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Amy Sparkles Profile
Amy Sparkles

@AmySparkes

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Curly author/screenwriter/producer More on Insta (sparkes_amy) & Facebook (AmySparkesAuthor) Courses: Header: @fionalumbers

Devon
Joined January 2011
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
8 months
The Lighthouse At The World's End is out on 4th April! Illustrated by @BenMMantle , it's the grand finale to the #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic series! 5% of author royalties go to baby charity @icpsupport . I have so loved writing this book & this series 🍓❤️
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
To celebrate the #TowerAtTheEndOfTime cover reveal today, I'm giving away a signed/dedicated copy of book 1 #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic . To enter: please RT to spread the word. Closing date: Weds 20th Oct 5pm BST Winner drawn at random. UK only (sorry!). Good luck! 🏠🪄🍓☕️⏳
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
***WANTED: ASPIRING AUTHORS*** My news! I'm offering a FREE mentoring opportunity for up to 6 months for ONE #picturebook author & ONE #chapterbook / #MG author. Hope to provide support, advice, info & encouragement. Info on in January. Hope it helps! 😊
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
***MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES*** I really enjoy working with my mentees and am delighted to say I'll be available to work with FOUR more unagented writers next year absolutely free. More details coming on in a couple of weeks. Exciting! #storygodmother
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Amazingly #TowerAtTheEndOfTime has been out for a month now! To celebrate, I'd like to offer a FREE VIRTUAL KS2 visit to a school to talk about magic, mischief & imagination. To enter, pls RT & tag a teacher friend. Closes Friday 18th Feb 5pm GMT 🍀 #edutwitter #schools #KS2
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Finally able to spill the beans! I love #TheRepairShop so this is a dream of a project - just pure loveliness ❤️Incredible illustrations by @katiehickey195 . Big thanks to my agent @JuliaChurchill and the lovely people at @WalkerBooksUK 😊
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
3 years
. @WalkerBooksUK has acquired a series of children’s books based on the BBC television series "The Repair Shop", written by @AmySparkes and illustrated by @katiehickey195 , starting with The Christmas Doll! Discover more about the deal here:
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
And it is finished!! #TowerAtTheEndOfTime
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
#HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic has been out for 4weeks! So I'm offering a special giveaway for one school. Signed book for library. Magic mug for teacher (what image does it have? Pour in hot water and see). 30min free zoom call & bookmarks for whole class. #edutwitter To enter... 1/2
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
When you edit your #picturebook , think: 1) What do you NEED to say on this spread? 2) Are you saying it clearly, concisely BUT in an interesting way? 3) If you were an exhausted parent, what words would you skip? (read your story when you're very tired!) #WednesdayWritingTips
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
I have new, exciting things planned for 2021 to help new/developing authors. So I'm just leaving this vague, excited, finger-wiggling tweet here because I've not had time to finish preparations for the intended end of year announcement. But rest assured: things are in motion.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
***SPREADING JOY*** We could all do with some joy & hope at the moment, so I'm offering a FREE CRITIQUE to one #picturebook #writer . I am v busy at the moment but will do it asap. Please RT and comment below if you want to enter. Closes Sat 28th March 5pm GMT #ukpbchat @SCBWI_BI
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
And here's a little present to kickstart 2020. I'm looking for ONE #picturebook #author & ONE #middlegrade / #chapterbooks author. Unpublished, unagented. Criteria: over 40yo OR unable to access writing events. Sub window: 6th Jan - 12th Jan 2020. Info:
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Well, as there are so many exciting things coming up and as we've all had a rough little while, I've decided to just create #SummerWritingCheer . Each MONDAY from 27th July - 31st August there'll be some exciting news or an opportunity for new & emerging children's writers.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
A double dose of magic! #HouseAtTheEdgeOMagic illus. by @BenMMantle & #SecretOfMePictureBook illus. by @sandradelaprada are out NOW, raising funds for baby charities @icpsupport and @IcklePickles ! Thank you to everyone involved who has sprinkled their own magic into these books.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
Best way to get ahead in a #writing career? Discipline. Not in the mood? Write anyway. Got rejected yesterday? Write anyway. Stuck for an idea? Write anyway. Get up early, or stay up late. Find that time, and crack on with it. 🙂 #WednesdayWritingTips #aspiringauthors
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Just wrote a professional email and signed it Mum x *sigh* #morecoffee
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
***PICTURE BOOK PRIZE NEWS*** The @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize longlist will be announced tomorrow (Friday 4th December!) at . Congratulations to everyone who submitted a story in 2020, whether you are longlisted or not. You all deserve medals!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Delighted to announce my next #picturebook out 7th Jan 2021: The Secret Of Me! Huge thanks to talented illustrator @sandradelaprada for her gorgeous work. And big thanks to designer @BeetleCherry , @EditorEmma & @stephmilton at @StudioBooks . 5% royalties going to @IcklePickles .
