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Ashlee MacCallum Profile
Ashlee MacCallum

@_ashleedani

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english teacher extraordinaire, immigrant, and #kidlit writer for life

Nevada, USA
Joined June 2021
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
18 days
✨QUERY CRITIQUE✨ To celebrate the completion of my literary agent internship with the amazing Brent Taylor, I’d like to giveaway 3 query critiques! To enter: ✨follow me ✨retweet this post ✨comment with your current read Winners will be announced 8/3! #WritingCommunity
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Am I the only one who loves to read a book’s acknowledgment section? I’m all, who is there agent?! 👀🤣
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Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
📣ANNOUNCEMENT📣 Well, it’s time! I’m officially leaving the query trenches because I’m now represented by the INCREDIBLE @tajmccoywrites at @reesagency . I can’t imagine a more perfect match for my stories. It’s the beginning of a beautiful journey! ✨
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Some exciting personal news… I won’t be in the classroom next year because I’ll be the Dean of Students at the high school I work at AND graduated from ❤️
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 months
The best thing about interning at a literary agency is reading all of these utterly *fantastic* manuscripts before they become books and knowing you’re one of an author’s earliest fans 🥲 Oh, and yes, I’ve started my journey to become a literary agent! Woohoo!
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Sometimes I feel like I’ve written my best work yet and the stars are about to align, and other times, I feel like this is never going to happen for me. I know I’m not alone. This is just hard I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️ #amquerying #amwriting
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’ve been taking a much needed hiatus from querying after several close calls in January, but it’s almost April aaand I’m back 😏 #amquerying
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 months
Hi #questpit 👋 Just a quick note to say I am liking pitches as a writer who wants to boost other’s work, not in relation to my position as a literary agent intern 🖤
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
✨✨QUERY CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY ✨✨ As I approach 3,000 followers, I want to give back to the lovely #WritingCommunity . If you write #kidlit , this is for you! Comment with an emoji describing your story and like this post to enter. I will select 3 winners on Friday, February 10th
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I just woke up to the NICEST rejection ever. And they asked to see future work! ✨ #kidlit #WritingCommunity
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Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
#PBPitch is tomorrow?! I got my agent through a pitch contest and I’d LOVE to support anyone who needs it. Leave me a comment if you’d like a boost ✨
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I am the most impatient person on the planet so waiting to hear back from agents is like death to me. #amquerying #WritingCommunity #kidlit
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
This time last year was hard for me. I didn’t make the showcase for #PBParty and did poorly in a series of writing competitions. If this sounds like you, hang in there. Little did I know, I was less than a year away from signing with the most incredible agent. YOU GOT THIS! ❤️
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Ashlee MacCallum
5 months
I am SO EXCITED to see my YA entry, ARRESTED DECAY, won second place in this year’s #KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest 🥹 You can read my entry here: … CONGRATULATIONS to all selected and a huge thank you to @KaileiPew who makes all of this possible! 💙
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
4 months
I am thrilled to receive an honorable mention in the #50preciouswords writing contest for my entry NEW IS NOT FOR ME. Thank you to @viviankirkfield and the fantastic judges, and congratulations to all of the winners!✨
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@viviankirkfield
Vivian Kirkfield
4 months
And the Winners and Honorable Mentions are... Congratulations to all who participated in #50PreciousWords - 672 fabulous stories - 60 amazing prizes - and 8 tired judges:
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 months
SCHOOL SPIRITS x DEAD BOY DETECTIVES HERE GHOST NOTHING follows one family through the last days of their lives while the case is being solved in the present day by a writer who discovers the ability to communicate with a cold case victim from the 1920s ✨ #QuestPit #YA #Q
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
‼️PICTURE BOOK CRITIQUE‼️ If you need another set of eyes on your #pb manuscript, this is for you! I’ll randomly choose 2 winners by Friday, 6/30. To enter: ✨Like this post ✨Comment the last picture book you read ✨Follow me for more #kidlit fun!
