Writer on the Move: Part Two

Writer on the Move: Part Two

Moving? 

Finding Your Writing Flow in a New Place

Moving can still knock the pencil right out of my hand! Actually, I never use a pencil....so in reality, moving can shut my computer? Close down scrivener? Knock my fingers off the keys? 

Anyway, since I last wrote the first moving blog in 2014, I’ve moved a few more times-- it's kind of a thing my husband and I do. I love moving, living in new places, and meeting new people. But the challenge of staying creatively connected always feels exhausting. Life changes, geography shifts, and with each move, all my routines and rituals disappear. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the writing community is resilient—and everywhere, and so am I. 

If you’re feeling unsettled and your writing feels scattered, know this: today’s world has more ways for writers to find connection and community online and in person. 

My advice to you after thirteen moves...

BE BRAVE!

Introduce yourself.

Get out of your house.

Join a group of like-minded writers.

Here are a few updated strategies to rebuild your writing life wherever you are today:

Digital Writing Communities

Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote town, online communities bring writers together from all over. 

Check out platforms like Substack Notes, Mastodon, or Discord writing groups, where writers gather for critiques, accountability, and support. 

Twitter (now known as X) still has a strong writing community (not everyone left); try using hashtags like #AmWriting, #WritingCommunity, or #KidLit to connect with like-minded writers.

Local Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores and libraries continue to be hubs for literary connections. They’re more community-focused than ever, offering workshops, events, and even small critique groups. Ask your local bookstore or library if they host any writing groups—or if they’d be open to starting one! Libraries often offer free meeting rooms that make for great, neutral spaces for new writer meetups.

**As always, please check groups out before committing. I have made this mistake in the past: joining a group just to have it not quite fit me or me not quite fit it. I recommend going to at least three meetups before deciding to join or not.

Find a Writers’ Meetup Group or Hub

Meetup is still a great tool for locating local groups, although I find it challenging to find a solid group that meets with the same people every time. And now they are charging more to be on the platform, so I don't know how that will work out. However, you can find people within those groups who want to schedule an ongoing meeting. 

There are also new options like Eventbrite and Reedsy, which offer local events and virtual gatherings. And if you’re into genre writing (mystery, fantasy, etc.), there’s often a community for that, too!

Online Workshops and Classes

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean face-to-face. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and SCBWI offer virtual workshops where you can learn and meet other writers. There are even virtual writing conferences where you can connect with mentors and agents.

**Always double-check these sites for sales on classes. They have them often...so never pay full price!

Social Accountability Groups

Online accountability groups have made it easier to set goals, share progress, and get feedback. Try NaNoWriMo’s year-round forums, Write Practice, or join a Facebook group like 10-Minute Novelists to commit to regular check-ins with other writers.

Connect Locally—Beyond Writing Circles

Remember, other types of creative groups can spark inspiration and offer new connections. Art collectives, book clubs, or theater groups can give you fresh perspectives and the sense of belonging we all crave when building a creative life in a new place. 

When I move, I take art walks around my new town, noticing local artists and their voices. This helps me ground in the new energy and gives me a sense of place to write from. 

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If you’re in transition, here’s the game plan:

• Reach out: Tell people you’re a writer, in person and online.
• Get social: Don’t be shy—virtual or in-person, reach out and explore groups near or far.
• Ask for connections: Let people know you’re looking for writer friends. (This one is toughest for me, but I'm starting to ask. I even told my hairdresser, and she is going to give me a list of friends she has who love to write.)
• Stay open: Inspiration may come from other creative communities as well.
• Volunteer at local schools: If you want to write for kids, you MUST be around them. They evolve faster than you think. So you have to stay involved!

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Here are some helpful websites for writers looking to find local groups in a new town:

• Meetup.com – Search for local writing, book clubs, or critique groups. Meetup is widely used for in-person and virtual gatherings, and you can often find genre-specific writing communities.
• Eventbrite – Eventbrite has listings for writing workshops, readings, and literary events in many towns and cities, offering both free and paid options.
• Reedsy – Not only does Reedsy connect writers with editors and publishers, but they also have a community tab and offer events, online courses, and resources for writers at all stages.
• Substack – Substack isn’t just for newsletters; it’s become a platform where writers share their work and engage in community discussions. Writers can follow others, participate in discussions, and even start local Substack groups to meet and share work. (I haven't really used this one yet, but I am playing with it now.)
• SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) – If you’re a children’s book author, SCBWI has local chapters with regular meetings and workshops, plus an online member directory for connecting with other writers.
• NaNoWriMo Forums – NaNoWriMo’s website has year-round forums where writers connect by location and genre. Many local NaNoWriMo groups organize write-ins and meet-ups throughout the year.
• Facebook Groups – Try searching for groups like Writers in [Your City/State], [City] Writer’s Group, or genre-specific groups like Mystery Writers of [Location].
• Poets & Writers – Their Literary Events Calendar and Directory of Writers allow you to look up events and connect with other writers, as well as discover local writing groups and readings.
• Library and Bookstore Websites – Many libraries and indie bookstores list local events, book clubs, and workshops directly on their websites, making it easy to find nearby writing activities.
• Discord Writing Groups – Many Discord servers cater to writers by genre, interest, or location, allowing you to interact with people directly through text and voice chat. (If you haven't tried Discord, you must try MidJourney for art inspiration! It's a blast!!!)

Top five websites for new children's writers:

1. KidLit411
   A comprehensive site providing information on writing, illustrating, publishing, and marketing children's books, along with a supportive Facebook group.

2. Children's Writer's Guild (CWG)
   An online magazine and community for writers, illustrators, and educators, featuring essays, news, and advice on children's literature.

3. The Purple Crayon
   Offers articles and resources on writing and publishing children's books, including insights into the business side of publishing.

4. Inkygirl (Which has moved to debbieohi.com) A blog by author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi, providing insights, tips, and resources for children's writers and illustrators.

5. Children's Book Insider (CBI)
   Offers a monthly newsletter, articles, and resources tailored for children's book writers, covering topics from writing tips to publishing advice.

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Your writing flow might take a moment to adjust to a new place, but the community is out there, ready to welcome you. 

With patience and persistence, you’ll find your groove—and maybe even expand it in ways you hadn’t expected.

Write~on,

Angie

**Want to join the list of authors and industry professionals on Teazurs? Reach out - let's do this! I LOVE supporting writers. ALL writers! Newbie writers not yet published. Seasoned writers with over 100 books. They've all been interviewed and well respected here. 

You matter! 

ALL of you. 

We need your voices out in the world more than ever. 

Be seen. 

Be heard!

PB Author Interview with Steena Hernandez

PB KidLit ALERT!

Interview with Picture Book Author

Steena Hernandez

Hey, writing warriors and crazy creatives!

Grab your tea or coffee and settle in, because today’s interview is a dancing treat! When it's cold outside, like here in Asheville - dancing and something hot to drink are vital keys to warming up your bones. I know from experience. Dance moves energy! It releases stuckness and can help you break through walls toward that inner peace that is yours for the taking.

Today, we have a special treat-- a professional dancer. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to transition from a Broadway stage to the pages of a book—or how a tiny detail like “pancaking ballet slippers” can spark a heartfelt story—this is for you. 

Our Teazurs guest, Steena Hernandez, brings an electric mix of performance, culture, and pure joy to her writing. She’s not only a champion of diverse stories but also a reminder that every experience (yes, even those journaling days on a tour bus) can shape your creative journey. 

Take a break. Relax, and Let’s dive into her vibrant world! 

How did your experiences performing with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the RENT Broadway Tour shape your approach to storytelling?

I find many similarities between performance and storytelling, specifically when it comes to portraying characters on stage. When you’re studying a play script...

...getting to know your character’s

personality and obstacles

is important to bringing them to life.

I also find this to be true when writing strong characters. I think I’m able to draw from my experiences as a performer in this way.

“Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers” sounds beautiful! Can you tell us what inspired the story, and what you hope young readers take away from it?

Thank you! I started dancing tap, jazz, and ballet at the age of three. I danced all through middle school and high school, where I was the only Latina dancer in my dance company. We traveled to many dance conventions where we competed, and it was there that I saw a group of girls “pancaking” their ballet slippers.

Pancaking ballet slippers

is when a dancer of darker skin tone takes a matching makeup

and applies it to the traditionally pink ballet slippers

in order to match it to their skin.

I wanted to inform about this process, and mostly, I hope that no matter what extra-circular activity, sport, or anything a child may be involved in, that they feel seen and important and hold on to the main message, “Everyone deserves to shine.”