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
***STORY GODMOTHER NEWS*** Very excited to say that I'm launching a free #StoryGodmother newsletter. It will include top tips, resources, information and opportunities. It's launching Sunday! To sign up... #WritingCommunity #kidlit
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
Things are really exciting at the moment. Currently writing 3 PBs, 1 CB, 1 MG, 1 NF, 1 drama screenplay, 1 comedy, 1 preschool series, all simultaneously. BUT I've worked hard to get here. So this week's #WednesdayWritingTips will be about making your own luck. Join me then!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Thank you so much @WalkerBooksUK . Just back from time away to find this magical post! It sparkles!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 @BenMMantle
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Thinking of doing a workshop for children's authors on 'voice'. It's something which crops up a lot & is so important. Thinking of doing it over 3wks. Voice: Find it (week 1) Wield it (week 2) Sell it (week 3) Everything from exercises to pitching. Might that be helpful? Thanks.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
It really helps authors when people make pre-orders, so if you're interested in #TowerAtTheEndOfTime , here are some links for where to buy! Every sale raises £ for baby charity @icpsupport . Thank you so much! #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic #book2 @WalkerBooksUK
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
***EXCITING NEWS*** There will be news about the free mentoring scheme for four unagented writers coming next week! I'll put info up here but you can also check out & Who will I be working with in 2022?! #storygodmother
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
Yep. That's as tight as my plotting is going to get today...
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Week 1 #SummerWritingCheer ! SO excited to announce the launch of @WritingMagazine #ChapterBookPrize ! Open to unagented & unpublished writers to help break into the industry. Huge thanks to @WritingMagazine & @JuliaChurchill for making this happen. Info
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Name just signed on the dotted line. More exciting news coming soon...! For now, all I can say is #picturebooks 😁
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
Wonderful seeing books 1-3 in the #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic series side by side. Amazing job on the covers by @BenMMantle and designer Chloe Tartinville. 5% of royalties from all these books go to baby charity @icpsupport
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
***EXCITING SPARKLY ANNOUNCEMENT*** Thrilled to share my new #picturebook illustrated by Ali Pye (on Insta as 'alipyeillo'): The Magic Crayon! 🖍️ Out 18th March! Thanks to @JuliaChurchill @joermarriott @rachelh_13 @PuffinBooks Fundraising for @IcklePickles #magiccrayon
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Big thank you to @GrainneClear @WalkerBooksUK for sending out an early copy of #TowerAtTheEndOfTime ! So exciting to hold it. Beautifully illustrated by @BenMMantle Look at those colours! Not long to go now...
