We’re more than two years into this free, all-volunteer-powered safe space gathering of Queer-identified Children’s and Teen Literature Writers, Translators, and illustrators, and if you identify as Queer and your creative work includes kid lit, there are 8 very cool things you can do with us! If you’d like to join any (or all) of these, simply email me at leewind (at) roadrunner (dot) com to be added to the list.

#1 We have monthly zoom meetings one Sunday each month from 10am-11:30am Pacific. We do introductions, discuss pressing questions and concerns, support each other with advice and insights, and end with Queer Kid Lit book recommendations! It’s always a great discussion and gathering. (Volunteer host: me, Lee)

#2 We’re putting together a Bookshop.com booklist of “Pride Books” kid lit from our group, which we’ll all help promote. (Volunteer host: Federico)

#3 We’re starting a promotion group for backlist titles from the group. (Volunteer host: Justin)

#4 The 2023-2024 Launch Group is starting up, and will be sharing monthly updates with everyone signed up for Queer Kid Lit Creators, so we can help each other’s books succeed. (Volunteer host: Federico)

#5 Every weekday at 1pm Pacific, a group of us gather on a zoom meeting to write for a 12 minute writing sprint. It’s a few minutes of socializing, then we get to work! With credit to Linda Sue Park for the idea, it’s amazing how productive you can be with just 12 minutes a day! (Volunteer host: Giselle)

#6 Critique Corner: there’s a safe space online to share your work in progress (manuscripts and/or illustrations), and get feedback from members of the community! You can specify the type of feedback you’re hoping for. (Volunteer hosts: Claire and Justin)

#7 There’s an email listserve for socializing. (Volunteer host: Carrie)

#8 Super low-cost in-person retreat: Hosted on Carrie’s farm outside Salt Lake City, UT, the 2023 dates are set for July 27-Aug 2, 2023. (Volunteer host: Carrie)

As you can see, there’s so much going on, and it’s all run by members of the community for the community. I’m grateful to be part of the group I needed, and to hold a safe space for us. Again, if you’re Queer and you create Kid Lit, you’re welcome to join – just send me an email request to: leewind (at) roadrunner (dot) com

Stay safe, all,
Lee