As a proud Mexican American author, how do you incorporate your cultural heritage into your writing? 

It brings me joy to write about my culture, because, unfortunately, when I was growing up I didn’t have books that celebrated those things. While I write, I mine my memories, and I like to incorporate family, food, and my childhood experiences.

Why should children and adults read outside their culture or background? How does this help individuals and society as a whole?

I believe that when a child or adult reads outside of their culture, it provides a wonderful window into a world that might not be like their own. Seeing into another world can add empathy, connection, and understanding as we come together as a society.

What role did your journal play in helping you transition from performer to writer? Are there any journal entries that inspired specific stories? Any that inspired specific characters?

I loved writing in my journal when I was on tour, specifically when I toured with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a vocalist. At the time, I had not thought at all about writing stories, it was just a way for me to reflect on the day and unwind while on the tour bus.

I do have many journal entries that I later turned into stories,

one specifically became a middle-grade novel in verse that I have on submission now.

I was always jotting down my dreams in the morning before I went for a run. I’ve always been fascinated with dreams, and this story in particular became more once I started drafting it.

As far as characters, yes, my abuela, Hortencia, was in the dream and she’s in the story as well.

 

How do children influence your stories or even your creative process?

I’m a mother of two young children, and they absolutely influence my stories and creative process. I love to take time to listen to them and have playtime with them. It’s fun to hear how they communicate and interact with one another. I’ve jotted down some of the funniest and sweetest things they’ve done and said. I think this helps me keep my “inner child” voice close at heart while I write. We also homeschool and we belong to a co-op group, where being around other children is helpful, as I’m always collecting ideas and staying open to new things.

 

Congratulations on winning the 50 Precious Words Contest! What inspired your winning piece, and how has that recognition impacted your journey as a writer?

Thanks! Yes, 50 Precious Words Contest is a wonderful contest held every year by the amazing author, Vivian Kirkfield. I wrote an entry about sea turtles that was inspired by an art piece my son created for the Reflections Art Program. He cut and colored foil and glued it together in the shape of a beautiful sea turtle. My entry was titled Save the Sea Turtles, and it was an absolute honor to be recognized by Vivian and my writing community. It gave me confidence to keep writing and believing in my stories. I won’t ever forget that moment.

Do you enter contests often? What benefits have you gotten from contests?

I haven’t entered many contests lately since I’ve been focused on the release of my debut book and querying others. I did, however, enter many of them when I was first starting out. I think it’s a great way to get involved in the writing community and a way to strengthen your writing skills. Sometimes the writing prompts will spark something new and exciting…cue Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, and how that story was born in a writing contest. :)

Should writers and illustrators continue taking classes for their craft? What classes do you most recommend to new writers/illustrators?

Absolutely! I still love taking classes and it’s important to keep learning and growing as writers/illustrators. I’ve found many craft classes through SCBWI, Writer’s Loft, Writing Barn, Storyteller Academy, and paying attention to social media, where I’ve found many of them. Also, Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge is a wonderful resource and the webinars are amazing!

Your Instagram page is very happy and engaging - how do you keep it this way? Do you follow a format or have advice for other writers out there on social media?

Oh, that’s so nice to hear! Honestly, I was nervous about joining another platform after being on Twitter X for so long, where I originally connected with the writing community. I’m glad I took the time to learn new things like Canva and InShot apps that I use to help me create reels and posts. It’s been a fun learning experience, once I opened my mind to it. Mostly, I stay positive, supporting and connecting with others on their journey, and it’s been my favorite part.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? How can my readers help you become an even greater success?

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! This has been fun! I would love to connect with your readers, and it would be wonderful if they could share this interview and follow me on IG, Threads, and Bluesky. I would love to support and follow back. Also, find me at steenahernandez.com and sign up for my newsletter for updates about my author journey.

What a lovely interview, Steena. Thank you for being on Teazurs Blog.

And I am sure my readers will connect with you--just click the links above, readers!

I'm so glad you joined me on this inspiring interview with Steena! From dazzling audiences on stage to connecting with young readers through heartfelt stories, she’s a true testament to the power of storytelling. Don’t forget to follow her on social media, sign up for her newsletter, and spread the word about her beautiful work. Let’s give her the cheerleader-worthy support she deserves! 📣 You can bet I’ll be here clapping wildly from the sidelines.

Until next time, my creative friends—keep dreaming, keep writing, and remember, your story matters too.