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’ve come to the realization that there is no deadline for finding an agent or getting a publishing contract. It’s okay to just enjoy writing and take it slow. I guess what I’m trying to say is that this is rewarding, but also hard and we need to give ourselves some grace ❤️
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Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
Here is my #50PreciousWords entry dedicated to a special guy named Biscuit, who is currently up for adoption at my local shelter. I imagine this as his forever home story. Thank you @viviankirkfield for this fun challenge!
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
The woods behind my Nana’s house. My happy place!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
1 month
Hey, #agents ! I am wrapping up a literary agent internship and I would love to continue my journey to agenting. If you have an assistant or apprentice position, or any variation of this, my DMs are open ☺️✨
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Want to expand your little one’s vocabulary? Look no more. BABY'S FIRST BOOK OF CURSE WORDS will have your child talking like a sailor in no time. Phrases you can look forward to are 🚚MOTHER TRUCKER 🏖️SON OF A BEACH 🚢HOLY SHIP Like this pitch to order your copy! #cookiepitch
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Podcast recommendations? I love anything true crime or history related but I’m open to anything! #podcast #WritingCommunity
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
#PB CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY! I want to give back to the amazing #kidlit community. I’m offering THREE picture book critiques. ✨comment with your favorite 2021 kidlit/writing moment ✨giveaway ends at midnight on 12/31 ✨winners will be chosen randomly
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Does anyone just casually check the #mswl hashtag in case someone is dying for what you have created? Me too.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
We leave for Scotland today and you better believed I outlined a new #mg so I can write my little heart out on the trip ✈️
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Somebody write this book lol
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Today is a good day. I woke up to TWO full manuscript requests, and my classes are watching Hamilton. Obviously I’m more excited about the first thing 🤞
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I will not be participating in #PBPitch tomorrow (my first time sitting out since joining Twitter!) but I will hop on here when I can to boost and support my #kidlit friends. Can't wait to see your awesome pitches! ♥️
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Life was gourd for Jack-o-lantern until he smoked his first cigarette. Now he finds himself carving out time for his cigs more and more. He needs to squash this habit for good and there’s only one way—THE PUMPKIN PATCH. #CookiePitch
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
My geek out moment for the day: I love reading a book and then getting to interact with the author on here because I’m part of the Twitter #WritingCommunity . That’s all 🙃
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
6 months
I look forward to #50PreciousWords by @viviankirkfield each year and I'm thrilled to share my 2024 entry NEW IS NOT FOR ME, which is dedicated to every student I've had the pleasure to teach in the last ten years who didn't always feel their best on the first day of school 💜
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
My husband: You bought a book to teach you how to…write a book? YEP! 🤣
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
After a two month hiatus I: 🖤Participated in #PBPitch 🖤Pitched during Autumn Pitchfest 🖤 Submitted an entry for #Halloweensie 🖤Drafted one #pb and outlined another 🖤Submitted a story to one of my favorite publishers Even if nothing comes from all of this, it felt GOOD!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
One day I will have an agent and won’t have to worry about pitch events. Today is not that day lol.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
8 months
My friend just asked me why I want to be an author. I’ve wanted this so long that sometimes I forget my why. So here it is: I want to share my picture books with my children while they’re still young enough to laugh and appreciate what I created for them ❤️
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Goal for this weekend: Send out 10 queries! ✨
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
@Frozley I really internalized your data and got two agent likes, three small pub likes, and one like from a larger picture book publisher. All on different manuscripts! It was a good day! ☺️
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I have made bad choices. I stayed up late, binge-watched my new Netflix thriller, and drank wine. My children will *absolutely* make me regret this in the morning.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Pretty sure I was in an agent’s maybe pile for almost three weeks and I just got a rejection. Saaaad day. But, gotta keep swimming #amquerying #WritingCommunity
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I started drafting a new picture book! It’s been two months and I’m ready to get back in the game 👏👏👏
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I didn’t query much in 2022. It was a year of learning and creating. I’m eager to see what 2023 holds ✨
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Me allowing myself to participate in #PBPitch tomorrow with the condition that I will not obsessive over it.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I can spell. Honest. I can 🫠
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Sometimes my two year old calls my one year old sweetie and it’s literally the cutest thing in the world.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Exploring the grounds of Kilmory Castle, looking for the ghost of the Green Lady and trying to find the burial grounds. We didn’t find them (or the Green Lady) haha
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I survived my first week as a high school administrator 💪
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Why have I never written horror before?! This is my debut, guys. I can feel it.
