Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
@work.debbieohi.com
This is my work-only broadcast acct with updates about what I'm working on. Not all kidlit. Also see https://debbieohi.com/newsletter/ 🇨🇦
For my main feed w/ ALL my nerdy interests, replies: @DebbieOhi.com
https://linktr.ee/inkygirl
For my main feed w/ ALL my nerdy interests, replies: @DebbieOhi.com
https://linktr.ee/inkygirl
Pinned
I'm using my @work.debbieohi.com acct for work-related updates. I promise NOT to post daily wordcount updates etc. 😜 Will aim for a post a week, I think, & will try to include tools/resources I am finding useful.
If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.
If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Trying very hard NOT to be like the writer in my comic as I work on a first rough draft. My tendency has been to edit as I write. Some writers can do this successfully but it always keeps me from finishing, deciding it's not good enough.
I WILL FINISH THIS DRAFT.
@work.debbieohi.com #WriterSky
I WILL FINISH THIS DRAFT.
@work.debbieohi.com #WriterSky
August 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Trying very hard NOT to be like the writer in my comic as I work on a first rough draft. My tendency has been to edit as I write. Some writers can do this successfully but it always keeps me from finishing, deciding it's not good enough.
I WILL FINISH THIS DRAFT.
@work.debbieohi.com #WriterSky
I WILL FINISH THIS DRAFT.
@work.debbieohi.com #WriterSky
UPDATE for those who missed earlier news:
I'm taking a break from picture books to go back to my original career goal of becoming a published middle grade author. See my Perseverance post.
cont'd
I'm taking a break from picture books to go back to my original career goal of becoming a published middle grade author. See my Perseverance post.
cont'd
August 18, 2025 at 2:24 PM
UPDATE for those who missed earlier news:
I'm taking a break from picture books to go back to my original career goal of becoming a published middle grade author. See my Perseverance post.
cont'd
I'm taking a break from picture books to go back to my original career goal of becoming a published middle grade author. See my Perseverance post.
cont'd
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Wrote a longer post about gratitude, @jpchanda.bsky.social, and embracing my next career challenge:
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
June 30, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Wrote a longer post about gratitude, @jpchanda.bsky.social, and embracing my next career challenge:
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Just heard back from my editor at Simon & Schuster Children's, and he loves my writing samples for my MG novel! 🎉🥳 He already approved my detailed synopsis.
He's asked me to send him a rough draft, to NOT worry about finessing (I can revise later). See @work.debbieohi.com for earlier updates.
He's asked me to send him a rough draft, to NOT worry about finessing (I can revise later). See @work.debbieohi.com for earlier updates.
July 25, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Just heard back from my editor at Simon & Schuster Children's, and he loves my writing samples for my MG novel! 🎉🥳 He already approved my detailed synopsis.
He's asked me to send him a rough draft, to NOT worry about finessing (I can revise later). See @work.debbieohi.com for earlier updates.
He's asked me to send him a rough draft, to NOT worry about finessing (I can revise later). See @work.debbieohi.com for earlier updates.
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
I'm about 1/4 way thru fast-drafting my rewritten MG novel. So happy to be able to finally include evil SQUIRRELS in a book, woohoo!!! It's been heavily revamped since earlier versions but is still a spooky MG with Japanese yokai.
Follow @work.debbieohi.com for updates or debbieohi.com/newsletter/
Follow @work.debbieohi.com for updates or debbieohi.com/newsletter/
July 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I'm about 1/4 way thru fast-drafting my rewritten MG novel. So happy to be able to finally include evil SQUIRRELS in a book, woohoo!!! It's been heavily revamped since earlier versions but is still a spooky MG with Japanese yokai.
Follow @work.debbieohi.com for updates or debbieohi.com/newsletter/
Follow @work.debbieohi.com for updates or debbieohi.com/newsletter/
I'm using my @work.debbieohi.com acct for work-related updates. I promise NOT to post daily wordcount updates etc. 😜 Will aim for a post a week, I think, & will try to include tools/resources I am finding useful.
If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.
If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.
July 7, 2025 at 11:53 PM
I'm using my @work.debbieohi.com acct for work-related updates. I promise NOT to post daily wordcount updates etc. 😜 Will aim for a post a week, I think, & will try to include tools/resources I am finding useful.
If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.
If you're interested in what I'm working on, I encourage you to turn on notifications.
Wrote 1039 wds today, also outlined next scene.
Resisting the urge to revise as I write (as is my tendency). Also not worrying about voice or details. This first draft is going to be SUPER ugly but my goal is to have the bones in place asap, based on the detailed synopsis that my editor approved!
Resisting the urge to revise as I write (as is my tendency). Also not worrying about voice or details. This first draft is going to be SUPER ugly but my goal is to have the bones in place asap, based on the detailed synopsis that my editor approved!
July 5, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Wrote 1039 wds today, also outlined next scene.
