CREATING THROUGH CHRONIC PAIN

Dear followers:  

This quarter, I'd like to share a young women's story about resilience.  Whether you are a writer or an artist, we are all creators.  May her journey inspire you.   

Hello art-loving friends! 

I’m Jess and I’ve been playing with art since I was maybe five or six years old. I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Concordia in Montreal. Unfortunately only a couple years after graduation in 2016, I developed a rare migraine condition—a headache/migraine hit me out of the blue one day and never went away. It's there I wake up, when I am asleep…always.  

It’s safe to say I lived many years in a cave of darkness with audiobooks as my best friends, especially since the diagnoses took so long. Finally in year four I was diagnosed as NDPH called New Daily Persistent Headaches. And while there’s no known cure, one medication brought the pain levels to an actual functioning degree, most days that is, and usually only for a few hours. 

 

I slowly started creating little crafts to pass the time as well as to distract myself. I often would make greeting cards for friends and family and started scanning them early on as a way to preserve them. Soon I had enough designs to risk getting them printed locally and Chronically Clever began!   

I find when I get inspired by a new creation, I can set aside my pain for a little while and just get lost. Though the migraine may come back with a vengeance, it’s always worth the reprieve. I love working with watercolours, pencil crayons and ink mostly, as it gives me the most control and I love how the colours pop and blend perfectly.

While I may have started this journey with greeting cards, I’ve gone on to create stickers, magnets, bookmarks, and more. 

Since my diagnosis, I have been passed to three other neurologists and tried 19 different common migraine medications with no positive results, but through my art as therapy I stay positive and keep trying new treatments!

My love of art is endless, but unfortunately due to my unpredictable pain levels it has taken me many years to find a way to be here creating again and it is therefore a very slow labor of love. 

I hope you find your own art therapy whether through music, the written word, physical expression or the art of creation like myself. It is such a rewarding way to heal yourself. 

Thank you for visiting.

https://chronicallyclever.ca/

@chronicallyclever

✌ and ♥

                                                                                                                                           Photo: https://gnhusa.org

 ESSENTIAL WRITER'S RESOURCES 

I hear you—publishing for kids is f*cking hard.  And navigating the world of querying can be confusing as all get-out.  So, where do you turn when you want to find agents open to queries?  What contests can you enter to get your work in front of agents?  

I've compiled some resources that may help you along your writing journey, whether it's finding publishers and agents and/or entering contests.  

Agents: 

Manuscript Wishlist: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/  where agents and editors reveal the genres, topics, and writing styles what they want to find in their inboxes

MS Wishlist:  https://mswishlist.com/ provides information, tools, insights, and agent manuscript wishlist topics

Querytracker:  https://querytracker.net/ where authors can find agents and discover their query reply rate, their response time and have the opportunity to submit a query on a Query Manager form

Bitsy Kemper: https://bitsykemper.com/publishers/ posts a list of over 100 children's book publishers 

Published...and other forms of insanity:  https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/ a website that lists agents seeking clients, calls for submissions, contests, writing conferences and more 

SCBWI (requires membership):  https://www.scbwi.org/ a membership organization dedicated to children's book creators that offers newsletters and podcasts, awards and grants, and a directory of agents  

 Literary Rambles: http://www.literaryrambles.com/ spotlights children's book authors, agents, and publishing 

Reedsy (you must sign in):  https://reedsy.com/marketplace/search?service=editing&subservices=6  Meet world-class publishing professionals; Browse profiles and collaborate on projects. 

Contests: 

Mindy Weiss PB Party: https://mindyalyseweiss.com/2025-pbparty-annual-contest/

Kaitlyn Sanchez Spring Fling and Fall Writing Frenzy https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/contests/

Vivian Kirkfield: 50 Precious Words https://viviankirkfield.com/category/50preciouswords-writing-contest/      

Susanna Hill Writing Contests:  https://susannahill.com/for-writers/contests/ 

Whether you're querying or entering a contest, think about your submission objectively.  Is your (fictional) picture book under 500 words?*  Does the plot flow?  Does you manuscript have voice, you know, that special quality that sets the tone for the piece when read aloud?  Does your story stand out and have the potential to be marketable?  This requires balancing what we want to write about with the publishers' needs. 

Finding a publisher is exhausting.  We are constantly searching for agents to query, who accept text-only manuscripts while competing with celebrities, well-established authors, and writers who have referrals.  So, what can you do?  Be unique—write the story that only you can write.  Then peruse agents wish lists.  Does your story match an  agent's interest?  Agents will give your manuscript serious consideration if you write about something they are hoping to find in their in-boxes.

As for contests, learn about what kinds of stories the judges enjoy.  Do they like witty, funny stories?  Are they partial to pieces that embrace diversity?  You might be able to find this information if judges have a blog or website or even on the contest home page.  You can also look at previous contest winners to get a clue about the winning writing styles—are they humorous, lyrical, rhyming, or magical?  If you can create a story in a winning writing style and center it on a topic that judges prefer, you will have a better chance than most to win a prize in a contest. 