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I can’t wait to drag you all along on my little Scottish adventure. As of now, I’m going to Glasgow, Lochgilphead, Inveraray, and Gigha. I have missed my family SO much 😭
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
The face of a mama up till 2am building a toy kitchen 🤣 #MerryChristmas2022 🎄
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
A year ago today my sweet girl was born! We officially have a 1 and 2 year old ✨
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’m REALLY trying to balance my writing, my new job, and my family but I’m struggling. I’ve written less than 100 words in the last month.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Being part of this writing community brings me so much joy. Thank you to everyone who supported me yesterday during #PBPitch , and hey hey to all my new followers and friends! ❤️
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
We’re here! Time for a little shopping 🛍
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Seriously looking forward to my first #pbpitch . It’s going to be here before we know it #pb people!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Hey, #AMMParty ! I'm Ashlee MacCallum, and my book is a #mg #hf with speculative elements, set in Virginia City, NV. ✨A broken friendship ✨A historic boarding school ✨A magical door to the past ✨A devastating fire ✨An innocent woman framed ✨Two days to REWRITE THE PAST
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
9 months
I’m honored to have received an honorable mention in the #halloweensie writing contest this year! Thank you so much to @SusannaLHill for this hauntingly fun opportunity! 🎃
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
WHAT'S IN YOUR MOUTH? features all the things parents have found in their children's mouths. Be prepared to be both shocked and disgusted. *Based on true stories #tacopitch
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’ve been in a real writing funk lately. A lot of self-doubt. What are some good ways to break that cycle? #amwriting #kidlit
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Ashlee MacCallum
10 months
I love a good writing challenge, what can I say? I solemnly swear to edit like crazy before I share my #nanowrimo2023 novel✋
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Shakespeare on the lake because why not!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Seven years of marriage and thirteen years with my best friend. We’ve been together about half of my life. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. Happy Anniversary to my hubby❤️
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
It's time to schedule those pitches for #PBPitch if you're working on Thursday like me! I'll be on here when I can, spreading love to my fellow #pb writers. I have my fingers crossed hard for an agent like, but I also really love the comradery and new friends from pitch days!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
@PBChat1 I participated in #FallWritingFrenzy and was selected as one of the winners! It made my whole month! Haha #PBChat
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I just submitted my first ever short story!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Just over 50 days until I get to fly home to Scotland and see my family for the first time in years. I’m so excited 😭
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
If you’re struggling with personal and professional stuff (like me) and you’re missing the contests and mentor stuff this week (like me), I see you. And I’m bummed too. We’ll get ‘em next time ✌🏼
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I am SO EXCITED to be participating in #12x12Challenge this year. Who else is joining?! #12x12PB
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
My sweet Gran who helped raise me when we lived in Scotland only remembers me about 25% of the time. If that. This is hard 💔
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
It’s not everyday you get to ride a Chinook helicopter with the Nevada National Guard over Lake Tahoe…
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Just read the first “query” I ever sent out. Lol. Apologies to the agents that received that pile of nonsense 🙃 #amquerying
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
I started and completed a short story this weekend!
