday.
Thanks,
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on June 30, 2017
at 12:38 pm
[…] We shared our appreciation for our NJ SCBWI Chapter and the generous spirit and heart of Kathy Temean, a former Regional Advisor and good friend. You can learn about Barbara’s Renato and the Lion […]
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By: UP!–Princeton Children’s Book Festival 2017! | Writer Side UP! on October 1, 2017
at 11:47 pm
Hi Kathy!
Rebecca Moon Ruark from the Rust Belt Girl blog steered me in your direction. This year I am making it a goal to write my first children’s book, and I’m contemplating using my watercolor painting to illustrate the book, so Rebecca insisted that I check out your blog. I can see that your site will be a wealth of information, so thank you! I look forward to following your posts as I embark on this new journey of mine.
Erin
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By: Unbound Roots on June 23, 2018
at 4:39 pm
Erin,
Good luck with your journey. Please let me know how you make out.
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean on June 23, 2018
at 6:02 pm
Hi Kathy for the wonderful job you did for Dreidel Day book giveaway. You blog is wonderful and whenever I visit, I always find information that is super helpful. You’re doing a great ob for writers, illustrator and book lovers!
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By: amaliahoffman on August 8, 2018
at 12:55 am
Hi Kathy,
I saw your call for St. Patty’s Day Illustrations. I have one to share with your website. I don’t have your email. You can contact me at kimberly.batti@gmail.com with your email and I will send art your way. Thanks, Kimberly
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By: krbatti on March 12, 2019
at 11:46 am
Hi Kathy, I have a question about submitting for a First Page Critique. If the agent reps adult manuscripts, is it OK to submit the first page of my (adult) historical novel MS? I wonder, since your site is for children’s lit. publishing. If you can let me know at ramoon75@yahoo.com, I’d appreciate it. Thank you! ~Rebecca
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By: Rebecca Moon Ruark on April 9, 2019
at 9:11 am
I found your site through a give away and I love it! How do I sign up for your blog?
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By: Jennifer Tschaepe on March 15, 2020
at 8:41 am
Hi, Kathy, I recently learned about your winter retreat (from a friend who is fortunate to be part of it) and want to know if you will host another retreat later this year. I would be very interested in participating in the next retreat. Please let me know if you have plans–the program sounds wonderful. If you can contact me at: ohaginib@gmail.com I would greatly appreciate hearing from you! — Isabel
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By: ohaginib on January 23, 2021
at 11:20 pm
Ohaginib, I do plan to do another Virtual Writer’s Retreat, but I don’t have have any information right now. I will contact you when I do. Thanks!
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By: Kathy Temean on January 24, 2021
at 1:35 pm
Do you have a monthly newsletter?
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By: Syeda on March 15, 2021
at 1:22 pm
I have a daily newsletter.
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By: Kathy Temean on March 15, 2021
at 3:32 pm
Hi we are a book shop outside USA and like to import Worthykids books to sell in our country. Can you direct us to the correct department ?
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By: Jacklyn Tan on April 26, 2021
at 6:12 am