Writing for children has never been harder.  You've got to do your homework to prepare for querying and entering contests.  Use the links posted above to help you get started.  I'm rooting for you and wishing you the very best on your writing journey!  

*The word count may vary depending on the contest.  Always check the guidelines to find out the acceptable number of words permitted.

                                                                                                           Photo 11 Credit: Freepik via Alexdon24

 2025 Fall Writing Frenzy

SUKKOT: A HOLIDAY OF LOVE AND JOY

“Ava, you’re our little artist,” says Bubbie.

“A regular Picasso,” says Zayda.  

Papa gives me high fives.

“Your decorations are going to be grand,” says Mama. “We know you’ll fill up the sukkah.”

 

I’m not sure I can. We’re celebrating Sukkot tonight!

 

I start painting six-pointed stars while my family brings baskets of apples.  

Mmmm...the sukkah hut smells like an orchard.

 

We’ll dip the apples in honey—like we do on the Jewish New Year. But for Sukkot, we’ll shake the lemony etrog and a leafy lulav bouquet.

 

Neighbors Mr. Sanchez, Mrs. Ahmad and L’tisha notice me working. 

“¿Qué pasa?” asks Mr. Sanchez.

“I’m decorating the sukkah for Sukkot. Does it look empty to you?” 

 

They say, “Es perfecto.” “It’s lovely.” “It rocks.”  

But I can tell something is missing.

 

My neighbors hug me goodbye. Right away, I know what the sukkah needs.

I paint three invitations: 

one green like Mr. Sanchez’s vest,  

one blue like Mrs. Ahmad’s hijab, 

one purple like L’tisha’s braids.

 

It’s sunset.

My family gathers to eat in the sukkah.

But the hut looks empty to me.

Then Papa says, “Shalom, neighbors!”

 

The sukkah fills up with love and joy…

 

and nothing is missing at all.

Thank you for reading! 

A huge shoutout to the hosts and judges for this contest: 

Kaitlyn Sanchez (@kaitlynleann17.bsky.social), 

Lydia Lukidis (@lydialukidis.bsky.social), and 

Aixa Pérez-Prado (@professoraixa.bsky.social). 

Thank you also to all of the generous donors.

Who's going to enter Kaitlyn Sanchez's Fall Writing Frenzy contest? I AM!

Briefly, you compose a children's story up to 200 words

inspired by an image with the chance to win a great prize!

Here's the scoop:

https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/fallwritingfrenzy-2025-rules/

@kaitlynleann17.bsky.social

@lydialukidis.bsky.social

 

                                                                                                                                                             Photo: WHYY

GHOSTED

Last December, an agent (let's call him Stuart) contacted me one day after I queried him!  In one day!  Finally after querying for over five years, I captured the attention of an agent.   

Stuart wrote that he liked my manuscript and wanted to see more of my work.  So, I sent two other pieces and he liked those as well!  Then, he asked me to contact the editor who had reviewed these manuscripts to find out if she would be interested in publishing them—which made me feel awkward,  like he was using me (wasn't he was supposed to do this?)  Anyway, I contacted the editor.  When she didn't answer my email, I informed Steve and...that was the last I heard from him.  

And on a similar note, I heard from another agent (we'll call her Liz) who wanted to know if the manuscript I had queried 11 months earlier was still available.  When I replied that the manuscript could be provided, Liz never wrote back.  Even after I politely followed-up.

What gives?  Stuart and Liz got my hopes up and let me down.  I was ghosted and I was crushed. 

An agent's interest-then-disinterest got me thinking.  Was this kind of behavior common?  Here is an IA Overview: 

It can be incredibly frustrating when a literary agent expresses interest in your manuscript and then goes silent. This is often referred to as "ghosting," and unfortunately, it's not uncommon in the publishing industry.  

Several factors can contribute to an agent's lack of response after requesting a manuscript or expressing initial interest: 

• Heavy workload: Literary agents, especially established ones, receive a high volume of submissions and have a primary focus on their existing clients. They may be behind on reading or get overwhelmed with other tasks.
• Not the right fit: Even if the initial query was strong, the agent may have determined after reading more that the manuscript isn't a good fit for their list or doesn't have the commercial appeal they seek.
• Priorities shift: Their agency's focus or their personal interests may have changed.
• No "no" response: Some agents, unfortunately, operate under a "no response means no" policy, meaning they won't reply unless they are interested in moving forward. 

