Our critique group FRENZY FRIENDS was formed after we all connected over the 2020 #FallWritingFrenzy contest, hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis.
GENNIE "Comp Queen" GORBACK
LESLIE KNOPE X JESSICA DAY
Adorkable stay-at-home-mom Gennie dreams of publishing picture books. But, the publishing industry isn’t easy to break into. Gennie must improve her craft, submit her work to the right places and get a book contract, or risk losing her enthusiasm and optimism. Luckily, her critique partners are there to support her along the way. GENNIE GORBACK WRITES PICTURE BOOKS is a magical tale for all ages that touches on the evergreen themes of persistence, patience and joy.
CEWL (Contest Entry Wish List):
Surprise me! I don't like predictable endings.
I believe that it's ok to use big words in kidlit.
Feel free to experiment with literary devices, but don't overdo it.
If you make my face change (I.e. make my eyebrows raise or furrow, make me smile) then I'll vote for you!
LINDSEY "Pitch Perfector" HOBSON
Hello!
I am a writer from Southwest Missouri, where I live with my husband and daughter. You can usually find me writing on the sidelines of softball practice.
I absolutely LOVE writing contests! They're a great way to challenge your creativity. I was a 2021 PB Party contest finalist, received honorable mentions in the 2022 Kids' Choice Contest (YA) and the 2022 Fall Writing Frenzy contest, and was a 2023 50 Precious Words winner.
Although my first love will always be picture books, I have recently discovered a passion for novel writing. My paranormal middle grade mystery, THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW, will make its debut in 2024 from Monarch Educational Services, LLC.
CEWL (Contest Entry Wish List):
I love out-of-the-box ideas with interesting protagonists and surprise endings. I will be looking for stories from writers that take their vibe in creative and unexpected directions. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
JESS "Rhyme Wizard" HINRICHS
Hello from the Sunshine State! I looove the kidlit community and I’m so glad you’re here. A little about me…
In 2022, I was published in both Chicken Soup for the Soul as well as The Poetry Pea. I won 3rd place in this year's 2023 Florida SCBWI Rising Kite contest, I was selected as a finalist in the 2022 PB Party contest, and I was on the winners list for the Fall Writing Frenzy in 2021. I hold an English degree from West Virginia University, and I currently live in Florida with my husband, our 5 year old son, two rescue cats, dozens of lizards scurrying around outside, and a couple of gators in our backyard pond.
CEWL (Contest Entry Wish List):
I LOVE RHYME! So I'm going to be on the lookout for all the amazing rhyming entries this year. But...I'm also going to be tough on the rhymers. Do you know your meter? Do you know your rhyme scheme? I'll be looking closely at these things. I also love humor! If you make me LOL, you're probably going to get a YES vote from me! Best of luck, y'all!
MOLLY "Pun Princess" IPPOLITO
Hi all – if there’s one thing I ADORE it’s children’s literature! 📚 As a mama to two beautiful girls 👨👩👧 and a former elementary educator🍎, I can say with great confidence that nothing warms my heart quite like a picture book! ❤️
I started the new year by signing a contract with kidlit extraordinaire Liz Nealon at Great Dog Literary. 🎉 Together, we're partnering to publish creations that I’ve poured both my heart and soul into. 💕 As some of you may have heard, I’ve started a new business venture – creating educational resources for authors to promote their stories. 🚌 My services include professional logo and web design services as well. 💻 You can check out my creations HERE!
CEWL (Contest Entry Wish List): My love language is PUNNY writing! I'm a sucker for hilariously written puns, colorful wordplay, and off the wall characters. If you spin a creepy vibe, can you make your story funny? Any way that you can put a witty spin on a classic... you will most certainly catch my eye! Excited to read the entries this year - good luck, friends!