Thanks for joining in another #kidlitchat. When I think about what I want in fellow chatters... it's y'all! So thanks for sticking around, and see you next week!

This is why I'm so diligent when creating recipes for people. I know how painful and frustrating it can be to not be able to partake in the delicious treats everyone is enjoying. #KidLitChat

Yes, exactly.

But of course the 1st step of the process was my (private, in my own living room where no one could see me) shouting and stomping temper tantrum where I loudly declared that there was no way I could possibly do such a thing. #KidLitChat

Serendipity! #kidlitchat

It’s nice when family and friends entertain me with their questions about my characters or when I ask them if a scene or scenario would work for a middle grade kid. Like taking a subway ride alone. #kidlitchat

Ugh. That's the worst! I'm the same with palm oil. 10-15 minutes after accidentally eating a bite of something that has it, I'm already feeling the effects. There are whole categories of foods I avoid unless I can see the entire ingredients list or quiz the chef on the recipe. #KidLitChat

Those are the times that make you feel like a creative professional 😆 #kidlitchat

I don't ever force my writing on them or ask them to read but I'll talk about it, bring up ideas I'm working on or considering. They listen. Encourage. Give advice. And that's all I need from them. #kidlitchat

😢 #kidlitchat

She believed in you. That's priceless. #kidlitchat

I completely agree! I just know I work harder when the writer and I chat more frequently, even if it's not about the project. Just about life or shootin the shit.
#kidlitchat

Also, an honestly supportive relationship where we all work to help each other succeed. #kidlitchat

One of my most challenging moments of my writing career was when my editor for The Princess and the Frogs asked me to add 2 1/2 scenes to the book while simultaneously cutting 200 words from an already spare wordcount. She just trusted that I could. I felt so accomplished when I did! #KidLitChat

So true. My family does that for me--they've convinced me they truly like what I do, and they won't let me make excuses, lol. #kidlitchat

I realize it's just my preference. Typos--gotta catch 'em all! 😆 #kidlitchat

WOW you were able to think and say something smart and diffuse the situation. Very impressive. #kidlitchat

Intelligent insight, honest feedback (BOTH positive and negative), and a desire to see me succeed. And this might be a little different, but also someone who can handle a (NOT mean) critique of their work. It is hard to give someone who is fragile about their craft constructive feedback. #kidlitchat

We all need the nudge. Someone to help keep us in line. I have a bunch of buddies that really back me up as a writer. It helps. They aren't crit partners or betas or anything like that, they are just cheerleaders. And they are sometimes just as important. #kidlitchat