Resisting the urge to revise as I write (as is my tendency). Also not worrying about voice or details. This first draft is going to be SUPER ugly but my goal is to have the bones in place asap, based on the detailed synopsis that my editor approved!
Resisting the urge to revise as I write (as is my tendency). Also not worrying about voice or details. This first draft is going to be SUPER ugly but my goal is to have the bones in place asap, based on the detailed synopsis that my editor approved!
Diving into my MG rewrite starting TODAY! Much easier, now that I have a detailed synopsis that's been approved by my editor. Wrote 1200 wds earlier this morning.
Fast-drafting (using a lot of placeholders & not worrying about voice), will revise in next pass. Editor has asked for a rough draft.
Fast-drafting (using a lot of placeholders & not worrying about voice), will revise in next pass. Editor has asked for a rough draft.
July 4, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Diving into my MG rewrite starting TODAY! Much easier, now that I have a detailed synopsis that's been approved by my editor. Wrote 1200 wds earlier this morning.
Fast-drafting (using a lot of placeholders & not worrying about voice), will revise in next pass. Editor has asked for a rough draft.
Fast-drafting (using a lot of placeholders & not worrying about voice), will revise in next pass. Editor has asked for a rough draft.
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Detailed MG synopsis of my proposed rewrite APPROVED by my editor, woohoo! Current goal: To get my MG into good enough shape to warrant a contract.
For those wondering about the context of the above, see my @work.debbieohi.com feed for updates.
For those wondering about the context of the above, see my @work.debbieohi.com feed for updates.
July 3, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Detailed MG synopsis of my proposed rewrite APPROVED by my editor, woohoo! Current goal: To get my MG into good enough shape to warrant a contract.
For those wondering about the context of the above, see my @work.debbieohi.com feed for updates.
For those wondering about the context of the above, see my @work.debbieohi.com feed for updates.
Wrote a longer post about gratitude, @jpchanda.bsky.social, and embracing my next career challenge:
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
June 30, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Wrote a longer post about gratitude, @jpchanda.bsky.social, and embracing my next career challenge:
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
www.instagram.com/p/DLh5JJBuggH/
#Gratitude #KidLit
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Holy cow. My editor has already responded and is interested in helping provide guidance as I revise (!!!!). Feeling incredibly lucky, grateful and (this is a biggie) FULL OF HOPE.
Whew. I just sent out my middle grade book proposal to my editor @jpchanda.bsky.social at @simonkids.bsky.social. I AM BOTH TERRIFIED AND EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME.
June 27, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Holy cow. My editor has already responded and is interested in helping provide guidance as I revise (!!!!). Feeling incredibly lucky, grateful and (this is a biggie) FULL OF HOPE.
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Whew. I just sent out my middle grade book proposal to my editor @jpchanda.bsky.social at @simonkids.bsky.social. I AM BOTH TERRIFIED AND EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME.
June 27, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Whew. I just sent out my middle grade book proposal to my editor @jpchanda.bsky.social at @simonkids.bsky.social. I AM BOTH TERRIFIED AND EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME.
Woohoo, finally finished a draft of my detailed synopsis of my MG! Now I'm working on the synopsis for a different MG I've been working on. Very different types of stories, but I really love both ideas & am torn.
Sending both to my editor at Simon & Schuster to see which he likes most. 🤞🏽
Sending both to my editor at Simon & Schuster to see which he likes most. 🤞🏽
June 23, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Woohoo, finally finished a draft of my detailed synopsis of my MG! Now I'm working on the synopsis for a different MG I've been working on. Very different types of stories, but I really love both ideas & am torn.
Sending both to my editor at Simon & Schuster to see which he likes most. 🤞🏽
Sending both to my editor at Simon & Schuster to see which he likes most. 🤞🏽
This is the first time since 2011 that I've had no book contract in the wings. This is on purpose. After much angsting, I've decided to take a break from picture books so I can focus on writing middle grade.
I'm both terrified and exhilarated.
PLEASE WISH ME LUCK.
#KidLit
I'm both terrified and exhilarated.
PLEASE WISH ME LUCK.
#KidLit
June 20, 2025 at 1:26 PM
This is the first time since 2011 that I've had no book contract in the wings. This is on purpose. After much angsting, I've decided to take a break from picture books so I can focus on writing middle grade.
I'm both terrified and exhilarated.
PLEASE WISH ME LUCK.
#KidLit
I'm both terrified and exhilarated.
PLEASE WISH ME LUCK.
#KidLit
My go-to fountain pen is still my Pilot Falcon with a Soft Fine nib. The flex nib enables me to get a slight variable line width, and the pen is a reliable starter (e.g. even if I don't use it for weeks but pick it up, it still writes with no problem). I just wish it had a bigger ink capacity.
June 20, 2025 at 1:16 PM
My go-to fountain pen is still my Pilot Falcon with a Soft Fine nib. The flex nib enables me to get a slight variable line width, and the pen is a reliable starter (e.g. even if I don't use it for weeks but pick it up, it still writes with no problem). I just wish it had a bigger ink capacity.