If you would like to be on Teazurs Blog, reach out. I love supporting writers, illustrators, agents, publishers, all you creatives who support books and book people.

Let your voice be heard!
Write~on

Angie

Interview with Debut MG author, Abbi Lee

MG KidLit ALERT!

Interview with the Contemporary Author

Abbi Lee

Welcome back, Readers and Creatives,

I'm so glad you are here, and I hope your holiday season is kicking off with lots of love and family time, along with lots of books and reading time. 

Speaking of reading, let's give a warm welcome to Abbie Lee, debut middle-grade author of the Geocache Club series, which is out now.  

There's nothing more exciting for me as a reader than to uncover a hidden treasure or solve a thrilling mystery. Author Abbi Lee brings these elements to life in her Geocache Club series, blending real-world adventure with the magic of storytelling to inspire young readers. I am so glad I reached out to her for an interview to be able to bring her adventuring world into yours.

With her background as a teacher and a love for creativity, Abbi combines her passion for crafting compelling stories with her knack for connecting with kids. In this interview, she shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her books, and how geocaching transformed into a literary adventure.

Hello, Abbi, and thanks for being on Teazurs Blog! 

Your Geocache Club series explores adventure and mystery. How do you balance keeping the story realistic while adding a sense of wonder and excitement for young readers?

As a former teacher and a mom of two avid readers, I know that kids can sense when a story feels too forced or unauthentic. So, for the Geocache Club series, I made sure to root the adventure of a treasure hunt within real-world geocaching, Kansas history, and social/emotional obstacles that kids face every day. By blending realistic situations with just enough mystery and excitement, I aim to create a story that feels like it could really happen.

Will your future books be published with Chicken Scratch Books as well? What do you love or dislike about that process? Is the print quality good? Did you get to help choose your cover?

The Geocache Club series is designed to be a trilogy, so I will have at least two more books published with Chicken Scratch Books. I am already contracted for Book #2 and revisions are well underway. I’ve really enjoyed the process, and CSB is a publisher who truly wants to be a partner with its authors. The print quality has been impressive, and I was thrilled to have input on the cover. That was an important factor for me because the cover is essential for a children’s book in order to capture young eyes and imaginations right from the shelf. 

Your love for reading started at an early age. How has your childhood reading experience influenced the kinds of stories you write today?

As a child, I loved stories that transported me to a place that was both different and yet somehow relatable. Books sparked my imagination, and I often took elements of the story into the real world, like going geocaching after reading Ghost Town Treasure Hunt. That’s why I try to recreate a sense of wonder and discovery that feels like an adventure.

What funny experiences have you had with young readers about your books? 

The best question so far was at my first school visit, and a young boy asked when Book #2 in the Geocache Club series was coming out. When I told him it wouldn’t be out until 2026, he pouted and asked if I could make it come out sooner. So sweet!

What inspired you to write about geocaching? How do you research and incorporate this unique activity into your stories?

I stumbled upon geocaching a few years ago, and it was an instant hook! It combines mystery, exploration, and real-life adventure—all elements I love in a story. I go geocaching myself, noting little details like the anticipation before finding a cache or the quietness of the cemetery. These experiences add authenticity, making it easier to capture the thrill and mystery of geocaching in Layton’s story.

You’ve won and been recognized in several kidlit writing contests. How do these contest experiences impact your confidence and motivation as a writer? Which ones do you recommend for newbie writers?

Having my work accepted into magazines and doing well in writing contests proved to myself that I was a good writer. Since I was near the beginning of my writing journey, I needed that reassurance to believe that this was something I should keep pursuing. 

For newbie writers, 

I recommend contests that have a 

fun community surrounding them 

and offer multiple winners/prizes. 

Such contests include Kaitlyn Sanchez’s KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy and Spring Fling Kidlit contests, as well as Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords contest. 

You juggle many creative interests, from crafting to baking. Do any of these hobbies influence your storytelling, and how do they feed your creative process?

Absolutely! Crafting and baking involve patience, creativity, and a bit of experimentation—all valuable in writing. Sometimes, while working with my hands, a plot solution will come to me. These hobbies also offer an outlet when I need a break and remind me of the joy of creating something from scratch.

As a Kansas native, do the places you've lived—farms, small towns, big cities—make their way into your stories? How do these settings inspire your writing?

