Stephanie Maksymiw

Thank you!

I don't understand it at all 😆

The End of 6-7? (#50PreciousWords 2026) March is here and that means it's time for Vivian Kirkfield's #50PreciousWords contest. For the past two years, my entires won an Honorable Mention and both involved numbers (Two Penguin Dads: The Tr...

My favorite contest opens for entries today (till tomorrow). #50PreciousWords.

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viviankirkfield.com/2026/03/02/t...

Agree with everyone! Wishing

Meet Uno, he's very interested in my sushi but I did not share.

Looking forward to today's Picture Book Creator Conference by @athomeauthor.bsky.social
✍🏻📚

a cat peeking out of a door with the words bye bye written on the bottom ALT: a cat peeking out of a door with the words bye bye written on the bottom

Learned a new fact. Wrote a 50 word story in prep for #50PreciousWords. Decided this could be expanded to a full MS. Bye bye 50 word story!

Storystorm 2026 Day 1: Tara Lazar Recalls Childhood Misunderstandings by Tara Lazar “Happy Morning!” What a nice way to greet my parents and I as we topped off the tank at our local gas station. But something bothered me about those bright red letters han…

The first new picture book draft of the year has been written! Total 180 from what I normally write - no humor, no facts. Pure emotion and I love it. Thanks #storystorm, with the first post I had an idea I just had to write right away! taralazar.com/2026/01/01/s...

Just when you think getting query passes were the worst thing to happen this year, your mom breaks her hip and puts everything in perspective.

We're on the road to recovery, but it'll be slow. Thankful for Paid Family Leave so I can focus on her

I need to stop saving charcuterie board ideas, because that's all I see now! One day I'll make a fancy one.

Woman in cat ears and a black cat looking at each other

Happy Halloween 👻🎃
Wearing my cat ears today!

Yes, and I just checked and it's back up. So that's good!

Trick or Treat with Agent Ashlee MacCallum! HUGE Submission Opportunity Inside! Hi, readers, writers, and querying creators of all kinds! Today is #SeasonsOfKidLit’s last day of our 2025 Trick-or-Treat Event, and we’re closing it out in an extremely BIG way! We’re thrilled to wel...

What a way to end #seasonsofkidlit Trick or Treating!

www.seasonsofkidlit.com/post/trick-o...

Screen shot of website that says "sorry, this store is currently unavailable"

Anyone know what happened to the website for Bushel and Peck? bushelandpeckbooks.com

Trick or Treat with Mirka Hokkanen! Hi, readers, writers, and seasons lovers of all kinds! We’re thrilled to welcome author and illustrator Mirka Hokkanen, who’s here today to share her wonderful new books - perfect for fall or any time...

STEM books are right up my alley! #seasonsofkidlit

www.seasonsofkidlit.com/post/trick-o...

Trick or Treat with Casey Lyall! Hi, readers, writers, and jam lovers, too! You’re in for a super exciting (and tasty) treat today -author Casey Lyall is here to share another book jam-packed with humor, fright, and fun!Vampire Jam S...

Check out this giveaway and interview
#seasonsofkidlit

www.seasonsofkidlit.com/post/trick-o...

a man with a mustache is sitting at a table and says `` i regret nothing , the end . '' ALT: a man with a mustache is sitting at a table and says `` i regret nothing , the end . ''

When you buy a handmade ceramic bowl that inspires a new story idea, you no longer feel guilty about the price 😆

I almost didn't enter. Lesson learned, take a chance!

Celebrate National Elephant Day with Melody C. Peugh! Hi, readers, writers, and elephant lovers of all sorts! Today is National Elephant Appreciation Day and we have the perfect treat in store. Author Melody C. Peugh is with us today sharing her debut bo...

Celebrate National Elephant Appreciation Day with author Melody C. Peugh and her book Me & Lavender, illustrated by Eve Farb. #SeasonsOfKidLit 🐘
www.seasonsofkidlit.com/post/celebra...

Squished spider in the book Murder By Cheesecake

Poor spider was murdered by Murder By Cheesecake. 🕷️ 🍰

You know you're old when...

You get excited for a delivery of Wild deodorant refills. 😂

Nonfiction Series at #scbwiuniversity. Can't wait!

So many great prizes. #kidlit peeps who write humor, check this out.

Let's talk passes.
Recently an agent who passes quickly had my MS for a longer time, but it was a pass. I believe they truly loved the story but just couldn't fit me in.
I was sad. I did retail therapy. I ate cookies.
Then I continued to query.
Not giving up!

I'm not even prepped for this week and tomorrow's Friday 😆

kermit the frog is typing on a typewriter . ALT: kermit the frog is typing on a typewriter .

Read an interesting historical fact.
Me: "I don't think this can be a full story, maybe a 50 Precious Words entry."
Writes a draft (yes, I know it's super early for that contest)
Me: "I know how to make this a full story now!"

Another non-fiction-ish draft coming soon!

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Getting the QueryTracker Annual Premium Subscription might have been a mistake. The data lover in me keeps getting distracted by agent timelines.

Mural being painted

Volunteered today! I was inside painting the birthday room, but look how cool the outside mural is! #UnitedWayDayOfCaring

The weekend plan is to start reading the #kidkitzombieweek pitch winning stories...and then build my new Lego Wicket the Ewok set!

What's your plan?