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
Write me a rollercoaster. Make me CARE about the character. Make me TURN the page. Make the stakes HIGH. Make them HIGHER. Make it all go WRONG. Make your character SORT it. Make it leave me with a FEELING. Make me want to read your NEXT book. #WednesdayWritingTips
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Absolutely delighted to hear two of my writing students (one past, one current) are in the top three of a writing competition. Nothing more wonderful as a tutor when your talented students get out there and shine!! Congratulations! So so thrilled for you!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
One year ago, a book was released. About an orphan pickpocket, a curse, and a magical house... Sometimes you are only a whisper away from magic. And that's exactly what has happened to me. Thank you SO much to everyone who has shared the journey so far. #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
It's #BabyLossAwarenessWeek . Sending much love to everyone who has been affected by this, and much gratitude to everyone working in this field. We've lost nine precious babies. And I still love every one of them. ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Thank you to everyone who entered the @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize and #ChapterBookPrize . We received over 100 chapter book submissions and over 300 picture book submissions. We're reading through your wonderful stories and will update when we can. Thanks! 😊
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
We're down to our top 76 entries! #PictureBookPrize
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
**OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON** It's nearly January! That means it's nearly #WinterWritingCheer !! Every Monday in January, I'll be posting out some new opportunities to bring a little bit of cheer. (Check out #SummerWritingCheer for an idea of what to expect!). Watch this space!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Big SPARKLY thanks to @WalkerBooksUK for my magical post today! So excited! Not long to wait!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
How to succeed in the writing world? Good writing skills. Good ideas. Understanding of the market. Perseverance. And a pinch of luck... So today's #WednesdayWritingTips is all about making your own luck!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Woohoo! Thank you to all my lovely followers. To celebrate reaching 5000, I'm offering a #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic goodie bag! Included is a Tote bag, signed/dedicated copy of the book, a limited edition magic mug, and a sachet of strawberry tea! To enter... 1/2
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
Ready to roll at my first ever Winchester writing weekend! @IAmInPrint #StoryGodmother
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
5 yrs ago #PirateBlunderbeard was published by @HarperCollinsCh , superbly illustrated by #BenCort ! My first chapter book went on to become a 4-book series. So let's do a signed series giveaway! To enter RT & comment with a pirate gif. UK only. Closes Fri 10th June 5pm GMT 🏴‍☠️🐔
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
When your 5yo says 2 words and BAM! that's your next story and you check on Amazon and no-one's nabbed that title yet. Tell me you know this feeling!!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
Perseverance. It's what'll get you published. Working on that draft when it's easier to give up; submitting a new story to the agent who rejected the last one; being determined to learn your craft, to hone your skills; taking feedback and doing something with it #aspiringauthors
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
Thinking of putting a section on my website, a place to click onto when you're just feeling a little bit fed up, uninspired, etc. for a little motivation and encouragement. Yes? No?
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
**RHYMING PICTURE BOOK WRITERS** I'm offering 3 writers help with scansion/rhythm (first 2 verses). To enter: 1) Please reply with picture book title 2) Please retweet to spread the word (no follow necessary, only if you wish). Closes midnight Saturday 8th June (GMT) Good luck!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
A huge thank you to everyone who entered the @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize and #ChapterBookPrize ! You are all magnificent. The competition is now closed. More news to come soon!!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
***WRITING MAGAZINE BOOK PRIZES UPDATE*** Really ridiculously excited to announce that the longlists for the @WritingMagazine #picturebookprize and #chapterbookprize will be announced on Friday!!!! Watch this space...
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
***PICTURE BOOK PRIZE UPDATE*** To keep you in the loop. We've had an amazing 445 entries for the Prize. A huge thanks to each one of you. We're still longlisting but will announce in the next few weeks! Watch this space! @WritingMagazine
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Do you know what makes me really happy? Seeing a writer who has been working and working and WORKING away on their writing craft over time. They send me a new story. And it's brilliant. Writing is a craft. You can learn the skills but great results don't usually happen overnight.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
This year I've lost two friends to cancer & I'm losing a third. All younger than me. All with small kids/babies. I can't do much but I CAN raise funds to help cancer charities at a time when their income is affected. Please watch this space. So today's #WednesdayWritingTips ...
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Thrilled #TheMagicCrayon is out in the world today! A BIG thank you to #AliPye for her amazing illustrations and to @JuliaChurchill @joermarriott @racheladh @LottieHalstead @CParkinsonPR & @PuffinBooks Raising funds for @IcklePickles 🖍️ (Turn volume up for extra sparkle!)