I resisted for a while, but I've been lured to the side of Team #OxfordComma.
June 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I resisted for a while, but I've been lured to the side of Team #OxfordComma.
June 4, 2025 at 3:35 PM
This week is first in a long time where my creative work focus is solely WRITING books for young people (current: a spooky middle grade), have no contracted deadlines, don't feel pressured to be actively promoting a just-released book, and I am not travelling.
Enjoying this moment while it lasts.
Enjoying this moment while it lasts.
June 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
This week is first in a long time where my creative work focus is solely WRITING books for young people (current: a spooky middle grade), have no contracted deadlines, don't feel pressured to be actively promoting a just-released book, and I am not travelling.
Enjoying this moment while it lasts.
Enjoying this moment while it lasts.
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Woohoo! Just handed in final art for I'M BUSY, a new picture book written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social & illustrated by yours truly!!! Can't wait until our book (newest in the I'M series) launches Feb.24/2026.
www.simonandschuster.com/series/The-I...
#ImBusy #KidLit @simonkids.bsky.social
www.simonandschuster.com/series/The-I...
#ImBusy #KidLit @simonkids.bsky.social
May 29, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Woohoo! Just handed in final art for I'M BUSY, a new picture book written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social & illustrated by yours truly!!! Can't wait until our book (newest in the I'M series) launches Feb.24/2026.
www.simonandschuster.com/series/The-I...
#ImBusy #KidLit @simonkids.bsky.social
www.simonandschuster.com/series/The-I...
#ImBusy #KidLit @simonkids.bsky.social
May 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Hi! This is my work-only broadcast feed about what I'm working on RIGHT NOW. Experimenting with using this Bluesky instead of a regular email newsletter.
If you're looking for my *main* EVERYTHING acct where I post #BlueSkyTips etc, see @debbieohi.com. Special thanks to those who follow both!
If you're looking for my *main* EVERYTHING acct where I post #BlueSkyTips etc, see @debbieohi.com. Special thanks to those who follow both!
May 6, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Hi! This is my work-only broadcast feed about what I'm working on RIGHT NOW. Experimenting with using this Bluesky instead of a regular email newsletter.
If you're looking for my *main* EVERYTHING acct where I post #BlueSkyTips etc, see @debbieohi.com. Special thanks to those who follow both!
If you're looking for my *main* EVERYTHING acct where I post #BlueSkyTips etc, see @debbieohi.com. Special thanks to those who follow both!
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
My Simon & Schuster Children's editor just responded to my recent post vowing to send him something by the end of June. ❤️ NOW I REALLY HAVE TO DO IT. #Accountability #KidLit
You know where to find me!!!
May 6, 2025 at 4:21 PM
My Simon & Schuster Children's editor just responded to my recent post vowing to send him something by the end of June. ❤️ NOW I REALLY HAVE TO DO IT. #Accountability #KidLit
Reposted by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Work-Only)
Gradually moving into WRITING mode, as I wait for feedback on final art for a picture book.
Current project: novel for young people. Spooky elements, Japanese yokai, *heavily* revamped from previous.
Starting every morning with writing. A bit rusty (so much of past decade has been art) cont'd
Current project: novel for young people. Spooky elements, Japanese yokai, *heavily* revamped from previous.
Starting every morning with writing. A bit rusty (so much of past decade has been art) cont'd
May 5, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Gradually moving into WRITING mode, as I wait for feedback on final art for a picture book.
Current project: novel for young people. Spooky elements, Japanese yokai, *heavily* revamped from previous.
Starting every morning with writing. A bit rusty (so much of past decade has been art) cont'd
Current project: novel for young people. Spooky elements, Japanese yokai, *heavily* revamped from previous.
Starting every morning with writing. A bit rusty (so much of past decade has been art) cont'd
While I wait for feedback on final art for I'M BUSY (there will be at least one more round of art, but hopefully just minor tweaks), I'm ramping up prep for my shift into novel writing! Super excited about this.
May 1, 2025 at 7:33 PM
While I wait for feedback on final art for I'M BUSY (there will be at least one more round of art, but hopefully just minor tweaks), I'm ramping up prep for my shift into novel writing! Super excited about this.
Woohoo! Handed in final art for I'M BUSY, the newest in the I'M... picture books written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social and illustrated by me. Cover not yet public.
There will likely be a few more tweaks, but the bulk of the art is done. 🎨🥳 #KidLit
There will likely be a few more tweaks, but the bulk of the art is done. 🎨🥳 #KidLit
April 17, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Woohoo! Handed in final art for I'M BUSY, the newest in the I'M... picture books written by @michaelianblack.bsky.social and illustrated by me. Cover not yet public.
There will likely be a few more tweaks, but the bulk of the art is done. 🎨🥳 #KidLit
There will likely be a few more tweaks, but the bulk of the art is done. 🎨🥳 #KidLit