What to Do:

• Be patient: Literary agents often have long response times. Give them a reasonable amount of time to review your submission, according to their stated guidelines or general industry averages.
• Check the agent's guidelines: Look for information on their website or in their auto-reply emails regarding response times and follow-up policies.
• Send a polite follow-up (if appropriate): If the agent's guidelines don't prohibit it and a considerable amount of time has passed (generally 8-12 weeks for a query response, potentially longer for a full manuscript), you can send a brief, professional follow-up email.
• Continue querying other agents: Don't put all your hopes on one agent. Keep researching and sending queries to other agents who might be a good fit for your manuscript.
• Consider other avenues: If traditional agent representation doesn't work out, you can explore other options like submitting to publishers directly (if they accept unagented submissions) or self-publishing.
• Seek feedback: If you're consistently experiencing silence or rejections, consider getting feedback on your query letter and manuscript from other writers, critique partners, or professional editors to identify potential areas for improvement.  

Important Reminders: 

• Don't take it personally: Ghosting is common. It often has little to do with you or your manuscript's quality.
• Stay professional: Maintain a polite and respectful tone in all your communications with agents.
• Be persistent: Querying is a numbers game, and success often comes with persistence and refining your approach. 

There you have it.  Ghosting is customary practice in the publishing world.  It's how many agents prefer

to do business because they're swamped.  Or the market has changed and they don't feel they can sell the manuscript.  It totally sucks.  Agents have the power to buildup up hopes, and then dash hopes to pieces.  

Here's the thing:  Not all, but some agents have forgotten that writers are people with dreams and 

feelings, that writers take their craft seriously, that writers put their hearts and souls into their work, that writers want to be treated respectfully.  

It's said that writers have to develop a tough skin—so deal with this new form of rejection.  Buck up.  

We have to get used to ghosting even though it is cruel and cold.  Inconsiderate and downright rude.

It's the way it is.  But don't you think writers deserve better?

 

✌and ♥

                                                                                                                                                  Photo: constant-content.com

BEING A WRITER

We writers are creative folks and we're proud of the stories we've written. But when we receive a rejection, it can feel personal—almost to the point of making us wonder if we should change how we write in order to be accepted.  

This year I've faced a lot of rejections.  At times, I feel like giving up writing.  Maybe you've felt the same way.  

Despite the rejections however, I try to stay positive by writing new pieces, submitting to new agents, studying the market, and by attending webinars to learn more about the publishing business.  Occasionally, I run across inspirational articles.

On that note, I'd like to introduce you to an amazing article "Creativity as an Act of Defiance" by Grant Faulkner.  This piece is empowering, especially if you've faced rejection and are having doubts about your writing.  Below is an excerpt and a link for the entire piece.  May it encourage you and keep you on the writing path.

According to Grant Faulkner: 

"The underlying purpose of deciding to write is to bring forth this mysterious and sacred gift within ourselves, to touch, revere, and express the truth of the way we see this crazy world.  

"Then we have to go even one step further. Being a writer carries with it its own assortment of masks. (What genre do you write in? Who are your favorite authors? Do you have an MFA?) We have to ask ourselves who we are as writers— what rules do we want to follow, and what rules do we want to break?

"If you put your story in a cage of others’ rules, your imagination will always reside behind bars. 

"Therefore, in order to feel the full strength of our creativity, I believe at some point we have to be defiant—defiantly ourselves, you might say. We have to declare, “I am a writer”—say it proudly and loudly, say it with grandiosity and verve, I AM A WRITER—and accept the circumstances of living in whatever Outsiderdom befalls us. 

"In fact, I think rebelling against the rules is actually an act of love and reverence for your voice. Pushing up against the supposed gatekeepers of taste can strengthen resolve.  A writer needs to create with an outlaw sheen to boldly escape the snares of others’ expectations."

I hope you'll look into reading the entire piece.  Most writers face rejection and have doubts about their writing.  Faulkner definitely has a way with words and his article may give you more confidence in  your writing. 

✌ and ♥

For the entire article: Grant Faulkner: Creativity As An Act of Defiance

Grant Faulkner is the co-founder of 100 Word Story, the co-host the Write-minded podcast, and an executive producer on America’s Next Great Author.

Spring Fling 2025

2025 Spring Fling Writing Contest - Honorable Mention

La Danse du Printemps – The Springtime Dance   

 

One spring day in a forest in France, Giselle laid flowers where she and Mama once 

danced. Mama used to pirouette around the lilac trees. Giselle smudged away 

tears, thinking of her mother's ballet:  

                                                               those leaping jetés,

                                                the quick-stepped piqués,

                                                                       the tippytoe pas de bourrées.

  

“Mama, I miss you and La Danse du Printemps.”

 Gisele felt loneliness as sharp as a thorn.  

 A breeze dried her tears. It tousled her hair. It tickled the brim of her hat.

Then the breeze whispered: Giselle.  

 “Mama?”

“Oui, ma chèrie. Yes, my dear.”

“I am sad without you.”

“Je suis toujours avec toi. I am always with you.”

“But I feel lost.”

 

Leaves unfurled and rustled. Treetops flowered. Lavender blooms perfumed the air.

Mama’s voice sailed through the breeze and Giselle rose to her feet. 

                                                             Jeté.

                                                                          Piqué.

                                      Pas de bourrée.

 

Giselle felt as light as a petal, pirouetting a lilac ballet.