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
For anyone wondering how best to lay out picture books when writing and submistting, there's some info here: This is how my first ever publisher advised me to write it. It's so helpful, and I haven't looked back! :-)
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
So excited to be able to share this news! Huge thanks to everyone at @WalkerBooksUK and to @JuliaChurchill for arranging the deal. There is muchness of magic and mischief to come...! #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic
@WalkerBooksUK
Walker Books
5 years
We are very excited to have @AmySparkes join our list with 'The House at the End of Magic'. The book follows the story of orphan pickpocket Nine, who enters into a magical world after stealing a house-shaped ornament from a witch!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
Thanks to everyone who applied for mentoring. So many great applications - wish I could take you all on! After VERY careful consideration, I'll be working with @bookloverJo for first 6 months & @KatakusM for 2nd 6 months. Keep an eye on my website for new opportunities.Thank you!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
*** ONE WEEK TO GO *** Just 1 week before @TheRepairShop #TheChristmasDoll comes out! Stunningly illustrated by @katiehickey195 , featuring @teddybearladies and based on a #RepairShop episode, this story will warm your heart this winter. A pleasure to write ❤️ #RepairShopStories
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Ahead of announcing the longlisting for the #PictureBookPrize , I thought I'd do a little #WednesdayWritingTips about subjectivity. Hope it's helpful.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
**PICTURE BOOK PRIZE & CHAPTER BOOK PRIZE UPDATE** Thanks to everyone who entered. Quick update on the @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize and #ChapterBookPrize . Hoping to complete the longlisting by: PBP: Early December CBP: 3rd week of December Eeeeeeek!!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
***BOOK PRIZES OPEN FOR SUBMISSION*** The submission window for the @WritingMagazine #picturebookprize and the #chapterbookprize is open! You can find out more here: Or submit here: Good luck, everyone!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Would it be helpful for anyone if I ran an online 1:1 Pitch Me session, maybe 10 minute slots, for YOU to practice pitches for #kidlit and get feedback ahead of the real thing with agents/publishers? Would anyone be interested? #aspiringauthors #WritingCommunity
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
I should've done an #AutumnWritingCheer ! Instead, anyone like to win a set of signed/dedicated books with a sprinkle of seasonal warmth? Illustrated by the fab @SmithJamie #SaraOgilvie #JaneMassey To enter, pls RT to spread the word. Sorry, UK posting only. Ends 10th Nov 5pm.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Thank you, @WalkerBooksUK , for sending out proof copies of #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic . Sooooo exciting!!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
8 years ago, @WritingMagazine dropped through my door with my first ever article included in the issue. Since then, I've written for them every month, become a Creative Writing Tutor and we've launched TWO book prizes together. Loving every minute. @WritingMagazine - you rock! ♥️
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
I was saving this for January, but think it's needed today! Some of the exciting things coming in 2020: * A SCANSION CLINIC for rhymers * A PASS CLINIC if your stories have been repeatedly passed Best news? FREE. Charity donations welcome. More info coming soon #aspiringauthors
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
***STORY GODMOTHER NEWS*** Really excited to say that there is a series of #storygodmother #writingcraft and #writerslife books currently in development. I'll let you know more as things progress. Watch this space! 😊
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
**NEW WRITERS: HEADS-UP** Weeks ago I was wiggling with excitement about some news which I had to wait ages to tell you about. Time has whizzed by though and I'm delighted to say I'll be spilling the beans next Monday 27th July. Please keep an eye open! #justabitexcited
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Sooooo excited to share the cover of #TowerAtTheEndOfTime , magnificently illustrated by @BenMMantle and designed by #ChloeTartinville Coming out with @WalkerBooksUK next year! 5% of author royalties to baby charity @icpsupport Big thanks to @bookloverJo ❤️
@_jo_clarke
Jo Clarke (Updates only)
3 years
I'm so excited to reveal the cover of @AmySparkes The Tower at the End of Time stunningly illustrated by @BenMMantle The adventurous, magical and brilliantly funny sequel to The House at the Edge of Magic is published on 6th January by @WalkerBooksUK Let's find out more...
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
***MENTORING*** A BIG thank you to everyone who applied. It really was a tough decision and I hope there will be a way to work with you in future. But I'm thrilled to announce that in 2022 I'll be working with @NinaMakin @Sue_N_Meikle @SimonYeend & @SppkyPook #StoryGodmother
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
When is a text submission ready? Try this: 1) Write a few drafts, until you've done your best 2) Put it away for 2 weeks 3) Get it out. One more draft 4) Share with critique group/beta readers/get feedback 5) One more draft 6) Don't fiddle forever: submit #WednesdayWritingTips
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
A HUGE thank you to everyone who submitted an application for the Unpublished Writers Mentoring Scheme. You were all brilliant and my decision were so hard. Delighted to announce that in 2021 I will be working with @stacey25miller ! Looking forward to it very much!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
This week's #WednesdayWritingTips are about being an effective writer and are brought to you by the letter D. Because today I like the letter D.