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I wrote over 2,000 words today for a new YA project. I’ll always stick to #kidlit , but right now I’m figuring out what works with my voice. Could be #mg …could be #ya 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
#FallWritingFrenzy is finally here! ✨ A big thank you to @LydiaLukidis and @KaitlynLeann17 for organizing this event and getting me organized enough to start my own website and blog! I had SO much fun writing my spooky YA entry Check out my entry below:
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’m looking for some new #kidlit writers to follow and interact with! #mg and #pb especially 🤍✨
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
I can’t believe it’s been TWO years since I joined Twitter and started to get serious about my writing. Thanks to all of you for being a part of my journey! #WritingCommmunity #MyTwitterAnniversary
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’m the mom who’s like, “someone’s gonna get hurt” and “it’s all going to end in tears” 😂
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
We all know the story of the five pumpkins sitting on the gate. But what about the sixth pumpkin? THE JACKASS-O-LANTERN is the villian origin story you’ve been waiting for. Coming 10/31 🎃 #CookiePitch
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Is there any better feeling than renting a #pb at the library and being like, *omg they follow me on twitter* 😍
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I’ve had an idea for a picture book on my heart for a *long* time and I was finally able to write the words last night.
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
I love going to bed the night before #pitmad . It’s practically Christmas Eve in the #WritingCommunity
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
When you find the perfect comp but it’s from 2015 🙄
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Time to introduce myself to my lovely new followers! ✨Writing picture books and middle grade ✨Immigrant from Scotland ✨Teacher of history & government ✨Degrees in child development & education ✨Lover of coffee, reading, show tunes, all things spooky, cold weather & history
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Sometimes I buy myself teacher appreciation gifts on Amazon.
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Morning Ashlee: I am SO going to bed early tonight. I need the sleep. Evening Ashlee: Kids are asleep. Let’s have wine and oven s’mores. Yeehaaa!
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
Wow! Thank you so much to @KaitlynLeann17 @LydiaLukidis and @Ms_Holliday93 for such a fun opportunity! #FallWritingFrenzy was my first #kidlit writing contest but it won’t be my last! Check out my entry below👇
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
I'm in this weird place where I can't decide if I want to focus more on picture book or middle grade writing. The balancing act of both is proving to be difficult... Not to mention I have two YA thrilled ideas. Why does writing #kidlit have to be so addicting?!
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Umm guys—I didn’t know we were doing super cute graphics with our #50PreciousWords entry. So maybe stay tuned…
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Sheltering in place at the Dallas Airport. There is a tornado in the immediate vicinity so we’re all packed inside the bathroom, waiting it out. This is crazyyyy.
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Ashlee MacCallum
8 months
Dress like a student day was way too much fun #teacherlife
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Congratulations to all of the #PBParty finalists! And a HUGE thank you to the phenomenal @MindyAlyseWeiss for organizing such a great event.
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Ashlee MacCallum
1 year
#PBParty taught me a lot last year. I also met some incredible writers who turned into critique partners and friends. Good luck to everyone participating—I’m sending all the good vibes your way!✨
@MindyAlyseWeiss
Mindy Alyse Weiss
1 year
The #PBParty contest entry window opens up in 2 hours. Wahooooo! Between these shout outs & the World Clock on this post with the Google form links, I hope it'll be easy for people in all times zones to know when to enter. Good luck!
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
The fam bam. A combination of Scotland, Australia, and America. First time *most* of us have been together in decades.
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
Catch me at #IWSGPit and #KidLitPit tomorrow and Thursday! Sharing some #pb stories 🤩
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@_ashleedani
Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
You know you’re a parent when 7am is sleeping in.
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Ashlee MacCallum
3 years
2021 was pretty good to me. My baby girl was born, and I found writing. I have a few #pb manuscripts I’m proud of, and some exciting things happening on the #mg front. That being said— I can’t wait to see what 2022 holds ✨ #HAPPYNEWYEAR2022
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
What we read today ♥️ #kidlit
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Ashlee MacCallum
2 years
You know your mom game is strong when you’ve reheated your coffee for the third time.
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Ashlee MacCallum
7 months
I signed up to be one of 88 prizes for those participating in the 2024 #PBParty ! Check it out if you haven’t done so already! 🥳
@MindyAlyseWeiss
Mindy Alyse Weiss
7 months
HUGE critique giveaway for PB writers & author/illustrators planning to enter the 2024 #PBParty contest on February 22. We have 88 prizes. Wahooooooo! 🎉🥳 I'm so grateful to all the generous prize donors. Thank you all so much. (((Hugs)))
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