They do! Multiple scenes in Ghost Town Treasure Hunt are fictionalized versions of places I’ve experienced first-hand. I have found that I can create richer scenes if I’m drawing from a place I’ve interacted with, such as the grain elevators, the church pond, and the Havenboro cemetery from the story. 

How do you manage the balance between working on multiple projects at once, like finishing the Geocache Club series while outlining new middle-grade stories? Are there any apps that help you with time commitments?

Juggling multiple projects was one thing I wasn’t prepared for when I sold my first book. I listen to a lot of writer and author podcasts and everyone has apps they recommend, but so far, what’s worked the best for me is goal-setting and planning out my month on a calendar. For example, I’m currently promoting and marketing Ghost Town Treasure Hunt while also on a deadline for the revisions of Book #2 in the Geocache Club series. Plus, I’ll soon be outlining the third book in the series. Determining the highest priorities at the beginning of the month and looking ahead showed me that I needed to work my marketing goals around the deadline for my second book. Once the revisions have been sent to my editor, I’ll amp up my marketing efforts for Book #1 again and also work on Book #3 until I get another edit letter. Staggering my projects in this way helps me feel productive with all of them and ensures I don’t miss any deadlines.

You keep a “bucket list” book filled with experiences and goals. How does this practice of documenting aspirations help you stay inspired in both life and writing?

It helps me remember how much I’ve done; 

it reminds me to step out of my comfort zone; 

and it inspires me to always move forward.

What do you find most challenging when writing realistic contemporary fiction for kids, and how do you overcome those challenges? 

The most challenging part of writing for kids is making sure the voice is authentic to them. Kids are incredibly perceptive—they can instantly tell if dialogue, behavior, or emotions feel forced or “off.” To create an authentic voice, I spend time listening to kids in real-life settings, like when I volunteer in my daughters’ classrooms or attend their sports practices. I also talk with other parents, teachers, and librarians to gain more insight into how kids express themselves. To make the story resonate with more kids for a longer amount of time, I try to avoid current slang and trends so they don’t immediately date the book.

What organizational methods do you use when creating a book? What would you recommend to other writers? 

I’m a planner by nature, so I outline scenes, character arcs, and major plot points. I have tried a couple of different ways to outline the Geocache Club books, but I have found the most success when I assign an aspect of the story with a certain color so I can follow the layers of the story all the way through. 

For example, whenever I focused on the relationship with Layton’s parents, I used blue. Anything to do with his friendships or school was pink, and all geocaching elements of the story were green. Using these colors, I pieced together the outline on my computer and used the computer’s highlighter tool to show me gaps in any of the storylines. I have also used this method with sticky notes if I didn’t have a cohesive timeline for the story and needed to move pieces of the story around. 

Where will you be next for book signings? How can my readers help support your writing journey? 

My next book signing will be at the brand-new Barnes & Noble in New Market Square, Wichita, Kansas on November 24th from 2-4pm. (Since this interview came out today - readers, I will be updating the next signing for Abbi soon)

Ghost Town Treasure Hunt is also available anywhere books are sold, but my local independent bookstore, Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita, Kansas, has signed copies available at all times. 

If people want to follow me on social, they can find me on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook under @abbileebooks. I'm also pretty good about keeping my website updated (https://abbileebooks.wordpress.com/), and that's where people can sign up for my email newsletter. It goes out every month or so. 

Thank you for allowing me to chat about my book and my writing journey!

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Oh wow - Abbi, thank you for being here! 

We all appreciate you sharing your writing journey with us. And what a beautiful journey it is, and what a testament to the power of storytelling to spark curiosity and connect readers to the world around them. From geocaching adventures to realistic characters navigating life’s challenges, this series will surely capture the essence of wonder and discovery that kids will love. 

When my children were younger, we went on many geocaching adventures together. The funny and cute things we found inside those hidden treasures always had them laughing and filled with wonder. I'm so glad the first of your Geocache Club book series is out in the world. Get outside and go find one -- after you read her book, that is!

Whether you’re a fan of treasure hunts, heartfelt friendships, or simply love a good read, Abbi’s Geocache Club series is sure to delight. Don’t forget to follow her on social media and stop by her upcoming book signings to join in the adventure!

And if you have a book coming out, please reach out for an interview...I love supporting writers, illustrators, and creators for kids. 

The photo was taken in Bend, OR, years ago with my geocaching kids.