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
***MENTORING ANNOUNCEMENT*** Excited to share details about the 2022 mentoring scheme for children's authors. For details, see thread. #storygodmother #WritingCommunity @SCBWI_BI
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
Just a heads-up about the #StoryGodmother free mentoring scheme for not-yet-published/agented children's authors. I'm looking for 2 #picturebooks / #chapterbooks writers in 2023. Submission window 14th-30th November ONLY. For more info/criteria: Thanks!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
***EXCITING NEWS: CHAPTER BOOK WEEKEND*** People have asked me to run a #chapterbooks weekend, so let's do it! It's happening on Sat 3rd/Sun 4th September and will be packed full with everything you need to create & write your chapter book. More details soon! #StoryGodmother
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
***AUTUMN OPPORTUNITIES*** Picture Book Prize: 1st Sept-31st Oct Chapter Book Prize: 1st Sept-31st Oct Mentoring applications: Unpublished authors: 1st-8th Oct Published authors: 1st-8th Nov Workshops:
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
3 years
Aaaaaand.... it's out! A huge sparkly thank you to everyone who made this book happen: @BenMMantle @GrainneClear #ChloeTartinville #MirandaBaker all at @WalkerBooksUK & of course @JuliaChurchill 🏠🪄⏳🍓☕️ #TowerAtTheEndOfTime #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic
@RashmiWriting
Rashmi Sirdeshpande (Writing!)
3 years
@WelshDragonParr @KidsBloomsbury Happy publication day to #TheTowerAtTheEndOfTime by @AmySparkes (STUNNING cover by Ben Mantle!). A creative, quirky sequel to #HouseAtTheEdgeOfMagic . More action-packed magical mayhem!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
The @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize longlist is up!! Huge congratulations to everyone on the list, and an equally huge thank you to everyone who entered and made this such a wonderful event. @JuliaChurchill
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
You know, editing draft 1 is like clearing up toddler vomit in the middle of the night. You look at the awful mess in front of you, despairing and doubting it will ever be doable. But, tackle one disaster area at a time, and it all comes good somehow. #WednesdayWritingTips
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
5 years
THE 2019 PICTURE BOOK PRIZE IS NOW CLOSED! A huge thank you and well done to everyone who has submitted. I know how terrifying it can be to hit 'send' but you did it! We're so looking forward to reading your entries. While you're waiting for news, get writing the next one! 😉
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
4 more weeks. And then I can spill the beans about some exciting news for #aspiringauthors #WritingCommunity Yes, I really am counting down the weeks!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
People have been asking about how to improve their rhyming texts, an area I'm passionate about. So... I'll be running a Rhyming Stories Masterclass soon. Crack scansion, give your text energy and avoid common pitfalls of rhyming texts. Keep an eye open:
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
***LONGLIST ANNOUNCEMENT!*** Thank you so much to all 214 of you who entered the #WritingMagChildrensBookPrize Picture Book category! So many brilliant stories. We really struggled to narrow it down to 10, so there are also 3 highly commended titles. Congratulations, everyone!
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
For anyone banging their heads against a laptop today: remember that writing is a CRAFT. You CAN learn it, but it won't happen overnight. Don't give up - work out what you need to level up, and how you can get it. Patience & perseverance are the best tools a writer can possess ♥️
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
6 years
Some reassurance to people who don't have 5k followers. It's fine. It's not about numbers. It's about genuinely connecting with people who you do follow & who follow you. Publishers/agents won't sign you 'cos of your followers. They'll sign you because you've written a great book
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
2 years
🎉BOOK BIRTHDAY🎉 Today #TheBookshopAtTheBackOfBeyond catapults itself into the world to cause some mischief! Thanks to my agent @JuliaChurchill , @BenMMantle & everyone at @WalkerBooksUK especially @GrainneClear . Check out this trailer by @IwishIwasabook
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
Morning all. Teapot is drained. Currently in a magical house flying in the World Between Worlds. About to land, settle the kids who are soon to descend, then I'm off to the 18th century for a quick chat with the most gorgeous villain before breakfast😊 Great start to the day.
