Holly Ryan Children’s Author

#kidlit last day to enter ❤️

#KidsLit #writing #childrensbooks

2025 mentorship with WriteMentor. Details on website for all aspired writers of kids books

Enter now!!! Competition closes Friday 😍 click here for more details 👇

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

No chuffing way!!! 😱🤩🤯😳😂❤️❤️❤️❤️

I just found a full grown stick insect crawling out of the bin…we haven’t had stick insects for a year! What the heck-a-mahooty!!

to be fair it’s a good look…axolotl vibes 😂

a baby is sitting in a high chair making a surprised face and saying wow . ALT: a baby is sitting in a high chair making a surprised face and saying wow .

Took some children to an amazing trip to the Houses of Parliament. Went into the House of Lords and just outside House of Commons when they all piled out after PMQs. We drove past Buckingham palace and Nelson’s column and the biggest cheer was:

“Ooo look there’s primark!”

MPs warn SEND crisis creating a ‘lost generation’ of children An ongoing crisis in the provision of support for children with special educational needs in England risks creating a 'lost generation' according to a new report from the Public Accounts Committee.

MPs warn SEND crisis creating a ‘lost generation’ of children
www.channel4.com/news/mps-war...

love a train trip ❤️

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus

I asked a child what their fave book from last year was and their answer was a series that was published about a decade ago. A good reminder that a book is always new to a child who hasn't read it. The constant publishing hustle for novelty has nothing to do with what children want. #KidLitUK

I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t actually like Christmas very much and it’s quite a relief. Too much pressure/people/stuff. That is all

Free picture book mentoring For an underrepresented writer

I'm offering 3 hours of free picture book mentoring for a UK based writer whose voice is underrepresented in children's publishing.

Please help me spread the word by sharing this post.

Full details of how to apply are here:

naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/free-pictu...

My map of children's independent bookshops is updated regularly. Most provide an online service and they're all run by people who can make well-informed book recommendations. Make sure you support your local one if you want to keep it. Any missing, please let me know. padlet.com/Jon_Biddle/r...

Is that blue sky?!?!

a cartoon of spider man with the words " how does that work exactly " below him ALT: a cartoon of spider man with the words " how does that work exactly " below him

yes it takes some getting used to doesn’t it 🤪🤣 xx

I’ll try Hilary but I think it’s at maximum capacity 🤔 They are very easy to do so maybe try your own for people to follow ☺️ xx

Old school and you might have some already but when I taught pre-school I used to pick up old/vintage Christmas craft kids books cheap from charity shops ☺️

Thank you…tis the season and all…my kids bring it all back from school…kind of them 🤣

a woman is walking down the street with a bag on her head and the words `` under the weather '' written above her . ALT: a woman is walking down the street with a bag on her head and the words `` under the weather '' written above her .

anyone else have the lurgy?

Hope some of the above is useful…will pop back again soon with some more picture book writing tips ☺️

#KitLitUK #kidlituk

3/3
9) don’t expect to give up the day job…average pb author wage is about 7k a year 😬
10) number your spreads and keep illo notes minimal
11) fresh eyes…put your text away for a week and read again
12) enter writing competitions
13) don’t get bogged down with title…it’s likely it will change

2/3

4) join a critique group and listen to feedback
5)read picture books. Book shops and libraries are great
6) editors love a ‘voice’. Is your author personally coming through?
7) 500 words, 12 spreads is sweet spot
8) if it rhymes make sure it really does! Learn from a poetry book if in doubt

So here are a few top tips on picture book writing. 1/3

1) never give up…it took me 10 years to get published.
2) write LOTS as any agent will want to see more than one text.
3) try and have an underpinning message in your theme…will Bunny overcome her fear? Will Bear learn about teamwork?

Start of a new Starter Pack, this time for literary events.

If you are one or know of one on Bluesky, please let me know.

💙📚 #BookSky

go.bsky.app/PHw99bS

Ahhhhh I thought it might be x

I just spat my tea out 🤣

what’s the round thing? Says the tech phobe 🤣

what’s not to love about a pink bunny 😍

a cartoon of a man holding a book next to a woman who says how can you read this there 's no pictures ! ALT: a cartoon of a man holding a book next to a woman who says how can you read this there 's no pictures !

Good morning new followers! Wowsers this place is taking off! On Friday I’ll be sharing some top tips on picture book writing and how to improve their chances of selling. See you then!