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
Come out of a day of running workshops and entered the real world again. OVER THE MOON to discover it's a brighter world tonight than the one I left this morning! You don't often get to say that in 2020. #America
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Amy Sparkles
3 years
Just had a new idea which made me sit absolutely still for 10 minutes. 10 MINUTES. ACTUALLY SITTING STILL. My mum will never believe me.
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
A triple dose of magic to kick off 2021! #HouseAtTheEdgeOMagic illus by @BenMMantle #SecretOfMePictureBook illus by @sandradelaprada #MagicCrayon illus by #AliPye Thanks to everyone who sprinkled their own magic into these books 🪄 Fundraising for @icpsupport & @IcklePickles !
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
**PICTURE BOOK PRIZE & CHAPTER BOOK PRIZE UPDATE** I don't have the exact final figures, but there were around 480 entries for the @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize and 140 for the #ChapterBookPrize . Phenomenal! Thank you all so much. Good luck!
@jen_macgregor
Jen MacGregor 🇨🇦
4 years
@AmySparkes @SarahDollar13 @WritingMagazine Could you tell us how many #picturebook entries? Apologies if you've already posted that. Appreciate the update!
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Amy Sparkles
3 years
Thank you & congratulations to all who entered the @WritingMagazine #picturebookprize & #chapterbookprize . We're so looking forward to reading your entries and begin creating a longlist! I'll update on here when I can. If you missed out, don't worry. We'll run it again in 2022!
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
Today's #WinterWritingCheer is a writing coach invite to come and chat for 30mins about your writing career, whatever stage you're at, whatever questions you have. Want to try new things but unsure what to do? Feel you've ground to a halt? Need advice on something? To enter...
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@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
***PICTURE BOOK WRITERS*** We're nearing the @WritingMagazine #PictureBookPrize submission window, so this week's #WednesdayWritingTips is about what we're looking for. Please spread the word! @JuliaChurchill @SCBWI_BI @scbwi #WritingCommunity #pbchat
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Amy Sparkles
5 years
Said it before, saying it again. Keep going. Keep writing. Don't reach your final chapter in life wishing you'd taken it further. If you're serious about writing, write seriously. Find time. It's there somewhere. Don't just take opportunities, make them. #WednesdayWritingTips
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Amy Sparkles
5 years
Read a picture book text today by an unpublished author. It made me cry because it was so beautiful. Books don't make me cry very often but this one had such heart. A book with heart can absolutely change the world.
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
This is so close. So tight. Sooooo hard. If you don't make it to the longlist this year, please know how incredibly difficult this is. Please do not despair. There are so many who are so close. Our personal preferences have to play a part. Waaaaaaaaah! #PictureBookPrize
@AmySparkes
Amy Sparkles
4 years
Jiggling, squeezing, shuffling, tweaking... #PictureBookPrize
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Amy Sparkles
2 years
Just signed my name on A Thing, coming out in 2024. More when I'm allowed to share it. Very happy 😊
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
This week's #WednesdayWritingTips is all about chapter books! Hope you find it helpful. Chapter books are for around 5-8/9 year olds, with a word count of between 5,000-15,000 ish, depending on the age you're writing for.
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Amy Sparkles
4 years
This week's #WednesdayWritingTips are about SURVIVAL. When everyone has good news, and you don't... When you start to consider chucking it in... How do you survive the low before the next high?
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Amy Sparkles
2 years
Huge congratulations to everyone who entered the @WritingMagazine #WritingMagChildrensBookPrize . It was really tricky drawing up the longlist as the quality of entries was so high. Congratulations to the authors of the following stories:
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Amy Sparkles
5 years
Just seen the front cover for my new #picturebook coming out in July. Can't wait to share it with you! So delighted to be working with this amazing illustrator and can't wait to be able to share her name. Did I say 'her'? Oops. Naughty me. #rollonFebruary #thisisslowlykillingme
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